How many cords of wood do you need to clean a chimney?

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends that open masonry fireplaces should be swept once they have ⅛” of sooty buildup or sooner if there is glaze in the system. Another theory is to clean your chimney after every two cords of wood. We at Valley Chimney like to recommend annually.

How often should a wood burning chimney be cleaned?

Both the NFPA and Spisto recommend getting your chimney cleaned and inspected once a year by a qualified professional. Carli says that regardless of chimney type, you should you have your chimney swept at least one time a year.

How much does it cost to clean a wood burning chimney?

The typical chimney cleaning cost is between $129 and $377. Wood fireplaces that receive regular maintenance price $85 to $100 per cleaning. Those with build-up from years of neglect could total as much as $800. Chimney cleaning kits run between $50 to $100.

How long does it take to clean a chimney?

Every flue is different, but on average a thorough cleaning should take about 45 minutes to an hour. This time can increase substantially if there is creosote present in your flue, if the flue is damaged in any way, or if there are blockages such as birds' nests.

How long does it take for a professional to clean a chimney?

Every flue is different, but, in general, a standard chimney cleaning will take between 45 minutes and an hour. Some of the factors that increase the time it takes to clean a chimney include whether or not there is a lot of creosote present, if the flue has damage or if there are blockages like nests present.

Chimney Cleaning 101 - How to Clean Your Chimney DIY

Can I clean my own chimney?

In many cases, you can clean the chimney yourself and save a few hundred dollars. Removing ordinary chimney soot is pretty simple. But if you have heavy creosote buildup, you'll have to call in a pro.

How much mess does a chimney sweep make?

There's not always soot in chimneys – sometimes there are pieces of chimney lining and brick dust that comes down the chimney. But under most circumstances, there shouldn't be any mess at all when we sweep your chimney.

What is included in a chimney cleaning?

How can I tell if my chimney needs cleaning?

Do creosote sweeping logs work?

Many homeowners wonder if the chimney sweep logs or creosote sweeping logs really work to clean out fireplace flues and get rid of creosote residue so that the fireplaces are safe to use. The short answer is no, they don't work.

How do I get the soot smell out of my fireplace?

Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle and spritz the fireplace area to deodorize at the source. Spray a towel with vinegar and wave it around the room to absorb the fireplace odor. You can also use this tip to eliminate cigarette smell in your home.

How do you pressure wash a chimney?

It says to apply cleaning solution with a brush or a pump sprayer with no more than 30 to 50 psi, followed by a thorough rinse at low pressure (100 to 400 psi). Never exceed 400 psi, it says. If the stains turn out to be soot, you'll need a cleaner up to that task.

Where does creosote build up the most?

Creosote buildup increases when the air supply is restricted in the chimney, unseasoned wood is used to make a fire, and when the chimney temperature is cooler than normal. Too much creosote buildup can cause chimney fires and these low burning fires can go undetected until they spread.

How do you test for creosote build up?

Use your fireplace poker.

Scratch the smoke chamber above your damper to see if there is any creosote. Even if the layer of tar seems very thin, it's time to call a chimney sweep ASAP. If you have more than 1/8 of an inch of buildup, do not use the chimney until it is clean.

How much does a chimney brush cost?

Chimney sweep costs can range from $129 to $378, with a national average of $252. Prices vary regionally and according to the level of cleaning required as well as other factors.

What size chimney brush should I use?

Measure the inside of your chimney and match that size to a brush designed for your flue. The brush should be 1/2" – 1 inch larger than the flue. An oversize brush will not improve cleaning and could become lodged in the chimney. An undersized brush will not provide the pressure on the walls for proper cleaning.

How often should a chimney be swept?

HETAS encourage having your chimney swept at least twice a year when burning wood and at least once a year when burning smokeless fuels. The best times to have your chimney swept are just before the start of the heating season and after your stove has not been used over a prolonged period.

How do you prepare for a chimney sweep?

Can I have a fire the night before a chimney sweep?

Refrain from building a fire in your fireplace or wood stove for at least 24 hours to allow it to cool before the appointment. There is nothing more frustrating to chimney sweeps than to arrive at a customer's house ready to work and find the system is too hot to service.

Can you sweep a chimney from the top?

Rather than physically enter a chimney flue, a sweep can clean from the top or the bottom of the chimney and, as well as the traditional brush, a chimney sweep kit includes vacuums and specialist cleaning tools.

Can you clean a chimney in the rain?

Those interested in chimney cleaning methods should remember a few basic rules: A general chimney cleaning is required if the thickness of contaminants on the walls of exceeds 2 millimeters. Cleaning of the pipes can only be performed if it's not raining or wind blowing, otherwise the roof may collapse.

Can you sweep a hot chimney?

You could try to remove creosote yourself, but for a thorough job, call a chimney sweep who's certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America. Make sure the sweep you hire does more than pushing a brush.