Chimney Sweep (Cleaning)

What a Professional Chimney Sweep Includes

A complete chimney cleaning does more than brush the flue. We protect your space, set containment, and connect HEPA filtration so dust and soot stay under control. We brush the flue appropriate to your system—fireplace, wood stove, oil boiler, or gas appliance—and vacuum debris at the same time. We clear the smoke shelf, check the chimney cap, and verify that damper and throat areas are open and moving. If animals or debris are suspected, we address blockages safely. When we finish, we review photos and note any conditions that could affect draft or safety.

Why Annual Sweeping Matters

Creosote is combustible. It builds faster with unseasoned wood, cool flues, and smoldering fires. Even gas appliances leave deposits and can corrode liners over time. Annual sweeping reduces chimney fire risk and helps your system draft cleanly. On Long Island, salt air and wind-driven rain add moisture to the mix—staying ahead of buildup and moisture means fewer odors and better starts.

Our Step-by-Step Process

1. Protect & prep: Floor coverings, containment, and HEPA filtration. We verify access points and damper position.
2. Brush & vacuum: Right-size brushes for your flue material and diameter; capture debris as we go to minimize mess.
3. Smoke shelf & firebox: Remove deposits, clean ledges, and check the crown for cracks during the exterior review.
4. System checks: Damper, throat, cap, spark screen, and signs of water entry or flashing leaks.
5. Findings & next steps: We document with photos and discuss options like relining, pointing, or waterproofing if needed.

Signs You’re Due for a Sweep

• Black flakes or crunchy deposits falling into the firebox
• Persistent smoke odor in the room, especially on humid days
• Slow start, back-puffing, or smoke spill when doors are opened
• CO detector alerts with a gas appliance venting into the chimney
• Bird nesting debris or animal noises near the top of the stack

Wood, Oil, and Gas—We Sweep Them All

We tailor cleaning to your fuel and appliance. Wood systems focus on creosote stages and keeping flue temps up. Oil systems require attention to acidic residue and draft stability. Gas systems often show corrosion or condensation issues—especially in oversized, cold masonry flues—so we also verify that sizing and the cap are correct.

Sweeping + Inspection = Best Outcome

A sweep clears the pathway; an inspection reveals hidden risks like cracked tiles, failed joints, or a missing liner connection. If we see anything beyond routine maintenance, we’ll recommend the right level of inspection—visual or camera—and provide photos to explain why.

Keep Water Out to Keep Odors Down

Water makes odors worse and accelerates deterioration. After a sweep, consider a properly sized cap, a sound crown with drip edge, tuckpointing where joints are weak, and breathable waterproofing once repairs cure. The cleaner and drier the system, the better it will perform.