The art of chimney sweeping requires extensive focus and a good pair of hands to ensure the job gets done properly and on time. Having the right chimney cleaning tools makes the process go a lot smoother.
With advancements in professional chimney sweeping tools, several options have hit the market, and we’re here to review the best of them for you. If you want to run a successful full-service chimney sweep business, you probably want to make sure that most of these tools are at your disposal.
Some of the chimney sweep tools we’ll cover here are:
- Brushes
- Rods
- Cleaning solutions
- Inspection gear
- Protective equipment
16 Must-Have Chimney Sweeping Tools
1. Power Sweeping System by SnapLok
If you’re looking for one of the most powerful chimney sweep tools on the market, this motorized system is everything you need. You can customize the cleaning heads to fit your needs, and the firm nylon heads leave the chimney polished. The wire handle will help you clean just about any flue you come across.
Whether you’re working on a small job or have a chimney that needs the cleaning of a lifetime, a power sweeping system will ensure you get the job done to the highest standard. It’s also one of the more affordable pieces of chimney-sweeping equipment you can get your hands on.
2. Wire Chimney Brush
A wire chimney brush is a must-have if you want to clean all of those hard-to-reach spaces and stubborn cracks. Wire chimney brushes are most suitable for clay flues and stone chimneys. You can find these brushes in all shapes and sizes, but the best are rectangle and round to help you get all the nooks and crannies.
This simple yet effective piece of chimney cleaning equipment will make those small but frustrating jobs a breeze. Wire chimney brushes are also exceptional at removing debris and creosote deposits. However, larger cleaning projects may require more heavy-duty chimney sweep equipment.
3. Polypropylene Brush
Unlike wire brushes, polypropylene offers more subtle and non-aggressive cleaning for fragile chimneys and flues. Polypropylene brushes are suitable for cleaning off stainless steel and also protect the homeowner’s warranty agreement since they don’t leave unsightly scratches.
If you need to get rid of stains from coal, oil, or acidic compounds, the polypropylene brush is an excellent choice for your techs. Your clients will be satisfied when they know their chimney is completely polished without any scratches or damages. If you’re working on metal chimneys often, make sure to keep this useful tool close by.
4. Flexible Chimney Cleaning Rod
With a great brush comes a chimney cleaning rod. These rods are extremely helpful when you’re cleaning chimneys with a bend so you can reach throughout the entire shaft. Many flexible chimney cleaning rods contain nylon and some form of elastic material. The rods also help remove soot from the chimney’s base to prevent fires.
When purchasing chimney cleaning rods, make sure you can connect the rods together so you can reach more space. Most rods have a locking mechanism, so you shouldn’t have to worry about losing direction when cleaning.
5. Smoke Chamber Brush
The smoke chamber is another part of the chimney that is vulnerable to soot and creosote build-up. That’s why having a smoke chamber brush at the ready is a great way to protect your clients from any hazardous fires that could occur. Many smoke chamber brushes offer an excellent range of motion to help clean hard-to-reach areas and corners.
Other Chimney Cleaning Solutions
Sometimes, durable chimney cleaning tools aren’t enough. In that case, you’ll need a reliable chimney cleaning solution to remove the excess creosote and soot build-up. There are several professional-grade cleaning agents available that won’t damage property or break the bank. All of the items below are also eco-friendly and won’t release any toxic compounds into the home.
6. Ceramic Glass Cleaner
Every now and then, your team might run into a chimney that isn’t made from conventional materials (stone/metal). If you need to polish a ceramic chimney, you’ll need a ceramic cleaner to get the job done. Ceramic glass cleaners work wonders and will help prevent harmful compounds from building up in the future.
After applying the ceramic glass cleaner, all you need to do is use a damp sponge or towel to spread the cleaner throughout the chimney’s surface. You can then use a paper towel or dry cloth to wipe off any excess cleaner to prevent any stains.
7. Powder-Based Creosote Remover
Creosote is a compound that forms over time from several tars and plant-based materials. If left uncleaned, creosote can be hazardous and even cause house fires. Therefore, it’s essential that you have a reliable powder-based creosote remover to keep your client’s chimneys clean and safe.
There are several affordable powder-based solutions available that prevent creosote build-up. These solutions also encourage airflow and boost the chimney’s overall performance.
Start Using Chimney Sweep Software!
Chimney Sweep Gear
It’s also extremely important that your techs are protected throughout the job. Cleaning a chimney exposes your team to a wide variety of compounds that can cause serious long-term health problems. Below are some high-quality pieces of fireplace cleaning tools that your chimney sweeps absolutely need:
8. Respirator
Professional chimney sweeps are continuously exposed to harmful compounds that can affect their overall health. Therefore, it’s crucial that your techs wear a full-face respirator during each of their projects.
9. Chimney Vacuum System
Cleaning the chimney is one thing, but cleaning up your worksite after the job is done can be a daunting task. That’s why having an industrial-grade chimney vacuum system is an excellent addition to your kit. The vacuum will remove all harmful compounds that can cause health problems for your clients and will leave their homes spotless after your team leaves.
10. Camera Kit
Investing in a reliable camera kit can be a hefty cost to eat, but it’s well worth it. With a camera kit, you and your team can thoroughly inspect a chimney flue to point out all of the problem areas. This will make you more efficient and able to complete jobs faster. Make sure you choose a camera kit that offers an LED display and is waterproof.
Although camera kits can be expensive, you should think of them as a long-term investment for your business. When customers see that you’re well-equipped with cutting-edge chimney cleaning technology, they’ll be sure to call you whenever they need another cleaning.
11. Canvas Drop Cloth
A canvas drop cloth is far more efficient than plastic as it won’t make any particles stick due to static electricity. Your canvas drop cloth allows for easier clean-up and a more professional work site. They’re typically inexpensive and extremely versatile. One reason several companies use canvas drop cloth is that you can use it for both outdoor and indoor projects.
12. Lighting
Since flues don’t offer a ton of natural lighting, you’ll need to bring your own. Fortunately, there are several lighting options to choose from to make your job easier. Making your way into a dark flue is not easy, but with the right light at the ready, you can get the job done as quickly as possible.
13. Masonry Sealant
Masonry chimneys are susceptible to wear and tear, so having masonry sealant as a part of your kit will come in handy when working on these kinds of chimneys. Damaged masonry chimneys can lead to a bunch of other problems in the home, including:
- Unseen mold or bacteria growth
- Damaged central heating system
- Rotting wood
- Unsightly water stains
- Decaying exterior
Masonry sealant is fantastic at sealing up any cracks or noticeable defects. We recommend finding a sealant that doesn’t require a bonding solution and dries quickly.
14. Inspection Mirrors
Inspection mirrors come in handy if you need to take a quick look inside a flue or can’t afford an expensive camera kit. There are several affordable inspection mirrors available, which come in a wide range of materials like glass and stainless steel. Your inspection mirror will allow you to quickly identify problems so you and your team can plan projects more efficiently.
15. Chimney Water Repellent
Waterproofing a chimney is crucial because it prevents long-term damage to both the flue and surrounding parts of the home’s structure. Your team can easily apply a solution on the surface of masonry chimneys to catch water vapor. Adding chimney water repellent also eliminates the need for several future chimney repairs.
16. Chimney Sweep Software
Chimney sweep software can help manage your entire business. From scheduling to billing, WorkWave’s chimney sweep software is an all-in-one solution for any chimney sweep business.
Conclusion
Cleaning a chimney is not an easy or clean job. However, with the right tools, your team can provide excellent service for your customers. Make sure to find the right chimney sweep equipment based on what kind of projects you tackle the most. If you work on a mixture of different chimney types, make sure you’re prepared to handle the right materials.
Remember, many of these tools might be expensive upfront, but they will help you grow your business in the long run. We hope this guide was helpful, and that you now have a better idea of what kind of gear you’ll need to run a successful chimney sweep business.
