Expert: James Ball - 4/5/2009

Question
Dear James:

I live in a very remote area of New Mexico and I'm finding it difficult to locate a reputable chimney sweep.  I'd like to clean my kiva fireplaces and have heard from other ranchers that they clean them once a year, preferable in summer, so that the fireplace is ready for the first chill.
I've seen chimney brushes at the hardware store in town but was hoping you could give me some specific advice as to
how I can clean my kiva and also how I determine what size brush to use.  Thank you for your time.

Answer
Hello Karen, I live in the north east and have never worked on a fireplace like that so with out seeing it would be hard for me to advise you. You could have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to find one near you) take a first hand look at what you have they should be able to help. Watch them and ask questions an d then if after watching them you feel comfortable you can but the brushes and rods and try it your self.
James