Gardiner, ME Chimney Sweeps

How often should my chimney be swept?

Most experts say that your chimney should be cleaned at least once a year, or more often if you routinely use your fireplace.

How do I know if I need to have my chimney cleaned?

There are a few signs that your chimney may need to be cleaned:

• When you use your fireplace, there is a strong smell of smoke.
• Trouble getting a fire going or keeping it going in your fireplace
• Soot or creosote on your fireplace’s walls or floor
• If your chimney makes a loud or strange noise,
• Cracks or damage to the structure of the chimney
• If you see any of these signs, you should have your chimney cleaned as soon as possible to fix any problems.

When is the best time of year for my chimney to be cleaned?

During the off-season, when you don’t use your fireplace as often, is the best time to have your chimney cleaned. Usually, this is done in the spring or fall, before the winter heating season starts.

Can I clean my chimney on my own?

Technically, you can sweep your own chimney, but it’s not a good idea unless you have the necessary skills, training, and tools. Sweeping a chimney can be a dangerous job because you have to get up on the roof, so it's best to let a professional chimney sweep take care of cleaning your chimney.

How should I prepare for a chimney sweep?

During a chimney sweep, a professional will check the inside of your chimney for debris and creosote buildup, then they will remove it. They will also look for structural problems or damage and fix anything that needs to be fixed. Depending on the size and condition of your chimney, the process usually takes between 30 minutes and two hours.

What happens during my chimney sweeping appointment?

A professional chimney sweep will use special tools and equipment to clean and maintain your chimney during your appointment.

This means checking the chimney for signs of damage or problems with its structure and fixing anything that needs to be fixed.

Your chimney sweeper will also remove any creosote or other debris that has built up inside the chimney. This buildup can be flammable and increase the risk of a chimney fire if it is not removed regularly.

The chimney sweep will also give you tips on how to use and take care of your fireplace or wood stove in a safe and effective way.

This can include tips on how to choose the right kind of wood to burn, how to make sure there is enough air flow, and more.

When the job is done, your sweep will clean up any mess or debris that was made during the process. They will then give you a report with what they found, any suggestions or repairs they made, and information on how to keep your chimney in good shape between visits.