Why Choose Keystone Masonry?

Chimneys and fireplaces can be an incredible addition to a home; not only a family gathering space, they are often aesthetically pleasing and give unique charm to your home, but they also play a practical role by keeping your home warm during the colder months. Chimneys do need proper and frequent maintenance to keep them running optimally but also to prevent them from causing serious damage to your home. Keystone Masonry have been providing chimney sweep service in Chicagoland for many years - our pricing is competitive and our service is excellent! Give us a call to for a quote on your chimney sweeping.

What Is A Chimney Sweep?

A chimney sweep is a person who clears ash and soot from chimney walls. This service is even more important today than it was years ago because more appliances use chimneys as venting systems for coal, heating oil, natural gas, wood, and pellets. We still use the more traditional chimney brush, but we also have more technologically modern tools such as vacuums and cameras to ensure your chimney is operating at peak performance.

We are trained to diagnose and repair any hazards that we may see present and we always caution our clients about the accumulation of and flammable creosote, a byproduct of burning wood. We can also inspect and repair the firebox and damper along with the smoke chamber.

Why Is A Chimney Sweep Important?

Millions of homeowners across the country depend on heating their home through the use of wood and pellets and yet every year we see avoidable fire accidents pop up across the country. Hundreds of lives are lost each and every year to fire accidents stemming from uncleaned chimneys. In fact, chimney fires are so prevalent that according to the National Fire Protection Association up to 30% of house fires were caused by chimney fires.

Certain amount of residues called creosote and soot that naturally adhere to the flue and brick walls inside of your chimney walls with consistent use. As this happens, this sediment builds up and the tiniest spark can ignite the creosote and soot and cause a fire. These fires are very preventable with regularly scheduled maintenance cycles.

How Do You Know If You Need A Chimney Sweep?

If you’re unsure if you need a chimney sweep then it’s likely time to get a chimney sweep! Never leave it up to chance, especially in Chicagoland and the suburbs of Chicago where the winters are long and frigid and chimneys get used frequently.

Do you have your chimney cleaned frequently? Here are a few things to look for that can indicate you need another chimney cleaning:

• Fires quickly extinguish - fires need the perfect mixture of oxygen to remain lit. Too much oxygen and it eventually goes out, give it too oxygen and it burns out. Chimneys are built the same way, if you have too much sediment buildup along the chimney walls then the fire won't be strong and won't last.
• Visible debris - creosote can easily build up along your chimney walls and if you rub along the inside of the chimney you can see the remainder of the residue, it also feels greasy and oily. This residue will likely go all the way up the chimney and should be cleaned as it could release certain chemicals that aren’t safe to breath in
• Animals - hearing or seeing any visible signs of animals in your chimney is never good. Birds will build large nests to get away from the outdoor elements and stay warm, but this can easily cause a fire. Squirrels and racoons will also find ways to get inside and create a home for themselves, often looking for food sources.
• Poorly performing damper - the damper is a mechanism that a chimney has that regulates the amount of air flow, if it isn’t working properly then you’ll have a poor flame and potentially more creosote and soot on your walls.
• Smoke sediment buildup - smoke naturally travels up your chimney walls and out at the top, and if it doesn’t then there is a blockage somewhere along the shaft. This could be due to natural materials like tree debris, small animal nests or large residues from previous fires.

How Often Do You Need To Sweep A Chimney?

Chimney Inspections in Chicagoland should be done, at a minimum, annually but most homeowners decide on a more frequent interval. If you want to be certain that all of your systems are in proper working order then we recommend to get your chimney swept every year and more if you are a frequently use your fireplace.

There is no reason to leave a fire up to chance when getting a good sweep is easy, quick and inexpensive. We can get your chimney sweep done quickly, you won’t even know we’re around!

How Do You Prepare For A Chimney Sweep?

Preparing for a chimney sweep is actually surprisingly easy! Here's what you can do to prep for a Keystone Masonry chimney sweep:

• Cover the floor from the home's entrance to your fireplace
• Move and/or cover any furniture in the same room as the fireplace
• Remove anything on the mantle or near the hearth
• Remove any unused firewood, fuel, or other flammable items from inside the fireplace

With these things prepped for a chimney sweep visit, your chimney sweeping will be a breeze.

Do Chimney Logs Really Work?

The short answer is "yes" but a deeper look may have you reconsidering the "quick" fix. Chimney logs should not replace the work of a professional chimney sweep, but they can help with maintenance between professional chimney sweeps, making our work easier and preventing fires. Chimney logs contain a particular compound that, when burned, can help to dry out the creosote and soot making it easier to clean.

We do not recommend burning one of these logs in lieu of a genuine chimney sweep.

How Much Does It Cost To Have Your Chimney Swept?

If you have heavy sediment deposits and a large presence of creosote and soot then it will likely be a more involved job, and for cleaner chimneys, the job will likely be less involved. For the most accurate estimate, schedule a visit from one of our specialists to get a quote onsite.