Auburn, Alabama

Call: (334) 310-4717

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.

Other Locations

Columbus	Axis	McCalla
Muscle Shoals	Kent	Verbena

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

Satisfaction Guarantee

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

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...

Keep a Clean Chimney for Santa – Chimney Cleaning

by Patrick Buell | January 16, 2019 | Blogs | 0 Comments

Santa’s annual visit is here and everyone is excited. If you have a fireplace, all the jollier for you. The family can spend time at the fireplace, exchanging gifts, and taking family photos. Did you know that apart from a warm hug, milk, and cookies, you can also ensure Santa comes home to a clean chimney! Do not spoil his cheerful mood by ushering him into a home that has a dirty chimney exposing him to sputter and cough. Schedule a chimney cleaning and inspection today and give Santa a clean chimney to slide down! https://sootaway.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Keep-a-Clean-Chimney-for-Santa.jpgOne of the ways to ensure Santa’s red suit is not ruined by soot is to ensure proper chimney cleaning and inspection by professional chimney sweeps. Be on the lookout for excessive creosote buildup. Creosote forms when smoke mixes with vapor in the cooler surface of your chimney. Creosote is highly flammable, and if its width gets to an eighth of an inch, then it can ignite a chimney fire....

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...

Cover image: a photo from above of a chimney liner.

Is it Time to Replace Your Chimney Liner?

by Patrick Buell | February 10, 2021 | Blogs | 0 Comments

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...

burning fire in newly repaired masonry fireplace

Five Fireplace Benefits

by Patrick Buell | September 3, 2020 | Blogs | 0 Comments

I just love the thought of warming a room with a fire that brings considerably more warmth than the flares do. Regardless if it is from the glow of the consuming fire to the delicate lighting it brings to the room, they really are additionally one of the most valued amenities that one can have. The intrigue can make any home more enthusiastic, appealing, and obviously, comfortable. Here are 5 benefits that can come from having a fireplace in your home: 1. Comfortable Fires - There is no other sort of warmth creating apparatus that offers the kind of warmth you get from a fire. Despite the off chance that you pick an open hearth, a wood oven, or a chimney embed, you can unwind and loosen up watching the fire moving while it softens the cool away. Chimneys additionally offer the ideal spot to assemble with loved ones and appreciate the snapping flares. 2. Ecologically Friendly - Today's wood consuming apparatuses are effective in giving enough warmth to warm your home utilizing less of...

Maximum Safety

by Patrick Buell | May 21, 2020 | Blogs | 0 Comments

Back in 1974, the Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a series of 12 fireplace and chimney safety tips, common-sense suggestions which continue to have value. More than 40 years later, they are still valuable today. 1. Be sure the fireplace was constructed for actual use, not just for decoration. Inspect it to be sure that it has adequate protective linings, smoke ducts and that the chimney is clear and in good repair. 2. If installing a factory-made fireplace, insure that it is not near any combustible materials and has adequate flame and heat barriers. 3. Open the damper before lighting the fire and keep it open until the ashes are cool. This will avert the build-up of poisonous gases, especially while your family is sleeping. 4. Never use gasoline, charcoal lighter or other fuel to light or relight a fire because the vapors can explode. Never keep flammable fuels near a fire as vapors can travel the length of a room and explode. 5. Do not use coal or charcoal in a fireplace...

Chimney Examination

by Patrick Buell | June 1, 2020 | Blogs | 0 Comments

If a chimney is not properly cared for, the results can be severe. A number of issues can arise when a chimney is not regularly cleaned and maintained. One common problem is the obstruction of the chimney which blocks smoke and dangerous gases from leaving the house and into the air outside. You can clean your chimney yourself, but it is usually best to hire chimney cleaning contractors to do it for you, due to the complexity for chimneys. A clean and clear chimney is vital to the safety of you and your loved ones when using your fireplace. If you’ve scheduled a chimney inspection with chimney cleaning contractors, then you might be wondering what to expect from them. Certified contractors will ensure all accessible parts of the chimney are properly inspected so you can rest easy when lighting your fireplace any time or season. Essential Areas Chimney Cleaning Contractors Should Inspect 1. Structural Integrity A chimney inspector will first assess the interior and exterior of...

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...

Sootaway Chimney Sweep New Orleans Inspection

The Search for the Perfect Sweep

by Sean Foster | July 27, 2020 | Blogs | 0 Comments

As summer comes to an end, appointments and bookings rise. Right before the fall, which is prime time for using your fireplace, many people will schedule their recommended annual inspection. During this time, all chimney sweep technicians and companies receive a heightened number of chimney sweep service calls and inspections so you may experience longer than normal wait times for an appointment. Summer is the off-season for our technicians, but we work year-round! With a more open schedule in the summer, our teams can work around you. Planning can get you ahead, getting the peace of mind your chimney is clean and ready for use before Fall can do that for you. You most likely have not used your chimney for most of the year while temperatures are high, and then you go to light the first fire of the year. Before you know it, smoke fills your home and lungs and you are coughing up a storm. Since your last fire, any number of issues may have occurred. Rain may have found its way into...

Types of Chimneys

by Patrick Buell | August 27, 2020 | Blogs | 0 Comments

Mortgage holders have numerous alternatives for gas or wood-consuming chimneys, yet the decisions can be to some degree befuddling if the real factors are not promptly accessible. The web can be a decent hot-spot for research, however there are a ton of locales that do not give precise or careful data, so settling on a decision can be troublesome. The accompanying should assist with helping mortgage holders in settling on the significant choice about what kind of chimney to introduce in their home. Masonry Masonry fireplaces and chimneys are developed on-site from stone or blocks and mortar and are a piece of the homes basic plan. Commonly, these chimneys and fireplaces are built as the house is manufactured. Prefabricated A prefab fireplace is a one that has been made and collected in a manufacturing plant before being moved and introduced at a place of work. This sort of chimney will set aside you time and cash, over a conventional masonry chimney. They are made in vent less,...

Contact Us Now To Request An Appointment

[gravityform id="1"]