At New London Chimney Pros, our chimney sweeping service is designed to do more than “knock down the soot.” We focus on the whole system—firebox, smoke chamber, flue, damper, cap, and exterior masonry—to help your fireplace burn cleaner and draft correctly. Creosote and soot accumulate as you use your fireplace; left unchecked, they restrict airflow, produce odors, and can become a fire hazard. A routine sweep keeps the system efficient and dramatically reduces risk.

What Our Chimney Sweep Includes

Every sweep in New London, CT follows a careful process:

• Protective setup: Drop cloths and containment around the hearth, furniture protection, and shoe covers.
• Rotary & hand brushing: We choose the right combination to remove soot and creosote from the firebox, smoke chamber, and flue.
• HEPA vacuuming: Fine-particle control so the living space stays clean during and after the service.
• Draft and airflow check: Quick diagnostics to ensure your system pulls smoke up and out as it should.
• Visual safety check: We assess accessible areas for cracks, gaps, damaged liners, and moisture intrusion.
• Photo review & tips: We show you what we found and offer burn/maintenance tips for our coastal climate.

How Often Should You Sweep?

For typical wood-burning fireplaces, most New London homeowners benefit from an annual sweep. If you enjoy frequent fires or hobbyist wood stove use, you may need sweeping more often. Gas fireplaces usually produce less soot, but the venting still requires periodic checks for debris, corrosion, and proper draft—especially with salt air in coastal CT.

Why Creosote Matters

Creosote is a byproduct of incomplete combustion. It can be flaky, tar-like, or glazed. As it thickens, it becomes more difficult to remove and more combustible. The sooner it’s brushed out, the safer your system—and the easier and less expensive the work. Our technicians use professional-grade tools to remove creosote without damaging your liner.

Local Conditions in New London, CT

Coastal winds and freeze–thaw cycles can affect draft and allow moisture to enter small masonry cracks. Moisture mixed with soot produces acidic compounds that accelerate liner and mortar deterioration. During your sweep, we look for early signs of water entry and recommend preventative steps—proper caps, crown care, flashing attention, and breathable waterproofing.

Our Clean-Home Promise

A clean chimney shouldn’t mean a messy living room. We use containment, HEPA filtration, and careful technique so your home looks exactly the way we found it—only safer. When we leave, we remove coverings, tidy the hearth, and review what we did.

Signs You Need a Sweep

• Persistent smoke rollback or poor draft
• Strong, ashy or tar-like odors from the fireplace
• Black, dusty deposits in the firebox or on the damper
• Visible soot flakes falling when you open the damper
• New homeowner (unknown maintenance history)
• It’s been a year—or you can’t remember the last sweep

What We Check During the Sweep

While a sweep is primarily a cleaning service, our technicians are trained to spot red flags. If we see cracked crowns, deteriorated mortar joints, rusted or missing caps, or liner damage, we document it and discuss options. If a more in-depth evaluation is warranted, we’ll recommend a Level 2 or Level 3 inspection.

Upgrades That Pair Well With Sweeping

• Chimney caps to keep out rain, animals, and embers
• Smoke chamber parging to smooth transitions and improve draft
• Top-end dampers for better seal and energy savings
• Masonry repointing and crown repairs to prevent leaks

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a sweep take?

Most appointments take 45–90 minutes depending on fireplace type, creosote level, and access. If we discover issues that need attention, we’ll explain and provide a written estimate before any additional work.

Will there be a mess?

We protect the work area and vacuum with HEPA filtration throughout the process. When we’re finished, your living area will be clean and ready to use.

What if I have a wood stove or insert?

We service freestanding stoves and inserts as well. Depending on the install, we may remove or access baffles and brush the liner via top or bottom.

Do you sweep gas fireplaces?

Gas systems typically produce less soot, but we still recommend periodic venting checks to ensure safe operation and proper exhaust—especially in coastal environments.