FAQSweep

The Cracker Mill and Cleaning Your Chimney

We are frequently asked if we “clean chimneys”, especially in connection with our stove maintenance and repair services we offer each spring and summer. We have prepared this notice to help explain what chimney cleaning services we do offer and what chimney cleaning services we do not offer. (Subject to change. We reserve the right to add or subtract services).

Condensed Version

Here is a brief list of the various chimney types used in our service area and whether or not we offer sweeping services with that particular chimney type. A more detailed explanation of each type and why we adopted this policy will follow.

Type Sweep, Service Available?

Round Metal Type HT Chimney System (Class A), Yes

Zero-Clearance Fireplace with Round Metal Chimney System, Yes

Masonry Chimney Fully Lined with Stainless Steel Liner System, Yes

Masonry Chimney Partially Lined with Stainless Steel Liner System, No

Masonry Chimney Lined with Clay Tile Liner or Poured Liner, No

Masonry Chimney without any Liner, No

Masonry or Steel Fireplace with Masonry Flue and Clay Liner, No

Open Masonry Fireplaces with no stove or insert installed, No

What this Means for You and Your Chimney

This means that if you have a stove hooked up to an UNLINED masonry chimney, a PARTIALLY LINED chimney (often used when venting through a fireplace), or a CLAY TILE LINER or POURED MASONRY LINER our service personnel may not sweep your chimney. If you have only an open fireplace, with no stove installed, we will usually not sweep your system. (Does not apply to many “zero-clearance” metal fabricated systems. If you have a high-efficiency wood fireplace - instead of a stove - we may sweep the system). See the following pages for a more detailed explanation.

The Long Version

Special equipment is often needed to deal with masonry chimney liners and creosote build-up. The Cracker Mill specializes in stove service and does not carry equipment for chimney sweeps beyond the simple tools required to sweep a round metal system. There are several chimney sweeps (some certified by the National Chimney Sweep Guild, some not) in our area that will be able to clean your chimney if you own a chimney system that we do not support. Please hire your local sweep for these types of chimney systems. Look in your phone book under Chimney Sweep or Chimney Repair.

“Why won’t you sweep my chimney? You are listed in my phone book under Chimney Sweep.”

The answer is we DO sweep chimneys and, if you have the right TYPE of chimney we WILL clean your chimney system while we are servicing your wood, pellet, or coal burning stove. If you have a type of chimney we do not support we may decline to clean your chimney. (We will service the stove but you will have to hire someone else to sweep your chimney)

We have chosen not to focus on general chimney sweep services and we fully support the efforts of local “Sweeps” to service your chimney cleaning and repair needs. “Sweeps” focus their attention on your chimney maintenance needs and generally do not focus on servicing your stove unless the stove has simple maintenance requirements. We train our technicians to provide quality stove maintenance and repair and offer simple sweep services as a courtesy for those who have the right type of system.

Many stove owners prefer to hire a professional “Sweep”, even when they have a chimney system that we support, and hire us only to service the stove itself. We believe this makes good sense. Especially when it is not the practice to hire us for yearly stove service, such as when the basic yearly maintenance is done by the stove owner. We may be hired only every three to five years to perform more in-depth maintenance or repair, whereas the chimney system should ALWAYS be inspected and cleaned each year.

Of course, if you do hire us each year to do a basic stove service, and you own a chimney system we support, we will be glad to be your sweep every year. Our technicians are properly trained as chimney sweeps and will do a fine job of maintaining your metal chimney system along with your stove. Just remember that we focus our attention on the stove, whereas “Sweeps” focus on the chimney.

“What if I want to upgrade my chimney system? Will you clean the chimney prior to re-lining?”

YES, we will brush and vacuum your existing chimney system prior to a re-line with a stainless steel liner system. However, if your existing system needs more than a simple brushing to remove creosote build-up we may decline to clean the chimney. We will recommend you hire a qualified chimney sweep to remove the creosote properly before the re-line.

Many times our technicians will offer to inspect your chimney system and make recommendations for service and repair if needed, such as a re-line. If you choose to upgrade with a full re-line, and we can properly remove any creosote build-up, we will include the sweeping of the chimney prior to performing the re-line and will not charge for a special chimney cleaning. If we cannot remove the creosote properly ourselves you will be charged for a separate chimney cleaning, either as a sub-contracted service through the Cracker Mill or as a direct service from a separate chimney sweep contractor.

“What if I don’t know what ‘type’ of chimney I have?”

If you do not know if you have one of the types of chimney systems that we support, we will be able to identify the system when we make our first visit. After we make that first visit we record your chimney type and keep it on file for future visits, so don’t worry if you can’t remember what chimney system you have. But be prepared to discuss your options should your chimney not be on our list of supported types. What follows is a more detailed explanation of each of the chimney types briefly noted above.

Chimney Type: Round Metal Type HT Chimney System (Class A)

Most people think of “Metalbestos” when they talk about this type of chimney. There are many different types of metal chimney systems and we restrict our service to TYPE HT, commonly used by wood and coal stoves and high-efficiency fireplaces. “Type HT” means they have been certified as High Temperature chimneys suitable for use with solid-fuel-burning appliances, such as wood stoves and coal stoves. This type of chimney system is usually installed with your stove when a masonry chimney system does not already exist, or when preferred because of location or performance issues. There are many brands, such a Metalbestos, Security, Hart & Cooley, Simpson Duratech, among others. They are usually a shiney stainless steel on the outside of your house and painted black on the inside. They can go either through the ceiling and roof, or out the wall. Sometimes they are enclosed in a “chase” of some kind.

Some stove owners may have metal chimneys that are not Type HT. When our technicians come across a non-Type HT metal chimney system they may decline to clean it, or suggest that it be upgraded to a Type HT system. It may be possible to upgrade a non-Type HT metal chimney with a stainless steel Type HT liner system without having to pull out the existing chimney system. Also, there are systems that are fine when used with an open “zero-clearance” fireplace, even if not Type HT. Our technicians will usually be prepared to sweep such a system. (See details on that type of metal chimney system below.)

Each installation must be assessed individually and we cannot suggest that “all round metal chimney systems” are satisfactory for venting a wood or coal stove. If you have a chimney system that is not certified as safe for venting a wood or coal stove, our technicians may decline to sweep the chimney or service the stove. There is no way for us to know if your chimney falls into this category until it is inspected in person by one of our qualified technicians. Please respect our technician’s right to refuse to service a chimney system that they feel is unsafe, without first upgrading or repairing the system.

If your stove is vented with a properly installed TYPE HT metal chimney system we will sweep and maintain the chimney system for you, either along with your yearly stove service, or, at your option, every year even if stove service is not needed.

Chimney Type: Zero-Clearance Fireplace with Round Metal Chimney System

“Zero-clearance” fireplaces are a special kind of fireplace, usually less expensive to install than a traditional masonry fireplace system, and vary in design and style considerably. Most open fireplace systems (those systems designed only to provide a safe place to build a pleasant fire and not to be an efficient heating system) use a type of metal chimney system called “air-cooled”, or sometimes “triple-wall”.

These metal chimney systems are not Type HT and should not be used to vent a wood stove or coal stove unless specifically tested for such a purpose. If a stove is vented into a zero-clearance fireplace a new stainless liner system will usually be installed, turning the system into a different type (to be discussed next).

Our technicians will usually have the equipment needed to properly clean this type of system. However, since our focus is stove service and repair they may suggest that you hire a local chimney sweep if all you have is an open zero-clearance fireplace. If you happen to have both a zero-clearance fireplace and a stove we will usually be able to service both systems for you in one trip. A zero-clearance open-fireplace system will be charged at full sweep service rates and does not qualify for the discounted rate for a chimney system serving a stove.

A “High-Efficiency” zero-clearance fireplace is a unique appliance that is far more than just an open fireplace. These units are like built-in wood stoves and operate like wood stoves in almost every way. Most of these types of fireplaces use a Type HT chimney system, but some use “air-cooled” chimneys. All of these types of fireplace chimney systems are supported by the Cracker Mill and qualify for the chimney sweep discount (unlike the open style noted above) when combined with stove maintenance service.

Chimney Type: Masonry Chimney Fully Lined with Stainless Steel Liner System

Masonry chimneys are still the most common type of chimney found in our service area. Most homes have at least one chimney and most of those are constructed on-site out of masonry materials, such as block, brick, or stone. Almost all masonry chimneys built in the past fifty years have a clay tile liner inside of them, while some have a poured-in-place masonry liner. Masonry chimneys can be freestanding or combined with a fireplace.

While a properly constructed masonry chimney may be used for venting a wood or coal stove we have found that they are not the best type of chimney for this purpose. Wood and coal stoves have special needs and most masonry chimneys, on their own, do not satisfy these needs adequately. Foremost among the needs for a wood stove is to control creosote build-up, which can lead to dangerous chimney fires. This is one of the reasons we recommend that all masonry chimneys used for venting a stove be re-lined with a Type HT stainless steel liner system.

When fully re-lined with a stainless steel liner system this type of chimney system is very similar in form and performance to a Type HT metal chimney as discussed above. Our technicians are prepared to sweep all fully lined masonry chimneys when lined with a high-quality stainless liner system. A do-it-yourself liner system may not qualify if not properly installed. All non-stainless systems will be declined.

A fully stainless steel lined flue allows for a complete and sealed system from the collar of the stove right to the top of the chimney. This makes cleaning simple and improves stove performance considerably. If you have this type of system we will sweep and maintain the system along with your stove or insert.

Chimney Type: Masonry Chimney Partially Lined with Stainless Steel Liner System

By “partially” lined we mean those systems that do not fully line the entire chimney flue from the stove collar (or thimble) all the way to the top of the chimney. Many “inserts” were installed this way in fireplaces where the stainless steel pipe is just passed through the damper area and up into the clay tile liner and then a “block-off” is installed under the damper or on the face of the fireplace. This type of system is extremely difficult to clean and maintain. Many professional sweeps charge considerably more for this type of cleaning than they do for a full stainless lined system.

We do not recommend this type of installation for wood or coal stoves and inserts, though they are allowed by most codes and stove manufacturers. If you have this type of installation we will not sweep your chimney system and we will recommend that you upgrade your installation to a fully lined stainless steel system. We will service your stove but your stove will probably perform better with a full liner. You will be responsible for cleaning the chimney and you will have to learn how to overcome any negative performance issues caused by a poor venting system. In the long run it will cost you less to line the masonry chimney all the way to the top.

Chimney Type: Masonry Chimney Lined with Clay Tile Liner or Poured Liner

This is the standard masonry chimney system. While approved for venting a wood or coal stove it is almost never the best system for this purpose. If you have a stove vented into a masonry chimney without a full stainless liner our technicians will usually not sweep your chimney. This type of chimney system requires special equipment to sweep and maintain properly and our technicians do not carry this equipment with them. Please hire your local chimney sweep to clean your chimney. We will service the stove but the stove will almost always perform better with a full stainless liner, especially if the chimney is outside the house.

If your clay tile liner or poured liner is cracked or damaged in some way our technicians may decline to service your stove until your chimney system has been repaired. A properly installed full stainless steel liner system will repair most chimney defects, improving performance and safety. Your local sweep should inspect your masonry chimney carefully every year and inform you of any damage.

Our technicians can also inspect most masonry chimneys and discover any noticeable defects that might indicate a safety concern. If our technicians suspect a problem but cannot properly inspect your chimney they will suggest you hire a chimney sweep with more specialized equipment, such as a chimney scanner/camera for a more detailed report. Even if the chimney does not show any defect in itself we may suggest you consider a re-line for other reasons, such as stove performance or ease of cleaning, etc.

Chimney Type: Masonry Chimney without any Liner

It is rare to find a masonry chimney without any liner at all. Usually, this will be a very old chimney, or a home-made chimney not constructed according to a building code. This type of chimney is not approved for venting any type of combustion appliance and our technicians will decline to service either the stove or the chimney until the chimney system is upgraded. An appropriate solution for a wood or coal stove would be to fully line the chimney with a stainless steel Type HT liner system. Most sweeps will also decline to clean and maintain an un-lined chimney. It is best not to use this type of chimney for any venting purposes. Please upgrade.

Chimney Type: Masonry or Steel Fireplace with Masonry Flue and Clay Liner

Most traditional open fireplaces are made out of complete masonry or have a steel “form” around which masonry is placed to finish the fireplace. These fireplaces use masonry lined chimney systems which are perfectly adequate for venting these open fireplaces. Sometimes a fireplace will have the masonry liner replaced with a stainless steel liner to repair a defect. In all these cases the use of the fireplace remains the traditional open hearth and they are not intended to be used for venting a wood, coal or pellet stove without a special re-line. We call this type of system the “Traditional Masonry Fireplace”.

If you have a traditional masonry fireplace which you use only as a traditional open hearth (no stove) the Cracker Mill will usually not clean and maintain it. This is just the type of system that a professional “Sweep” is specially suited for and we suggest you call your local sweep. If you want to install an “insert” we will usually brush and vacuum your fireplace in the normal course of installing the new liner system for the appliance. If your fireplace has extreme creosote build-up we will refer you to a local sweep or hire a sweep on your behalf prior to re-lining.

Chimney Type: Open Masonry Fireplaces with no stove or insert installed

Same as the traditional masonry fireplace above. We usually do not offer cleaning for this type of system. We specialize in upgrading inefficient open fireplaces to beautiful efficient fireplaces, either with an “insert”, stove, or complete replacement with a new technology high-efficiency fireplace. If you are interested in upgrading please give us a call. If all you need is a good cleaning, please call your local sweep.

“Why do you insist on stainless steel liners? Aren’t you just trying to make an extra buck?”

We don’t insist on stainless steel liners but we do feel they are superior to clay tile or poured masonry liners when venting a wood or coal stove. We have decided not to sweep un-lined masonry flues simply because we prefer to focus on being professional stove technicians. Today’s stoves are more complex than ever and we devote a tremendous amount of time and money to keep up-to-date and certify our installers and technicians with factory and industry training. So, our declining to sweep your un-lined flue is more a choice of how we use our time than our desire to sell you a liner and make a quick buck.

Of course, we do make some of our money by selling chimney products and it would be untruthful to say we don’t want to sell you a liner. Nevertheless, we feel it is in your best interests to re-line with a stainless steel liner whenever possible. Besides the safety concerns that can be overcome with a liner there are other good reasons to invest in a good stainless steel liner system. Consider the following:

Easier Cleaning

A primary reason for our declining to sweep an un-lined flue is that it takes much more time and effort to clean a masonry liner than it does a stainless steel liner. Special equipment, such as rotary brushes, chemicals and chimney scanners, need to be employed to do a proper and thorough job. We feel that a professional sweep is best suited for this job, while we concentrate on ensuring a properly maintained stove will continue to perform at it’s best.

Both the stove and the chimney need to be in good shape for the most effective and safe operation. Most sweeps do not have the in-depth knowledge and training needed to properly service your stove but they are trained to properly maintain your chimney. Some sweeps are competent at both disciplines and may offer to care for your stove, or they may decline and ask that you call a hearth shop such as the Cracker Mill.

In any case a properly stainless lined system is much easier to maintain and will save you money each year no matter who sweeps your chimney. Some stove owners may choose to sweep their own chimney when it is a stainless steel liner system and we feel that most handy-man types can handle the job just fine, without special training. If you do have a professional do your sweeping your charge will usually be much less since the time to do a proper sweep is significantly reduced. We offer a discount rate for sweeping a stainless lined system when combined with a stove service and most sweeps will offer a reduced rate as compared to an unlined flue.

Easier cleaning also means you are more likely to do it, especially I you are a do-it-yourselfer. You will be less likely to put it off since it is a fairly easy job to accomplish. If you put off cleaning your chimney because the job is a “big one” you jeopardize your safety. An unlined masonry flue is almost always a big job. And a dirty unlined flue is a dangerous unlined flue.

Better Stove Performance

Wood stoves and coal stoves need ideal draft conditions to operate at their peak efficiency. Pellet stoves also have special needs for positive draft that only a liner can provide in some circumstances.

When a masonry flue is completely outside the house it is subject to extreme temperature changes that negatively affect draft in the system. A stainless liner, especially an insulated liner, can solve most temperature related draft problems, such as hard startups or smoking through open doors.

Most masonry lined flues are oversized for today’s wood and coal stoves. Without a stainless liner system to maintain the proper size flue the stove will suffer from sluggish performance and abnormal creosote buildup. This size consideration is especially appropriate when venting through a fireplace.

Longevity

Stainless steel is an exceptionally durable material and performs well in adverse conditions. Masonry materials, while also very durable on their own, are not as good at withstanding extreme variations in temperature or moisture. A quality stainless liner will last twenty to thirty years and help preserve the masonry by keeping moisture under control.

Conclusion

The Cracker Mill has invested heavily in training a competent staff to provide our clients with the best technical service and installation we can provide. We know that not everyone will share our opinion about what is the best type of chimney system for a wood or coal stove. We observe everyone’s right to decide for themselves which chimney system they will choose to vent their stoves. We will not insist that everyone use only a metal Type HT system. However, for our own reasons we will decline to sweep and maintain certain chimney systems, preferring instead to refer you to your local chimney sweep. Our focus will remain on servicing and installing high quality stoves and fireplaces that burn wood, coal, pellets or gas. Our chimney sweep services will remain limited to only those chimney systems that support our continued focus on improving the performance of your stove or fireplace.

The Staff at

Cracker Mill Hearth & Emporium

Shokan, NY 12481