Annual cleaning and inspection of your chimney should be done by hired professional chimney sweepers. But the idea of having a household chimney brush is equally vital. When buying a chimney brush, first match the size and shape of the brush as closely as possible to the size of the chimney or flue. This shouldn’t be difficult given the widely available choices offered. Rectangular, square and round sizes of chimney brushes are widely availed by the chimney and fireplace retailers.
Always take caution when making measurements from a roof. Before choosing a chimney brush, start by measuring the inside dimensions of your chimney. Once the chimney is round, measure the internal diameter and match that measurement to the distance of a round brush.
In purchasing a chimney brush, always purchase one which is larger than the dimensions of your chimney and trim it to fit your needs. This will still work even if the chimney is oval or irregular in shape. Avoid purchasing a chimney brush which is too large to make the cleaning job more difficult though it may sufficiently prevent creosote build-up. At the same time, avoid buying a chimney brush which is too small because it will not adequately reach all the sides of the chimney
Before choosing the material and size for your chimney brush, first determine its suitable size and shape. Chimney brushes are categorized into; ” “homeowner” and “professional”
For maximum efficiency and durability, professional chimney brushes are recommended and for light maintenance, homeowner cleaning tools are the ones recommended.
For general chimney cleaning needs, wire bristle chimney brushes are recommended and the flat wire bristle style is recommended for its scraping capacity when the glaze from creosote accumulation is noticeable. One should not use any type of wire bristle for metal chimney flues.
Select between the alternatives of brushes with polypropylene bristles. For chimneys with turns or offsets, you may also want to consider purchasing flexible chimney brushes and chimney rods.
Because of the great importance of chimney cleaning and fireplace maintenance, if ever concerned or have questions about the same, always consultant with an expert.