In Easley, we experience damp winters and high humidity, which can take a toll on chimneys and their metal components. Even if you use a gas fireplace, many of the same issues persist, such as corrosive gas stains that eat through masonry and metal, flue obstructions that restrict airflow, filling your home with smoke and toxic carbon monoxide, and an increased risk of a chimney fire spreading to your attic, ceiling, and walls.
Advanced Chimney Sweep, home of the “No Mess Guarantee,” provides certified inspections, professional sweeping, and real-time video scans in Easley and surrounding Upstate communities. For over two decades, our team has combined expert training with local experience to protect the homes and families of South Carolina residents.
Why Easley Residents Need a Certified Chimney Sweep
Even though our community is surrounded by woodlands at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, we still experience a humid climate. This humidity often traps moisture inside the chimney. When mixed with soot, it becomes corrosive, which degrades mortar joints from the inside out. A Certified Chimney Professional® does more than chimney sweeping; they are experts in identifying structural vulnerabilities and recommending the necessary repairs to bring your chimney system up to code.
Our Tools of the Trade
When we arrive at your home, you will notice our certified technicians using a variety of professional tools and industry-leading technology to ensure your home stays clean throughout the entire sweep and inspection process. Some of our tools include:
- High-Resolution Video Cameras: We may scan the chimney liner and the attic to detect any signs of developing cracks before they become more problematic.
- Industrial Vacuums: Our industrial-strength vacuum with a HEPA filter is an essential tool that traps the dust and particulates inside the chimney without disrupting your indoor air quality.
- Specialized Rotary Brushes: Designed to remove stubborn deposits, such as creosote, without damaging the flue liner.
Also, you may notice us climbing on the roof to inspect the chimney top, including the cap, crown, flashing, and surrounding masonry.
The Three Stages of Creosote
Creosote is a highly flammable byproduct of burning wood. As it lingers inside the chimney, it becomes increasingly volatile:
Stage 1: At this stage, the sooty deposits are easy to remove with a standard chimney brush.
Stage 2: As creosote hardens into crunchy flakes, it often requires rotary brushes to safely remove the material without scratching the liner.
Stage 3: In its final stage, it hardens into a thick, tarry, glazed material that is highly flammable and often requires a special chemical treatment to remove.
Do I Need a Real Estate Chimney Inspection?
An NFPA Level II, commonly referred to as a Real Estate Chimney Inspection, is required before the transfer of real property and after certain other events. The visual examination of all accessible areas of the chimney’s interior and exterior also includes a video scan. This level II inspection is required when buying or selling a home, after a significant weather or seismic event, or when there are modifications to the chimney or venting system, or when changing fuel types.
How Do I Know My Chimney Needs Sweeping?
The NFPA recommends a chimney inspection at least once a year and cleaning when necessary. However, you should call Advanced Chimney Sweeps immediately whenever you notice:
- Strange Odors: A "campfire" or "burning asphalt" smell coming from the hearth, especially when it rains.
- Poor Draft: Smoke backdrafts into the room instead of going up the chimney.
- Sooty Deposits: Visible oily or crusty deposits on the damper or walls of the fireplace.
- Animal Noises: Scratching, chirping, or flapping sounds may indicate birds or wildlife nesting in the flue.
Certified Chimney Sweep & Inspection in Easley, SC
Homeowners in Easley, Pickens County, and beyond rely on the certified professionals at Advanced Chimney Sweep for exceptional chimney services. We proudly serve the Upstate and South Carolina Midlands, including Whispering Pines, Greenville, Heathwood, Arial, Piedmont, Gantt, and Powdersville. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with a Certified Chimney Professional®.