Q&A

Professional Chimney Sweeping


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.

Take a Look at Our Frequently Asked Questions to Keep Your Chimney at Its Best

  • How often should my chimney be swept?

    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.

  • How long will it take to sweep my chimney, and is there any mess?

    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.

  • How do you sweep a chimney?

    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.

  • When is the best time of year to sweep your chimney?

    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


    1. Availability. The spring season will allow you to choose the day and time that best suits your needs, whereas waiting until the fall you may be looking at a 2 to 3-week wait time to get your chimney swept and even longer if parts need to be ordered or repairs are required.  
    2. Odors. Buildup of creosote, negative air pressure, water intrusion or excessive moisture, unwelcome critters, leaves, trigs, nests, and other debris are just a few of the causes of chimney odors. By having your chimney swept in the spring you will avoid these unpleasant odors from disrupting your daily lives.  
    3. Birds. Chimney swifts love to nest in your chimney. Once they build their nest and lay their eggs, they will remain in the chimney for 37 to 56 days. Chimney swifts will nest in the same chimney year after year. They can do serious damage to your chimney. The best way to prevent chimney swifts from nesting in your chimney is to have a chimney cap installed. Chimney swifts are federally protected. Once the eggs hatch, we cannot remove the young birds. We have to wait until they leave the chimney to sweep or install a chimney cap.  
  • Can you sweep the chimney from the top or bottom?

    As professional chimney sweeps, we can sweep the chimney from the top or the bottom. Factors that determine this are: 


    • Fireplaces are usually swept from the bottom so we can control the dust. 
    • Wood stoves are usually swept from the top before the stove is removed.
    • Accessibility to the top of the chimney, height or roof pitch.

We're only one call away. Call (336) 993-8999 now to speak with our friendly team!

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