FAQs
Every day we encounter similar situations that cause the homeowner ask questions. If you find yourself asking the same questions that are shown here, maybe it will help solve your problem! Here is a list of the top 10 questions we hear on a daily basis.
1.) Why can I sometimes smell my chimney in the house?
A1. If the humidity is high, the air will be heavy and it will cause a "natural" downdraft in the chimney which will cause the air to flow into the house.
A2. If it is very cold outside, the cold air will also cause a "natural" downdraft as well.
2.) How long does it take to clean a chimney?
A. Approximately 45 minuets to an hour depending on the conditions of the sweeping.
3.) What causes creosote buildup?
A. The degree and severity of creosote varies from a fine powder to a non-removable tar-like substance. Creosote is created by the incomplete combustion of firewood. Low fire temperatures can be the result of wet or unseasoned firewood, intentional burning of firewood at a low temperature i.e.; loading up wood at night in a stove and dampering down.
4.) Is my chimney really "clean"?
A. NO, for this reason we no longer use the word "clean". Your chimney, once used, will never be "clean". We sweep the flue as best we can to make it safe as possible for further use.
5.) Do we clean out Ash Pits?
A. NO, the cleaning of the ash pits are the homeowners concern. However, if asked, we will make time to inspect the ash pit and clean if necessary for an additional charge.
6.) How do you sweep a chimney?
After an inspection is performed and the size of your flue is determined, the proper size brush is attached to flexible rods that are inserted into the flue pushed though the length of the chimney.
7.) Will sweeping of my flue make my house messy?
A. NO, we take every step to ensure maximum cleanliness. This includes the usage of clean tarps, a commercial vacuum to eliminate odors in the customers home.
8.) How often should I get my chimney swept?
A. The National Fire Protecton Association (NFPA) recommends that a homeowner have their chimney inspected yearly and serviced as needed.
9.) What about the logs I see in supermarkets and hardware stores?
A. Logs such as Duraflame and the Chimney Sweeping Log (CSL) are the only products on the market that have been UL listed and/or endorsed by the Chimney Safety Insitute of America (CSIA). They have been tested to burn cleaner than regular firewood and can be used in a fireplace but NEVER in a woodstove.
10) "Where's your Top Hat?"
A. Although a Top Hat and tails were once the traditional garb of a chimney a sweep, it has become a saftey hazzard and impractical in modern day sweeping. However, we do carry a Top Hat on the truck for entertaining young children and photos when asked.