Chimney Cleaning and Caps 301.662.1699 ~ 301.416.8080
Serving Frederick and Surrounding Counties
Chimney Cleaning
All
chimneys should be checked at least once a year. Checking chimneys for obstruction, creosote
build-up, deterioration and overall condition is the best way to insure your chimney will meet you
winter venting needs.
Creosote builds up on the
interior surfaces of your chimney during normal use, and is a by-product of woodburning. As a
general rule of thumb, masonry chimneys serving open fireplaces or woodstoves should be cleaned
after one to two cords of wood is burned, and pre-fab metal chimneys should be cleaned after each
cord. The actual frequency of cleanings depends on the users burning habits, wood condition,
chimney construction, and frequency of use. Even with these guide lines chimneys vary greatly in
design and performance, and every chimney should be checked annually. (More information about
creosote and chimney cleaning is available in the educate-yourself
links area.)
Harry will do a complete written evaluation of the
condition of your system, and determine if it needs to be cleaned. If so, Harry will drop-cloth off
his work area, bring in his huge dustless vacuum to keep your house dust free during the cleaning,
and will begin the thorough cleaning process. After the cleaning he will fill out a written
evaluation form and will recommend any improvements or repairs you may need.
It's important to note : When shopping for a
chimney sweep, be sure to consider the old saying "You get what you pay for".
There are a hand full of companies in this area offering to clean chimneys for about 1/2 of the
going rate. These companies often do not take the time needed to do the job properly, as they must
move to the next house quickly in order to off-set their low prices. These low-dollar companies
will often skip the smoke shelf and smoke chamber areas directly above the damper in fireplace
cleanings, leaving all of the creosote they may have brushed down the chimney sitting right there
on the shelf. If you have a woodstove connected, they rarely service the stove, never checking it's
gaskets or cleaning the catalyst. (More information about catalysts available in the educate-yourself links area.) These companies may be done in as
quick as 15 mins., which is not enough time to get the job done properly.
Harry has a passion for chimney
safety, and will make sure the job is done right. Afterwards he will tell you exactly what he
found, and make any suggestions for better burning habits or other actions that will reduce your
creosote problem. If he's there servicing your woodstove, he'll take the time to make sure you know
how to operate it properly, and answer any questions you may have. Call him today at FREDERICK
COUNTY CHIMNEY SWEEPS 301.662.1699 ~ 301.416.8080 and get on the books.
What About Chimney Caps?
Every chimney should have some sort of chimney cap
(sometimes called chimney cover) over it to keep damaging rain and snow moisture from
getting into the flue. Chimney caps also keep out nesting birds, squirrels and racoons who may
think your fireplace smoke chamber is a nice quite place to set-up home in the spring. (More
information about the importance of chimney caps is available in the educate-yourself links area.)
Harry can fit your chimney with a high-quality
stainless steel chimney cap that will never rust (see before and
after) which covers the entire opening, and has a screen
around it to prevent animals from entering the chimney. The screen also acts as a spark arrestor to
help keep any large hot embers or sparks from escaping the chimney.
If you have an unusually large
chimney, or have any other special considerations for your home or building, Harry can have a
custom cap fabricated to meet your needs. Some customers prefer the look and aging effects of
copper chimney caps, which can be pretty pricey, but add a unique charm to some homes. Other
options are caps that act as dampers to replace inefficient or non-existent fireplace throat
dampers. If you have a special need, give Harry a ring and he help you decide the best option for
you.
All
chimneys should be checked at least once a year. Checking chimneys for obstruction, creosote
build-up, deterioration and overall condition is the best way to insure your chimney will meet you
winter venting needs. 
Creosote builds up on the
interior surfaces of your chimney during normal use, and is a by-product of woodburning. As a
general rule of thumb, masonry chimneys serving open fireplaces or woodstoves should be cleaned
after one to two cords of wood is burned, and pre-fab metal chimneys should be cleaned after each
cord. The actual frequency of cleanings depends on the users burning habits, wood condition,
chimney construction, and frequency of use. Even with these guide lines chimneys vary greatly in
design and performance, and every chimney should be checked annually. (More information about
creosote and chimney cleaning is available in the 
Harry has a passion for chimney
safety, and will make sure the job is done right. Afterwards he will tell you exactly what he
found, and make any suggestions for better burning habits or other actions that will reduce your
creosote problem. If he's there servicing your woodstove, he'll take the time to make sure you know
how to operate it properly, and answer any questions you may have. Call him today at FREDERICK
COUNTY CHIMNEY SWEEPS 301.662.1699 ~ 301.416.8080 and get on the books.
What About Chimney Caps?
If you have an unusually large
chimney, or have any other special considerations for your home or building, Harry can have a
custom cap fabricated to meet your needs. Some customers prefer the look and aging effects of
copper chimney caps, which can be pretty pricey, but add a unique charm to some homes. Other
options are caps that act as dampers to replace inefficient or non-existent fireplace throat
dampers. If you have a special need, give Harry a ring and he help you decide the best option for
you.
