“Was it dirty?”
Our technicians are often asked this question when evaluating a homeowner’s wood burning system. In reality, anyone can reach into a chimney and get soot on their hand. Every chimney is a little dirty! But, that doesn't necessarily mean that it needs to be swept.
So how do we determine if a dirty chimney should actually be swept? We look to a third-party for guidelines, and what better authority than the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)? In the manual for the CSIA, it states that accumulations of third-degree glazed creosote more than 1/8 of an inch shall be removed.
It is with these guidelines that we assess whether or not chimney is dirty. These guidelines were based on many years of experience of determining approximately how much creosote buildup in the chimney is dangerous.
Basic Combustion Triangle
When creosote builds up in a chimney, it dramatically increases the risk of a chimney fire. The volatility of creosote in a flue is directly proportional to the amount of oxygen and moisture content present in the chimney system. Then, of course we would need heat in the chimney to start the fire. The creosote is the third element, the fuel. There are three things needed for combustion: fuel, heat, and oxygen. These three elements make up the basic combustion triangle. In a dirty chimney, the fuel is the creosote. The introduction of heat, obviously is the fire. And oxygen introduced into the system where there is enough fuel and ample heat will start combustion.
Combustion inside the flue of a chimney is considered to be a chimney fire, by definition. A chimney fire is considered to be an “unfriendly fire”, especially in the insurance language of your policy. “Friendly fire” would be the fire that is actually in the fireplace. There's not supposed to be fire in the flue portion of the chimney.
Home Insurance and your Chimney
Insurance policies do usually cover damage to chimneys if there's been a chimney fire. We often state the language on a claim as a "sudden occurrence of unfriendly fire." If a chimney is lined with clay tile, typical damage would include the vertical crack and separation of the existing tile in the flue. To correct the problem, a homeowner would need to have the chimney liner replaced.
Contact Doctor Flue
So, was a dirty? There's much more to the question to take into consideration before answering the question. Depend on the certified technicians here at Doctor Flue to make the decision for you. If you wait too long to get your dirty chimney cleaned, you could face potentially dangerous consequences.
Contact Doctor Flue to schedule your chimney cleaning. Give us a call at 800-438-3583 or send us an email atoffice@drflue.comto request an appointment today!
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FAQs
Most experts recommend that you clean your chimney or hire chimney cleaning services at least once a year. The best time is before you begin frequent burning, so during the warm season in spring and summer.
When should I clean my chimney flue? ›
Most experts recommend that you clean your chimney or hire chimney cleaning services at least once a year. The best time is before you begin frequent burning, so during the warm season in spring and summer.
How often should flue be cleaned? ›
HETAS encourage having your chimney swept at least twice a year when burning wood and at least once a year when burning smokeless fuels. The best times to have your chimney swept are just before the start of the heating season and after your stove has not been used over a prolonged period.
How long can a chimney go without cleaning? ›
If you're asking what can happen if you go too long without a chimney cleaning, it's likely time to schedule chimney cleaning before using your fireplace again. The reality is that it can be hazardous to use a fireplace when the chimney hasn't been cleaned for more than a year or two.
Can I clean my own chimney flue? ›
Chimney cleaning can be a DIY project depending on: Level of Buildup and Creosote: If you find 1/8 inch of buildup or more, or if you see indications of a serious accumulation of creosote, the chimney cleaning is a job for a professional.
What does a chimney look like that needs to be cleaned? ›
Obstructed airflow because of creosote build-up. Creosote is a tar-like material that forms black, oily streaks on the walls of your fireplace. This stuff can accumulate all the way to the top of your chimney, obstructing airflow and because of the decrease in airflow, fires burn cooler and more irregularly.
How much does it cost to sweep a chimney? ›
On average, for a standard chimney sweep, you can expect to pay between £60 to £90. However, for more complex jobs or for chimneys that haven't been cleaned in a long time, the price can rise to around £100 to £120. Get a few quotes from different chimney sweepers to ensure you're getting a fair price.
What is the best way to clean a flue? ›
To use a chimney brush, follow these steps:
Insert the brush into the flue, push it down, scrubbing up and down as you go. Thread on additional sections of rod as needed and repeat the scrubbing until you reach the bottom. Once the brush is out of the chimney, look inside to see if you've removed all the creosote.
What is the lifespan of a flue? ›
Clay tile liners and cast-in-place liners typically last around 50 years. Stainless steel flue liners generally last for 15 to 20 years (though low quality liners may not even last for five). Good quality stainless steel chimney liners often come with a lifetime warranty.
Do chimney cleaning logs actually work? ›
Long story short – while creosote sweeping logs can loosen creosote, they don't actually eliminate it. Removing it will still require a professional touch, since the flaked creosote in your firebox will need to be swept up and carefully removed after burning a creosote sweeping log.
The buildup of creosote and soot can prevent a chimney from venting properly. This means the harmful smoke and gases that should be traveling up and out have no place to go and instead retreat into the home. Toxic fumes including carbon monoxide can poison the air inside the home.
Are chimneys cleaned from inside or outside? ›
Regular maintenance, including cleaning a chimney from the inside, is necessary to prevent the build-up of creosote, a highly flammable substance that can lead to chimney fires.
Is a dirty chimney a fire hazard? ›
Dirty chimneys can cause chimney fires, which damage or destroy homes and injure people. Clean chimneys don't catch fire. Make sure a professional chimney sweep inspects your solid fuel venting system annually, and sweeps and repairs it whenever needed.
What happens if you use a dirty chimney? ›
Carbon Monoxide
One of the biggest dangers of having a dirty chimney is that it can expose you to carbon monoxide. This can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a gas that has no odor, color, or taste. This means that it is nearly impossible to detect without a carbon monoxide alarm.
How do I check my flue? ›
The Damper: Make sure the damper opens and closes as it should. It should never be completely closed while the fireplace or wood stove is in use. The Flue: You can shine a powerful light up the chimney to visually inspect the flue. It should appear smooth with no rough edges or blockages.
How do you clean a flue system? ›
Cleaning of the chimney's flue can be done from the roof or through the fireplace. You'll need a wire brush with an attached extension for this task. After removing the rain cap or animal guard, reach into the chimney with the wire brush and scrub the inner walls of the flue with an up-and-down motion.
How do you clear a clogged flue? ›
Once the chimney cap is removed, you will have better access to the interior of the chimney. You will want to take your brush and scrub along the sides to remove debris. With your flashlight or headlight, you will be able to check for any missed areas and ensure the clog is completely removed.
“Was it dirty?”