Cleanings and Inspections
Regular chimney cleanings and inspections are vital to the safety of your Home. Chimney Cleanings help to eliminate the buildup of creosote and other debris that accumulates with regular usage of the appliance. This not only helps to prevent chimney fires, but inspections ensure the integrity of the chimney itself. All of our cleanings come with a 17 point written inspection.
How our process works
We begin our chimney cleaning process by protecting your home. Before the cleaning process is begun we lay down our cleaning tarps in the hearth area just before the fireplace or wood stove. This ensures that no debris will make contact with your flooring from our equipment. We also prevent debris from leaving the firebox during the cleaning process with our large vacuum. Our vacuum is equipped with a double HEPA filter system that filters fine particles such as, ashes, dirt, dust, dander, pollen, and other job site debris. The vacuum will remain running during the coarse of the cleaning process.
We clean the entire system from the firebox to the top of the chimney. This is done with a rod and brush system that is properly sized to the flue. Rods are added as the brush moves up or down the flue, ensuring that all sides are cleaned. We then brush out the entire smoke chamber, the firebox, and vacuum out all remaining debris. When the complete system is cleaned, we are able to visually make an inspection of your system.
How often should I have my chimney cleaned?
This is a tougher question than it sounds. The quick simple answer is: The National Fire Protection Association standard 211 says, "Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary." This is the national safety standard and is the correct way to approach the problem. It takes into account the fact that even if you don't use your chimney much, animals may build nests in the flue, there may be types of deterioration that could make the chimney unsafe to use, or there could be damage from storms.
So at a minimum we always recommend to our clients to have the system inspected every year before the first use and have the system cleaned after every cord of wood that is burned. It is most important that the system is professionally cleaned and that clients don’t rely on creosote destroying logs or just burning the system “hot”.
The Inspection
The inspection ensures that the system is in proper working order and focuses on the following:
CHIMNEY SYSTEM
1: Height - Is the chimney tall enough for proper draft.
2: Chimney Cap - Proper for rain and animals.
3: Crown/Chase Cover - Free of leaking and proper overhang.
4: Brick/Mortar - Free of cracks and deterioration.
5: Chase - Condition of the siding
6: Flashing - Condition of flashing
7: Flue/Pipe - Is the flue condition worthy of service
WOOD STOVE/INSERT
8: Stovepipe - Is the stovepipe worthy of service
9: Flue Connection - Is the connection proper
10: Gasket - Are the gasket working properly
FIREBOX
11: Smoke Chamber - Is it worthy of service
12: Damper - Is it working properly
13: Firebox/Grate - Condition of stones/grate
14: Screens/Doors - Properly contain sparks/operation
15: Ash Container - Condition and Proper doors
16: Hearth - Proper Length for sparks and code
17: Log Lighter - Proper working condition