Local Chimney Sweeping & Cleaning Services You Can Trust From SureGlow Stove & Chimney

For chimney sweep and cleaning services near you, SureGlow is the team to trust. Book annual maintenance to ensure a safer and more efficient fireplace.

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Do I Need a Chimney Sweep Every Year?

Did you know that, in accordance with National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) regulations, the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends getting your chimney inspected every year to ensure all parts are in place and everything is working as it should? And yes – this rule applies, even if you don’t ever (or rarely ever) use your fireplace or wood stove.

Why? A full-functioning, properly cleaned chimney system works to streamline the exit route for the smoke and gas of every fire burned in your wood stove or fireplace. In a dirty chimney, though, the smoke would have nowhere to go and would instead fill the house with its naturally emitted gases and substances – like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, soot, smoke, etc. Chimneys provide the perfect escape route for all of this dangerous matter.

Luckily for those in our wide service area, SureGlow Stove & Chimney makes the process as easy and seamless as possible. If your search engine has been frequenting “chimney cleaning and sweeping services near me” searches, give us a call. Dial our number now or book online with us today.

What’s the Difference Between Chimney Sweeping & Chimney Cleaning?

For simplicity’s sake, both refer to the process of clearing the system of any buildup and/or debris and ensuring your chimney is operating in tip-top shape. If you call asking for a cleaning or a sweeping, you’ll be getting the same service no matter which term you use.

However, considering that chimneys serve the sole purpose of venting hazardous fumes out of a home, they can’t ever really be properly “cleaned” – they won’t be spotless like a bathtub or your tile floors. Soot, ash, and a byproduct called creosote accumulate within the firebox and the flue liner, and low (non-threatening) amounts of residue will always linger.

Because of this, we prefer the term “chimney sweeping,” as it is more accurate to what a chimney company actually does when maintaining your chimney. Utilizing specifically designed brushes and tools, we “sweep” the chimneys clear of soot, debris, creosote buildup, and other materials that may cause inefficiencies, odors, or the production of dangerous chemicals when a fire is burned in the hearth.

We know many use these terms interchangeably – and we’re fine with that. So, whether you say “sweeping” or “cleaning,” no worries. We know what you mean.

What Are the Dangers of Using a Dirty Chimney?

Without regular, annual chimney sweepings, you could be putting your home and your family at risk, even if you don’t use your chimney all that regularly. The following are some of the dangers that can arise if you skip out on your chimney cleaning.

Creosote Buildup
Have you ever looked at the inside of your fireplace and wondered what that hardened, oily-looking, soot-like material is? It’s called creosote and it’s a byproduct of wood combustion. It is also highly combustible and the leading cause of chimney fires.

While there are precautions you can take (such as only burning dry, seasoned wood and/or investing in a chimney thermometer to ensure your fires are burning as hot as possible), ultimately, the only way you can be absolutely sure that your chimney is clear and as safe as possible is having a professional chimney sweeping performed every year.

Debris
Because you can’t see the entire chimney system when you’re snuggled up in front of the fire, you might not be thinking about the part that comes out of your roof and is exposed to the elements. Your chimney should have a cap in place to prevent debris (like leaves, twigs, and anything else) from entering your chimney and disrupting your system’s performance and safety.

Animal Nests… & Worse
It’s also very possible – especially if your chimney cap was not installed properly or you don’t regularly light fires in your firebox – that animals find their way inside and build their homes. Birds, squirrels, other rodents, raccoons, etc. are all excellent climbers (or flyers), and if your chimney has any space to squeeze into, it could be the perfect spot to keep warm in the winter.

Similarly, depending on the state of your chimney (in terms of overall maintenance, amount of debris/clogged material, etc.), critters can get stuck and meet their demise – a less than ideal scenario for any household.

Chimney Fires
It’s important to be aware of the overall potential for chimney fires. Creosote might be the main culprit in causing chimney fires, but it is certainly not the only one. There are many different reasons a chimney might catch fire, and all of them are a direct result of a dirty chimney.

Don’t hesitate to reach out and schedule your routine chimney sweeping today. Looking to schedule a chimney repair service? Or your annual inspection? We can do that too – SureGlow is here for you and all your chimney and fireplace needs.

Does a Prefabricated Chimney Need To Be Swept?

Yes, it does. Regardless of the type of chimney – traditional brick masonry or prefabricated – it is equally as important to ensure they are regularly inspected, cleaned, and properly maintained on an annual basis. Gas furnaces, boilers, hot water heaters, etc. may not produce the same visible byproducts, but damage and buildup can still occur.

We’ll say it again – no matter what type of exhaust-producing appliance you have in your home, booking your inspection and sweep with SureGlow is a must. Give us a call to discuss what we can do to make your life and your home maintenance that much more manageable.

How Can I Tell if My Chimney Needs Cleaning?

Much like we mentioned in the section above, this can also vary from house to house and chimney to chimney. This is why it is vital to schedule regular sweeping and inspection where a professional comes in and examines your system from top to bottom. From there, you can speak with your chimney technician about your burning habits and establish a personalized maintenance and chimney sweeping schedule.

While the following do not replace annual chimney inspection and cleaning, here is a list of things to keep an eye on that indicate it might be time for your chimney to be swept:

  • It smells like a campfire in and around your wood stove or fireplace (even if there is no fire burning).
  • You notice a decent amount of soot, ash, and creosote beginning to coat the inside of your firebox or flue.
  • When you light a fire, smoke seems to have a hard time escaping out of the chimney and begins to waft back into your living room.
  • Your fire is burning strangely – or the logs don’t seem to ignite as efficiently as they once did.
  • You’re able to light it fine, but it appears to be having a hard time staying lit.

Can I Clean or Sweep My Chimney Myself?

You’ve been watching lots of HGTV and YouTube videos, and scouring Google for “what do professional chimney sweeps use?” You understand basic chimney function and structure…and you’re wondering if you can clean your chimney yourself.

We do not recommend DIY chimney cleaning.

For as seemingly simplistic as the chimney system might seem, these appliances are deceivingly complex. Dangerous, too, if you’re not trained and you don’t quite know exactly what you’re doing. By nature, chimneys come into contact with harsh and toxic fumes and chemicals that professional, CSIA-certified chimney techs are trained to handle – and that most homeowners simply aren’t aware of.

Also, many areas that might require the most cleaning are often located deep within the walls of your flue liner and are thus out of reach. It’s best to leave all that dirty work to the professionals like us.

Aren’t there chimney cleaning kits, though? And homemade chimney cleaners? We’re sure you’ve come across a myriad of products and tools designed to help you clean your own chimney – like kits containing brushes, little putty pots designed to remove creosote, creosote sweeping logs, etc. Perhaps you’ve even tried to find a formula for a “homemade chimney cleaner.” While these various products can sometimes help reduce the amount of soot buildup and potentially slow the overall degradation of your chimney, they do not replace the important process of having your chimney professionally swept or inspected.

Give us a call to schedule your chimney sweeping or book online with us today.

How Much Does a Chimney Sweep Cost?

As much as we wish we could give you a confident price estimate, unfortunately, the truth is that it depends on a multitude of factors. For example, not only must you take into consideration the state of your hearth and chimney system, but also the location, experience, and expertise of the chimney sweep company.

One thing we will say is to beware of chimney scams. When a door-to-door chimney sweep or a flyer promises an unbelievably low-cost chimney cleaning, it’s a red flag to approach with caution. While the offer may seem like a bargain, it’s often a tactic used by unqualified individuals to gain entry to your home. And they’ll likely find lots of “problems” that will drain your bank account.

Always verify credentials, check for proper licensing and insurance, and seek recommendations or reviews to ensure you’re working with a trusted professional. Your family’s safety and the integrity of your home are worth more than a quick, cheap fix.

For homeowners in the area, we believe SureGlow Stove & Chimney is the best choice for excellent, high-quality service and customer experience – as well as fair and appropriate pricing.
Give us a call to schedule a visit with one of our technicians.

How Long Does It Take a Chimney Sweep to Clean a Chimney?

It depends. For instance, if a family of squirrels happened to have recently taken up residence in your chimney, the process of sweeping your chimney has now been made that much more time-consuming and complicated than your neighbor’s, who might not even use their fireplace.

That being said, your service could run anywhere from a couple of hours to the better part of a day. It all just really depends on the amount of debris and creosote buildup, the state of your flue, and generally how well-maintained the entire system is.

To get the most accurate time estimate, give us a call today. Remember, we’re here to make your life easier.

What Time of Year Is Best to Clean a Chimney?

The best time of the year to have your chimney swept is during the spring or summer. Not only does this allow for your tech to diagnose any issues that may need addressing before the weather cools and you’d likely be using your system more regularly, but it also ensures you’re getting the service done before the chimney company’s busy season in the fall.

We always recommend homeowners to schedule sooner rather than later to ensure that excellent 5-star companies like ours still have availability. If you put it off for too long, you run the risk of ending up on a waiting list somewhere, or, alternatively, paying for subpar service.

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Give Us a Call To Schedule Your Chimney Cleaning

If you’re looking for professional, high quality chimney cleaning or sweeping services near you, look no further. You’ve come to the right place. Reach out to learn more about us and what we can do for you.

Call or schedule with us online today.

Our chimneys services cover it all, whether you need a chimney sweep, inspection, fireplace repair, installtion service, or something else.