Looking for Wood Fireplace & Stove Sweeping in Greater Cincinnati? Call The Chimney Care Company
Wood-burning appliances create a cozy, timeless atmosphere, but regular sweeping is key to keeping them functioning the right way. The Chimney Care Company provides expert chimney sweeping for traditional wood-burning fireplaces, wood stove inserts, and freestanding wood stoves throughout Greater Cincinnati. These cleanings help prevent excessive creosote buildup, reduce the risk of chimney fires, and ensure your appliance vents properly all season long.
Call us today to book your annual appointment!
What Is Creosote, and Why Does It Need To Be Removed?
Creosote is a highly flammable byproduct created when wood burns incompletely. It clings to the inner walls of your flue or stovepipe and can build up in several forms, from light and flaky to dense and glazed. Even seasoned firewood can produce creosote and this can get worse when airflow is restricted or burn temperatures are too low.
The danger comes from how easily creosote can ignite. Chimney fires often begin when built-up creosote catches flame inside the flue. These fires can cause internal damage to chimney components and, in severe cases, spread to the home. Regular sweeping removes this material before it becomes a hazard.
Sweeping also helps identify underlying issues that contribute to excessive creosote buildup. Poor draft, an incorrectly sized liner, or low-quality fuel can all increase the amount of residue left behind. The Chimney Care Company uses professional-grade tools to sweep thoroughly and assess the overall condition of the flue during service.
There are three stages of creosote:
- Stage 1. Flaky and loose, relatively easy to remove with a standard chimney brush.
- Stage 2. Shiny and tar-like, requiring more effort and specialized tools to remove.
- Stage 3. Hardened, glaze-like buildup that may require mechanical removal or, in some cases, flue relining.
WB Insert Sweep Before
WB Insert Sweep During
WB Insert Sweep After
How Much Soot Is Normal After Using a Fireplace?
Some soot accumulation is expected with any wood-burning appliance. After a few fires, you might notice a fine, dark coating near the smoke shelf, flue entrance, or stove pipe. However, if soot begins to stain the firebox or spill into the room, or if you smell smoke even when the fireplace isn’t in use, it may indicate a larger issue. These signs often point to poor draft, partial blockage, or excessive creosote buildup – and all of them warrant a professional inspection.
Even if everything looks relatively clean, the condition inside the flue could be very different. Soot and creosote tend to collect out of sight, especially in elbows or bends in the system. That’s why the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends yearly chimney inspections, even for systems that don’t get daily use.
Annual sweeping keeps your appliance efficient and ensures that gases and smoke exit the home as intended. A clean system also performs better: you’ll get stronger draft, more complete combustion, and better heat output from each fire.
Book Your Wood-Burning Chimney Sweeping in Greater Cincinnati Today
The Chimney Care Company makes it easy to keep your wood-burning fireplace, insert, or stove in working condition. With three decades of experience and a reputation for thorough service, our sweeping appointments offer more than just cleanliness. We take pride in helping prevent issues and extending the life of your heating system. Contact us today to schedule a chimney sweeping appointment anywhere in the Greater Cincinnati area.
Regular sweeping is vital for all your flues. Learn more about the importance of furnace flue sweeping as part of our complete cleaning services.