FAQs
This page lists commonly asked questions with regard to chimney cleaning, chimney repair, fireplace drafting, chimney height, smoke problems, fireplace smoke guards and other questions of interest. Our CSIA-Certified Technicians are trained to provide solutions to these problems.
- To stop rain – the chimney cap prevents rain from entering the chimney, causing damper and firebox rust leading to expensive repairs
- To stop birds & animals – the chimney cap will not allow birds, squirrels or other animals to enter the chimney.
- To discourage backdraft – where certain wind conditions exist, the chimney cap will discourage downdrafts.
- To arrest sparks – the wire mesh reduces the amount of sparks and large ash that is normally blown into the air and onto rooftops.
Q: Why do I need a chimney cap?
A. Chimney caps are vital for several reasons including:
Q: What should and should not be burned in a chimney?
A. To reduce creosote build-up in your chimney, always burn well-split seasoned hardwood such as oak, marple, ash, etc. It is best to split, stack and then allow your wood to dry for at least one year before burning. When burning your wood, moisture should never bubble out of the end grain. This would indicate poorly seasoned wood.
Never burn any type of painted, stained or treated wood that will give off toxic fumes. Avoid plywood, chipboard, particle board, etc. due to the glue that will again give off dangerous fumes. A minimal amount of paper, placed under the grate is OK to start a fire, but avoid glossy paper or paper with color print. Large amounts of paper like gift wrapping should not be burned because it creates a large flame that can reach creosote deposits and start a chimney fire. The top of the flame should always be visible.
Q: How is a chimney cleaned, and is it messy?
A. The chimney cleaning can be done from the top and from the bottom (most commonly done from the bottom). A high speed rotary “brush” expands (centrifugal force) while inside the chimney and scrubs the entire flue area, the smoke chamber above the damper, and the firebox. This new system cleans much better than the old-fashioned hand & wire brushes. A vacuum is set up at the bottom to collect all the dust and debris before it enters your home.
Q: How often should my chimney be cleaned?
A. If you burn for heat or have frequent fires (3-4 times a week during the burning season), your chimney should be cleaned yearly. If you burn a half of a cord of wood or more, your chimney should be inspected on a yearly basis and cleaned when necessary. Even if you do not burn very often, the NPPA states that all chimneys should be inspected annually.
Inspections are done to check for creosote build-up, blockage, cracks, and any deterioration of the chimney.