How often should chimney sweeping be done?

Question

We have lived in our current house for 4 1/2 years, and the chimney has never been swept or cleaned out once in all that time. Last year I lit one of those creosote logs in the fireplace, but that is the extent to loosening the "stuck-ons" in the chimney.

I think I'm going to buy a chimney sweeper this year. How often should chimneys be swept? Any other advice?

Answer 1

You should also inspect the liner. The flue should be swept as necessary to prevent accumulations of anything within them. Soot and creoesote are toxic so make sure you take the proper precautions, there may also be lint and other airbourne particles collecting inside the chimney or fireplace. An annual inspection from the top should be done, again take the proper precautions not to fall. And check your smoke and CO detectors to make sure they work properly.
I hope you support a CSIA certified chimney specialist.
Good luck and happy holidays!

Answer 2

Depends how often you use your fireplace and the amount of wood you burn.. A chiminey sweep if you only use your fireplace in the fall/winter should be done at least once a year. Sometimes, if the build-up isn't too bad you can go every other year.... I like the piece of mind having my chimney inspected every yr. Even if you burn "special" logs to help clear creosote it's not a fix all. In some instances a build-up can be particularly bad and need a chemical cleaning. Good luck

Answer 3

In New Zealand we are required by the insurance co. to have the chimney cleaned once a year by a professional otherwise house insurance is nul and void.

Answer 4

you should INSPECT the chimny every 3 months during use, keeping an eye on where the pipe exits the house, (where the pipe gets cold is where the soot will gather) and should sweep the chimny at least once a year

Answer 5

Let Fat Santa do it this Christmas,

Goes in nice and bright white with red and comes out black and your presents will have a burnt smell .

but hey at least you got that old soot out of the chimney.

Answer 6

Once a year. I usually get mine done about september time, about a month before I start to light it.

Answer 7

At least once a year or after burning a cord of wood. If you get too much build-up, it's harder to get off

Answer 8

I have controlled chimyey fires. But it's hazardous. Work's but having them work's for us . Don't think Insurance co. would agree.

Answer 9

about once , 5-7 months it dont need to be done a lot

Answer 10

AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR WHETHER IT NEEDS IT OR NOT,.BEST TO BE ALIVE THAN DEAD WITH AN EXTRA 50EUROSIN YOUR PURSE BESIDE YOUR CHARRED COOKED CORPSE.SORRY ABOUT THE GRAPHIC NATURE OF THE ANSWER BUT SOMETIMES IT HELPS TO SAVE A SWEET INOCENT LIFE.,,,BEST WISHES....FREDDY.........