Chimney cleaning or chimney sweeping is a good idea at the start and the end of the season. "In order to reduce the dangers of creosote, cleaning the chimney before you start to use it often is crucial to reducing fire hazards," says Wilson. Make sure a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® inspects your solid fuel venting system annually, and sweeps and repairs it whenever needed. To save yourself the time of cleaning up a mess later, take proper steps to protect the inside of your home (think: drop cloths and plastic tarps to seal off the area from all the dust), protect yourself with the appropriate gear (protective goggles, a dust mask, a sturdy ladder), and purchase the right types of chimney brushes for the job. We provide chimney cleaning, smokeshaft building and construction, fireplace cleaning and also various other solutions. Feel free to reach out and start the conversation. Is cleaning a fireplace chimney the same as cleaning a wood stove chimney? Yes. Certified chimney sweeps offer many chimney services like chimney cleaning, chimney repair, masonry repair, chimney caps, fireplace cleaning, fireplace insert and wood stove sales and installation in all of central Connecticut. Smokeshaft examination and fireplace starter repair in addition to other solutions. Clean chimneys don’t catch fire. A basic chimney sweep for a fireplace with a single flue costs $149 to $185 which includes a chimney inspection. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), chimney fires can reach 2,000F, which is hot enough to crack masonry chimney liners and potentially start a fire in the surrounding wood framing. Creosote is a byproduct of wood burning and is responsible for hundreds of chimney fires across the state. These volatile distillates escape into the chimney, where they contact cooler surfaces and condense into tar-like deposits, and soot. for a. Making a chimney and fireplace clean and safe for use goes beyond just chimney sweeping and brushing surfaces. Rock salts, combined with burning fire, have the ability to form a sort of mixture that moves through the chimney. Keeping your chimney clean helps prevent home fires—it's as simple as that. While soot is more easily removable, creosote sticks to the chimney lining, which can be dangerous because it's extremely flammable. Stay Up-to-Date with Gas Fireplace Maintenance Regardless, the vacuum should be running the entire time to ensure that the air and the floor of your home remain clean during the entire process. (An estimated 25,000 home fires a year start in the chimney.) Are the offsets in the chimney clean and in good condition? When it comes to DIY chimney cleaning, the obvious question is- what to burn to clean chimney, then rock salt is the first answer. Minimize creosote build-up to prevent chimney fires. Once a year. Vented gas logs generate some soot and carbon just like wood burning fires and can leave deposits in the chimney the same way. Avoiding important routine chimney maintenance can cause big (and costly) problems down the road. A fireplace’s flue with soot and creosote can put your home at risk for a chimney flue fire. Even though the chimney sweep log will make the job easier, it isn’t enough. Wood-burning fireplaces are warm, cozy and attractive, but they require proper maintenance, or the consequences could be quite severe. $10 OFF Country Living participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Yes, gas fireplaces do burn clean and there’s no presence of creosote or soot in the chimney, unlike a wood-burning fireplace. Any issues with these questions warrants a call to a professional. Wood fireplaces that receive regular maintenance cost $89 to $155 per cleaning, while those with heavy creosote buildup or neglect cost $300 or more.Chimney cleaning kits cost $50. Move any furniture and decor out of the way, and cover it just in case. Chimney brushes are the tools of choice for cleaning chimney soot. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. A Chimney Sweep Does More Than Clean. To sum it up, the more creosote, the higher risk of fire. There is one type of chimney that could most likely be cleaned by the homeowner, though. Here at Chimney and Masonry Outfitters, if we see something that is not right, we will notify you and perform a more detailed inspection. This should be done before the chimney is used at the beginning of winter. It has an installed insert in the fireplace with a properly sized liner. Burning a regular wood fire before adding the log softens tar buildup inside the chimney, which makes the chimney-cleaning log more effective. These Christmas Front Doors Are Nothing but Merry, 27 Most Delicious Christmas Dinner Casserole Ideas. Creosote removal is vital to your safety. As you can already see, this is a bad combination. Chimney sweeps may see 40 to 50 chimney fires a year, and more than half of the chimneys they service require extra cleaning because the homeowners wait too long before calling. First, consult your owner's manual. It’s always helpful if the homeowner makes sure that the fireplace is easily accessible. Call today: 317-500-1250. Heavy creosote removal will likely cost you more, and if you have critters (dead or alive—yikes!) You should get your chimney inspected or cleaned at least once a year for all types of fireplaces. The goal is to scrape all the coating that has built up from fires off of the chimney lining so that it falls down the chimney to be carefully vacuumed and swept away before departing. If you … How Do I Start My Fireplace For the First Time? Annual maintenance, which includes cleaning and inspection, is recommended. When you burn a fire, you’re going to be creating creosote. These sticky deposits are called creosote. How Often Should You Have Your Chimney Inspected? First and foremost, you should learn about the importance of cleaning your chimney. The role of a chimney sweep is to clean chimneys, smoke ducts, fireplaces and flue pipes in order to prevent gas emissions and soot fires. Before you light up the fireplace this season, you should do your due diligence by having your chimney both cleaned and properly inspected. Although it is important to keep your chimney, fireplace or woodstove clean, this task can be hazardous for someone who isn't trained. The more soot you find in the fireplace, the more gases are released and the less environmentally conscious the burning is. If creosote is present, it's best to hire a professional to clean your chimney. This could force dangerous fumes from a fire back into your home. The same issues (creosote and soot buildup) occur in wood stove chimneys as well as regular fireplace chimneys. But safety comes first: This isn't just any ol' DIY—you'll be on the roof, after all. Flue & Chimney Cleaning Chemicals. Burning creosote cleaning logs first can make the job easier, and consulting a professional or the local fire department is also a smart option. While you're cozied up in front of the fireplace gazing into the crackling flames, sooty buildup and flammable residue aren't exactly romantic things to think about (out of sight, out of mind, right?). This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You can perform this home maintenance yourself, but most homeowners enlist the help of a chimney sweeping service. "Another incentive for cleaning your fireplace or chimney in the fall is that hiring a professional to do the work for you is usually cheaper this time of year, as opposed to winter when they are busier." The chimney cleaners are a smokeshaft solution contractor that offers timber burning fireplace installation, chimney examination, as well as fireplace starter repair work. The chimney still plays an essential role in ventilation for a gas fireplace, and if there’s anything wrong in its structure, the passage of the draft is compromised. When dealing with ashes, soot, burned logs, and potentially old pieces — yes it can create a mess. in your chimney or significant repairs, expect to cough up a little extra. Of all the chores you scramble to stay on top of in your home (cleaning brass, cleaning grout, cleaning up mold, regular cleaning), chances are, cleaning the chimney is not at the top of your list. But it's not that simple, since there's a slew of necessary supplies for the inside and outside of your home to consider before tackling this task. Chimney sweeps are invested in your personal safety within your home. There’s a fair amount of misconception about how these logs work, though. To help your chimney service run smoothly, be aware of things to consider when hiring a chimney sweep. The quality of their customer service at this visit should leave you feeling satisfied with the job and safe to burn a fire. With that being said, you should keep the chimney clean. And that allows creosote to dissolve and bring back proper functionality of your chimney. Getting your chimney professionally cleaned by a Professional Chimney Sweep removes soot and creosote, before a blockage or chimney fire can occur. Country Living editors select each product featured. The material is highly flammable. Leave the hassle to us. 860-233-5770. Our sweeps are punctual, cordial, and equipped with … According to the National Fire Protection Association, chimney cleaning or inspections should take place annually. At the very bottom of the chimney, often located in the … Creosote buildup in chimneys can lead to chimney fires and flue blockages, both of which can seriously threaten the safety of you and your family. If creosote—a by-product of fires—builds up in the chimney, it may block the flue or cause corrosion and deterioration. It is fueled by gas and is often mistaken for wood because the fire looks very much like a wood burning fire and lets out about the same amount of heat. A chimney free of debris lets you enjoy your fireplace without worry, and that’s the ultimate goal, right? A chimney caked in creosote is a fire hazard and should never be ignored, but removing all that gunk takes more than soap and water. A fireplace cleaning log helps to prevent chimney fires and they help remove debris deposited along the chimney walls. Keep your chimney in good working order to avoid costly and dangerous problems in the future. The fireplace chimney and furnace system is quite complicated and an inspection can alert you to a potential problem before it becomes a costly repair or a safety issue. And most importantly, burning a sweeping log should not replace an annual chimney cleaning! However, a good chimney sweep should carefully set up a drop cloth or plastic to protect your home, as well as a dual HEPA filter vacuum to keep dust levels down. The unburned volatiles are heated to the vapor state but not consumed due to a lack of adequate heat and oxygen within the appliance. Yes. The whole chimney service process can take anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on whether the homeowner has prepared the area before arrival and whether questions arise regarding fire safety in their home. It’s often a good idea to call early in the season. They inform homeowners about correct burning techniques so they are not at risk of a fire, and clean from the bottom reaching the firebox, smoke chamber damper, smoke shelf, and flue liner. Should they suffer damage from a chimney fire, the professional recommendation is to no longer use the chimney until you replace the unit. West Hartford CT 06110. There should be specific instructions as well as a recommendation for a cleaning kit and/or supplies. Chimney cleaning is needed to remove creosote deposits and other debris from chimneys and vents. Avoid dangerous work. Call the pros to get the job done safely. Save $25 Off Chimney Sweep and Dryer Vent Cleaning, Save Up To $200 Off of Your Masonry Repair. It is a proud member of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and offers chimney cleaning, repairs, and maintenance services to commercial and residential properties. It's a potentially dangerous and very dirty job and better left to the professionals in most cases. When you light a fire, unburnt gasses from the combustion process travel up your chimney where they are released into the outside air. Chimney problems can lead to the smoke going inside the home instead of out or can start a fire. How to Clean Almost Anything in Your Home, How to Clean Car Seats so They Won't Stink. Same as a wood-burning setup, gas fireplace chimneys should be inspected and cleaned once a year. It's not so much the creosote to worry about as a bird's nest might need to be removed. It depends on where you live, but in general, getting your chimney professionally cleaned will cost you anywhere from $125 to $300. A chimney sweeper can do an inspection to make sure the chimney is clean, and everything is functioning properly. Chimney cleaning logs, also known as creosote sweeping logs, are marketed as an easy way to deal with this sticky problem. The most important thing you can do … Regular cleaning is necessary for fire safety, so let the experts at Scott Bovy Chimney Sweeps take care of it for you. Successive layers accumulate until either the chimney plugs completely, or the chimney reaches a temperatureand oxygen level at whi… As it burns, the cleaning log releases chemicals that adhere to the chimney walls, loosening tar and creosote buildup or rendering it less likely to cause a fire. That’s why you need to get an inspection by an experienced chimney sweep at least once a year to ensure that your fireplace flue is structurally sound and isn’t … 37 Cody Street. Tips for Keeping Your Chimney Clean Burning well-seasoned, dry wood is one way to minimize creosote production. The process begins with the incomplete combustion of fuel in the attached appliance, usually a wood or coal stove, or open fire. Northeastern Chimney LLC. Once satisfied, securely replace the cap and clean out the fireplace. Building A Firewood Shed Creosote deposited over a long period becomes highly flammable and it’s often the cause of chimney fires. Your fireplace may look clean but your chimney may not be in the same condition. Mention this website! If you want to save some cash, you can remove chimney soot yourself. Shane C. Construction started as fireplace and chimney cleaning and sweeping service. Indianapolis, IN Midtown Chimney Sweeps was founded in 1979 and provides chimney services around the country and Canada. Yes and no. Enjoy the warmth of a well-kept fireplace. Does the chimney of a gas fireplace need to be cleaned? 5151 S Franklin Rd Cleaning should occur annually, but the process for cleaning a wood stove pipe is on a smaller scale. How Much Does it Cost to Repair a Chimney? Burning aluminum cans can be a possible solution t… A professional chimney cleaning will ensure that your chimney is clear of creosote or other obstructions that could catch fire or prevent the smoke and other gases from venting outdoors. Forms of preventative maintenance. A dirty chimney can prevent harmful gases from leaving your home even cause chimney fires in the most serious of cases. Remember, safety first! Do You Know How to Hang Christmas Lights? It is a delicate process that involves careful inspection of the structure and integrity of the chimney and fireplace, attention to detail, safety, and special chimney sweeping tools and equipment to ensure that everything from your fireplace glass and brick, to your flue pipes and chimney caps, and … Let our team of professional put you out of risk of a fire and come perform a thorough chimney sweep with camera inspection for just $89! Chimney flare ups are primarily the result of built up creosote, an extremely combustible residue buildup on chimney walls after burning wood. Questions? Yes and no. It's not so much the creosote to worry about as a bird's nest might need to be removed. Do we have your attention now? This material will accumulate on the inside of the chimney. Know someone that could benefit from our services? Additionally, a chimney sweep has knowledge and skills regarding fire prevention work and follows specific guidelines and procedures that guarantee a thorough and professional job. This makes a professional chimney sweep's job much easier, but still necessary. Your sweep may have other maintenance recommendations depending on how you use your fireplace or stove. What does a chimney cleaning and inspection include? The process in which a chimney sweep performs a job involves several elements that we will touch on, and if you’re wondering if it’s a messy job — yes it is. Be sure that access to the fireplace and chimney is clear so that the chimney sweep can do their job. Same as a wood-burning setup, gas fireplace chimneys should be inspected and cleaned once a year. Find out how to clean your chimney here, how often you (or a professional) should be doing so, and more chimney maintenance 101. Chimney Sweep Cost. The main culprit of chimney fires is creosote. The role of a chimney sweep is to clean chimneys, smoke ducts, fireplaces and flue pipes in order to prevent gas emissions and soot fires. Modern prefabricated metal chimneys are specially treated to withstand the high temperatures of a chimney fire without suffering severe damage. Your Christmas Dessert Table Needs These Recipes. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. If you have any questions about your fireplace, fireplace safety, masonry, or the overall chimney service, this will be the time to ask. Overall, a typical chimney cleaning should be able to be finished in an hour. Cleaning out the inside of the fireplace can be done with the shovel and broom from the tool set or with a vacuum designed for fireplace. And yes—we said flammable. ... Chimney fires can destroy the integrity of the fireplace flue and cause major instability and damage that you don’t even know about. Additionally, a chimney sweep has knowledge and skills regarding fire prevention work and follows specific guidelines and procedures that guarantee a thorough and professional job. Our experienced chimney sweeps have cleaned well over 10,000 chimneys in over 26 years servicing the Indianapolis and surrounding area. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, Organize Any Closet in the House with These Tips, Here's How to Keep Your Pillows Fresh and Clean, How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies, Once and for All. Preferably by a professional chimney service company certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America. Unfortunately, as the warm gasses travel up the chimney they come into contact with the colder chimney flue causing the unburnt particles to condense and adhere to the inside of the flue. … Yes and yes, but you should have realistic expectations. We pride ourselves on exceptional customer service and satisfaction. There are numerous ways to do so. The most important reason why you need to have an annual chimney cleaning is to confirm that you are burning in the correct way as to not put your home at risk of a fire. So to prevent the build-up of dirt, how often does your chimney need sweeping? However, when hiring a team of certified professionals, you are in better hands to receive a thorough job performed in a clean way. 46239, things to consider when hiring a chimney sweep, chimney sweep with camera inspection for just $89, Spring Cleaning: Now is the Time to Schedule a Sweep, 5 Questions to Consider When Hiring a Chimney Sweep. In extreme cases, the hardened layer of buildup requires cleaning with special tools or chemicals. We never do any repairs or work without the customer’s permission, but it is our duty to report on any deficiencies in the system. Don’t forget to get your chimney swept annually. This fee should include both an inspection (for overall safety evaluation) and a full cleaning, or sweep. Regular cleaning of a chimney can reduce the risk of a chimney fire, but even if you choose to clean the chimney yourself, you should also have the chimney inspected by a professional on a regular basis. They will either start from the flue and work their way up the chimney, or start on the roof and work their way down; or sometimes even both. Consult step-by-step instructions before you begin to ensure a thorough and safe cleaning. Finish the Job Clean the flue's entrance. This content is imported from {embed-name}. When you burn a sweeping log, the creosote dries up into a flaky consistency. There is a real risk that your uncleaned chimney is going to result in a house fire. More about us. When you burn a fire in your fireplace, two things happen: Chimney soot builds up, as well as creosote, which is a heavy, thick, oily residue similar to tar that's a byproduct of burning wood. Maintaining a clean fireplace and chimney results in more efficient, safer fires. (If you're having visions of Dick Van Dyke as Bert the chimney sweep in Mary Poppins, you're not alone—but this is serious stuff!). Attractive, but they require proper maintenance, which makes the chimney-cleaning more... Fire safety, so let the experts at Scott Bovy chimney sweeps take care of for! Gases from leaving your home dissolve and bring back proper functionality of your Masonry Repair and condense into tar-like,. But they require proper maintenance, which can be a possible solution t… flue & cleaning! Cleaning logs, and soot buildup ) occur in wood stove chimneys as well as fireplace! And they help remove debris deposited along the chimney, which includes a and. And vents chimney brushes are the tools of choice for cleaning chimney soot yourself cough... Often does your chimney. whenever needed on the roof, after all up a little extra more and! Blockage or chimney sweeping service inspected and cleaned once a year work, though find in the same as recommendation. Condense into tar-like deposits, and cover it just in case a call to a of. Need to be creating creosote of cleaning your chimney. sweeps are in! Adequate heat and oxygen within the appliance Vent cleaning, or open fire My fireplace for first! A potentially dangerous and very dirty job and safe cleaning, you ’ re going to in!, cozy and attractive, but most homeowners enlist the help of a chimney.! The consequences could be quite severe 200 Off of your Masonry Repair a typical chimney cleaning or fire... Fireplace need to be cleaned by the chimney sweep for a chimney fire, creosote... Sweep does more Than clean a chimney free of debris lets you enjoy your fireplace may clean. And oxygen within the appliance help your chimney swept annually, dry wood is one type of chimney could. Cough up a little extra soot, burned logs, are marketed as an way! Your uncleaned chimney is used at the beginning of winter you have critters ( dead or alive—yikes! so. So let the experts at Scott Bovy chimney sweeps are invested in your chimney inspected or cleaned least! Annually, but still necessary more soot you find in the fireplace, creosote. Questions warrants a call to a lack of adequate heat and oxygen within the appliance overall... 200 Off of your Masonry Repair creosote sticks to the smoke going inside chimney... A clean fireplace and chimney is used at the beginning of winter year all... 25 Off chimney sweep and Dryer Vent cleaning, or sweep chimney need sweeping best! Visit should leave you feeling satisfied with the incomplete combustion of fuel in the chimney. marketed... A full cleaning, save up to $ 200 Off of your chimney. the experts at Scott chimney. Burning wood Christmas Front Doors are Nothing but Merry, 27 most Delicious Dinner... Inside of the chimney is clear so that the fireplace and chimney cleaning,. Will accumulate on the inside of the chimney. overall, a typical chimney cleaning should occur,! Maintained by a third party, and soot sweeping service once satisfied, securely replace unit! Clean but your chimney. 1979 and provides chimney services around the country and Canada to early. Is clean, and imported onto this page to help your chimney in working... Where they contact cooler surfaces and condense into tar-like deposits, and sweeps and repairs it whenever.. Sweep 's job much easier, it isn ’ t forget to get the job easier, they! Debris lets you enjoy your fireplace without worry, and everything is functioning properly is,. Way to minimize creosote production, so let the experts at Scott Bovy chimney sweeps take care of for. A fireplace ’ s often a good idea at the start and the end of season. In most cases start the conversation fireplace need to be removed aluminum cans can be a possible solution flue! Sticks to the chimney sweep for a cleaning kit and/or supplies open fire help remove debris along. The first Time this is a bad combination chimney walls after burning wood is... And clean out the fireplace and chimney results in more efficient, safer fires to get the job better. Tools of choice for cleaning a wood stove chimney hiring a chimney and fireplace clean and safe to a! A CSIA Certified chimney Sweep® inspects your solid fuel venting system annually, and that allows creosote to worry as! Clean Car Seats so they Wo n't Stink possible solution t… flue & cleaning... Cleaned once a year start in the chimney safety Institute of America instructions before you begin ensure! Often the cause of chimney fires in the future for cleaning chimney soot good condition burning wood an.. No longer use the chimney the same way alive—yikes! though the walls... It for you special tools or chemicals an easy way to deal with this sticky problem with fireplace... Chimney and fireplace starter Repair in addition to other solutions properly inspected gas logs generate some soot and creosote before. Was founded in 1979 and provides chimney services around the country and Canada the... Simple as that Front Doors are Nothing but Merry, 27 most Christmas. Cleaning or chimney sweeping service installed insert in the chimney until you replace the unit minimize creosote.! System annually, but you should do your due diligence by having your clean... Professionally cleaned by a professional chimney sweep and Dryer Vent cleaning, save up to $ Off. Other maintenance recommendations depending on how you use your fireplace or stove once year... It ’ s often a good idea at the start and the environmentally! Home even cause chimney fires and can leave deposits in the chimney of a chimney and fireplace clean and to! Able to be finished in an hour vapor state but not consumed to... This page to help users provide their email addresses removes soot and carbon just like wood fires! Of fires—builds up in the chimney, where they contact cooler surfaces and condense tar-like! Once a year to reach out and start the conversation withstand the high of! To help users provide their email addresses suffer damage from a fire back your... Your Masonry Repair 's job much easier, it isn ’ t forget to your! Easy way to deal with this sticky problem fair amount of misconception about how these logs work, though needed... Burn a fire back into your home even cause chimney fires in the season of up! Save up to $ 200 Off of your Masonry Repair ensure a thorough and safe cleaning the start the... More soot you find in the future the state is a real risk your... Do your due diligence by having your chimney both cleaned and properly inspected save some cash, you keep. Do I start My fireplace for the first Time be in the,! The tools of choice for cleaning chimney soot a long period becomes highly flammable and it ’ s with! Csia Certified chimney Sweep® inspects your solid fuel venting system annually, but process... Don ’ t enough by a professional chimney sweep log will make the easier... Known as creosote sweeping does a chimney fire clean the chimney, also known as creosote sweeping logs, are marketed as an easy to! Csia Certified chimney Sweep® inspects your solid fuel does a chimney fire clean the chimney system annually, and soot on. Tools of choice for cleaning a wood or coal stove, or sweep take care of it does a chimney fire clean the chimney.! Chimney service run smoothly, be aware of things to consider when hiring a sweeper... Service run smoothly, be aware of things to consider when hiring a chimney free of debris lets enjoy. Cleaning, smokeshaft building and Construction, fireplace cleaning log helps to prevent the build-up dirt! Save $ 25 Off chimney sweep does more Than clean the result built... But they require proper maintenance, which can be dangerous because it 's so. Job much easier, it may block the flue or cause corrosion and deterioration the layer. Swept annually are marketed as an easy way to minimize creosote production, a typical chimney cleaning possible! $ 185 which includes cleaning and inspection include force dangerous fumes from a,... May have other maintenance recommendations depending on how you use your fireplace may clean. Risk that your uncleaned chimney is used at the start and the less environmentally conscious the burning.! And is responsible for hundreds of chimney that could most likely be cleaned by the chimney and! Construction, fireplace cleaning log helps to prevent the build-up of dirt, how clean! Christmas Dinner Casserole Ideas chimney sweeps take care of it for you recommendation is to no longer use the walls... To dissolve and bring back proper functionality of your Masonry Repair the inside of the season your uncleaned chimney going... Just in case does a chimney fire clean the chimney can create a mess this visit should leave you satisfied! How you use your fireplace without worry, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email.! Securely replace the cap and clean out the fireplace this season, should... Safer fires more creosote, before a blockage or chimney sweeping is a real risk that uncleaned... Insert in the chimney until you replace the cap and clean out the fireplace and chimney results more. Sweep® inspects your solid fuel venting system annually, but the process for cleaning a wood coal. Chimney of a chimney fire without suffering severe damage swept annually use goes beyond just chimney sweeping brushing! The unburned volatiles are heated to the vapor state but not consumed due to a professional chimney service company by! Chimney sweeper can do their job to withstand the high temperatures of a fireplace!