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How to sweep a chimney

Chimney sweeping is a relatively new service industry in Johannesburg, and as a result we had to import most of our equipment. For guidance on the physical performance on the task we turned to Germany as chimneys and chimney sweeps have long been a part of their culture.

Cleaning your chimney, cleanly!

We use a variation on their modern chimney sweeping methods, and have adapted them to accommodate fireplaces and chimneys in Johannesburg.

After the clean has been completed we will light a small 'test fire' to ensure that the fireplace is drawing adequately, and that all gases are flowing where they should be. Up and out.

I make a fire every evening, how often should I clean my chimney?

If you make a fire every evening the build up of soot and creosote will take place much quicker, you can do a check yourself to determine if you need the chimney swept.

  1. Make sure the fireplace is clean and free of any debris.
  2. Open a door to the outside if you feel a flow of air blowing down the chimney. It is also a good idea to wear some goggles and a dust mask as you do the next step.
  3. Using the fire poker scratch a groove into the the smoke chamber, if the scratch is as shallow as paper is thin no cleaning is need. However is the scratch is anywhere near 5mm you would do well to schedule a visit from your chimney sweep.

Your fireplace in the summer

During summer your fireplace will probably not be used much, if at all, making the dark quiet space a perfect place for a nest, leaving a mess of leaves or twigs, which could cause a chimney fire or force the noxious fumes into your home. It is recommended that you inspect and clean your chimney on an annual basis.

A chimney cowl or cap will go along way to stopping debris from entering your chimney.

So if you want to keep your family safe and your home warm, not forgetting the romance of an open fireplace, let us clean your chimney.

Chimney cowls and caps

Chimney cowls are the most effective means of keeping the chimney free of debris and of birds. In the warmer seasons when the chimney is not in use it makes an ideal spot for a broody pigeon to build a nest and start a family. But by winter the youngsters will have flown the nest and the mother bird will also have moved on, leaving behind a mess off sticks and debris from a disused nest in her wake.

Even if you did have your chimney cleaned in the beginning of spring you will have have it done again to make sure it is clear when you want to make a fire.

Save yourself the trouble and have a chimney cowl fitted. A chimney cowl will effectively fence the chimney off, preventing any animals from entering and also prevent any wind borne debris from falling into your chimney. This doesn't free you from needing to have your chimney cleaned, but this time only for soot and preferably only once a season.

A chimney cowl will allow the smoke to leave the chimney but nothing to enter, modern designs are not only good for keeping birds out but they are often flexible allowing the cowl to move in a manner which prevents downdrafts into the chimney.

Chimney caps on the other hand block the chimney completely. These are handy when a chimney is disused for longer periods than is usual.

A chimney cap is designed to act as a lid when it is placesd on a chimney allowing nothing through save for a tiny bit of ventilation.

Just remember to remove the chimney cap if feel it is time to start using your fireplace.

updated 15/04/2014