Chimney Cleaning and Creosote Removal

Creosote is the main fuel for chimney fires. We remove it, clear the damper and smoke shelf, and check the flue while we're up there.

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Signs you need this

Smoke drifts into the room when you light a fire
A strong, smoky or tar-like smell, especially on humid days
Black flakes falling into the firebox
Fires are hard to start or keep burning
It's been a full burning season since the last cleaning

What’s included

Drop cloths and sealed-off work area with dust control
Brushing the flue, smoke chamber, smoke shelf, and firebox
Removal of nests and debris
Damper check and a look at the flue with our camera

What creosote is and why it builds up

Every wood fire leaves a tar-like residue on the flue walls. Cooler flues, wet wood, and fires that smolder make it build up faster. Light, sooty deposits brush off easily. Left alone, they harden into a shiny glaze that is harder to remove and burns hotter if it ignites.

More than a sweep

A clean flue also drafts better, so fires start easier and less smoke comes back into the room. During every cleaning, we check the damper, the smoke chamber, and the flue lining, and tell you if anything needs attention.

How often

That depends on how much you burn. As a rule of thumb, have the chimney inspected every year and cleaned whenever buildup reaches about an eighth of an inch, or sooner if there is any glazed creosote.

Common questions

How messy is a chimney cleaning?

It shouldn't be messy at all. We cover the hearth and nearby floor, seal the fireplace opening, and use vacuums built for soot.

What if the creosote is glazed and won't brush off?

Hardened, glazed creosote needs a chemical treatment or rotary tools. We'll show you what we see on camera and explain the options before doing more than a standard cleaning.