Services
Chimney cleaning explained for Lake Mary
Questions every homeowner in Lake Mary should have answered before a chimney cleaning.
Setting up the room before any brushing
A chimney cleaning starts indoors, well before a brush goes up the flue. Our sweeps lay heavy drop cloths from the door to the hearth, move light furniture back from the opening and seal the fireplace so soot stays inside the work area.
A vacuum made for fine soot runs while we work, drawing dust away from the room instead of letting it drift. Tell us about rugs, pale upholstery or anything valuable near the fireplace when you book, and we will plan around it. When we leave, the hearth and floor should look the way they did before we arrived, apart from a much cleaner firebox. If someone in the house is sensitive to dust, tell us, and we will take extra care with the seal around the opening.
How firewood affects what we find in the flue
The EPA's Burn Wise program advises seasoning firewood for at least six months and storing it outdoors, off the ground, with only the top covered, since covering the sides traps moisture. It also recommends checking wood with a moisture meter before burning it.
Wet wood burns poorly and smoky, and that smoke leaves more residue on the inside of the flue. If our sweeps find heavy deposits, we ask about the wood you burn and how it is stored. Changing that is often the cheapest way to keep the next cleaning light, and it makes for a better fire in the meantime. We are happy to look at your woodpile while we are there if you would like a second opinion.
Booking before the first cool evening
Chimney sweeps get busiest once the weather turns and many households want a fire at the same time. Booking the cleaning earlier, before the first cool evening, means an easier appointment and a fireplace that is ready when you want it.
An early visit also leaves time for any repair the cleaning uncovers, so a cracked tile or a broken damper does not keep the fireplace cold through the season. Same-day visits are available when the schedule allows, and whatever you book within 72 hours of the inspection is 10% off. If you already know your plans, ask about a visit a few weeks before you expect to use the fireplace.
