FAQs

A regular chimney sweep generally takes about 45 minutes for one fireplace or appliance and its connecting flue.

With a chimney sweep, you can expect a visual inspection from top to bottom of your chimney. In addition, a cleaning of your flue using a chimney brush and rods will also take place. Upon completion, you will be given a report noting the state of your chimney. This report will let you know if it is safe to use your chimney or you will receive an estimate for chimney repairs needed to make it safe to use.

Annual chimney sweeps and inspections, barring no unforeseen events, in addition to maintaining your chimneys cleanliness and structural integrity keeps you and your family safe from chimney fires, etc.

Our professionals do perform level 2 camera chimney inspections for any customer that feels they need further safety reassurance to confirm a situation that we may have noticed with a visual inspection. Level 2 chimney inspections are also necessary any time a home changes ownership.

With a level 2 chimney inspection from Ash Away, you can expect a visual inspection from top to bottom of your chimney system, pictures from inside of your flue (where the naked eye can’t see) and a report documenting all findings with either an “ok to burn at this time” verdict or an estimation of any repairs that were deemed necessary during the inspection. This procedure takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

A chimney emits an odor typically because of creosote build-up and/or moisture penetration. If this is happening to you, then it is a good time to call Ash Away Chimney Services to come take a look at your situation. You may require a more intense cleaning, chemical or mechanical, and/or possible exterior chimney waterproofing.

Homeowners should have their chimney cleaned at the very least, once a year. During heavy burn seasons, and depending on appliances used (pellet/wood stove), it may be necessary to have your chimney cleaned twice during a burn season. However, this is usually very rare.

Gas log sets (fireplace and inserts), require regular maintenance. When using vented logs, a chimney’s interior and exterior integrity should be maintained since the system’s exhaust is being vented through the flue.

If this is happening to you, then something could be affecting your draft. In this situation, it is best to reach out to your local chimney sweep immediately to avoid any hazardous situations.

Chimney caps are crucial for keeping critters (birds, squirrels etc), normal rainfall, and snow precipitation from entering your chimney flue.

Chimney liners can be made of terra cotta flue tiles, aluminum or stainless steel piping. When the terra cotta deteriorates or is missing, stainless steel liners are used to repair the chimney. Aluminum liners are ideal for gas systems.

You can either wait for them to vacate themselves, or call a licensed Animal Control Specialist to have them removed. Afterwards, you should consider having a chimney cap or spark arrestor installed to prevent this from happening again.

We recommend using seasoned hard wood.

The three best ways to prevent chimney fires from happening in your home are by using the proper fuel for your heat source, monitoring the fire while burning, and having your chimney maintained/cleaned on a regular basis.

If a chimney fire occurs, immediately call 911. Afterwards, contact your local chimney sweep to come out and assess the damage to help you decide on the best course of action for your chimney repairs.