Regular cleaning with standard chimney cleaning tools will prevent dangerous creosote fires. Check out some tips for cleaning chimneys that you might want to know before you get started!
Below are 3 tips on cleaning chimneys:
Basic Preparations
– Determine whether the chimney needs to be cleaned.
– Check the chimney for animals.Shine a flashlight up the chimney from the fireplace, and if you find an animal, take steps to have it removed.
– Measure your chimney flue.Measure the sides of your chimney from the bottom, through the fireplace. You could also climb up a ladder and measure it from the top.
– Buy chimney cleaning supplies.
– Dress in appropriate clothing.Wear old clothes that you don’t mind getting messy with soot. Cover your hair with a bandanna.
– Prepare your house for the cleaning.Drape the drop cloth or tarp around your fireplace, extending it out into your living room several feet.
– Remove the damper from the chimney flue. Locate the damper handle inside your chimney, and use the small wire brush to clean it off. Source: wikiHow
Top Down Method
This method requires that you be on the roof. After inserting it into the opening of the chimney, you will use the chimney brush to clean the inside walls of the chimney by raising and lowering the brush. The brush will be connected to flexible metal rods, and you will add rods to extend the length of the brush as you get further down the chimney. Many people prefer this method because it results in the least amount of cleanup inside the house. You can close off the opening to the fireplace within the house, which will help contain the suit and debris. Source: HowStuffWorks
Bottom Up Method
If you plan on using a brush from below, you need to be aware that it will definitely leave you and your room in a complete mess – but it is safer than getting on the roof. Before you start, it’s a good idea to remove anything from the room that might be damaged by soot (including computers and soft furnishings), and to cover as much of the carpet as possible.
This method is effectively the same as the top down method, but in reverse. Ensure that the damper is open, then push the chimney brush up through the chimney or flue, adding detachable rods as you go until the chimney brush is at the top. Repeat the process a few more times, and then shine a torch up the chimney or flue to see if you’ve missed any spots. Once you’ve finished, clean the room up! Source: Build
For more information and tips on cleaning chimneys, contact us today!
Contact:
Kerrisdale Roofing and Drains Ltd. Ltd.
168 W 71st Ave, Vancouver, BC V5X 4S7
(604) 360-2114
