Chimney Cleaning

Chimney cleaning by a qualified chimney sweep should be done annually to keep your chimney safe and in working order. If you don’t have your chimney inspected and cleaned yearly by a qualified chimney sweep, then you are risking not only your chimney but your home. Why? Let’s take a more in-depth look at chimney cleaning.

Removing Creosote Buildup

Creosote is a substance that is released when you burn wood in your fireplace and can coat the inside of your chimney. When it first accumulates, it is usually thin, powdery soot that collects in and around your chimney’s flue and is the easiest type of chimney cleaning as, in the early stages, creosote can be removed with a brush.

When creosote begins to accumulate over time, it becomes more challenging to clean your chimney, and it becomes thicker and sticky, and highly flammable. At this point, a FlameMaster chimney sweep will opt to use a brush powered by a drill for a rotary cleaning.

If you wait years to have a chimney cleaning performed, it will lead to a very thick (one-eighth of an inch or thicker), very flammable buildup of creosote that will require a particular chemical to remove it. Poultice Creosote Remover (PCR), when applied to creosote, will break it down and make it easier to remove.

Removing Chimney Debris

It’s not uncommon to find that a chimney has become clogged with debris during the summer and spring months. The buildup of leaves, pine needles, dirt, and twigs can lead to a blockage in your chimney. Not only can a blockage cause toxic fumes like carbon monoxide to spread inside your house, they are a potential fire hazard as well, especially in the case of pine needles. A thorough cleaning of your chimney by one of our chimney sweeps will remove all of the debris from your chimney.

If you have recurring issues with debris in your fireplace, you will benefit from having a chimney cap installed on your chimney to prevent debris from being able to enter it.

Scheduled Chimney Maintenance

Having maintenance done routinely is a wise choice if you want to ensure that your fireplace is safe for use. Creosote won’t have time to build up with regular cleanings, and no flammable debris can compile and clog your flue. As is the case with a car or an air conditioner, routine maintenance will help prevent common chimney problems and keep your family and home safe from chimney fires and carbon monoxide due to smoke.

It is best to have your chimney cleaned before it is needed, so late summer or early fall are ideal for a chimney cleaning; of course, FlameMaster’s chimney sweeps can clean your chimney anytime it is required.

Let FlameMaster Perform Your Chimney Cleaning

At FlameMaster, our chimney sweeps are Chimney Sweep Institute of America (CSIA) certified and understand how to ensure your chimney is clean and in good shape inside and out. We understand the importance of a clean chimney to the health and wellbeing of your family; that is why we make sure that your chimney will be free of creosote & debris. If you need a clean chimney, we offer chimney cleaning services in Woodland Park CO, Colorado Springs CO, Divide CO, Manitou Springs CO, Cripple Creek CO, Victor CO; call us at (719) 661-3277 to speak with a chimney specialist.