Chimney Brush Basics

A chimney brush is a useful tool when it comes to keeping your chimney in top shape. Many people don’t know how to select and use one, but there is no need to be intimidated. Using a chimney brush is something that can be done at home in most cases as long as you know what you are doing and exercise some caution.

When selecting a chimney brush, it is imperative to choose one that is the correct size. Chimney brushes that are too big can get stuck, and if that happens toward the middle of the chimney liner, then it is quite difficult to remove it. Conversely, if you get one that is too small, it won’t really accomplish anything because it won’t reach the sides of the flue liner which is where it needs to do its work. It is best to measure the inside of your chimney liner from both the top and the bottom in case there is some variation. If you have a metal chimney, you will have to take the cap off before measuring. Be sure to also find a chimney brush that matches the shape of your chimney liner (round or square). Round chimney sweep brushes should match the inside diameter of your liner exactly, whereas rectangular chimney liner brushes should be about half an inch larger than the inside of the liner.

The importance of chimney maintenance cannot be understated. Most chimneys need to be cleaned once every year or two but the exact frequency depends on how often you use it and what type of wood you burn inside. It is crucial to get your chimney inspected every year, at which point the inspector can recommend if a cleaning or other repairs are necessary.

You need a chimney brush!Why is cleaning with a chimney brush so important? When burning a fire in your fireplace, if everything is in working order the smoke does exit through the chimney as you might expect, but it also leaves behind traces of chemicals on the inside of your chimney liner. With repeated usage, these toxic byproducts build up inside the liner. This in turn creates dangerous fumes and can also erode your chimney liner, which could eventually lead to a house fire or carbon monoxide entering your home.  This buildup can form quite rapidly and is essentially “baked on” from the heat. It is nearly impossible to remove without using a chimney brush which is very abrasive.

Using a chimney brush involves attaching rods and sliding the brush up and down to brush the inside of the flue liner. The area surrounding the fireplace should be covered to protect from falling debris. All safety precautions must be followed, such as wearing a mask and goggles. If climbing up on the roof and maneuvering chimney liner brushes through your chimney does not sound like your idea of a good time, you can call a professional chimney sweep. This is especially useful if you don’t know what you are doing because it is a dangerous undertaking and toxic chemicals are involved. There is also the risk of getting the chimney brush stuck in chimney lining. A pro already has all the perfect tools and chimney sweep brushes to get the job done and takes care of everything from sealing the fireplace to ensuring the cleaning is done properly to taking care of cleanup. Even if you do decide to try to do it yourself, it’s a good idea to hire a chimney sweep every few years to confirm you are using chimney brushes the right way and get the spots you may have missed with specialized chimney sweep brushes. It is still a good idea to keep a chimney brush on hand for maintenance in between professional cleanings.

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