The size brush you need will depend on what kind of chimney you have installed at your home, because you’ll want the brush which can do the best job of removing material on the inside walls. You should purchase one which is sized to accommodate the dimensions of the inside walls on it so that the brush can scrub both sides with an up-and-down movement, so as to loosen the material which has attached itself to the walls.
What Type of Chimney Brush Do I Need?
Choosing the right type will depend on which type you have at your home. If you have one which is unlined, or if it has a stainless steel liner, that will require a flexible brush made of polypropylene or nylon. Chimneys made of brick-and-mortar are generally lined with clay, and this calls for a much stiffer option, such as a wire version.
What is the Standard Size of a Chimney?
There are two basic types of chimneys, those being metal chimneys and masonry chimneys. Metal chimneys will generally have either double or triple walls which come in three different diameters, and these diameters comprise its particular usable area or cross-section. The inside diameter of a metal option will usually either be 6, 7, 8, 10, or 12 inches in diameter, and these will most often be used for stoves, central heaters, and small fireplaces. Masonry flues will generally have an outside diameter of 7.5, 8.5, or 13 inches, with the inside area having either 31, 41, 70, 99, or 156 square inches. These are most commonly used for stoves, central heaters, and larger fireplaces.
How Do I Measure a Chimney?
It’s important that you measure your chimney, so that you will know exactly what size brush to buy. A brush that is too small will not have adequate pressure against the walls to ensure a good cleaning, whereas an oversized brush could potentially become stuck so that you can’t pull it out. Keep in mind that an oversized brush will also not improve your cleaning technique, so it’s not worth your while to buy a brush larger than your chimney’s dimensions.
Whoever installed your chimney should be able to tell you the interior dimensions of the walls, but if that source of information is not available, you can measure it yourself. All you’ll have to do is get up inside the household end of the chimney to measure the length and width of the interior walls, and that will tell you what size brush to buy.
How Do I Know What Kind of Fireplace I Have?
Determining the kind of fireplace you have is a simple process, if you know where to look, because every fireplace and insert has a rating plate which contains that kind of information. Wood-burning fireplaces and gas fireplaces have a rating plate which is situated in the control compartment area, either on the firebox side column or under the smoke shield. The rating plate for an electric fireplace can generally be found on the firebox ceiling, and that will tell you this is an electric fireplace.
Should I Have My Chimney Cleaned?
It’s essential that you keep yours free of soot, creosote, and any other kind of obstruction which might become lodged there. If you fail to do this, it could create a dangerous situation wherein a fire might be triggered inside the walls of the chimney and spread elsewhere. The National Fire Protection Association has declared that all fireplaces should be cleaned at least once a year, regardless of the type of fireplace it is.
If you are not comfortable with your ability to do a good job of cleaning the inside walls of your chimney, you should definitely hire a contractor to come inspect your chimney and do it for you. Never take a chance on leaving creosote or other debris attached to your inside walls, because that can create a very hazardous situation.
Want to tackle the job yourself? Consider renting chimney sweep equipment from the pros at Chimney Draft Doctor.