Changed my mind about polyurethane brushes after talking to an old timer

Last week I was at a job in Portland cleaning out a nasty creosote buildup and the homeowner came out to chat. He's been sweeping his own chimney for 40 years and told me he never uses poly brushes on clay flues because they can leave brush marks that catch soot faster. I always thought poly was the way to go since it's cheaper and doesn't rust, but he showed me his old steel brush and how clean his flue looked. Made me order a steel one today. Anyone else find poly brushes cause more buildup over time?

2 comments

2 Comments

lee.lucas1mo ago

Who knew brushes could have vintage drama like that?

beth_baker691mo ago

Yeah I switched to steel a couple years back for the same reason and my flue stays way cleaner between sweeps. Your mileage may vary but for clay flues at least it's been night and day for me.