Chimney Sweeping

Think It's Time For A Chimney Sweep?

Think it may be time for a chimney sweeping? Our protocol is to always start with a level one inspection, or a level two inspection if the circumstances call for it. Why? Because the NFPA and CSIA state that all chimneys MUST be inspected annually or with every sweep, but only swept as needed. Hopefully you're already scheduled for both a chimney sweep and inspection. If we determine that a sweeping isn't needed after our overview, you will only be charged for the inspection.

Why Chimney Sweeping Is Necessary & Important

The natural byproduct of burning wood is creosote, soot and ash, unfortunately, creosote is highly flammable and can burn at temperatures in excess of 2,100 degrees. If creosote is left in your chimney, it could easily cause a chimney fire, which could damage your chimney and home. But during a sweeping, we’ll remove soot and creosote from your system.

Having your chimney swept will not only improve the indoor air quality of your home, but it will also reduce your risk of experiencing a chimney fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.

Here’s a little about each the chimney cleaning process and what’s involved…

Chimney & fireplace cleaning available in Waynesburg & Farmington PA

Fireplace Sweep

If you have a fireplace, here’s what you can expect during a sweep:

  • The technician will lay out drop cloths.
  • The technician will sweep the chimney, usually from the bottom.
  • The technician will remove the insert if there is no liner connected to the insert.
  • The technician will remove the soot, ash, or debris from the insert and from the sides and rear if applicable.
  • The technician will perform a level one inspection.

Chimney sweeps in Brookhaven & Canonsburg PA

Fireplace Insert Sweep

If you have a fireplace insert, here’s what you can expect during a sweep:

  • The technician will lay out drop cloths.
  • The technician will sweep the chimney, usually from the bottom if the liner is connected to the insert.
  • The technician will remove the insert if there is no liner connected to the insert.
  • The technician will remove the soot, ash, or debris from the insert and from the sides and rear if applicable.
  • The technician will perform a level one inspection.

Wood Stove or Wood/Coal Furnace Sweep

Wood stove and wood/coal furnace chimneys need cleaning, too! If you have a wood stove or wood/coal furnace, here’s what you can expect during a sweep:

  • The technician will lay out drop cloths.
  • The technician will sweep the chimney, usually from the roof.
  • The technician will remove and sweep the black pipe.
  • The technician will re-attach the black pipe with new screws and re-mortar back into the wall.
  • The technician will remove all reachable debris from the clean-out area, based on accessibility.
  • The technician will remove all debris from the appliance, based on accessibility.
  • The technician will perform a level one inspection.

Gas Furnace, Oil Furnace, or Hot Water Tank Sweep

And we can’t forget about gas furnace, oil furnace, and hot water tank chimneys. Here’s what you can expect during a sweep:

  • The technician will lay out drop cloths.
  • The technician will sweep the chimney, usually from the roof.
  • The technician will remove and sweep the connector pipe.
  • The technician will re-attach the connector pipe with new screws.
  • The technician will remove all reachable debris from the clean-out area, based on accessibility.
  • The technician will perform a level one inspection.

How to Prepare for Your Chimney Sweep or Inspection

You can count on us to come equipped and ready to get right to work. But there are a few things you’ll need to do to prepare for your appointment:

  • 24 hours prior to your appointment, remember to stop using your wood appliances, fireplaces, or coal-burning appliances. We cannot sweep the chimney unless it is completely cooled.
  • Two hours prior to your appointment, remember to stop using your gas or oil appliances if the chimney these appliances use is being swept. We cannot sweep the chimney unless it is completely cooled.
  • Please remove all fragile or precious items, as well as furniture, from the area near the fireplace, furnace, or stove being serviced. We need about 6 to 8 feet around the fireplace, furnace, or stove so that we can comfortably get our equipment in place and allow our technicians to move freely.

Professional chimney cleaning available in Cheat Lake WV & Wexford PA

Other Important Information About Your Sweep

Dampers are temperamental and tend to come off the track relatively easily as they age and wear. Please check the damper to make sure you can open and close it with ease prior to our leaving - because if it comes off track, it will be easier to put it back on track when we are there in the home.

We always CLOSE your damper when we're done with your chimney sweep and/or inspection, so that you don't lose air conditioning or heated air through your chimney. It's important to open your damper before you light a fire in your fireplace or your home will fill with smoke.

Ready to get your chimney cleaning and inspection on the books? Reach out to us here on our website or give us a call today. We’re here to help!