SWEEPING AND BASIC VISUAL INSPECTION

Our Professional Sweeping services are completed using a rotary power sweep system. This includes a number of different rods, heads, brushes and tools.  It includes state-of-the-art technology to tailor the system to your specific chimney to achieve an exceptional clean over commonly available manual equipment. Adhering to strict dust control measures, we use a vacuum designed for soot collection, equipped with a HEPA filter. 

 

 How often should you have your chimney swept? Knowing the legal requirements can help you determine at a minimum how often you need your chimney swept.  How your fireplace and chimney is maintained is regulated by the Ontario Fire Code (OFC). We will have to combine a few articles to get to a easy answer. In Article 2.6.1.4 it states that "Every chimney, flue and flue pipe shall be inspected to identify any dangerous condition (a) at intervals not greater than 12 months,"  The OFC does not mandate who is qualified to do the inspection.   It also indicates in Article 2.6.1.5.  that "Chimneys, flues and flue pipes shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them free from accumulations of combustible deposits". The National Fire Code of Canada states "A-2.6.1.4.(2) The presence in a chimney of deposits of soot or creosote in excess of 3 mm thick indicates the need for immediate cleaning, possible modification of burning procedures, and more frequent inspections."   This thickness (3mm,  1/8 In.) is the generally accepted threshold for required clean across north America.   

What does all of this mean?  It means that you need to have your fireplace inspected annually, and swept according to your burning habits. Some people get their professional sweep and inspection annually, others need a mid season sweep as well,  and some people who do not use their wood burning appliances get it swept professionally every few years and do their own inspection annually.  We can help you determine what is best for you, based on your individual burning habits. 

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 We recommend having your chimney professional cleaned at least once annually, this includes an inspection and any possible issues can be spotted early.  Whenever you operate a wood-burning device, the residues from the burning process, particularly creosote, accumulate within the flue pipe, potentially causing airflow blockages. This situation can lead to the infiltration of hazardous combustion byproducts into your living space. Creosote, a combustible substance resulting from wood combustion, accumulates more rapidly than you might anticipate, substantially elevating the risk of a chimney fire.
Included with every cleaning we do, is a basic visual examination. This examination entails identifying indications of decay, corrosion on external metal surfaces, deteriorating masonry, and overall system condition. 

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