Chimney maintenance in California is hugely important as chimneys allow the free passage and ventilation of dangerous combustible gases caused by the fire. A regular chimney clean will remove any blockages including soot, cobwebs and even bird nests to maintain the airflow.

Charlie Chimney is a part of your home and just like you, will need a regular health check to ensure it is working well. It is vital that you book an annual health check-up to ensure Charlie chimney is clean, safe and in top condition.
Hailey’s Pro Services provide expert chimney inspections, repairs and maintenance along with high quality chimney cleaning to ensure your chimney remains safe and stable over time. Hailey’s Pro Services are a highly recommended chimney check up company serving the area of Los Angeles.
The Seasons: A Chimney’s Journey
During the colder months in winter when you are going to be using the chimney the most, the common practice is to have it cleaned before the burning season begins, most commonly in September or October.
Winter – having your chimney cleaned in winter ensures that it is safe and clean prior to when you will use it most. This will reduce the risk of chimney fires and any performance issues can be discovered quickly.
Spring – once winter is over, it is a good idea to have the chimney cleaned as it removes all the build up of soot, creosote and debris from the regular usage which also increases the life of the liner which can corrode if not cleaned. A spring chimney clean also prevents bad odours from the chimney in the summer as it gets warmer outside.
Summer – this is not a good time to clean your chimney as you won’t get any feedback on any potential performance issues when the chimney isn't in use during the warmer months.
Fall – this is the most popular time to clean your chimney to make sure it is clean and ready for its usage over the cold period. This also ensures there are no blockages prior to use and that the chimney is in top condition.

The build up of creosote is very dangerous as it is a highly flammable tar like substance which accumulates in the chimney flue when burning lots of wood. The chimney must be cleaned regularly to remove this substance and prevent chimney fires.
You can book a professional chimney clean at Hailey’s Pro Services which will include soot, debris and creosote removal to enhance the airflow and improve the efficiency of the fireplace.
The California Law Explained
California has its own strict rules when it comes to chimneys and fireplaces in homes that can be found in the California Building Codes. California have even banned vent-free gas fireplaces to ensure all harmful gases are ventilated properly instead of accumulating indoors.
The building code covers the acceptable masonry of new fireplace construction including the stonework required and materials used. This includes cement, firebrick and hollow blocks for the stonework and limestone, granite, slate and sandstone for the material. The masonry of the fireplace must be undamaged, devoid of cracks and structurally sound to ensure the security and safety of the structure.
The California building codes also break down the individual components of a fireplace and provide extensive guidelines to enhance safety regarding acceptable dimensions and suitable materials for each part such as the hearth, mantel, lintel and dampers.
There are also different laws depending on the location in California. For example, the Bay Area has a “Spare the Air” alert which means any wood burning is banned when the alert is in place. In various locations in Los Angeles, Riverside and Orange County, the use of EPA Phase II wood burning fireplaces are not allowed at any time. It is vital that you find out the specific law for your location.
The National Fire Protection Association recommends that chimneys are inspected at least once a year to check for any damages, to remove deposit build up and keep the chimney working at its best for a long time.

Why the Law Exists
The California law on chimneys exists to ensure the safety and sustainability of the constructions all year round. The law also makes sure all new fireplace constructions are made from or utilize non-hazardous and unauthorized materials.
Who Does it Apply to?
The California law applies to all homeowners and businesses in California that own any kind of chimney, whether it is a masonry chimney or a factory-built chimney.

How to Prepare for a Chimney Inspection
A regular chimney sweep and inspection from Hailey’s Pro Services ensures your chimney continues to run smoothly and improves safety but this can be a dirty job. Here are important steps to take prior to an inspection.
1. Cover furnishings to avoid any stray soot and debris from staining your furniture and clear your mantel for easier access for the professionals.
2. Don’t use your chimney for up to 48 hours before the inspection to make sure that the area is cold in order for the professionals to do their job.
3. It would be helpful to clean the fireplace and empty the grate to remove any ash build up prior to an inspection to give the inspectors a clear view and a clean space to work.
4. Move any obstructions nearby to provide the professionals with direct access to the fireplace and enough space for their tools and equipment.
5. Let them know if you have noticed any problems with the fireplace such as bad odours or back puffing for them to have a look at.
If the chimney inspector from Hailey’s Pro Services finds any damage in need of repair, this must be dealt with quickly and efficiently to maintain the safety and functionality of the fireplace. Chimney repairs may include chimney relining, leak repairs, damper repair and replacements and chimney crown and masonry repairs.
Taking care of Charlie Chimney not only complies with the California law, but it is also vital to protect your home and your family by preventing the possibility of a chimney fire. You will always have peace of mind knowing that Charlie Chimney is serviced regularly and in top condition.
Here at Hailey’s Pro Services, we offer a selection of professional services for your chimney including chimney cleaning, chimney inspections and chimney repairs. We serve the Los Angeles local community and are committed to always providing expert quality services with your safety in mind.
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