Nashville Fireplace & Chimney,LLC

Chimney cleaning and regular maintanence are essential to your fireplace and chimney appliance safety as well as functionality. The CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) and the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) recommend that you have the chimney cleaned and inspected by a licensed professional at least once a year. Depending on the type and amount of wood you burn, your chimney appliance may require additional cleanings.

The chimney sweeping process removes the creosote and soot build up that naturally occurs as a by product from wood burning or vented gas fireplaces. These materials will build up rapidly and are highly combustible. By having a annual chimney cleaning and safety inspection, you can greatly reduce your chances of having a flue fire. Extreme build up can cause blockages inside the flue and essentially hinder the proper function of the appliance. For example, with a blockage present in the flue,the chimney appliance will not be able to properly draw, potentially causing smoke to enter the home.

 At Nashville Fireplace & Chimney LLC, we utilize the three levels of chimney cleaning & safety inspection guidlines set forth by the NFPA 211.

Chimney and fireplace safety inspections are classified into 3 levels. At NFC we follow the chimney inspection guidlines as defined in the 211 standard for chimneys, fireplaces, vents, and solid fuel burning appliances provided by the NFPA.  (National Fire Safety Protection Association) 

 Chimney & Fireplace Safety Inspections

• Level 1 - At this level of chimney safety inspection, the technician will perform a visual inspection and evaluation of the
  echnician should examine the readily accessible** portions of the chimney exterior, interior and accessible* portions of the appliance and the chimney connection. - See more at: http://www.csia.org/homeowner-resources/chimney_inspections.aspx#sthash.a8SYZ6vN.dpuf
   readily accesible portions of the chimney including the flue, interior and exterior of the chimney for fire worthiness, structure stability and functionality. The technician will also be checking for obstructions in the flue and deposits of combustible materials.
• Level 2 - 
  Level 2 inspection shall also include a visual inspection by video scanning or other means in order to examine the internal surfaces and joints of all flue liners incorporated within the chimney. No removal or destruction of permanently attached portions of the chimney - See more at: http://www.csia.org/homeowner-resources/chimney_inspections.aspx#sthash.a8SYZ6vN.dpuf
  This is a more in depth evaluation and inspection of the chimney.  At this level, the technician will use the chimney scanning device to perform the visual inspection. No removal or demolition of the permanently attached portions of the structure is required.
• Level 3 - The level 3 safety inspection of the chimney includes all portions of the level 1 and 2 safety inspections but requires a removal of certain components of the chimney structure to gain access to the areas that are the subject of the chimney inspection. In some cases where there is evidence of a serious chimney hazard, a level 3 inspection may be required to determine the current condition of the chimney.

In most cases, a 21 point compehensive level 1 visual inspection is sufficient to evaluate the functionality and current condition of your chimney. At NFC we always try to document any defect found with digital imaging so that the home owner can also see the defect for themselves.

A level 2 chimney inspection is required when  a homeowner is -

• Selling or transferring property
• malfunction of the chimney appliance
• An external event that may have caused damage to the chimney or a weather related incident
• A flue fire or building fire has occured

A level 3 chimney safety inspection is usually required if the levels 1 and 2 cannot be performed without the use of special tools to be able to access the concealed areas of the chimney or flue. This level of chimney inspection may be needed if there is a blockage or evidence of a serious chimney hazard.

Your chimney sweep will determine the type of chimney inspection you will need. If the technician determines another level of chimney inspection is needed, they will discuss this with the homeowner and gain approval prior to beginning the chimney safety inspection. NFC does not perform any extra chimney services without consent of the homeowner. If you are a tenant renting a home, NFC requires the consent of the homeowner prior to services.

All digital imaging taken during the chimney safety inspection is available to the homeowner for your records. NFC sends these images to the homeowner via of email.

Note: For special requests and/or homeowner insurance claims, please send a written request.



• Evacuate the home & call the fire department or 911. It is alwasys best to let the fire department professionals handle a home fire.
• Do not attempt to close the damper. If you have glass doors, close the glass doors. If you have a stove, close the air inlets.
• If the flames are visible at the top of the chimney, you may hose down the roof, not the chimney. Spraying water on a hot chimney may cause severe damage to the structure.
• Call a chimney professional to inspect the chimney before using the appliance again. Even a small flue fire can cause damage to the structure making the appliance unsafe to use.

Flue fires are an unfortunate event that can potentially lead to costly home repairs. This occurs when the build up of soot and creosote, a highly combustible material, ignites inside the flue. Remember, you can greatly reduce the chance of having a flue fire by having the chimney cleaned and inspected by a licensed chimney professional annually.

 
The chimney sweep process explained:

•     Your chimney sweep technician will start by spreading out drop cloths or tarps to protect your flooring. If Needed, they will also wear foot coverings when it is raining or muddy.
•     The technician will begin setting up their equipment. This is usually a series of rods, brushes and hook up their vacuum systems to catch any dust or debris. These powerful vacuum systems are lined with triple layered Hepa filters designed to handle the harsh chimney soot.
•     The chimney sweep technician will use lights, mirrors and cameras to evaluate the fireplace and flue to determine if the flue is sweepable,  the level of cleaning required, and proper way your chimney should be cleaned. Depending on your appliance, this will either be done from top to bottom or from the bottom to the top of the chimney.
•     Using the series of brushes and rods, the technician will begin the sweeping process leaving the vacuum system in place and running.
•     The technician will clean the firebox area, smoke shelves and other necessary components of your appliance.
•     After the chimney cleaning is finished, the technician will move on to the safety inspection process. If needed, the technician will use a combination of mirrors,cameras or video recorders during the inspection This is  not required of the Level 1 chimney cleaning and inspection.
•     If the technician has any recommendations or notes that there is any damage, the technician will provide digital documentation to the customer for reference.
•     After the inspection is complete, the technician will provide a verbal and written explanation of all findings.



Excessive tar build up in the chimney flue may require a rotary cleaning. This is a chain driven chimney cleaning system that beats the tar build up out when regular chimney sweeping will not work.

This creosote build up is highly flammable and will need to be removed to prevent flue fires.Your chimney sweep technician will determine if your chimney is in need of this service by visual inspection and evaluations.

Reasons why excessive creosote and tar build up occur in the chimney

Creosote and tar build up can occur if the chimney is used regularly without a regular cleaning or by using wood that is green, wet or not properly seasoned.