Chimney Cleaning & Inspection

At Lindemann, our Sweeps are the best trained and most knowledgeable in the Industry today. We provide the latest in technology and equipment so we can provide you with the highest quality care available. This training includes information on the latest cleaning techniques, codes, inspection technology, principles of draft, types of chimneys/appliances and much, much more.

How often should you 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

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.

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.

Our 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. 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:

*System includes:

• Firebox
• Smoke Chamber
• Smoke Shelf
• Chimney Flue
• Damper Assembly
• Rooftop inspection:
• Check caps
• Brick and mortar
• Flashing
• Crown

Inspection Types

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.

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. inspection by video scanning. 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 II Includes a Video Scan of Your Chimney System

This identifies any cracks in clay tiles, missing mortar between tiles, and moisture.

Level III (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).