What a chimney sweep includes
A standard sweep typically covers:
- Brushing the flue from top to bottom to remove soot and creosote
- Cleaning the smoke chamber, firebox and damper area
- Clearing debris, nests or blockages
- A visual check of the cap, crown, liner and firebox
- Drop cloths and HEPA vacuums to keep your home clean
How often should you sweep?
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 211) recommends an annual inspection, with cleaning as needed. Homes that heat mainly with wood, which is more common outside town in places like Frenchtown, Clinton, Seeley Lake and the Bitterroot, often need sweeping once a season or more.
A useful rule of thumb: if creosote in the flue is 1/8 inch or thicker, it is time to sweep.
Gas fireplaces and pellet stoves need attention too. They don’t produce creosote, but flues still get blocked by nests, debris and corrosion, and pellet stoves build up ash and soot that has to be cleaned out.
Signs your chimney needs cleaning
- A campfire smell in the house, especially on warm or humid days
- Smoke backing into the room when you light a fire
- Black, flaky or glazed deposits inside the firebox or flue
- Fires that are hard to start or keep burning
- Animals or debris heard in the chimney
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to schedule a chimney sweep in Missoula?
Late summer and early fall, before heating season starts. Sweeps get busiest in October and November, so booking early usually means shorter waits.
How long does a chimney cleaning take?
Most standard sweeps take one to two hours per flue, depending on buildup and access.
Is sweeping messy?
Professional sweeps use drop cloths and HEPA-filtered vacuums, so a proper cleaning should leave your room as clean as it was.