Got into it with another sweep over the best way to handle those old clay tile flues

Last week in Portland, I was cleaning a 1920s chimney with original clay liners. My partner, Greg, insisted on using the heavy-duty steel brushes, but I've seen too many cracked tiles from that. Three years ago on a job in Salem, I switched to poly brushes for anything pre-1950 and haven't had a callback since. What's your go-to method for the old clay liners?

3 comments

3 Comments

jesse2902mo ago

Mason's right about creosote, but a poly brush with a good scraper first saves those old tiles.

mason_craig342mo ago

Nah, steel brushes all day. Those poly ones just don't get the creosote out right on the real old stuff. Seen too many dirty flues after a soft brush pass.

margaretj402mo ago

Greg's steel brush take reminds me of how some folks just stick with what they know, even when there's a better way. It's like my neighbor refusing to use the new trash cans.