Can My Chimney Be Cleaned If It Has a Bend?

When considering a chimney sweep, you may think about Mary Poppins. Dick Van Dyke jumping roof to roof cleaning chimneys. Thinking all those chimneys were straight. It seemed mundane, one straight chimney after another. But that was a city on the outskirts of London. 

Every home that has a fireplace has a chimney. You may find the majority of the straight as in the movie. But you may find that some chimneys have a bend or a curve. Chimney sweeps for decades have been dealing with chimneys that are not all straight.

There are certain types of equipment needed when a chimney has a bend or a curve in them. When it comes to chimneys, let a professional take over. Let’s point out that it is important to have an annual chimney inspection. This will let you know of any issues you may be having with all the parts of your chimney. 

 Let us discuss the equipment needed while cleaning a chimney with a curve or bend.

Chimney Brush

A metal bristle brush.

Flexible Rod

These allow the technician to go up the length of your chimney with the brush and flex around the bend. 

Extension Rod

Knowing the length of the chimney including the bend will help the technician. They will know the length of the equipment for the job. 

Bendable Brush

A noodle brush will allow the technician to get around the bend in the chimney. 

Long handle brush

To clean in and around the firebox. This will clean soot that is low in the firebox. 

You can see that there are different brushes as well as rods. These can get costly. It is advisable to hire a professional to do the “dirty” work. When paying for a chimney sweep, everything is included. The equipment, experience and precautions are all taken into consideration. 

Once you have your chimney cleaned out, what is the best way to keep it clean? 

There are some important facts that you should know.

• Burn only seasoned wood. Dry your wood for at least 6 months. Make sure that it is seasoned and dry.
• Burn hardwoods as hard woods burn hotter. Try hardwoods like oak, maple, cherry, ash, and birch.  These are considered the best types of wood to use in your fireplace.  They ignite easier and burn hotter.

When it is time to schedule your chimney sweep, contact Felgemacher near you.

Felgemacher Masonry is here to help. Call us in Buffalo at 716-907-4914 or in Rochester at 585-308-4914. We have experience in cleaning all types of chimneys. 

A clean chimney is a safe chimney, and we’ll keep yours as safe and efficient as it can be. Our owners are certified through the Chimney Safety Institute of America – a stringent industry certification held by only the best sweeps in the U.S. We remove flammable creosote from chimney flues, reducing the chance of a chimney fire. We also remove debris and obstructions that could hamper the drafting of smoke and carbon monoxide.