The importance of proactive chimney care
Chimney cleaning process:
Canvas runners (similar to drop cloths) will be laid down from the entrance door to the hearth to completely protect all flooring surfaces. Drop cloths are laid upon the hearth area, covering and fully protecting that area. A nylon or steel brush will be attached to the end of the chimney rods and introduced into the chimney to agitate the creosote/soot. This is done from the roof down or from the firebox up, depending on the needs of that job. We clean the masonry chimney or flue liner, smoke chamber, smoke shelf, damper and firebox. A large industrial vacuum is used to capture fine particulate and prevent its migration from the work area to other parts of the home.
An inspection will always be conducted to determine if a cleaning is necessary or not. During the chimney inspection process, we may introduce digital video equipment into the chimney to conduct closeup inspection of suspect areas. This camera allows for capturing images & video of hidden areas that can’t be seen with the naked eye. If problem area(s) are discovered the homeowner will be shown these images and these areas will also be documented on the chimney inspection form.
We can access the roof to inspect the chimney cap, clay flue tile mortar joints, crown, chase and other characteristics of the chimney. Upon completion, we will review the results of the inspection with the customer and will issue the customer their copy of that completed inspection form.
Sometimes there is damage within the chimney structure that can’t be seen with the naked eye so it isn’t recognized as being problematic. Freeze/thaw cycles, corrosive creosote and water damage can deteriorate mortar between masonry joints and can cause metal flue sections to separate within a chimney. Fires can be caused by defective equipment or unsafe conditions that the customer was not even aware existed.
Our company uses state-of-the-art technology to document our findings within the chimney or flue, accessing areas that are not visible without such equipment. We commonly use closed-circuit camera equipment capable of capturing still photographs and recording live video of the interior of the chimney or liner. A chimney may be considered ‘cleaned’ by a knowledgeable do-it-yourself homeowner, a friend or a company solely using ‘over-the-counter’ basic brushes. But without using camera equipment, those inaccessible areas cannot be examined to determine if a truly thorough sweeping has been completed or if a problem area exists beyond the visible zones.
Our company conducts a thorough and comprehensive review with each client following each inspection and if needed, video and/or still photos will be presented to the customer depicting any conditions that may need correction or repair. We consider this equipment indispensable in that it allows us to view every aspect of the interior of the chimney in close-up detail so that if any imperfections exist, the homeowner will be alerted to them.
Monroe County, Livingston County, Genesee County, Orleans County.