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!”

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Hurricane Season

by Patrick Buell | June 2, 2020 | Blogs | 0 Comments

Hurricane season is upon us and most who live near the coast know what that means; major preparation and horrible damage.Hurricanes threaten lives and also cause thousands of dollars worth of property damage.Last year alone, 15 lives were taken by hurricanes (not within the United States). While that may seem insignificant, the fact still remains; hurricanes take lives.While it is most important to protect your life, your house needs to be taken care of as well.During strong weather and hurricanes, things and shall we say, critters, can enter your chimney. From squirrels and snakes, to even small debris, when hurricanes happen, your chimney can become clogged.It is important that prior to a hurricane, your chimney has a chimney cap to prevent strong winds from bringing things into your chimney.In the unfortunate event that your home is over taken in a hurricane, know this: We stand with you, and will do whatever we can to help you during the difficult time.

Fire Wood Storage Tips From Chimney Service

by Patrick Buell | January 7, 2021 | Blogs | 0 Comments

With all the different aspects to keep your chimney clean and safe, using the correct type of wood is a big component. There are different types of wood to burn. Make sure it is correct with your chimney. Building a fire in your fireplace is very different than a campfire. Going out into the woods and chopping wood down does not mean you can dump it into your fireplace. There needs to be more consideration in what goes into the fireplace. The wood has to not let out too much smoke and fumes so the chimney can function without becoming too dirty or damaged. For these reasons, the right wood needs to be taken care of and properly handled to keep your chimney safe. Proper Storage Means Lower Chimney Cleaning Services Unseasoned or wet wood, that has not dried for six to twelve months, puts your home in danger. Also, makes your fireplace and chimney get dirty quicker. Wet wood produces too much moisture while burning, it will give you a smokier fire. These are less enjoyable. The...

Money: Fireplaces & Chimneys Mean Warmth & Value

by Patrick Buell | May 7, 2020 | Blogs | 0 Comments

From colonial times to now, fireplaces have been an important part of the American household. Offering more than heat and warmth, fireplaces are a traditional centerpiece of American history; the place where people gather to talk, eat, and share the great memories of life. While fireplaces hold practical worth, they also have a fundamental value that cannot be overlooked. A 2013 study by the National Association of Realtors found that “fireplaces were most common in higher-priced homes, homes in resort or recreation areas, and in detached single-family homes.” No less important, fireplaces are desirable and add value to homes. The NAR study also showed that 40% of all home-buyers were willing to pay more for a home with one or more fireplaces. In fact, 57% of the homes sold in the South actually had one or more fireplaces. Additionally, a 2016 study by the National Association of Home Builders found that gas fireplaces were regarded as essential or desirable by 52% of all home buyers...

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...

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Water, Smoke & Animal Problems Solved, Cleaning & All Repairs

by Patrick Buell | July 31, 2020 | Blogs | 0 Comments

Soot Away Chimney Sweeps Water, Smoke & Animal Problems Solved, Cleaning & All Repairs Spring has arrived and everything is coming to life. Everyone seems to go to work on their house, yard, gardens, etc. At SootAway we know the chimney area is the dirtiest, the least attended to and potentially the most Dangerous in your home. The average person will let it go until they have a chimney fire that scares them enough to call a specialist to check for damage and clean up the mess the fire made. Compared to the replacement cost of your home the cost of keeping your fireplace people who put off doing the essential inspection &cleanings. Call us today! SootAway has been locally owned and operated since 1986. We are licensed and insured. We personally work with all fireplace technicians at SootAway to ensure you always get a professional to service and inspect your fireplace and chimney system. We will provide service promptly and courteously and take special care to...

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....

Rainy Season Is Heading For Your Area

by Patrick Buell | January 7, 2021 | Blogs | 0 Comments

The pleasures and warmth of fires tend to blind homeowners. While distracted, homeowners, tend to forget to sustain the warmth is the proper maintenance through a trusted chimney company. A well-respected chimney company will be frank on the condition of the chimney's vulnerability to weather conditions leading to deterioration. When owning a chimney, there somethings that customers do not think about. One is the build-up of creosote. Creosote that is build-up on the chimney lining is the main leading cause for chimney fires. The moisture acts as the biggest hazard for a chimney. Ultimately, if the water is not handled, then it will lead to a chimney fire or a house fire. The damages from moisture could cost the chimney system repairs. Mortar & Flashing Mortar is the sealant on brick chimneys; this is less durable than masonry only. When the mortar begins to crumble, flake off, or decay, this means that moisture easily seeps into the masonry. In the winter, the masonry will...

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...

Did You Remember To Clean In Quarantine?

by Sean Foster | February 4, 2021 | Blogs | 0 Comments

For the last year, everyone has been adjusting to the guidelines of COVID-19 for safety precautions. From wearing masks to unexpected lockdowns, people began to adapt to the new lifestyle. COVID-19 is caused by the coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. This mainly is affecting elderly people and those who have underlying medical conditions such as heart or lung disease or diabetes. These people are considered to be at high risk for developing severe complications from the COVID-19 illness. Uncertainty of the outcome from the virus left thousands of citizens with panic; stocking up on cleaning supplies. Each state has reoccurring lockdowns based on their governors, the civilians are having to come up with ideas to stay busy at home. Staying locked in the house is never fun, but most people are taking the time to thoroughly deep clean. A deep clean not only gets rid of all the dirt and grime but leaves the homes with a sense of purity. Homeowners love the feeling that their home is clean and...

Helpful Chimney Terms

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

When conversing with an expert in any field can be scary particularly if you do not comprehend the phrasing being utilized. Your chimney and fireplace framework comprises of various segments that cooperate to give you warm and comfortable fires. There are a wide range of words or terms that chimney sweeps frequently use and When something goes wrong with your chimney, it is especially useful to know the names of those components. There are a couple of key terms that may be talked about. Look at the most significant chimney/fireplace terms beneath! Ash - The white/grey powdery buildup left when flammable material is completely scorched or is oxidized by compound methods. Ash Dump - An opening at the base of the chimney through which ashes may be dumped. Ash Pit - Storage for ashes, situated in the fireplace base B Vent - factory-built, double wall metal pipe for venting gas apparatuses with draft hoods and different appliances listed for use with Type B Gas Vent. Blower - An electric,...

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