Humble Sweeps, LLC

Frequently Chimney Cleaning and Repair Asked Questions

The following are some commonly asked questions we get from homeowners about their chimney and fireplace systems.

How often should I have my chimney swept?

The NFPA 211 states that homeowners SHALL have their chimneys inspected annually. This is a standard of practice and a minimum which is often overlooked. So we recommend annual inspections.

How often should I have my chimney swept or cleaned?

The correct answer to this is this. We do not "clean" chimneys but we sweep them according to the industry standards and practices. Sweeping is needed if there is 1/8 inch of buildup or more according to the NFPA standards. So conversation is typically needed to determine how often because every system operates a little different and individual burning habits are also different.

What is the cheapest way to fix my chimney or fireplace issues?

This is a tough question to answer because often there is no "cheap" way when it comes to the safety of our clients in their homes. The word "cheap" also references that money is an issue and we do not pass judgement onto others or make any assumptions as to whether they can or cannot afford repairs. The answer is this: There is no cheap way only a safe way. We will provide our clients with the best and safest options to repair or replace their systems and costs are based on a number of different factors regarding our business industry and practices.

How often should I clean my dryer vent?

We suggest annual cleaning or inspections. Everyone does laundry a bit differently and ducting is always different. We do our best to provide you with the best solutions.

The What, Why, and When of hiring a chimney professional

Chimney Sweep Industry Regulations

The industry of chimney sweeping, Chimney and Fireplace Services, Chimney Cleaning and Repair, and vent cleaning itself is not heavily regulated in most states. Here in Wisconsin there is no licensing. With that being said it is important to find someone with strong work ethics, trained, and knowledgeable about these systems.

Is the company insured?

Insurance coverage in any service industry is very important. There is a lot of risk when it comes to Chimney and Fireplace Services.

Public Perception of a Chimney Sweep

Most people are familiar with "Burt" for the movie "Mary Poppins". The dirty guy walking around with a chimney brush singing "Chim Chiminee". Things have changed over the years but it is still a dirty job. One of the biggest concerns when sweeping is controlling dust and soot. The equally most important thing is safety. Soot and Creosote are hazardous and nothing to play with. We do our best to control the dust, soot, and keep those safe around us as a top priority. The Chimney and Fireplace Services we provide are often dirty jobs so we do our best to provide a safe and clean work space.

Things often overlooked about chimneys

When we inspect your chimney systems we understand them and the issues that are presented in almost every situation. One of the biggest battles homeowners face with chimneys is water. Masonry chimneys take in water because the materials are porous. We can provide you with quality solutions to fight water. Chimney and Fireplace Services such as these are necessary to increase the life expectancy of your homes systems.

Another common issue is pests. We can provide you with options for repairs and lifetime warranty caps.

Lets not forget that another common issue is the strong fireplace odor in your home and sometimes smoke going back into the home. These are common indicators of other issues that should absolutely be further evaluated.

Helpful Links

CSIA Homeowner Resources

https://www.csia.org/homeowner-resources/what-is-a-chimney-inspection-why-do-you-need-one-every-year/

Firewood burning habits

https://www.csia.org/homeowner-resources/the-ultimate-guide-to-firewood-what-you-can-cant-burn-in-your-fireplace/

CSIA White Papers: Chimney Fires: Causes, Effects & Evaluation

Here is a link to the Chimney Safety Institute of America page where you can download the White Papers. This is one of the most informative documents that we as chimney professionals use to guide us in our industry in regards to the systems, safety, causes, and affects of these systems.

https://www.csia.org/whitepapers.html

Helpful Homeowner Resources