It's recommended to have your chimney inspected and cleaned around every chord to chord-and-a-half of wood burned.

Creosote is a substance that forms from incomplete combustion of wood. It can accumulate inside your chimney and is highly flammable, increasing the risk of chimney fires. There are considered three types of creosote;

•  1st Degree Creosote: This is the least dangerous type and appears as a thin, or powdery soot that can be easily brushed away. It’s also the most common. It slowly forms, even at higher temperatures with good combustion. While it's not highly flammable, if left unchecked, it can accumulate and lead to more severe forms of creosote.

• 2nd Degree Creosote: This type is thicker and flaky, sometimes slightly shiny and sticky, and tends to stick to the chimney walls. It's black or dark brown and can be somewhat more difficult to remove than the first-degree. This is when creosote begins adhering within the flue, and starts to become far more flammable.

• 3rd Degree Creosote: The most dangerous form, third-degree creosote is very flammable, glazed, and slowly expands from heat. It has a shiny, almost varnish-like appearance and coats the inner walls of the flue and fireplace. It tends to expand as heated over time, and has an ignition point as low as 451 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Creosote buildup is reduced by using well-seasoned wood, and efficient burning habits. However, once it begins to coat the flue walls, it reduces airflow, causing smoke to linger and creosote to accumulate more rapidly.

• Inspection of the fire system for damage or wear.

• Cleaning of the flue to remove creosote, soot, and debris.

• Cleaning of the firebox and smoke chamber

• Cleaning any high-efficiency or secondary burn components (i.e. Baffle boards, ceramic blankets, catalytic combustors)

• Examination within the flue by use of a flue camera.

• Examination of clearances to combustibles, and proper installation.

If there is a problem found, you will be provided with supporting information/photos and an explanation of the findings. Our responsibility as chimney professionals is to inform homeowners of any potential risk discovered during our inspection.

• Please refrain from lighting a fire for 24 hours before your scheduled service to allow your chimney to cool. A remaining spark or ember sucked into our vacuum can create a fire hazard.

• Please separate your pets into another room, as the vacuum noise may be unsettling for them.

• Please remove any valuables or fragile items from around your hearth and entry way to allow easy access to your fireplace. This makes rolling in a large vacuum, and transporting equipment a lot easier

• Please make sure any objects like logs, paper, or trash are removed from inside the fireplace before we arrive. Ashes are totally fine and expected! 

For real estate transactions, a NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) Level 2 Inspection is required. This is a more in-depth inspection of the fire system.