chimney cleaning
PRISTINE STEAM - LET US MAKE YOUR CHIMNEY CLEAN AND SAFE!
Did you know that the National Fire Protection Association recommends that homeowners have their chimneys inspected at least once a year?
At Pristine Steam, safety is our top priority. Our technicians use state-of-the-art equipment to inspect and clean first- and second-story chimneys of all kinds – including oil- and wood-burning chimneys.
We’ll ensure that your chimney and venting systems are safe and operating at optimum levels
Chimney Inspection
We conduct a 21-point safety inspection to ensure that your fireplace is in excellent working order. During this inspection, we look for any problems that could prevent peak performance and recommend what steps, if any, are needed for your system to burn cleanly and safely.
We do three levels of inspection, and our qualified technicians can help you assess which one is right for you:
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Level I – This is our most-common inspection performed for maintenance and safety. A certified chimney sweep verifies, visually, that the chimney structure, both interior and exterior, is sound and that the chimney is free of obstructions and combustible deposits, such as soot and creosote.
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Level II – This inspection uses a camera to thoroughly see what’s happening inside the flue liner of the chimney. If there’s anything that presents a concern – any voids, gaps or cracks in the lining – our technician will take pictures and review them with you. A Level II inspection should be performed if you are buying a new house, if you suspect there’s been a chimney fire or if there has been some kind of structural change to the chimney itself (i.e. the chimney was struck by lightning).
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Level III – If a Level I or Level II inspection suggests a hidden hazard and the evaluation can’t be performed without access to concealed areas, we recommend a Level III inspection. During this inspection, we confirm the proper construction and condition of concealed portions of the chimney structure and the flue. This type of inspection is generally necessary when investigating an incident that has caused damage to a chimney or building or where a hazard is suspected.
Have a gas fireplace? You don’t need the same kind of cleaning as a wood-burning fireplace, but regular inspections are still important to make sure that the liner to the gas unit is completely sealed and there are no cracks or blocks in your pipes that could result in a carbon monoxide leak in your home. We can help with that too!
Chimney Sweeping and Cleaning
When your chimney isn’t clean, it doesn’t work as well as it should. Wood-burning produces soot and creosote which builds up inside the flue liner during use. This needs to be removed regularly – every one to two years depending on use. Sometimes there are signs that it’s been awhile since you’ve had your chimney cleaned. These can be a smoky, campfire-like smell or smoke coming into your home.
Regular cleanings can help your fireplace function and perform as efficiently as possible.
In our first-class cleanings, we use high-powered rotary brushes to make sure we get the best clean on the flue area and the smoke chamber. During the cleaning process, our triple-filtered vacuum system collects residue from the power brush cleaning. We also seal off the fireplace area with heavy duty plastic and lay down drop cloths, making sure that your home stays “white-glove” clean during the entire chimney sweeping process!
Anatomy of a Chimney
The Bricks
Having your chimney’s bricks in good condition ensures the structural integrity and efficiency of the whole chimney. Also, if the bricks are in poor condition, it is likely that moisture will seep through, which can cause mold or mildew growth and overall damage.
Chimney Cap
Essentially, a chimney cap is a hat that covers a chimney to protect it against precipitation and debris such as leaves and branches. Chimney caps often have mesh around them which prevents animals such as birds and squirrels from entering your chimney. This mesh can also help protect your home from fires because it functions like a spark guard.
Chimney Crown
A chimney crown is the concrete that covers the top of the chimney and prevents water from getting into the chimney system. It is often confused with the chimney cap. A chimney crown covers the majority of the chimney, while the chimney cap shelters the flues that remain open for venting.
Chimney Flue
The chimney flue is the tunnel that allows smoke and exhaust to exit your home. It is important to have your chimney flue lined. Are you wondering how to clean a chimney flue? Since soot is a fire hazard, it is important to have it inspected yearly and swept by professionals when deemed necessary.
Chimney Damper
Chimney dampers are located just above the firebox and they help control ventilation. They also keep the chimney sealed when it is not in use, which keeps cold air from entering. The chimney damper should be open when the fireplace is in use and can be closed when it is not.
Chimney Liner
At Pristine Steam Chimney, we install aluminum, stainless steel, and polypropylene (PVC) chimney liners. Flue liners not only protect from heat transfer from your fireplace, they contain the flue gasses given off by your heating equipment and carry them up and out.. When there are cracks in your liner, it is essential to have your chimney liner replaced right away before using your chimney again.
Smoke Chamber
Before smoke enters the chimney flue, it goes through the smoke chamber. This area has slanted walls to make it easier for smoke to get to the flue. The smoke chamber also has a smoke shelf which serves to gather moisture and debris that can enter from outside.
Chimney Flashing
Chimney flashing is found at the point where the chimney meets the roof. It can be made of aluminum, copper, steel, or lead. It is important that chimney flashing is in good condition, because it protects your chimney, roof, and the rooms below it from moisture.
The Fireplace
Most importantly, the hearth and the firebox are the parts of your fireplace where a fire is created. The hearth is the floor of the fireplace, while the firebox is where the fire burns..
