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Chimney sweep and cleaning
Everything that burns in the firebox leaves something behind in the flue. Creosote, the residue of wood smoke, builds in layers and burns at over 2,000 degrees when it ignites. A flue fire is the failure mode chimney sweeping exists to prevent, and most homeowners who have one never knew the buildup was there.
What a sweep includes
Full mechanical cleaning of the flue from crown to smoke shelf, firebox cleaning, damper check, and a visual inspection of the liner while the flue is open and visible. Drop cloths and vacuum containment mean the living room stays cleaner than we found it. You get photos of the flue interior before and after, so the condition of your liner is on record, not on trust.
How often, honestly
The standard answer is annually, and for a fireplace burning most winter evenings the standard answer is right. A fireplace burning a dozen fires a year needs inspection annually but cleaning less often. We tell you which category your flue is in after seeing it, and a sweep visit that finds a clean flue converts to an inspection at the inspection price. Nobody pays for cleaning a clean chimney.
Common questions
How do I know if my chimney needs sweeping?
Smoke entering the room, a strong campfire smell in summer humidity, or visible black buildup thicker than a coin on the flue wall all say yes. If you cannot remember the last sweep, the inspection answers it.
Do you sweep chimneys for wood stoves?
Yes. Stove flues run cooler and build creosote faster than open fireplaces, and stovepipe connections get checked as part of the visit.
Is a sweep needed before selling a home?
A sweep with a documented inspection removes a common inspection-report flag before it costs you a negotiation. Buyers' inspectors in Pierce County note fireplace condition on nearly every mid-century home.