Looking to contact a frugal Knoxville chimney sweep now? Look no further. Clear Chimney is your one stop solution for everything fireplace and chimney.
When cold weather sets in, the fireplace is an essential heating source for many people. Furthermore, electric heat or natural gas prices are rising rapidly, many homeowners are going back to the tried and true method of wood burning fireplaces or stoves.
Unfortunately, some chimneys are too far gone to repair. This could be a $10,000 project to repair or replace a chimney that is clogged up. It doesn’t have to be expensive really.
The are steps a Knoxville chimney sweep company takes for each project.
The first step to cleaning a chimney removes any furniture and articles from the hearth area. Many customers have rugs and valuable items on the mantle. The cleaning process is messy. There is no reason to not take the proper steps in setting up a proper chimney sweep.
The second step is enclosing the opening with plastic sheeting. The vacuum system will pull any debris out of the chimney. For example, no soot will enter the house if this is done correctly. Our vacuums contain HEPA filters for high efficiency particle trapping.
The chimney sweeping pushes soot, clogs and debris down from the chimney cap. The vacuum system pulls the particles into the HEPA filters. Therefore, the soot is contained and trapped.
The bottom of the fireplace is cleaned once the chimney cap and flue are swept. The plastic is removed. Also, any furniture, rugs or items are relocated into their former place.
We teach each homeowner how to maintain their fireplace. Most people do not understand the need to clean a chimney every year.
How much wood do you burn a year?
The average fireplace uses 1 to 2 cords of wood a year. Burning wood regularly creates exhaust that can deposit creosote. Many homeowners hire a Knoxville chimney sweep to clean AFTER the winter season. The smell of burnt wood can creep into the house over the summer.
Also, be sure to only buy dried wood. Wet wood increases residue in the chimney flue. Above all, dried wood is the only way to go for creating a fire.
Finally, when choosing a Knoxville chimney sweep, quality, reputation and reliability win over “cheapest price” every time. Also, Clear Chimney is proud to serve east Tennessee. Locally owned. Clear Chimney never leaves you hanging for your fireplace and chimney needs.
Every homeowner (both owners and renters) should buy several fire extinguishers. According to the National Fire Protection Association, a fire breaks out every 90 seconds or so. It is too late AFTER a fire starts.
Fires will begin if embers pop out on a rug or carpet. Burning loose papers or other materials in a fireplace are dangerous to the room. We recommend every home buy several fire extinguishers. Hopefully, they are never needed.
Our trucks are stocked with fire extinguishers as a service to our customers. We are happy to provide them (and mount them if needed) for a nominal fee.
Obviously, the kitchen is where everyone thinks fire extinguishers belong. That is true, but every wood-burning stove and fireplace in your home should have an extinguisher close. They can mount on a wall beside the fireplace. They can be stored in cabinets.
Locations to buy several fire extinguishers
Kitchen for the stove
Wood-burning stoves (each one)
Fireplace (bedrooms, basement and bonus rooms)
Outdoor fireplace or fire pit
Garage for cars or rechargeable tools
Near gas or propane water heaters (if in a different area from above)
Additionally, if you have a golf cart or ATV, the charging stations will require an extinguisher as the batteries off gas at times. Don’t forget the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in these areas, also.
At ClearChimney, our main focus is keeping your family safe. Young children and grandchildren must be protected.
At the very least, have several fire extinguishers in the house. Have them in the garage. Have extinguishers in the trunk of your car.
Remember, when a fire breaks out, it is too late. Do not let others grieve because a fire extinguisher was missing.
It is very important to perform a chimney cleaning prior to the sell of your home. This is one of the most overlooked systems in a home inspection. The home inspector told us “we don’t have the expertise to check out the fireplace or chimney.” We have followed up on many recent home sales to find issues in the chimney or fireplaces.
Chimney cleaning (sweeping) is a dangerous but valuable service that prevents creosote build up. This is a highly flammable material and can start chimney fires.
If you are a home buyer, it is mandatory to inspect the chimney, the chimney cap and the chimney flue for defects and build up. The home inspection probably will not cover this in detail.
Below are the levels of chimney inspection and cleaning before you sell the home.
Level 1 inspection – a visual chimney and fireplace inspection. A chimney sweep uses a headlamp to look for damage, obstructions (bird nests, debris), creosote build up and soot. They are looking for the basic soundness of the chimney structure, support and flue. Also, if a chimney liner is in place, is the connection sound. Finally, the chimney inspector will provide a report of the findings for the seller.
Level 2 inspection – required when major changes were made to the original system. Changes include: fuel type, the shape or material of the chimney flue and changes to the efficiency or chimney rating. This chimney inspection includes all level 1 steps. A level 2 inspection is required in some areas upon the sale or transfer of a home. Any event that caused damage to the chimney, its foundation or flue must be inspected.
Level 3 – includes both level 1 and level 2 chimney inspection items. Level 3 chimney inspection removes parts of the chimney wall, chimney crown and interior fire blocks. It also inspects the foundation (crawl spaces, supports), required limits from combustible materials and roof openings.
What is the cost for a chimney inspection?
Chimney cleaning cost to sell your home range from $250 to $1,800. The total price depends on the number of fireplaces and the levels of chimney inspection.
Realtors will update their skill training to advise home sellers of this vital inspection. It is an additional cost. The peace of mind in the buyer’s eyes is so worth the expense.
Finally, call your home insurance agent. Insurance companies lower the cost of house insurance if the chimney is inspected. Also, a monitored fire and smoke system lowers most insurance premiums.
