If you burn wood, you probably have a dirty chimney

The burning of wood produces a by-product that builds up on the inside of the flue. This black, sticky layer that forms is highly combustible. When the creosote is 1/4″ thick, you are at a high risk of having a chimney fire. The best way to rid your flue of this thorough and regular cleanings.

How often you need to clean really depends on how your fires are burned. Chimneys whose fires are burned hot will need maintenance less often than those where the fire is constantly dampened down and burned slow. This method of slow burn causes a lot more smoke and a higher amount of partially burned solids. It is these solids that build up and become potentially hazardous.

dirty chimney

Can I clean a wood burning chimney on my own?

This is not a difficult task but can be a dangerous one. Tall flues, steep roofs, long ladders and mother nature herself can make for a hazardous combination.

If your flue is in need of attention and keeping your feet planted firmly on the ground is more your cup of tea, you may want to consider contracting a sweep.

However, if you are the handy homeowner, this job of cleaning your wood stove and chimney is most likely within your capabilities.

Before you start this job remember, safety first. Always use common sense. Wear safety eye protection, gloves and a dust mask. Be sure your ladder is sturdy and long enough for your job. You never want to over extend yourself on a ladder. Always be sure to wear slip resistant footwear. Last, be sure to have the appropriate chimney cleaning tools. The less trips up and down the ladder the better.

NOTE: Be sure your cleaning brush is the correct size. A brush that is too big may become lodged in your flue.

How to Sweep a Wood stove chimney

First you want to completely extinguish the fire. Make sure the flue is cool and there are no hot ashes left in the firebox. Next be sure that your heating appliance or fireplace is sealed off properly. Use tarps to cover carpeting and furniture. Have a vacuum cleaner handy for cleanup afterward.

With your brush securely attached to your rods, lower it into the top of your flue. Add rods when necessary to reach the bottom. Work the brush up and down until the flue is clean. A flashlight will help you determine this.

Finally, vacuum up any debris that as fallen into your firebox or appliance. Be sure to check for debris behind the damper and smoke shelf area. The cleaning of the smoke shelf, the part behind the damper in the fireplace is the most important part of the cleaning. If you have a wood stove, pellet stove, fireplace insert or furnace, be sure that all connections, elbows and tees are cleaned as well.

 

 

Other methods of cleaning

Although the top down method is the preferred method among sweeps and homeowners, it can also be cleaned from the bottom up.

Unfortunately, even the most avid do-it-yourselfer may have reservations about taking that long climb to the top of the their home.

If you are that homeowner, don’t fear! You can still clean your own flue. Just simply do it from the bottom up.

The same principles apply, however, your brush will be inserted through the damper or clean out door.

Keep in mind that this method can be messy since you will be unable to seal off your opening.








    *Note: If you have a terra cotta clay chimney
    flue lining, be sure to measure the true length and width of the
    inside of your chimney flue space.

    *If there is a terra cotta clay flue liner, does it protrude out of
    the top of the chimney at least 2 inches? If there are at least 2
    inches and the terra cotta clay is in good condition, you will use
    our stainless steel, terra cotta top plate that has a 1 1⁄2inch edge
    that goes all the way around (like a shoebox lid).

    *If your terra cotta clay flue is in bad shape at the top, you may
    need to just take a hammer and tap all around that terra cotta,
    taking it away to make the surface flat at the top of your chimney.
    In that case, you will simply use the flat top plate that comes with
    our liner kit.



    *Note: If you have a terra cotta clay chimney
    flue lining, be sure to measure the true length and width of the
    inside of your chimney flue space.

    *If it is on the back of the stove, is it parallel with the back of the stove or is it at an angle, like 45 degrees?

    *If it is at an angle you will use an insert stove adaptor (an insert liner kit) rather than a two-part tee with cleanout cap.


    Usually pellet stoves have an exhaust hole id of 3 inches. However, if you are going up more than 15 feet to the top of your chimney you need to use a pipe and/or flex liner that is 4 inches diameter.





    If you are only venting a hot water heater then the exhaust hole diameter is probably 3 inch diameter. If it is 3 inch diameter and you are going up more than 15 feet to the top of your chimney, you must use a 4 inch diameter flexible liner or ridged pipe for proper draft. We also suggest to go ahead and use a 4 inch diameter flexible liner or ridged pipe even if the total length is 15 feet or less.


    Not the depth or any other dimension inside your fireplace.

    Most gas log fireplaces require an 8 inch liner kit or rigid kit. But do not assume that is the case for the gas log fireplace kit you are installing. Obey the requirements for that specific unit that are in your installation/instruction manual.

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