Chimney Sweeping

   Chimney Sweeping- Chimney sweeps employ a variety of cleaning techniques to remove chimney deposits. The method chosen or recommended for you chimney will depend on the type of deposits and type of chimney.

   Standard Sweeping: This is the standard or normal cleaning process method and involves the use of brushes to remove the deposits on the chimney walls. A powerful, well filtered vacuum is used to prevent soot  and creosote from entering the home. This type of sweeping/cleaning is effective for soot and ordinary creosote deposits , but has little effect on glaze deposits.

      Mechanical Cleaning: Mechanical cleaning involves the use of wire brushes, plastic cables, or special chains rotated at a high speed by an electric motor. Mechanical cleaning is often employed to remove hard creosote or glaze deposits.

     Chemical Cleaning: Special chemicals are used to loosen or dissolve heavy deposits of creosote and glaze. This can be use in conjunction with a mechanical cleaning.

NFPA divides the inspection procedure into three categories, or levels.  The circumstances which give rise to the inspection determine what level of inspection is to be conducted. A Level I inspection is the most basic level of inspection while Level II and Level III inspections are progressively more detailed and comprehensive. A Level I inspection is completed during each chimney cleaning, or sweeping.

Level I Inspection
A Level I inspection is the recommended level when an evaluation of the chimney system for continued service is needed and the conditions of use are not changing. This could include:

• Routine or annual evaluations of the venting system

• An appliance connected to the system is being replaced with a similar appliance

• During chimney cleaning or sweeping

A Level I inspection is limited to readily accessible portions of the venting system, and accessible portions of the connected appliance(s) and the chimney connection. The inspector will check the readily accessible portions of the chimney, its enclosing structure, and the flue. A Level I inspection includes verification that the flue is not blocked or significantly restricted.

Level II Inspection
A Level II inspection is more detailed and thorough than a Level I inspection and is the recommended inspection when conditions of use for the appliance or venting system are changing, or when a Level I inspection reveals the need for a more detailed inspection. Several instances where a Level II inspection is specifically recommended include:

• Replacement of an appliance with one of dissimilar type, input rating or efficiency

• Prior to a flue relining

• Upon sale or transfer of the property

• After an event likely to have caused damage to the chimney, such as a chimney fire or other sudden occurrence event

A Level II inspection includes all of the requirements of a Level I inspection as well as the following:

• Inspection of accessible areas of attics, basements, and crawlspaces

• Accessible areas of the chimney exterior and interior

• Accessible portions of the appliance and chimney connection

• Video scanning, or other thorough inspection, of the flue interior

• Evaluation of the flue lining to determine that its material and sizing is appropriate for the appliances being served

• Proper clearance to combustibles in the accessible areas listed above

• Proper construction and condition of the chimney system in the accessible areas listed above

While the Level II inspection is a rather thorough inspection and requires access to many areas of the building, it does not require removal of permanent parts of the building, such as siding, chase covers or wall coverings.

Level III Inspection
A Level III inspection is the most detailed of all of the inspection types and includes inspection of concealed areas of the building. However, examination of concealed areas will be limited to areas reasonably suspected of containing hazards that cannot be evaluated otherwise.  

A Level III inspection includes all areas covered in a Level I and Level II inspection, and inspection of concealed areas to investigate known or suspected problems. In as much as certain portions of a Level III inspection require destructive action to the building, the inspector will discuss these areas with the building owner prior to the inspection.

Frequency of Inspection
NFPA recommends that all chimneys, fireplaces and vents be inspected annually.  In addition to this requirement, there are other times when chimney and venting systems should be inspected, such as:

1. After any unusual, or sudden occurrence event, such as a chimney fire, lightning strike, or earthquake

2. Prior to purchasing a home with an existing chimney

3. Whenever changes are made to a chimney or vent system, including replacement of connected appliances

4. Prior to major system repairs

Video Scanning
A video scan is the use of a camera system which is lowered into the chimney (or pushed up from the bottom). The camera allows us to inspect the chimney from a range of just a few inches instead of just looking from the top or bottom. The camera image is viewed on a TV monitor by the inspector. At Clean Sweep we offer Video Scan Inspections using the Chim- Scan Internal Evaluation System. 

Chimney Caps

                Copper Multi-Flue Cap                               Stainless Steel Round Caps                           Stainless Steel Cap

Chimney flues can be 12 inches square or larger  a chimney cap or "spark arrestor" are used to keep out animals and elements (rain , sleet, snow). Keeping water out of a flue is a good way to slow down deterioration to a masonry chimney. The stainless steel mesh is perfect for keeping out squirrels,  birds and raccoons. Chimney caps also prevent leaves, twigs and other debris from entering the flue which could lead to a blockage or chimney fire. Chimney caps help eliminate wind induced downdrafts.                                         

          Clean Sweep offers and installs many types, sizes and styles of chimney caps .We can make a custom cap for your install. Stainless steel caps are guaranteed against rust. We offer copper chimney caps which last much longer than those made of regular galvanized metal. Spending a little extra for a good quality chimney cap with a lifetime warranty will be money well spent.

 Chimney Repairs:  Clean Sweep offers a variety of chimney repairs to keep your fireplace and chimney operating at its best.

Chimney Crown Repair - is a masonry roof that covers the top of your chimney. It prevents water from seeping into the masonry below. Water damaged or cracked chimney crowns can lead to costly repairs. If the mortar crown is loose ,crumbling , or severely deteriorated it should be repaired.

Crown Weathered (Before)     Crown After Repair                  Crown Repair with Multi-Flue Cap

                      Severely Deteriorated Crown (Before)                               Crown After Repair

                  Loose Crumbling Crown (Before)                                                                    Crown After Repair

Damper Repair -  A damper stops the heat from escaping up you chimney when the fireplace is not in use. If your fireplace does not have a damper or a tight fitting set of glass doors you are pumping money up your chimney.   Clean Sweep offers Top Sealing Dampers which eliminates 90% of the winter heat and summer cooling loss that leaks past your current damper. It also eliminates down drafts and keeps moisture and animals out of your chimney and home. Moisture in your chimney causes unwelcome odors and leads to deterioration of bricks and mortar.                               

 Metal Chimney Surround  - Some flues are covered by a metal chimney surround that becomes deteriorated or rusted and may need replaced.

Factory Built Fireplaces (Prefabricated Fireplaces, Zero Clearance, Metal Chimney)- Chimney Chase Covers-Chase covers are designed to complete the termination at the top of your chimney and keep water out. Think of it as the roof for your chimney. We all know what happens when a roof has a hole in it or is not designed properly....You get a water leak. A chase cover that is rusted and not serving its purpose  could cause you thousands of dollars in damage that you may not be able to see until its too late. Clean Sweep offers many different colors, stainless steel, aluminum and copper chase covers.

   Rusted Metal Chase Cover (Before)                       New Chase Cover (After)           

Clean Sweep offers Refractory Panel Replacements for factory-built fireplaces as well.

                     Refractory Panel Cracked                                                          Panel Replacement and Floor Replacement

Firebacks- Firebacks  are useful for radiating additional  heat from an open fireplace, whether the fireplace burns wood or has gas logs installed, or whether it is a masonry or factory built system. Firebacks protect rear wall of the firebox from excessive heat damage and radiates heat out into the room Clean Sweep offers our customers several types and styles of firebacks. Most homeowners who have added a fireback to their fireplace report a dramatic improvement in heat output.

Chimney Water Repellent-

Exterior Brickwork Of Chimney Shows Water Damage

All new and existing masonry chimneys are susceptible to water damage. Chimneys are highly exposed to the elements and freeze /thaw conditions. Water damage can be prevented. Chimney Saver Water Repellents™ come with a 10 year warranty and have been used by chimney professionals for nearly 20 years. It reduces water penetration into the masonry by 99.9% according to ASTM tests conducted  at the University Of Wyoming. It also is 100% vapor permeable, which means it won't trap water vapors. 

Flashing- is the material at the base of chimneys, stacks and vents that is designed to waterproof the junctures where they penetrate the roof. Faulty or deteriorated flashings can cause water damage to the surrounding roof deck or eventually the interior finishes of your home. FlashSeal™ is a long- lasting flashing  repair system designed to stop leaks from faulty or deteriorated flashings around chimneys, stacks and vents. A professionally installed FlashSeal™ application carries a 7 year warranty. FlashSeal's™ strength and flexibility will provide years of trouble free service to help stop the damaging effects of water that can enter  your home from faulty or deteriorated  flashing system.

                               Deteriorate Flashing                                                                      After FlashSeal™ Repair

Chimney Repointing Brickwork- Repointing is a skilled craft, it is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the joints of a brick wall and replacing it with new mortar.

Smoke Chamber Repairs- the smoke chamber is the portion of the fireplace located above the firebox and the base of the chimney flue where smoke gathers before it is exhausted up and out the chimney. Clean Sweep offers Smoketite™ Smoke Chamber Repairs that smooth and insulate the inside of your smoke chamber , making it work both better and safer.

Chimney Relining is the most practical and affordable way to repair a deteriorated or damage chimneys. Chimneys can be damaged by a number of things such as settling, hurricanes, lightning, but the most common form of chimney damage is a chimney fire. In addition to chimney damage, older chimneys may be unlined or their liners may be deteriorated to the point where relining is warranted.

Reasons to Reline

Unlined Chimney Flue With Creosote Build Up         Crack In Terra Cotta Flue Tile                             Crack In Terra Cotta Flue Tile

                           To repair damage to the chimney, which may have been caused by a chimney fire, lightning strike, or settling, etc.

                           To upgrade old chimneys which were constructed without chimney liners.

                           To replace worn, deteriorated liners, which may allow smoke , creosote, or condensation to seep though the chimney walls.

                           To properly size the chimney for a new appliance; such as converting form oil to gas heat.

                           To prevent excessive creosote buildup (and risk of chimney fire) when venting a woodstove through an existing fireplace.

Type of  Liners

                            Clean Sweep offers Stainless Steel - This method if relining involves installing a round or oval stainless steel liner in the chimney. The liner can be either rigid or flexible. Stainless steel liners are use for fireplaces, woodstoves, and for oil and gas furnace chimneys We install HomeSaver Chimney Liners as well as several other brands.