FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that in one year, 5,500 fires were attributed to chimneys. As a result of these fires, 130 people died, 230 people were injured, and total property loss was set at more than $184.4 million. In addition, there were a minimum of 119 deaths from carbon monoxide and at least 4,700 injuries were reported for the same time frame, though most estimates range much higher.
 

The root cause of most of these losses is that most U.S. homeowners are unaware that chimneys are an integral part of a home-heating system, and they require regular evaluation and maintenance. Most homeowners in this area have little working knowledge of chimney and venting systems. The fact that faults, damage, and problems are rarely visible to the casual observer complicates the situation. The threat of chimney fires and unsafe indoor air quality can be greatly reduced, perhaps even eliminated, if homeowners only understood that chimneys require regular maintenance. 

 According to the National Fire Protection Association, "Chimneys, fireplaces and vents shall be inspected* at least once a year.  Cleaning maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary."

Our recommendation is to definitely have the chimney inspected and/or swept after either burning one cord of wood or roughly 50-60 of the manufactured logs.  However, every chimney manages the venting of the fire's smoke and gases differently so it may take less use to build up that creosote to a dangerous level.  Because we live in a mild Southern California climate, it seems like an average is about a half cord of wood per year, so many times I'll recommend an inspection every two years. 

There are times when the chimney and venting systems should be inspected and/or swept right away, such as:

• After any unusual, or sudden occurrence event, such as a chimney fire, lightning strike, or earthquake.
• Prior to purchasing a home with an existing chimney or vent.
• Whenever changes are made to a chimney or vent system, including replacement of connected appliances or going from woodburning to gas logs (or vice versa).
• Prior to major system repairs
• 
  

* It is not possible to observe most clearances unless one has witnessed all construction of the chimney and surrounding structure.
 

 Chimney creosote is a natural byproduct of burning materials such as wood, wood byproducts, or manufactured logs in your fireplace.  Its appearance is generally a brown or black fluffy substance that adheres to the chimney walls, damper and flue, but it can over time turn into a hard resin-like glaze that is more difficult to brush out.  This material is flammable, and becomes more dangerous as it grows thicker with every fire.   

 Smoke problems may be caused by:

•     A dirty flue / chimney preventing draft
•     A bigger or smaller flue than needed and chimney height
•     Improper air pressure in the house
•     Geographical conditions causing wind downdrafts in chimney
•     Obstruction in flue
•     Damper not fully open

 Sometimes, more than one thing can contribute to a smoking problem. 

 We take extra care to make sure that there will be NO MESS.  Our vacuums have micron filters and were specifically designed for chimney sweeping. They are loud but do an excellent job of containment.  The area that my equipment and tools are on is covered first with tarps and runners.  With a masonry chimney, when necessary the front of the fireplace is also sealed as an extra precaution when I go up to the top of the chimney to brush down the creosote.  A prefab chimney is swept from below, so we can maintain control over how much creosote dust is coming back down into the fireplace where the vacuum will suck up the airborne particles.

We are not in any hurry to get the job done.  Making sure that your house stays dust free is our priority!
 

 If the chimney and fireplace only require an evaluation, we are generally done in roughly 20-30 minutes.  If the chimney does need to be swept, the process will usually take between one to one and a half hours.  Access to the chimney, and how long of a distance there is between where I park my van to where I am setting up my equipment at the fireplace will factor into how long the sweeping will take.
 

 Prior to your appointment, remember to:

• Stop using your fireplace, woodstove, or gas stove. For safety’s sake, we need to work with an appliance that is completely cool.
• Remove fragile or precious items from the area around the fireplace and on the hearth. If needed, we’re happy to  help you move furniture out of the way when we arrive.
• Please keep pets and children away from the area where we will be working. This is for their safety and allows our staff to work more efficiently.

 Michaele carries certifications in the following areas:

• Chimney (CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep #2135),
• Dryer (C-Det Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician #73), and
• F.I.R.E. Certified (Inspector #007).  
• My California State Contractor's License number is: 541313, and I am Bonded as a contractor.