Are chimney sweeps honest?
While most chimney companies are honest and reputable, you do need to watch out for potential scams. One common chimney scam to be mindful of is when a contractor from a chimney sweep company will call or email a homeowner and offer a discounted service.
How much does a chimney sweep cost Australia?
Basic chimney cleaning starts at $80, while more comprehensive cleaning can reach up to $300. Of course, how much a chimney sweep is in Australia would also go higher if you have more than one chimney in your home.
What did chimney sweeps do with the soot?
Each apprentice had a blanket to put in the soot after cleaning the chimney. After reaching the top of the chimney, he would slide back down and gather the soot pile. The soot was then delivered to the master or emptied on his courtyard and sold to other farmers as dust fertilizers.
Is chimney waterproofing necessary?
Without waterproofing the chimney tiny holes will begin to form in the brick surface like a sponge that will gradually grow larger allowing water to penetrate the flue and damage other chimney components. In addition, excessive exposure to moisture will also soften the mortar.
Do metal chimney flues need cleaning?
Related Articles. Cleaning a metal chimney from a fireplace or woodstove is a necessity to ensure it is in good working order as well as to avoid fires from the build-up of creosote or ash. The task is not for anyone in poor health or physical shape, as it is labor-intensive and requires getting on a ladder.
How much did chimney sweepers get paid?
The salaries of Chimney Sweeps in the US range from $18,870 to $42,240 , with a median salary of $24,622 . The middle 50% of Chimney Sweeps makes between $22,716 and $24,285, with the top 83% making $42,240.
How often should you get your chimney swept?
HETAS encourage having your chimney swept at least twice a year when burning wood or bituminous house coal and at least once a year when burning smokeless fuels. The best times to have your chimney swept are just before the start of the heating season and after your stove has not been used over a prolonged period.
What should I look for when hiring a chimney sweep?
Check to see if your chimney sweep has CSIA certification and is a member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG). You should also always ask for references and check what insurance the chimney sweep carries so you can be confident that any accidents or damage in your home will be handled.
Is chimney cleaning necessary?
However, there’s a lot more to chimney cleaning than just soot. Birds can leave nests in your flue, animals can die in your chimney, or other types of buildup or deterioration can make your fireplace and chimney unsafe.
How do you clean soot from a chimney?
Regular fireplace cleaning can be handled with a brush, and cleaning ordinary soot from your chimney is also relatively simple. You may be comfortable handling those tasks yourself. There are chimney cleaning brush kits and other chimney cleaning tools you can buy to do the job.
