How to Sweep Your Own Chimney

How to Sweep Your Own Chimney

Chimney sweeping is a notoriously dirty job, but it is necessary for preventing chimney fires. This is why hiring a chimney sweep to do the job is generally the best option. However, if you prefer to DIY it, here’s how.


Video Source

First off, you will need to be on the roof, so only attempt this if you are comfortable with heights.

To start, you will need to know the size and shape of your chimney. Most hardware stores will have steel chimney brushes for about $20, and it should fit snuggly inside the chimney.

You will also need to buy a fiberglass rod to connect to the brush so it can reach the bottom of your chimney. Each rod is four feet in length for about $8 each, so plan on buying a few of them.

Ensure the doors to your fireplace are closed to prevent debris from getting into your home. Then, head up to your roof and remove the chimney cap. From there, insert the brush into the chimney and slowly work it down, scrubbing vigorously. Connect the fiberglass rods as you need them until you reach the bottom.

All you need to do after that is clean the debris out of your woodstove with a shop vac, and your chimney is clean!

.

I’m Eric Brophy, a carpenter and homebuilder with 16 years experience doing the job right, the old-fashioned way. What they used to say is true — measure twice, cut once. If you plan out a project from the start, with blueprints, a bill of materials, the whole nine yards, you may seem to be wasting time at the start, but it’s time saved on having to do the job again when it just doesn’t fit. Whether you’re building in the city or off the grid, ground-up or touch-up, I can guarantee you’ll find home improvement tips for your next DIY project at home.

Post Comment

You May Have Missed