Fireplace and flue cleaning in Shorecrest

Clear a route from the entrance to the hearth

Equipment for a chimney cleaning travels in and debris travels out, so the route between the entrance and the fireplace matters. Move rugs, small tables and anything fragile from that path if you can do so safely. Tell us about narrow doorways, stairs or a finished floor you want protected.

Leave heavy furniture where it is. We plan the covers and the work area around what is in the room and ask before moving anything ourselves. A clear route shortens set-up and lowers the chance of soot traveling beyond the hearth.

The visual check that closes a chimney sweep

Once the flue is clean, its surfaces are easier to read. We look at everything the brushes reached, with a light where needed, and note cracks, gaps, missing mortar or damaged parts. This check belongs to the cleaning and is limited to what is visible from the openings.

It is not a full evaluation of the chimney. Concealed parts, the structure inside walls and conditions a light cannot reach sit outside it. If the check raises a question that needs a broader look, we say so and explain how a chimney inspection would answer it.

Details that help us plan your chimney sweep

A short call before the visit lets us bring the right rods, brushes and covers. These details help most.

Nothing on the list is required to book. Whatever you cannot answer, we find out during the free inspection. Call us with whatever you have, and we take it from there.

• How many fireplaces there are and which ones you use
• Any manual, model label or earlier record of work
• Recent smoke, odor or noises from the chimney
• Access notes for the roof, a gate or parking

The top plate and cap on an insert liner

When an insert vents through a liner, the old flue opening at the top is often closed with a plate around the liner. A cap sits above it. Cleaning the liner may mean lifting the cap, as the liner's instructions describe.

We refit the cap as we found it. If the plate around the liner is loose, rusted or gapped, water and animals can get into the old flue beside the liner. That is noted as a separate finding with an estimate if you want one.