Dakota Chimney

Serving Rapid City, Greater Black Hills Regions & Eastern Wyoming

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is chimney cleaning important?
It is important because a substance known as creosote builds up in the chimney or flue of a fireplace or stove. This substance is flammable, and if not cleaned out regularly, soot and creosote can quickly flare up into a very dangerous chimney fire.

What are the chimney inspection regulations?
Fireplace manufacturers and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) have different regulations depending on what type of fireplace or stove you own. It’s recommended that factory-built fireplaces and masonry fireplaces get inspected annually and swept out when the buildup of soot reaches 1/8”. Bio-fuel pellet and wood stoves, on the other hand, should be swept and inspected every year. The warranty on your fireplace or stove may be voided if these regular chimney cleanings are not strictly followed.

How often does a fireplace need to be cleaned?
According to the National Fire Protection Association Document 211, “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.” It is recommended to have your chimney or wood-burning stove inspected annually. Even if you only use your fireplace a few times a year, things such as rain and freezing conditions can damage the chimney, flue, or damper, resulting in poor performance

Will our house smell like chimney soot after you clean the chimney?
Our Tools Are Among the Best in the Trade. One tool we use is our HEPA centrifugal gravity dust extractor vacuum. It is a unique machine that removes debris in a single pass, while leaving the air particulate-free. It’s quiet and features a triple-filtration vacuum design which is unmatched in the industry. Lastly, it’s safe to use on hard surfaces as well as carpet.

Are you Certified and Insured Professionals?
All our technicians are held to the highest standard of courtesy and professionalism, and insured with both general liability and business automotive insurance.

Do you work on older house chimneys?
Fireplaces are subject to high heat, condensing of moisture up the flue, and the wind and rain and freezing temperatures in the top of the chimney. Our older housing stock in the Black Hills regions are aging and the chimneys are frequently in need of significant repair work. Bricks may be loose, and the section of the chimney above the roof line may be curved with age and shifting foundations of the home below. Chimney caps may be missing, and even greater dangers within un-inspected flues. That is why we carry a live-scan video camera and buckets of mortar and are prepared to offer you simple to medium level repairs.
Our certified technicians can not only inspect, but fix basic masonry issues like tuckpointing, and even measure, size, and install full length stainless steel chimney liners or offer a slipcast system called Heatshield to repair defective flue tiles.