Chimney sweeps use brushes and rods to scrub your chimney’s walls. They’ll start either inside your fireplace or on the roof, and may use a drop cloth to protect your furniture and floors.

Chimney sweeping is usually done in the spring so the creosote deposits are still dry. It’s also easier to clean everything if the chimney is cool. Contact Chimney Sweep Clean now!

The burning of wood produces a variety of combustion byproducts that make their way up the chimney. As these byproducts cool and condense on the chimney lining, they create a substance called creosote. Creosote is flammable, so it needs to be removed from the lining in order to prevent fire hazards and keep the flue gas flowing properly.

A professional chimney sweep can clean the creosote from the inside of the flue with a specialty brush and vacuum. They can also remove it from the lining using chemicals if the creosote has reached stage 3 or higher. At this point, it is thick and tar-like and looks like a black, sticky dripping. This is the most dangerous form of creosote and it must be removed by a CSIA-certified chimney sweep using professional grade chemical removers.

It is impossible to avoid creosote buildup in your fireplace, but you can help slow it down with regular sweeping and inspections. If you notice that your fireplace isn’t working as well as it used to, you might have a heavy creosote buildup. Creosote buildup can reduce the diameter of the flue liner, preventing the proper flow of smoke and gases. It can also block the venting system, causing carbon monoxide to back up into the home.

Keeping your chimney in good condition with regular maintenance will keep the creosote level low and minimize odors and other problems. Chimney sweeping removes creosote and soot from the inside of your chimney liner, firebox and smoke chamber. It can also help you save money on energy by ensuring that your fireplace is operating at its best.

If you have trouble identifying the severity of your creosote problem, try shining a bright flashlight into the firebox and using a fireplace poker to scratch the surface. If the scratches are matte and about 1/8 inch deep, it’s a minor problem that can be taken care of at home. However, if the scratches have a shiny, tar-like appearance, it’s time to call a chimney sweep. Creosote is corrosive and damages the flue and connector components when left in your chimney, so it’s important to remove it as soon as possible.

Odors

Chimney odors are often caused by creosote that has absorbed into the porous masonry of the chimney. Sweeping will eliminate the odor by moving it through the flue, but it may take time for the obnoxious smell to completely disappear. There are deodorizers you can use to help, and a chimney sweep can recommend other ways to reduce lingering odors.

Windy weather can cause leaves, twigs and other yard debris to make their way into your chimney. Over time, they can block the vents and cause a lack of draft. This can lead to foul odors as the organic waste begins to decompose. Sweeps can remove animal nests and other debris from the inside of your chimney, preventing foul smells in your home.

Birds, squirrels and other animals are attracted to chimneys because they offer a safe place for them to build their nests. As the animals leave their nests, they often drop twigs and other debris in your chimney. These items can cause a musty smell, especially after rainstorms wash them down the chimney. The rotting remains of animal nests and droppings can also create bad odors in your home.

A chimney sweep can remove these obnoxious odors, and they can also advise you on how to prevent them from reoccurring in the future. They can also perform a visual inspection of the chimney structure, identifying any potential problems that could impact its safety and efficiency.

Chimney sweeps use special tools to clean your chimney. These long rods have bristles on the end that are used to scrape the surface of your chimney and its flue. They will typically put down a drop cloth and utilize other safety equipment like a mask, goggles and gloves to keep themselves clean from ash and soot particles. They can work from the bottom up or start on the roof and move down, depending on the condition of your chimney.

During their inspection, a chimney sweep will look at the flashing, crown and damper to see if any repairs are needed. They will also check the condition of your chimney cap, flue liner and other components. The chimney sweep can then determine the severity of the problem and recommend any necessary repairs. They can also provide you with a cost estimate for the services and discuss any energy efficient upgrades that might be possible.

Safety

Chimney sweeps use professional equipment like rotating brushes, hand brushes, vacuum cleaners, scrapers and powerful cleaning solvents to rid your flue of flammable creosote. They also take safety precautions to avoid slipping or falling while cleaning out your chimney and can clean up the mess once they’re finished. In addition, they have access to ladders that are well-secured and a fire extinguisher to handle any accidental spills of flammable substances or during a chimney fire.

Having your chimney inspected and cleaned regularly reduces the risk of dangerous chimney fires. It also helps your fireplace burn more efficiently and eliminates blockages caused by animals, leaves, twigs, bird nests and other debris. Additionally, a regular chimney sweep service can ensure that your fireplace and flue are working properly to vent smoke and carbon monoxide outside.

Many chimney fires start in the smoke chamber or the smoke shelf area, and the creosote that builds up here can be particularly flammable. In addition, animals and birds can build nests in a chimney, and moisture from the inside of the house can cause masonry and liner damage that requires attention. Chimney sweeps are trained to look for signs of deterioration and can identify and correct problems before they become hazardous.

The National Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends yearly chimney inspections and cleaning to reduce the risk of chimney fires. If you are planning to hire a chimney sweep, make sure they have the proper credentials. Ask to see their CSIA certification and check whether or not they carry a business liability insurance policy that protects you against any damages to your home that might occur during the sweeping process.

In preparation for the chimney sweep’s arrival, move any furniture back a few feet and cover it with plastic or a drop cloth to prevent soot and ashes from getting on carpets or rugs. If you have any pets, keep them away from the area while the chimney is being swept. Chimney sweeps typically wear work gloves and a face mask to protect themselves from dust and ash.

Efficiency

Chimney sweeps use shop vacuums with dual HEPA filters to keep dust levels low during chimney cleaning. This keeps your home clean and ensures that no soot or dust ends up on your furniture or floor.

Chimneys often have blockages that prevent smoke flow, which can cause a fire hazard or carbon monoxide poisoning. A chimney sweep can identify issues like faulty dampers, broken doors or masonry cracks and fix them before they become major problems.

You can also save money on your heating costs by having a professional chimney sweep inspect and clean your fireplace before you start using it for the season. This will help your fireplace operate more efficiently by reducing smoke and carbon monoxide.

A chimney sweep will use specialized tools to remove soot and creosote build-up, as well as any other blockages that are present. These tools may include brushes with varying sizes and shapes, as well as other high-powered equipment. These tools allow the chimney sweep to remove the accumulated creosote faster and more thoroughly. The chimney sweep will also have access to state-of-the-art cameras that can easily identify blockages and other problems in hard-to-reach areas.

It’s important to choose a certified chimney sweep for a safe and efficient chimney cleaning. Look for a sweep who is a member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild, which ensures they follow industry standards and best practices. Choosing a sweep with the right insurance coverage is also essential. If something goes wrong during the chimney sweep service, you will be covered for any damages or injuries.

When hiring a chimney sweep, ask to see their certification and proof of liability insurance. This will ensure that the company is bonded and insured in case of an accident or damage during the chimney cleaning process. You should also make sure the company has a good track record and is accredited by the Better Business Bureau.

Before a chimney sweep arrives, prepare your home for the visit by moving any furniture or other items away from the fireplace. Cover any floors with plastic or drop cloths to protect them from the dirty work. It’s also a good idea to wear a face mask during the cleaning process, as this will keep soot and other harmful chemicals from entering your lungs.