Safe & Clean Chimneys

Obstruction Removal

Lindemann Heating & Cooling has been Chicagoland’s leader in fireplace and masonry repair for more than 50 years. Our technicians leverage the latest technology and equipment to handle chimney and fireplace obstruction assessment and removal.

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Chimney Obstruction Removal Services

A Service Company You Can Trust

Years of Experience

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Obstruction Sources

Chimney Obstructions Can Develop Over Time

From bird and animal nests to insect hives, leaves, and other debris, chimney obstructions can be hard to reach and often lead to ventilation and flue liner issues.

Annual chimney inspections and cleanings typically help prevent troublesome obstructions, but sometimes customers notice unusual blockages that require immediate attention. Lindemann technicians use specialized equipment to locate, inspect, and remove chimney obstructions of all sizes and shapes.

The chimney obstruction removal process begins with a standard chimney scan. We then diagnose the blockage and discuss our findings and recommendations with each customer. In every case, we are equipped to remove the obstruction and return each chimney to peak performance.

Nests

Hives

Leaves

Debris

Identifying Obstructions

How To Know If Your Chimney Is Obstructed

An obstructed chimney can lead to a variety of issues with your fireplace, including poor ventilation, smoke damage, and even carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s important to identify and address any chimney obstructions promptly to ensure the safety and efficiency of your fireplace. Here are some signs that your chimney may be obstructed.

  • Smoke or strong smoky odor filling your living spaces and chimney: Smoke should travel up and out of the flue. When smoke does not exit the chimney quickly, it can be a sure sign of a blockage.
  • Debris inside of your hearth: Debris falling back into the hearth or firebox is another sure sign that there may be an obstruction in the chimney that is working its way down. This type of debris can also indicate an obstruction is still collecting or expanding, which means the chimney may not be sealed properly.
  • High soot volumes: If a chimney has been left unchecked for too long, large amounts of soot can fill the chimney and smoke chamber. If buildup is extensive enough to be clearly visible, an unseen blockage further up the chimney is likely.

Our Process

Obstruction Removal Process

The obstruction removal process typically involves several steps to ensure that your chimney or fireplace is thoroughly cleaned and safe to use. Here is a general overview of what you can expect when you hire Lindemann’s obstruction removal service:

  1. Inspection: The first step in the obstruction removal process is to inspect your chimney or fireplace for any visible signs of obstruction, such as debris, creosote buildup, or animal nests. A professional chimney sweep will use specialized equipment such as a chimney camera to get a better view of the inside of your chimney.
  2. Set-up: Once the inspection is complete, the obstruction removal specialist will prepare the area by covering furniture and flooring with protective materials to avoid any potential damage from falling debris.
  3. Removal: Depending on the type of obstruction found during the inspection, the specialist will use different tools and techniques to remove the obstruction. For example, creosote buildup may be removed using a special rotary tool, while animal nests or debris may require manual removal using a brush or vacuum.
  4. Cleaning: After the obstruction is removed, the specialist will clean the entire area thoroughly, including the chimney, fireplace, and surrounding surfaces. This will help to ensure that no debris or residue is left behind.
  5. Final Inspection: Once the cleaning process is complete, the specialist will perform a final inspection to ensure that the chimney or fireplace is completely clear and safe to use.

50+ Years of Experience

Why Choose Lindemann For Your Chimney Needs

Every customer deserves to work with trustworthy, knowledgeable technicians on their important projects. In Chicago’s North Shore and communities across northern Illinois, Lindemann works hard to earn new business and build trust and satisfaction with existing customers. We are a family-owned operation that takes pride in craftsmanship, attention to detail, and customer service.

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