Albany, Georgia
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Sootaway’s Expert Chimney and Fireplace Services
Chimney Sweep Albany, Georgia
Sootaway chimney sweep Albany knows that fireplaces and chimneys are very important to maintain. As one of the riskiest areas of the home, when not properly maintained, fireplaces can become very dangerous. With that being said, if you own a fireplace, you should consider getting your chimney cleaned by a professional chimney sweep team. Professional chimney sweeps can help minimize the risks of owning a fireplace and ensure your chimney is properly maintained. The Sootaway team consists of experienced chimney sweeps serving Albany, Georgia. We help our clients feel secure with their fireplace so they can enjoy it anytime they want. Before discussing the benefits of our services, let’s cover what chimney sweeps do.
What is a Chimney Sweep?
A chimney sweep is a professional chimney technician who ensures homes are safe to use their fireplaces. Since the 1700s, fireplace owners have known cleaning their chimneys is a risky task. Homeowners would seek the help of young boys who would climb up their chimney to clean each brick and tile in the interior. Thankfully, commercial-grade equipment has taken that job away from children. Despite people knowing for over 300 years that chimney cleaning is very important, many people neglect to do this task, or they attempt to do it themselves.
Chimney sweeps are highly trained workers who have the proper equipment to clean chimneys thoroughly. Most homeowners do not have the necessary tools to get up and inside the chimney. To reach the entire chimney a pro needs the proper tools. A professional chimney sweep will use extendable brushes, specialized cleaning agents, and even cameras to ensure your chimney is completely clean. With that being said, hiring professional chimney sweep Albany, such as those at Sootaway, has a multitude of benefits.
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At Home Cleaning Tips for Your Chimney
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**
- 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 plastic sheeting, and seal it tight. Invest in good quality duct tape in the chimney cleaning process. Make sure the covering is airtight as possible because otherwise, you will need to sweep clean the living room as well. - Proceed With Caution
When you start the process, you will need to start with cleaning the chimney first. This is because all of the dust and residue are going to decent into the fireplace. Now, you should prod from the outside in. This means to get on top of the roof and use the chimney sweep brushes from there. - Take Your Time
When starting the chimney cleaning, it is best to allow some time after the initial sweep. Usually, a lot of dust becomes unsettled and descends downward. It can come up through a draft. Keep your face away from the outlet when this happens. Even when wearing a mask, settled dust can make it harder to breathe. - Do A Thorough Clean Sweep
Make sure the brushes are reaching all four sides of the chimney and that you are reaching as far down as possible. Once that is done, you can back inside the house and collect all the dust that was shaken loose and dispose of it securely in the bin outside.
Tornado Damage?
Don't worry! We have you covered!
After a tornado 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 inspection in about a year or more, having an assessment after a tornado or extreme winds is a smart thought; and it will give you true peace of mind knowing your chimney is safe to burn!
Chimney Terms
Flashing
Chimney flashing is a sheet of metal installed where the chimney connects to the roof. Flashing ensures that the area where the roof and chimney connect is watertight. Flashing can lose effectiveness over time due to typical wear and tear and exposure to the elements. If your flashing is rusted or eroded, it needs to be replaced. Defective flashing can cause leaks in and around your chimney that can damage the structure of your home. Have your chimney inspected by a professional chimney sweep at least once a year to identify any issues with your chimney flashing.
Damper
The damper is an important element of your chimney system and has several purposes. For example, the damper seals the chimney when a fire is not burning, preventing cold outside air from coming into your home through the chimney. It can also be adjusted to allow for more or less oxygen to reach your fire. The damper needs to be routinely inspected along with the rest of your chimney. The National Fire Protection Association recommends that you have your chimney inspected and cleaned at least once a year. The skilled chimney technicians at Sootaway will provide you with a thorough chimney cleaning and inspection to ensure every part of your chimney system is working as it should.
Crown
The chimney crown is a piece of concrete that sits on top of the chimney. Its purpose is to prevent water from running down into the chimney. The crown starts from the chimney or flue liner and covers the length of the chimney. The crown typically has a taper or a slope to allow water to run off the chimney.
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Things to Do in Albany, GA
Albany is a city in southwest Georgia. The Flint RiverQuarium highlights the ecology of the Flint River, and has turtles and alligators. Thronateeska Heritage Center includes the Wetherbee Planetarium, plus science and history museums. Downtown’s Ray Charles Memorial features a life-size statue of the musician, who was born in the city. To the north, Chehaw Park has trails, and a zoo with cheetahs and rhinos.
Ray Charles Plaza
“Holding court in the center of the Plaza that runs along the Flint River is a life-size sculpture of the pioneering soul musician, seated at a Baby Grand piano which rests on a rotating pedestal. While Ray Charles’ beloved melodies play at timed intervals, water flows over the pedestal and spills into a reflecting pool at its base. Grab a piano key bench and enjoy the “concert.””
Flint RiverQuarium
“The Flint RiverQuarium is a one-of-a-kind adventure in Albany, featuring a unique blue-hole spring and more than 100 mysterious creatures. The Flint RiverQuarium tells the fascinating story of the Flint River and the mysterious blue-hole springs that help create it. The 175,000-gallon, 22-foot-deep, open-air RiverQuarium Blue Hole is filled with the fish, reptiles and plants found in the Flint River’s ecosystem. Explore the world around you like never before with interactive exhibits and face-to-face encounters with the creatures and fish native to South Georgia. Also visit the larger-than-life Flint RiverQuarium Imagination Theatre, which brings nature to life in a whole new way.”
Chehaw Park & Zoo
“With over 700 acres of pristine, conservation land and a zoo dedicated to education, Chehaw is a unique attraction for South Georgia. Chehaw continues to be devoted to the three areas it was founded on: conservation, preservation and education. From the Zoo to the endless recreational opportunities, Chehaw has an activity for every visitor. Come see what nature’s playground has to offer you.”
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