The chimney cleaners are a smokeshaft solution contractor that offers timber burning fireplace installation, chimney examination, as well as fireplace starter repair work. As you can already see, this is a bad combination. 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. And most importantly, burning a sweeping log should not replace an annual chimney cleaning! 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. What does a chimney cleaning and inspection include? 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. ... Chimney fires can destroy the integrity of the fireplace flue and cause major instability and damage that you don’t even know about. 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. 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. Yes, gas fireplaces do burn clean and there’s no presence of creosote or soot in the chimney, unlike a wood-burning fireplace. Chimney cleaning is needed to remove creosote deposits and other debris from chimneys and vents. Annual maintenance, which includes cleaning and inspection, is recommended. According to the National Fire Protection Association, chimney cleaning or inspections should take place annually. 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. Remember, safety first! Avoid dangerous work. Overall, a typical chimney cleaning should be able to be finished in an hour. Yes and no. Is cleaning a fireplace chimney the same as cleaning a wood stove chimney? Stay Up-to-Date with Gas Fireplace Maintenance You can perform this home maintenance yourself, but most homeowners enlist the help of a chimney sweeping service. Regular cleaning is necessary for fire safety, so let the experts at Scott Bovy Chimney Sweeps take care of it for you. Shane C. Construction started as fireplace and chimney cleaning and sweeping service. This could force dangerous fumes from a fire back into your home. … Preferably by a professional chimney service company certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America. (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!). Burning creosote cleaning logs first can make the job easier, and consulting a professional or the local fire department is also a smart option. The same issues (creosote and soot buildup) occur in wood stove chimneys as well as regular fireplace chimneys. When you light a fire, unburnt gasses from the combustion process travel up your chimney where they are released into the outside air. It has an installed insert in the fireplace with a properly sized liner. Keep your chimney in good working order to avoid costly and dangerous problems in the future. Flue & Chimney Cleaning Chemicals. Cleaning should occur annually, but the process for cleaning a wood stove pipe is on a smaller scale. Does the chimney of a gas fireplace need to be cleaned? You should get your chimney inspected or cleaned at least once a year for all types of fireplaces. It's a potentially dangerous and very dirty job and better left to the professionals in most cases. Your sweep may have other maintenance recommendations depending on how you use your fireplace or stove. First, consult your owner's manual. 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! If creosote—a by-product of fires—builds up in the chimney, it may block the flue or cause corrosion and deterioration. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Clean chimneys don’t catch fire. A Chimney Sweep Does More Than Clean. 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 … Rock salts, combined with burning fire, have the ability to form a sort of mixture that moves through the chimney. When it comes to DIY chimney cleaning, the obvious question is- what to burn to clean chimney, then rock salt is the first answer. There’s a fair amount of misconception about how these logs work, though. 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. These sticky deposits are called creosote. There should be specific instructions as well as a recommendation for a cleaning kit and/or supplies. When you burn a fire, you’re going to be creating creosote. Do You Know How to Hang Christmas Lights? (An estimated 25,000 home fires a year start in the chimney.) To sum it up, the more creosote, the higher risk of fire. Feel free to reach out and start the conversation. "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. 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. Heavy creosote removal will likely cost you more, and if you have critters (dead or alive—yikes!) This material will accumulate on the inside of the chimney. Chimney problems can lead to the smoke going inside the home instead of out or can start a fire. 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 cleaning or chimney sweeping is a good idea at the start and the end of the season. A chimney free of debris lets you enjoy your fireplace without worry, and that’s the ultimate goal, right? Country Living editors select each product featured. The material is highly flammable. This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. "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." We provide chimney cleaning, smokeshaft building and construction, fireplace cleaning and also various other solutions. It’s often a good idea to call early in the season. Chimney sweeps are invested in your personal safety within your home. 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. Our sweeps are punctual, cordial, and equipped with … 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. Wood-burning fireplaces are warm, cozy and attractive, but they require proper maintenance, or the consequences could be quite severe. Chimney cleaning logs, also known as creosote sweeping logs, are marketed as an easy way to deal with this sticky problem. Yes. Chimney brushes are the tools of choice for cleaning chimney soot. Chimney Sweep Cost. Yes and yes, but you should have realistic expectations. How Do I Start My Fireplace For the First Time? Know someone that could benefit from our services? Smokeshaft examination and fireplace starter repair in addition to other solutions. 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. Midtown Chimney Sweeps was founded in 1979 and provides chimney services around the country and Canada. Be sure that access to the fireplace and chimney is clear so that the chimney sweep can do their job. Creosote deposited over a long period becomes highly flammable and it’s often the cause of chimney fires. Leave the hassle to us. Chimney flare ups are primarily the result of built up creosote, an extremely combustible residue buildup on chimney walls after burning wood. 860-233-5770. Make sure a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® inspects your solid fuel venting system annually, and sweeps and repairs it whenever needed. It’s always helpful if the homeowner makes sure that the fireplace is easily accessible. $10 OFF Call the pros to get the job done safely. Building A Firewood Shed Avoiding important routine chimney maintenance can cause big (and costly) problems down the road. Vented gas logs generate some soot and carbon just like wood burning fires and can leave deposits in the chimney the same way. 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. Burning aluminum cans can be a possible solution t… Modern prefabricated metal chimneys are specially treated to withstand the high temperatures of a chimney fire without suffering severe damage. This fee should include both an inspection (for overall safety evaluation) and a full cleaning, or sweep. When dealing with ashes, soot, burned logs, and potentially old pieces — yes it can create a mess. 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. How to Clean Almost Anything in Your Home, How to Clean Car Seats so They Won't Stink. It's not so much the creosote to worry about as a bird's nest might need to be removed. 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. Here at Chimney and Masonry Outfitters, if we see something that is not right, we will notify you and perform a more detailed inspection. A fireplace’s flue with soot and creosote can put your home at risk for a chimney flue fire. Burning a regular wood fire before adding the log softens tar buildup inside the chimney, which makes the chimney-cleaning log more effective. A basic chimney sweep for a fireplace with a single flue costs $149 to $185 which includes a chimney inspection. Yes and no. If you have any questions about your fireplace, fireplace safety, masonry, or the overall chimney service, this will be the time to ask. 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?). Indianapolis, IN Do we have your attention now? Keeping your chimney clean helps prevent home fires—it's as simple as that. The process begins with the incomplete combustion of fuel in the attached appliance, usually a wood or coal stove, or open fire. When you burn a sweeping log, the creosote dries up into a flaky consistency. And yes—we said flammable. It depends on where you live, but in general, getting your chimney professionally cleaned will cost you anywhere from $125 to $300. Creosote removal is vital to your safety. Enjoy the warmth of a well-kept fireplace. 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 … 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. Once a year. At the very bottom of the chimney, often located in the … However, when hiring a team of certified professionals, you are in better hands to receive a thorough job performed in a clean way. These volatile distillates escape into the chimney, where they contact cooler surfaces and condense into tar-like deposits, and soot. First and foremost, you should learn about the importance of cleaning your chimney. 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. This should be done before the chimney is used at the beginning of winter. So to prevent the build-up of dirt, how often does your chimney need sweeping? The unburned volatiles are heated to the vapor state but not consumed due to a lack of adequate heat and oxygen within the appliance. It's not so much the creosote to worry about as a bird's nest might need to be removed. The quality of their customer service at this visit should leave you feeling satisfied with the job and safe to burn a fire. Same as a wood-burning setup, gas fireplace chimneys should be inspected and cleaned once a year. The main culprit of chimney fires is creosote. 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. 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. There is one type of chimney that could most likely be cleaned by the homeowner, though. Northeastern Chimney LLC. But safety comes first: This isn't just any ol' DIY—you'll be on the roof, after all. Your Christmas Dessert Table Needs These Recipes. Same as a wood-burning setup, gas fireplace chimneys should be inspected and cleaned once a year. 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. And that allows creosote to dissolve and bring back proper functionality of your chimney. If you want to save some cash, you can remove chimney soot yourself. 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. A chimney sweeper can do an inspection to make sure the chimney is clean, and everything is functioning properly. Maintaining a clean fireplace and chimney results in more efficient, safer fires. A dirty chimney can prevent harmful gases from leaving your home even cause chimney fires in the most serious of cases. 5151 S Franklin Rd While soot is more easily removable, creosote sticks to the chimney lining, which can be dangerous because it's extremely flammable. Forms of preventative maintenance. 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. This makes a professional chimney sweep's job much easier, but still necessary. 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. 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. These Christmas Front Doors Are Nothing but Merry, 27 Most Delicious Christmas Dinner Casserole Ideas. Getting your chimney professionally cleaned by a Professional Chimney Sweep removes soot and creosote, before a blockage or chimney fire can occur. Creosote is a byproduct of wood burning and is responsible for hundreds of chimney fires across the state. 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. 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. 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. Even though the chimney sweep log will make the job easier, it isn’t enough. How Much Does it Cost to Repair a Chimney? Your fireplace may look clean but your chimney may not be in the same condition. Finish the Job Clean the flue's entrance. Although it is important to keep your chimney, fireplace or woodstove clean, this task can be hazardous for someone who isn't trained. 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. More about us. in your chimney or significant repairs, expect to cough up a little extra. 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. Minimize creosote build-up to prevent chimney fires. 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. Our experienced chimney sweeps have cleaned well over 10,000 chimneys in over 26 years servicing the Indianapolis and surrounding area. The more soot you find in the fireplace, the more gases are released and the less environmentally conscious the burning is. 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. Consult step-by-step instructions before you begin to ensure a thorough and safe cleaning. Move any furniture and decor out of the way, and cover it just in case. Any issues with these questions warrants a call to a professional. 37 Cody Street. Should they suffer damage from a chimney fire, the professional recommendation is to no longer use the chimney until you replace the unit. Questions? Once satisfied, securely replace the cap and clean out the fireplace. How Often Should You Have Your Chimney Inspected? 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. Making a chimney and fireplace clean and safe for use goes beyond just chimney sweeping and brushing surfaces. There are numerous ways to do so. Save $25 Off Chimney Sweep and Dryer Vent Cleaning, Save Up To $200 Off of Your Masonry Repair. West Hartford CT 06110. This content is imported from {embed-name}. In extreme cases, the hardened layer of buildup requires cleaning with special tools or chemicals. Call today: 317-500-1250. 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. If you … Don’t forget to get your chimney swept annually. 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. 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. To help your chimney service run smoothly, be aware of things to consider when hiring a chimney sweep. Are the offsets in the chimney clean and in good condition? With that being said, you should keep the chimney clean. We pride ourselves on exceptional customer service and satisfaction. Yes. Tips for Keeping Your Chimney Clean Burning well-seasoned, dry wood is one way to minimize creosote production. There is a real risk that your uncleaned chimney is going to result in a house fire. A fireplace cleaning log helps to prevent chimney fires and they help remove debris deposited along the chimney walls. Mention this website! The most important thing you can do … for a. 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. Successive layers accumulate until either the chimney plugs completely, or the chimney reaches a temperatureand oxygen level at whi… Find out how to clean your chimney here, how often you (or a professional) should be doing so, and more chimney maintenance 101. If creosote is present, it's best to hire a professional to clean your chimney. 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