A chimney sweep is trained to clean your fireplace and flue pipe. They follow specific guidelines that guarantee a thorough and accurate job.

They use long rods with bristles to brush the interior lining of your fireplace. They may work from the top down or begin at the bottom of your chimney. Learn More Here

Chimneys, chimney liners and flues get dirty and need to be cleaned, just like anything else that gets used regularly. A professional chimney sweep is trained to clean your chimney and flue, removing the accumulation of creosote glaze, so you can safely use your fireplace or wood stove during heating season. Creosote glaze, a hardened inky tar-like substance that occurs when improper burning habits or unseasoned wood are used, can reduce the ability of your fireplace and stove to vent properly, causing toxic carbon monoxide fumes to enter the house.

A sweep’s first job is to perform a thorough inspection of your fireplace and flue, including the chimney lining, smoke chamber, firebox and damper. This allows them to identify problems with the chimney’s structure and to find out whether the lining needs repair, and if there are any issues that need to be addressed immediately before using your fireplace again.

The sweep will then start the actual cleaning process, using a brush and shop vacuum to remove all the dirt, soot and creosote from your chimney. They may do this from inside your home, or up on the roof; it all depends on the condition of your chimney and the best way to clean it. They will lay down a drop cloth or plastic where they are working to minimize mess and dust, and they will use a dual HEPA filter vacuum to keep the air in your home clean.

While they are sweeping, they will also remove any debris or blockages that they encounter. They may do this by hand or with a power-washer, depending on the condition of your chimney and what they think is best for cleaning it. For severe creosote buildup, they might apply a chemical treatment that loosens the deposits and makes them easier to clean.

Lastly, they will conduct a final inspection to ensure that your chimney is safe to use. Having your chimney inspected and cleaned on a regular basis helps prevent serious chimney fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, deterioration of the chimney’s structure, and other problems that can be very costly to fix. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that you have your fireplace, flue and chimney inspected and cleaned at least once per year.

Inspection

The National Fire Protection Association recommends that homeowners schedule a chimney inspection once a year. This helps to prevent a chimney fire and ensures that all components are functioning properly. A professional chimney sweep can identify issues and repair them before they become a problem. In addition, a professional can determine the best way to clean your fireplace and chimney, saving you money in the long run.

Before the chimney sweep arrives, make sure that everything is clean and ready to go. Remove anything that is blocking access to the fireplace and move any furniture away from the area. This will allow the chimney sweep to access the fireplace and flue for cleaning. It is also important that the chimney be cool before the sweep arrives.

During the chimney inspection, the chimney sweep will check for blockages in the flue and fireplace and will look for signs of deterioration of the chimney structure itself. The sweep will also examine the smoke chamber, firebox and damper for signs of creosote glaze. A chimney sweep can remove this flammable coating, which accumulates as the result of burning wood and can create serious problems if it builds up too much.

Chimney sweeps will usually use a tool that looks like a giant bottle brush to remove creosote from the chimney walls and components. They may start from the inside or outside, and they will use a mask and protective gear to keep themselves from breathing in any soot or ash. Some chimney sweeps also use a video camera to inspect the interior of the fireplace and chimney for problems that are difficult to see with the naked eye.

It is a good idea to ask about the credentials of the chimney sweep and the company that they work for. Look for CSIA certification, membership in the National Chimney Sweep Guild and a business insurance policy that covers any accidents that could occur in your home.

Getting on the roof can be risky, but it is necessary to do a thorough job of cleaning your chimney and flue. The chimney sweep can also examine the exterior of your home and chimney, looking for signs of deterioration caused by weather conditions. Chimney liners and masonry can be damaged by winter freezing and thawing cycles, causing them to crack, crumble or erode.

Maintenance

It is important that you keep your chimney clean so that it stays in good shape and so that you can use it safely. A chimney that is dirty or full of flammable creosote can lead to fires that can damage your fireplace, home and even cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Chimney sweeps can perform cleaning and inspections to prevent these kinds of issues and can advise you on what to do to keep your fireplace and chimney in good shape.

Cleaning your chimney may be a messy job but it’s one that you should have done by professionals to avoid any health or safety issues that might arise from the work. A chimney sweep will bring a variety of tools and supplies with them to get the job done right. They’ll take proactive measures to minimize any mess inside your house, and they will probably put down a drop cloth or plastic to protect furniture from soot or dust. They’ll also usually bring a shop vac to decrease soot levels and will wear a mask and goggles to protect themselves from any harmful particulates in the air. They’ll start either from the fireplace or from the roof, depending on what they need to do, and will scrape away any flammable creosote or debris that has built up on the walls or in the flue.

They’ll also inspect the chimney while they’re at it and look for any signs of deterioration or other hazards, such as animal nests or broken components. They’ll write up a report that will let you know the condition of your chimney and offer advice about what steps to take to keep it in tiptop shape.

The National Fire Protection Association recommends that all chimneys, fireplaces and vents be inspected at least once a year by a qualified chimney professional. Chimney sweeps are trained to spot potential problems that could turn into dangerous chimney or venting issues and can save you a lot of money in the long run by identifying any necessary repairs before they become more expensive or hazardous.

Repairs

Chimney Sweep Clean offers chimney repair services to ensure your fireplace and chimney system is functioning properly. This prevents carbon monoxide poisoning, fire hazards and improves heating efficiency. This is especially important during winter when chimneys are used frequently. Chimney sweeps will also look for cracks and other issues that can compromise the safety of your home. It is always a good idea to hire a professional chimney sweep who can offer both cleaning and repairs.

If your chimney has not been cleaned in a while, you will likely notice obvious signs such as a smoky odor or stains on the fireplace wall. A chimney that is not cleaned regularly can become a fire hazard because it can easily burn creosote, a carcinogenic byproduct of burning wood. Creosote builds up on the walls of the chimney and can ignite when exposed to high heat. If the creosote builds up too much, it can cause a chimney fire and damage your house.

The chimney sweep will use a brush to remove creosote and other debris from the inside of your chimney. They may also recommend that you have certain chimney repairs made, such as a new flashing or damper to prevent birds and rodents from entering your home. The chimney sweep will also advise you if they find any other issues that require attention.

It is a good idea to ask for references and to check a chimney company’s BBB rating and CSIA certification before hiring them to work on your fireplace and chimney. This will help you avoid being taken advantage of by a chimney company that suggests expensive chimney repairs that are unnecessary. It is also a good idea to get an estimate before having any work done on your chimney or fireplace.

While a chimney can be difficult to maintain, it is necessary for a safe and efficient fireplace. A chimney is a complex system through which fire byproducts are vented to the outside of your home. If your chimney is damaged or clogged, it can interfere with the safe operation of your fireplace and your home as a whole.