FAQ
The Answers You Need
How often do I need to have my chimney cleaned?
How often you need to clean your chimney will vary with the type of stove you have, the type of installation you have, and the quality of wood you are burning. Usually, you should have your chimney swept at least once per year, ideally before the burning season.
What are the signs that I need to have my chimney cleaned?
The most common sign of needing a sweep is having draft issues, such as having difficulty lighting your fire or having smoke blow back into the room.
How do I know if my Chimney Sweep is certified?
You can easily ascertain if your sweep is certified by checking WETT's listing on their official page at https://www.wettinc.ca/search.html
Why do we sweep chimneys from the bottom?
Many of our clients have asked us why we do many of our sweeps from the bottom, rather than from the top, like a traditional, Mary Poppins style sweep. There are several reasons:
1 - It is safer. There is no need to go up on steep or icy roofs, and there is no chance of denting gutters, breaking windows, or dropping tools while working.
2 - It is more cost-effective for our clients. there is no need to set up ladders and use fall arrest gear. This helps us to keep our costs down, as it takes less time to do a sweep.
3 - It Improves quality control. When the sweep is at the bottom, he can ensure that all the dust and debris are being contained, and better monitor the process. He can also answer any questions you may have about your system or the sweeping process.
4 - It is just as effective. Whether you sweep the chimney from the top, or the bottom, the process is the same.
There are a few specific instances where going onto a roof is necessary, but usually, a bottom-to-top clean is the best solution for our customers.