Frequently Asked Questions

How is a chimney cleaned?

As CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep®, we follow a methodical cleaning process in which we clean the entire system from the top of the chimney down to the fireplace and then from the fireplace on up above the damper, smoke chamber, smoke shelf, lintel area and flue. We then check the system for any visible problems both exterior and interior. With masonry chimneys, we will use our Chim-Scan video interior evaluation system to evaluate the interior liner system. Our written reports are completed on-site and cover the specific parts of your chimney for safety and maintenance compliance with NFPA 211 codes.

Do you clean out ash pits?

No. Cleaning ash pits is considered homeowners maintenance.

Will cleaning my chimney get dust all over my house?

Absolutely Not! We contain the mess by means of proper-sized brushes and rods, tarps and a heavy-duty vacuum system designed specifically for dust control. As long-standing professionals in this community, we take pride in our service and our impeccable reputation.

How often do I need to have my chimney cleaned?

In general, from a layman’s perspective, the chimney should be checked after burning about one cord of wood. A “cord” of wood is 4’ high x 8’ wide x 2’ deep. If wood, other than hardwoods are used, cleaning may be needed more often. Those with woodstoves or units used to heat the home may also be subject to more frequent chimney cleanings. The National Fire Protection Association recommends an annual inspection and cleaning when necessary.

How long does it take to sweep a chimney?

A typical sweeping can take from about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours or more depending on the type of chimney and the construction of the system.

Why does it cost more to clean a woodstove insert?

More often than not, an insert stove is merely slid into a fireplace and is not connected to a liner system of its own. In order to clean the chimney in this instance, we have to use an insert puller device to remove the insert from the firebox to clean the system properly. Both time and special equipment add to the cost of this service. Most chimneys containing inserts of this nature take 1.25 to 2 hours to clean and inspect.

Can repairs be completed at the time of the chimney cleaning?

Usually repairs are scheduled on a subsequent appointment to the initial chimney cleaning and inspection as there is no way to anticipate the time or materials needed for chimney repairs. However, we often can install caps on the day of a chimney cleaning.

Should I have my utility flue cleaned?

A utility flue often vents a furnace and/or hot water heater. These appliances can cause deterioration inside the chimney where debris can block the escape of deadly carbon monoxide. Although gas is generally a clean burning fuel, the chimney can become non-functional from bird nests or other debris blocking the flue. Modern furnaces can also cause many problems with the average flues intended to vent the older generation of furnaces.

What is a flue?

A flue is a passageway inside your chimney that vents the gasses and smoke out of your house. Chimneys can have several flues within a single chimney chase.

Do I need a chimney cap?

All chimneys should have caps to prevent leaves, sticks, debris, animals, birds as well as rain and snow from entering the chimney flue. Water and snow entering the chimney can cause damage to the firebox and damper and cause general deterioration to the liner system and mortar joints within the flue. Chimney caps are probably the most inexpensive preventive measure that a homeowner can employ to prevent water penetration and damage to the chimney as well as keep birds and animals from entering the flue.

How do I know there has been a chimney fire?

Often homeowners do not know they have had a fire. Evidence of a flue fire includes puffy creosote. It often has rainbow colored streaks. It is lightweight and fragile, with a tissue paper-like consistency. There may be cracked or collapsed flue tiles or tiles with large chunks missing or cracks present. Metal chimney components such as dampers, caps, or metal smoke chambers may be warped and/or discolored. Antennas mounted near the chimney may also be damaged and the chimney cap may be discolored or distorted. Large pieces of expanded creosote may be found in gutters or in the yard around the chimney. There may also be damage to the roof around the chimney.

When I build a fire in my upstairs fireplace, I get smoke from the basement fireplace. Why?

This is a common problem. Smoke can go from one flue to the other in one of two ways. The most common is that the smoke drifts from one flue to the other at the top of the chimney. This can be remedied with the use of a damper cap on the flue of the fireplace that is smoking. The second way smoke may go from one flue to the other is due to injuries in the flue between the fireplace and the top of the chimney. A damper cap will not work here and repair of the flue liners would be necessary for safety reasons as well as smoking problems.