Chimney Sweep Services

Residential Specialists Serving NE Ohio Since 1979
Chimney Fireplace & Flue Inspection and Cleaning
Chimney Cap Installation, Damper Repair and Replacement

Chim, Chim, Cher-ee Professional Chimney Sweeps Specialize in Residential Fireplaces and Flues:

Our sweep uses a vacuum specifically designed for the soot and ash found in fireplaces and chimneys. We insert the hose of our vacuum inside of the fireplace while we do the cleaning to catch any debris and prevent it from entering your living room or home. The vacuum's filter is specifically engineered to trap the smallest of particles. As the first step in the process, our sweep will set up a drop cloth to protect your flooring and carpeting. The vacuum remains running with the hose in the firebox during the entire process, from start to finish.

Our sweep will inspect the damper to ensure that it is operating properly. The sweep will inspect the smoke shelf, the area immediately above the damper. And, our sweep will inspected flue tiles for creosote build-up as well as structural integrity.

Top Sealing Damper

The top sealing damper is one of the best solutions to solve draft problems. Most operate like a kitchen garbage can lid, that flips up to open. A stainless steel cable goes down through the inside of the chimney to allow a control handle to be along the wall of the fireplace. You can open or close the top-sealing damper while tending the fire.

A properly functioning damper is a key ingredient of adequate updrafts. Make sure the damper is fully open and not jammed or in cockeyed. Take the damper blade out if necessary. Make sure there are no other restrictions. If the damper does not seem to operate properly, our sweep can determine if it can be re-set or repaired. We have found the best solution to be replacing the damper with a top- sealing damper.

Energy dollars are escaping out your chimney. Traditional fireplace dampers, located in the "throat" of a fireplace, do not seal well—they have a leaky, rough, metal-to-metal seal. Even a new throat damper can leak up to $200 of heating and cooling a year. Imagine how much energy an old, rusted out damper leaks!

Best Solution - Replace with a Top-sealing Damper A device installed at the top of a chimney for the purpose of sealing the flue shut when the fireplace is not in use. They are often used as replacements for throat dampers that are installed just above the firebox when a masonry chimney is built. Top-sealing dampers are as much as 90% more efficient than throat dampers because they provide a silicone rubber gasket seal rather than metal to metal.

Chimney Caps

A chimney cap will prevent animals from entering your home, keep the moisture out, and protect the roof from burning embers starting a house fire.

Like most people, you may not be all that familiar with the anatomy of your home’s fireplace or chimney features. The chimney cap plays an important role in your home’s chimney system. If you haven't already done so, here are five good reasons why you should consider having a chimney cap(s) installed.

  1. REDUCE MOISTURE DAMAGE
    A chimney cap will keep rain water from coming down your home’s chimney. Rain water can damage chimneys, fireplace dampers, mortar joints and stainless steel liners. The combination of moisture with the creosote build-up on a chimney flue's inner wall, produces an acid that eats away at the chimney.
  2. KEEP CRITTERS OUT
    birds, raccoons, squirrels and the like often try to make their homes within chimneys. Worse yet, in many instances, these critters can enter your chimney but aren’t able to get back out, eventually dying. This can produce maggots, flies and unpleasant odors in your home. A professionally installed chimney cap, sized properly, will prevent animals from entering the chimney.
  3. REDUCE DOWNDRAFTS
    Winds, when blowing in a certain direction, can introduce a downdraft, blowing smoke back into your home when you’re using a wood-burning fireplace. Chimney caps are designed to help prevent wind-induced downdrafts.
  4. ARREST SPARKS AND EMBERS
    Chimney caps also serve as spark arrestors, helping prevent lit embers or sparks that rise up the chimney from landing on the roof, possibly igniting a fire.
  5. PREVENT DEBRIS BUILD-UP
    Left uncapped, an open chimney invites leaves, branches, twigs and other debris to enter and build up.