Our Services
Our approach to chimney sweeping in Lake Monroe
What decides the method and the price of a chimney cleaning in Lake Monroe.
Brushes sized to the flue
Flues come in different shapes and sizes. Clay tile is often square or rectangular, while metal liners and factory-built chimneys are round. A brush that is too small skims the middle and leaves deposits in the corners, and one that is too stiff or the wrong material can scratch a metal liner.
Brush head and rods are chosen to match the flue once it has been measured. For factory-built and stainless systems, the maker's instructions say which brush types are allowed, and we follow them. Getting the fit right is what separates a flue that looks swept from one that is actually clean along its whole length. Where a flue changes size or shape partway up, we switch brushes at that point so the whole run is cleaned from top to bottom.
Cleaning with a fireplace insert in place
A wood-burning insert sits inside the fireplace and usually vents through a liner running up the chimney. Cleaning it well depends on how it was installed and whether the liner connects directly to the insert collar.
NFPA 211 expects an insert to be removed when needed to examine and clean the venting, though removal is not required when the venting can be cleaned thoroughly with it in place. We look at your setup, tell you which applies and explain any extra time before starting, so the price you approved is the price you pay. Reinstalling the insert is part of the same visit. If the insert does need to come out, we protect the hearth and surround before sliding it forward.
Smoke that rolls into the room
Smoke spilling from the fireplace opening has several possible causes. A flue narrowed by deposits is one. A damper that does not open fully, a clogged cap, a flue too small for the opening, or a house where exhaust fans pull air inward are others.
Cleaning takes care of the deposit side and lets us see the rest. If smoke still spills once the flue is clean, we explain which of the other causes fits what we saw and what it would take to fix. That way you never pay for a cleaning expecting it to cure a problem it cannot reach, and the next step is clear. Opening a window slightly while the fire starts can show whether house pressure plays a part.
