Chimney Cleaning

Chimney Inspections should be scheduled once a year.

To be sure that all of your systems are in working order and operating as they should, it is recommended that homeowners get an annual chimney inspection. Most homeowners opt to have a Chimney Cleaning done every year as well, especially if they use their fireplace on a regular basis. Other venting systems connected to furnaces and stoves should also be cleaned on a regular basis to maintain safer operation. Fireplaces, stoves, furnaces, and heating appliance systems are important to your home and family's safety and not an area to neglect or cut corners on. Don’t risk the chance that an undiscovered defect could turn into an expensive repair or worse yet – a chimney fire.

If you only have minimal use of your fireplace or stove, an inspection is still advised annually to look at all heating venting systems, chimneys, stove systems, and furnace flues. During these inspections any defects or issues that may be found that require action even if cleaning is not needed. When you have a regular chimney sweep company that you use, they will generally put you on an annual inspection schedule. During these inspections, they will advise you if it is time to sweep.

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) says that fireplaces need to be cleaned when there is 1/8″ of sooty buildup inside the chimney or flue system. Since homeowners may not be able to judge the condition of the system, it is advised that a professional Chimney Inspection be done by a CSIA Chimney Sweep. This will determine whether a chimney cleaning is needed. When any glaze is appearing in the flue, cleaning should be done immediately. This glazing is a dangerous state that is susceptible to combustion. When an accumulation of soot and creosote occurs it can fuel a chimney fire that will likely damage the chimney. Many chimney fires that start this way can spread to the roof and home. Furnace flue systems also require cleaning, so it is a good idea to inspect and clean those venting systems at the same time your chimney, stove, or fireplace is done.

This question also depends a lot on how often you use your fireplace or stove. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA ) says, “Fireplaces, Chimneys, Flues and Venting Systems need to be inspected at least once a year for freedom from deposits, soundness and correct clearances. Maintenance, Repairs, and Cleaning shall be done if necessary.” Even if you don’t use your chimney often – raccoons, birds, squirrels, and other animals may be using your chimney for a nesting area. This will make the fireplace unsafe to use without clearing out the accumulated debris from pests. Wind, rain, and snow also blow leaves and branches into unprotected chimney openings.

During the cleaning, most soot and creosote will be removed from the smoke chamber, chimney liner, damper area, and firebox. Heavy-use fireplaces can produce up to 2 full 5-gallon buckets of material! To continue safer use of the fireplace and reduce the risk of chimney fires this highly combustible material must be removed before it builds up to unsafe levels.

CHIMNEY CLEANING PROCESS:   

We lay tarps down in front of the fireplace or stove. We bring in a vacuum made for chimney cleaning with two motors, to catch any debris that comes down. The cleaning technique that we use is called a power sweep.  

After removing all the creosote from the fireplace and chimney. We do a level one visual inspection of the fireplace and chimney. We can access the roof with our ladders or drones to inspect the top of the chimney or stove pipe. We also offer a level two video inspection if needed. 

After the cleaning and inspection, an estimate for any repairs needed will be emailed.