Atlanta Chimney Sweep

Why sweep?

Chimney sweeping is needed to remove creosote deposits and other debris from chimneys and vents. Creosote buildup in chimneys can lead to chimney fires or flue blockages.
During a chimney fire temperatures inside the chimney often exceed 2000 degrees and this can destroy your chimney and may set your house on fire.
In the event of a Flue Blockage which may be caused by creosote or other debris such as animal nesting, dangerous fumes can be forced into your home.
Chimney sweeping is a vital service to protect the health and safety of your family and home. All chimneys, including the chimney for your furnace, should be inspected annually with cleaning performed as needed.
Chimney inspections and cleaning help prevent costly and damaging chimney fires!

Chimney Cleaning

The primary job of a chimney service professional is to aid in the prevention of fires related to fireplaces, wood stoves, gas, oil and coal heating systems and the chimneys that serve them. Chimney sweeps install, clean and maintain these systems, evaluate their performance, prescribe changes to improve their performance, and educate the consumer about their safe and efficient operation.
In doing their primary job of inspecting and sweeping chimneys, chimney professionals also function as on-the-job fire prevention specialists. They are constantly on the lookout for unsafe conditions that can cause home fires or threaten residents with dangerous or unhealthy indoor air quality.

How the chimney is cleaned

Brushes are used to remove creosote and soot from the firebox, smoke shelf, elbows, and connector pipes. This is done from both outside and inside the house. Occasionally there is creosote buildup that cannot be removed by brushing. Professional chimney sweeps use chemicals to alter the composition of the hardened creosote and turn it into a powdery substance that can be easily removed.

How often should I have my chimney cleaned?

This a tougher question than it sounds. The quick simple answer is: The National Fire Protection Association standard 211 says, "Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary." This is the national safety standard and is the correct way to approach the problem. It takes into account the fact that even if you don't use your chimney much, animals may build nests in the flue or there may be other types of deterioration that could make the chimney unsafe to use.
The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends that open masonry fireplaces should be cleaned at 1/4" of sooty buildup, and sooner if there is any glaze present in the system. Factory-built fireplaces should be cleaned when any appreciable buildup occurs. This is considered to be enough fuel buildup to cause a chimney fire capable of damaging the chimney or spreading to the home.

How to Choose a Chimney Sweeping Company?

The chimney service trade is not regulated, nor are chimney sweeps licensed in most states. Further, opening a chimney service business requires a relatively small capital investment. Thus, virtually anyone - without education, training , experience or even a working knowledge of proper tools or equipment can become a chimney sweep. As a result, many ill-equipped, ill-prepared individuals are free to offer their "services" to homeowners.
More frequently, these individuals will take advantage of learning opportunities and become competent, qualified chimney sweeps. In other cases, they will continue along the same path they started on, offering incompetent service and, in some cases providing trusting homeowners with a false sense of well-being. For this very reason, a number of states are currently considering license requirements for chimney sweeps. As precursors to state licensing, some municipalities currently license chimney sweeps and in most of those, the criteria for licensing is the CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep credential.
The CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep credential is the hallmark of excellence among chimney service professionals and among homeowners and related industry professionals who understand the quality and value it represents. Homeowners should be aware that there is only one legitimate national certification program for the chimney service industry and that is the CSIA program. Those who have earned the CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep credential have demonstrated their commitment to their industry, to fire prevention, and to the clientele they serve. CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps pass an extensive examination on national codes and standards and agree to the CSIA Code of Ethics.

Frequency of Inspection

NFPA recommends that all chimneys, fireplaces and vents be inspected annually. In addition to this requirement, there are other times when chimney and venting systems should be inspected, such as:

1. After any unusual, or sudden occurrence event, such as a chimney fire, lightning strike, or earthquake
2. Prior to purchasing a home with an existing chimney
3. Whenever changes are made to a chimney or vent system, including replacement of connected appliances
4. Prior to major system repairs