208-772-2234

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CHIMNEY SWEEPING AND NFPA211 INSPECTIONS
Chimney Sweeping

BEFORE

AFTER

How often should my chimney be swept?
This is dependent upon your usage. The NFPA recommends at least an inspection every year. We service some customers two and three times a year, others every few years. It is always a good idea to have it done. Your sweep will be able to tell you how often you need it based upon what is removed and the design of the system.
How do you do it?

Each job is different, each home has separate challenges and every stove is designed just different enough to require many years experience to be able to properly disassemble, sweep and properly assemble each one. For your particular system, it's best to ask your sweep what his plan is when he can see the whole system.
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Do you make a mess while working?
No. While it's always smart to move valuables away and minimize risk, we are very careful about your home and belongings. Your floor and valuables are covered, and experience provides the tricks to keep the dust down. If an accident does occur, that's why we carry insurance.
What should I consider when picking a chimney company?
Everything! Because most homeowners will not follow us onto a roof, you must take our word on the condition of your chimney, work that may need to be done, or if we even did our job at all. Reputation is the single most important part of our business. Even though your neighbor likes one company, and your aunt uses another, the best reference checking you can do is other people in the industry. We have all the "insider" information on each other and no business will stake their reputation on another unless they are sure of it. I recommend calling the local stove retailers to find out who is most often recommended.

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Is it really worth it?
Creosote is highly flammable, leftover fuel from fires you have had. If ignited, they can burn up to 2100 degrees, potentially igniting framing members close to your chimney, or the fire may simple escape your system through cracks or flaws in the design. Repair costs can be several thousand dollars, if you are fortunate enough to not have lost your home or valuables if the fire escaped the chimney system.
Why does chimney glaze form?
Fresh layers of creosote rapidly buildup, accumulating quickly when previous creosote layers don't dry completely. The newly formed layers then insulate the partially-hardened previous deposits from the heat of the wood exhaust that dries them, resulting in a heavy buildup of sticky creosote, which eventually solidifies. This creates the stone-solid substance known as glaze. The excessive creosote accumulation that leads to glaze formation is usually caused by the improper burning or venting of airtight wood stoves. Specifically, glaze will often form when the chimney is larger than the vent opening on the appliance (causing sluggish draft), when unseasoned or wet wood is burned, or when the draft control on an airtight appliance is habitually set too low, causing the fire to smolder.
CREOSOTE GLAZE
 
Creosote is a liquid that condenses onto the inner walls of connector pipes and chimneys as wood smoke cools. When creosote dries, it gradually hardens, taking the following forms: Stage 1 (velvet soot), Stage 2 (porous and crunchy in makeup) or Stage 3 (shiny, rock-hard chimney glaze). The buildup of chimney glaze is denser and harder than brick, and sticks to the chimney inside walls. Chimney brushes can’t sweep it out and any blow strong enough to break the glaze could damage the chimney itself.

  1. Level 3 Inspection

    The level 3 chimney inspection is the most comprehensive type of chimney inspection. In addition to everything preformed in level 1 and level 2 inspections, a level 3 will also examine the concealed areas of the chimney. This inspection will also include the removal of certain parts of the building or chimney structure if necessary.
    This type of inspection is performed when serious damage to the chimney is suspected.

  2. Level 2 Inspection

    In a level 2 inspection, a video camera or other device will be used to examine the flue and check for cracks or damage to the joints in the chimney’s structure. There should be no removal of the structure or permanent damaged caused to your chimney in a level 2 inspection.
    If you are making any changes in the way you use your chimney, such as changing the type of fuel used, relining the flue, or if you’ve had a chimney fire, a level 2 chimney inspection is needed. Also, a level 2 inspection of the chimney is required before you sell your property.
    As you probably assumed, a level 2 inspection is more detailed than level 1. A level 2 chimney inspection includes all of the visual examination included in a level 1 inspection, plus some additional work including examination of the attic, crawlspace and other accessible areas.

  3. Level 1 Inspection

    A level 1 visual chimney inspection is the most common type of chimney inspection. In a level 1 inspection, the technician will perform a visual inspection with a flashlight, looking over all the areas of your chimney and flue that can be viewed without any special tools. 
    Parts of your chimney that will be examined in a level 1 inspection include:
    • Portions of the chimney exterior
    • Portions of the chimney interior
    • Accessible portions of the appliance and chimney connection
    In short, your chimney technician will be examining the chimney to make sure that the basic structure is intact and there are no visible signs of damage. In this inspection, your technician will also verify that there are no obstructions or combustible materials in your chimney.

Don't wait until it's too late. Get your chimney inspected today.

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