Project description
Our household has an open masonry fireplace and a wood-burning insert that have not been serviced in several years, and with heating season approaching we want the flue swept and thoroughly inspected before we light the first fire. We are looking for someone experienced with creosote removal — stage one and stage two glazing, not just loose soot — using rotary rods, poly brushes, and a shop vacuum with a HEPA filter so ash does not spread through the living room. Beyond the sweep itself, we need a real structural safety inspection: checking the flue liner for cracks, gaps, or missing sections, confirming the damper opens and seats correctly, examining the chimney cap and spark arrestor for rust or blockage, and looking at the crown and mortar joints from the roof access point for water damage. A video camera inspection of the interior flue walls would be very reassuring, along with photos or a short clip we can keep on file. Carbon monoxide safety is our biggest concern — please check clearance to combustibles around the firebox, confirm the smoke chamber is parged smooth, and test that our CO detector placement makes sense given the vent path. If you find that the liner is deteriorated or a relining/repair is needed, we would like a written estimate with options rather than a same-day upsell. We can provide roof access, a drop cloth area, and clear the hearth ahead of your visit. Ideally this is a Level 2 inspection given the property changed hands two years ago and the fireplace was not evaluated at that time. Please include your certification (CSIA or equivalent), typical turnaround for the sweep plus inspection, and whether you carry liability insurance, since this involves working at height on the roof and around an active heating appliance. We would also appreciate a maintenance recommendation for how often this should be repeated given moderate weekly fireplace use through the winter months.
Other / Miscellaneous Cash, Bank transfer
