When should a chimney be swept?

You should get your chimney inspected or cleaned at least once a year for all types of fireplaces. If you regularly burn wood or coal in your fireplace, you should sweep your chimney every season.
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How often should chimney be swept?

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.
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What time of year is best to clean chimney?

The best time to clean chimneys in your home is in the warmer months, between spring and late summer—essentially, before you need to think about lighting any fireplaces for warmth when the weather turns cold.
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How long can a chimney go without cleaning?

It simply depends on the creosote buildup. However, it is recommended that a chimney is cleaned after ever face cord of word, or every two years.
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What happens if you don't sweep your chimney?

If you don't clean your chimney regularly, soot will accumulate around the flue causing an inability to draw smoke upwards. The smoke will then be directed to your room leaving black soot on the walls, furniture, and carpeting. It causes permanent staining around the chimney in some cases.
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How to Sweep a Chimney - Do it Yourself



How can I tell if my chimney needs cleaning?

Here are our top 9 Signs that Your Chimney Needs to Be Cleaned:
  1. Oily Spots on the Walls of Your Fireplace.
  2. Poorly Burning Fires.
  3. Odors Coming from the Fireplace.
  4. Animals are Inside Your Chimney.
  5. Smoke Doesn't Rise Up the Chimney.
  6. Fires are Difficult to Get Started.
  7. Chimney Soot is Falling from the Chimney.
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Can I clean my chimney myself?

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.
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Does an unused chimney need sweeping?

An unused chimney should always be swept and given a little ventilation top and bottom.
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Is it necessary to clean chimney every year?

According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), fireplaces need to be cleaned once there is 1/8″ of creosote and/or soot buildup inside the chimney liner. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), all chimneys should be cleaned at least once every year, regardless.
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Can you clean chimney in winter?

If there is a problem that requires a repair of some sort, you may not be able to use your fireplace until it's fixed. In other words, an inspection or sweep can be done in the winter, but you may miss out on using your wonderful fireplace if there is a problem.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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How often should a wood burning stove 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.
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What does a chimney sweep include?

What should a professional chimney cleaning include? Sweeping the fireplace, checking the firebox, liners, smoke chamber and flue, chimney exterior and inspecting the appliance for proper clearances. Recommendations for proper operation or replacement of equipment and necessary repairs to equipment or structure.
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How do you tell if your chimney is clogged?

Signs of a blocked chimney and its flue liner include:
  1. An excessive smell of smoke during a fire.
  2. A white residue on the walls of the flue liner.
  3. Water leakage.
  4. Debris falling towards the base of the fireplace.
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How do you maintain a chimney?

8 Things You Should Know About Fireplace & Chimney Care
  1. Call A Chimney Sweep. They exist, and not just to pop up in children's movies. ...
  2. Leave A Little Ash. ...
  3. Keep The Area Clear. ...
  4. Close The Damper. ...
  5. Make Sure You Have A Chimney Cap. ...
  6. Only Use Seasoned Wood. ...
  7. Don't Hang Stockings. ...
  8. Consider A Fireplace Insert.
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Do chimney sweeps make a mess?

Sure, it can get messy, but if you pick the right firm to do it for you, it shouldn't encroach into your living space or be inconvenient. In fact, your home should be just as clean as it was before the team started the job.
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How do you prepare for a chimney sweep?

Your fireplace and chimney need to be cool to the touch, so the chimney sweep can perform their job without incident.
...
1. Make Sure Your Fireplace Is Cool
  1. Clear the Mantle and Firebox. ...
  2. Protect Nearby Furniture. ...
  3. Ensure Clear Access to the Fireplace. ...
  4. Notify Your Chimney Sweep of Any Concerns. ...
  5. Ask Any Questions You May Have.
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Is it normal for sparks to come out of chimney?

Not only is this situation not normal, it's not safe. If you see sparks and embers coming from the opening of your chimney, there's a good likelihood that a chimney fire is occurring.
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How do you extinguish a chimney fire?

It's possible to put out a chimney fire by yourself, but don't take any chances.
...
Call 911, report the fire immediately, and then follow these steps.
  1. Get everyone out. ...
  2. Put the flames in the firebox. ...
  3. Hose down the chimney. ...
  4. Clear wood and ashes. ...
  5. Finish with a chimney extinguisher. ...
  6. Don't let your guard down.
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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.
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