chimney sweep tagged posts

Thanks to Clean Sweep for this episode of Tips from the Pros about problems house inspectors might not catch.

Chimneys are not just a way to create a comfortable and welcoming ambiance in a home, they are also a critical piece of the house that requires regular maintenance to avoid any safety issues. Home inspections are a common part of the buying and selling processes. Home inspectors do not have the same level of expertise in inspecting a chimney. Additionally, they don’t have the same tools as chimney inspectors. What are some of the common problems that they might miss?

Hidden Creosote Build-Up

Creosote buildup within chimneys is a significant concern and a potential fire hazard. However, it can be challenging to detect creosote accumulation without specialized tools...

Thanks to Clean Sweep for this episode of Tips from the Pros about how to deal with animals in your chimney.

As the cozy winter season sets in, there’s nothing like the warmth and comfort of a crackling fire in the hearth. Unfortunately, sometimes unexpected guests like animals can decide to make your chimney their home. It’s easy to panic when you realize that there is wildlife living in your chimney, but there are a few things you can do to get rid of the problem without hurting yourself or the animals.

Why Are Animals Attracted to Chimneys?

Most animals who end up in chimneys are there because they want a safe place to stay. This is particularly common during the winter, as the weather can be cold and harsh outside...

Thanks to Clean Sweep for this episode of Tips from the Pros about professional duct cleaning.

You might not see the air ducts in your home. However, they play a critical role in moving heated and cold air throughout the property. When your ducts are clean and in good condition, you will enjoy fresh air and minimal indoor allergy symptoms. However, over the years, your ducts will naturally accumulate mold, dust, pollen, debris, and more. What are some of the benefits of professional duct cleaning?

Improve Indoor Air Quality

Particularly if you work from home, the air circulating through your ducts might be the only air that you breathe all day! Unfortunately, if you do not have your air ducts professionally cleaned, that air can contain dust, pet dander, dirt, allergens, and more...

Thanks to Clean Sweep for this episode of Tips from the Pros about achieving peace of mind and comfort this winter with a chimney inspection.

Snow is seemingly in the forecast every week here in Maryland. It’s the perfect time of year to maximize warmth and coziness with a nice fire. However, you should think twice before lighting your next one. When is the last time you had a proper chimney inspection and cleaning performed?

A brief glance up the chimney just to make sure everything looks reasonable, and no visible damage is present isn’t a thorough enough approach.  Even if a chimney has been out of use for an extended period, there could still be creosote residue left behind...

Thanks to Clean Sweep for this episode of Tips from the Pros about getting your chimney cleaned in the spring.

Have you had your chimney cleaned in the last year? Yearly chimney cleanings play a large role in keeping our homes and families safe from harm. If you’ve fallen behind on your chimney maintenance, fear not! You might be surprised to learn that spring is the perfect time for a chimney cleaning. Here are four reasons why you should schedule your chimney maintenance this spring or summer.

Odor Control

Chances are you used your fireplace a decent amount over the cold winter. However, you most likely won’t be using it again until late September at the earliest...

Thanks to Clean Sweep for this episode of Tips from the Pros about upgrading to a slate roof.

Are you planning to upgrade your roof this year? If so, you’re probably pouring through all of your material options and weighing the pros and cons. There are a lot of roofing materials out there. Each of them offer a host of unique features and benefits. Out of all of the choices, however, we find that slate roofing offers the best combination of perks. Here are the benefits of upgrading to a slate roof!

Long Lasting

It’s no secret that slate roofing costs more than alternatives like asphalt, but there is good reason for it...

Thanks to Clean Sweep for this episode of Tips from the Pros about cleaning dryer vents.

We all clean out our lint traps after using our dryers. Unfortunately, that simply does not do enough over the long haul to keep us and our loved ones safe from potential threats. Even if we clear our lint trap after each use, lint eventually starts to build up within our dryer vents. When these buildups are ignored, major complications can arise as a result.

The Risk of Clogged Dryer Vents

Every year, around 2900 dryer fires are reported in the United States. The leading cause of these fires? You guessed it — failure to keep the vents clean and free of lint buildups...

Thanks to Clean Sweep for this episode of Tips from the Pros about fireplace season and care.

Our Best Advice for the Fireplace Season

With the weather getting colder and winter right on the horizon, it’s safe to say that fireplace season is here. We know you want to enjoy your first fire. However, there are some steps you should take to make sure your chimney is 100% safe and ready for use.

Have a Professional Sweep Your Chimney

Having your chimney thoroughly cleaned by a professional is the best way to guarantee the safety of you and your home. Maintenance is key when it comes to future costly inconveniences or even more serious threats like house fires. That’s why The National Fire Protection Association recommends at least one chimney cleaning per year...

Thanks to Clean Sweep for this episode of Tips from the Pros about fireplace safety.

Whether your home has had a fireplace for decades or you just purchased a home with a brand new fireplace tucked inside, knowing how to safely use it is essential. Fireplaces, when used and maintained properly, are very safe. However, when you don’t maintain them or pay close attention, they can lead to serious hazards and even house fires.

The Basics of Fireplace Safety

1. Cleaning and Maintenance: Have your fireplace professionally cleaned and maintained on a regular basis. If you don’t have a chimney sweep come to complete a cleaning, there could be dangerous creosote build-up. In addition, animal nests and yard debris may be found on the inside of your chimney...

Thanks to Clean Sweep for this episode of Tips from the Pros about your chimney inspection.

Homes are hitting the market as COVID-19 restrictions start to lift in Maryland. As a result, many home sellers are looking to list. However, getting out of the house is harder than it used to be! If your home sellers are curious about the length of time it takes for a thorough chimney inspection and cleaning, here is what they need to know.

How Long Does a Standard Chimney Inspection Take?

At Clean Sweep, our inspections are very thorough but also very streamlined. In most cases, an inspection will take about an hour from arrival at the property to submitting the report.

We use a comprehensive checklist and take photos from inside the chimney...