Chimney sweeping is a dirty job. No one loves doing it, but for the sake of your chimney, you have to suck it up and get the job done.
Depending on the type and size of the chimney, among other factors, it could take anywhere between 45 minutes to an hour.
So, how long does a chimney sweep take? It depends on the factors below.
Creosote buildup
Hiring a chimney sweep is the best way to ensure that your chimney is clean and free from creosote deposits. Creosote buildup can cause a chimney fire, endangering your home and family.
How long does a chimney sweep take? That depends on how dirty your chimney is. If you use your fireplace regularly during the colder months of the year, the cleanup will likely be more intense and last longer.
The more you use your fireplace, the more quickly creosote builds up in your chimney. A quick sweeping job can take less than an hour, but it could be longer if the technician removes a lot of creosote.
If you also leave your chimney unattended for long periods, debris and animals can get inside, so you will have more work clearing all the debris when it is time to sweep.
Size and shape of your chimney
The size and shape of your chimney are the most significant factors in how long a chimney sweep will take.
If you have a tall, narrow chimney, the job will take longer than a short, wide chimney. A straight chimney is pretty straightforward as it has no obstructions, so the chimney sweep will likely only need to send one brush down.
However, if your chimney is the modern type with multiple bends, you can expect it to increase the sweep time. So if you are planning on building a chimney and don’t fancy spending long hours sweeping it, consider the shape and size.
Whether you are using open or wood fire
Wood burners tend to have more soot buildup compared to open fires. This is because of the high temperature causes an increased rate of condensation. This results in more tar and creosote deposits forming on the inside of the chimney lining.
It becomes more difficult to thoroughly remove them during a sweep with such a buildup. So while you may enjoy the warmth that comes from burning firewood, keep in mind that the sweeping will be a bit hectic.
Professional or DIY
The time it takes to sweep a chimney also depends on if a professional is cleaning it or if you will be doing it yourself. When a professional cleans the chimney, they have special tools that allow them to get the job done in a very short amount of time.
It typically takes a professional about 30 minutes to one hour to clean a standard chimney. It might take longer if you are having the chimney checked for blockages or problems.
However, if you are doing the job yourself, plan on spending about 2 hours cleaning a standard chimney. This is because you don’t have access to the special tools that professional cleaners use to get the job done fast.
You can make the job go faster by using a vacuum cleaner, but even so, plan to spend at least two hours sweeping the chimney yourself.
Bottom Line
Chimney sweeping is a pretty big job. It doesn’t happen in one hour, especially if you are looking for an impeccable job. It all depends on several factors but be prepared to set ample time on the day you plan to sweep your chimney.
You can clean the chimney by yourself but for the best outcome, hire chimney cleaning services Bowie to help out.