There isn’t a simple rule of thumb when it’s time for a chimney cleaning. It depends a lot on how often you use your fireplace or stove. The National Fire Protection Association recommends that chimneys, fireplaces, and vents be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs should be done if necessary.
When it’s time for a chimney cleaning, call a professional that knows exactly how to clean and inspect your fireplace and chimney.
According to The National Fire Protection Association (www.nfpa.org), “The leading factor contributing to home heating fires (27%) was failure to clean, principally from solid-fueled heating equipment, primarily chimneys.”
The problem is that creosote (the tar deposited on
chimney walls by wood smoke) can form when unseasoned wood is burned, the air
supply is restricted, or/and the chimney temperatures are cooler than
normal. Burning unseasoned wood keeps
the smoke cooler than seasoned wood because much more energy is used to drive
off the water trapped in the logs. A
smoky fire without enough oxygen emits lots of unburned tar vapors that can
condense inside the fireplace flue and stick to it, possibly leading to a
chimney fire. You can reduce creosote
buildup in your fireplace flue by providing adequate combustion air, which will
encourage a hot, clean-burning fire.
When using a wood stove, overloading the firebox with wood in an attempt to get a longer burn time also contributes to creosote build-up. We recommend filling the firebox to around 75% if possible.
Check for creosote build up…
To check for creosote yourself, first, make sure there’s no downdraft from the chimney. If you feel an airflow, open a door or window on the same floor as the fireplace until the downdraft stops or reverses and air flows up (tape tissue to the fireplace opening and watch its movement). Then, while wearing goggles and a basic disposable dust mask, take a strong flashlight and shine the light near the top of the firebox, in the smoke chamber and around the damper. And check the fireplace flue too, especially on exterior chimneys, where creosote builds up faster than on interior chimneys because of lower outside temperatures.
Take your fireplace poker and scratch the black surface above the damper (smoke chamber). If the groove you scratch in the creosote is paper thin, no cleaning is needed. However, if it’s 1/8 in. thick, schedule a cleaning soon. If you have 1/4 in. of creosote, do not use the fireplace again until it is cleaned – a chimney fire could occur at any time.
Can I do this when it is time for a chimney cleaning?
You could try to remove the creosote yourself, but why not save on materials and get a thorough job, call us. We are knowledgeable, and trained to recognize deterioration or venting problems, and able to advise you regarding the chimney’s condition. Proper care and maintenance of your chimneys, woodstoves and fireplaces can help protect you and your family from unnecessary fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Finally, when it is time for a chimney cleaning, do not try to do this yourself. It is a dangerous job with unique tools. Call us and let our pros do it right, safe and cost effective.
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.
Rental cabin fireplaces are at risk without a thorough chimney cleaning. The challenge with rental cabins is the timing required between guest visits. We often have to clean these with only hours to spare before the next guest checks in.
Amazing! This is a real example of a fireplace that did not get a chimney sweep even though it was recommended a year ago. Also, the fire resulted from paper products and “green wood” burning for over a year.
Most rental cabin owners do not understand how many fires are burned in cabins (even in mild temperatures). It does not take very much burning to create creosote buildup in a fireplace flue. We see rental cabins in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville Tennessee that do not get the proper chimney sweeping service. These cabins are used all winter long. Also, many visitors do not realize how to start and maintain a proper fire.
They will frequently put combustibles into the fireplace that will cause dangerous creosote build up over the years. Therefore, the cabin requires frequent cleaning of the chimney and fireplace.
A thorough chimney sweep takes less than an hour and provides peace of mind at an affordable price. Why take chances with your largest investment?
Your family’s safety depends on regular maintenance in many areas of your home. Why neglect your fireplace? This is a dirty and dangerous job. DO NOT try to do this yourself unless you acquire the proper training and tools.
Finally, If you live in around our area of east Tennessee, remember, rental cabin fireplaces are at risk without a thorough cleaning.
Schedule A Chimney Sweep
Schedule a cleaning today and rest easy for the coming year. We offer specials in the spring and the fall. Check our webpage for coupons related to chimney sweepings. We also offer military and first responder discounts. Mention this webpage for your discount at the time of your scheduling.
Keep the rental cabins clean and they will produce positive cash flow to you year around.
