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FOR PROFESSIONAL CHIMNEY CLEANINGS AND INSPECTIONS, CALL NEIGHBOURHOOD CHIMNEY SERVICES
Your fireplace is a warm focal point in your home. However, just like any household appliance, it needs to be serviced on a regular basis to ensure the ongoing safety and comfort of your family. When your fireplace is not properly maintained, it can break down or become a health hazard.
At Neighbourhood Chimney Services, all fireplace cleaning services start with an inspection to assess the condition of your flue. The flue is swept with a brush; the damper housing and firebox are cleared and vacuumed. For a more detailed outline of our process, we list our steps below.
CHIMNEY INSPECTION
The area around the fireplace needs to be clear of all obstructions and the firebox must be clear of any decorative items.
During the inspection, we will use a flashlight and mirror to complete a visual inspection for:
Overall condition of the flue
Broken chimney pipes
Obstructions or blockages including nests, bricks, vines or animals
Layered build-up of soot and ash
Creosote build-up due to infrequent cleaning
We will also:
Verify flue draw and positive pressure
Test the damper to ensure good working order of hinges and tracks, or that the worm drive is operating smoothly
Test the damper handle verifying the damper is able to close fully and securely
Ensure the fireplace unit is secured to the wall with no gaps
Inspect the firebox area looking for evidence of cracks in firebrick, fire block or metal
Inspect the top of the chimney flue to ensure all pipes and bricks are secure and in good condition
Verify a chimney cap is in place to keep out rain and that the chimney is screened to keep out animals
After the inspection you will be informed of any findings and provided with a quote if repairs are required. Additionally, you may ask any questions you have pertaining to your fireplace.
CHIMNEY CLEANING*
During a typical fireplace cleaning, we will:
Place a large blanket in front of the hearth, and a vacuum will be set up to run throughout the cleaning process
Sweep the chimney from the bottom to the top using flexible rods which are extended to the full height of the chimney
Brush all sides of the chimney flue on the way up, and again on the way down
Clean soot and debris from the damper housing and firebox
Lubricate moving parts on the damper, if required
Remove all waste from your home
*This process may vary depending on the type of fireplace.
CLEANING SERVICES
BASIC FIREPLACE
This is your basic open firebox with brick or block walls and a damper.
ZERO CLEARANCE FIREPLACE
This is a fireplace unit without a masonry foundation, typically installed against existing walls with a stainless steel chimney.
FIREPLACES WITH METAL INSERTS
These units have doors or a grill attached to a metal box, which lines the inside of the firebox. Some inserts can be lifted out, but most are fixed in place.
FIREPLACES WITH WOOD STOVE INSERTS
A woodstove is placed inside the firebox and smoke vents up the chimney through a stainless steel liner. The stove will be pulled out for proper cleaning.
WOOD STOVE – FREESTANDING
A wood burning stove consists of a solid metal fire chamber on a fire-resistant hearth. Vent pipes may require removal for proper cleaning if there are sharp bends.
GAS AND OIL FLUE CLEANING
These types of chimneys exhaust the unspent flue gases from your furnace and hot water tank. Check out our home carbon monoxide safety tips here.
CHIMNEY BLOCKAGE CLEARING
We will clear your chimney of nesting materials, small animals, leaves, vines and bricks. If the blockage is in a gas flue, the pipes will be opened where they come through the wall into the house. Check out our home carbon monoxide safety tips here.
EAVESTROUGH CLEANING
We will remove leaves and debris from troughs and downspouts, and secure any lose spikes. We will also let you know if your roof needs attention as a courtesy.
If you have any questions, or would like more specific information on chimney cleanings that you may need, call us today at 416-466-3303.
