Mess-Free, Methodical, and Thorough

We protect your living space with clean drop cloths and sealed HEPA vacuums, then remove soot and creosote from the firebox, smoke chamber, and flue. A careful visual inspection—and camera scan when conditions warrant—helps us catch hidden issues early and document everything with photos for your records.

A Safer, Cleaner Chimney Starts with the Right Process

A fireplace should bring comfort—not smoke rollback, odors, or worry. The reality is that soot, creosote, and moisture can quietly undermine safety and performance inside your flue. Our chimney cleaning and inspection service in New Britain, CT is built around meticulous preparation, pro-grade tools, and clear communication. From the moment we arrive, we isolate the hearth, protect surrounding floors and furnishings, and stage a sealed HEPA vacuum to capture fine particulates at the source. We size brushes to your flue geometry and fuel type, sweep internal surfaces methodically, and verify damper function and draft. Where needed, we perform a camera scan to evaluate liner condition, offsets, and obstructions, then deliver a photo-rich report with prioritized recommendations.

What’s Included in a Professional Chimney Cleaning

A proper sweep is far more than pushing a brush up the flue. We service the firebox, smoke shelf, smoke chamber, and liner, removing loose soot and stubborn creosote deposits that restrict airflow and increase fire risk. If you use a wood stove or insert, we clean connector pipes, inspect baffles and gaskets, and confirm that clearances and venting meet current guidelines. We check termination components at the top—cap, screen, and crown—for defects that let weather or wildlife into the system. Each step is documented, so you can see exactly what we saw and why we’re recommending follow-up, if any.

• Work-area protection with clean drop cloths
• Sealed HEPA filtration for dust control
• Properly sized brushes and rotary tools as needed
• Damper, smoke chamber, and liner attention
• Exterior review of cap, crown, and flashing
• Written report with photos and next-steps

Why Creosote Removal Matters

Creosote forms when fuel doesn’t burn completely or when flue temperatures stay too cool for a clean draft. Even thin layers act like an insulator, reducing draw and encouraging more accumulation. Thicker, shiny deposits indicate advanced buildup and can ignite at relatively low temperatures. By removing creosote and restoring smooth internal surfaces, we improve airflow, reduce the chance of chimney fires, and help smoke exit quickly so less odor lingers indoors.

Inspections You Can Understand

We align our inspections with widely accepted safety guidance and local code considerations. A standard visit typically includes a visual check of accessible components and observations about draft and combustion air. When the history is unknown, after a weather event, or during a property transfer, we may recommend a more detailed assessment with video scanning and a closer look at accessible attic and roof intersections. Our reports use plain language and annotated photos to highlight what’s urgent, what can wait, and how to budget smartly.

Our 5-Step Mess-Free Workflow

1. Protect & Prepare: We isolate the area, review your concerns, and confirm appliance type and vent path.
2. Sweep & Capture: Mechanical brushing paired with sealed HEPA capture keeps soot out of your living space.
3. Inspect & Verify: We check internal and external components; camera scans where indicated.
4. Report & Advise: You’ll receive photos, findings, and clear recommendations prioritized by safety and value.
5. Clean Up: We vacuum, wipe, and remove all protection so the hearth area looks spotless when we leave.

When to Schedule in New Britain, CT

For most households, an annual inspection—paired with cleaning as needed—balances safety and cost. If you burn daily in winter, burn softwood, notice persistent odors, or you’ve had nesting animals, schedule sooner. Following severe wind or ice storms, it’s smart to check caps and crowns for damage. Planning to sell your home? A fresh inspection with photos provides clarity, supports disclosures, and prevents last-minute surprises during buyer due diligence.

Wood, Pellet, and Gas—We Service Them All

Each appliance type leaves different residues and places unique demands on the vent. Wood produces layered creosote, pellet stoves accumulate fine ash in vent caps and chambers, and gas systems can introduce moisture and acidic by-products that attack masonry. We tailor cleaning and inspection to your specific setup—insert, stove, or open masonry—so you get targeted maintenance that actually improves performance.

Camera Scans Reveal What the Eye Can’t See

A flue tile may look intact from the hearth but hide cracks, misaligned joints, or missing mortar deep inside the run. Our high-output lighting and camera equipment let us see and document interior surfaces, offsets, and obstructions. If a repair or liner upgrade is warranted, you’ll have clear, shareable evidence to support the decision—and, if necessary, to submit with insurance or real-estate documents.

Common Issues We Catch Early

• Damper corrosion, missing smoke shelf mortar, and rough smoke-chamber transitions
• Loose or deteriorated flue tiles; gaps at tile joints
• Cracked crowns, missing caps, or clogged spark screens
• Leaky or improperly integrated flashing at rooflines
• Animal nesting and debris that impede draft

Simple Care Tips Between Visits

Burn seasoned hardwood under ~20% moisture for cleaner fires. Bring flues to operating temperature quickly; avoid smoldering fires. Keep the damper fully open while burning and confirm adequate combustion air, especially in tight homes. After severe wind, visually check that your cap is seated and the screen is clear of debris. If odors rise during humid weather, call—trapped residues or moisture may be the culprit.

If We Find a Problem—What Happens Next?

If inspection reveals issues that require correction, we outline options ranging from small fixes to larger upgrades. Typical solutions include smoke-chamber parging for a smoother transition, damper repair or a top-sealing damper for better energy control, stainless steel caps to keep out weather and wildlife, or crown repair to stop water intrusion. When liner damage is significant, we’ll discuss relining options appropriate to your appliance, fuel, and budget—always with itemized estimates so you can choose confidently.

Local, Responsive, and Respectful

We’re neighbors serving neighbors in New Britain, CT. That means friendly communication, on-time arrivals, work done neatly, and workmanship we stand behind. Whether your fireplace is a cozy weekend feature or your stove runs daily, we’ll keep it dependable—and we’ll treat your home with the respect it deserves.