Swede Chimney Sweep Chimney Sweeping Page

Chimney Sweeping

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.

	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

Watch how we sweep your chimney

Chimney Sweeping Procedure

Masonry Fireplace and Chimney

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

Prefab Fireplace and Chimney

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

Notes:

	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--especially with stoves and prefab fireplaces, regardless of whether the installation was approved by any authority prior to our visit

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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