Q) What do I need to do before the sweeps arrival?

A) About the only the homeowner needs to do is make sure there is adequate space around the fireplace so that the sweep can do the job. Usually we like to see an open area of no less than 5 X 8.

Q) Will you have to go on the roof?

A) We try not to have to go on any roofs if we do not have to but sometimes that is the only way to gain access to the chimney. We try to go straight up to the chimney if possible, but we will always try and go the safest way possible. If we feel that the chimney is unsafe or we can not gain access to it we will not go up.

Q) Do you have to go inside the house?

A) Yes. In order to do a proper inspection we must be able to see in the fireplace. Most people picture a chimney sweep working from the roof tops, but the truth of the matter is, we actually clean 90% of our chimneys from inside the house.

Q) Will my house be covered in soot after the cleaning?

A) This question is quite common and comes from the days when people had to cover their furniture in sheets and prepare for the worst. Luckily, our technology has advanced to the point where the cleaning process is virtually soot free.  We utilize a vacuum in the process that is designed just for chimney sweeps. It controls dust and falling soot by moving tremendous amounts of air through its filters.  It can change all the air in a 10’ X 10’ room in 2 minutes.

Q) How is a normal cleaning different from a Rouge Cleaning?

A) A normal cleaning will involve the sweeps using either wire or soft bristle brushes. If there is heavy glazing present that can not be removed by normal brushes, your sweep will suggest a Rogue cleaning to remove this highly dangerous build up. The Rogue Clean process uses rods with a special chain attachment on the end that spins at high speeds to remove the glazing.

Q) Will I sing and Dance wearing my Top Hat?

A) No. We like to keep our customers happy. J

Q) Is it safer to burn store-bought wood rather than split wood.

A) Any wood that is split and stacked should be seasoned a minimum of one year. It should be in a place that is dry and allows air to circulate around it. You can purchase presto-logs (Compressed sawdust) and any logs that DO NOT get placed in the fireplace with the paper still on them. These logs contain chemicals and wax which is what keeps them burning for hours. What they do not mention is that these particular logs coat the inside of your chimney with these same chemicals and waxes and your creosote build up will increase dramatically and quickly. They also will make your chimney smell and any downdraft you may have will push this smell into your home. Usually your chimney sweep can tell if you are burning these logs as soon as they walk into your home as it is a distinct odor.

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