Read more about Chimney Sweep Littleton here. Cleaning chimneys is a messy job, and incorrect preparation or cleaning can push soot into the home, potentially damaging furnishings. It’s also a dangerous job, especially if it requires working from the roof. Regular chimney cleaning and maintenance are essential to keep residents safe.

Chimney Inspection Level 3

Changing seasons can also mean falling leaves, twigs, branches, or other debris that makes its way into the chimney. If the fireplace isn’t used often, this could lead to decay, mold, or mildew, which can create odors and inhibit proper airflow when a fire is started. Every chimney should be swept and inspected at least once a year to ensure proper fire safety. If they suggest masonry or other in-depth repairs, discuss how to proceed. If you’re suddenly struggling to get and keep a flame going, there may be some kind of obstruction in the chimney—either a nesting animal or a buildup of creosote. Whitening bricks in the fireplace are a telltale sign of moisture damage.

It gives you a more confined fire and doesn’t require a chimney. Stoves that aren’t set up inside of an existing fireplace, with a chimney, require a twin wall system to carry the fumes out of the home. In this article, we’ll discuss which types of fireplaces, stoves, and other factors can contribute to high chimney sweep costs. When wood burns, it releases a host of contaminants that coat the inside of the chimney. Organic, flammable debris can enter the chimney, brought by the elements or by birds, vermin, and other animals.

A chimney liner protects against chimney fires, mitigates further damage to the flue, and allows higher-capacity furnaces to use the flue for exhaust. A level two chimney inspection may involve a video camera being sent down the flue to examine the fireplace bricks or mortar joints for cracks. A hard and thick layer – the most dangerous form and almost impossible to remove. This form of creosote can easily cause a fire, so don’t use your chimney if you see it until you’ve consulted a chimney sweeper.

Signs that Your Chimney Needs Sweeping

Prices for chimney cleaning are cheaper per flue with chimneys that have multiple shafts. You should always get all the flues checked, even if some aren’t in use. While a masonry chimney can burn wood or gas, wood-burning fireplaces are the most common. Over time, that damage can be extensive enough to allow flue gasses into your home. A certified chimney sweep should be able to assess the condition of any unlined sections of the chimney and recommend a proper fix. Chimney sweeping is a necessary part of keeping a fireplace clean, safe, and functional.

Cost to Repair or Install a Chimney Cap

Place the extension ladder against the house so that you can gain access to the roof. You will also need to bring your cordless drill and a dust mask. Creosote is an oily, black substance that is a contaminant byproduct of wood-burning fires. When fires burn in the fireplace, they release smoke, water vapor, gases, wood particles, tar fog, and other pollutants. Installing or replacing a chimney damper begins at around $190 and goes up to $390. The average cost to install or replace a chimney damper is $290.

In case you use your fireplace infrequently, an inspection once per two years might be sufficient. Regularly consulting with a chimney specialist can provide tailored advice based on your usage and the type of fireplace or stove you own. Keeping your chimney clean is not just a matter of routine maintenance; it’s a critical step in ensuring safety in your home. Over time, chimneys accumulate creosote, a highly flammable byproduct of burning wood. When this is not regularly removed, this substance can ignite, leading to dangerous chimney fires.