A fireplace should be cleaned any time an appreciable accumulation (1/8″ or more) of soot and creosote occur. It can be enough to fuel a chimney fire that may damage the chimney and even spread to the roof and home! Furnace flue systems also require cleaning, so do not neglect regular cleaning of those venting systems.
Ideally, before the start of the burning season during the spring/summer or early fall is a great time to get your Chimney Inspection and Chimney Cleaning. Before you think about building a fire or starting up your furnace because the whether has changed, is the time to call us at (571)299-9389.
We strongly recommend once a year cleanings and inspections!
Some fireplace use can produce an incredible amount of soot and creosote during a cleaning. We have been known to have removed nearly two full five gallon buckets of material from one chimney! Removing this material is critical to continued safe use of the fireplace and reduced risk of Chimney Fires that start when this highly combustible material builds up to unsafe levels.
Chimney Sweeping is done from the inside or outside depending on the structure and layout of the property. Sweeping Removes the Creosote left from burning wood. This is recommended once a year.
A Level 1 Inspection is a visual inspection without the use of specialty tools. We will examine the readily accessible portions of your chimney. A visual inspection with a flashlight, examining all areas of the chimney i.e. outer hearth, inner hearth, firebox, throat, smoke chamber, flue and chimney’s exterior. A visual inspection is done on ALL of the chimney services we provide.
A Level 2 inspection is a more in-depth inspection than a Level 1 inspection. With the use of video equipment a Level 2 Inspection includes everything in a Level 1 inspection, plus the accessible portions of the chimney exterior and interior with the use of video equipment. The video will discover possible cracks and gaps not visible with only a visual inspection. The video inspection comes with a full written report outlining the condition of the chimney structure.
The Chimney Crown, wash or chase top is the top element of a chimney. It covers and seals the top of the chimney from weather like rain, wind and snow. The crown should provide a downward slope that will direct the water from the flue to the edge of the crown. The overhanging drip edge, by directing the run-off.
A Chimney Cap should be on a chimney. This keeps weather like rain, snow and sleet from entering the structure. It also acts as a spark arrestor to keep the flame contained to the chimney. The cap prevents animals like birds, squirrels and raccoon making your home there home!
Pressure Washing the exterior and Sealing, Crown Sealers, Chimney Caps, Replace Ash Dump Doors, and More!