For those of us who know the beautiful city of Vail, Colorado as home, snow is just a part of our lives, and so are fireplaces. Keeping warm is a way of life here. Luckily, finding someone to service your fireplace or wood stove is easy. Just contact Midtown Chimney Sweeps and Dryer Vent Cleaning of Vail, Colorado!

Cleaning and Sweeping Needs of Fireplaces and Chimneys

Why is chimney cleaning important?

Creosote (also known as soot) builds up in chimney flues and stoves as wood burns. It’s highly flammable and can cause a fire if it isn’t regularly cleaned away. The substance is carbon-based and usually black or brown in color.

What are the Chimney Inspection Regulations for Vail, Colorado?

There are regulations if you own a masonry or brick fireplace, a factory-built fireplace, a wood stove, a bio-fuel pellet stove, or a gas fireplace. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and most fireplace manufacturers agree that bio-fuel pellet and wood stoves should be swept every year. Masonry fireplaces and factory-built fireplaces are recommended to be swept when the buildup of soot reaches 1/8”. All should be inspected annually. If you don’t comply with these regulations, many manufacturers will refuse to honor the warranty if something happens to the appliance or chimney liner.

How often does a fireplace need cleaned?

According to the National Fire Protection Association Document 211, “Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary.” It is strongly advised that you have your fireplace checked annually, regardless of how often you use it. Even if you only use your fireplace infrequently, it could suffer from other issues such as broken dampers or air shutters that could still cause problems when used. The freeze-thaw cycle of Vail, Colorado takes a heavy toll on brick fireplaces and chimneys, and Midtown Chimney Sweeps can identify and correct these issues for you. 

How Midtown Chimney Sweeps of Vail, Colorado Cleans Chimneys

Our Tools Are Among the Best In the Trade

One tool we use is our HEPA centrifugal gravity dust extractor triple-filtration vacuum. It is a unique German made machine that removes soot and ash in a single pass, while leaving the air particulate-free and not making much noise. It’s safe to use on hard surfaces, as well as carpet, and is unmatched in the industry. We are proud of it!

Types of Inspections

There are three level of inspection recognized nationally, and two levels of inspections that we offer regularly. Level I satisfies most annual inspections and is a thorough visual inspection of the chimney, or stove, and adjoining connector pipe; Level II combines the visual inspection with a live video scan of the inside of the chimney in order to inspect for damage and build up. Level II is required by the NFPA 211 for new homeowners, realtors, and property managers when ownership of a residence changes. When you sell a home, it’s time to make sure that the chimney and fireplace therein is fully safe and functional.

Vail Dryer Vent Maintenance

Why is dryer vent cleaning important?

Lint, pet hair, and other fibers can accumulate in your clothes and be deposited into your dryer and its vent over time. If too much builds up, the lint combined with the high-heat electricity can start a fire.

How often should the dryer vent be cleaned?

Due to the fact that tiny holes may develop in the flexible connector behind the dryer, every dryer hook up and the area surrounding it should be visually scanned for damage every 6 months.  You can lean over the dryer and shine a light down there and look. But you cannot see the tiny holes in the flex connector unless you take it outside to the daylight. A good connector pipe will prevent dust or monoxide from entering the residence. Additionally, plastic flexile connectors are not up to code and need to be replaced by semi-rigid aluminum connectors. Lastly, once a year the vent should be cleaned.

Midtown Chimney Sweeps of Vail, Colorado is the best choice for knowledgeable and friendly staff who treat each and every client like family. We will make sure you can stay safe and warm when the weather gets chilly.

Proudly Serving These Colorado Cities

We are proud to serve Vail, Keystone, Breckenridge, Eagle, Frisco, Bailey, Silverthorne, Leadville, Copper Mountain, Avon, Edwards, Glenwood Springs, Winter Park, Granby, Fairplay, Aspen, Steamboat Springs, Berthoud, and everything in between!

Our Vail, CO Technicians are National Fireplace Institute (NFI) certified!