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Chimney Sweeping |
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Why is sweeping a chimney 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, as its building up the risk of it catching fire
increases every time the fireplace is used. The primary purpose of
sweeping the chimney is to remove as much of the flammable creosote as
possible and as a result minimize the possibility of having a dangerous
chimney fire. |
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To
reduce the risk of a chimney fire |
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To remove acidic buildup that is
damaging to chimney |
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To allow for proper
evaluation of
chimney condition |
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To assist in removing noxious odors |
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To improve chimney draw |
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Our Chimney Sweeping Procedure |
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Masonry Fireplace
and Chimney |
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Check creosote buildup in chimney flue and
smoke chamber
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Lay path of runners across any carpeted area to
fireplace, position tarp in front of fireplace
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Set up vacuums, cover fireplace opening, start
dust control vacuum (noisy!)
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Sweep chimney from above with brushes and rods
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Brush smoke chamber, vacuum behind damper,
brush firebox
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Vacuum remaining soot and ash on firebox floor
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Notate any conditions found during sweeping
process on work order
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Discuss conditions with homeowner about their
fireplace and chimney and recommended repairs
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Prefab Fireplace and
Chimney |
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Check creosote buildup in chimney flue
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Lay path of runners across any carpeted area to
fireplace, position tarp in front of fireplace
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Set up vacuums, tools and equipment and start
dust control vacuum (noisy!)
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Sweep chimney from below with Viper brushing
system
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Brush inside of firebox
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If possible, access chimney from roof and check
cap and cover condition
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Vacuum remaining soot and ash on firebox floor
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Notate any conditions found during sweeping
process on work order
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Discuss conditions with homeowner about their
fireplace and chimney and recommended repairs
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Notes |
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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 |
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We will only sweep a stove insert
if the flue pipe goes all the way to the top of the chimney! |
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Some chimney tops can be inaccessible
either due to steep roofs or fragile tile |
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Always have your chimney system swept
and inspected by a
CSIA
Certified Chimney Sweep |
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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--especially with stoves and prefab fireplaces, regardless of
whether the installation was approved by any authority prior to our visit |
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More Notes Many
times the visual inspection performed during and after a chimney evaluation
and 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. Please
visit our Chimney Video
Inspection Page for more information. |
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Click here to
return to Swede Chimney Sweep Home Page |
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