Chimney sweep service for homes in Fullers

Clearing what falls onto the smoke shelf

Behind the damper, many masonry fireplaces have a flat or curved ledge called the smoke shelf. Anything that falls down the flue can land there, from soot and creosote flakes to leaves, nesting material and broken pieces of tile.

Because it sits out of sight, the smoke shelf can hold a surprising load. Debris left there can smell, can hold moisture and can partly block the path smoke takes into the flue.

The shelf is cleared after the flue is brushed, so it catches the brushing debris too. Our crew reaches over the damper, scoops the shelf clean and vacuums what is left. Whatever came off it is looked at before it is bagged, because a chunk of tile or a rusted piece of metal points to a problem higher up that deserves its own look.

Sweeping an outdoor masonry fireplace

An outdoor masonry fireplace collects the same deposits as an indoor one, plus rain, leaves and whatever the wind carries into an open firebox. Because it often sits idle between gatherings, wet debris and ash can stay in it for long stretches.

The work matches an indoor sweep. The flue is swept, the smoke shelf and firebox are cleared and the damper is worked if there is one. Soot on a patio or outdoor furniture is still a mess, so the area around the opening gets covered before brushing.

Some outdoor fireplaces are built without a cap. An open flue lets rain and animals in, and our technicians say so if yours is uncapped and quote a cap separately. The same burning basics apply outside as in, with dry seasoned wood and no trash in the fire. Backyard or living room, every sweep in Fullers starts with the same free inspection and written estimate.

Getting your fireplace ready for the sweep

The fireplace needs to be cold. Plan the last fire at least a day ahead so the ash and firebox have cooled completely before the crew arrives.

Our crew brings the drop cloths, covers and tools, so you do not need to cover anything yourself. Leave the damper where it is, and do not try to open a stuck one or pull out an insert before the visit, since forcing parts can damage them.

If the yard has a locked gate, a dog or a tricky spot for the ladder, mention it when you set up the visit so the day goes smoothly.

• No fire for at least a day before the visit
• A clear path from the door to the hearth
• Pets and children kept in another room
• Fragile items moved off the mantel

An ash dump that has not been emptied

Some masonry fireplaces have a small metal door in the firebox floor that drops ash into a chamber below, with its own cleanout door lower down or outside. Ash dropped there is out of sight, and it can build up for years.

A full ash pit can back up into the firebox, hold moisture and give off a stale smell. The door in the firebox floor can also rust shut or warp so it no longer closes.

During a sweep our crew opens the ash dump, checks how full the pit is and empties it through the lower cleanout when it can be reached. A warped or rusted door is noted for repair on the estimate, and ash from the pit goes out in a metal container like any other ash.