It’s really not a good idea to use a fireplace that hasn’t been serviced in a while without getting a chimney inspection first. Over time, creosote builds up inside the flue and becomes a serious fire hazard. There may also be blockages from debris or animal nesting that prevents smoke and gases from venting properly. A quick chimney sweep and inspection will tell you exactly what you’re working with before you light another fire.

Creosote is a dark, tar-like residue that forms inside your chimney flue when wood burns and the byproducts don’t fully escape. It builds up in layers over time, and at higher concentrations it becomes highly flammable. Stage 3 creosote in particular is extremely difficult to remove and can ignite at temperatures a typical chimney fire easily reaches. Regular chimney cleaning keeps creosote from reaching dangerous levels and is the most effective way to prevent chimney fires at home.

For most homes, a standard chimney cleaning and basic inspection takes between 45 minutes and an hour and a half. The exact time depends on the size of your chimney system, how long it has been since the last cleaning, and whether any issues come up during the inspection. If we find something that needs a closer look, like a damaged flue liner or a blocked damper, we’ll let you know right away and walk you through the options.