This is the most frequently asked question we answer a lot. According to the National Fire Protection Association, you need to have your chimney serviced and inspected annually. Even if you do not use your chimney frequently, you need to schedule an inspection at least once a year.

This is a national standard to keep your chimney in good working order and to keep your home safe. However, if you are experiencing problems with your fireplace or chimney, schedule a chimney inspection right away.

Creosote is a highly flammable, tar-like deposit that sticks to the side of your chimney flue. Creosote forms when combustible gases from your wood-burning fireplace travel up the flue and cool down. When creosote continues to build up without regular chimney sweeps and inspection, it could ignite and cause a dangerous chimney fire.

Creosote, which is a product of combustion in your fireplace, accumulates on the walls of your chimney. This buildup is extremely flammable and when the soot buildup reaches ¼” thick anywhere in the system, there is an increased risk of a serious chimney fire.

Fall Cleaning

If you haven’t had your chimney serviced in a while, or if you burned more than a cord of wood last year, it’s best to have your chimney cleaned before the fall season. Flammable creosote could have built up last year, and having it removed now will prevent a possible chimney fire.

Spring Cleaning

If you suffer from allergies, spring may be the best time for cleaning. Modern home construction makes homes airtight. However, when you run your clothes dryer or exhaust fan, massive volumes of indoor air are exhausted that should be replaced.

In several homes, that incoming air is often drawn through the chimney, bringing with it fine soot and even creosote fumes. When your chimney is cleaned after the burning season, you could spare your family from increased indoor air pollution or allergies during the AC season.

Not all woods are alike. You can reduce the buildup of dangerous creosote in your chimney by burning only quality, seasoned hardwood firewood.

An annual inspection is required by the National Fire Protection Association. It is a complete evaluation of the interior and exterior parts of your chimney. From top to bottom, your chimney will be visually examined.

Any deterioration to mortar joints and your flue will be noted. The chimney crown is checked for any cracks. The firebox area, including the damper and smoke chamber, is also examined. NFPA codes need inspections when replacing heating appliances or at the time property is transferred. 

Insurance companies may require inspections for lightning or fire claims as well. Level II and III inspections involve a more thorough examination and will be priced appropriately.

Yes. All chimneys should be capped according to the NFPA code. Often, we see only fireplace chimneys with caps. Chimney caps work even when your fireplace isn’t working. 

They prevent the elements and animals from getting inside your chimney. Most homeowners worry about chimney fires and the damages they cause. However, water and moisture damages are far more common.

A flue is a passageway inside the chimney that allows gases to pass from the home to the outside atmosphere. You may have one chimney with several flues. Your furnace and fireplace cannot share the same flue. Codes require flues to be properly lined with approved materials.

Chimney sweeping can be extremely messy. If not careful, it can even damage your surrounding furniture and flooring. That’s why you need to call professionals to do the job to ensure that cleaning is done properly and will not cause any damage to your furnishings.

Have about 8 feet of the area in front of your chimney cleaned. Make sure your pets are secured in a safe place. The technician will have to go in and out of your house. Make sure to clear the area at the base of the chimney where the chamber is located so our technician can clean it very well.