Killington Counts on Rutland Chimney for Quality Chimney & Fireplace Services
Killington, VT is a picturesque town nestled in the Green Mountains and known primarily for being home to Killington Ski Resort – one of the largest ski areas in the eastern United States. However, there’s more to Killington than just skiing!
Both the Appalachian Trail and the Long Trail run through the Killington area, offering a variety of hiking opportunities, and plenty of scenic views of the surrounding mountains. And don’t miss out on Thundering Falls Trail, which leads to one of Vermont’s largest waterfalls, Thundering Falls.
Located near the base of Killington Peak is Gifford Woods State Park if you’re wanting to plan a camping trip. Or, if you’re looking for indoor entertainment options, Killington has a variety of dining spots, breweries, and shopping areas.
Looking to attend a community event? There’s plenty, namely Killington Classic Motorcycle Rally, which is held annually and features guided tours, stunt shows, and live music. Or, if you’re opting for a relaxing day at home, get your errands done, return those Amazon packages, pick up a new book or movie from the library, and put your feet up by the fireplace.
Forgot to book your annual chimney inspection? No worries – Rutland Chimney serves Killington and surrounding areas, and we’d be happy to help you out. Give us a call or book online today.
We Provide Quality Chimney Services & Products
Our service list is exhaustive, covering everything from chimney inspections to repairs to installation work and more. Count on us for:
How Often Should I Have My Chimney Swept?
Here’s the deal with chimney sweepings – you should have your chimney inspected at least once per year, and any good sweep knows that you can’t properly inspect a dirty chimney. So, rest assured, when you call us out for your yearly overview, we’ll be cleaning out dirt, debris, and creosote too. This annual cleaning helps prevent blockages and other potential hazards that could lead to chimney fires or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Now, while once a year is the minimum, if you use your fireplace or wood stove frequently, you may need to have your chimney cleaned more than that. For heavy use, a mid-season inspection and cleaning is often recommended.
And yes – even if you don’t use your chimney often, it’s still important to have it checked annually to prevent any potential issues. Buildup can occur even in unused chimneys (due to things like outside debris falling in or birds/critters nesting in there), so scheduling those annual inspections is always a must!
What Is Creosote & Why Is It Dangerous?
Simply put, creosote is a dark and highly flammable substance that forms on your flue liner when wood or other fuels are burned.
Why is creosote dangerous?
The biggest concern with creosote is that it is extremely flammable – and if it accumulates in your chimney, it can ignite and cause a chimney fire. Chimney fires are extremely damaging to your chimney, inviting damage that will leave the rest of your household more vulnerable.
In addition, creosote buildup can restrict airflow, causing smoke and carbon monoxide to circle back into your home, and its corrosive nature can break down the interior or your home, leading to costly repairs.
The unfortunate news is that avoiding creosote buildup altogether is simply not an option. If you’re burning wood in your fireplace…you’ll have creosote! This is why booking those annual inspections and sweepings is such a must.
Need to get something scheduled with our team? Don’t wait – book online now.
What Burning Practices Minimize Creosote Buildup?
So, you know that avoiding creosote isn’t an option, but there are things you can do to minimize the rate at which it accumulates. Things like…
- …burning only seasoned wood. Use wood that has been properly seasoned (dried) for at least 6-12 months – it has a lower moisture content, burns more efficiently, and produces less creosote.
- …burning hardwoods over softwoods. Hardwoods like oak, maple, or hickory burn hotter and longer than softwoods, resulting in less creosote.
- …not throwing trash in your fires. It can be tempting to throw old papers, paper plates, wrapping paper, cardboard, etc. into your home fires, but this practice causes more buildup to form.
- …maintaining a hotter fire. Keep your fire burning hot and steady, as cooler fires create more smoke and allow creosote to form more easily.
- …ensuring good airflow. Make sure your chimney damper is fully open when the fire is burning, as adequate airflow helps the fire burn hotter and more efficiently.
- …scheduling regular chimney inspections. Even with good burning practices, creosote will still accumulate over time, so don’t neglect your annual maintenance.
Can I Clean My Chimney Myself?
We’re well aware that there are tons of things on the market promoting DIY chimney cleaning and sweeping – like DIY chimney cleaning kits, online tutorials, and even creosote sweeping logs. But would a professional chimney sweep recommend this approach?
Definitely not. Here at Rutland, we’re a family-owned company that isn’t about upselling services you don’t need. But when it comes to sweeping services, hiring a professional is really the only route you should be taking.
Why?
- Safety Concerns: Chimney cleaning can be dangerous, especially if you’re not familiar with working at heights or using the appropriate tools. Professionals are trained to handle these risks safely.
- Use of Appropriate Equipment: Chimney sweeps have specialized tools and equipment designed to thoroughly clean the chimney, remove creosote buildup, and inspect for damage. These tools can be expensive and difficult to use effectively without experience.
- Thoroughness & Expertise: A professional chimney sweep does more than just clean – they inspect the chimney for cracks, blockages, and other potential issues that could lead to fires or carbon monoxide leaks. An untrained eye might miss these critical problems.
- Mess Control: Chimney cleaning can be messy, with soot and debris potentially spreading into your home. Professionals use high-efficiency vacuums and protective coverings to minimize mess and keep your home clean.
- Insurance Considerations: Some home insurance policies require proof of professional chimney maintenance to cover chimney-related claims. Regular professional inspections and cleanings can provide the documentation needed for insurance purposes, should you face unexpected damage down the line.
On top of all that, cleaning a chimney yourself can be time-consuming and physically demanding. All other concerns aside, taking the time away from your already busy schedule is hardly worth it. Our professionals can complete the job more efficiently and effectively, saving you time and effort.
Put the burden on us – schedule your next chimney sweeping service today.
Do Chimney Sweeping Logs Work?
Speaking of DIY chimney cleaning, do chimney (creosote) sweeping logs work? Are they safe to use in my chimney?
Well, technically, yes they work – but probably not for what you’re thinking of. While they are safe to use in your fireplace and can effectively loosen and dry out your creosote (thus making it easier to remove), they in no way replace an actual chimney sweep service.
The idea is that, as the creosote dries and becomes brittle, it will flake off and fall into the fireplace…where it can then be easily cleaned out.
Here’s what chimney sweeping logs, can’t do:
- Remove thick, stubborn creosote. Chimney sweeping logs can only treat the surface layer of creosote. They are less effective at removing thicker, more stubborn deposits that may have accumulated over time.
- Replace a professional cleaning. Even the manufacturers of these logs recommend using them only as a supplement to, not a replacement for, professional chimney cleaning.
- Inspect your chimney. No object, no matter how effective, will be able to match the importance of getting an expert’s eyes on your chimney system to look for cracks, damages, or other issues.
So, yes, while chimney sweeping logs can be a helpful tool in reducing light creosote buildup, they are not a complete solution. Regular professional chimney cleanings and inspections are always essential for ensuring the safety and efficiency of your fireplace or wood stove.
– Beverly B.
★★★★★
Can I Burn Wood in My Fireplace Right After the Chimney Is Cleaned?
You bet. Once we’re through with our inspection and cleaning – and assuming no other damages were found – you can put your fireplace to use right away!
Count On Us for Top-Quality Service
We boast a commitment to excellence and a reputation built on trust – make Rutland Chimney your go-to source for comprehensive chimney and fireplace care in the Killington area.
Whether you need routine maintenance, thorough cleanings, or expert repairs, our team is here to keep your home warmer and safer throughout the year. Give us a call or book online today.
People in Pittsford love knowing they are part of our service area, getting all our professional, dependable chimney services throughout every year.