Chimney Cleaning in Independence, MO
A chimney sweep removes the soot and creosote that build up inside a flue every time you burn wood. Jake And Son Chimney Sweep cleans chimneys in Independence, MO and 20 nearby towns, 7am to 9pm, seven days a week.
We follow NFPA 211
Jake And Son Chimney Sweep works to NFPA 211, the National Fire Protection Association’s standard for chimneys, fireplaces and vents. That means every sweep starts with an inspection, and we clean when the inspection shows deposits that need removing.
Why a chimney needs sweeping
Wood smoke cools as it rises, and part of it condenses on the flue walls as creosote. Creosote burns. If enough of it collects and a hot fire reaches it, the result is a chimney fire inside the flue, where you cannot see or reach it.
Sweeps usually describe creosote in three stages:
- Stage one is loose, flaky soot. A standard brushing removes it.
- Stage two is hard, shiny black flakes. It takes stiffer tools and more time.
- Stage three is a thick glaze that looks like tar poured down the flue. It is the most flammable and the hardest to remove, and brushing alone will not shift it.
Soot and creosote are not the only problem. Nests, leaves and fallen masonry can block a flue, and a blocked flue pushes smoke and carbon monoxide back into the house.
Signs your chimney is due for a cleaning
A chimney is due for cleaning when you can smell it, see black flakes or a shiny coating in it, or get smoke in the room, and in any case once a year has passed since the last inspection.
- A campfire smell from the fireplace, strongest in humid weather
- Black flakes falling into the firebox
- Smoke rolling into the room when you light a fire
- Fires that are slow to start or burn poorly
- A dark, oily or shiny coating you can see above the damper
- More than a year since the last inspection
What happens during a chimney sweep visit
A chimney sweep visit has five steps: protect the room, inspect, brush the flue, clean the smoke chamber and firebox, and report what was found. Most single-flue visits take about an hour.
- Protect the room. The area around the fireplace is covered before any work starts.
- Look first. The firebox, damper, smoke chamber and flue are checked so we know what kind of deposit we are dealing with.
- Brush the flue. The flue is swept with brushes and rods sized to the liner, while a vacuum controls the dust.
- Clean the smoke chamber, damper and firebox. These collect as much soot as the flue and are often skipped.
- Tell you what we found. You get a plain answer: what was removed, what condition the chimney is in, and anything that needs attention.
Ready to book a chimney cleaning?
Call (816) 239-8989What affects the price of a chimney cleaning
Chimney sweep service starts at $199 for one flue, including a Level 1 inspection. See all starting prices on our pricing page. Here is what adds to that:
- How many flues you have. A fireplace and a furnace often have separate flues in the same chimney.
- What is connected. An open fireplace, a wood stove and a fireplace insert are cleaned differently.
- The type of creosote. Stage three glaze takes longer than loose soot.
- Height and roof access. A tall chimney on a steep roof takes more time to work on safely.
- Blockages. Nests and debris have to come out before sweeping can start.
Call (816) 239-8989, tell us what you have, and we will give you a price for your chimney.
Related reading
Our chimney care guide explains how the whole system works, and chimney and fireplace problems covers smells, smoke, leaks and animals.
Related services
Chimney cleaning is usually booked with one of these four related services.
- Chimney inspection for the yearly check or a home sale
- Chimney repair if the sweep turns up damage
- Fireplace cleaning and service
- Dryer vent cleaning, often booked on the same visit
Sources
- Chimney Safety Institute of America, The Three Levels of Chimney Inspections (summarizes NFPA 211).
- National Fire Protection Association, NFPA 211: Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances.
Common questions
How often should a chimney be swept?
NFPA 211 calls for a chimney inspection at least once a year, with cleaning whenever the inspection shows a buildup. If you burn wood most days in winter, expect to need a sweep every year. Gas and oil flues need the same yearly inspection, because nests and deteriorating liners affect them too.
How long does a chimney cleaning take?
Most single-flue cleanings take about an hour. Heavy creosote, a blockage, or more than one flue adds time, and we will tell you before we start if it looks like a longer job. Plan to be home for the visit so we can show you what we found before we leave.
Will a chimney sweep make a mess in my house?
It should not. The area around the fireplace is covered first and a vacuum runs while the flue is brushed, so the soot stays in the chimney and the vacuum, not in your living room. Tell us if you have light carpet or furniture close to the hearth and we will take extra care.
Do I need to do anything before the sweep arrives?
Do not use the fireplace for 24 hours beforehand so it is cold, and move furniture and breakables a few feet back from the hearth so there is room to work. Clear the mantel and remove any grate or tools from the firebox if you can. It saves time on the visit.
Can I burn a creosote sweeping log instead of hiring a sweep?
No. A sweeping log can loosen some deposits, but it does not remove them from the flue and it cannot inspect anything. The loosened material still has to be brushed out. Treat a sweeping log as a supplement between professional cleanings, never a replacement for the yearly inspection NFPA 211 calls for.
Does a gas fireplace chimney need cleaning?
Gas burns cleaner than wood, but the flue can still be blocked by nests or debris and the liner can still deteriorate. It needs the same yearly inspection, and cleaning when the inspection calls for it. A blocked gas flue is dangerous because the exhaust is invisible and has little smell.