Chimney Sweeping in Ottawa FAQ
Why should I clean my chimney?
It reduces the potential for chimney fires by removing dangerous, flammable creosote and soot from the chimney.
How can I tell if my chimney needs cleaning?
If the buildup of creosote is from between an eighth to a quarter of an inch thick in the throat of the fireplace or in the inside pipe of your woodstove, it is time to clean your chimney.
How often should my chimney be cleaned?
If you are using your woodstove or fireplace on a regular basis, as a general rule, have it cleaned and inspected once a year.
How can I be sure my chimney system is safe to operate?
Older fireplaces and woodstoves should be inspected by a Wood Energy Technical Transfer (W.E.T.T.) certified chimney sweep. He can tell you if the chimney is up to current codes and safety standards and if any of the parts should be replaced.
My fireplace smokes. What is the reason for this?
There are a number of reasons for a smoky fireplace:
- Opening of fireplace too large
- Chimney too short
- Improper air flow over top of chimney
- House too air tight
- Competing appliances (dryer, furnace, kitchen stove, exhaust fan)
When I build a fire in my upstairs fireplace, I get smoke from
the basement fireplace.
Hot air exiting from the fireplace being used is now creating a negative pressure in the home. Smoke entering the other fireplace or furnace chimney from the top has now become a fresh air return sucking down smoke from the other flue.
I heat with gas. Should this chimney be checked too?
A gas chimney should be checked for blockages caused by birds’ nests or other debris before the heating season begins.