Inspections & Sweeps
We start with a Level 2 Video Scan Inspection. Should the chimney be dirty (creosote or oil soot deposits, wildlife nesting), then we would move forward with a cleaning (sweep) of the flue to remove these deposits from the inside of the flue because it could hide structural defects from a Level 2 Video Scan Inspection.
We charge a standard fee for the service appointment that includes the Level 2 Inspection and a smaller fee for the chimney cleaning, if it needs it. This seems to work out better for our clients because sometimes the chimneys may already clean from not using it or could be venting a gas appliance and it has a chimney cap so wildlife can’t enter it to make a nest. Gas also burns clean, and this saves the customer money where we didn’t need to perform the sweep.
As for Wood Appliances, we will just start with the cleaning 1st and then provide the Level 2 Video Scan Inspection afterwards. This is because these flues are always dirty due to the way they burn.
We can offer a Level 3 Inspection. This would be based on an hourly basis because it would involve removing drywall, wood panels, bricks, and mortar to gain access of hidden structural defects inside the chimney that is unable to be seen by a Level and Level 2 Inspection. Please inquire for more details.
Oil / Gas Fuel Sweeps:
Furnace chimney sweeps are primarily to remove acidic soot deposits, wildlife nesting for obstruction free assurance and Integrity Purposes. Your oil or gas burning units emit the products of combustion, i.e. carbon monoxide and soot deposits to the atmosphere through your furnace chimney flue. Affordable Chimney Sweeps will clean the chimney flue to remove these corrosive deposits and ensure safe & efficient exhaust escape from your home (carbon monoxide). Once the cleaning is done, we will then provide a level 2 video scan inspection with our Chim-Scan system. This allows the technician to see the refractory joints between the flue liner sections to confirm that they are not deteriorated or cracked. We will then inspect the smoke chamber and smoke shelf and make sure these areas are sound and that there is no wood or brick and mortar exposed. Our technician will then send you an electronic receipt with the areas we covered, pictures and or video clips of the problem areas in the service we provided to your email.
The Process:
Sweeping a fireplace flue is done to remove flammable Creosote Deposits from the inside of your chimney and to assure the flues are obstruction free. This process starts with moving any furniture aside within a 6’ range and then we set up drop clothes around the work area. Starting with either removing the damper or setting it aside, The technician uses our flexible brush and rods to clean the smoke chamber, smoke shelf, chimney flue (lined or unlined), the damper and firebox. Once the cleaning is done, we will then provide a level 2 video scan inspection with our Chim-Scan system. This allows the technician to see the refractory joints between the flue liner sections to confirm that they are not deteriorated or cracked. We will then inspect the smoke chamber and smoke shelf and make sure these areas are sound and that there is no wood or brick and mortar exposed. Our technician will then send you an electronic receipt with the areas we covered, pictures and or video clips of the problem areas in the service we provided to your email.
Integrity purposes:
The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) code 211 says, "Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary." Annual inspection with a fireplace chimney sweep as required. This is the National safety standard!
