Been sweeping chimneys for 8 years but just changed my mind about using steel brushes on clay flues

Always thought steel was the way to go for tough creosote, but after cracking a flue tile on a job over in Salem last month I started looking into poly brushes. Talked to an old guy at the supply house who said he's seen steel brushes wear down clay tiles in as little as 3 years. Switched to a poly brush this week and it still scrapes clean without sounding like I'm grinding the whole chimney down. Anyone else switch away from steel and notice less damage long term?

2 comments

2 Comments

emma_hart27d ago

Poly brushes work fine but you gotta watch out for them leaving behind plastic residue in the flue.

victorclark27d ago

Yeah I mean they do leave a little film behind but @emma_hart a quick rinse usually takes care of it.