DIY Chimney Sweep
- 1). Put your tape measure, pen and paper in some kind of bag that will allow your hands to be free to climb the ladder.
- 2). Use the ladder to climb on your roof.
- 3). Remove the chimney cap by loosening four thumbscrews at the base or on the lid.
- 4). Use the tape measure to get the dimensions of the inside of your flue tiles. Write the measurements on the paper.
- 5). Look at the chimney and check for black soot and buildup (creosote). If there is black soot and a little buildup, you will need a regular wire brush. If the buildup is thick, use a flat wire brush. The brush should be about the size of the flue so that it makes contact with the surface of the chimney.
- 6). Measure the height of the chimney, from the top to the smoke chamber. A two-story home usually has a chimney about 25 inches high; a one-story home averages about 15 inches. Handles for the chimney comes in three-, four-, five- and six-inch rods that screw together as one piece.
- 7). Climb down the ladder to your fireplace. Cover the opening of the fireplace with plastic to prevent dust from damaging your furniture.
- 8). Assemble your chimney sweeper. Attach the right size rods according to the height of your chimney and the brush.
- 9). Reattach the chimney cap and tighten the screws.
