Frederick MD Chimney Sweep & Creosote Removal | Stove & Fireplace Cleaning
Magic Mountain Chimney Sweeps of Frederick, MD, serves homeowners in Westminster, MD, Mount Airy, MD, and other nearby Maryland cities and towns with certified chimney sweep and creosote-removal services.
A clean chimney is a safe chimney. When you put Magic Mountain’s certified chimney sweeps to work for you, the result will be a chimney that’s clear of excess creosote buildup and any drafting obstructions that may exist inside the flue.
Chimney Sweep Services: Creosote Removal
Creosote is a highly flammable substance that can appear as a sticky, flakey or solid compound. It is created throughout the flue by the incomplete combustion of wood and the condensation of smoke when you use your wood-burning fireplace. Our lead chimney technicians are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America and the National Fireplace Institute and come with specialized skills and equipment to do an outstanding job cleaning any type of chimney.
Cleaning creosote from a chimney flue doesn’t require any dismantling of the structure. Rather, we use industry-grade power brushes, hand brushes, vacuums and chemical cleansers to clean the entire chimney from the smoke chamber to the chimney cap. Most fire-safety organizations in the U.S. recommend annual chimney cleaning to help prevent chimney fires and ensure the safe operation of the fireplace.
While professional cleaning is always important, you can reduce the level of smoke from your burns to add less creosote to your flue. Here are three tips:
- Burn only dry (seasoned) wood, which creates much less smoke than green wood
- Do not burn items other than wood such as magazines, household trash, clothing or Christmas trees
- Make sure there is enough air getting to the firebox to allow for thorough combustion
Chimney Cleaning for Drafting Obstructions
Our professional chimney sweeps also clean out any obstructions that may have gotten into the flue and can lead to drafting problems and smoke backing up into the house. The majority of obstructions can be prevented by having a secure, properly fitted chimney cap in place. If you don’t have one, we can install one.
Obstructions often found inside chimneys include:
- Leaves, twigs and other tree debris
- Dust and small-particle debris that was blowing in the air
- Nests of small animals such as squirrels, bats, rodents and birds
- The bodies of small animals that have entered the chimney and not been able to get back out (this is common with squirrels and birds)
If your chimney is correctly sized for the heating appliance connected to it, smoke and toxins will draft efficiently. Every obstruction inside the flue narrows the passageway for smoke and toxins to move up and into the outside air. Of particular concern is carbon monoxide, which is invisible and odorless but very harmful to humans if it exists in living spaces.
When we clean your chimney, we will address creosote and soot as well as obstructions such as the ones noted above.
Gas Fireplace & Stove Maintenance
While gas fireplaces and stoves don’t create creosote buildups, they do need annual service. Depending on the setup of your vent system, obstructions are possible and should be removed. Additionally, professional service is needed to check gas line connections, valves, burners, ignition systems/pilot lights, and other components to make sure everything is in good shape and working correctly.
If it’s been awhile since your last thorough chimney cleaning, call the pros at Magic Mountain Chimney Sweeps at (301) 695-6991. We’re members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild who you can count on for the very best in service and satisfaction.
