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

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...

Helpful Tips: Bird is NOT the Word

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

Do you hear the chirping of birds or flapping of wings in your chimney? It is more common than you think! There is even a type of species of birds that focus on nesting in chimneys! This home intruder, called a Chimney Swift can inhabit your chimney and build a nest inside. We can remove them for you through humane animal removal, but if it is during the breeding season of the Chimney Swift, you might have to wait! Chimney Swifts are migratory species of birds that fly from Peru to North America during their breeding season. The breeding season generally lasts until the end of the summer. This species of birds are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, making it against federal law to relocate their nests while they are active. Swifts are known for creating nests in chimneys- hence the name. These birds will create a nest within your chimney and lay eggs. The eggs will hatch, and baby swifts usually leave the nest about a month after hatching. Since the birds are...

Chimney Problems That Can Be Solved by Chimney Cleaning Companies

by Patrick Buell | February 13, 2019 | Blogs | 0 Comments

When looking into chimney cleaning companies to hire, you need to make sure that you hire a certified professional. It’s crucial that you find a qualified and reliable chimney cleaning company. The best professionals are easy to spot due to their certifications, policies, warranty, and reviews. Chimney cleaning companies can help you with more than just cleaning out your chimney. The following problems can be solved by a professional chimney cleaning company, and you should contact one if you notice any of these problems with your chimney. Chimney Fires Homeowners who neglect essential maintenance may end up facing a chimney fire. These fires can spread to your roof and the rest of your home very quickly. Common indications of chimney fires are crackling and popping coming from inside your chimney, a low rumbling noise from the fireplace, thick smoke, and a pungent, burning scent. Creosote, a black, a tar-like chemical that collects in your fireplace, accumulates with the burning of...

Rebuilding a Chimney with the Help of a Chimney Sweep Company

by Patrick Buell | February 8, 2019 | Blogs | 0 Comments

When a chimney is damaged and deteriorated beyond repair, rebuilding is the next step. Sometimes rebuilding is cheaper than trying to fix various areas of an existing fireplace. Fixing crowns, flashing, tiles, and mortar as separate projects are not always the best option. Breaking down the chimney to where it is stable and building it back up with new materials is often the best choice. All chimneys require regular repairs and maintenance. A chimney sweep company would do its best to patch up any cracks or holes and fix up any issues as needed! With that being said, sometimes a repair job just won't cut it. In such cases, you need an expert to rebuild your system, and our certified staff can help you out! Common Reasons why Chimneys may Require Rebuilding by a Chimney Sweep Company The type of rebuilding work a chimney sweep company may do depends on what exactly caused your damage in the first place. A lot of things can cause wear and tear on your chimney. One of the most common...

Chimney leaks

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

Fall is a great time to get the fireplace ready for winter. Attending to those irritating chimney leaks is the best place to start. As this is not an area of the home which sees a lot of traffic or that gets used very often, chimneys require a thorough maintenance check once a year. Considering that a chimney leak could have numerous causes, it is helpful to understand the root of these problems. Faulty Chimney Flashing The part where the chimney and the roof of your house meet is sealed off with flashing. This material can be aluminium, steel copper or PVC. Each one is suitable for different climates, geographical areas and also for different classes of construction. The most popular form of flashing is aluminium, which can last more than 20 years in some cases. However, over time this material will start to deteriorate, and gaps will appear between the brickwork of the chimney and the actual flashing material. A chimney leak can be fixed by attending to damaged flashing. It is best...

The Role of a Chimney Cleaning Contractor’s in a Chimney Sweep

by Patrick Buell | February 18, 2019 | Blogs | 0 Comments

Chimneys have a very important part in the fireplace’s function, which is why it’s very important to keep an eye on the health and cleanliness of your chimney. Keeping up with the maintenance of your chimney is much less expensive than doing repairs that could have been avoided. Chimneys should be inspected at least once a year by professional chimney cleaning contractors. Chimney cleaning contractors not only provide us with their professional chimney cleaning services, but they also make sure that your chimney is not at risk of a fire. So, get their help and get professional services for your house and chimney’s safety. Chimney Sweep by Chimney Cleaning Contractors Chimney sweeping is best after the colder seasons end, in the spring, because deposits of creosote and soot are dry and easy to remove. The sweeping process addresses many aspects, but the removal of deposits and debris are the most time-consuming steps. Other types of debris found in chimneys will require sweeping and...

The Little Critters

by Patrick Buell | May 28, 2020 | Blogs | 0 Comments

Your chimney is a beautiful structure that is an important feature in your home. But it is also a great feature in the lives of little invaders.Here is some important information regarding these critters and how to keep them out of your home! It's important to make sure that your home is safe from little invaders. Chimney SwiftsChimney Swifts are small birds commonly found in chimneys. They are unable to perch and therefore must cling to vertical surfaces. Chimney swifts are Federally Protected Migratory Bird, therefore there are limitations on what we can do to remove this bird. Give us a call to find out more!BatsIn a sense, chimneys are like a cave. Therefore, chimneys tend to be a prime habitat for migrating bats. When bats make a home in your chimney, they generally are going to be somewhere higher which makes them a challenge to remove. Give us a call to find out how we can remove your bat problems.SquirrelsLike for bats, chimneys are a great little home for squirrels. Most...

How to Organize a Good Fireplace Cleaning Before the Holiday Season

by Patrick Buell | January 11, 2019 | Blogs | 0 Comments

The holiday season is almost upon us and before one gets completely engulfed by it, one should take care of a little detail that will make life so much better than that of organizing a good fireplace cleaning. One could begin by slating one’s annual fireplace chimney inspection followed by the fireplace cleaning. Though one can attempt fireplace cleaning on one’s own, the best way forward would be to invite a professional chimney cleaning professional to do it. They would be able to effectively remove fire causing substance like creosote, soot and glaze from inside the chimney and flue thereby clearing the way to enjoy a warm and cheerful holiday season with your family and friends. Why Fireplace Cleaning is Not That Much of a Chore to Be Dreaded Anymore The modern and professional way of fireplace cleaning does not leave any mess behind. Professional chimney sweeps will do the cleaning with the help of brushes that are able to vacuum-clean the offending deposits preventing any...

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...

Prefab fireplace installed in beautiful home

Fireplace Chimney Cleaning, Inspection and Maintenance Process

by Patrick Buell | December 28, 2018 | Blogs | 0 Comments

Over time, as you continue to use your fireplace, soot and creosote can accumulate and cling to the sides of the chimney. A certain level of accumulation puts the chimney at risk of blockage or can even set it on fire! Before the wood burning season, it is important that you ensure your chimney and fireplace is inspected and cleaned with the help of professional fireplace chimney cleaning services. This is important to ensure your safety when you ignite those embers. Depending on how frequently you use your fireplace, the inspection and cleaning should be annual, twice or thrice that. If you use it once a week then yearly is great but if it is more frequent than that, then a professional fireplace chimney cleaning twice per year is recommendable. There are few signs to be on the lookout for that can indicate your chimney craves your attention. These include the following: Fires that burn poorly, or if during a fire any smoke comes back into the room. An odour of burning wood coming...

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