Insert Guys, Sweeping the Flue & Baffel Removal

Yes, it may take some time the first time you do it but it makes the job so much easier. The second and third times get faster removing the baffle and tubes.

Gotta have somewhere easily accessible for the stuff to drop, no matter if your doing top to down or down to top cleaning.

Yes I will be the next cleaning, straight chimney so will be the best for me.

I have a VC Montpelier insert and yes, I do remove the secondary burn tubes and baffle to sweep the flue. To remove the tubes I have to pull a couple of carter pins. Once the tubes are out the baffle slides right out. Close the door, do a top down sweep, let the dust settle in the fire box, first sweep out whatever fell, then vacuum the area where the tubes and baffle go. The whole process takes less than an hour and usually there is very little that falls, maybe between one and two cups.

KaptJaq

I wouldn't be able to clean mine without removing the baffle.

Sorry did not realize it was for an insert. :red:

Yes on baffle, no on tubes- HI300

I clean from bottom-up with a Sooteater... baffle and 2 tubes come out. If doing it from the top down there's a chance you may crack the baffle wth the brush.

Gabe

I wanted a quick in-and-out service from my chimney sweep without any fuss about cleaning an insert. Since I read here on Hearth that my baffle plate was removable (albeit heavy), I called around till I found someone willing to cut me a deal on the sweep if I removed the baffle for them, since it was now a painfully easy sweep. So that's what we did, I got a $15 discount, and they have an easy job, and I have a piece of paper in hand that shows a clean bill of health every season.