WHAT IS CHIMNEY SWEEPING?

Chimney sweeps are certified technicians who have an array of equipment used to clean the inside of your chimney and flue of a wood-burning fireplace or wood stove. Over time, a chimney can get clogged with debris and gunk and even creosote; you don’t want this to accumulate. Creosote is a thick, hard coating of toxic debris that is created when wood, fossil fuel, or tar is burned. It needs to be removed to ensure your safety when lighting a fire.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The main tool that a chimney sweep uses resembles a giant bottle brush. it is a heavy rod with metal bristles around the top that are used to sweep down the inside of the chimney. They will put down a drop cloth and use a shop vac to decrease soot levels inside the home. A mask and goggles protect their eyes and nose.

Starting from the bottom up or top-down their goal is to scrape away the dirt and debris that has built up in your chimney over time to ensure that you can use your wood-burning fireplace safely.

CRITTERS AND JITTERS

When the chimney isn’t in use, birds, bats and other critters can make a nest in your chimney. I have had two incidences where animals made their way into an unused fireplace and chimney. Once a whole family of raccoons moved in. They ate a hole right through the wall into the living room from inside the soot hatch. Then there was the incident involving a goose at the cottage. He made it down the chimney and into the basement. I arrived at the cottage to find a very cranky goose waddling around. Animals like the chimney for a home because it’s dark, safe, and dry. Having a chimney sweep in once or twice a year can help you keep furry and feathered friends away while maintaining a clean and efficient fireplace.