It might sound simple, but chimney sweeping is a detailed process that requires an expert’s care to be done right, and it’s key to keeping your chimney functioning and your home and family safe.

Whenever you use your fireplace or stove, your chimney is working to keep harmful substances that result from burning fuel — gases, smoke, particles, minerals and more — safely contained and then removed. But over time, debris and creosote (the residue that results from those byproducts moving up your chimney) builds up and can lead to blockages and fires. A trained chimney sweep will thoroughly and safely remove debris and creosote, allowing your chimney to do its job properly.

Chimney sweeping is an affordable and important part of preventative maintenance that can keep you safe and, in the long term, save you money.

Regularly-used chimneys should be cleaned and inspected annually, but even rarely-used chimneys should be inspected and swept to ensure that they’re working properly and safely.