Typical chimney cleaning?

[nvanhar]

I just had a CSIA certified chimney sweep out to clean and inspect our wood stove and chimney after our first winter burning in it. Thankfully, all looked great - he said we had no creosote at all and just a thin layer of carbon dust. My question is this: is it typical for them not to climb onto the roof to inspect from that angle or look at the cap? We have a straight up chimney and he says that he can see all the way to the top with no problem. When I asked him, he said that the only time they climb to the roof is if there has been a problem, leak or other issue that might warrant a "level 2" inspection and that our stove looked absolutely perfect. Does this sound okay? Is this what you all have experienced? (at least those of you who have someone else clean your chimney)

Thank you!!

 

[webby3650]

I'm not surprised that the flue is clean, hearthstone stoves run a very hot flue which prevents creosote formation for the most part.
I feel like the guy should get on the roof, I always do unless the roof is extremely dangerous. I feel like that's what you are paying $169 for. Did he charge you full price? I find it hard to believe that he hardly ever gets on the roof.

 

[bholler]

I dont go on the roof unless i have to or there is some reason to. Many times there is not especially if it is a straight up flue. But generally with a new customer unless it is very difficult to get up there i will go up and check things out. But for the record if he said he was doing a level 1 he should have gone on the roof unless it is very difficult or dangerous.

 

[Heatsource]

Is your roof particularly tall or steep?

I get on every customers roof if possible w/o rope and harness
and the customers with crazy roofs i go up to inspect every few years. (even if i can do the actual cleaning from below)

some roofs i can only get close to the chimney and look at it w/ binoculars before bottom sweeping

Inspecting the entire chimney system as completely as possible is what is right for your businesses liability and customers safety, imho

 

[bholler]

I get on every customers roof if possible w/o rope and harness
and the customers with crazy roofs i go up to inspect every few years. (even if i can do the actual cleaning from below)
some roofs i can only get close to the chimney and look at it w/ binoculars before bottom sweeping
Inspecting the entire chimney system as completely as possible is what is right for your businesses liability and customers safety, imho

Yes Even if i can clean from the bottom I go up to inspect every couple years. And like i said for a new customer i would go up if possible to check every thing out. But no i dont see the need to go on every roof every time i go there. I look with binoculars and inspect the flue internally every time. And it is the same price whether i go on the roof or not.

 

[webby3650]

I like customers to at least think they are getting some value for their money, getting a ladder down is the least I can do. With modern equipment, a good cleaning can be done in less than 20 minutes. For $169, I'll at least get on the roof!

 

[bholler]

I like customers to at least think they are getting some value for their money, getting a ladder down is the least I can do. With modern equipment, a good cleaning can be done in less than 20 minutes. For $169, I'll at least get on the roof!

Yeah i have some customers i have to do that with. But i have also had some that told me i was to cheap so you can never tell

 

[webby3650]

Yeah i have some customers i have to do that with. But i have also had some that told me i was to cheap so you can never tell

That's true!
I had a customer Monday want to follow me onto the roof to see how it was done, if I didn't care. I don't care at all, so I showed him everything to look for. When it was all said and done, I said I probably won't see you again, so good luck! He said after seeing what's involved he'll just call again next season. I thought I made it look as easy as possible! It was an Equinox with a straight up run! Couldn't get any easier, but he thought it was a good value. You never know..

 

[Smoked]

It is awesome to have people who actually do the work contributing to the conversation and helping out the posters. I appreciate you guys! I probably have more stink bugs than dust in the tee cap after I brush. luv the insulated liner. Well see what the one in the basement does after next season but I will be on the roof to brush it out. Will have more cold starts on that one because it will be more for the colder spells. OP, I would love to have an Equinox in my living room but I think it would end up in my basement. Gravity is a b%^&*

 

[nvanhar]

He only charged me $75, but that may have been discounted since I am his bosses' vet. Lol. Maybe I'll just request a roof inspection next year to be safe.

 

[bholler]

He only charged me $75, but that may have been discounted

I hope so if that is all he is charging i don't see how he could make it

 

[webby3650]

So he only charged you for a visual inspection? No sweeping? Sounds like he treated you right!

 

[bholler]

So he only charged you for a visual inspection? No sweeping? Sounds like he treated you right!

Well yeah if he didn't clean it that sounds about right

 

[webby3650]

Well yeah if he didn't clean it that sounds about right

He said there was no creosote, only carbon. So I assume he didn't broom it.
Which doesn't surprise me at all with a Hearthstone. But that's another thread...

 

[bholler]

He said there was no creosote, only carbon. So I assume he didn't broom it.

Yeah i went back and read it again and thought the same

 

[BrotherBart]

So you guys would let the "carbon" first stage just stay there?

 

[bholler]

So you guys would let the "carbon" first stage just stay there?

That depends how thick the buildup is anything under an 1/8" of fine dry powder does not need cleaned and i will give the customer the option.

 

[nvanhar]

No, he actually did do a full sweeping. I watched him do it. Took the baffle off, inspected for awhile, then cleaned even though he said I had very little build up of carbon dust. I have to believe that I was given a discount be they quoted me higher when I originally made the appt.

So glad to hear that the Equinox has a reputation for being an efficient stove. We certainly loved it last year and I look forward to using it again this winter. Thanks for all your comments!

 

[begreen]

That's a beautiful big rock of a stove.