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Frequently Asked Questions


Q: How often should I have my chimney cleaned?
This a tougher question than it sounds. The simple answer is: The National Fire Protection Association Standard 211 says, "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." This is the national safety standard and is the correct way to approach the problem. It takes into account the fact that even if you don’t use your chimney much, animals may build nests in the flue or there may be other types of deterioration that could make the chimney unsafe to use.

The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends that open masonry fireplaces should be cleaned at 1/8" of sooty buildup, and sooner if there is any glaze present in the system. Factory-built fireplaces should be cleaned when any appreciable buildup occurs. This is considered to be enough fuel buildup to cause a chimney fire capable of damaging the chimney or spreading to the home.
Q: Will you leave a mess?
We guarantee absolutely No Mess in your home. We always place freshly laundered 4` x 6` tarps in front of the fireplace. Our vacuums filter to .1 micron, and catch airborne particles as we clean the chimney.
Q: How long does it take to clean my chimney?
Masonry chimneys usually take about an hour to clean, from the time we ring your doorbell. Weather conditions can extend this time up to about 1 and 1/2 hours. Factory-Built Fireplaces take about 45 minutes. Wood burning stoves and high efficiency fireplaces typically take just over an hour. Fireplace inserts can take anywhere from 1-3 hours depending on how they were installed, how recently they were professionally serviced, the type of wood burned, and operation of the stove.
Q: What is the difference between a Factory-Built fireplace and a Masonry fireplace?
The quickest way to tell is by the chimney outside. If its covered in wood or vinyl siding like the house it most likely a Factory-Built. Factory-Built fireplaces are installed on site from UL listed components and are made in a factory, while a masonry chimney is constructed on site by a brick masons. A Factory-built chimney has a metal pipe flue to vent smoke out of house. Factory-Built fireplaces are often smaller and some have blowers built in. All factory-built fireplaces are UL listed. The factory-built chimney is encased in a wooden chase covered by a metal chase cover lid to shed water and requires a chimney cap on top.
A masonry chimney is built on site using brick and clay flue tiles as a liner and is more expensive to build. Most masonry chimneys do not have chimney caps installed. This allows water and animals to get inside your chimney and sometimes inside your home. A factory-built fireplace can be removed if damaged and replaced with new unit for less cost than masonry chimney. Factory-built fireplaces and chimneys are equally as safe as masonry chimneys and fireplaces, as long as they are installed to the manufacturers installation instructions. Both will help to keep you warm on a cold Montana night.
Q: Do you isntall and repair chimneys, fireplaces and wood stoves?
YES, we perform all kinds of chimney repairs. We can rebuild fireboxes and chimneys. We also repair crowns, replace rusting chase cover lids, install chimney caps, apply water repellant, tuck pointing, minor masonry repairs, and much more. If you are having problems with your chimney, fireplace, or wood stove we can suggest NFPA approved solutions that are safe. Call Big Sky Chimney with your problem, we want to help! 406-995-3385.
Can I pay with a credit card?
Yes, you can pay with cash, check, Visa, Master Card, or American Express. Some customers are located outside cell reception, so if we can't take a card in person, you can always call the office to pay by credit card.

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