First time chimney sweep - pics

[newburner]

So I decided that I was never going to scrape up the $200 to get my chimney swept before we start 24/7 burning this year so I decided to go down to Ace, get a brush, poles, and do it myself.

Here are some before, after and what ended up in the firebox pics. Looks like it was pretty bad.

 

[Woody harrelson]

So I decided that I was never going to scrape up the $200 to get my chimney swept before we start 24/7 burning this year so I decided to go down to Ace, get a brush, poles, and do it myself.

Here are some before, after and what ended up in the firebox pics. Looks like it was pretty bad.

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how tall is the chimney

 

[newburner]

18 feet collar to cap.

 

[HitzerHillbilly]

Just swept mine today! Getting ready for fire season

 

[Swedishchef]

There was a fair amount in there but nothing to be overly concerned about. How many cords had burned in there? When was the last time it was swept? I will likely end up doing mine this weekend...

I believe (IMHO) that the TYPE of soot/creosote is more important than the AMOUNT (quality vs quantity). Yours is brown and fluffy. That is GOOD. It means you're burning properly. Compared to black, tar-ish goooey or hard black.

Cheers!!

Andrew

 

[jatoxico]

Guess it was time. Did you drop the baffles and tubes after? Lotta crap gets stuck up there after brushing.

 

[newburner]

How many cords had burned in there? When was the last time it was swept?

2 cords. First time ever swept as I just had it installed last summer.

Guess it was time. Did you drop the baffles and tubes after? Lotta crap gets stuck up there after brushing.

No, I just stacked the baffles on top of each other and moved them to the front away from the flue. Then after I swept, I held them vertically to dump whatever had fallen on them.

 

[Swedishchef]

It is likely that your wood wasn't optimal in moisture content. But as I said, from what I see, things are looking good!
Since you're so good at sweeping, wanna come sweep mine? lol

Andrew

 

[BlueRidgeMark]

Heh. I doubt my chimney has ever been that clean.

 

[xman23]

Good to be able to clean your own chimney. Cleaning needs to be done at regular intervals. Chances are you'll do it more often than if your paying for it.

 

[Swedishchef]

You're right, it should be done at a regular interval. But once you're used to your stove and everything becomes a science, you know your intervals much better and don't need to spot check anymore. BUt that takes years to reach that point. I believe when you first start heating with wood, you should check your stack monthly.

Andrew

 

[kennyp2339]

Nice pic's looks like your burning hot enough, if that pile in your stove was black and shiny I would say change your burning habits, but brown fluff is indicative to warm flue temps and seasoned wood.
After cleaning that flue I highly doubt you will ever relie on paying some else to do that job.