For chimney cleaning and repairs, turn to Bills Clean Sweep in Morristown, Vermont. Our chimney company offers the services
your chimney needs.
your chimney needs.
Chimney Cleanings
Chimneys are often divided into a number of flues. For example, one flue for a furnace, another for a fireplace, another for a wood stove, some only have one flue. We normally have one guy go up on the chimney using the proper style and sized brush, and the right kind of rods, we brush the flue. We may need to use special tools to remove some kinds of hard creosote. We clean the rain cap if you have one. We also inspect the flue for damages which could potentially hazardous. We inspect the crown, bricks, flashing and discuss safety codes. We may also look at other flues to see if they need cleaning or have other problems.
Wood Stove Cleanings
The wood stove cleaning includes removing the pipes and thoroughly cleaning it outside the home. For creosote build-up, we use a propane torch to burn it out of the pipe, as well as the fireplace box or damper.
Dependable Chimney Repair
Our repair service includes crown repair and rebuilding, tuck-pointing, waterproofing, and flashing repair and replacement. Before the service, we conduct a detailed inspection and provide an estimate. During the assessment, we record any cracks or holes in the crown, or inform you that the crown is worn completely. After you approve the estimate, we schedule a convenient repair appointment. For best results, we recommend scheduling repairs for the spring or summer.
Furnaces
Fuel suppliers now routinely alert customers about the need for furnace flue maintenance. Acidic condensate, and soot accumulation will cause an ordinary masonry or metal chimney to deteriorate or plug up. That is why some furnace flues may need yearly inspection and cleaning.
Exterior Problems that may exist• Absence of a chimney cap to keep rain and snow out.
• A deteriorating crown, whose job it is to keep rain and snow from entering the space between chimney and flueliner. • Dark stain from mildew • Missing or flawed flashing where chimney meets roof. • Improper mortar joints • Flaking and “spalling” of the outer surface of the bricks from the freeze/thaw cycle • A powdery white deposit called “efflorescence,” from water mixing with salts in the brick or mortar • Cracking – caused by such things as movements of the foundation and chimney fires. • Moss, algae or vines clinging, keeping the brick and concrete damp |
Interior Trouble Signs• Blocked or partially blocked flue from debris and deteriorating mortar washed down by flue-gas condensate
• Rusting metal firebox and damper • Deteriorating back wall of fireplace • Water under the fireplace insert or running into hearthstove • Eroded mortar • Cracked claytile • Lack of flueliner for venting gas furnace or log set • Damaged or improperly installed flueliner • No Flueliner • Damp or stained wallpaper, peeling paint on walls and/or ceilings |
How to Avoid Chimney Fires
Creosote is the main cause of chimney fires. A buildup of creosote is highly combustible and can result in a chimney fire.
To minimize creosote: Burn only seasoned woods. Do not burn trash. Don’t allow a fire to smolder. Get regular cleanings.
To minimize creosote: Burn only seasoned woods. Do not burn trash. Don’t allow a fire to smolder. Get regular cleanings.
Contact us to request an estimate for a chimney cleaning or repair.