Experts In Chimney Cleaning

Chimney Sweep & Cleaning

At Lindemann, our Sweeps are the best trained and most knowledgeable in the Industry today. As the largest Chimney Service company in the Nation, we provide the latest in technology, education, training, and equipment so we can offer you the highest quality care for your chimney in the market.

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Chimney Sweep & Cleaning

A Service Company You Can Trust

Years of Experience

Customers Served

Question

How Often Should You Clean Your chimney?

Regular chimney cleaning is essential for the safe and efficient operation of any wood-burning or gas fireplace. Failure to maintain a clean chimney can result in a range of issues, from decreased efficiency and increased fire risk to dangerous carbon monoxide buildup. Here are some of the top reasons why and when to clean your chimney:

  • Every 36 fires or once a year, whichever comes first
  • When you purchase a pre-built home or dwelling
  • If you notice visible soot anywhere in your home
  • Before each heating season
  • Before installation of a new fuel burning appliance (furnace, hot water heater, etc.)
  • Before purchasing a new home
  • Immediately after a chimney or house fire
  • If your home has been struck by lightning
  • If your chimney has experienced impact (hit by a falling tree, etc.)
  • If you notice staining on the inside or outside of your home in the vicinity of the chimney
  • If the roof has been replaced

Inspection Standards

Types of Inspections

Lindemann Chimney & Fireplace offers different levels of chimney inspection depending on your specific needs. The most common are described here. Obstructions or blockages in your chimney can cause toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide, to enter your home. Regular chimney inspections can greatly reduce the risk of chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning in the home.

They are also prepared to bring your fireplace and chimney into proper working order should any issues arise during the inspection. A thorough inspection allows homeowners to enjoy their fireplaces all year-round.

The requirements of chimney inspection have been outlined by the National Fire Protection Association Standard, NFPA 211. This is the standard by which all reputable, certified chimney service companies do business. Inspection needs will vary depending on the situation.

The most common inspections are those we classify as a Level II or Level III inspection. Each is summarized below:

Level II Inspection – Meets NFPA Requirements

Level II Inspections include a video scan of all accessible portions of the chimney.  This includes areas within accessible attics, crawl spaces, and basements. Inspections are completed with the use of video scanning equipment. The external portion of the inspection focuses on the integrity of the chimney cover, crown, flashing and brick and mortar. We make sure the structure is sturdy, safe, and keeps water and animals outside. If you are buying or selling a home, the NFPA recommends a Level II Inspection at a minimum. Inspection requirements for purchasing a new home are different for each transaction.

Level III Inspection – Meets NFPA Requirements

A Level III Inspection is designed to uncover structural damage or problems in concealed areas of the chimney. A Level III Inspection is usually called for if there is damage to your home because of a chimney fire or severe storm.  This may include lightning damage, wind damage and earthquakes. If we can’t determine the safety of the system in conducting a Level II Inspection, then a Level III will be recommended by the technician.

By estimate only – Demolition/Dismantling (to be fixed by a third party) that needs to be done to find the problem and complete the inspection (only performed when a problem is identified).

Our Process

The Chimney Sweep & Cleaning Process

Lindemann Chimney & Fireplace offers safe and professional cleanings to all our customers. Not only is the care of your chimney important to us, but so is the care of your home. To ensure that we protect your home from any damage, drop cloths will be used to protect all surface areas near the fireplace.

Just a few years ago it was not a common practice for a chimney sweep to scan your flue with every cleaning, however, technology is moving forward in all industries and ours is no different. We now scan every chimney we clean. In doing so, we can find hidden defects that we didn’t know were there before.

During the cleaning process, our technicians clean the entire system from the fireplace up. We use professional brushes, and a Triple Hepa Filter Vacuum. This ensures that no dust or allergens enter the air in your home. Our cleaning services also include a Level 2 NFPA Inspection.

We clean the entire system:

Proper maintenance and cleaning of your fireplace is essential for its safe and efficient operation. Our fireplace cleaning service can help ensure that all the different components of your fireplace system are working properly and free from any damage or buildup.

Here are the systems within a fireplace that we will clean:

Firebox

Smoke Chamber

Smoke Shelf

Chimney Flue

Damper Assembly

Rooftop inspection

Check caps

Brick and mortar

Flashing

Crown

50+ Years of Experience

Why Choose Lindemann For Your Chimney Needs

Our sweeps are also trained in chimney physics. This includes the principles of draft and flow, trouble-shooting draft problems, house pressures, home/building construction in relation to venting just to name a few.

These are just a few of the highlights that make Lindemann your premier choice in Chicagoland for your chimney cleaning and maintenance.

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