What Are Chimney Cleaning Rods?
The process and tools used to clean a chimney have not changed much since Dick Van Dyke was cleaning chimneys in Mary Poppins. Homeowners can now easily purchase the necessary tools online and make chimney cleaning a do it yourself project. If you tackle this chore, be more cautious than Dick was; wear protective goggles, gloves and a mask.
Chimney cleaning is simply a process of thoroughly brushing the inside of the chimney to remove soot and creosote buildup. Creosote is a byproduct created during high temperature burning of certain wood species. It is highly flammable and must be removed from chimneys regularly for safety reasons.
If humans were equipped with super stretch arms we could maneuver the cleaning brushes the full length of the chimney with no problem. However, physical limitations require the use of chimney cleaning rods to accomplish the task.
A chimney cleaning rod is simply an extension rod attached to the cleaning brushes. Rods are available in standard lengths such as 48" and 72". They are manufactured in pieces with connectors so the rod length can be adjusted as needed. You can purchase additional connectors and pieces to create whatever size rod fits your chimney.
Chimney rods are manufactured using different materials to provide efficient cleaning in all areas of the chimney.
- Fiberglass rods offer little flexibility to assist in pushing the brushes deep into the chimney and also to provide sufficient scrubbing power for cleaning.
- Nylon rods offer more flexibility to reach around corners, into tight spaces and around bends. Attach the nylon rod to the end of a fiberglass rod to access bends and curves deep in the chimney.
Some manufacturers offer rod holders for safe and easy storage of your chimney cleaning rods.