We get a lot of questions everyday from homeowners like yourself and put this chimney sweeping FAQ page together to help you get the answers you need fast. We encourage you to contact us for a professional chimney inspection and cleaning at (301) 593-8393
How much does it cost to have your chimney swept?
The type of chimney you have will determine how much it will cost to clean it. Unlined chimneys can cost more to sweep and also take longer to do. For example, cleaning a standard fireplace can cost around $199.
It typically takes about 30 minutes to sweep a fireplace and chimney. However if there is more than just plain soot (tar glazing or creosote), then the cost and time would increase.
Sweeping and chimney maintenance are simple services that should be done regularly to save you a lot of money and hassles down the road. A quick and professional cleaning by our expert technicians will keep your chimney working the way it should.
How often should you sweep a chimney?
How often you should sweep your fireplace is not always a straightforward question. How often you use your fireplace, the type of wood you burn and if it’s been cleaned regularly in the past determine how and when you should sweep your chimney and/or fireplace.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, “Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances.”
Do you need to get your chimney swept every year?
Per the NFPA, chimney inspections and cleanings should occur at least once a year, though semi annually is not a bad idea depending on how frequently you use your fireplace.
It is highly recommended to clean your fireplace and chimney before and after the heating season.
Can I sweep my own chimney?
The question is not if you can sweep your own chimney, but should you? Or would you even want to?
Sweeping chimneys can be dangerous work as it requires you to be on the roof, not to mention it is a dirty, smelly job that most people would never want to do to save a few bucks.
If you have heavy creosote buildup, you will especially want to call a professional.
How do you know if your chimney needs sweeping?
- If you smell smoke in your house after you burn a fire
- The fireplaces’ surround is beginning to turn black or discolor
- If the fires you are having don’t seem to be as strong as before
- If your fireplace puts out a strong or intense odor
- If you can see soot dropping into your fireplace in between fires
Will burning a really hot fire damage my chimney or create too much soot or creosote build up?
Burning a really hot fire isn’t necessarily dangerous unless you have a lot of creosote build up in your chimney. This is why we suggest you clean your chimney at least once a year or more depending on your usage.
As long as have maintained your fireplace and keep an eye on the fire to make sure it’s drafting ok, then a hot fire is fine. Be aware of signs that a chimney fire may be starting such as high flames that seem to stretch upwards as they may be starving for oxygen.
Are Duraflame logs safe to use?
Burning a duraflame® firelog is ok to use since they can dry out the creosote build up in your fireplace and chimney. They do create less creosote than burning regular wood, however they are known to contain toxic chemicals