This month we want to discuss the importance of having a clean chimney!

• Benefits-
• Could save your life!
• Leaving your chimney uncleaned can result in a build-up of creosote.
• Creosote is a tar-like substance that is very flammable and dangerous if not taken care of.         
• Build up of creosote may result in a very costly chimney fire!
• Tools Needed to Clean Your Chimney-
• Chimney Brush
• What you need to know
• Size of Chimney
• Brushes are available in many different sizes.  You need to know the size of your chimney and match the brush to that size.  Typical sizes range from 6” to 8” and range in price from $16 up to $35.
• Type of Chimney
• Chimneys are often made of different materials
• For stainless steel chimneys you need to use a poly bristle brush.
• For most any other materials you need to use a steel bristle brush.
• Fiberglass Extension Rod
• 4’ fiberglass rod that thread into one another to extend the brush up or down the chimney.
• Retails for $8
• Ladder
• May need to get on your roof
• Some chimneys have a cleanout at ground level in which you can run your brush up through
• Personal Protection Attire
• Gloves
• Dust Mask
• afety Goggles
• Methods for Cleaning Your Chimney
• Rod Method, Top Down
• This method requires that you be on the roof. After inserting it into the opening of the chimney, you will use the chimney brush to clean the inside walls of the chimney by raising and lowering the brush. The brush will be connected to flexible extension rod, and you will add rods to extend the length of the brush as you get further down the chimney.
• Rod Method, Bottom Up
• This method is similar to the top down rod method; except you work from the fireplace opening within your house or the cleanout door, working from the bottom up to the top of the chimney.
• Weight Method
• This method follows the same setup as the top down flexible rod method, but instead of attaching your chimney brush to flexible extension rods, you use rope, pull rings and weights. You'll assemble the rope and pull rings, adding a weight of at least 20 pounds (9 kilograms) to the brush, raising and lowering the brush to scrub the internal walls of the chimney.
• Safety Issues With Cleaning Your Chimney
• Dangerous Falls
• Working from the roof can be very dangerous and even deadly.  You can never be too cautious working from the roof and many people choose to use the method of working from the ground 
• Vision and Respiratory Health
• Be sure to wear goggles and a dust mask when doing this kind of work. The soot, ash and other debris can be irritating to your eyes and respiratory system.