Chimney sweeps should occur annually or more especially in the winter. You can do this with the help of professionals or you can do it yourself. You can get help with the chimney cleaning from websites or professionals. Do not be afraid to get help and review the different ways of cleaning. There are steps that need to be done to guarantee a successful cleaning process.

Chimney Cleaning Preparation

Better to be safe than sorry when it comes to cleaning non-normal household items such as your chimney. Here are some pre-preparation steps to ensure the cleaning process to go more smoothly.

  • Examine

    • You will want to grab a flashlight and a pencil to scrape off the buildup. You will be examining the creosote accumulation on one side of the chimney. If the accumulation is 1/8 inch thick, then it is time for a cleaning. Beware of animals that may be nesting in your chimney. Therefore a proper examination of chimney cleaning is necessary.
  • Take Measurements

    • Next, you will need to measure the sides of the chimney from the bottom to the top. Determining the size and shape of the flue also the height of the chimney. Would be smart to bring extra piping to make sure the chimney brush can reach the entire length of the chimney.
  • Extra Needs of Chimney Maintenance

    • If you are going to invest in chimney tools, it is best to have the following supplies: the right size brush, chimney brush extension pipes or rope, a small stiff wire brush, a plastic tarp or drop cloth, a tall ladder, broom, and dustpan, and a dust mask with goggles. It is best to wear old clothes and cover your hair. Drape a drop cloth around the fireplace and cover the furniture. Make sure to remove the damper from the chimney flue to not obstruct the chimney brush.

Ways To Clean Your Chimney

  • Top-Down Method

     

    • Where you climb to the roof by ladder, connecting the brush with a pipe to clean the inside by moving the brush up and down. To bring the brush further inside the chimney, connect the brush to another piece of pipe or flexible metal rods. This is a more preferable method due to a lesser amount of cleanup inside the house.
      • If applying the rope and weight method, join the weighted rope to the brush. Hold the end of the rope and drop the brush into the flue. Raise it up and down to form a scrubbing motion along the length of the chimney.
  • Bottom-Up Method

    • The method requires removing everything from the room and cover the carpet. Just as effective as the top-down method, but safer. Make sure the damper is open which then push the brush up through the chimney using up and down motions. You continue this method while adding detachable rods until the brush reaches the top of the chimney.
  • Dull Line/Pulley Rope System

    • Where two ropes are attached to the brush on either end. There will be a man pulling on either end, one on the roof and the other in the living room. Basically, tug-a-war with a brush in the middle to clean the chimney.
  • Clean Flue Entrance

    • Locate the flue, which typically is in the basement; where creosote and soot are collected. Using a spade, you will shovel it into a bucket. Then use the brush and dustpan to clean up the debris from the fireplace and tarp. You will dispose of the creosote and soot by the local laws. In this way, you know that your chimney is clean with a professional and effective method.
  • Soot Eater Rotatory Cleaning Systems

    • A system that represents an intense spinning power to clean flues that are 18-feet long and will not scratch metal flue pipes. It is a button link quick-connection system that spins the rod in either direction, allowing you to clean from the bottom.

It is possible to clean your own chimney, and we hope that you have the confidence to do so. But when it is beyond your control, then it is best to call a professional to come and perform the sweep. At Guardian Chimney Sweep, we offer excellent chimney cleaning services. Fill out the online form below or give us a call today.