FAQs

Q: Why do I need to get my chimney cleaned?

A: Creosote, which is a product of combustion in your fireplace, accumulates on the walls of your chimney. This buildup is flammable and when the soot build up reaches 1/4″ thick anywhere in the system, there is an increased risk of a serious chimney fire.

Q: How often should I have my chimney cleaned?

A: The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) standard for inspection/service of a wood-burning or gas fireplace is ANNUALLY.  We have found that wood-burning fireplaces need to be cleaned about every 1-1.5 cords of wood, so if you don’t burn that much then it may not need to be cleaned, but it still needs to be inspected annually.  

Q: Do I still need to have my chimney cleaned if I use packaged logs, such as Duraflame or Pine Mountain?

A: Yes. These logs are typically held together with a wax-like substance and are a wood product. Therefore, these logs still produce creosote.

Q: I have a gas fireplace. Do I need to have my chimney cleaned?

A: Maybe. Some gas fireplaces have been installed into what was originally a wood-burning fireplace.  These are called gas logs.  It has been our experience that some gas logs produce a significant amount of black, sooty carbon deposits that should occasionally be removed from the chimney and logs.  

Q: Are you insured?

A: We carry a $1,000,000 liability policy.

Q: Do you rebuild chimneys?

A: Yes, we do replace mortar caps and perform minor repairs. We recommend calling a reputable brick mason for major restoration.

Q: Will you clean the ashes from the fireplace?

A: Yes. We clean the firebox as well as the chimney.

Q: Will this make a mess?

A: No. We put plastic over the opening and on the floor in front of your fireplace. We have a large vacuum that runs the entire time the chimney is being cleaned. Our vacuums have special filters that prevent soot from invading your clean house.

Q: I have a wood stove insert. Do you have to move the insert to clean the chimney?

A: Almost always. Unless your insert is installed so that the accumulated creosote will fall directly into the insert, we have to remove the insert in order to thoroughly clean the smoke shelf and damper areas of the fireplace. We have had customers who were told by previous chimney cleaning companies that their inserts did not need to be moved, resulting in large accumulations of creosote in inaccessible areas, close to the heat source, the stove. This is particularly hazardous to you and your family

Q: Do you sell wood-burning or gas fireplaces?

A: No.  To purchase a wood-burning or gas appliance, we recommend The Fireplace Store located in Lone Tree, CO, right by Park Meadows Mall.  8206 Park Meadows Dr. Lone Tree, CO 80124.  fireplacestoreinc.com