We Provide Chimney Sweep Services Throughout The Dallas/Fort Worth Area

Fireplaces bring warmth and comfort to our homes, but these heating systems also require regular cleaning to keep efficiency high and risk low. When you neglect to clean regularly, it can lead to smoke problems, creosote buildup (a flammable deposit that results from combustion), chimney-related fire and health hazards, and takes away from the efficiency, safety, and enjoyment of the fireside experience.

What Is Involved in a Masonry Fireplace & Chimney Sweeping?

Your fireplace is the focal point of your home and like any other appliance that burns fuel, it needs regular maintenance to work safely and efficiently. That’s where chimney sweeping comes in! But what is chimney sweeping exactly and what happens during the process?

Chimney sweeping is another phrase for chimney cleaning. Why not just say chimney cleaning? Your chimney is responsible for venting toxic gases and fumes that can cling to the interior walls. While we can sweep your chimney to make it safe to use, it’s not possible to clean it completely.

When sweeping a masonry fireplace and chimney system, our team will do each of the following:

• Check the chimney flue and smoke chamber for creosote buildup.
• Use clean canvas drop cloths and runners to protect the room.
• Set up a vacuum system designed for chimney sweeping.
• Use flexible brushes and rods to sweep the chimney, the smoke shelf, the smoke chamber, and the firebox.
• Clean and vacuum any remaining soot or ash on the floor of the firebox.
• Use a chimney evaluation camera (these help us see problems with your fireplace and chimney flue that cannot be seen with an ordinary flashlight).
• Access the roof to evaluate for any potential problems.

What Is Involved in a Factory-Built Fireplace & Chimney Sweeping?

In addition to traditional fireplaces, we also clean factory-built units. While their systems are very similar, they do have some key differences. When sweeping a factory-built fireplace and chimney system, our team will go through the following checklist:

• Check the chimney for creosote buildup.
• Use clean canvas drop cloths and runners to protect the room.
• Use the flexible brushing system (to prevent damage to the metal flue system) to sweep the chimney and brush out the firebox.
• Vacuum any remaining soot or ash on the floor of the firebox.
• We use a chimney evaluation camera to see problems with your fireplace and chimney flue that cannot be seen with an ordinary flashlight
• Evaluate the chimney’s condition and check for damage.
• Access the roof to evaluate for any potential problems.

What Are the Signs That My Chimney Needs Sweeping?

Much of your chimney is hidden, and It’s not always easy to tell when it needs to be swept. However, there are signs that you can keep an eye out for that can indicate you need to move up your annual chimney sweeping:

• You can clearly see soot and creosote.
• There is a foul odor coming from the fireplace – that could be a sign of dirt buildup or the presence of an animal.
• The fireplace is smokier than usual, but the damper is completely open.
• You have difficulty starting or maintaining a fire.
• There are a lot of sparks or embers flying out of the fireplace. This might point to a blockage which poses a fire hazard.

What Are Some Things You Can Do To Keep Your Chimney Maintained?

We recommend annual sweepings to keep your chimney in peak condition, but there are a few things you can do to keep your chimney clean in between cleanings:

• Trim back any branches or leaves that hang within 15 feet of your chimney.
• Make sure you have a properly fitted chimney cap.
• Always burn seasoned wood and build your fire on the supporting grates if you have a wood-burning appliance. Never burn anything that isn’t properly seasoned firewood.
• Don’t over-fire your fireplace. Make sure the size of your fire is appropriate for your unit.

Ready To Schedule Your Next Chimney Sweeping?

Are you ready to enjoy a cleaner and more efficient chimney and fireplace? Let Black Velvet Chimney get you squared away. Take advantage of the chimney cleaning services we provide and schedule an appointment on our website.

A camera evaluation will give you the complete picture of the health of your chimney system. Talk to us about scheduling this important chimney and fireplace service today.