Chimney Cleaning Milwaukee | Chimney Repair Milwaukee: Chimney Repair Milwaukee

Showing posts with label Chimney Repair Milwaukee. Show all posts

Friday, June 13, 2014

Chimney Repair Milwaukee

Clean Sweep Chimney Service services Milwaukee, Waukesha and Slinger WI and is focused on providing high-quality service and customer satisfaction - we will do everything we can to meet your expectations.

We have a variety of offerings to choose from including Chimney Cleaning, Chimney Relining, Chimney Repair and Fireplace Services.

We clean commercial and residential chimneys, fireplaces, wood stove chimneys and gas and oil furnace chimneys. Our company has served Milwaukee and Waukesha counties for more than 15 years, and is licensed and insured.

Clean Sweep Chimney Service also does Chimney Replacement, Chimney Relining, Tuck Pointing, Chimney Cap Replacement, Flue Repair or Replacement and More

Chimney Repair

Residential and commercial service Chimney safety inspections Chimney brick replacement Chimney tuckpointing Chimney rebuilding Chimney waterproofing New chimney flashing Flue replacement Flue tile replacement Chimney cap installation Fireplace firebox repair Fireplace removal Fireplace installation Fireplace insert installation Top-mount chimney damper installation Elimination of smoke and odor problems

Chimney Relining

Residential and commercial service Chimney liner safety inspection Installation of replacement and new chimney liners Flue replacement and relining Relining for fireplace, heat stove or furnace chimneys Wide range of material and price options Stainless steel chimney liners Aluminum chimney liners Tile chimney liners Galvanized pipe chimney liners 10-year workmanship guarantee

Chimney Cleaning

Chimney Sweep Services, Chimney safety inspection, Chimney creosote removal, Fireplace chimney cleaning, Furnace chimney cleaning, Woodstove chimney cleaning, Smoke and odor elimination.

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Milwaukee Chimney Cleaning and repair by Clean Sweep Chimney Service.

Chimney Repair

Chimney Relining

Chimney Cleaning

Chimney Sweep Services, Chimney safety inspection, Chimney creosote removal, Fireplace chimney cleaning, Furnace chimney cleaning, Woodstove chimney cleaning,

Smoke and odor elimination, and Animal removal.

Contact Clean Sweep Chimney Service today

at 414-483-9996 to schedule an appointment

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Milwaukee Chimney Cleaning and repair

Milwaukee Chimney Cleaning and repair by Clean Sweep Chimney Service of Milwaukee has found a nice article from CSIA.org to help with some common questions.

Q. How often should I have my chimney swept?
This a tougher question than it sounds. The simple answer is: The National Fire Protection Association Standard 211 says, "Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary." This is the national safety standard and is the correct way to approach the problem. It takes into account the fact that even if you don't use your chimney much, animals may build nests in the flue or there may be other types of deterioration that could make the chimney unsafe to use.
The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends that open masonry fireplaces should be swept at 1/8" of sooty buildup, and sooner if there is any glaze present in the system. This is considered to be enough fuel buildup to cause a chimney fire capable of damaging the chimney or spreading to the home. Factory-built fireplaces should be swept when any appreciable buildup occurs. The logic is that the deposit is quite acidic and can shorten the life of the fireplace.

Q. My fireplace stinks, especially in the summer. What can I do?
The smell is due to creosote deposits in the chimney, a natural byproduct of woodburning. The odor is usually worse in the summer when the humidity is high and the air conditioner is turned on. A good sweeping will help but usually won't solve the problem completely. There are commercial chimney deodorants that work pretty well, and many people have good results with baking soda or even kitty litter set in the fireplace. The real problem is the air being drawn down the chimney, a symptom of overall pressure problems in the house. Some make-up air should be introduced somewhere else in the house. A tight sealing, top mounted damper will also reduce this air flow coming down the chimney.

Q. When I build a fire in my upstairs fireplace, I get smoke from the basement fireplace.
This has become quite a common problem in modern air tight houses where weather-proofing has sealed up the usual air infiltration routes. The fireplace in use exhausts household air until a negative pressure situation exists. If the house is fairly tight, the simplest route for makeup air to enter the structure is often the unused fireplace chimney. As air is drawn down this unused flue, it picks up smoke that is exiting nearby from the fireplace in use and delivers the smoke to the living area. The best solution is to provide makeup air to the house so the negative pressure problem no longer exists, thus eliminating not only the smoke problem, but also the potential for carbon monoxide to be drawn back down the furnace chimney. A secondary solution is to install a top mount damper on the fireplace that is used the least.

Q. I heat with gas. Should this chimney be checked too?
Without a doubt! Although gas is generally a clean burning fuel, the chimney can become non-functional from bird nests or other debris blocking the flue. Modern furnaces can also cause many problems with the average flues intended to vent the older generation of furnaces. We suggest you check the areas on gas and carbon monoxide for more information.

Q: What is level 3 creosote? I have an 80 year old home that was a longtime rental house. I have lived here five years and have been using the fireplace for four of those years. I do not know how long it has been since my chimney was swept (potentially decades, if ever). I just had a chimney sweep at my house and he informed me that the creosote in my chimney was quite thick (he used the term "level 3" creosote). He also said that in the smoke chamber, the brick is stepped (instead of smooth) and that there is a lot of dangerous buildup in there. He recommended two applications of an acid cleaning (which he said are not entirely foolproof, and work better above 45°F) and that we use a chemical when we burn our fire to help "chalkify" the creosote buildup. He showed me the buildup inside with a light and everything he said seemed to make sense. Does this sound like it's on the up and up? I can't find any info on this acid cleaning and I would like to know if this sounds like it is the proper course of action in a case like mine.
What you have described sounds pretty typical. In addition to the chemical treatment that you mentioned, professional-grade chemicals, usually in the form of a powder, can be applied by chimney sweeps to help change the nature of the glazed creosote to a form that can be removed by a professional with a brush Both forms of these products require some heat such as you would find in a small fire in the fireplace.
If the creosote is gummy, about the only way to deal with the creosote is with a chemical treatment or with an acid application. Acid applications are not as commonly used since they are harder to apply and have to be neutralized a few days after application. If the creosote is crusty or fractures when hit (as opposed to gummy) a rotary cleaning can be helpful. Read our position statement on chemical chimney cleaning products here.

Q: How do I know if he really cleaned my chimney? In the past, sweeps we’ve hired have always gone on the roof, checked the flashing, the mortar and all the workings of the chimney and then cleaned the chimney from the top of the house. Today, this sweep came in, looked into my fireplace from the bottom and said we don’t need it cleaned because he can still see the bricks. I asked to have it cleaned anyway. He then grabbed a wire brush and simply rubbed away any buildup from the main opening to the fireplace without even going up into the chimney to clean anything. Am I way off base, or did the sweep charge me without cleaning my chimney?
Your past experiences with chimney sweeps sound as though the sweep did the job he was hired to do. However, your most recent experience sounds a bit odd. If the sweep agreed to do a complete sweeping and only cleaned the brick in the fireplace firebox, you did not get the service that you paid for. A complete chimney sweeping includes the chimney flue and smoke chamber.
In the future you could ask for a Level 1 chimney inspection and a chimney sweeping. If the sweep doesn’t know what a Level 1 inspection is, find one that does. A Level 1 inspection is detailed in the National Fire Protection Association 211: Standard on Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances.

Q: How common is it that chimney liners cannot be seen from inside the fireplace using only a flashlight? Is there some standard building requirement for the flue and the fireplace that you can't just look up from the fireplace and see the sky or chimney cap at the top of the chimney?
Flues are allowed to have up to 30 degree offsets. In most cases this will make a direct visual observation of the flue impossible. A video scan would be required to evaluate the flue condition.
The height of the chimney flue is not a factor. There is a big difference in what is observed between a visual inspection and a video inspection, even in short flues.

Q: What stainless steel liners require insulation?
A: Liners for gas and oil-fired appliances do not require insulation to meet the manufacturers’ installation and warranty requirements. Because of the lower flue gas temperatures and lesser heat transfer they are less likely to catch surrounding combustible material on fire. Those that are used with solid fuel-burning appliances do, however. If combustible materials are in contact with the chimney there are provisions that allow the liner to be installed in what is defined as a zero/zero install. That means there may be zero clearance to the interior of the chimney and zero clearance to the exterior of the chimney . The insulation may be of the blanket type or an expanded mica or masonry insulation. There are some manufacturers that will list a liner for use without insulation if it conforms to the NFPA 211 construction requirements. The problem is that it is almost impossible to determine that without destroying the chimney. It makes much more sense to insulate every liner serving a wood burning appliance. Even gas and oil-fired appliances that are vented into an exterior chimney will benefit from insulating the liner.

- See more at: http://www.csia.org/about-csia/faq.aspx#5

http://cleansweepwisconsin.com/chimney-cleaning-milwaukee/

Friday, November 29, 2013

West Allis Chimney Cleaning | Clean Sweep Chimney Service

West Allis Chimney Cleaning Service is done right the first time.

We clean commercial and residential fireplace chimneys, wood stove chimneys and gas and oil furnace chimneys. Our company has served Milwaukee and Waukesha counties for more than 15 years, and is licensed and insured.

Anyone with a fireplace, wood stove, or furnace should consider having their chimney professionally inspected and cleaned on a yearly basis. A dirty chimney not only reduces heating efficiency, but it also poses a dangerous fire hazard for your home and family. Having Clean Sweep Chimney Service clean your chimney thoroughly, professionally and regularly can help prevent these problems.

Without regular cleaning, highly flammable residue called creosote can build up over time. Even as little as a ¼” of build up could pose issues. You and your family could also be at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Protect your home by calling Clean Sweep Chimney Service for an estimate.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Chimney Cleaning, Repair and Rebuilding in Milwaukee

Clean Sweep Chimney Services specializes in chimney inspection, chimney cleaning, chimney repair and chimney rebuilding in Milwaukee, WI.

We also provide related repair services including chimney relining, chimney flashing repair, chimney cap and damper service and replacement in Waukesha, WI.

Residential and commercial chimney inspection, chimney cleaning, chimney repair and chimney rebuilding in Milwaukee and Waukesha, WI.
Our Certified Chimney Technicians are trained in the most advanced chimney inspection and detection techniques to identify chimney repairs needed to maintain the safety of your home or business. Chimney repairs in Waukesha, WI are needed because of regular use, the elements, age, and animals. Clean Sweep cleans chimneys and repairs chimneys that have damage and helps protect them.
Clean Sweep Chimney Service is located in Southeastern Wisconsin and services Milwaukee, Waukesha, Slinger, and the entire Southeastern Wisconsin area. If you need Chimney repair or Chimney Cleaning Call us at (414) 483-9996. Our Website is at http://cleansweepwisconsin.com

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Milwaukee Chimney Repair | Crumbling Brick

Crumbling brick? Need Chimney Repair in Milwaukee? How did this happen and how do I prevent it?

Brick homes are sturdy and usually require very little maintenance. However, when walls or other structures made of brick are allowed to stay wet for long periods, they begin to crumble. Surface repairs won't fix the problem though they might improve the brick's appearance in the short term. To deal with crumbling brick, address the underlying moisture problem and remove all damaged material.
Brick and mortar are porous materials that absorb moisture when they're in contact with the ground, when splashed with water regularly or when a house has poor drainage. Over time, the mortar between the bricks loses its adhesive properties, turning crumbly and sandy. The bricks themselves might even crack and break due to frost action.
Keep brick walls from crumbling by keeping them dry. Maintain gutters carefully, removing all debris regularly and ensuring that downspouts work correctly. If a gutter leaks onto the ground near the house, the water seeping into the wall can cause serious damage. Maintain proper drainage around the house; if the ground slopes toward the wall, water moves closer to the foundation rather than away from it. Reduce the danger of splashing water from swimming pools, hoses and other water sources by keeping them well away from brick walls. Check mortar stability every few years to ensure the brick remains solid. If the mortar seems to be sandy, it may need to be removed and replaced.

Friday, June 21, 2013

Milwaukee Chimney Repairs

Many Milwaukee homeowners are under the impression a simple chimney sweep is all they need to get their fireplace up and running. Yes, your certified chimney sweep should be performing a detailed inspection of all the vital components of the fireplace interior and make chimney repair recommendations to the exterior. What if you are the homeowner who doesn’t use their fireplace? Or maybe you have switched to a gas insert so you no longer require and annual chimney sweep, how do you know if you need chimney repair. Here are 5 things you can check on your own to determine the state of your masonry chimney condition and structure.

1. Check for a Chimney Cap

You don’t even need a ladder for this one, step outside and take a look. The chimney cap’s #1 purpose is keeping rain out of the chimney flue. Yes, it is not a masonry portion of your chimney, but its presence is vital to the survival of your chimney’s interior and exterior. In 95% of cases needing chimney repair that I find in the Seattle and Bellevue
area, a chimney cap is not present. Why is this a problem? Water. We all know water is the #1 source of deterioration of all home components, rot, mold, mildew, moss, freeze-thaw, etc, etc. Water in your chimney, or in your masonry is always bad news. If your chimney does not have a chimney cap, its time for a chimney inspection, possibly some repair, and most definitely time to install a chimney cap.

2. Is your Chimney Crown in Good Condition?

The chimney crown is the chimney’s second line of defense against… you guessed it, water. The crown is the 2″-3″ concrete or mortar slab that has been poured on the very top of the chimney. This covers the top course of bricks of your chimney and surrounds the top flue tiles of each appliance. Why is this needed? Besides for the aesthetic appeal, chimneys are constructed with a hollow interior surrounding the flue tiles. This hollow space around your fireplace, and flue liners is very important (but will be left for another blog post). Other than covering the hollow opening of the chimney the brick also much be covered. Most bricks have a somewhat water resistant facing on their front and sides, however, on the top and bottom they are extremely porous. This is vital during brick construction so the mortar can achieve the best bond to the brick top and bottom as possible. However, when left exposed to the weather the brick becomes saturated with moisture and is exposed to freeze-thaw, moss and mildew. Wet bricks and mortar joints = deterioration. Check your chimney crown for proper construction, proper thickness, cracks or receding edges or corners. Just like chimney caps, when a chimney has an improper or damaged crown 95% of the time there is deterioration to the chimney structure, and you will need a chimney repair.

3. Do you need Chimney Tuckpointing?

failing mortar joints that need tuck pointing

Chimney tuckpointing is commonly misused to describe “mortar joints”. “Tuckpointing” is actually a verb and describes the process of repairing mortar joints, this is a common chimney repair service and usually needs to be done on all chimney masonry every 30-50 years. So how do we know when we need our mortar repaired? Well, since chimneys are half above the roof and half below the roof, they always deteriorate at different rates. Above the roof the chimney is exposed to harsher weather conditions, colder temperatures, wind, rain, ice, snow. Below the roof the chimney is much more protected. Not to mention if the chimney is missing a cap or has a damaged crown, the damage will start at the top and slowly progress downward. Check your mortar joints above the roofline first. Check for cracks, separations between the mortar and the brick, and finally take a screwdriver and scrape the mortar to see if it is soft or begins to flake a fall away. Good mortar will barely leave a mark when running your screwdriver across it. Bad mortar will fall away and leave a gouge. Make your way down the chimney below the roofline and check the mortar there as well. Any areas where the mortar is soft should be repaired. Chimney tuckpointing can only be done to partially damaged mortar however. If the mortar joint is left unchecked for long enough it will fail completely through the joint and the bricks will be loose. Once your bricks are loose, they have to be rebuilt. Take a hammer or the palm of your hand and tap on some bricks near the top, moving down. If any of the bricks are loose, those will need to be torn down and re-mortared.

4. Do you have Efflorescence or White Staining?

White discoloration on a chimney is a sure sign of a moisture problem and a good indicator of some possible chimney repair. This is called efflorescence, it is the natural salts in the brick and mortar that are brought to the surface by moisture and then left behind when the moisture evaporates. This can be removed easily with warm soapy water, however, this w0n’t solve the problem. The most common causes of this is a missing chimney cap, a damaged or missing crown, and/or damaged mortar joints. Let your chimney repair technician know where you are noticing the white staining on your chimney for a more accurate diagnosis.

5. Is There Firebox Damage?

firebox damaged, signs you need chimney repair

Are there missing mortar joints in your fireplace bricks? Are the bricks loose? or covered in white efflorescence? These are very common signs of once again, water leaks into the chimney. Your fireplace firebox is constructed of a very fragile type of brick called firebrick. This type of bricks is designed to be porous to provide adequate insulation to prevent heat transfer. It also is not constructed with just plain old mortar. It requires a special refractory cement to hold the bricks together throughout the high temperatures of your open fire. This refractory cement however, is water soluble. When these firebox mortar joints get wet, they turn to powder and fall apart. Loose bricks, missing mortar joints and crumbling firebrick are all sure signs that chimney repair is in your near future.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Chimney Repair Milwaukee | Damaged Bricks on Chimney

Damaged Chimney Repairs for Milwaukee Chimneys

As with most potential issues, it starts small, with erosion from wind and rain that over time cause minor cracks in the masonry on the crown and in between bricks or stone chimneys. Once there are cracks in the masonry crown or between the mortar joints on your chimney, rain water and moisture from melting ice and snow seep in and freeze overnight when the temperature drops below 32 degrees.
The water then expands just like it does in ice trays in your freezer, and as it does, the cracks and gaps widen. Once the gaps and cracks get to the point where the masonry is no longer bonded to itself, the bricks can become loose or the mortar crown can lift from the top course of masonry. Both of these issues mean your chimney system is being damaged more and more with time, weather and ever-changing temperatures.
The sooner you address these issues and call Clean Sweep Chimney Service so we can get a highly trained and certified technician out to repair the chimney structure and masonry, the better.

Clean Sweep Chimney Service is located in Southeastern Wisconsin and services Milwaukee, Waukesha, Slinger, and the entire Southeastern Wisconsin area. If you need Chimney repair or Chimney Cleaning Call us at (414) 483-9996. Our Website is at http://cleansweepchimney.vpweb.com

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Chimney Repair Milwaukee | Clean Sweep Chimney Service

The chimney is one of the most taken-for-granted parts of a home. Typically it tends to receive neither the attention

nor the concern usually accorded other household service systems. The fact that chimneys may do their job reasonably well, even when abused or neglected, contributes to this atmosphere of indifference. Chimneys are far from the passive black holes that most people assume them to be. They perform several vital functions, and their simple appearance misrepresents their complex construction and performance requirements. A chimney deteriorated by constant exposure to the weather can be a potential safety hazard. Weather-damaged lining systems, flue obstructions and loose masonry materials all present a threat to residents. Regular chimney maintenance is essential to prevent damage, deterioration and future high-cost chimney repairs.

Masonry Chimneys
A masonry chimney is constructed of a variety of masonry and metal materials, including brick, mortar, concrete, concrete block, stone, flue tile, steel and cast iron. All masonry chimneys contain combinations of, or possibly all of, these materials, most of which are adversely affected by direct contact with water or water penetration.

Water Penetration
All masonry chimney construction materials, except stone, will suffer accelerated deterioration as a result of prolonged contact with water. Masonry materials deteriorate quickly when exposed to the freeze/thaw process, in which moisture that has penetrated the materials periodically freezes and expands causing undue stress. Water in the chimney also causes rust in steel and cast iron, weakening or destroying the metal parts.

Note: While most stone is not affected by water penetration, large amounts of mortar are required to bond the stone together properly. Therefore, a stone chimney – just like a brick chimney – should be protected from the effects of water penetration.

Water penetration can cause interior and exterior damage to your home and masonry chimney including:

• Rusted damper assemblies

• Deteriorated metal or masonry firebox assemblies

• Rusted fireplace accessories and glass doors

• Rotting adjacent wood and ruined wall coverings

• Water stained walls and ceiling

• Clogged clean out area

• Deteriorated central heating system

• Stained chimney exterior

• Decayed exterior mortar

• Cracked or deteriorated flue lining system

• Collapsed hearth support

• Tilted or collapsed chimney structure

• Chimney settlement

In addition, when water mixes with creosote in a wood burning chimney system, it will generate a highly disagreeable odor that can permeate a home.

Preventing Water Damage

Chimney caps, also called rain covers, are probably the most inexpensive preventive measure that a homeowner can employ to prevent water penetration and damage to the chimney. Chimney caps have long been recognized as an important chimney safety and damage prevention component. Underwriters Laboratories (UL) specifies that any chimney lining system that is to be listed to their test standard must include a chimney cap.

Chimneys have one or more large openings (flues) at the top that can collect rainwater and funnel it directly to the chimney interior. A commonly-sized flue has the potential to allow large amounts of rain or snow into the chimney during just one winter when freeze/thaw cycles are common.

Chimney caps also provide other benefits. A strong, well-designed cap will prevent birds and animals from entering and nesting in the chimney. Caps also function as spark arrestors, preventing sparks from landing on the roof or other nearby combustible material.

A chimney cap should be easily removable to facilitate inspection and cleaning. For a long and effective service lifetime, a cap should be constructed of sturdy, durable and corrosion resistant material. Caps may be designed to cover a single flue, multiple flues, a large portion of the chimney or the entire chimney top. A full coverage chimney cap usually represents a larger initial investment. However, it is probably the best investment for long-term protection because of its ability to protect the entire chimney crown.

Repair or Replace a Damaged Chimney Crown
The chimney crown (also referred to as the chimney wash) is the top element of a masonry chimney. It covers and seals the top of the chimney from the flue liner to the chimney edge. The crown should provide a downward slope that will direct the water from the flue to the edge of the crown. The overhanging drip edge, by directing the run-off from the crown away from the chimney, helps prevent erosion of the brick and mortar in the chimney’s vertical surfaces.

Most masonry chimneys are built with an inadequate crown constructed from common mortar mix that is designed for years of weather abuse without cracking, chipping or deteriorating. A proper chimney crown should be constructed of a Portland cement-based mixture and cast or formed so it provides an overhang projecting beyond all sides of the chimney by a minimum of two inches. The flue liner tile should also project above the crown a minimum of two inches.

Repair Deteriorated Mortar Joints
Deteriorated mortar joints on the chimneys exterior are entry spots for water. Proper mortar joints have no gaps or missing mortar and are shaped in a way that directs water out of the joint. When mortar deteriorates from exposure to weather, it becomes much more absorbent. A common repair for deteriorated mortar joints is called repointing. In this process, the existing mortar joint is cut to an appropriate depth and the joint is repacked with new mortar. The joint is then cut to form a concave surface that will direct water out of the joint. A good repointing job, using proper materials, will give the chimney a much longer life span, and often will enhance its appearance.

Repair or Replace Flashing
Flashing is the seal between the roofing material and the chimney. Flashing prevents rainwater or snow melt from running down the chimney into living spaces where it can damage ceilings and walls and cause rot in rafters. The flashing is the expansion joint between two dissimilar materials. It is designed to allow both the roof and the chimney to expand and contract at their own rates without breaking the waterproof seal in either area.

Install a Cricket to Stop or Prevent Leaks
If the chimney is located on the low side of the roof where water run-off is directed against the chimney, the installation of a cricket will afford additional protection against water leaking into the home. A cricket is a water deflector that serves to direct rainwater away from the chimney. Crickets are recommended on chimneys more than 30-inches wide and they are especially important on steep roofs.

Waterproof Your Chimney
Most masonry materials are porous and will absorb large amounts of water. Common brick is like a sponge, absorbing water and wicking moisture to the chimney interior. Defective mortar joints or the use of improper mortar or brick can greatly increase the tendency to absorb and convey water to the interior of the masonry chimney.

Several products have been developed specifically for use as waterproofing agents on masonry chimneys. These formulas are 100% vapor permeable, which means that they allow the chimney to breathe. Therefore, water that has penetrated and the vapors produced when the chimney dries out or the water vapors produced during use are allowed to escape, while the waterproofing agent prevents water from entering from the outside. These products usually have a five- to ten-year warranty. Paint or clear sealers should never be used as a waterproofing agent because they will trap water vapors and moisture inside the chimney causing further deterioration.

Waterproofing is a preventive measure. When damage or deterioration (gaps, voids, cracks, missing mortar, etc.) already exists in a masonry structure, the chimney should be repaired before the waterproofing agent is applied. The chimney exterior may also need to be cleaned before the waterproofing material is applied

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Milwaukee Chimney Repairs

Call us for all your milwaukee chimney repair and cleaning needs

We carry a wide range of services to suit a variety of budgets and tastes. Our most popular Services are shown below. Please call more information on products, current promotions and custom options.

Our company's owner, Phil Mueller, is present and working on every job to ensure each customer receives the best possible workmanship. He is a U.S. Air Force veteran and holds a degree in mechanical engineering.

Contact Clean Sweep Chimney Service today at 414-483-9996 to schedule an appointment

Chimney Cleaning

Chimney Sweep Services, Chimney safety inspection, Chimney creosote removal, Fireplace chimney cleaning, Furnace chimney cleaning, Woodstove chimney cleaning, Smoke and odor elimination, and Animal removal

Chimney Relining

Residential and commercial service
Chimney liner safety inspection
Installation of replacement and new chimney liners
Flue replacement and relining
Relining for fireplace, heat stove or furnace chimneys
Wide range of material and price options
Stainless steel chimney liners
Aluminum chimney liners
Tile chimney liners
Galvanized pipe chimney liners
10-year workmanship guarantee

Chimney Repair

Residential and commercial service
Chimney safety inspections
Chimney brick replacement
Chimney tuckpointing
Chimney rebuilding
Chimney waterproofing
New chimney flashing
Flue replacement
Flue tile replacement
Chimney cap installation
Fireplace firebox repair
Fireplace removal
Fireplace installation
Fireplace insert installation
Top-mount chimney damper installation
Elimination of smoke and odor problems

Clean Sweep Chimney Service is located in Southeastern Wisconsin and services Milwaukee, Waukesha, Slinger, and the entire Southeastern Wisconsin area. If you need Chimney repair or Chimney Cleaning Call us at (414) 483-9996. Our Website is at Clean Sweep Chimney Service is located in Southeastern Wisconsin and services Milwaukee, Waukesha, Slinger, and the entire Southeastern Wisconsin area. If you need Chimney repair or Chimney Cleaning Call us at (414) 483-9996. Our Website is at http://cleansweepchimney.vpweb.com

Monday, April 8, 2013

Chimney damage milwaukee | Chimney repairs Clean Sweep

Spring rains are upon us here in Milwaukee, and as odd as it may seem, water causes more damage to masonry chimneys than fire.

Prolonged contact with water can deteriorate brick, mortar and tile and corrode steel and cast iron. Expansion from the freeze/thaw effect can cause even more damage. The result can be cracks or gaps in your chimney where creosote can collect and noxious gases can escape into your home -- which can cost you big bucks in repair bills.

Prevention is key to a safer environment for your family -- and the best way to avoid costly repairs later. The Chimney Safety Institute of America offers tips to avoid damage to your chimneys from water:

Install a chimney cap. Also called a rain cover, a chimney cap is the most inexpensive way to prevent water damage to a chimney. Your unprotected chimney's flue collects water and funnels it directly inside the chimney, but a strong, well-designed cap keeps water (and birds) out. Caps also keep chimney sparks inside, where they belong.
Repair or replace a damaged chimney crown. Most chimney crowns are made of common mortar, which does not withstand years of weather. Replace yours with one made of a Portland cement-based mixture that creates an overhang, or drip edge, projecting beyond all sides of the chimney by at least 2 inches.
Repair or replace flashing. Flashing keeps rain from running down your chimney under your shingles and into your home. Use an L-shaped piece of metal that extends from under the roofing shingles up the side of the chimney. Then, use counter flashing that overlaps the base flashing and is sealed into the chimney's masonry joints.
Waterproof your chimney
Common brick and mortar are like sponges, wicking moisture to the chimney interior.
Add a vapor-permeable waterproofing agent to let moisture out, but prevent it from coming in.
Never use paint or any non-vapor-permeable water sealer because it will trap moisture inside the chimney, hastening deterioration.
Hire a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep®. When in doubt, get it done right by hiring a chimney professional. CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps® have earned the chimney and venting industry's most respected credential by passing intensive exams based on fire codes, clearances and standards for the construction and maintenance of chimney and venting systems. This knowledge allows them to expertly diagnose and solve chimney and venting problems. Learn more at csia.org.

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Milwaukee Chimney Cleaning | Vital to your Fireplace Health

The National Fire Protection Association states, “Chimneys shall be inspected at least once a year….”
While many people believe cleaning a chimney once a year is overkill, there is a reason the NFPA has made its recommendation for annual cleanings. What we see as the “normal burning conditions” is about two cords of wood burned in a fireplace. This alone is enough to produce the amount of creosote build-up to warrant cleaning. However, there are times when the need for sweeping could be much sooner.
The RULE OF THUMB: When in doubt, call for a professional chimney cleaning!
Clean Sweep Chimney Service is located in Southeastern Wisconsin and services Milwaukee, Waukesha, Slinger, and the entire Southeastern Wisconsin area. If you need Chimney repair or Chimney Cleaning Call us at (414) 483-9996. Our Website is at http://cleansweepchimney.vpweb.com

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Milwaukee Chimney Repair and Cleaning

Clean Sweep Chimney Service is located in Southeastern Wisconsin and services Milwaukee, Waukesha, Slinger, and the entire Southeastern Wisconsin area.

Your Home Has Lots of Chimneys - They All Pose Risks: all vents to the exterior of the home are technically chimneys and should be maintained on a regular basis.
Chimneys Should Have an Annual Check-Up: schedule an annual visit with a chimney service professional to inspect all chimneys. This will keep you informed of their condition and help ensure they remain clean, operable and free of blockages.
Burn Only Seasoned Hardwoods: these woods burn the longest, produce the most heat and leave behind the least creosote. Creosote, a highly flammable substance, can build up on chimney walls, increasing the risk of a chimney fire.
Burn Small, Hot Fires - Not Long, Cool, Smoky Ones: smaller, hotter fires drive creosote up the chimney and away from the home.
It's Not Just the Stuff That Goes UP Your Chimney That Can Cause Problems: debris such as animal nests (or even lint, in the case of a dryer vent), can cause a back-up of harmful gasses in the home. Additionally, water seeping into a chimney can erode bricks and mortar and compromise the structural integrity of a chimney. Solution: put a cap on your chimney to prevent rain and animals from entering, and schedule an annual inspection to ensure all chimneys remain free from blockages.
Beware of Warm Winters: warm winters can lead to increased creosote buildup because long, cool, smoky fires are more common. However, homeowners may feel complacent about having an annual inspection since they didn't use the fireplace often.
Fireplace Screens, Toolsets and Hoods Aren't Just For Show: fire is dangerous and every family needs to take precautions to protect themselves and their homes. Be sure to always:

use a spark screen in front of your fireplace;
use a metal container to remove fireplace ashes;
install working smoke alarms on every level of your home;
install a working carbon monoxide detector in your home;
replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors once a year;
ensure proper floor and wall protection with gas and wood burning appliances;
keep several multi-purpose fire extinguishers in the home;
establish a family fire escape plan, and;
hold regular family fire drills.

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Chimney Damper Repair | Clean Sweep Waukesha and Milwaukee

Is your Milwaukee or Waukesha chimney in need of a new or repaired Damper?
Chimneys and fireplaces are not created equal. Most old fireplaces don’t have some of the capabilities of modern ones. However that shouldn’t cause you to replace your chimney or fireplace because that would cost you thousands. Whatever you have now, work around it and check out what needs to be done to improve its efficiency.
Most old fireplaces don’t have fireplace dampers. Fireplace dampers are located right just above the firebox. They’re typically made of metal that is used to seal in the heat after the fire has gone out. Check your fireplace if it has some kind of lever that you can move from right to left. That lever opens and closes the fireplace damper. If it doesn’t have one, your fireplace probably doesn’t have a fireplace damper and you really need to install one.
On the other hand, if you do have a fireplace damper but it’s not working properly, repairing your fireplace damper is the next thing to do. Fireplace dampers helps improve energy consumption inside your home, so you really need to have it fixed.
Repairing your fireplace damper is not easy to do as you need to get inside your fireplace, use tools and protective gears for your eyes and body. Remember when opening fireplace dampers, soot and bird droppings may fall out. It’s never an easy task for a beginner. Therefore, you need someone who is able to do the grunt work professionally.
A fireplace damper, or chimney damper, seals off the chimney flue while it is not in use and keeps the cool or warm air generated by your HVAC unit inside your house. It is a metal spring door placed at the top of the chimney

Clean Sweep Chimney Service is located in Southeastern Wisconsin and services Milwaukee, Waukesha, Slinger, and the entire Southeastern Wisconsin area. If you need Chimney repair or Chimney Cleaning Call us at (414) 483-9996. Our Website is at http://cleansweepchimney.vpweb.com

Chimney Flue Repair and Replacement Waukehsa

When your chimney flue is cracked or spalled, Clean Sweep Chimney Service can take care of the problem by using the Resurfacing System which is used to apply a coating over the entire flue. We use cameras to verify repairs and restore your chimney’s flue by resurfacing the interior. A custom made foam applicator plug is placed at the bottom of the flue and attached to a winch on top the chimney.

After the tie coat dries, the HeatShield® material is then applied onto the flue at a thickness of about ¼” with the foam plug as it is pulled upward by the winch.

This process is pretty simple but must only be done by certified professional. First, a “tie coat” material is applied to the flue walls as the plug is pulled upward by the winch. The “tie coat” cleans any remaining dust in your flue and acts as a primer for the HeatShieldClean Sweep Chimney Service is located in Southeastern Wisconsin and services Milwaukee, Waukesha, Slinger, and the entire Southeastern Wisconsin area. If you need Chimney repair or Chimney Cleaning Call us at (414) 483-9996. Our Website is at http://cleansweepchimney.vpweb.com

Monday, February 4, 2013

Milwaukee Chimney Cleaning | Clean Sweep Chimney

Wouldn't it be nice to sit next to a nice warm fireplace with the cold weather outside in Milwaukee? Call us for any of your chimney cleaning and repair needs.

Nothing says romance quite like cuddling up in front of a roaring fire. Champagne being sipped by firelight, while holding the one you love is probably one of the most romantic images of all time. Funny how that image never makes mention of the extensive maintenance and upkeep that goes with owning a fireplace. While offering plenty of benefits, fireplaces also require extensive attention to ensure complete enjoyment by the homeowner.

One area that many consumers routinely overlook before purchasing a home with a fireplace or adding one to an existing home is the maintenance required. It's mandatory that fireplaces be cleaned and well maintained in order to reduce the likelihood of a fire in or around the house.

However, cleaning the fireplace itself will not completely solve the problem. Instead, fireplace owners with chimneys are advised to clean the stacks or chimney at least once a year.

We recommend that you have it inspected and cleaned annually, A lot of times your inspection will show that it does not need to be cleaned, but that is your best bet. And if you are burning wood in it for more than three quarters of the year, you should do it at the end of every third quarter.

Friday, January 18, 2013

Milwaukee Chimney Cleaning | Chimney Sweeping

Chimney Sweeps have been around for 100's of years, here are some interesting facts and tales about chimney cleaning for my Milwaukee chimney cleaning customers to share.

Facts and Fiction

Facts

Over 40,000 chimney fires occur every year.
More than $23,000,000 in damage occurs every year from chimney fires.
CREOSOTE is a black or dark brown substance with a strong acrid odor that forms in a wood burning chimney. It has a consistency from tar like to runny. It is essentially pure carbon, with a gooey covering.
Carbon has a very high flaming point.
Creosote continues to build up on chimney surfaces as more wood is burnt.
If CREOSOTE builds up to a point where it clogs or greatly restricts a chimney, the outer coating of the CREOSOTE could catch fire which would ignite the carbon in the creosote. THIS IS ACHINMEY FIRE.
Normal flue temperatures for wood burning is between 200° - 700°F. Carbon burns in excess of 3000°F.
Stovepipes have literally torn apart by the combination of heat and the force of the increased oxygen demand of burning CREOSOTE.
Burning wood can be and is very safe and economical if done properly.
Insurance statistics show that a vast majority of wood stove related accidents are a result of either improper installation or a lack of proper maintenance.
CREOSOTE cannot be entirely prevented but you can prevent dangerous buildups.
Never burn trash and bundles of paper such as Christmas wrapping paper in a stove or fireplace.
If you have a wood stove or fireplace insert, NFPA 211 states that you shall have it cleaned and inspected every year.
You can pray to St. Florian. He is the patron saint of Chimney Sweeps.
In German Chimney Sweep is “Schontinfeger”.
Clean Sweep Chimney Service has been in business since 1979.
Both Bud and Brian Hinchman are certified by CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) and are members of NCSG (National Chimney Sweep Guild).

Folklore and Superstition

An English King was once saved from death by a Chimney Sweep when the sweep was able to jump out and stop the King’s runaway carriage. The King announced that this was his lucky day and that the sweep made it so. From that day on, many lucky things were associated with a Chimney Sweep.
If you see a Chimney Sweep atop a house, that house will be blessed.
If you shake the hand of a Chimney Sweep or touch his coat, good luck will rub off on you.
If a Chimney Sweep kisses the bride and shakes the hand of the groom it will bring a happy marriage and a fertile union.
Wearing a top hat brings good luck.
Children used to steal a few bristles from a Sweep’s brush and carry them for luck.
It’s good luck to kiss a sweep.
It is an old wives tale that once a chimney fire has occurred, the chimney is cleaned or burned clean. NOT TRUE.
Another NOT TRUE, is that burlap bags with rocks in them or chains will clear a chimney of CREOSOTE. They just can’t do the job.
One theory of the top hat and tails, is that sweeps were so poor, that they had to beg for clothing. When wealthy undertakers gave the Sweeps their cast offs, the black coat and hat suited the Sweeps fine in their sooty job.
Another theory of the top hat and tails is that poor sweeps were at the bottom of the European society so they began wearing the top hat and tails to try to upgrade and dignify their profession.
In Germany, if a black cat crosses your path, hold your coat button until you see a Chimney Sweep. Lots of buttons were pulled off waiting for the sight of a Chimney Sweep.
Chimney Sweeps used to “BUY” thin boys to be a “chimney climbers”. The Sweep would tie a rope around the boy and lower him into the chimney with a brush to clean the chimney.
A goose was tied by it’s feet with a rope and lowered into a chimney to clean it.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Milwaukee Chimney Repair | Call the Best | Firebox repair

The firebox of a fireplace that’s well-used year after year, being frequently exposed to the searing temperatures of blazing-hot fires, will often fall into a state of disrepair. A firebox with deteriorating mortar joints and crumbling bricks is one of the things that your professional chimney sweep can help you identify as a hazard. If the firebox doesn’t properly contain the heat, your home could be in danger of catching fire; it’s essential to conduct a firebox repair. While you’re getting a rebuild for safety reasons, why not give your fireplace a fresh new look?
Keep in mind that an often-used fireplace does not have to have a firebox that’s a blackened mess. If you use clean-burning logs and give your fireplace a good scrubbing at least annually, the firebox will appear clean at all times and add significantly to the pleasant aesthetics of your fireplace.
You must, of course, use firebricks which are specially made to withstand the extreme temperatures in a firebox, and special high-temperature refractory mortar must also be used. Choose a special design with the appropriate materials as you restore your firebox to structural integrity.
While getting a firebox repair, there are many additional options you have to increase the beauty and change the appearance of your fireplace. Firebricks can be laid in a herringbone design pattern, for example. The type of brick you use can give a modern look or an upgraded antique appearance. Thin strips of firebricks can be laid in a vertical pattern which creates the effect of narrow books on a shelf; separate the vertical rows with thin horizontal layers. With any of these types of upgrades, your fireplace can be more of a showpiece than ever. Imagine the added pleasure you could have as you watch the dance of the flames encased in a new, well-designed firebox.
There are other ways to give your fireplace a nice facelift, even if no firebox repairs are needed. The outer hearth is a feature which can add a whole new look to the room while providing protection. You can choose tiles of different colors and varied patterns. There are also highly artistic tiles that you could use which could brighten your room or add a new dimension to your décor.

Adding a decorative mantel or pilaster around your fireplace will turn a drab fireplace into a dramatic focal point of the room.

The mantel shelf and surround has traditionally been a focal point of the fireplace, though in modern days there is often times no mantel at all. A change in the type of mantelpiece you use or eliminating the mantel altogether could create a pleasing effect. You may not even need to switch out the mantel; for example, simply paint it and put vases on it instead of photographs or vice versa.
Another great option which creates a new look and at the same time could take the place of rebuilding your firebox is a fireplace insert. The metal insert will fit right into your firebox and provide a much more efficient wood, pellet or gas burning appliance. Fireplace inserts add much more heat to your home, whereas traditional fireplaces tend to lose most of the heat up the chimney. There are many different styles to choose from, all of which offer you a quick and easy way to achieve a complete makeover. A chimney sweep should be consulted both to make sure you get the correct size and to install the insert. A correctly installed fireplace insert keeps your home safe and at the same time can significantly offset your heating costs too.

Clean Sweep Chimney Service is located in Southeastern Wisconsin and services Milwaukee, Waukesha, Slinger, and the entire Southeastern Wisconsin area. If you need Chimney repair or Chimney Cleaning Call us at (414) 483-9996. Our Website is at http://cleansweepchimney.vpweb.com

Monday, January 7, 2013

Milwaukee Chimney Repair | Smoke from basement fireplace

When I build a fire in my upstairs fireplace, I get smoke from the basement fireplace.

This is a common problem in modern air tight houses where weather-proofing has sealed up the usual air infiltration routes. The fireplace in use exhausts household air until a negative pressure situation exists. If the house is fairly tight, the simplest route for makeup air to enter the structure is often the unused fireplace chimney. As air is drawn down this unused flue, it picks up smoke that is exiting nearby from the fireplace in use and delivers the smoke to the living area. The best solution is to provide makeup air to the house so the negative pressure problem no longer exists, thus eliminating not only the smoke problem, but also the potential for carbon monoxide to be drawn back down the furnace chimney. A secondary solution is to install a top mount damper on the fireplace that is used the least.

Clean Sweep Chimney Service is located in Southeastern Wisconsin and services Milwaukee, Waukesha, Slinger, and the entire Southeastern Wisconsin area. If you need Chimney repair or Chimney Cleaning Call us at (414) 483-9996. Our Website is at http://cleansweepchimney.vpweb.com

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Milwaukee Chimney Repair

How to Determine if Chimney Work is Necessary

As with a vehicle, chimneys require regular maintenance for safety and proper function. Therefore, choosing a skilled and reliable Milwaukee chimney sweep is imperative. These professionals can improve the safety of a home as well as inform residents about both minor and urgent repair needs. This expert advice is especially useful considering chimney problems can often pose undetected safety concerns.


Chimney Fire

"Chimney sweeps are trained experts that perform a valuable service to help protect residents and property," noted Sooty Bob. "Their advice should be taken seriously. But it should also be challenged so that the end result is a positive experience."

Chimney service remains an important consideration for all fireplace owners. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, nearly 30,000 residential fires in 1996 were related to solid fuel appliances and equipment, chimneys or chimney connectors. These fires led to 130 deaths and over $184.4 million in property losses.
However, like other home repairs, some chimney services are recommended to improve performance but are not essential for the safety of the home or chimney. In order to feel confident about choosing a reliable sweep as well as moving ahead with any prescribed chimney repairs, Sooty Bob advises residents to:

Ask for References. Find a chimney sweep through references. Ask friends and neighbors.
Check Credentials. Verify the credibility of the sweep through the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) [www.csia.org] or the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) [www.ncsg.org]. All offer resources on sweeps in areas throughout North America. Check for local business credibility through the local Chamber of Commerce or the Better Business Bureau.
Verify Recommendations. If a sweep recommends service, ask him for a way to verify that the service is necessary. Many sweeps offer a video scan of a chimney for a nominal charge, which can be money well spent. Or, have them describe the problem with a detailed report.
Determine Level of Urgency. Ask the sweep to indicate the level of urgency associated with the repair. Look for technical feedback about any safety risks, long-term repercussions or health hazards.
Be Smart. Investigate possible repairs via the Internet. CSIA and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA} [www.nfpa.org], as well as the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) [www.hpba.org] offer great tips to help educate fireplace owners. The CSIA also offers brochures that explain various chimney services, such as: chimney lining, care and maintenance of a fireplace, carbon monoxide hazards and much more.
Double Check. Before discounting a diagnosis, consider a second opinion.

"Chimney service should not be looked upon as a trivial," added Sooty Bob. "This is about saving lives and making sure that people enjoy a fire without interruption or catastrophe."
Chimney sweeping is a technical industry. Sweeps can go to school at the CSIA Technology Center in Indianapolis and learn professional inspection techniques according to the standards set by the NFPA

Clean Sweep Chimney Service is located in Southeastern Wisconsin and services Milwaukee, Waukesha, Slinger, and the entire Southeastern Wisconsin area. If you need Chimney repair or Chimney Cleaning Call us at (414) 483-9996.

Our Website is at http://cleansweepchimney.vpweb.com

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