Saw a study that says sweeping from the top down is actually better for creosote buildup

I came across this report from the Chimney Safety Institute of America last week that said 67% of chimney fires start from debris that falls back down. I always sweep from the bottom up, figured that was the standard way. But now I'm thinking I should switch my whole routine... has anyone else tried top-down and noticed less soot collecting near the damper?

2 comments

2 Comments

burns.richard1mo ago

Been sweeping chimneys for fifteen years and always gone bottom up with no issues. If the debris is falling back down that hard, sounds like there's bigger problems than just the direction you're sweeping from.

the_jake29d ago

Ha, that makes total sense but man does it make me feel like a goof. I've been at this for about five years now and I always sweep top down because the first time I tried bottom up I somehow managed to knock a whole brick loose and it landed right on my foot. I think my problem is I'm just not careful enough. You're probably right that if the debris is fighting you that hard there's something else going on like a blockage or a bird's nest. Maybe I need to stop blaming my technique and start checking the whole flue first. Ever had a job where you realized halfway through you should have just started over completely?