CSIA-Certified Chimney Sweep In Gettysburg, PA

The Anderson’s crew is certified through the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). That means our chimney sweep team members have demonstrated an advanced knowledge of chimney structures, drafting physics, fire prevention, and cleaning methods.

When we clean chimneys for customers throughout the Adams County, PA, region, we focus on two primary areas:

1. Creosote buildup inside the chimney flue
2. Drafting obstructions

Creosote Removal

Chimney sweeping involves removing creosote, which causes most reported chimney fires in southern Pennsylvania and the rest of the nation each year.

Creosote forms when smoke condenses in the chimney and can appear as a flaky, puffy, sticky or solid substance. Our certified chimney sweeps use industry-grade brushes, scrapers, rods, whips, specialized solvents and commercial vacuums to safely remove all types of creosote from chimney flues.

The National Fire Protection Association strongly recommends that homeowners with wood-burning fireplaces have their chimneys cleaned once a year. This is to prevent not only chimney fires but also internal damage from the high acid levels in creosote.

Drafting Obstructions

If your Gettysburg, PA, chimney has no chimney cap or other secure topper, it’s open to a variety of small animals, damaging rain and snow, and debris from nearby trees.

Birds, squirrels, rodents, raccoons and other critters often seek shelter in chimneys. The nesting material some of them leave behind, as well as the occasional dead animal, can seriously impede the drafting of smoke.

Rain and snow can be highly damaging to a chimney liner and other parts of the interior chimney. It can also cause rotting in nearby floors, walls and ceilings while allowing dangerous mold to grow and spread.

An accumulation of tree leaves and twigs can cause smoke to draft sluggishly. All this debris should be cleaned out to prevent smoke and deadly carbon monoxide from backing up into your home.