Tools of the chimney sweep trade

If you are a homeowner with a fireplace, then you know the importance of having your chimney swept regularly. Although you might be tempted to try to do this feat on your own, we certainly don’t advise it.

The best way to ensure that your fireplace are safe and clean are to have them cleaned by professionals. Not only do they have experience, they also have specialty tools to help them do their jobs. There are a wide variety of shapes and sizes of chimney brushes to accommodate specific venting systems.

Let’s take a look at some of the tools of the chimney sweep trade:

Brushes

Multiple brushes are used when cleaning chimneys. Hand brushes are used in tight spaces like chimney caps and smoke chambers. Stiff flat wire bristle brushes are used to scrape off creosote in glaze form. A long wire brush designed with strength and flexibility is used to clean chimney deposits in even the tightest spaces.

Chemical Cleaners

When brushes aren’t able to scrape off all of the soot deposits and creosote from the flue lining, chemical cleaners are used to finish the job.

Vacuums

It’s no surprise that chimney cleaning is a dirty job. Thus, vacuums are used to prevent the mess from entering the home, while removing pollutants that enter the air during cleaning.

Failure to clean and maintain your chimney could have serious and dangerous consequences. Because creosote builds up when fireplaces are used, it can cause chimney or house fires if it is not taken care of. To prevent this from happening, chimney venting systems need to be cleaned regularly. Not only does cleaning chimneys keep them free of creosote deposits, it also helps keep your heating appliance operating safely and efficiently.

If it is time for your annual chimney sweep, give B+E a call. Our Outfitters are trained and certified to effectively use the tools of the trade to clean your chimney, no matter the mess.