What Kinds of Tools Do Chimney Techs Use?

The chimney sweep company you call for chimney services should have the equipment needed to do the job. You could even ask them: what kinds of tools do chimney techs use? It’s one of several ways to ensure that the company is legitimate—not all are because it’s an unregulated industry. Guardian Chimney Sweep is a trusted company in the Houston and Conroe areas that keeps up with the newest innovations. The following are tools of the trade.

Chimney Sweeping Brushes

Just like house painters use different brushes to perform certain tasks on a paint project, chimney sweeps use various types of brushes. Of course, this is to ensure that the job is done in the most efficient and effective manner. Each type of brush is used to remove creosote.

What is creosote? It is a tar-like substance that is deposited mostly at the top of the chimney flue every time there is a wood fire. Creosote shows up in chimneys in three different forms, and a brush alone won’t usually remove all the Level 2 and 3 creosote. Chimney sweep companies like Guardian Chimney Sweep have the equipment to remove all three types of creosote.

Wire Chimney Brush

The wire chimney sweep brush is the primary tool that represents the sweeping profession. It is a proven instrument for removing creosote in crevices that are difficult to reach. This is the tool used to clean sturdy clay-tiled flue liners. Level 1 creosote is eliminated easily with the wire chimney brush, but other tools that are listed below help with Level 2 and 3 creosote.

Polypropylene Brush

For chimneys with stainless steel flue liners and other materials that are more delicate, a polypropylene brush will get the job done. At the same time, using this type of brush will ensure that the homeowner’s warranty on the stainless-steel liner isn’t voided because of unnecessary scuffing and scratching.

Smoke Chamber Brush

Sometimes creosote accumulates in other parts of the chimney besides the top portion. Chimney sweeps have a smoke chamber brush in their chimney cleaning tool kit just in case it’s needed. The smoke chamber is just above the throat damper. It’s important to remove all creosote because it’s highly flammable and can easily ignite and fuel chimney fires. More hazardous than most people realize, chimney fires almost always cause structural damage.

Chimney Sweeping Rods

Flexible chimney cleaning rods are used to extend the reach for removing creosote. Cleaning rods are universally fitted to brushes, and they are extenders that can reach anywhere within the flue. Chimneys often have structural features that create challenges, but the rods can adapt in different ways that will typically get the job done.

Industrial Strength Chimney Cleaners

Chimney cleaning agents are the last resort when creosote deposits are especially difficult to remove. These are high-grade chemical cleaners that remove glazed creosote. Level 3 creosote looks like tar has been poured down the chimney. Sometimes it won’t come off, even though industrial strength cleaners, sweeping rods, and brushes are used. When this happens, a flue liner replacement can be installed and make the chimney safe to use.

Guardian Chimney Sweep has All the Chimney Sweeping Tools

Our certified chimney professionals are friendly at Guardian Chimney Sweep LLC. Feel free to ask them what kinds of tools do chimney techs use besides the ones listed above. If you need to schedule chimney cleaning, masonry repair, chimney cap installation, flashing repair, a chimney inspection, fireplace installation, or any other services for your chimney, contact us today! Use our online contact form or call us at one of the following numbers.

Toll-free: (888) 306-6069
Conroe: (936) 271-9781
Houston: (713) 401-2011