Creosote: The Silent Killer
Creosote is a tar-like substance that accumulates in chimneys from burning wood. It's highly flammable and the #1 cause of destructive chimney fires that burn at 2,000°F+—hot enough to crack masonry, melt metal, and ignite house structures.
1/8 inch
Dangerous buildup thickness
500°F
Creosote ignition temperature
Fire Prevention
Remove flammable creosote that ignites chimney fires. Fires burn at 2,000°F+, destroying chimneys and spreading to house structures.
CO Safety
Clear blockages preventing deadly carbon monoxide gas from venting properly. CO poisoning kills silently without proper chimney function.
Video Inspection
HD camera inspection identifies cracks, structural damage, animal nests, and hidden hazards. Full report with before/after photos.
Zero-Mess Process
Industrial HEPA filtration and complete fireplace sealing contain 100% of soot and ash. Your home stays spotless.
What Is Professional Chimney Sweeping?
Chimney sweeping is the professional removal of dangerous creosote buildup, soot, blockages, and debris from fireplace chimneys, wood stoves, and flue systems. This life-saving service prevents chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning through comprehensive cleaning and safety inspection.
Why Annual Sweeping Is Critical
The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends annual professional inspections and cleaning when creosote accumulates to 1/8 inch thickness. Burning just 1 cord of wood can produce enough creosote to require cleaning.
Creosote buildup is inevitable with wood burning and highly flammable—chimney fires reach 2,000°F+ and can destroy homes in minutes. These fires crack masonry, warp metal liners, and ignite surrounding wood framing. Regular sweeping is your only defense.
3 Levels of CSIA Inspection
- Level 1: Basic visual inspection—annual maintenance
- Level 2: Video inspection—required before home sales or after events
- Level 3: Destructive examination—identifies hidden structural damage
When You Must Schedule Service
Before Each Heating Season
Annual inspection prevents winter fires
After Burning 1 Cord of Wood
Heavy use requires mid-season cleaning
If You Smell Smoke Indoors
Blockage preventing proper draft
Before Buying/Selling a Home
Level 2 inspection required for transfers
Gas Fireplaces Need Service Too!
Debris, spider webs, carbon deposits still accumulate
Our 5-Step CSIA-Certified Process
Professional sweeping with zero mess, complete safety verification, and detailed reporting.
Professional Inspection
Level 1 or Level 2 inspection identifies creosote thickness, cracks in flue liner, blockages (bird nests, debris), structural damage to masonry, and carbon monoxide backdraft risks. HD video camera inspection available for comprehensive assessment.
Complete Home Protection
We seal your fireplace opening with heavy-duty plastic sheeting and set up industrial HEPA filtration systems that capture 99.97% of soot particles. Drop cloths protect floors and furniture. Your home stays completely clean—guaranteed.
Thorough Creosote Removal
Specialized rotating brushes sized to your flue liner remove all creosote stages (1, 2, and 3) from chimney walls, smoke chamber, and damper area. We clean from bottom-up and top-down for complete coverage. Industrial vacuum removes every trace of debris and soot.
Firebox & Component Cleaning
Clean firebox, grate, andirons, and glass doors. Remove ash buildup. Inspect and lubricate damper operation. Check for cracks in refractory panels. Ensure all components function safely for proper burn conditions.
Final Inspection & Report
Post-cleaning camera verification confirms complete creosote removal and chimney safety. Written report details any repairs needed (cap replacement, liner repair, waterproofing). Before/after photos document service quality. Safe operation certified for heating season.