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

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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

Got Squirrels in Your Chimney? Here’s What to Do

by Patrick Buell | April 3, 2021 | Blogs | 0 Comments

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...

Chimney & Fireplace Cap, Cover and Damper Repairs

by Patrick Buell | May 11, 2020 | Blogs | 0 Comments

If you live along the Gulf Coast you know that we get a lot of rain. In fact, we get more rain than anyplace in the country, including Seattle. Therefore, when it comes to rainfall Mobile is first, Pensacola is second and Seattle is a distant 41st.So much rain is a big deal when it comes to fireplaces and chimneys. Fireplaces, Chimneys, and Leaks In basic terms, the problem with fireplace and chimney leakage is that water combines with the creosote that remains from fires to form an acidic mixture. Over time that mixture can eat out the silica in the mortar joints.Once the joints are no longer secure, moisture — remember all that Gulf Coast rain — can get into the house through the chimney. For example, if water comes in through the chimney and is released under the shingles it can lead to the need for a roof replacement.Also, without proper sealing, heat from fires can travel into areas that should not be exposed to heat, dry out the wood, and in some cases actually cause the wood...

Noticeable Damages During Inspections

by Patrick Buell | January 5, 2021 | Blogs | 0 Comments

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...

Noticing Cracks In Your Chimney Crown?

by Patrick Buell | February 8, 2021 | Blogs | 0 Comments

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...

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...

Have You Had Your Annual Chimney Inspection?

by Sean Foster | July 28, 2020 | Blogs | 0 Comments

We are a little more than halfway into our year of 2020, and although it has not been one of the most riveting, the question still stands- have you had your annual chimney inspection? With the presidential election, a global pandemic, and civil rights protests, we understand that it may be easy to forget about your chimney inspection. That is why we want to remind you how important it is! Many recommend one annual chimney inspection to ensure safety and proper usage. It is never too late to get a chimney inspection! Chimney sweeps operate year-round, the off-season being in the summer and the busiest times being in the Fall. We always suggest that you get a chimney inspection during the summer, so that you can get an appointment in while you can. During the Fall, chimney sweep servicing companies tend to get booked 3-6 weeks ahead at a time, since the weather is colder, more people need to use their fireplace for warmth. Level One Inspection is the most common type of inspection. If...

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...

Why Install a Chimney Cap Even if You Don’t Use Your Fireplace

by Patrick Buell | May 29, 2020 | Blogs | 0 Comments

Even if you only use your fireplace as part of your decor, the chimney still needs a cap. Many homeowners assume that they don’t need to worry about their chimney if they never light up a fire in their hearth. This isn’t true. Leaving your chimney without a cap puts your home at risk of unpleasant pests, expensive damage and toxic mold. There are 4 reasons why every chimney needs a cap: 1. Keep Pests Out of the Chimney Many animals—from squirrels and raccoons to birds and bats—love to nest in chimneys since they look like safe, dark spaces. No matter how much you like woodland creatures, it is not a good idea to let them live in your chimney. They can bring diseases and other pests or cause damage. Bats and squirrels are well known for getting into homes through the chimney. One squirrel can cause thousands of dollars in damage by chewing on walls, furniture and linens. Many critters get trapped and die in chimneys. A rotting animal carcass can attract insects and rodents. It can...

The Levels of Inspections for Chimneys

by Patrick Buell | January 25, 2019 | Blogs | 0 Comments

Chimney has become part of our winter’s life. There is always a need to burn the fire and get some warmness in the house. The chimney can only warm our house efficiently and properly if it is maintained well. So, chimney sweeping and chimney inspection must be done at least once a year or more frequently. It cannot only increase the efficiency of our chimney but also make your life easier and more comfortable too. An annual chimney inspection search for creosote buildup and blockages. Inspection is followed by sweeping to remove hazards that inhibits the performance of chimney. Most chimney sweeps offer 3 levels of service. So, you can follow these steps and can increase the efficiency and safety of your chimney according to your needs and budget. Level 1 of Chimney Inspection In first level of chimney inspection, chimney sweeps visually checks the chimney for superficial defects with a flashlight. Level 1 looks for damage, obstructions, creosote buildup and informs you if the...

Conducting a Effective Chimney Flue Cleaning

by Patrick Buell | March 19, 2020 | Blogs | 0 Comments

The flue system is a combination of many parts that work together to provide ventilation for a fire. For the chimney system to perform its venting role properly, the components should be installed correctly and maintained regularly. This means that homeowners should schedule routine chimney sweeps, and annual inspections to have the safest and most efficient chimney system. The SOOTAWAY Chimney Flue Cleaning Process The flue is the actual vent that the smoke from the fire flows through. It goes from the fireplace to the top of the chimney where a chimney cap protects it. The flue should be lined with a flue liner that protects the masonry from corrosion, protects the home from hazardous gases, and prevents heat transfer. The flue liner surface should be smooth, and the joints should be strengthened with a high heat sealant. The flue leads exhaust gases and remains from the fireplace upward, to escape into the atmosphere. The flue is sufficient because it uses the stack effect that...

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