Chimney Sweep

A “chimney sweep” is the term used to describe the process of getting your chimney cleaned. The chimney sweep process is a multiple step process requiring specialized tools and personnel. In this post, we are going to dive into the process. As always, contact us here, for all of your chimney needs, including scheduling your annual chimney sweep!

Chimney Sweep - Setting the appointment

Due to demand and personnel/tool requirements, chimney sweeps require appointments. We like to provide appointments in 30 minute windows. This allows our technicians extra time between appointments, and ensures each customer gets the attention they require. We do not want our technicians rushing from one appointment to the next. The chimney sweep process generally takes between 60 - 90 minutes and can require up to 2 technicians. A contact number is required, so once the technician arrives, they can contact the homeowner. After a professional introduction, the technician is ready to locate the fireplace and begin the cleaning process.

Chimney Sweep: Tools

The following are the tools used for the chimney sweep technician.

A non-permeable drop cloth - placed on the floor for protection.
Rotary drill - Used to spin the cleaning apparatus.
40 ft of polypropylene rods that come in 5 foot increments - used for cleaning.
Polypropylene whip and smoke chamber brush (Cleaning Apparatus).
HEPA certified vacuum
Chim-Scan internal evaluation camera

Chimney Sweep - The Cleaning

A non-permeable drop cloth is placed in front of the fireplace opening. The cloth is used to protect the carpet and surrounding area. These drop cloths are similar to the ones used by painters to protect from paint spilling. The polypropylene whip and smoke chamber brush (cleaning brush) is attached to the rotary drill. The brush head is inserted into the chimney and the cleaning process begins.

As the brush spins and cleans, the HEPA vacuum is used to catch all of the ash/soot/soil that is coming down the chimney. The HEPA vacuum ensures the ash does not enter your home and that your air quality stays pristine. The technician utilizes the 5ft polypropylene rods as needed to get the brush to the top of the flue. Once the cleaning is complete, the technician will do a visual inspection to ensure nothing was missed.

Chimney Sweep - The Inspection

The internal inspection utilizes the Chim-Scan internal evaluation camera. The evaluation camera has two independent cameras, one on the body that can rotate 360 and a second that is fixed on the head of the unit. The use of the 360 degree camera and head camera ensures a thorough inspection and ensures all problems get identified.

The external inspection is that of the masonry chimney and roof itself. The goal of the external is to look for overall structural integrity and identify any problem areas.

During the chimney inspection, the chimney sweep technician is looking for any code violations, cracks, gaps, extreme corbeling or smoke chamber issues. The chimney cap is also inspected as its shape/condition is paramount to the life of your chimney. All code violations should be reported and backed by the National Fire Protection Agency documentation - NFPA 211.

Chimney Sweep - Now vs. Then

The chimney sweep cleaning process has changed over the centuries. The original chimney sweeps technicians used push brooms for cleaning and adolescents for inspection!

Today, we use electrically powered rotary drills that are attached to a cleaning apparatus. The cleaning apparatus consists of 10 polypropylene whiskers that knock down the soot/soil, which offers a much deeper clean then the old push brooms. The modern rotary cleaning also cleans your smoke chamber, which push brooms could not.

The old push broom method of cleaning leaves striations in your creosote which will increase the turbulence through your flue. Increased turbulence increases the residence time in your chimney, meaning the hot gas stays in your chimney longer, prolonging high temperature exposure to the brick. This is just one of the many advantages of modern rotary cleanings.

Chimney Sweep – Conclusion

Once the cleaning and inspection is complete, all findings are documented and provided to the homeowner in a detailed report. The report will contain all recommendations and maintenance that should be completed. A bid should be given on-site for any repairs that may need to be done.

Chimney repair bids are generally good for up to five years. This gives the homeowner plenty of time to get a second opinion and plan for the repair. Chimney sweep technicians should not apply pressure to the homeowner for repairs, rather simply point out the areas of concern and their proposal to address the concerns. All good chimney sweep companies offer some form of warranty for their work.

Here at Watertite Chimney Services, we provide a warranty with all the work that we do. Most of our work is backed by a lifetime warranty. We firmly believe chimney repair and service should never be a temporary fix. We only offer long term chimney solutions and stand behind them.

Need a chimney sweep or inspection? We would love to help. Contact us here to schedule an appointment today!

Chimney Sweep - Explained