Mitchell Lovell and Danny Lipford chat about chimneys this week. (Coastal Chimney Sweeps/3 Echoes Content Studio)

This week, we’re talking about chimneys and fireplaces with Mitchell Lovell, a second-generation certified chimney sweep with Coastal Chimney Sweeps

In 2009, Mitchell started working at Coastal Chimney Sweeps, the company his father founded in 1979. Like his father, Thomas, he is dedicated to doing the best work to keep customers safe.


Chimney sweep cleaning a chimney
A special vacuum is used to clean soot from a fireplace and chimney. (Henfaes, Getty Images)

Cleaning and Inspection

What all’s involved in cleaning a chimney?

Mitchell: First, we move all the furniture out of the way and lay down a drop cloth around the chimney.

Then clean the chimney with a specially made vacuum with a three-stage filter and HEPA filter. This contains the soot and keeps the inside air clean.

We can get anywhere from five to 10 gallons of soot out of some chimneys!

At Coastal Chimney Sweeps, we perform a certified inspection for every scheduled cleaning. If needed, we’ll do an inspection with a Chim-Scan Video. This is a camera inspection system that scans every joint and connection to make sure everything is functioning properly.


Stainless steel chimney flue liner
Flexible stainless steel chimney lining is easier to maneuver than masonry liner. (PaulMaguire, Getty Images)

Relining a Chimney

What’s involved in relining a chimney?

Mitchell: A chimney liner prevents the transfer of heat to combustible parts that surround a chimney. Over time, the liner deteriorates, and this increases your risk of a house fire. 

Basically, there are two types of chimney lining: masonry and stainless steel. 

For a masonry liner, we use a bladder (chimney balloon) to block the bottom of the chimney, then spray firebrick cement inside to line it. Once the cement is dry, we deflate the bladder.

With a stainless steel liner, we run a flex-pipe metal liner through the chimney and connect it to block-off plates on the bottom and the top. 

Stainless steel liners work well in older houses with multiple chimneys or chimneys with a lot of offsets. 


wood burning in a brick fireplace
Always use dry wood in a fireplace. (Angelafoto, Getty Images Signature)

Preventative Maintenance

What are some general rules for preventative maintenance?

Mitchell: Most importantly, have your chimney inspected once or twice a year if you use it frequently.

Next, make sure your wood is dry and don’t use pressure-treated wood. Burning green wood, or wood that has a lot of moisture, creates a lot of smoke. Not only will it ruin your indoor air quality, but it will also clog up your chimney faster. 

Also, sparingly burn lighter knot wood, also known as fatwood. This type of firewood comes from the heartwood of pine trees and is saturated in sap, so it burns easily. However, it has a strong smell and will clog up your chimney with a creosote coating very quickly.


close-up of a gas fireplace
Gas fireplaces need to be inspected just like wood-burning fireplaces. (DavidPrahl, Getty Images)

Gas Fireplaces

What about gas fireplaces?

Mitchell: Gas fireplaces need to be inspected just like wood-burning fireplaces.

The embers and filter sand will burn up eventually and clog the gas lines and block the heat sensors.

If your gas fireplace isn’t lighting, the heat sensor is probably blocked.


View of a metal chimney cap
A metal chimney cap will keep critters out. (3 Echoes Content Studio)

Dealing With Animals

What about animals nesting in fireplaces?

Mitchell: Squirrels and birds will often build nests on top of a chimney if the screen is broken, which could then lead to a build-up of a lot of combustible material inside.

I’ve seen one chimney with eight feet of twigs built up inside it from squirrels.

Also, these nests can fall down on top of the damper and block the whole chimney.

Have your chimney inspected regularly to make sure nothing is hiding in it and the screen is still doing its job.


chimney sweep cleaning and inspecting a chimney
Don’t wait until a problem happens to have your chimney inspected. (Bill Oxford, Getty Images Signature)

Best Time for a Chimney Inspection

When’s the best time to have your chimney inspected?

Mitchell: Spring is the best time for a certified chimney sweep to inspect your chimney.

Business at Coastal Chimney Sweeps usually picks up at the end of summer, and by November, we book appointments three to four weeks out. So, by the time you notice the problem, you’re waiting for almost another month. 


Clogged dryer vents can not only start a fire, but they also keep your dryer from running efficiently. (JodiJacobson, Getty Images Signature)

Dryer Vent Cleaning

What about dryer vent cleaning?

Mitchell: If your clothes take longer than one cycle to dry, you need to clean your dryer vent most likely.

Some dryer vents run 20 or 30 feet underneath a home’s slab foundation, which makes it easier for the vents to clog with not only lint but also water.

Also, if you don’t clean your vent out for years, the lint can solidify and completely block the pipe.

We use air pressure and agitation tools along with a vacuum to clean the entire vent. Dryer vent cleaning cleans the line that travels through the walls and ceilings to the outside vent of your home.

Once cleaned, we will clean out the connection piece, re-attach your dryer and re-check the vent while your dryer is operating.

Cleaning out your dryer vent extends the life of your dryer, reduces operation costs and makes your home safer for your you and family.


Further Reading

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

Learn More