Chimney Sweep Service SOP

Purpose

Standardize the residential chimney sweep. The core revenue line of the trade + the visit where most upsells originate (cap install, riser, dryer-vent add, gas-log service).

Scope

Wood-burning fireplaces + wood stoves + open masonry chimneys. Pellet stove + gas appliance flues use the same containment but a different brush set. Excludes oil + coal flues (creosote chemistry differs, separate procedure).

Prerequisites

• CSIA certification preferred (matters for insurance + customer trust)
• Brush set sized to flue (round 6"-12", square 8x8-13x13, rectangular custom)
• Fiberglass rods (typically 30-50 ft total)
• HEPA vacuum (NOT a shop-vac - soot is sub-micron)
• Drop cloths + plastic sheeting + masking tape
• Flashlight + inspection camera
• Respirator (P100 minimum) + safety glasses + gloves + coveralls
• Roof harness + 24-32 ft extension ladder (top-down access)
• 1.5-2.5 hours per typical fireplace

Procedure

Step 1: Pre-arrival

Confirm last sweep date + fuel type (cordwood vs duralog vs both - duralog leaves glaze). Verify pets contained + furniture moved away from hearth.

Step 2: Containment

1. Lay drop cloth from hearth 6 ft into room
2. Tape plastic sheeting across fireplace opening (HEPA vacuum hose punches through)
3. Open damper before sealing
4. Verify HEPA suction at the sheet - negative pressure keeps soot inside the flue
5. Move couch + rug clear

Step 3: Inspect first

Run inspection camera up the flue from the firebox. Document:

• Creosote stage (1 sooty, 2 flaky, 3 glazed)
• Liner condition (cracks, gaps, displacement)
• Smoke chamber finish (parging vs corbel)
• Damper function
• Any obstructions (nest, leaves, dead bird)

This determines brush vs chemical vs no-sweep-do-relining-instead.

Step 4: Sweep

Two methods. Choose by access + flue geometry:

Top-down: ladder to roof, remove cap, brush + rod from top, soot falls into firebox + HEPA. Best for most flues.

Bottom-up: brush + rod from firebox upward. Used when roof access dangerous or steep. Requires extra containment + a chimney top stopper rag.

In both: spin the brush, work 18-24" sections, watch for stuck brush (back off + reposition; never force).

Step 5: Smoke chamber + shelf

Above the damper sits the smoke shelf - a horizontal ledge that collects the heaviest debris. Hand-tool + vacuum. This is where 30-40% of glaze + nest material lives.

Step 6: Final inspection

Camera scan again. Confirm:

• Creosote down to Stage 0-1
• No new damage from sweeping
• Damper still functions
• Liner visible + intact

Step 7: Cleanup + customer briefing

1. Remove sheeting carefully (roll inward to trap soot)
2. HEPA the hearth + 6 ft of floor
3. Wipe down mantel + any hearth dust
4. Show before/after inspection photos
5. Discuss findings + any required repairs
6. Recommend next sweep interval

Acceptance criteria

• Creosote reduced to Stage 0 or 1 throughout
• No visible soot in room
• Damper operates
• Camera footage retained for inspection records
• Customer signed work order + has photos

Sweep frequency

Drives next-visit scheduling:

NFPA 211 mandates annual inspection regardless. Sweep is needed when 1/8" creosote present.

Creosote stages

Stage 1: Light, flaky, sooty. Brush removes easily. Standard sweep handles.

Stage 2: Crunchy, tar-like. Heavier brushing + sometimes chemical pretreatment (Anti-Creo-Soot or PCR). Bills higher.

Stage 3: Glazed, glassy, hardened. Brush will not remove. Requires PCR (Poultice Creosote Remover) or rotary chain - expect above standard sweep. Refer if not equipped.

Common pitfalls

• Skipping containment: soot in living room is brand suicide
• Shop-vac instead of HEPA: blows fines into the room
• Force-brushing glaze: cracks tile liner; recommend PCR
• Not photographing: customer disputes findings later
• Forgetting smoke shelf: leaves 30% of debris behind
• Ignoring liner gaps: failed sweep next year + a liability

Safety considerations

• Soot is IARC Group 1 carcinogen - wear P100, change clothes before driving
• Roof work: harness anchored to ridge or proper anchor
• Ladder angle 75 degrees, 3 ft above eave
• Carbon monoxide from prior fires - verify ventilation
• Lifting: brush kits 30-50 lbs, ladders 60 lbs

References

• CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) Successful Chimney Sweeping
• NFPA 211 Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances
• Manuall internal: Annual Chimney Inspection SOP, How to Install a Chimney Cap, Smoke and Draft Problems - Troubleshooting