When it comes to chimney cleaning and other fireplace services, it is normal to have questions. Clean Sweep Chimney Service has over 45 years of experience providing chimney sweep services to customers throughout the St. Louis and St. Charles area. We are dedicated to providing quality work, in keeping with industry standards and safety best practices. We emphasize educating our customers in fireplace safety and explaining what professional chimney cleaning involves.
Read on to learn some questions frequently posed to us and their answers. These answers to frequently asked questions on professional chimney cleaning will help you make an informed decision when looking for a service provider and deciding on chimney services. If you would like to speak to us directly to get your questions answered or schedule chimney services, please call us at 636-477-9966 or contact us online.
How Often Does a Chimney Need to Be Cleaned?
The answer to this question can vary based on a number of factors, so the only way to really know is through a chimney inspection. If your chimney has accumulated creosote that is a quarter of an inch or thicker, then chimney cleaning is due. As a rule of thumb, if you use your wood burning stove or fireplace all winter long use a cord of seasoned wood it will need cleaning at least once a year. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) states that – Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year.
How Do I Know I am Hiring a Qualified Chimney Cleaning Technician?
To check if a qualified, competent sweep will attend to your chimney, verify the following from the service provider:
- The company carries liability, worker’s compensation, and completed operations insurance, which protect the technician, their company, and the customer (you).
- The professional chimney sweep should be a member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild, and other related and local associations.
What Can You Expect from a Chimney Sweep?
A good chimney sweep will spend the majority of their time inside the home, cleaning the firebox, smoke chamber area, and the flue. Under certain circumstances, the Sweep may elect to sweep the entire flue from the roof. No fireplace can be swept properly from the roof or by vacuum alone. Chimney cleaning is hard, physical work, and some Sweeps may use chemicals.
What Professional Equipment Do Chimney Sweeps Use?
Sweeps use a variety of chimney cleaning equipment, including a specialty vacuum, ladders, brushes, video inspection equipment, pressure testing tools, and other specialized tools. A trusted chimney sweep should have all of the necessary chimney cleaning equipment and specialty tools needed to thoroughly clean your fireplace and chimney and protect your home from dust and odors with a specialty HEPA vacuum.
Apart from Educational Credentials, How Else Can I Gauge the Chimney Sweep Who Provides Service?
A good sweep offers educational information related to chimney maintenance. They will give you a detailed overview with a report on the state of your chimney. It will be clear from their descriptions that they understand the function and safety of the chimney system in relation to your home.
A reliable sweep will carry a current copy of the National Fire Protection Association’s Standard for Chimneys, Vents, and Fireplaces (NFPA 211), a guide for locating potential fire hazards, as well as provide a list of problem areas in your home with solutions and a work report.
Are There Any Factors That Can Increase My Chimney Cleaning Cost?
A chimney cleaning service may charge an extra fee if the system is a high heat appliance, gas, or requires disassembly to properly service the system. If it has been many years since your last chimney cleaning, then the substantial solidified creosote build-up may require more extensive cleaning, such as chemical treatments which can increase costs as well.
How Can I Maintain My Chimney Properly?
Maintaining a regular chimney cleaning service schedule is the best way to keep your chimney clean and in working order. An NCSG/CSIA certified professional will inspect your chimney and inform you of any issues that require repair.
You should also follow these DIY tips to maintain your chimney and ensure the safety of your living environment:
- Burn only well-seasoned wood in your stove or fireplace to reduce creosote build-up
- Keep your wood covered and off the ground
- Install a chimney cap to keep debris, birds, and animals out
- Keep paper, wood, cloth, and other combustible materials away from the stove
- Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Contact Us for Chimney Cleaning Services in St. Louis
St. Louis homes and businesses trust Clean Sweep Chimney Service for quality chimney cleaning services and honest prices. Serving home and business owners in the area since 1978, we offer a range of services including:
- chimney cap installation
- chimney inspections
- chimney leak repair
- fireback installation
- fireplace cleaning
- dryer vent cleaning
For more information or to schedule your appointment, call us on 636-477-9966 today.
