Annual Chimney Sweep and Creosote Removal

Each year, it is important to make sure your chimney is free of creosote buildup and your firebox is nice and clean (no black walls). Cleaning and inspecting a masonry fireplace and chimney is a messy job that requires a trained eye. In addition to properly cleaning the entire unit (chimney liner, firebox, and all components of the chimney), proper fireplace maintenance is also mandatory.  Hot gases must be able to travel up and out. Gaps in a system will cause hot gases to get into the chase or the home which can cause a fire or it can also cause carbon monoxide to enter your home. Most people are not aware of this, but unclean chimneys are a primary cause of carbon monoxide poisoning in homes. If you do not maintain and clean your chimney annually, you run the risk of creating a serious fire hazard when you least expect it. 

A trained professional has the right equipment to identify any risk factors as well as remove creosote buildup.  When creosote buildup gets to 1/8 of an inch thick, it becomes a serious fire hazard as it is highly flammable. It can appear like black flaky tar coating your chimney and if it is extremely bad, the surface will be smooth from repeated recoating.  Once it is thicker than 1/8 of an inch, the flammable creosote in the chimney can easily catch fire from the flames below.  A professional chimney sweep will ensure all creosote is scraped off your chimney liner and firebox in a clean efficient way, which does not allow any soot to enter your living area.  If it is determined that the creosote is too thick for removal, a replacement of your chimney liner is the safest option.

1.     First, they place a drop cloth or canvas tarp is in front of fireplace, with at least a five foot radius surrounding the fireplace area to catch any creosote (aka: soot) that will disperse into the room.

2.     If there is a large amount of ash that has accumulated in your firebox, they will scoop it out first. 

3.    Then, they will remove your fireplace grate, so they can access your chimney free of obstructions and inspect the firebox for any hazards.

4.    They will then tape a poly sheet over the fireplace.  It will have a hole in it to attach to their industrial vacuum cleaner.

5.    Next, they will inspect the chimney to determine level of dirtiness and safety.  Most sweeps will drop a camera with from the rooftop to get close up views of the chimney liner, damper, smoke shelf and firebox from all sides.  It is important to know that a chimney deteriorates from the top downwards, so inspection from the rooftop is vital.  

6.    After ruling out any hazards such as cracks in the liner, a collapsed liner, or any other obstructions, it is time to clean the chimney. 

7.    They will scrub the flue, smoke chamber, smoke shelf, and damper with a professional chimney brush that meets the dimensions and proper material match for your chimney. 

8.    Once they have sufficiently removed all creosote buildup, they use a shop-vacuum (preferably one with a micro filter to prevent airborne dust) to vacuum the fallen soot from your firebox and within your smoke-chamber and smoke-shelf areas.

9.   Finally, all supplies are packed up outside the home and the chimney is clean for another year!

The best time of year to have your chimney and fireplace serviced is the spring or summer.  This is because it is outside the peak winter season when people are using their fireplaces and notice they have a problem with their chimney.  If you wait until you want to use your fireplace to have it cleaned and inspected, you will have to wait for your sweep's schedule to permit.  Another side note, some chimney sweeps will offer discounted pricing if you contact them to do your annual cleaning outside of their busy season.

A chimney sweep is a licensed professional who knows the inner workings of your chimney, fireplace, and heating appliances.  Chimney sweeps are able to detect potential fire hazards that the average homeowner does not see because they are hidden deep in the chimney or in some cases, homeowners do not know what to look for.  Chimney sweeps have the professional equipment and understand the latest state laws and safety codes that will prevent a chimney fire from happening in your home.  If you have just purchased a new home or a natural disaster has occurred in your area, this is all the more reason to hire an expert and make sure your chimney is clean and safe to use before lighting your next fire.