It's recommended to have your chimney inspected and cleaned at least once a year, especially if you use your fireplace frequently. However, if you burn a lot of wood or use your fireplace extensively for your homes heating, you might need more frequent cleanings to prevent excessive creosote buildup. Aside from the chimney fire risk, creosote is acidic and will corrode steel and mortar over time, leading to premature deterioration of the flue if not removed periodically.

Creosote is a substance that forms from incomplete combustion of wood. It can accumulate inside your chimney and is highly flammable, increasing the risk of chimney fires. There are considered three types of creosote;

•  1st Degree Creosote: This is the least dangerous type and appears as a thin, or powdery soot that can be easily brushed away. It’s also the most common. It slowly forms, even at higher temperatures with good combustion. While it's not highly flammable, if left unchecked, it can accumulate and lead to more severe forms of creosote.

• 2nd Degree Creosote: This type is thicker and flaky, sometimes slightly shiny and sticky, and tends to stick to the chimney walls. It's black or dark brown and can be somewhat more difficult to remove than the first-degree. This is when creosote begins adhering within the flue, and starts to become far more flammable.

• 3rd Degree Creosote: The most dangerous form, third-degree creosote is very flammable, glazed, and slowly expands from heat. It has a shiny, almost varnish-like appearance and coats the inner walls of the flue and fireplace. It tends to expand as heated over time, and has an ignition point as low as 451 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Creosote buildup is reduced by using well-seasoned wood, and efficient burning habits. However, once it begins to coat the flue walls, it reduces airflow, causing smoke to linger and creosote to accumulate more rapidly.

While you can certainly do most anything yourself, hiring a chimney sweep is generally safer, cleaner, and less troublesome. Certified chimney sweeps have the necessary tools, and knowledge to thoroughly clean your chimney and detect any safety issues if present. Additionally, many homeowners’ insurance policies require your chimney to be professionally swept yearly to remain covered in case of a chimney fire.  

• Inspection of the chimney structure and flue for damage or wear.

• Cleaning of the flue to remove creosote, soot, and debris.

• Cleaning of the firebox and smoke chamber

• Checking and cleaning the damper

• Cleaning any high-efficiency or secondary burn components (i.e. Baffle boards, ceramic blankets, catalytic combustors)

• Examination within the flue by use of a flue camera.

• Examination of clearances to combustibles, and proper installation.

• Testing the moisture content of your firewood

The duration can vary based on the fire system type, access to the flue, and amount of buildup present. Typically, a chimney sweep and inspection might take between 1 to 2 hours

If there is a problem found, you will be provided with supporting information/photos and an explanation of the findings. However, it’s important to remember that we are not the chimney police! While it is our responsibility to inform you of any safety deficiencies found, what you choose to do with that information is completely your business.

• Please refrain from lighting a fire for 24 hours before your scheduled service to allow your chimney to cool. A remaining spark or ember sucked into our vacuum can create a fire hazard.

• Please separate your pets into another room, as the vacuum noise may be unsettling for them. Sometimes pets panic and feel threatened when the vacuum cleaner is turned on.

• Please remove any valuables or fragile items from around your hearth and entry way to allow easy access to your fireplace. This makes rolling in a large vacuum, and transporting equipment a lot easier

• Please make sure any objects like logs, paper, or trash are removed from inside the fireplace before we arrive. Ashes are totally fine and expected! 

Yes, by ensuring your chimney is clean and functioning properly, it helps reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning by maintaining good draft and ventilation. The inspection process ensures that there are no separated joints within the chimney flue that can cause carbon monoxide to leak within the home.