The Tools of a Chimney Sweep in Indianapolis
After using the fireplace in your Indianapolis home all winter long, it is time for a professional chimney sweep and inspection. Your annual chimney sweep is one of the best maintenance practices for keeping your chimney working properly and safely for years to come. As with every professional, the tools and techniques matter immensely when it comes to quality. Your Indianapolis chimney sweep…
The Everyday Tools Of A Chimney Sweep
Your fireplace and chimney are exceptional assets for surviving the cold, long Indianapolis winters. A high-quality, professional chimney sweep is one of the best ways to keep your chimney clean, efficient, and safe. Unfortunately, some unqualified people may pose as professional chimney sweeps in order to scam you out of your money. An experienced professional will use certain tools to perform…
How Does Harsh Weather Affect My Chimney?
A fireplace in your home helps make the bitter Indiana winters a bit more tolerable. While fireplaces will help keep you warm and cozy, the brutal winters can damage your chimney. The winter elements like snow, ice and fluctuating temperatures can damage your chimney or greatly enhance existing damage. It is important to know how harsh weather will impact your chimney so that you can take the…
Why Does My Chimney Leak When it Rains?
If you notice that your chimney leaks during heavy rain, you need to act quickly. Finding the exact source of the leak can prove to be a difficult task because of how complicated a home’s chimney system is. The moisture caused by a leaky chimney can lead to the formation of mold, rot wood, or even damage your home’s finishes (plaster, wallpaper, or paint).
If not immediately addressed, the…
Is Waterproofing My Chimney Necessary?
Your chimney plays an important role in protecting your home against wind, rain, fire and anything else mother nature tries to throw at it. A well-built chimney can last for many years, but you need to put the work into maintaining your chimney for a long life. Waterproofing your chimney can keep it functioning smoothly for years.
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The Dangers of a Cracked Chimney Flue
The chimney flue, also known as the chimney liner, serves several important functions, all of which influence the safety and overall performance of your chimney. Damage of any kind--cracks in particular--can present an urgent safety hazard, and you will need to repair it before you can use it again.
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Why Is It Important to Clean Your Chimney?
Although cozy evenings in front of your fireplace are irresistible, you need first to ensure that it’s safe. You do this by conducting regular chimney sweeps. A chimney sweep helps remove soot, built-up creosote, and other blockages.
According to a recent report by the National Fire Protection Association, the leading cause of home heating fires was failure to clean the chimney. It takes a…
Why Did Chimney Sweeps Wear Top Hats?
When thinking of a chimney sweep, we instantly picture Mary Poppins’ right hand man, Bert. But before Bert and his well known cap, the chimney sweeps wore traditional black, a classic top hat, and maybe even tails.
Why dress up to clean up? There are many legends behind the reason chimney sweeps wear top hats. Although not as common anymore, the image persists.
History of the chimney
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How Long Does a Chimney Sweep Take?
Every flue is different, so it is hard to put a universal time on chimney sweeping. However, on average, a thorough cleaning should take about 45 minutes to an hour. This time can increase substantially if there is creosote present in your flue, if the flue is damaged in any way, or if there are blockages such as birds’ nests. If your chimney cleaning requires more time, it’s good to ask and…
What to Look for in a Chimney Inspection
Chimney inspection is a key part of keeping your home safe and sound. Damaged chimneys can lead to moisture and mold issues, exposure to carbon monoxide, risk of fire, and structural damage to your home. This may sound frightening, but fortunately, performing a regular chimney inspection will make it possible to repair damages and avoid these risks.
Performing Your Own Inspection
It is possible…