(1)Do I Need To Have My Chimney Serviced?
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that in one year, 5,500 fires were attributed to chimneys. As a result of these fires, 130 people died, 230 people were injured, and total property loss was set at more than $184.4 million. In addition, there were a minimum of 119 deaths from carbon monoxide and at least 4,700 injuries were reported for the same time frame, though most estimates range much higher. THE ROOT CAUSE OF MOST OF THESE LOSSES IS THAT MOST U.S. HOMEOWNERS ARE UNAWARE THAT CHIMNEYS ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF A HOME HEATING SYSTEM AND THAT THEY REQUIRE REGULAR EVALUATION AND MAINTENANCE. Most homeowners in this area have little working knowledge of chimney and venting systems. This situation is complicated by the fact that faults, damage and problems are rarely visible to the casual observer. The threat of chimney fires and unsafe indoor air quality conditions can be greatly reduced, perhaps even eliminated, if homeowners only understood that chimneys require regular maintenance.

(2)What is the Chimney Sweeps Role?
The primary job of a chimney service professional is to monitor your chimney, clean and maintain your chimney, and to prescribe changes to improve its performance and safety.

(3)What is a Safety Inspection?
The Chimney Sweep serviceman will check the condition of your firebox, damper, and flue to determine typical problems such as built up creosote, mortar deterioration, obstructions inside the flue, and malfunctioning damper parts. He will alert you to any problems that he finds and provide you with a written estimate for any needed repairs. You are under no obligation to contract us to do such repairs, however, it may not be safe to continue using your fireplace until those problems are addressed.

(4)How Often Should My Chimney Be Cleaned?
We recommend that you have your chimney cleaned about every two or three years OR about every cord of wood burned. If you notice an odor or that your fireplace is not drafting properly, call us to inspect it before continuing to use it.

(6)What Causes CREOSOTE or "Soot"?
Creosote or "soot" is caused by simply burning materials in your fireplace such as wood. There is no way to prevent the build up of creosote. Now you are probably asking, "What is creosote?" It is basically unburned fuel that gathers in the form of black powder, flakes, or a baked-on glaze, depending on the degree of build up. This is one of the main causes of chimney fires. When there is an excess build up of creosote in the chimney and temperatures rise, the soot is ignited and an actual fire is started inside your chimney, showering your roof with sparks.

(7)What Causes Smoke Problems?
Smoke problems may be caused by:

1) Dirty flue/chimney preventing draft

2) A bigger or smaller flue than needed

3) Improper air pressure in the house

4) Wind direction

5) Obstruction in flue

6) Damper not opening properly. Sometimes more than one thing can contribute to the smoking problem.

(8)What is a Spark Arrestor?
A spark arrestor is a metal screen that catches sparks and hot embers that may escape your chimney if not in place. Today spark arrestors are commonly built into chimney caps which our company can provide and install for you.