All About Sootaway

As the warm weather arrives and nature springs back to life, it's important to be aware of the potential risks posed by animals entering your chimney. Every year, numerous critters seek refuge in chimneys across the United States, causing damage and posing potential hazards. In this blog post, we will shed light on the alarming number of animals that enter homes via chimneys, the damage they can cause, and provide practical tips on preventing such incidents. At SootAway Chimney Sweep, we're committed to safeguarding your home and ensuring a critter-free chimney. Call us today at (866) 345-4751 and take the first step in protecting your home. The Magnitude of the Problem: Each year, thousands of animals find their way into homes through chimneys, creating havoc for homeowners. Common culprits include raccoons, bats, chimney swifts, squirrels, birds, opossums, rats, snakes, and even chipmunks. These intruders not only pose risks to the structural integrity of your chimney but can also...

As the summer heat approaches and the skies darken, we find ourselves at the brink of another hurricane season. This time of the year brings about the need for diligent preparation to safeguard our homes and loved ones. While most people focus on securing windows, doors, and outdoor spaces, there's one crucial area that often goes overlooked – the chimney. As a chimney company dedicated to your safety and comfort, we bring you essential tips on preparing your chimney for the hurricane season. Clearing Out Debris: Before hurricane season kicks into full swing, it's vital to remove any debris that might have accumulated within your chimney. Over time, leaves, twigs, and other outdoor debris can find their way into the chimney, obstructing proper airflow and posing potential fire hazards during turbulent weather. Schedule a professional chimney sweep to thoroughly clean and inspect your chimney, ensuring it's free from obstructions. Reinforcing Chimney Caps: Chimney caps act as...

Got Bats In your Chimney? Bats are the only flying mammals! This makes them one of the most common mammals to get into chimneys!  Telling what type of animal is in your chimney can be very helpful when calling someone for an animal removal! So, how do you tell if bats are in your chimney? Like you, many homeowners with a chimney constantly worry about noises inside their chimney and a lot of them have bats inside the chimney. How do bats get in chimneys? Bats are fairly small animals. Usually they are around the size of the average bird. This makes it easier for them to gain access to the inside of your chimney. Chimneys can sometimes have their cap knocked loose, this makes the perfect pathway for animals like bats. Other animals can also knock the cap loose like raccoons.  Bats can carry diseases like rabies. This makes it dangerous to leave them the ability to gain access to your home.  Rabies has no cure and will kill somebody quickly. This makes removing bats from chimneys an...

Any place with a fireplace needs to get its fireplace chimney cleaned out regularly, to enjoy optimal and safe heating. A clogged chimney not only leads to inefficient wood-burning but also carries fire risk. Besides, it causes harmful indoor pollution. Advantages of Hiring a Professional for Your Fireplace Chimney When you requisition the services of a professional fireplace chimney sweep like SootAway you are assured of the fact that they will do a thorough job of removing the accumulated soot and creosote deposits. Besides, they will also free the fireplace chimney of blockages if any.  A professional chimney sweep will possess the wherewithal to comprehensively clean the chimney liner, firebox, damper as well as smoke chamber ensuring that there is no trace of creosote glazing to set off a chimney fire. Considering how a clogged chimney can have really serious consequences, it is way better to let trained and qualified people carry out the cleaning. Why You Need Professional...

As the weather warms up in spring, many curious animals are looking for places to shelter. This season, you might hear some scratching noises inside your walls. This is an indicator of squirrels in your chimney. If you think you’ve got some critters taking up residence in your chimney, don’t panic. We have some tips for how to properly handle the situation.  How Did a Squirrel Get in My Chimney? There are a few ways squirrels can get into chimneys. One way is an accidental fall. When squirrels move between trees and buildings, they can fall into chimneys and become trapped. This happens more often than you might expect. However, squirrels sometimes intentionally make their way into chimneys looking for a safe place to nest or hide from predators.        Squirrels Can be Dangerous     Squirrels and other animals can carry bacteria, diseases, and parasites that can put your family at risk. Also, nesting materials can either block the chimney or ignite. This is very dangerous because it...

The last cold, dreary days of winter are finally making way for bright and warm spring days. As you’re getting ready to retire your fireplace for the season, you might notice you didn’t get around to using all of your winter firewood. If you’re wondering what to do with that leftover firewood, look no further than this post. Here are 5 super simple ways to make sure that firewood doesn’t go to waste.  Bring Leftover Firewood for Campfires  Camping is a fun family activity to enjoy during the beautiful weather. If you’ve got plans to go out and enjoy what nature has to offer, consider packing some of that leftover firewood. Bringing wood with you can help you save money since you won’t have to purchase it at the campsite. Also, it cuts out the need to gather kindling, giving you more time to spend with your friends and family around a cozy campfire. Keep in mind, though, that some campsites have policies against bringing in outside firewood. This is to protect the area from invasive...

Spring is finally here! As warm weather approaches, another burn season is coming to an end. It’s time to give the fireplace and chimney a rest until the next crisp autumn evening. But, that doesn’t mean you should forget about your fireplace just yet. Here’s why you should add a chimney sweep and inspection to your spring cleaning to do list.  Give Your Fireplace a Fresh Start   During the chilly months, a fire is a great way to warm up and create some cozy ambiance. However, all that wood burning fills your chimney system with soot and creosote. Scheduling a chimney sweep and inspection will take care of any mess in your fireplace and chimney, so that it’s nice and clean when it comes time to light that first autumn fire.  Beat the Fall Rush  Dropping temperatures signal that fireplace season is coming up. Many homeowners wait until just before the first fire of the season to get their chimneys checked out. Fall and winter are the busiest and most hectic seasons for chimney service...

Many of us love the beautiful glow and soothing crackle of a fire. The fireplace is a warm, inviting feature in many homes. But just like any other part of the home, the fireplace should be regularly cleaned and maintained. Keeping your fireplace clean helps reduce buildup of ash and soot, and keeps it looking beautiful. Whether you have a gas, electric, or wood burning fireplace, this guide has everything you need to know about how to properly clean your fireplace. Cleaning a Gas Firepalce  Gas fireplaces are used by many homeowners. They have many of the same perks as wood burning fireplaces, minus the hassle of soot and ash. But just like most appliances in the home, they do need to be cleaned from time to time. Gas fireplaces can accumulate dirt and dust. The fireplace doors can also become foggy due to the chemicals found in natural gas. Follow these steps to clean your gas fireplace:  Before you start cleaning, turn off the gas valve and wait for the burners to cool...

The Importance of the Flue Liner The flue liner, also referred to as the chimney liner, is a vital element of any chimney system. In fact, they are one of the most important reasons annual chimney inspections are recommended. What makes a flue liner so important? The liner creates a barrier between the flue and the chimney walls. When working correctly, flue liners protect your chimney from extremely high temperatures. Without a liner, your home is at a much higher risk of fires. Not only do flue liners protect the inside of your chimney, they also protect the outside. Bricks and other materials used to build chimneys can weaken over time due to high heat and soot buildup. Damaged chimneys are at a higher risk of chimney fires and can accumulate even more damage if not taken care of. Because there are so many factors that can damage your chimney, it is vital that you have your chimney inspected regularly. Regular inspections ensure that the liner is working properly.  Signs You Need...

Owning a chimney can be a little tough. With it comes routine maintenance, but there also comes the worry about cracks in any part of the foundation. One of the most important parts of the chimney system is the crown. It is located at the top of the flue and sits on the highest point of the chimney. Crowns are designed to be strong enough to withstand harsh weather over long periods of time. However, like most structures, it can become damaged. There are numerous reasons why the crown can form cracks. For example, harsh weather such as snow, rain, and the hot sun can weaken the crown. Also, the crown can go through what is known as freeze-thaw stages. Below are some indications of damages that appear on the chimney crown. Indications of a Damaged Chimney Crown Cracking: Visible cracks in the concrete forming the crown can be filled or sealed if they are still relatively small. Larger cracks might need more extensive repair. Falling flue tiles: Notice small lumps of tiles gathering at...

Everyone wants to enjoy their chimney. Most do not realize the risks they have if they do not schedule a routine chimney sweep. Chimney fires are serious and can lead to house fires. Below are some helpful tips on how to prevent chimney fires from happening. Use proper fuel Fuel of any sort needs to be made sure that it is proper for the chimney or fireplace. Make sure the wood is seasoned, or properly dried, and when choosing a type of wood, go for a hardwood like oak, maple, or ash. A few logs of greenwood can build creosote thick enough to start a chimney fire. Stay away from unseasoned wood, or wood that has not been dried properly, due to it causing more smoke than anything. Proper installation Your wood stove or furnace must be installed properly and by a professional. This is to ensure there is proper distance between the flammable parts and the non-combustible parts of the heating system. A wood stove’s chimney must be brick made (masonry) and factory built. Single bricked...

For the last year, everyone has been adjusting to the guidelines of COVID-19 for safety precautions. From wearing masks to unexpected lockdowns, people began to adapt to the new lifestyle. COVID-19 is caused by the coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. This mainly is affecting elderly people and those who have underlying medical conditions such as heart or lung disease or diabetes. These people are considered to be at high risk for developing severe complications from the COVID-19 illness. Uncertainty of the outcome from the virus left thousands of citizens with panic; stocking up on cleaning supplies. Each state has reoccurring lockdowns based on their governors, the civilians are having to come up with ideas to stay busy at home. Staying locked in the house is never fun, but most people are taking the time to thoroughly deep clean. A deep clean not only gets rid of all the dirt and grime but leaves the homes with a sense of purity. Homeowners love the feeling that their home is clean and...

The pleasures and warmth of fires tend to blind homeowners. While distracted, homeowners, tend to forget to sustain the warmth is the proper maintenance through a trusted chimney company. A well-respected chimney company will be frank on the condition of the chimney's vulnerability to weather conditions leading to deterioration. When owning a chimney, there somethings that customers do not think about. One is the build-up of creosote. Creosote that is build-up on the chimney lining is the main leading cause for chimney fires. The moisture acts as the biggest hazard for a chimney. Ultimately, if the water is not handled, then it will lead to a chimney fire or a house fire. The damages from moisture could cost the chimney system repairs. Mortar & Flashing Mortar is the sealant on brick chimneys; this is less durable than masonry only. When the mortar begins to crumble, flake off, or decay, this means that moisture easily seeps into the masonry. In the winter, the masonry will...

With all the different aspects to keep your chimney clean and safe, using the correct type of wood is a big component. There are different types of wood to burn. Make sure it is correct with your chimney. Building a fire in your fireplace is very different than a campfire. Going out into the woods and chopping wood down does not mean you can dump it into your fireplace. There needs to be more consideration in what goes into the fireplace. The wood has to not let out too much smoke and fumes so the chimney can function without becoming too dirty or damaged. For these reasons, the right wood needs to be taken care of and properly handled to keep your chimney safe. Proper Storage Means Lower Chimney Cleaning Services Unseasoned or wet wood, that has not dried for six to twelve months, puts your home in danger. Also, makes your fireplace and chimney get dirty quicker. Wet wood produces too much moisture while burning, it will give you a smokier fire. These are less enjoyable. The...

Chimney sweeps should occur annually or more especially in the winter. You can do this with the help of professionals or you can do it yourself. You can get help with the chimney cleaning from websites or professionals. Do not be afraid to get help and review the different ways of cleaning. There are steps that need to be done to guarantee a successful cleaning process. Chimney Cleaning Preparation Better to be safe than sorry when it comes to cleaning non-normal household items such as your chimney. Here are some pre-preparation steps to ensure the cleaning process to go more smoothly. Examine First, you will want to grab a flashlight while using a pencil for scraping off. You will be examining the creosote accumulation on one side of the chimney. If the accumulation is 1/8 inch thick, then it is time for a cleaning. Beware of animals that may be nesting in your chimney. Therefore a proper examination of chimney cleaning is necessary. Take Measurements Next, you will need to measure...

Being a homeowner is a huge deal. One should have pride especially if their home has a working fireplace and chimney. Purchasing a home with a fireplace, it is important to maintain the functionality. It is important to not just enjoy it to the fullest in the cold months but also to be economical, efficient as well as health-conscious. A well-cleaned out fireplace and chimney will burn less wood, produce less smoke, and ensure you and your family to breathe easier. Let's look at some basic steps that you can perform D.I.Y chimney cleaning. D.I.Y. Chimney Cleaning Guide Proper Cleaning Equipment Bare Essentials Eye protection Breathing masks Protective gloves Rugged clothes Set of chimney sweeping tools **Make sure these are clean and dry before you begin or you just might end up making things worse** 2. Designated Cleaning Area Regardless if you're cleaning the fireplace or chimney, you will have to deal with dust. To protect the living room, cover the fireplace with high-quality...

Humane Animal Removal Did you just hear chirping, scuffles, the flapping of feathers, or any other sounds that critters make? If so, then you're in the right place. First of all, do not smoke them out! Instead, take the humane way and call SootAway. We provide a humane animal removal service. We will remove all animals and birds of all kinds out of your chimney for the safety of you and theirs. Well, by law, we cannot remove chimney swifts because they are federally protected. Those will need to be discussed with local wildlife officials. Why Do These Animals Nest in Chimneys? You might be wondering what other animals would willingly choose to nest in a chimney? Well, there are a few well-known others that do include: raccoons, bats, and squirrels. These animals use your chimney as a form of shelter from the elements and to nest their young. Unfortunately, baby birds and young animals will fall to their deaths or get trapped inside resulting in their death. Basically, this is not a...

Imagine what your chimney looks like. Are you having a hard time picturing the current state of your chimney? Are you noticing the small chips and cracks in the structure? Do you where all this damage came from? As the homeowner, you may not be able to answer these questions without hesitancy. One sure way to know the responses to these questions is best to schedule a professional to come to inspect. Chimneys, specifically those connected to a wood-burning fireplace, perform a crucial job. These allow the interior air to sustain the fire and provide a channel to draw outside air. A perfectly sound chimney will perform this perfectly. If the chimney has issues or damages then it will not operate accordingly. A chimney that does not work correctly can cause more damage to your home and those living inside. Below are common types of damages found in chimney inspections. Damages Found  Deterioration of Brick & Mortar Years of use compromises the brick and mortar of the structure...

If you are a homeowner with a chimney, standard upkeep is a significant piece of keeping it in great condition just as keeping your family protected. Perhaps the best thing you can do to keep up your fireplace is to have a chimney inspection. Inspections are an extraordinary method to guarantee that your fireplace and chimney are in acceptable condition and have no likely security or basic issues. At the point when a chimney is normally inspected, deterioration such as masonry damage can often be spotted early before it significantly damages the chimney. In like manner, fireplace assessments are likewise a helpful device when diagnosing progressing chimney issues, for example, breaks or chimney odor. You may be surprised to discover that not all chimney inspections are the same. Depending on the circumstance, your chimney sweep may recommend one of three different chimney inspection levels to keep your home safe. Below, we will teach you about the distinct levels and what they mean...

We all know the damages leftover from hurricanes and flooding. Tropical storms and hurricanes bring high winds that can tear up chimney flashing, chimney caps, and chimney crowns and influence the bricks to chip. While stacks are normally sufficiently able to withstand the awful climate, they additionally have higher exposure to them. Strong winds joined with a hefty downpour, and debris made both surface and basic harm to structures including rooftops and chimneys. Along with bringing down trees and powerlines, strong storms often damage chimneys. Sitting at the top of the roof, the chimney is especially vulnerable to damage from heavy rain and high winds. We have even seen chimneys that were struck by lightning. The severe wind combined with the saturated ground can cause a chimney to rotate away from a building where the chimney and roof meet. After a storm has passed, you may not be sure whether the stack needs to be fixed or not. In the event that you haven't had a chimney...