Frequently Asked Questions

How are chimneys cleaned?

Chimneys are cleaned with the use of  the combination of high powered vacume systems, brushes, and flexible rods. Your technician will place a drop cloth down before arranging their equiptment, then begining at the bottom of the chimney, the brushes are conected to the rods and swept to the top of the chimney. After the chimney and firebox are cleaned, the technician will begin the 21 point safety inspection. We highly recommend you have the chimney cleaned before your inspection. This will allow the technician to see any potential dangers or damage in the flue that could be hidden by soot and tar build up. For more information on the chimney sweep process, please see our "Chimney sweep & services" page.

Will having my chimney cleaned get soot and dirt in my house? 

Absolutely not! Most people who have never had their chimney cleaned or perhaps may have had a bad experience, tend to picture something from Mary Poppins. However, we guarantee white glove service when we arrive. Special equipment, along with high powered vacuums and drop cloths to cover floor areas allow us to thoroughly clean your chimney and firebox without getting any of the dirt and debris in your home.

How long does it take to sweep a chimney?

A typical sweeping can take anywhere between 45 minutes to  1.5 hours, timing depends mostly how dirty the chimney is. You can help your technician before they arrive by clearing the hearth area free from decorations and other personal items three to five feet away.

How often should I have my chimney or appliance cleaned and inspected?

The CSIA recommends that open masonry fireplaces should be cleaned at 1/4" of sooty buildup, and sooner if there is any glaze present in the system. Factory-built fireplaces should be cleaned when any appreciable buildup occurs. This is considered to be enough fuel buildup to cause a chimney fire capable of damaging the chimney or spreading to the home.

A Clean Sweep recommends you have your appliance cleaned and inspected annually or accordingly to how much you have burned in it.

Do gas fireplaces need to be cleaned and inspected?

Yes, 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. We also advise that you install and maintain batteries in your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.

Why is there so much

creosote build up in my

chimney?

In many occasions it is simply burning the wrong type of wood for the appliance. Burn only seasoned, hard wood in your appliance. Do not burn untreated lumber, trash or coal in your appliance, unless specified in the instructions to burn coal. Look for split, dry wood that has been stacked and covered for several months. Loose bark and cracks in the ends are good signs of seasoned wood. Have your appliance cleaned and inspected regularly. On average, if you're using your fireplace or stove, then you have a dirty chimney and will need an annual chimney sweep.

If you did not find the answer to your questions here, please contact us. We will be happy to help you with all your questions and concerns!

Smoke in the home? 

If  you are having smoke problems in your home, check for the damper to be open.

If it is still smoking in the house, open a nearby window for a minute or two until the fire gets going well. If your appliance continues to smoke, call a chimney professional immediately and DO NOT use the appliance until your professional has inspected it for you.

Your chimney make be blocked by an obsruction like a birds nest or a combination of creosote and soot. There may also be an underlying problem with the appliance posing as a potential threat to your home & loved ones.

Chimney odors?

The sour stinky odor you are smelling is cerosote. The solution is to call a chimney professional and have the appliance cleaned regularly. You may also need a chimney cap or have a water leak.

The smell is due to creosote deposits in the chimney, a natural byproduct of wood burning. The odor is usually worse in the summer when the humidity is high and the air conditioner is running.Your chimney technician can advise you of chimney products to contain and absorb remainig odors in the masonry.