The Bottom Up Brush & Rod Chimney Cleaning Method is very similar to the Top Down method just a little safer. You will not have to climb up on top of your roof, so this method is great for the homeowner who is not so fond of heights. The Bottom Up cleaning method is very messy as you will be working in the firebox inside your home and cannot seal off the firebox opening. I would recommend using quite a few drop cloths, cover as much as possible to prevent furniture and flooring from being covered in soot. Also you will need chimney rods that are flexible enough to make a 90 degree bend to get through the firebox and up the chimney.
Choosing a Chimney Brush
There are many types and sizes of chimneys so before you choose a chimney brush you will need to measure the inner dimensions of the chimney that you are going to be cleaning. If your chimney is a metal Class A chimney, prefab chimney, or a masonry chimney that has been relined you will need to remove the chimney cap then measure the distance across the inner diameter of the round chimney flue. The best chimney brush for a metal flue is a poly bristled brush this is so that the inner wall of the chimney is not grooved by the metal bristles on a wire chimney brush. If you have a masonry chimney measure the inner flue liner dimensions both directions. You will then choose a chimney brush that matches the measurements as closely as possible. For an oval flue you will measure it the same as the masonry chimney. And again choose a chimney brush that matches the measurements as closely as possible. Wire brushes are recommended for the more porous clay or masonry flues to get the creosote build-up off more efficiently. If you are unable to find a chimney brush that matches your flue openings exact size you would then purchase the brush that is larger but still is the closest in size to your flue. You will have to trim the bristles down to match the opening of your flue exactly; this is the same if you have an oval flue as well. You want the bristles of the brush to reach the side walls for an adequate clean.
Choosing the Rods
There are 3 main types of chimney brush rods fiberglass, nylon, and polypropylene. Fiberglass rods are going to be the stiffest of the 3 types. They should be used in flues that are pretty much a straight shot. They are good for straight flues with heavy creosote buildup requiring strength for pushing through the buildup. Nylon Rods are super flexible. They are used in chimneys where there are tight bends present. These rods will bend around 90 degree bends or more. Due to the extreme flexibility and thin rod diameter they may become too flexible in long chimney runs. They are best used when the bend is at the end of chimney and can be used in combination with other style rods. Polypropylene or ProFlex Poly Rods are designed to be flexible enough to go through sharp bends, offsets, breaches, or thimbles; their flush brass fittings stop flue tile hang-up. Although large in diameter these polypropylene rods are flexible and versatile.
Cleaning a Chimney Using the Bottom Up Brush and Rod Method
Now that we have gone over the differences in chimney brushes and rods it is time to get started with the chimney cleaning. For the Bottom Up Brush and Rod Method you will not need to be on top of the roof! Make sure that you are wearing old work clothing or a coverall suit to protect the clothing underneath. Cleaning a chimney is a very dirty job and soot does not come out of clothing easily at all. Also make sure you are protecting your eyes and lungs by wearing protective eyewear and a dust mask. Here is a list of additional tools and supplies that you will need for this job:
- Chimney Brush
- Flexible Rods (enough for the entire chimney height)
- Work gloves
- Drop cloths
- Broom and Dust Pan
- Ash Bucket or Container
- Ash Vacuum
Step by Step Bottom Up Cleaning
- You will want to start by laying the drop cloths over the furniture and flooring in the room where the fireplace is located to protect it from being damaged by any soot that gets into the room during cleaning.
- Put all of your protective wear on before you begin the next step in the cleaning process.
- Attach the first piece of pipe to the brush. Insert the brush through the firebox into the chimney. Then by pushing and pulling the brush and rod, begin to scrub the flue clean.
- Add another section of chimney rod to extend the brush further up the chimney.
- Continue in this fashion until you’ve cleaned the entire length of the flue.
- Once you have scrubbed the entire length of the chimney disassemble the rods as you pull them out of the chimney
- Remove the debris that has fallen into the firebox from the chimney with the broom and dust pan.
- Use the Ash Vacuum to clean up any ash or soot that was left behind
- Now you can dispose of all the debris and pick up the drop cloths
Now let the heating season begin, you are prepared for when it is time for your first fire of the season.