Chimney Sweep
Methods for Chimney Cleaning have changed over the years.
In Europe, they used "climbing boys" who literally climbed up the inside of a chimney brushing out the soot. In this country old-time methods ranged from filling the base with dried grass and burning the chimney clean, to tying a goose on a rope & pulling it up the flue letting the goose's wings flap the chimney clean. With goose's job done, it then had the honor of being dinner.
However today's methods are a bit more refined, using steel brushes connected to flexible rods that scrub the side walls of chimneys. Plus there are special vacuums with high micron filters that prevent soot from filling homes or dusting rooms. Heavy canvas drop cloths cover all the work areas. The flexible rods are up to one inch diameter which are capable of sweeping chimneys up to 125 feet high.
Actual sweeping methods vary depending on home and chimney construction. Most open wood burning fireplaces are swept from the inside. This method allows for cleaning of smoke chambers, smoke shelf areas and controlling the amount of soot and dust coming down into the home.
Smoke chambers are triangular areas that funnel smoke into the actual chimney. Smoke chambers can not be cleaned from the top of a chimney. Smoke shelf is the area behind the damper. Smoke shelf areas are where most chimney fires start. Smoke shelves vary in size with some being huge and capable of holding vast amounts of soot and creosote. Smoke shelves must also be cleaned to prevent hot, unaccessible fires in this area.
Wood stoves, fireplace inserts, add-on wood /coal furnace flues are normally swept from the top down. High micron vacuums are used to control soot and dust. Every job is different, as is every home and individual.
Black Knight has the knowledge, experience and abilities to address each situation and treat each job accordingly. There is no one shoe fits all approach with trained, experienced employees who will treat your home as if it were their own.
