Chimney Sweeping

Why is a chimney sweeping necessary?

Creosote is a byproduct of fire and will build up inside of the chimney no matter what type of fuel that you burn. Since creosote is flammable, the risk of the chimney catching on fire increases every time the fireplace is used.

The primary purpose of a chimney sweeping is to remove as much of the flammable creosote as possible which will minimize the possibility of having a dangerous chimney fire.

  • To reduce the risk of a chimney fire
  • To remove acidic buildup that is damaging to chimney
  • To allow for proper evaluation of chimney condition
  • To assist in removing noxious odors
  • To improve chimney draw

The Chimney Sweeping Procedure

Chimney sweeping is done a little differently depending on what type of system you have–a masonry system, prefab system, freestanding stove or stove insert.

Chimney Sweeping for a Masonry System

  • Before chimney sweeping
    Before

  • During chimney sweeping
    During

  • After chimney sweeping
    After
  1. Evaluate creosote buildup in chimney flue and smoke chamber
  2. Lay path of runners across any carpeted area to fireplace, position tarp in front of fireplace
  3. Set up vacuums, cover fireplace opening, start dust control vacuum (noisy!)
  4. Sweep chimney from above with brushes and rods
  5. Brush smoke chamber, vacuum behind damper, brush firebox
  6. Vacuum remaining soot and ash on firebox floor
  7. Notate any conditions found during sweeping process on work order
  8. Discuss conditions with homeowner about their fireplace and chimney and recommended repairs

PreFab Fireplace and Chimney

  1. Check creosote buildup in chimney flue
  2. Lay path of runners across any carpeted area to fireplace, position tarp in front of fireplace
  3. Set up vacuums, tools and equipment and start dust control vacuum (noisy!)
  4. Sweep chimney from below with Viper brushing system
  5. Brush inside of firebox
  6. If possible, access chimney from roof and check cap and chase cover condition
  7. Vacuum remaining soot and ash on firebox floor
  8. Notate any conditions found during chimney sweeping process on work order
  9. Discuss conditions with homeowner about their fireplace and chimney and recommended repairs

Notes

  • The chimney sweeping procedure varies somewhat for freestanding stoves and stove inserts, but the emphasis is still on being thorough with the sweeping and evaluation, and keeping the area clean.
  • We will only sweep a stove insert if the flue pipe goes all the way to the top of the chimney!
  • Some chimney tops can be inaccessible either due to steep roofs or fragile tile.
  • Always have your chimney system swept and inspected by a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep.
  • We reserve the right to refuse any job that we feel does not comply with proper listings, codes or guidelines that pertain to the system’s construction as well as clearances to combustibles. This is especially true with stoves and prefab fireplaces, regardless of whether the installation was approved by any authority prior to our visit.
  • Many times the visual inspection performed during and after a chimney evaluation and chimney sweeping will not be enough to detect the thin cracks that may reside in the chimney’s flue lining.  These cracks are a major potential hazard since they can expand when exposed to high temperatures and will no longer insulate the chimney from possibly transferring heat and gases to combustibles. You may want to consider having a chimney video inspection performed on the chimney if there is any question–especially if you have had a chimney fire.