Auburn, Alabama

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Sootaway’s Expert Chimney and Fireplace Services

Chimney Sweep Auburn, Alabama

Sootaway chimney sweep Auburn 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 Auburn, Alabama. 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 Auburn, such as those at Sootaway, has a multitude of benefits.

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Chimney Fire Prevention Tips

Use Proper Fuel

Make sure the wood is seasoned 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.

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. A single bricked chimney with no liner must never be used for a wood stove.

Chimney Cleaning

Get a professional chimney sweep to inspect your chimney at least annually. This should be even more frequent if the fireplace is lit regularly.

Use Smoke Detectors

With the help of smoke detectors, troubleshoot and take action immediately any time smoke is detected indoors. The smoke is most likely a result of a dirty chimney full of debris like dead leaves, twigs, soot, or creosote buildup that have resulted in chimney flue blockage. Other causes include soft or wet wood that has not burned completely or a damper that is not fully opened.

Dangers of Creosote

Unfortunately, creosote is an unavoidable side effect of using your wood-burning fireplace. Creosote is a type of residue that results from burning wood. Creosote sticks to the walls of your chimney, and excessive buildup can lead to hazards such as odors in the home or chimney fires. Because creosote is the leading cause of chimney fires, the National Fire Protection Association recommends having your chimney annually. Your Sootaway chimney sweeps are experienced in cleaning chimneys and removing creosote and are happy to assist you.

Happy Customers

Years in Business

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Happy Customers

“Sootaway came out and used some spray to waterproof my chimney. Even gave me a 10 yr warranty in case we did start seeing leaks but reassured me that it would not be a problem again. I really appreciate knowing I don’t have to worry about my chimney for a long time.”

“I liked that this business called me ahead of time to verify my appointment, I almost forgot about it. Additionally, they laid down a cloth so that my carpet would stay clean. I liked the extra care they took during the whole process.”

“The back wall of my fireplace was heavily cracked. I wasn’t sure if this would cause other problems or not but I called just in case. They said they could replace it with a new one for a very reasonable price. Everything went smoothly and my fireplace is no longer cracked!”

Read Our Blog

The Importance of Chimney Sweeping

by Patrick Buell | May 22, 2020 | Blogs | 0 Comments

People often put off getting in touch with their trusted chimney sweeper, because they don’t want to spend the money. The truth is, the cost of hiring the chimney sweeper you prefer every year, will save you money on your heating bill, and having a clean chimney will allow your fires to last longer. You will also decrease the chances of a chimney fire, which can cause severe damage to your home. Most people with fireplaces don’t think about the importance of the chimney sweeper they hire. Many people also neglect the need to get your chimney cleaned once a year before the winter months. Here are only a few reasons why the chimney sweeper is so important. To Remove Creosote Buildups As you may be aware, it is mandatory to get your chimney inspected for creosote and soot build up from time to time. When there is a large amount of creosote buildup, it may cause an uncontrolled and unwanted fire. Creosote is a tar-like chemical that builds up when the wood in your fireplace is burning....

Planning on selling or buying a home?

by Sean Foster | July 31, 2020 | Blogs | 0 Comments

Are you planning on selling or buying a home? There are a lot of responsibilities that come with ownership. Experienced homeowners know the struggles that are included when you own a home, and the latter will find out eventually! Whether you are selling your home or buying a home, it most likely has a fireplace. A fireplace can tie a room together, by adding an ambiance factor that you cannot buy at the store. Wood-crackling during the fall and winter, warming your home is a priceless commodity that only a fireplace can create. Fireplaces may seem simple, but the complexity of a chimney system works to keep you safe. A fireplace that is not properly maintained can be dangerous to your health. So, if you are just moving into your new home, or selling your old house, it is important to have an inspection done on your chimney to guarantee safety. Why You Need the Inspection There are three levels of inspection. When you sell a home or buy a home, a level two inspection is necessary. A...

Chimney Clean Out: The varies Types of Chimney Brushes

by Patrick Buell | February 22, 2019 | Blogs | 0 Comments

When you invite a chimney sweep into your home for your annual chimney sweep cleaning, it might interest you to know the type of tools and equipment they use. Or perhaps you might wish to DIY your chimney clean out, and need information on the available types of brushes so you can know which one would best suit your chimney cleaning needs. The type of brushes needed for a chimney cleanout depends on the type of chimney and flue you have. Most typical chimneys are either masonry with clay flue tiles, or pre-fabricated and metal. The traditional chimneys made of masonry are more prone to severe creosote buildup than those made out of metal or prefabricated styles and require a different brush to accomplish a proper cleanout. Chimney brushes are important tools when it comes to the chimney clean out process. For the proper maintenance and operation of the chimney flue, it is vital that you use a brush of suitable material, shape, and size. Chimney brushes vary depending on the below...

How Can You Prevent A Chimney Fire?

by Patrick Buell | May 25, 2020 | Blogs | 0 Comments

Ensuring the safety and security of your home is top priority in any family. With that being said, house fires are a large problem within the United States. Here are some tips to help prevent a fireplace fire within your home. Use proper fuelMake sure the wood is seasoned 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. Proper installationYour 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 chimney with no liner must never be used for a wood stove. Chimney cleaningGet a professional chimney sweep to inspect your chimney at least annually. This should be even more frequent if the fireplace is lit regularly.You can also do it yourself by using a...

Do you have Chimney Damage from Hurricane Sally?

by Patrick Buell | September 22, 2020 | Blogs | 0 Comments

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...

An Unexpected Guest In Your Chimney?

by Patrick Buell | January 6, 2021 | Blogs | 0 Comments

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...

The 6 Reasons Why an Annual Chimney Sweep is Essential

by Patrick Buell | January 30, 2019 | Blogs | 0 Comments

If you own a gas fireplace, the annual chimney sweep is not necessary because gas fireplaces do not produce creosote, which builds up and to coats the interior part of your chimney. If you own a ventless gas fireplace, you don’t need to sweep it at all because the damper is always open. If you own duraflame logs, you don’t need to clean your chimney regularly, but make sure that you do hire a chimney inspector to have it inspected at least once every five years. A regular chimney sweep maintains the effectiveness of your chimney, so it is necessary to get your chimney swept at least once a year. A chimney sweep and inspection is essential for your fireplace’s efficiency. Why Cleaning Your Chimney Regularly is Essential Fire Preventionhttps://sootaway.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Hire-the-Chimeny-Sweeper-with-Professional-Skills.jpg The more basic reason to get your chimney cleaned regularly is to prevent it from starting an uncontrolled fire. When wood burns, it creates creosote,...

Reasons to Get a Chimney Liner Replacement by the Chimney Sweeper

by Patrick Buell | February 1, 2019 | Blogs | 0 Comments

The chimney liner is necessary for three main reasons, all of which affect the home and its occupants directly. You should hire a qualified chimney sweeper to replace your chimney liner.When it comes to the safety of the fireplace and chimney, the chimney liner is one of the most critical protective components. The chimney liner prevents carbon monoxide from seeping into your home. It stops hot embers in the smoke from slipping through a crack in the flue and igniting any flammable materials near the chimney. It also absorbs high temperatures and harsh chemicals released by the fire that could cause severe structural damage to the chimney or create pathways for a fire. Chimney liners are difficult to install, and they require a certified professional chimney sweeper. Why You Should Hire an Experienced Chimney Sweeper to Replace A Chimney Liner Chimney liners are essential, and people have several questions regarding them. The article below talks about when and why you should upgrade...

COVID-19 Update

by Patrick Buell | May 15, 2020 | Blogs | 0 Comments

We want you to know that, Yes, we are still open and scheduling appointments for families in our community. We also want you to know that now it’s more important than ever to be prepared for the wood burning season in the fall. We understand and recognize the Coronavirus is a very serious problem. We take your health and safety very seriously. Because of that, we want you to know about the precautions we are taking to ensure the safety of your home and family, and the safety and health of our technicians as well. Firstly, we understand if you do not feel comfortable with our technicians coming into your home during this time, and we would be more than happy to reschedule your current appointments. During our appointments, we are taking the following precautions: Our technicians will be wearing booties Our Team will be washing their hands frequently with anti-bacterial soap We will be using drop cloths We will be keeping anyone who is sick in our team at home. The above are...

Five Proper Ways of Cleaning your Chimney

by Patrick Buell | January 4, 2019 | Blogs | 0 Comments

Chimneys should be cleaned at least once a year or more preferably in the winter. You can do it with the help of professionals or can do it by yourself as well. You can get help regarding the chimney cleaning from different websites or the professionals. Get the help and review the different ways of cleaning so you can handle things better. There are some steps must be done to guarantee a successful cleaning process. Chimney Cleaning Preparation To prepare your chimney for cleaning first follow these steps for pre-preparation. In this way, you can make your chimneys clean in the best manner. Examine With a flashlight and using a pencil for scraping off, examine creosote accumulation on the side of the chimney. If accumulation is 1/8-inch thick, it's time for a cleaning. Check the chimney for animals. Therefore proper examine of chimney cleaning is necessary. Take Measurements Measure the sides of the chimney from the bottom and the top. Determine the size and shape of the flue and...

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