Clean Sweep Chimney Service
Serving Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. Since 2015
(805)450-2403 Call us today...
$125 standard sweep (no hidden fees)
We accept credit, checks, and electronic payment.
The National Fire Protection Association recommends that homeowners have their chimneys, vents and fireplaces inspected at least once a year.
Chimney Inspections & SweepingWe use state-of-the-art equipment to inspect and sweep 1st- and 2nd-story chimneys of all kinds, including oil-, wood-, and gas-burning chimneys. While sweeping your system, we ensure that it’s in working order. We look for any problems that could prevent peak performance and recommend what is needed for your system to burn cleanly and safely.
Waterproofing/Repair & RestorationWe offer the full range of repairs to chimney systems, big and small—from repairing leaky flashing to tuckpointing and masonry repair to relining the flue and chimney rebuilding. No job is too big or too small!
Rebuild FireplacesWater damage resulting from a missing chimney cap is all too common. We remedy this situation by reconstructing the back walls of fireplaces, returning them to their original pristine condition.
Rebuild CrownsImproperly built crowns are another common problem. If yours is cracked or poorly constructed—allowing water penetration or posing a fire hazard—we’ll build or repair one that’s guaranteed not to crack.
Install Chimney CapsThe best way to prevent moisture from rain and snow, animals, leaves, and other debris from entering your chimney is to install a chimney cap. Our high-quality stainless steel caps carry a lifetime warranty.
Replace Chase TopsLeaky or damaged chase tops, and those made of masonry, are potential hazards on prefabricated metal fireplaces. We help eliminate problems before they start by replacing masonry and rusty metal chase tops.
Water Leak & Condensation Resolution & RepairIf water is damaging your fireplace inside or out, we’ll find and fix it—no matter the source.
Animal RemovalIf squirrels, raccoons, birds or other pests have made a home in your chimney or ducts we’ll eliminate the problem and remove the animals and their nesting materials to preventing future infestations.
Why Should I get my Chimney Cleaned?
The job of the chimney sweep is to remove soot, blockages and built-up creosote from your chimney liner, firebox, smoke chamber and damper. This cleaning will help create a safer operation of your system during the heating system. It take only a small accumulation of creosote glazing to create the potential for a chimney fire. Creosote is a highly flammable substance that builds up inside your chimney or liner as a result of burning wood. The rate of accumulation can be higher if you practice poor burning practices or have a burning appliance or stove that is not working well. Different types of wood create different amounts of creosote when burned. Pine causes a rapid build-up of creosote and should be avoided as a regular source of wood. Creosote can also reduce the draw of the fireplace and reduce efficiencyHow Often Should I get my Chimney Cleaned?
This depends a lot on how much you use your fireplace or stove. The National Fire Protection Association says, “Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary.” So, even if you don’t use your chimney a whole lot – birds, squirrels, raccoons and other critters may have been using your chimney making it unsafe to use without clearing out the accumulated debris from nesting activity.
The CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) says that fireplaces should be cleaned when 1/8″ of sooty buildup is evident inside the chimney and flue system. If any glaze is appearing in the flue, cleaning should be done even if there is less than 1/8″ of build up. Any time an appreciable accumulation of soot and creosote occurs it can be enough to fuel a chimney fire that may damage the chimney and even spread to the roof and home. Furnace flue systems also require cleaning, so don’t neglect regular cleaning of those venting systems.
Some heavy use fireplaces produce an incredible amount of soot and creosote during a cleaning. Recently we removed nearly 2 full 5 gallon buckets of material from one chimney! Removing this material is critical to continued safe use of the fireplace and reduced risk of chimney fires that start when this highly combustible material builds up to unsafe levels.
Ensure the safety of your family and home. Call us today. (805)450-2403
Don’t let this happen to you!
What is a flue fire?
A flue fire, also known as a chimney fire, is a fire that ignites within the piping of a chimney, usually due to unburned fuels and creosote buildup as a result of inadequate cleaning, maintenance, and the burning of unseasoned wood. Unburned fuels that have built up on the inside of a chimney (soot, or creosote) are heated and condensed into tar-like deposits. Successive layers accumulate until either the chimney plugs completely, or the chimney reaches a temperature and oxygen level at which the deposit will ignite. Due to the concentrated level of volatile material now present, these fires tend to burn very hot.
Alternatively, a chimney fire may be caused by old bird's nests which have fallen into the chimney and lodged there. When a hot ember ignites the nests, the fire can be just as serious as one caused by ignition of soot. In very old houses, the chimney may also be very large and thick enough to withstand the fire.
The high temperatures may affect the strength of the chimney causing distortion of metal structures, and potential failure of ceramic structures.
Causes of the deposits which lead to chimney fires include using green/wet fuels, the operation of appliances with insufficient air intake, and low operating temperatures for prolonged periods followed by hot fires. Such practice typically occurs when mild weather periods are followed by cold snaps.
There are several major issues that are at risk from a chimney fire event. There is of course the danger of burning debris being expelled from the top of the chimney that could ignite other portions of the structure, but the major cause of damage is where the heat of the chimney fire will pass through the masonry materials and overheat nearby combustibles. Even though codes and standards require a specific clearance of the framing members from the masonry materials, often this is not found in actual construction. Many fires reported as chimney fires, are actually structure fires ignited by the overheating of the framing members. These structure fires can be traced to the normal use of the fireplace or sealed combustion chamber
