The Chimney Sweep

Does your chimney have a water entry problem? Would you love to update the look of your chimney? Adding a chimney cap can add protection and aesthetic value to your chimney. Chimney caps are completely customizable with endless options to meet your needs. This chimney has a brand new look!

Chase covers can be a major point of entry for water leaking into a chimney. Water entry into an chimney will cause significant damage if left unresolved. Water will absorb into brick and mortar, breaking down the structural integrity of the chimney. Water will seep down a factory built metal pipe, rusting the pipe and fireplace itself, taking years off its lifespan. Standing water on chase covers will eventually find its way into the system causing irreversible damage. A proper stainless steel chase cover with added cross breaks and a properly secured storm collar will keep the inside of the chimney dry, preserving the life of the fireplace.

Many homeowners call this time of year wanting to get their fireplace/chimney "cleaned" (although I don't use this term as fireplaces are never "clean" but are swept of harmful deposits). Although it is necessary to have your chimney swept every year, customers often overlook the importance of a thorough inspection. With the absence of a detailed inspection, potential hazards may be missed and could lead to future issues. Here is an inspection scheduled with the initial request of a "cleaning" that revealed far worse problems than the customer expected. This double-wall insulated pipe had evidence of a previous flue fire based on the color change of the pipe and charring of the wood and insulation. The homeowners were very lucky when this did occur, that this didn't evolve into a structure fire. A higher level of inspection is indicated when: you have never had one, you are purchasing/selling a home, a change is made to the system, or upon request of the homeowner.

Spring makes a great time to have your chimney and fireplace inspected. An early inspection leaves plenty of time to address any issues found, ensuring you have a safe, clean, and enjoyable fireplace this winter. Call today to set up an inspection!

Chase covers and caps can be a potentially costly water entry point for many chimneys. Poor quality covers/caps can allow for water to seep in through gaps from poor design/installation and allow water to enter the chase potentially rotting wood and rusting any metal components leaving very expensive repairs for homeowners . Rust from poor quality metals can also leave unsightly stains on siding and shingles. The Chimney Sweep offers chase cover and cap replacement to help extend the life of your fireplace.

Do NOT scroll past!!! Please like and share this post and have your chimney inspected before you burn this season. It could save your family from a devastating house fire. This inspection was done a year after this roof was replaced, showing the dangers created when clearance requirements are not followed, likely saving this home from a probable fire event. Cooled shingles and roofing material can be seen melted to the outer wall of this triple-wall flue pipe as it made its way all the way from the roof level to the top of the firebox (2 floors). Pools of cooled material were found in the attic space on top of combustible insulation right next to rafters. Firestopping was found but had been improperly installed, leaving it useless in stopping fire spread. A gas line had also been removed recently from the fireplace, but the knockout hole was never sealed, leaving a direct void space from the firebox to the wooden chase it's housed in. This was not a matter of if, but when a structure fire would have occurred.

Add value and aesthetics to your home with custom chimney caps. Endless sizes and styles are available for a custom order to accent your home how you want it. Stainless steel and powder coating options are available for a life-long guarantee from the manufacturer. Call today for an estimate!

Factory-built or "Zero Clearance" fireplaces have been a popular option for wood burning fireplaces for years. These systems can be wood, gas, or gas-assist depending on what the manufacturer states is safe for that system based on testing procedures. If installed properly, & following manufacturers recommendations, these systems can be enjoyed for many years given proper care and annual inspections/cleaning. However, many times these systems are installed quickly and recklessly by unqualified installers creating major hazards to the home. Even though some are labeled as "zero clearance", these units still require specific clearances from certain areas of the flue pipe as well as requiring fire-stopping between floors. They also do NOT allow any unapproved modifications to the system or unapproved parts. This system was installed very poorly with many clearance issues & "homemade modifications" leaving dangerous flow paths for fire spread. The first three pictures show a homemade blower piped to heat tubes into the fireplace. This was done by cutting into the side of the firebox, then piecing together duct tape, pvc, (both combustible) and different pipe fittings to get air to the tubes. The rest of the pictures show open access to behind the fireplace from the living room when it should be enclosed in its own chase and fire-stopped between floors with non-combustible materials. Insulation was intentionally stuffed between the flue pipe and back of the veneer, and wood framing was placed directly next to the flue to keep it in place. This system was a very dangerous install with to many hazards to list and is an example of how important it is to have your fireplace inspected by a knowledgeable, certified agency.

Often, chimneys have hidden hazards unknown to homeowners that are only found during a detailed inspection. This chimney was sloppily built around the structures rafters creating major clearance issues as well as large voids between the inside of the chimney and the attic space. Luckily these issues were caught before they caused any problems to the home.

Spring is here and makes a great time to have your annual chimney/fireplace inspection. We offer level 1 and 2 inspections. Why wait till it’s to cold? Call today and get your appointment scheduled. Spring also makes a great time to have your air ducts cleaned as well. Message AirTech Duct Cleaning to set up your appointment!