Taking care of your chimney is a key part of preventing chimney fires and improving indoor air quality. A dirty chimney can pose a serious threat to you and your home. If you're ready to hire a local chimney service, ask these questions.

1. How Long Have You Been in Business?

Companies that have a lot of experience cleaning chimneys know how to do a thorough job, and they also know what to look for during inspections. Look for a company with years of experience and you'll usually get the best service.

2. Do You Offer Any Warranties?

A warranty is essential for any work done on your chimney. The last thing you want is to be responsible for any further repair costs if the job wasn't done correctly the first time. Confirm that the chimney service you plan to hire offers a warranty on their work.

3. What Services Do You Offer?

Ideally, a chimney service should offer chimney rebuilding, cleaning, and repairing. According to Homey Hearth, you may need repairs to fix loose mortar and bricks, rebuild your firebox, and maintain your chimney. Chimneys can be compromised by the elements over time, so it requires some upkeep once or twice a year. Look for a company that offers all the services you need for your chimney.

4. How Often Should I Clean My Chimney?

Sticking to a routine is the best way to prevent fires and keep your chimney clean. If you want your chimney to stay in good shape for years to come, ask your chimney service how often they recommend having your chimney cleaned. In our experience, scheduling an annual chimney cleaning is recommended.

5. How Much Does Chimney Cleaning Cost?

Different companies offer different pricing and payment options. Before you get your chimneys cleaned, get a quote from a local company for chimney cleaning. Any reputable chimney service will be happy to give you a rough estimate and walk you through some of the factors that can affect the final cost.

House fires are an unfortunately common result of dirty chimneys, which is why you need to have your chimney cleaned regularly. Preventing creosote from building up is the easiest way to avoid chimney fires. If you're looking for a local chimney service to take care of annual inspections and cleanings, call Salcedo Masonry LLC to learn more and schedule your next cleaning.