In loving memory of Kenis D. Keathley 6/4/81 - 3/27/22 Loving father, husband, brother, friend and firewood hoarder Rest in peace, Dexterday

Chimney cleaning

Discussion in 'Modern EPA Stoves and Fireplaces' started by mattjm1017, Dec 21, 2013.

?

Top down or Bottom up and why?

  1. Top Down

    11 vote(s)
    55.0%

  2. Bottom up

    7 vote(s)
    35.0%

  3. Doesnt matter just clean it!!

    2 vote(s)
    10.0%
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  1. mattjm1017

    mattjm1017

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    Its about time for a mid season cleaning and I realized I haven't seen any threads on top down or bottom up. Whats yalls opinion is one better than the other or does it matter? I am planning to do bottom up because I don't have a ladder tall enough to safely get to the top of my chimney, but I do have concerns that I'm not getting the top very clean. I had the chimney cleaned at the begging of the season and the sweep said it looked good so I must be doing something right. Anyway lets have it I want everyone's opinion of this.
     
    mattjm1017, Dec 21, 2013
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  2. savemoney

    savemoney

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    savemoney, Dec 21, 2013
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  3. concretegrazer

    concretegrazer

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    I clean from the top down because its what's easiest for me.
     
    concretegrazer, Dec 22, 2013
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  4. milleo

    milleo

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    Bottom up and I can do it from the ground....So very easy and safe for me, no ladders...:)
     
    milleo, Dec 22, 2013
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  5. Well Seasoned

    Well Seasoned Administrator

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    I have an almost flat roof, and although I'm at the top of a 12 ft ladder, it is the most ideal way to do it. Having a telescoping stove pipe, it is not the easiest way to clean it bottom up.
     
    Well Seasoned, Dec 22, 2013
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  6. thewoodlands

    thewoodlands

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    We can do the cleaning from the bottom up, I always check the screen with binoculars, so far it's always stayed open.
     
    thewoodlands, Dec 22, 2013
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  7. Backwoods Savage

    Backwoods Savage Moderator

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    We do it both ways. Does that make us ambidextrous?
     
    Backwoods Savage, Dec 22, 2013
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  8. rottiman

    rottiman

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    ...................multi-talented @ the minimum! LOL
     
    rottiman, Dec 22, 2013
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  9. Backwoods Savage

    Backwoods Savage Moderator

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    :D
     
    Backwoods Savage, Dec 22, 2013
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  10. DexterDay

    DexterDay Administrator

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    Top down, but it's the easiest way for me. Using a Lint eater and I have rods and a 6" steel brush.

    I take the top 3ft section off (includes cap) and the hole is just below waist height for me (perfect). I didn't need the last 3 ft section, but I had it and the 18' of vert outside makes the 30 draft nice :)

    image.jpg image.jpg
     
    DexterDay, Dec 22, 2013
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  11. Machria

    Machria

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    Bottom up, because you can't get onto my roof without a 45' ladder, which I ain't doing!
     
    Machria, Dec 23, 2013
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  12. Lumber-Jack

    Lumber-Jack

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    I clean my chimney from the top down, but for obvious reasons I would never expect my grandmother to do it that way.
     
    Lumber-Jack, Dec 23, 2013
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  13. blujacket

    blujacket

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    I pay a sweep to do mine in the Spring. Two man crew, one cleaning from bottom, the other from the top.
     
    blujacket, Dec 23, 2013
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  14. Locust Post

    Locust Post

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    I do mine from the top because I have an insert and it is the easiest way. Plus I really never gave it much thought of doing it any other way until I started posting.
     
    Locust Post, Dec 23, 2013
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  15. fishingpol

    fishingpol

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    Top Down. Low pitch roof with a skylight to get easy access.

    1.) I can re-position the TV antennae up there if needed.
    2.) Sooteater scares the crap out of the cats and kids when I run it down.
    3.) No mess inside.
    4.)Neighbor sees me doing it and hopefully reminds him not to wait two years to get his done.
     
    fishingpol, Dec 24, 2013
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  16. fox9988

    fox9988

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    You can open your skylight? I didn't know that was an option.
     
    fox9988, Dec 24, 2013
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  17. fishingpol

    fishingpol

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    I have Velux brand. The lifting arms at the crank end can be removed from the track in which they slide. Once out, at the hinge end there are two spring-loaded latches that hold the pivots that let the whole sash pop out.

    Six foot step ladder up and I'm out. It is great access for shoveling the roof off.
     
    fishingpol, Dec 25, 2013
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  18. Chvymn99

    Chvymn99 Moderator

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    Bottom up....Easier (angle of roof + height = not for me) and soot eater...
     
    Chvymn99, Dec 25, 2013
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  19. mattjm1017

    mattjm1017

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    So from what Ive read here it doesnt matter just clean it. I was just curious if there were any pros and cons of going one way or the other. Ill stick with bottom up even though its a pain in the azz its not as bad or dangerous as going to the top.
     
    mattjm1017, Dec 26, 2013
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  20. sherwood

    sherwood

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    Hey, Matt , let us know if you get anything when you sweep. A Fireview done in the Autumn will likely have very minimal results now...maybe a cup or so ?
    Probably once you sweep now, you'll feel comfortable waiting until Spring for the next sweep. Comfort is a great thing, so sweep away.
     
    sherwood, Dec 26, 2013
    #20 Top
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