When a chimney isn’t cleaned regularly, it can quickly become dangerous:

• Creosote Buildup — The Leading Cause of Chimney Fires
  Each time you burn wood, flammable creosote forms along your flue. In coastal towns like East Haven, moisture hardens that creosote into a thick, tar-like glaze that can ignite at 451°F. During a chimney fire, temperatures can exceed 1,200°F in seconds — often without warning.
• Improper Drafting & Smoke Backup
  Salt-heavy air mixes with soot to create a dense, acidic buildup that restricts airflow. As draft decreases, smoke and carbon monoxide can push back into the home instead of venting out safely.
• Moisture + Soot = Acidic Corrosion
  East Haven’s humidity accelerates corrosion inside chimneys. When soot absorbs moisture, it forms an acidic residue that eats away at liners, mortar, and brick — weakening the structure from the inside long before visible damage appears.
• Animal Nests & Debris Blockages
  Seagulls, small birds, raccoons, and squirrels commonly nest in coastal chimneys. A single blockage can create severe backdraft hazards and trap combustion gases inside the home.
• Dirty Chimneys Lead to Expensive Repairs
  Neglected buildup damages liners, flashing, and masonry joints, eventually requiring costly restoration or even full chimney rebuilds. Regular cleaning prevents thousands in future repairs.