How To Clean Out A Chimney

The role of the chimney sweep had broadened since the days of Mary Poppins. These days you will often find the chimney sweep is also an
expert in fireplaces, inserts and more.

Cleaning out a Chimney is not for the faint hearted, or for those who like to remain clean. It means taking apart your fireplace and then onto the roof to begin the chimney clean.

Preparation

Whether you decide to clean your chimney yourself or hire a professional there are a number of steps to take before starting the clean. The first one is obviously putting down a tarp in front of the fireplace and just in case you do not want your house to be a lovely shade of soot, you should cover the fireplace opening with a plastic tarp held on with duct tape.

The next stage is to open the fireplace’s damper. The damper is a small metal hatch and it’s job is to prevent cold from entering the house when the fire isn’t burning.

You will also need a bunch of brushes and rod’s. Consult your local hardware specialist for the equipment you will need.

Up On The Roof

The next stage is to take your brushes and rods onto the roof to begin the clean. You will need to remove the chimney cap (or spark arrestor) and make sure it has not suffered any weather damage. The chimney cap has two uses, it keeps out small animals and debris from the chimney and it also stops sparks from emerging.

Assembling the brush and rods will all depends upon the type you have bought. Make sure you read the instructions before getting on the roof. Now the fun part, run the brush up and down the chimney wall in short plunging motions.

Once you have completed cleaning out the chimney, the next step is to go back in the house and clean out the chimney flue. The flue is the pipe that runs between the fireplace and the chimney and helps channel smoke and heat outside.

Next use a vacuum to clean up remove the cold ashes from the fireplace and the damper. Brush the wall and finally vacuum up all the dust and debris that is outstanding.

Taking these measures can help prevent your chimney from being blocked and is vital for both your own health and safety. It is recommended that your chimney is serviced at least once every year.


Neil Maycock writes articles for Chimney Repair Milwaukee