Selecting The Proper Chimney Cap
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Choosing The Best Chimney Sweeping Method Makes The Job Faster and Easier.
Equipment Needed: A correctly sized chimney brush, protective covering for furniture and rugs, tape,
metal bucket, small shovel, a broom or vacuum cleaner, rope and accessory pull rings.
Directions:
Read Caution Statement Prior To Beginning Work.
IMPORTANT: TIGHTEN ALL BRUSH FITTINGS SECURELY - COMPLETELY EXTINGUISH
THE FIRE BEFORE BEGINNING CLEANING. BE SURE THE CHIMNEY IS COLD ALONG ITS
ENTIRE LENGTH. BE AWARE OF HOT ASHES, DISPOSE OF THEM PROPERLY.
Measure your chimney carefully to determine the correct brush size and shape to select. Chimney brushes
are available in 3 shapes, round, square and rectangular. See the drawing for how to correctly measure the
chimney. Carefully measure the inside of the tile or pre-fab opening. Note: An oversize brush will not
improve cleaning action and will easily become lodged or stuck in the chimney. An undersize brush will not
provide enough pressure on the walls for proper cleaning.
Here are four common methods to control the brush for effective cleaning.
1. Flexible Rod Method: Top Down - Attach the brush securely to the flexible rod and lower into the top
of the chimney, add more rods as necessary to reach the bottom of the flue. Seal off fireplace or stove
opening to prevent soot and debris from entering the home.
2. Flexible Rod Method: Bottom-up - Insert brush and rod up through the fireplace damper or chimney
clean-out door. Add more rods as necessary to reach the top of the chimney. This method is often messy
since sealing the opening cannot be done during cleaning. Cover area around opening to prevent staining
rugs, furniture, etc.
3. Line and weight method: Try this method when the top opening of the chimney is permanently restricted
by a chimney cap. Securely attach a compact 20 pound weight (minimum) to one end of the brush with a
screw on accessory pull ring and attach a rope that is more than long enough to reach the bottom of the
flue, to the other end of the brush. Seal off fireplace or stove opening to prevent soot and debris from
entering the home.
4. Dual line Method: This method requires two people, one on the roof and one below at the clean-out or
fireplace opening. Attach a rope to each end of the brush. Drop one rope down the chimney to the person
below. Clean by alternately pulling the ropes to vigorously move the brush up and down in the flue. This
method is often messy since sealing the opening cannot be done during cleaning. Cover the area around
opening to prevent staining rugs, furniture etc.
For All Methods - Sweep or vacuum up all residue prior to using stove or fireplace. Be especially careful
to check for debris behind the damper, in the smoke shelf area and in elbows or "T" connections. Clean
brush after each use, and lightly coat it with a rust preservative before storing. More Info....
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