Untitled Document

An afternoon sweep

October 10, 2007

It’s fall—the perfect time to sweep those chimneys! sccworlds.com spent some time yesterday with Joe Mack, owner of The Mad Hatter Chimney Sweep. While the chimney was cleaned, we had an opportunity to talk soot with Joe.

“Chimneys, fireplaces and vents shall be inspected on an annual basis,” Joe said. Wood-burning stoves need also be inspected at least annually and can be a hazard if not installed properly. In fact, any appliance needing to vent outside (e.g. a dryer exhaust), should be inspected regularly. A cleaning is not always necessary, but an inspection assures safe working condition.

Chimney sweeps, The National Fire Prevention Association, realtors and home inspectors have teamed together to prepare industry standards regarding inspections. With these standards, consumers will feel safe in knowing their fireplace inspection meets agreed-on industry standards. Inspections may also soon be required for the purchase of homes containing fireplaces. Home buyers will appreciate knowing the working status of their fireplace.

Sometimes a fluttering noise may be heard from the chimney. It may seem birds will soon land in the fireplace. Joe assured us, most of the time the birds are still outside and seem loud only because of the echo. Usually there is no problem. However, the chimney swift bird, true to its name, loves to nest in chimneys, and is federally protected. When the chimney swift bird is found in a chimney, sweeps must leave it and the nest alone or face stiff fines.

Chimney Cleaning and Inspection—What to Expect

A chimney cleaning and inspection will take about an hour or so. About 30—40 minutes is devoted to cleaning, and the rest of the time is spent inspecting it. First, the chimney sweep lays down a heavy rug on the hearth and surrounding area near the fireplace. A large vacuum is brought in for cleaning through the fireplace opening. The sweep never climbs through the chimney. He does take a look from the outside. Finally, an inspection is prepared and the status of the fireplace is explained.

Get Cracklin’
According to Joe, the best kind of wood to burn is a hard wood such as hickory, oak or ash. Though more expensive than wood, manufactured logs actually burn cleaner than wood and are better for the environment.

To start a fire: Get it started with some kind of tinder like newsprint or a store-bought log, add some kindling (no larger than 1” in diameter). When the fire gets going, add larger logs and enjoy.

Items not to burn: Christmas trees, wrapping paper, colorful sales flyers or magazines.

Be Prepared
For residents wishing to think ahead, The Mad Hatter will offer a discount during the months of June, July and August, 2008. Contact them for complete details.

About The Mad Hatter

Joe Mack is a second-generation owner of The Mad Hatter. The company was started in 1979 in Atlanta by his father. In the early 90’s, The Mad Hatter opened another location in Missouri. Joe’s sister continues to keep the Atlanta branch running.

Dedicated to educating home owners about fireplace safety, The Mad Hatter is an active participant in the National Chimney Sweep Guild. They also offer sweeping performed by CSIA certified chimney sweeps.

“When someone thinks of fireplaces, I want them to think of The Mad Hatter,” Joe Mack.

Return to sccworlds.com