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Chimney Cleaning and Inspection

At Appalachian Chimney Service, we provide comprehensive chimney cleaning, inspection, and scanning services throughout Western North Carolina. Our approach combines expert technical service with thorough education-- as we often say, our job is 10% actual labor and 90% education. In other words: we don't just clean your chimney; we help you understand your system and how to maintain it safely for years to come.

Our Chimney Cleaning & Inspection Services

Chimney cleaning in progress

Professional Chimney Cleaning

Regular chimney cleaning is essential for preventing dangerous chimney fires, ensuring proper ventilation, and maintaining the efficiency of your heating system. Our thorough cleaning process includes:

  • Comprehensive Preparation: We protect your home with drop cloths and specialized equipment to ensure no mess enters your living space
  • Industry-Standard Techniques: Using professional-grade brushes, rods, and vacuum systems specifically designed for chimney cleaning
  • Thorough Creosote Removal: Special attention to removing dangerous creosote buildup according to NFPA 211 standards
  • Complete Cleanup: Removal of all debris and soot from your chimney system
  • Post-Cleaning Inspection: Verification that all hazardous materials have been removed and your system is functioning properly

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommend that chimneys should be inspected annually and cleaned when creosote buildup reaches 1/8 inch thickness.

Learn More about Our Professional Chimney Cleaning

Standard & Advanced Chimney Inspections

On January 13, 2000, the National Fire Protection Association adopted standardized inspection levels into code NFPA 211. As CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps, we adhere strictly to these standards, ensuring your chimney receives the appropriate level of inspection for your specific situation.

Level 1 Inspection: Annual Maintenance

  • Recommended for chimneys under continued service with no changes
  • Includes inspection of readily accessible portions of chimney exterior and interior
  • Verifies that the chimney is free of obstructions and combustible deposits
  • Perfect for routine annual maintenance

Level 2 Inspection: Detailed Assessment

  • Required when changes are made to your system (fuel type, appliance replacement)
  • Necessary upon sale or transfer of property
  • Includes everything in a Level 1 inspection, plus accessible portions in attics, crawl spaces, and basements
  • Verifies proper clearances from combustibles in accessible locations
  • Includes video scanning of internal surfaces and joints of all flue liners

Level 3 Inspection: Comprehensive Evaluation

  • Necessary when serious hazards are suspected
  • Includes removal of certain components to gain access to concealed areas
  • Evaluates proper construction and condition of concealed portions of the chimney structure
Learn More About Our Chimney Inspection Services

Advanced Video Chimney Scanning

Our state-of-the-art Chim-Scan® video inspection system allows us to identify problems inside your chimney that traditional inspections might miss. This technology:

  • Detects hidden damage invisible to the naked eye
  • Identifies dangerous creosote buildup in hard-to-see areas
  • Documents the condition of your entire flue system
  • Provides visual evidence for insurance claims or real estate transactions
  • Verifies that cleaning services have been thoroughly completed
Learn More About our Chimney Scanning Services
Video scan equipment inspecting the inside of a chimney flue

When to Schedule Chimney Cleaning & Inspection

  • Annual Maintenance: Before the heating season begins in fall
  • Real Estate Transactions: When buying or selling a home
  • System Changes: After installing a new heating appliance or converting fuel types
  • After Extended Disuse: If you haven't used your fireplace in over a year
  • Following Weather Events: After severe storms, high winds, or seismic activity
  • Performance Issues: When experiencing smoking problems or poor drafting
  • Visual Indicators: If you notice creosote flakes or black deposits in the fireplace

The Appalachian Chimney Service Difference

What sets our chimney cleaning and inspection services apart:

  1. Educational Approach: We don't just clean and inspect—we teach you about your chimney system and how to maintain it safely
  2. Visual Documentation: All our services include before and after documentation, giving you peace of mind
  3. Standards-Based: All recommendations are based on IRC and NFPA-211 standards, which we consider our professional "bible"
  4. Attention to Detail: We inspect elements others might miss, like chimney construction types behind facades and roof system clearances
  5. Safety Focus: We maintain strict safety protocols, including tied-off ladders and cell phones carried to roofs for emergency communication

Protect Your Home and Family

Regular chimney maintenance isn't just about efficiency—it's about safety. Creosote buildup, structural damage, and blocked flues can lead to chimney fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, and other serious hazards. Our comprehensive cleaning and inspection services help protect what matters most.

Schedule Your Chimney Service Today

Don't wait until problems arise. Contact Appalachian Chimney Service to schedule your professional chimney cleaning and inspection today!

Service Areas: Asheville, Waynesville, Clyde, Hendersonville, Brevard, Bryson City, Cashiers, Highlands, Cherokee, Maggie Valley, Canton, and surrounding areas in Western North Carolina.

Schedule today
Scheduling chimney service with Appalachian Chimney Service

Frequently Asked Questions About Chimney Cleaning & Inspection

Q: How often should I have my chimney cleaned?
A: The National Fire Protection Association recommends annual chimney inspections. Cleaning frequency depends on use—typically once per year for regular use, or whenever creosote buildup reaches 1/8 inch.
Q: What happens during a chimney cleaning?
A: Our technicians protect your home with drop cloths, then use professional-grade tools to remove creosote, soot, and debris from your chimney. We finish with a basic inspection to verify the system is clean and functioning properly.
Q: Why is video scanning important?
A: Video scanning allows us to see inside your chimney in ways not possible with visual inspection alone. This technology can identify cracks, deterioration, and hazards that would otherwise go undetected.
Q: Do I need a Level 2 inspection when selling my home?
A: Yes. The NFPA 211 standard requires a Level 2 inspection upon sale or transfer of property to ensure the new owners receive a properly functioning and safe chimney system.
Q: What's the difference between creosote and soot?
A: Soot is a fine black powder that's relatively easy to clean. Creosote is a tarry, sometimes hardened substance that builds up in layers and is highly flammable—making it a primary cause of chimney fires.