Do you want to clean your chimney to save time and money, except your not sure where to start? Having the right tools and equipment on hand is the first step in successfully DIY.
Without the tools that are needed for a job, the job cannot get started.
If your not afraid of heights or don't mind a little soot, this job is easy enough for you.
Consider first why this important job must be done.
Cleaning a chimney prevents chimney fires as well as potential house fires.
During this job your not only cleaning out soot and dust, but there is creosote that needs removed, that has built up over the years on your chimney walls.
By DIY your personally making sure the job gets done right.
There are four different methods to cleaning your chimney, items in the list below are usually all used in every method.
A few will depend on the method that best fits you.
Learning about these methods should be the first step you take before jumping to the job.
These methods are: Rod method Bottom Up, Rod method Top Down, Weight Method, Dual line Method After deciding, you will need to know the size of your chimney.
The chimney brush is the most important and first on the list of things you will need.
Grab a measuring tape and measure your chimney's opening.
The reason for this step is there are many wire brushes on market.
They come in variety of sizes and shapes.
Having the right chimney brush is very important.
The list of items needed: Chimney brush Either chimney brush rods or rope and pull rings (depending on the method) Fireplace cover Tarp, drop cloth or other similar coverings for the floor and furniture Tape Mirror Metal bucket Shovel and broom Shop vacuum Flashlight Dust mask/goggles Ladder (depending on the method)