Chimney Safety Inspections

The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) code states "Chimneys, Fireplaces, and Vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits and correct clearances. Maintenance and repairs shall be done if necessary." All chimneys must be inspected on a regular basis in order to be used safely.

First we check the flue to see if it is dirty. If it is dirty it must be swept both for safe use and in order to be able to inspect the flue properly.

If the chimney needs to be swept, technicians cover the front of the fireplace and insert the hose of the Chimney Sweep Vacuum to contain soot or dust created during the sweeping process. Sweeping may be done from the top or the bottom using chimney rods, poles, brushes, and scrapers. This will remove any build up and leave you with a fully swept chimney. Depending on the type of system you have, once the sweeping has been completed we will then complete the safety inspection. Then the sweep will reenter the house, remove the debris, sweep out the inside of the fireplace, and vacuum any remaining dust or soot. NO MESS-we have the utmost respect for your home and property.

 If the chimney does not need to be swept we will just complete the safety inspection. This inspection basically covers the chimney/fireplace from roof to hearth, inside and out to make sure the entire system is in good shape and safe to use.

What we check for:

 Creosote Glaze

Creosote is a liquid that condenses onto the inner walls of connector pipes and chimneys as wood smoke cools. When creosote dries, it gradually hardens, taking the following forms: Stage 1 (velvet soot), Stage 2 (porous and crunchy in makeup) or Stage 3, shiny, rock-hard chimney glaze. The buildup of chimney glaze is denser and harder than brick, and sticks to the chimney inside walls. Chimney brushes can’t sweep it out and any blow strong enough to break the glaze could damage the chimney itself.

Why does chimney glaze form?

Fresh layers of creosote rapidly buildup, accumulating quickly when previous creosote layers don't dry completely. The newly formed layers then insulate the partially-hardened previous deposits from the heat of the wood exhaust that dries them, resulting in a heavy buildup of sticky creosote, which eventually solidifies. This creates the stone-solid substance known as glaze. The excessive creosote accumulation that leads to glaze formation is usually caused by the improper burning or venting of airtight wood stoves. Specifically, glaze will often form when the chimney is larger than the vent opening on the appliance (causing sluggish draft), when unseasoned or wet wood is burned, or when the draft control on an airtight appliance is habitually set too low, causing the fire to smolder.

Click here for more information on chimney safety from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.