Every year, thousands of house fires start because of something that could have been easily prevented: a dirty chimney.
It’s one of the most overlooked aspects of home maintenance, yet chimney cleaning plays a critical role in keeping your home safe, your family protected, and your heating system running efficiently.
At Five Sons Chimney, we’ve seen firsthand what happens when chimney cleaning is ignored — and we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners get ahead of the danger. In this post, we’ll explain why chimney cleaning is essential, how to know when it’s time, and what professional cleaning looks like from start to finish.
Why Chimney Cleaning Should Be a Top Priority.
Fireplaces and wood stoves are cozy, practical, and beautiful. But when they’re not maintained, they can quickly become dangerous. Here's why chimney cleaning is so important:
1. Creosote Buildup is Extremely Flammable.
Creosote is a black, tar-like substance that builds up inside your chimney as you burn wood. It’s the #1 cause of chimney fires — and it doesn’t take much. Even a thin layer can ignite under the right conditions.
Once ignited, chimney fires can quickly spread to nearby walls, attics, and roofs.
2. Blockages Restrict Ventilation.
Over time, chimneys can become clogged with soot, ash, animal nests, leaves, or even collapsed flue tiles. These blockages prevent smoke and harmful gases from exiting your home.
That means more smoke inside your living space, poor air quality, and higher fire risk.
3. Carbon Monoxide Risks.
A blocked or poorly maintained chimney can cause carbon monoxide to leak back into your home. This odorless, colorless gas is extremely dangerous and can cause illness or death without warning.
Chimney cleaning helps ensure your chimney is properly venting gases to the outside.
Real Stats: How Serious is the Risk?
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):
Over 20,000 residential fires in the U.S. each year are caused by dirty chimneys.
The majority of chimney fires are caused by creosote buildup.
These fires result in hundreds of millions of dollars in property damage annually.
Chimney fires are preventable. Regular inspections and professional cleaning are your first line of defense.
Signs Your Chimney Needs Cleaning.
If you’re not sure whether your chimney needs to be cleaned, watch out for these red flags:
Strong, smoky smell coming from the fireplace
Dark, oily buildup around the flue or damper
Difficulty starting a fire or keeping it lit
Excessive smoke inside the home
Animal sounds from inside the chimney
Falling soot or debris into the fireplace
Even if you haven’t noticed any of these signs, annual cleaning is still recommended — especially before using your fireplace for the season.
How Often Should a Chimney Be Cleaned?
Here’s what the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends:
At least once a year for most homeowners, even with light usage
More frequently if you burn wood often or use softwoods like pine
After every cord of wood burned
Before the start of every heating season
Even gas fireplaces should be inspected annually. While they don’t create creosote, they can still experience venting issues or structural damage that require professional attention.
What Happens During a Chimney Cleaning?
If you’ve never scheduled a chimney cleaning before, here’s what a typical service from Five Sons Chimney looks like:
1. Initial Safety Inspection.
We inspect the entire system — chimney, firebox, damper, and flue — for damage, blockages, and creosote buildup. This helps us understand exactly what your chimney needs.
2. Mess-Free Cleaning.
Our team uses industry-leading tools including chimney brushes, flexible rods, and HEPA vacuums. We protect your home with drop cloths and guarantee no soot or debris will enter your living space.
3. Creosote and Debris Removal.
We remove soot, creosote, and any nests or obstructions inside the flue. This restores airflow and reduces fire risk.
4. Final Report and Recommendations.
You’ll get a detailed breakdown of our findings, including any potential repairs or safety concerns. We always explain things clearly and never upsell services you don’t need.
DIY Chimney Cleaning vs. Hiring a Professional.
You might have seen DIY chimney sweep kits at your local hardware store — but is it a good idea?
The truth is:
DIY tools often don’t reach the entire chimney length
It’s difficult to identify hidden damage without training
Cleaning creosote can be hazardous to your health
Most insurance companies require professional cleanings for coverage
When it comes to fire prevention and safety, leave chimney cleaning to the pros. At Five Sons Chimney, our certified technicians ensure every inch of your chimney is properly cleaned, inspected, and safe to use.
Why Choose Five Sons Chimney?
We’re more than just another chimney sweep company — we’re a local, family-owned business built on trust, safety, and service. Here’s why our customers keep coming back:
✔ Certified & Insured.
All our technicians are CSIA-certified and fully insured for your peace of mind.
✔ Local Experts.
We understand the regional climate, chimney styles, and common risks specific to our service area.
✔ Honest Pricing.
We provide upfront pricing with no hidden fees or surprise charges.
✔ Clean Guarantee.
We treat your home with respect — guaranteed no mess left behind.
✔ Fast, Friendly Service.
We show up on time, work efficiently, and treat you like family.