Chimneys need periodic inspection
and cleaning to maintain efficiency and to reduce the chance
of chimney fire. When selecting the correct chimney brush
for your chimney, first measure the inside of your chimney
and match that size to a brush below. An oversize brush
will not improve cleaning and could become lodged in the
chimney. An undersized brush will not provide the pressure
on the walls for proper cleaning.
Commonly asked questions
about Chimney Brushes |
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Rutland Chimney Sweep Chimney
Brushes
Economical but effective line of brushes. Ideal
for annual or semi-annual use. The bristles are stiff, oil tempered
in an open single spiral design. The connector has 1/4" pipe
threads for easy coupling with the Chimney
Brush Pull Ring or fiberglass extension rods. |
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Chimney Brush Rod Kit
For use with Rutland Chimney Sweep Brushes and other brushes
with 1/4" pipe threads |
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Rutland Master Sweep Chimney
Brushes
Master Sweep Chimney Brushes sets the industry
standard as the premier chimney brush. The bristles are oil tempered,
22-ga. steel. The spindle has a 3/4" loop on one end and
3/8" pipe threads on the other. |
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General Purpose Hand Brushes
Hand held brushes for cleaning hard to reach
areas like smoke chambers, dampers, corners etc. |
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How do I clean the chimney and
control the Chimney Brush?
There are four common methods used in
cleaning the chimney and controlling the brush.
Method one: Flexible chimney brush rod - top down. Attach the
brush securely to the flexible rod and lower into the top of the chimney
adding more rods as necessary to reach the flue bottom.
Method Two: Insert the brush and
rod up through the fireplace damper or chimney clean-out door. Add
more rods as needed to reach the top of the chimney. This method is
often messy since sealing the bottom opening of the chimney cannot
be done during cleaning. Make sure to cover the area around the opening
to prevent staining carpets, furniture , etc.
Method Three: Line and weight
method. This is the best method to use when the top of the chimney
is permanently restricted by a covering. Attach a compact 20 lb. weight
(minimum) to one end of the the chimney brush using a Chimney
Brush Pull Ring and attach a rope that is more than longer enough
to reach to the bottom of the flue, to the other brush end. Seal off
the chimney opening to prevent soot from entering the home.
Method Four: Dual line method.
This method requires two people, one on the roof and the other at
the clean-out or chimney opening. Attach a rope to to each end of
the brush. Note -- you will need to purchase two Chimney
Brush Pull Ring for each end of the brush. Drop one end of the
rope to the person below. Cleaning is done by alternately pulling
the ropes to move the brush up and down in the chimney.
For all methods sweep or vacuum up all
residue prior to using the chimney. Be careful to check for debris
behind the damper, on the smoke shelf and in elbows and T-connectors.
Clean the chimney brush after each use and coat with a rust preservative
(WD-40 spray) works good.
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How do I choose a Chimney Brush?
Use the following guide to select the proper
Chimney Brush for your chimney.
Measurement Instructions:
Measure the inner opening (both directions)
of your fireplace or woodstove chimney.
For masonry chimneys you'll need to measure the inner
opening dimensions in both directions. Buy a brush that is at least
as big as your chimney liner otherwise it will not reach the side
walls of your chimney and won't do an adequate job. If you buy a chimney
brush that is too big then it will be harder to get down the chimney
but will work unless excessively oversized.
Wire bristle chimney brushes such as the Rutland Chimney
Sweep & Master Sweep are the most commonly used and do a good
job. The Master Sweep series has more bristles and will generally
make the job easier and faster. Wire bristle brushes are not
recommended for metal chimney flues.
Poly chimney brushes are for use in metal chimneys and
older fragile chimneys as they don't scratch the chimney walls. Standard
poly brushes are very stiff and may be difficult to work into a very
dirty chimney and also do not go around any bends that may be present
in a chimney system.
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