Why should you hire a chimney sweep?
Hiring a chimney sweep helps protect you from avoidable dangers and saves you money, too. It will cut down your carbon monoxide risk. A clean, properly functioning chimney effortlessly carries carbon monoxide and other harmful by-products of burning fuel, including gas and wood, up and out of your home.
Where can I find a professional chimney sweeper?
The National Fireplace Institute and the Chimney Safety Institute of America certify professional chimney sweeps and host searchable databases. Personal recommendations and paywalled sites such as Angie’s List can be great resources as well. Are they certified? If yes, by whom?
How often should you have your chimney inspected?
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends you have your chimneys, fireplaces, vents and solid fuel-burning appliances (think pellet or wood stoves) inspected at least once a year. This is probably true if you only use your fireplace occasionally, on the coldest winter nights.
How long does it take to clean a chimney?
That will take an hour or two depending on where you live, the condition of your chimney and the speed of the sweep hired. The inspection and cleaning might begin inside, up on the roof, or both, and may or may not involve a camera. The sweep will remove any buildup on the chimney walls as well as blockages in the chimney itself.
When should I get my chimney swept?
The best times to have your chimney swept are just before the start of the heating season and after your stove has not been used over a prolonged period. If sweeping twice a year, the second time should be after the peak of the main heating season.
How can I tell if my chimney needs cleaning?
Here are our top 9 Signs that Your Chimney Needs to Be Cleaned:Oily Spots on the Walls of Your Fireplace.Poorly Burning Fires.Odors Coming from the Fireplace.Animals are Inside Your Chimney.Smoke Doesn't Rise Up the Chimney.Fires are Difficult to Get Started.Chimney Soot is Falling from the Chimney.More items...
Can chimneys be cleaned in winter?
If there is a problem that requires a repair of some sort, you may not be able to use your fireplace until it's fixed. In other words, an inspection or sweep can be done in the winter, but you may miss out on using your wonderful fireplace if there is a problem.
What happens if you don't sweep your chimney?
If you don't clean your chimney regularly, soot will accumulate around the flue causing an inability to draw smoke upwards. The smoke will then be directed to your room leaving black soot on the walls, furniture, and carpeting. It causes permanent staining around the chimney in some cases.
Can I clean my chimney myself?
In many cases, you can clean the chimney yourself and save a few hundred dollars. Removing ordinary chimney soot is pretty simple. But if you have heavy creosote buildup, you'll have to call in a pro. We'll show you how to inspect yours to see if it qualifies as a DIY job.
How do you know if you have creosote build up?
Signs of Creosote Build-UpReduced drafting in fireplace.Less ash and more wood in fireplace after a fire.Black soot in and around fireplace.Very dark smoke from chimney.You can visibly see more than 1/8 of an inch of soot build-up.
Should you leave ashes in the fireplace?
The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends leaving a one-inch bed of ashes on the floor of your wood-burning fireplace. That ash catches coals and insulates them, allowing your fire to burn at its hottest. Ash should be removed when it build up beyond that inch, and at the end of the fire-burning season.
Is chimney sweep messy?
Welcome to one of the biggest misnomers about chimney sweeping. Sure, it can get messy, but if you pick the right firm to do it for you, it shouldn't encroach into your living space or be inconvenient. In fact, your home should be just as clean as it was before the team started the job.
How often should I have my chimney cleaned?
once a yearHow often should you clean your chimney? Both the NFPA and Spisto recommend getting your chimney cleaned and inspected once a year by a qualified professional. Carli says that regardless of chimney type, you should you have your chimney swept at least one time a year.
How do you tell if your chimney is clogged?
Signs of a blocked chimney and its flue liner include:An excessive smell of smoke during a fire.A white residue on the walls of the flue liner.Water leakage.Debris falling towards the base of the fireplace.
Can you clean a chimney from the bottom up?
4:546:56Cleaning a Chimney Using the Brush and Rod Bottom Up MethodYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd that's all there is to cleaning from the bottom up it's a great alternative. If you've got aMoreAnd that's all there is to cleaning from the bottom up it's a great alternative. If you've got a nice straight chimney.
How do you test a chimney for creosote?
Use your fireplace poker. Scratch the smoke chamber above your damper to see if there is any creosote. Even if the layer of tar seems very thin, it's time to call a chimney sweep ASAP. If you have more than 1/8 of an inch of buildup, do not use the chimney until it is clean.
How do you test a chimney?
0:221:36How to do a smoke test on your chimney flue - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo we have a smog test on it and I have heard of a box of smoke pellets here hands at the lightingMoreSo we have a smog test on it and I have heard of a box of smoke pellets here hands at the lighting you smoke pellets first of all. Light light a match and they don't mind with a smoke pellet.
Do chimney cleaning fire logs work?
Chimney cleaning logs are a popular tool that you can put in your fireplace like wood. As it burns, it can loosen the soot and keep your chimney free of dirt and debris. However, using these logs alone is never a good replacement for an annual chimney inspection and cleaning by a certified chimney sweep.
How often should you get your fireplace cleaned?
The best way to keep your fireplace clean is to actually clean it after each usage. And while that is a recommended practice, it isn't necessarily mandatory for the fireplace itself or the chimney. In fact, the average time between fireplace cleans is about one month.
Why Do You Need a Chimney Sweep?
Hiring a chimney sweep helps protect you from avoidable dangers and saves you money, too.
Why Hire a Service To Do a Chimney Sweep?
Cleaning a chimney is hard, messy work that many homeowners leave to the pros. The benefits of hiring this task out include:
How Much Does a Chimney Sweep Cost?
Standard chimney sweep services, including a general inspection and cleaning, can range from $75 to $250 depending on where you live. That number rises if your chimney hasn’t been serviced for a while, or if the sweep discovers repairs, structural issues or pest infestations that need to be addressed.
Why is my chimney not venting properly?
If your chimney isn’t clean or properly vented, the process falters. The majority of chimney-related carbon monoxide problems happen due to improper exhausting, something almost entirely avoidable with regular inspection and cleaning by a chimney sweep. It will help prevent chimney fires.
What to do if a chimney sweep suggests masonry?
It’s a good idea to request a list of any suggested repairs, including an explanation of why these repairs are necessary, and suggested pros to complete anything outside the chimney sweep’s expertise.
How long does a chimney sweep visit last?
If your chimney needs a deeper clean, such as a chemical treatment to get rid of late-stage creosote glaze, the visit may last a few hours. If the chimney sweep needs to do minor repairs, such as replacing a missing chimney cap or damaged chimney liner, they may complete this the same day, depending on the sweep’s policies and tools they have on hand.
How long does it take to clean a chimney?
A chimney sweep will, at minimum, inspect and clean your fireplace and chimney. That will take an hour or two depending on where you live, the condition of your chimney and the speed of the sweep hired. The inspection and cleaning might begin inside, up on the roof, or both, and may or may not involve a camera.
What Does the Chimney Sweep Do?
In most cases, the chimney sweep will cover the fireplace with a tarp to prevent soot and ash from spraying into the house during cleaning. Then the tech will go up on the roof and, using long rods and brushes, sweep the inside of the chimney from the top down. Once the flue has been cleaned, the tech will go back inside the house and use a high-powered vacuum to suck up any soot that has been dislodged. If the roof can’t be accessed, the entire cleaning can be done from inside.
How to know who to hire to clean your chimney?
First, ask how long the company has been in business and if they offer current references. When checking references, you’ll want to see if they’ve demonstrated prompt and courteous service, whether the company cleaned up any mess it made, and how well the service was performed . It’s also wise to verify that the company carries valid business liability insurance to protect your home and furnishings in the event of carelessness or an accident.
What happens if you don't clean your chimney?
After enough fire burning, creosote can build up on the inside of your chimney, and if it’s not cleaned, it can catch fire. Soot build-up in the chimney can also release dangerous carbon monoxide back into the house—and if this gas builds up, it can have lethal consequences. Plus, animals can get inside a chimney and build nests, preventing smoke from escaping out the chimney and potentially making it easy for pests to invade your home.
What is an annual inspection?
An annual inspection can reveal how serious problems in a chimney are and what repairs need to be made. Like any home renovation, it is always a good idea to get a couple of opinions and estimates for a job, especially if it involves something major like replacing the lining of the chimney inside, or rebuilding the exterior of the chimney.
Do chimney sweeps need to be certified?
Ideally, the chimney sweep or company should be certified in safety techniques, as well. The Chimney Safety Institute of America makes it easy to find safety-certified sweeps and technicians here.
Is a chimney indestructible?
Chimneys are made of metal and/or masonry, neither of which is indestructible. Water, fire, normal wear and tear, frequent use, lack of use, and acts of nature can all take their toll on a chimney. For example, a few years ago, a mild earthquake in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia cracked or dislodged several chimneys. An intense storm called a “derecho” sent big tree limbs crashing against chimneys, as well. In some cases, chimney caps and animal guards may need to be replaced. And over time, masonry can wear away and metal chimney liners can erode.
Can you clean a chimney without a professional?
Because of the way chimneys are constructed, though, it’s almost impossible for a homeowner to clean it without professional help. Not only are special tools needed to clean away the soot that might be adhering to the chimney liner, but because chimneys are often cleaned from the top down, they require someone to climb up on the highest part of a roof. If you’re not skilled in scaling ladders and maintaining balance, you run the risk falling, or worse.
How to Find a Chimney Sweep
If you're on the hunt for a dependable chimney sweep, you're likely in one of four situations: You are buying a home with a chimney, suspect an issue with the cleanliness or structure of your current chimney, or are getting your chimney ready for the fall and winter seasons.
Before Hiring a Chimney Sweep
Owning a home with a fireplace, wood-burning stove, and a gas or oil appliance requires extra care. Mark your calendar at the end of the summer to complete your annual inspection. If you curl up by the fire on a nightly basis, you may need a cleaning during the season as well.
Prepare for Your Chimney Cleaning
Check a few boxes before speaking with a prospective chimney sweep to help them understand the scope of the work:
Check Your Chimney Sweep's Qualifications and References
Unlike other contractors, you don't need to look for a chimney sweep with a license: Licenses are not generally required in the industry. However, your chimney sweep should provide proof of certification and insurance before stepping foot in your home.
Questions to Ask Your Chimney Sweep
Chat with possible chimney sweeps in person or on the phone to make sure they are a good professional match. Keep these questions handy as you consider signing a contract:
Hiring Your Chimney Sweep
Once you find your ideal chimney cleaning team, here's what you can expect next.
Get a Contract and Arrange Payments With Your Chimney Sweep
Chimney estimates work a bit differently than other home projects. While you should receive a free estimate for the cost of the chimney sweep's work, a basic inspection often comes with the cleaning price. In other words, you won't likely get a "free" inspection unless you sign on for additional cleaning or repairs.
Inspection by a chimney professional
Unless you are comfortable with ladders and heights, hiring a professional to check your chimney may be the easiest solution.
Possible chimney problems
Even if your chimney looks solid on the outside, it could be hiding any number of problems on the inside.
Chimney Sweep: trained and equipped
You may think of a chimney sweep as a person who simply brushes soot out of a chimney, and some may perform at that minimal level.
Chimney sweep: professional education
Conscientious chimney professionals further their education by reading trade publications such as SNEWS – The Chimney Sweep’s Newsmagazine, and by attending courses provided by organizations such as the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), the National Fireplace Institute (NFI), Fireplace Investigation, Research and Evaluation Service (F.I.R.E.), and Wood Education Technology Transfer (WETT) in Canada.
How do I find a capable chimney professional?
Ask around in your community for a chimney sweep with a good reputation. A well-earned good reputation is the public’s “seal of approval.”
When should I hire a chimney sweep?
There is an old joke among chimney sweeps that customers don’t think to call them until the customer is holding a match, about to light the first fire of the fall season. While that may be an exaggeration, nevertheless many sweeps are dreadfully overworked during the autumn months.
1. Removing Hazardous Obstructions and Pests
One reason you should always hire a professional chimney cleaner instead of doing the job yourself is that they can more efficiently remove obstructions and pests. An obstructed chimney is a major danger, and without the proper knowledge, you may put yourself and your home in danger when trying to clear it yourself.
2. Preventing Fires
As mentioned above, when homeowners try to DIY chimney clearing, it can often result in damaging fires. This is especially true if you creosote buildup in your chimney. Creosote is a dark, tar-like substance that builds up when you burn wood.
3. Hidden Issues
When trying to clean or update your fireplace and chimney on your own, you can also risk missing some hazards that professionals would be able to point out. There are numerous components that comprise your chimney, and they must all work together to keep your home safe from carbon monoxide, fire, and water damage.
4. Improving Efficiency
With regular cleanings and inspections, you can also ensure that your fireplace is much more efficient both for heating and for the environment. When a fire can burn more efficiently, it can produce more heat, reducing the need for using your furnace in the winter.
5. Increase the Lifespan of Your Flue Liner
Flue liners are one of the most important parts of your chimney, and they help protect your home from both fire and carbon monoxide. It does this by helping to insulate the chimney from the high temperatures produced by fires, as well as the corrosive materials released by the smoke.
6. Professional Experience
While it’s nice to think that you can DIY any problem that comes up in your home, sometimes professional experience is something that you can’t learn through an online tutorial. Although it might look easy on a YouTube video, cleaning and maintaining your chimney and fireplace can be hard and dangerous work.
7. Professional Advice
Another thing that goes along with professional training and experience is the ability to provide homeowners with professional advice. For instance, a professional chimney sweep will be able to advise you on how you can best maintain your fireplace and chimney throughout the year.
What does it mean to be CSIA certified & how does someone become CSIA certified?
The CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep credential is earned only by those who have proven their technical expertise in the chimney sweeping and safety space. Each certified sweep must pass rigorous examination, while also agreeing to live by the CSIA’s strict code of ethics. Ongoing education is also required in order to maintain certification.
What types of standards are the techs held to?
As stated above, CSIA certified techs must prove a high level of technical proficiency, but they must also abide by a strict code of ethics. The pledge taken by a CSIA certified sweep is as follows:
For your safety and peace of mind, choose a CSIA certified chimney sweep
Unfortunately, not every chimney sweep is concerned with your long-term (or even short-term) safety. So whether you choose Billy Sweet or another chimney sweep company for the job, make sure the company you choose to care for your chimney and fireplace is licensed, insured, and certified by the CSIA.
