The team at The Chimney Sweep is happy to take care of all of your chimney inspection, sweeping, and repair needs. However, we also want to provide you with some information about how to take care of and maintain your precious chimney so that it's functioning properly when you need it.
The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) recommends a yearly inspection and sweep with needed repairs done as necessary.
NFPA also recommends a Level 2 Inspection on all real estate transactions and when a change or use with the chimney such as converting from a wood burning fireplace to gas logs or switching from a fireplace to a woodstove.
Free-standing wood stoves or fireplace inserts used to heat the home should be inspected and swept every year.
Regular open fireplaces need to be inspected and swept yearly. On average, depending on your burning habits and the type of wood used to burn, an inspection and sweep are needed for every cord of wood burned.
It usually takes less than an hour to sweep most masonry chimneys.
Pre-fab fireplaces typically take about 35-45 minutes.
Inserts can take from 1-3 hours depending on how often they are swept, the type of wood burned, and the way the stove is operated.
There is no mess. We have tarps, vacuums, and brushes to clean your chimney without making a mess in your house.
We sweep most chimneys from inside the home. Upon entering your home, we are careful to find the best way to get equipment in and out of your home. We need some space in front of the fireplace to spread out the 9 x 12 ft tarp that covers the carpet and hearth. "Special Stuff" on the mantel or walls above the fireplace is safe. If you want to remove items on the mantel, please do. We set up all needed tools and our special chimney sweep vacuum to aid in dust control. We inspect the chimney's condition, noting any problems, and proceed with sweeping.
We remove the grates and any ash from the firebox. The walls and damper plate are brushed with a hand brush to remove any soot and creosote from this area.
We remove the damper plate and handle (if possible) to check for rust and missing parts. While sweeping the firebox area, we are checking for cracks in brick and missing or severely eroded mortar joints.
On "Pre-fab" model fireplaces, we are checking for cracks in the back and side panels in the firebox. Some hairline cracks are acceptable and a part of normal operations. However, we are looking for larger cracks and gaps that will allow fire to reach the metal box enclosure of the fireplace. This can cause damage to the firebox, making it unsafe for use. These panels are replaceable, so do not fear. We can replace old damaged panels, making your fireplace usable again.
On masonry chimneys, we reach up inside the smoke chamber area with a hand brush to sweep the throat area and the sides where the larger brush misses. Next, we use a drill with a rotary cleaning system and clean the upper smoke chamber area and flue tiles.
The liner is checked for cracks, gaps, and missing mortar joints using a flashlight. We clean off debris that has fallen onto the smoke shelf. The damper plate, handle, and cotter pin are put back in place, and dust is swept out of the firebox. We vacuum off the hearth, remove all equipment and tarp from your house, complete the invoice, get payment for the amount due, thank you for your business, sprinkle some good luck around, and look forward to the next customer's dirty chimney. The whole process takes about 1 hour more or less, depending on conditions.
The best time to call The Chimney Sweep is the spring when you are done burning or using your fireplace for the season. Here are 3 reasons why:
As professional chimney sweeps, we can sweep the chimney from the top or the bottom. Factors that determine this are:
We're only one call away. Call (336) 993-8999 now to speak with our friendly team!
Phone: (336) 993-8999 | Email: thechimneysweep26@yahoo.com
Address: 4710 Kernersville Rd Kernersville, NC 27284
Business Hours: