Cleaning Instructions for a Metal or Pre-Fabricated Chimney

Cleaning your chimney is a very important task that needs to be done periodically. It is important that it is examined and thoroughly cleaned to maintain efficiency and to reduce the chance of chimney fire. Build up of creosote and soot on the chimney walls can cause smoke to coat the walls of your chimney and can even cause a fire.

You will first need to buy a set of chimney rods and brushes that are the proper size for the interior of your chimney. For a metal or pre-fabricated chimney, you will need to go onto your roof and remove the chimney cap. You will then need to measure the distance across the inner diameter of the chimney. You want to make sure that your chimney brush is the correct size – if it is too large it will get stuck – if it is too small it will not apply enough pressure to the walls of the chimney.

1. Before you begin cleaning your chimney, you will want to make sure to change into old clothes and wear safety goggles along with a mask. You will also want to cover your fireplace opening with a tarp or sheet to keep any dust and gunk from escaping into your home. You may also want to cover furniture or anything else in the room so that nothing gets ruined.

2. For your metal or pre-fabricated chimney you will need to start the cleaning process from the top of your roof. Make sure to use caution every time you are on your roof. You will need to remove the chimney cap and use either a round wire or poly brush in the correct size. Poly brushes are recommended for metal chimneys because they will not wear down or scratch the steel lining. You will want to use a rod that will reach the entire length of your chimney – so you will most likely need to attach multiple rods together.

3. Attach your brush to your chimney rod and place your brush into the chimney and run it up and down the interior of the chimney. You will want to use a short up-and-down motion.

4. Once your brush reaches the bottom of your chimney, go through the motions again beginning at the top. You will want to repeat these actions a few times to make sure that everything is cleared out of your chimney.

Regular cleanings of your chimney will not only maximize your chimney’s efficiency, but will also increase the longevity of it as well. You also may want to consider using alternative chimney cleaning products in between chimney cleanings, such as chimney cleaning logs that will help reduce creosote buildup.