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FAQ's
(Frequently Asked Questions)
Why do I need my chimney swept and inspected?
Over time and with use, chimney systems
can become damaged or not conform to the building codes under which they were constructed. Masonry chimneys deteriorate because
of exposure to the elements, heavy use, over firing of the fireplace, bad wood, etc. Prefabricated fireplace systems are highly
susceptible to water penetration and misuse. You must know if there are any issues with
something that you burn a fire in! Almost every fireplace and wood stove that we service
is located inside of a home constructed of combustible materials (wood). When it comes to truly knowing the condition of a
heat-exhausting appliance, ignorance is not bliss! Every year, lives and homes are lost due to the chronic homeowner lament,
I don't need to have it inspected, IT HASN'T BURNED DOWN YET!
Please, have your chimney inspected, if not by our company, then another qualified chimney professional. www.csia.org
How do you sweep a chimney?
First and foremost, we take great care in the protection of your home and valuables.
We lay down tarps (white) in front of your fireplace or stove. All equipment that is used is placed on this tarp. We roll
in an industrial chimney sweep vacuum to control any dust and debris. The sweep itself is done from below with connecting
flexible rods that sweep the flue with a brush that is the correct size for your particular flue, (there are several different
sizes of flues in use in this area). All debris from the chimney is contained within the firebox, to be shoveled up and disposed
of.
How often
should I get my chimney swept and inspected?
The NFPA (National Fire Protection
Association) does recommend that a chimney system be looked at every burning season. The general rule of thumb is to have
it inspected after burning about 1 1/2 to 2 cords of wood. Some systems need attention sooner than others, it depends a great
deal on type of wood, owners burning habits (we all like the BIG fire!) and even on the construction style of the chimney
structure itself.
I saw this chimney cleaning
log thingy on TV!
We really do not feel that burning something in your
fireplace or wood stove is going to detect or fix any defects that may be in the system. This log is not capable of examining
the flue lining to make absolutely certain of the condition your chimneys interior. Even the commercials
for this product WARN YOU THAT IT DOES NOT TAKE THE PLACE OF A PROFESSIONAL SWEEPING AND INSPECTION! Do
not waste your money.
My home inspector checked out my chimney,
didn’t they?
Did they?
Home inspectors are not trained, prepared or equipped to look at a chimney system. They are only required to inspect "the
condition of a fireplace damper, firebox and hearth that is readily visible". They
do not climb up to check the condition of the chimney top or "crown". They are not required to "evaluate the
installation or modifications to a fireplace, stove or chimney". THEY ARE NOT GOING TO INSPECT THE
CHIMNEY FLUE and this will be reflected on their report. Most of the time, this statement will be in very fine
print on page 24 of the 25 page report. Inspector reports reflect this by having a "blanket" statement such
as, "unable to evaluate fireplace system due to creosote buildup in fireplace. I recommend that a professional chimney
sweep clean and evaluate this fireplace prior to operation". They will fail to inform their client that
this should be done prior to the closing date! This blanket statement puts the burden of responsibility for
any safety issues with the chimney on the client. When it comes to your chimney, please read you home inspection report carefully!
How much does it cost to sweep
and inspect a chimney?
Call us. We will ask you some questions to get a handle
on what it is that you would like us to do for you, and we will give you a quote. Although most chimney sweeping and inspections
are routine, we do not assume that they ALL are! It is better for you to explain to us what it is
you have. That way, we can give you an accurate price for the service that you would like us to perform.
Why I am getting water down my masonry chimney?
This could be due to several things.
Is there a chimney cap
installed? What is the age of the structure? What condition is the crown (mortar cap) in?
These things and more can
be letting moisture into the chimney. Water in a chimney is not a good thing!
I am getting water in my prefabricated fireplace!
The single biggest issue that we have found, in the vast amount of cases,
is that the chase cover (top) is not properly installed. Homebuilders simple do not brace up underneath the cover when it
was constructed. This lets the water "pond" on top of the cover, this allows the cover to remain wet far longer
than if the water could drain away. This then lets the cover rust out prematurely.
The next problem is that when the "cap" is installed (this is the cover over the flue exhaust)
screws are used to fasten it to the chase cover. Thus, they have just poked holes into something that is supposed to keep
water out. It may take a few years, but it is going to leak!
Why
do I get these birds nesting in my chimney every summer?
Your chimney may not have a cap!
The bird is called a Chimney Swift (Chaetura Pelagica). It is protected under Federal
Migratory Bird Laws, and at certain times (the breeding season, May-August) neither we nor anyone else can disturb them. For
more info on the bird go to www.chimneyswifts.org
Call and tell us about your chimney and we can tell you how much a cap may cost to install.
Remember! Birds are not the only things that like to come down your chimney. Water is the biggest culprit ( No,
rain does not magically stop at the top of the chimney ), other animals, raccoons, squirrels, etc. You would
not believe how many ducks I have removed from chimneys!
An uncapped chimney is a death trap for wildlife!
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