How to Clean Your Chimney

Springtime chimney cleaning is very important. A through cleaning is recommended
after a long winter of burning fires. The initial cost of purchasing a brush and
the rods for cleaning your chimney can be in the $100 - $150 range depending on
the size of your flue and the height of your chimney. Many times a chimney sweep
can charge up to $100 to clean your chimney depending on the height and how dirty
it is. Once you’ve purchased the brush and rods the rest of your chimney sweeping
only requires some elbow grease instead of paying for a cleaning. If you want to
share the cost see if a neighbor might want to split it with you. Cleaning your
chimney isn’t difficult; the hardest part of the job is getting out the ladder.
Once you’ve dug the ladder out of the garage you’re well on your way. Don’t forget
to take a tape measure, pen and paper up there with you, (there’s nothing worse
than getting back on the ground and forgetting what the dimensions were). Now that
you’re on the roof if you have a chimney cap remove it. Some chimney caps can easily
be removed by loosening 4 thumb screws at the base. Some chimney caps are permanently
mounted and the screws are on the lid.

Next measure the inside of your flue tiles and write it down. Take a good look
at your chimney while you’re up there. Creosote will tend to be the heaviest at
the top of the chimney were it starts to cool during the burning process. If there
appears to be little or no creosote buildup just black soot a wire brush will work
fine. If the creosote is really thick you may want to consider a flat wire brush
that will give you more surface contact.

Always use the bush that is the same size and the flue tiles. If the brush is
too small you won’t make surface contact or if too large you will jam the brush
and bend the bristles. Next determine the total height of your chimney, from smoke
chamber to the top. If it is a one story home the chimney would average 15’, two
story around 25’. Chimney brush rods are available in 3’ 4’ 5’ and 6’ sections that
screw together. Chimney brush rods are made of fiberglass and are very flexible;
they can bend 90 degrees or more. This allows for cleaning any bends in your chimney.

When selecting a chimney brush you will be amazed at the differences and cost.
The double spiral brush contains more bristles which will give you more surface
contact. This is great for moderately cleaning the soot. A single spiral brush with
fewer wires is great for the quick sweep when there is just a light dusting of soot.
The flat wire brush is best for the heavy jobs. If you have a metal chimney or your
chimney has been relined a poly brush is recommended for cleaning. A poly brush
will not scratch the inside or your pipe.

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