How does a chimney get cleaned?

A professional chimney sweep can clean your fireplace and chimney to help prevent chimney fires and keep your fireplace running in peak condition. Regular chimney cleanings are critical for removing the highly flammable creosote that can build up inside the walls of your chimney over time and cause chimney fires. When hiring a cleaning company, ask the chimney sweep if their cleaning fee includes removing soot, creosote and blockages from the chimney flue and liner, cleaning the smoke chamber and shelf, and cleaning the firebox and the damper to ensure that you’re getting a comprehensive cleaning. Expect the chimney sweep to cover the flooring around the fireplace and properly seal off your fireplace opening to catch any soot that comes out during the cleaning.

Look for a chimney sweep who has been certified by a nationally recognized organization such as the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), Fireplace Investigation Research and Education (FIRE), or the National Fireplace Institute (NFI). This will help ensure that your chimney work will be completed in a professional manner and your home will be safe from a chimney fire.