Have a hood cleaning-related question? We have the answer! Check out these FAQs to learn more about Hood Boss and our services.
Kitchen exhaust cleaning removes grease buildup from the hood, filters, ductwork, and exhaust fan. This grease is highly flammable and must be controlled to reduce fire risk and maintain compliance with NFPA 96.
Fire codes, insurance providers, and local fire marshals require regular cleaning because grease accumulation is a leading cause of commercial kitchen fires.
Cleaning frequency depends on cooking volume and grease production. High-volume kitchens often require monthly service, while moderate operations may be cleaned quarterly or semi-annually based on AHJ requirements.
A complete cleaning includes the hood interior, filters, full duct system, exhaust fan, and rooftop components.
Yes. Exhaust fans are required to be cleaned as part of the system and are a common inspection point.
Most services are performed overnight or during off-hours to avoid interrupting business operations.
All work is performed in alignment with NFPA 96 requirements.
Yes. We provide service reports and photo documentation suitable for inspectors and insurance audits.
Yes. Excess grease buildup is one of the most common causes of failed fire inspections.
The owner or operator of the cooking facility is responsible, regardless of lease language.
Most standard systems are completed in a few hours, depending on size and buildup.
Additional service may be required to restore the system to a compliant condition.
No. Partial cleaning does not meet fire code intent.
Yes. We service single locations, chains, and managed properties.
Skipping cleanings increases fire risk, inspection failures, and potential insurance issues.
Rooftop grease protection systems prevent grease-laden water from damaging roofs and entering drains.
Grease runoff can destroy roof membranes, clog drains, and create slip hazards.
Yes. Many roof manufacturers void warranties when grease damage is present.
They are often required by landlords, property managers, and municipalities.
Options include grease containment trays, drain protection, and diversion systems.
Yes. Fire marshals frequently inspect rooftops during inspections.
Responsibility typically falls on the cooking operation generating the grease.
Maintenance schedules vary but are typically checked during hood cleaning.
Yes. Most fans can be fitted with grease containment solutions.
Yes. Grease entering storm drains can lead to environmental violations.
Properly installed systems do not restrict airflow.
In many jurisdictions, yes.
Yes. Hood Boss installs and maintains rooftop grease protection systems.
No. Most installations are quick and minimally disruptive.
No. Systems must be maintained to remain effective.
Any appliance using wood, charcoal, pellets, or briquettes is considered solid fuel cooking.
Solid fuel produces embers and creosote, increasing fire risk.
Monthly cleaning is typically required at minimum.
Creosote is a highly combustible byproduct of burning solid fuels.
Yes. Spark arresting filters are required for solid fuel applications.
Standard baffle filters alone are often insufficient.
The local fire marshal or AHJ determines final frequency.
Yes. Increased labor and frequency typically result in higher service costs.
Cleaning reports, photos, and filter documentation should be kept on site.
The owner/operator is responsible under NFPA 96.
Yes. Solid fuel systems are more closely scrutinized.
Yes. Hood Boss is equipped to remove creosote buildup.
Fans must be accessible and properly rated.
Yes. Inspectors regularly check spark arrestors.
Yes. We help clients understand solid fuel requirements.
A stainless steel filter designed to capture grease while maintaining airflow.
Grease is trapped as air changes direction through internal channels.
Most commercial kitchens are required to use baffle filters.
No. Quality varies by material thickness and construction.
A thicker, reinforced stainless steel filter designed for high-volume use.
Heavy-duty stainless steel baffle filters.
Weekly to monthly, depending on cooking volume.
Yes. Dirty or missing filters are a common violation.
Clean filters improve airflow and system performance.
They should be replaced immediately.
Spark arrestor filters are required; baffles may be supplemental.
Yes. Hood Boss supplies and installs replacement filters.
Heavy-duty stainless steel baffle filters offer the best long-term value.
Yes. Filters are routinely inspected.
Yes. Proper filters significantly reduce grease and fire risk.
At Hood Boss, we are focused on providing a professional experience to our clients. We do this through the technology we use to streamline the service and communicate with our clients. This starts from the scheduling of the service, through the kitchen exhaust cleaning process, to the follow-up call the day after service, and delivery of your photo-documented report of the service provided.
Hood Boss provides a variety of different products and services related to your kitchen exhaust system. Ancillary services we provide related to your exhaust system are rooftop grease containment systems, hinge kit installation, access panels, grease baffle filters, & grease lock filters. Our services include kitchen exhaust cleaning, key access for less invasive service, general pressure washing, commercial laundry duct cleaning service, ceiling tile cleaning, pre-construction consulting, fire suppression inspection and installation, and COVID and long-term health care saniti
We at Hood Boss stand behind all of our work — our professionals work hard to get your vent hood cleaning done in a timely manner while meeting your facility’s standards. We also guarantee that our service will meet NFPA 96 Standards.
Hood Boss request that you clean the area around the exhaust system and store any type of food items from the area we will be performing the service. This is to ensure that we can help protect against contamination while we perform the vent hood cleaning.
That’s a tough question, as all systems are different and different variables can add time to our service. On average, a kitchen exhaust cleaning takes approximately three hours. Some of the variables that may add additional time to the service could be extensive horizontal ductwork, baffle filters are not being periodically cleaned between services by the facility, challenges with drains at the facility, and how we gain access to your facilities rooftop. The best option is to have one of our Account Managers come out and evaluate a grease management program built specifically for your facility.
No, they are not. Hood Boss performs all of our vent hood cleaning, as well as our other services, after hours. The hood system has to be shut down and our technicians need to have access without any food or staff in the area.
Unfortunately, no. Hood Boss only performs commercial vent hood cleaning at this time, along with our other commercial services. Residential systems are typically not liquid-tight systems and weren’t meant to be pressure-washed like a commercial facility.
No, you do not! We try to optimize your grease management program for your benefit. At Hood Boss we offer a Key Access Program for your Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Service. As a fully bonded company with 8 million in insurance coverage, this allows you the peace of mind in knowing that you or your staff don’t have to work late when its time for the Kitchen Exhaust cleaning service. Taking advantage of the key access program allows our account managers to get aggressive with pricing because of the flexibility it offers Hood Boss in the scheduling process. Currently 40% of our clients are set up on the Key Access Program.
We are fully licensed, insured, and bonded to perform vent hood cleaning duties, as well as all of our other services. We currently have 8 million dollars in coverage as a company. If you have further questions or concerns regarding our insurance, call us today!
Prepared by Hood Boss®
Commercial Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning & Fire Code Compliance Specialists
