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

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...

5 Common Chimney Leaks and how their Caused

by Patrick Buell | June 4, 2020 | Blogs | 0 Comments

Chimney leaks are a common problem often caused by several reasons. Chimney inspections are particularly important because they can help detect leaks early enough before they become worse. Here is what you can do to fix chimney leak issues. Chimney Leaks Cause #1: Your Chimney Lacks a Cap or Cover One of the major causes of a leaking chimney is that the chimney does not have a cover or cap on it. When your chimney has no cover on it, it is exposed to rain, debris from leaves, as well as animals. Consequently, several animals can enter or fall straight down inside. As well, a chase cover or cap can protect your chimney from rain and snow. While a blocked chimney can lead to a chimney fire, a clogged chimney does not release smoke which leads to possible carbon monoxide poisoning. To solve this, we recommend getting a chimney cap or cover. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. Chimney Leaks Cause #2: Worn Out Bricks and Mortar Joints The mortar and bricks on your chimney...

Prepare Your Kindling for Winter

by Patrick Buell | September 10, 2020 | Blogs | 0 Comments

Nothing is cozier on a cold evening than a popping fire, warm and gleaming, in the chimney or oven. Wood heat is likewise more affordable than numerous gas or electric heaters and can be more viable for home warming and cooking in numerous zones. In any case, by what method would it be a good idea for you to store your kindling to be certain it is prepared for it to be utilized exactly when you need it most? Assuming you are finished splitting your logs, the next thing to do is arrange and build a base for a storage area to keep these. This will permit your kindling to fix and age – fresh logs are known as green wood and should not be burned in the chimney or oven as they need time to dry. Appropriate stacking and capacity will likewise give a sheltered area to shield your wood from the components while keeping out any undesirable irritations from your home. Kindling in the U.S is regularly stacked in a rectangular face-rope type setup, with somewhere in the range of 1-3 face strings...

Not all chimney companies are created equal

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

Chimney season is right around the corner and will be here before you know it! Now is the time to schedule your annual appointment while Chimney Sweeps still have openings! During the season, it is common for sweeping companies and technicians to be booked three to six weeks ahead at a time. If you do not want to wait it is best to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Without knowledge or experience, cleaning your chimney is extremely dangerous. Getting on the roof is dangerous enough, but you could also miss an important fire hazard. Technicians are continuously trained and certified to spot any potential risks. When it comes to chimney maintenance, it is best to leave it to a professional. It is generally recommended that you schedule at least one annual inspection to ensure safety. Chimney Sweeps follow guidelines to provide an essential service. Protecting your home from fire hazards should be Chimney Sweeps’ main priority. Unfortunately, not all chimney companies are...

Chimney Sweep: The Importance of Chimney Flashing

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

A chimney has many parts that must be in the proper order to ensure optimum efficiency as well as your family’s and property’s safety. As any well-educated chimney sweep will tell you, there’s the smoke chamber which serves to guide smoke and noxious gases out of the fireplace and into the flue; which then guides the smoke up and out of the house into the open. Then you have the damper that you must not forget to open when lighting a fire and close when the chimney is not in use. Lastly, there is the chimney flashing. For those who live in areas prone to harsh weather like storms, chimney flashing is the best defense as long as it is solid and secure. A missing or damaged chimney flashing can only be noticed and fixed by a professional chimney sweep, and that is why annual inspection is crucial. What is Chimney Flashing? Chimney flashing is the sheet metal installed for the purpose of ensuring that the connection between the chimney and roof is watertight. It seals the space between...

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...

Why Is It Important to Clean Your Fireplace ?

by Patrick Buell | December 14, 2018 | Blogs | 0 Comments

Having a fireplace in your home used to be a matter of prestige in the old days. Even now with the invention of sophisticated heating technologies, there is nothing quite like a crackling fire in your home on a cold winter day. For many who stick to the old ways, having a fireplace is synonymous with maintaining it in the right way. However, you might not exactly know how to get this done. If so, you might need the advice of professional chimney sweeps. The good news is that there are certain smaller repairs and chimney cleaning tasks you can manage on your own if you are certain you can do it. So, here is a stepwise guide to keeping your fireplace working at its best. However, if you are not sure you can do it, call our professional chimney sweeps to prevent any further damage or costs that might come after you try tried to clean or repair your chimney on your own. 5 Steps to Effective Fireplace and Chimney Cleaning Setup the Catch Cloth Your fireplace cleaning is likely going to...

But why a chimney?

by Patrick Buell | May 14, 2020 | Blogs | 0 Comments

We get it, we get it.Chimney's were originally used for warmth and provided for basic necessities.But now, chimney's are used for much more than necessities.Imagine you're having some friends over. Not only does the warmth of the fire brighten the mood, but the aesthetically pleasing look of architecture makes for many compliments.But Ok, ok, you're probably thinking "But why do I need to worry about my chimney now? It's about to be summer and I wont be using my chimney." Actually, now is the perfect time to have a chimney either installed or cleaned because you won't be using it during the summer (not talking to you, Eskimo). Therefore, having a chimney swept eliminates buildup of outside materials and removes critters that may have made a friendly home inside.Hiring a qualifying chimney sweep is important, and now is the time to get it accomplished!

When is the best time to get your chimney swept?

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

Look, we get it. You're planning your summer vacation, working long hours to make that vacation a reality, and you're even working on some home improvement projects (looking at you Dad). The last thing that is on your mind is having your chimney serviced. It's summer. It's hot. The cold months are far away, especially for the south. So why is summer the best time to have your chimney swept? 1. You catch major problems earlyOne of the biggest things we hear in the chimney industry is 'Man, I wish I would've known sooner.' Summer is the perfect opportunity to have your chimney swept because it allows you to find major problems before winter hits and you need your chimney working properly. 2. Water Leaks Happen Mostly During the Summer. Major storms occur during the summer, and this can cause severe water damage to your chimney. We don't feel the need to belabor water damage, because we have an article on it HERE.3. Better AvailabilityAs winter nears, chimney sweeps become booked as...

Prefabricated vs Masonry Chimney

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

The biggest difference between masonry fireplaces and prefabricated is the price. Masonry almost always is more expensive than prefabricated. The inflated price in comparison is because masonry requires it to be built on-site, versus being assembled. Masonry will become a part of the home's design, so it is usually built while the home is still being constructed. An experienced mason who properly builds a fireplace can make it last much longer than a prefabricated fireplace. Bricks and mortar joints will deteriorate over time, but if annual inspections and regular maintenance are carried out, you should not have a problem in getting this fixed. Masonry is made from brick, which is a porous material. Prefabs are made from stainless steel and metal, so they are less susceptible to rain and water damage. Brick chimney systems are more prone to water damage, and leaks are common. It is important to have water-repellant solutions installed in your home to prevent this from happening. A...

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