do i need to hire a chimney sweep?

19mquinn79

just wondering if, since my chimney has a cap to prevent birds etc from nesting in there, do I really need to hire a chimney sweep, or is it a waste of $?

how often do you all have your chimney swept?

(i have a combination oil burner / hot water heater, and a fireplace that I never use.)

Oh-Fudge

I clean my own every year with a chimney brush. I'm sure some (chimney sweeps) will tell you "you must have it inspected by a (expensive) professional every year!". But I burn mine many times every year and have no problems. And heck, isn't that what fire insurance is for? (wink)

Good link for chimney cleaning supplies. Climb up on the roof and measure your flue size and get the proper brush and extension rods:
http://www.northlineexpress.com/chim...y-brushes.html

Sorry, that appears to be a bad link, try this one:
http://www.northlineexpress.com/fire...cessories.html

Ron6519

Oil fired devices produce a lot of soot. The chimney should be cleaned every year, from top to bottom. Pull the stack pipe and you'll find a pile of debris at the base of the chimney.
The fired clay liners deteriorate at the top of the chimney first. Also check the connections between sections to make sure the mortar is completely filled in. This is especially important with the fireplace as embers can get out and hit framing, starting fires.

__________________
Ron
"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
B. Franklin 1759

joed

Unless you look down (or up) the chimney you can't tell if it needs to be cleaned.

__________________
Do not PM with questions that can be asked in a forum. I will not respond.