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How to Prevent Water Damage in Your Chimney

Chimney water damage is one of the worst problems homeowners can run into. The Chimney Safety Institute of America says it best: “Water is your chimney’s biggest enemy, and a leaky chimney can lead to both interior and exterior deterioration and costly damage if neglected.” Finding water damage in your chimney can result in the deterioration of your chimney’s masonry, and it should not be ignored. Your chimney is made of mortar, brick, and stone, which all absorb water, making those materials easy to damage. This can result in your chimney falling, mold growing, or the warping of your floorboards. Luckily, you can avoid these costly, unsafe problems! 

At Best Chimney Services, we’ve been committed to the safety and functionality of homeowners’ chimneys since 1989. Our chimney technicians are dedicated to ensuring you receive excellent, personalized services for your chimney concerns. Whether you’re dealing with chimney water damage or just need an annual chimney inspection, we’re here to help! Call us today to get the ball rolling. Until then, learn how to prevent water damage from occurring in your chimney. 

Make Sure Your Chimney Crown Isn’t Damaged

A chimney crown is a slab of concrete that lives at the top of a brick chimney stack. The purpose of the chimney crown is to keep water out of your chimney. It’s your masonry’s first line of defense when faced with moisture. Therefore, if it’s damaged, water or snow can freely enter your chimney. A functioning chimney crown will provide water or snow with a downward slope exit away from the flue, to the edge of the crown. Give us a call to ensure your chimney crown isn’t damaged.

Ensure Your Chimney Cap Works (and That You Have One!)

A chimney cap, also known as a rain cover, is in charge of protecting the flue from collecting rainwater. Imagine it as an umbrella placed above your chimney crown. Your chimney cap will prevent water from entering the flue, where it prevents moisture and mold from building up in your home. The cap is also vital for preventing animals and birds from entering your chimney. Check out our chimney cap guide to learn more about this essential part of a chimney. 

Repair Deteriorating Mortar and Brick

As we mentioned earlier, when water seeps into your chimney, it’s absorbed by your mortar and brick. Unfortunately, you can’t prevent harsh weather from deteriorating your chimney over a long period of time. However, there are steps you can take in order to make sure your mortar and brick are in the best condition they can be to avoid costly water damage. Visually check your mortar joints for unusual gaps or entry spots that would hold water—this is a sign that your mortar needs repair. If you don’t notice anything but are still concerned, don’t hesitate to call us! We can provide a thorough inspection of the masonry’s condition. We offer a range of masonry services to ensure your chimney’s masonry has a long life span.

Seal Your Chimney

This recommendation may sound obvious, but many homeowners aren’t aware of it. Sealing your chimney delays water damage over time by allowing water vapor to escape rather than get trapped and expand within the brick and mortar. Best Chimney Services offers professional-grade sealers that are 100% vapor permeable, which allows your chimney to breathe while staying protected. This is a great option for anyone with a brick chimney!    

Book An Annual Chimney Inspection

All that’s left now is a chimney inspection! Book a chimney inspection at least once a year so that everything on this list can be checked by a licensed chimney technician. Our chimney technicians can verify whether or not these components are in proper working order and if they need repairs. They can also help identify any signs of water damage so you can avoid a major costly problem.

Contact Best Chimney Services to Protect Your Chimney

Don’t wait and let problems like chimney water damage get worse! We urge you to book an appointment with us so that we perform a routine chimney inspection to verify that all the components in your chimney are in working order. We want to hear about your concerns so that we can alleviate any problems before they cause damage to your home. 

The post How to Prevent Water Damage in Your Chimney appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

A New Year’s Resolution – Year of the Lint

3…2…1, we finally crossed into 2024…It’s time for a dryer exhaust cleaning! Do you have a New Year’s resolution? Many of our New Year’s resolutions are to have cleaner homes. This means cleaning inside the home, outside and everything in between! We usually think to dust, mop or start on some long overdue project (like a closet, drawer or even piles of paper that end up on tables and floors). But, there’s essential cleaning to be done between the four walls! Have you kept track of all the fluffy sweaters and blankets you’ve washed this winter? The lint from the extra fluffy clothes gets caught up in the dryer vent, posing a dangerous fire hazard to your home. It’s not every day that homeowners think of the clothes dryer to clean. That’s because there’s a lint trap and we believe we’re doing all we can to keep it working properly. Not so fast. Let’s take a closer look. 

Why is dryer exhaust cleaning necessary?

  1. When you run your dryer, lint and debris accumulate in the exhaust system, specifically the vent and ductwork. Over time, this buildup restricts airflow, making your dryer work harder to dry clothes. As hot air is pushed through your dryer, lint is also pushed through and into the air, which might affect the air quality into your home. Lint is made of microfibers and can potentially harm you if regularly inhaled. 
  2. A possible harmful product of drying is carbon monoxide, the well-known poisonous gas. This is made with gas burning dryers. When the dryer vent doesn’t have good outflow, fumes may get caught in the air. 
  3. You might notice longer drying times and higher energy bills. Regular dryer exhaust cleaning results in less damage to clothing. The less your clothes are exposed to heat, the less damaged they become. 
  4. The accumulation of lint poses a fire hazard. According to the National Fire Protection Association, dryers accounted for 92% of reported washing machine and dryer fires. Regular dryer exhaust cleaning is the key to preventing these potential disasters.

How often should dryer exhaust cleaning be done?

As a general rule, it is recommended to clean the dryer exhaust at least once a year. If you notice any signs of restricted airflow, overheating dryer, or longer drying times, it is important to clean the dryer exhaust as soon as possible.

Cleaning the Dryer Exhaust: Hiring a Professional

We don’t recommend you clean the dryer exhaust yourself, as it’s a difficult process and takes a trained professional to complete properly and thoroughly. On the internet, you can find many do it yourself articles with steps to “easily” clean the dryer vent. Though it’s possible, it really takes a trained professional to clean the dryer vent. Professionals have the expertise, specialized tools and equipment necessary to clean the vent system that produce the best and safest results.

Schedule A Dryer Exhaust Cleaning It hasn’t yet really snowed in the Chicagoland area, so it’s not too late to clean your dryer vent. Once it’s too cold, it becomes harder to clean. Top off your New Year’s resolution to keep a clean home by cleaning between the walls! Schedule a professional dryer exhaust cleaning today with Superior Chimney by calling 877-244-6349.

This post first appeared on https://www.superiorchimney.net

Beat The New Year’s Freeze

Now that the new year has begun, the freezing cold months loom ahead, and your chimney is in need of a fireplace sweep. Maybe Santa Claus made a mess of soot when he came down the chimney, or there’s a few unnoticed cookie crumbs in the hearth! Humor aside, the daunting days of below 0 temperatures are coming up quickly, and you’ll find yourself huddling close to the warm hearth of the fireplace. January and February in Chicagoland are the notoriously coldest months of the year. Here’s how to prepare your gas or woodburning fireplace for the upcoming subzero temperatures. 

The Modern Fireplace Sweep

When you think of a fireplace sweep, it might take you back to the 1940s. Maybe you think of Mary Poppins. The fireplace cleaner, covered in soot and dancing on the roof tops. Today, we don’t make nearly as much soot and smoke as back then, and it might seem like your chimney doesn’t need to be swept as often. This may be true but is only based on utilization frequency. Regardless of gas or wood fuel, chimneys need swept and inspected for worthiness assurance on an annual basis due to the winters freeze / thaw cycles which can wreak havoc on all chimney types.  It’s also very important to keep up on your regular fireplace sweep to ensure no blockages that can eventually pose as a danger to your home. 

What’s a Fireplace Sweep?

A fireplace sweep is a professional service that includes the thorough cleaning of your fireplace and chimney. This process removes any soot, creosote, and debris that has built up over time. The primary intent of a fireplace sweep is to test the integrity of the firewalls within to ensure it is worthy of use.  Additionally, obstruction free assurance is the third element.  By regularly sweeping your fireplace, you can benefit in the following ways:

  1. Improved safety: Soot and creosote accumulation in your chimney can pose a serious fire hazard. A professional fireplace sweep ensures that these substances are removed, reducing the risk of chimney fires.
  2. Better air quality: When a fireplace is not properly swept, it can release harmful pollutants and allergens into your home. Regular sweeping helps maintain good indoor air quality and prevents the buildup of harmful particles.
  3. More efficiency: A clean fireplace and chimney allow for better air flow, which improves the efficiency of your fireplace. This means you can enjoy a warmer and more consistent heat output.

Gas Burning vs Wood Burning Fireplace Sweep

Is there a difference between a gas burning and wood burning fireplace sweep? Well, both need to be swept by a certified professional regularly, meaning one to two times per year, especially if you plan to be using it often. It is NOT true that a gas fireplace doesn’t need to be swept as often as a wood burning fireplace. A chimney sweep is primarily for checking firewall integrity purposes, then cleaning and then obstruction-free assurance.

Call Us for a Fireplace Sweep! Superior Chimney certified professionals are here to help. Get our 14-point inspection to ensure a safe and warm rest of the winter. Call Superior Chimney at 877-244-6349.

This post first appeared on https://www.superiorchimney.net

Smelly Chimney & Fireplace Solved!

A fireplace is like a family pet — you love it, but sometimes, it stinks. This post shows you what causes your fireplace and chimney to smell and how to solve the problem.

Creosote build up in South Windsor CTWhat Causes Chimney and Fireplace Odor

Creosote Buildup

One of the leading causes of chimney odors is creosote accumulation. Creosote is a byproduct of burning wood and starts as a flaky powder that sticks to the chimney’s interior walls. As it accumulates, it becomes a thick, sticky tar-like substance. At that stage, it’s highly flammable and the source of the strong, smoky odor you smell, particularly during heavy rain or high humidity. 

Moisture Problems

Moisture can enter the chimney through cracks or having a damaged or no chimney cap. Dampness leads to musty odors and can spur mold growth, worsening the smell. Moreover, breathing mold spores can increase allergic reactions and breathing difficulties. 

Animal Debris

Birds, squirrels, raccoons, and other critters seek shelter in chimneys during winter for warmth. They often leave droppings and sometimes die in the chimney, leading to unpleasant odors.

Negative Air Pressure

Modern homes are tightly sealed, leading to negative air pressure inside. This can cause downdrafts in the chimney, pulling in outside air and any foul odors from the chimney into your house. 

How to Fix a Smelly Chimney

Fortunately, most chimney odors can be prevented by following these simple tips.

Regular Cleaning and Inspection

The most effective way to keep your chimney and fireplace from stinking up your home is by hiring a professional chimney sweep for annual cleaning and inspection. Professionals have the proper tools to remove creosote and the training to spot cracks and other issues that could lead to moisture getting in, leading to odors or damage. 

Stay On Top of Repairs and Maintenance

It’s important to repair minor structural damage as soon as you notice the problem. Letting these things go leads to bigger issues that are more expensive to fix down the road. 

The most common forms of chimney damage are cracks in the flue, brickwork issues, cracked crowns, and obstructions. Again, a professional chimney sweep will spot these issues during routine inspections and alert you so you can schedule repairs before they worsen.

Improve Ventilation

Here are a few tips to combat negative air pressure and make your fire burn more efficiently.

  • Use a fireplace grate to allow more air movement through the wood.
  • Warm the flue before lighting the fire.
  • Open a window or door for a few minutes to give the fire fresh air.
  • Consult your local chimney specialist about other ways to improve ventilation. 

Install a Chimney Liner

Chimney liners are required for new home constructions, but if you have an older home, you should invest in a flue liner. Flue liners improve energy efficiency, reduce the chance of a chimney fire, and allow smoke and toxic gases to flow out of the home more easily. 

Cap Your Chimney

A good quality chimney cap will prevent moisture and debris from falling in, which can lead to odors and blockages. 

Burn Seasoned Firewood

The more smoke the wood produces when it burns, the faster creosote develops. That’s why it’s crucial to burn dry, seasoned firewood. Greenwood has too much moisture, burns less efficiently, and makes more smoke, leading to creosote. 

chimney waterproofing services in Newington CTWaterproof Your Chimney

Moisture wreaks havoc on a chimney, especially in areas with a freeze-thaw cycle. You can prevent cracks and other damage by investing in applying a waterproofing product. Weatherproofing is cost-effective, lasts for years, and can extend the lifespan of your chimney. 

Call Northeastern Chimney

Northeastern Chimney LLC is the best choice for chimney, fireplace, and stove needs in central Connecticut. We’re fully licensed, insured, and certified.

Whether you need chimney cleaning, liner installation, inspections, masonry repairs, cap installation, waterproofing, flashing repair, firebox rebuilding, or anything in between, you can count on our certified experts to do the job right the first time. 

Contact us today at 860-233-5770

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This post first appeared on https://www.mychimney.com

Why Does My Fireplace Smell?

Few things make a home homier than a warm, crackling fire. And if there’s anything that can ruin that experience, it’s a smelly fireplace. Let’s look at why your fireplace might make your home smell like an ashtray and how to prevent it.

cleaning and removing creosote in chimney in Shawnee KSWhat Causes Fireplace Odors?

Because foul odors come from the fireplace, it’s natural to think that’s the cause, but it’s more likely the chimney, and here’s why.

Creosote Buildup

The main cause of odors is creosote, a byproduct of burning wood. This sticky, tar-like substance produces a strong, smoky smell and is a significant fire hazard.

Moisture and Mold

Chimneys are susceptible to moisture, especially in areas that undergo a freeze/thaw cycle, causing bricks and mortar joints to crack and allowing water to seep in. Moreover, if you don’t have a chimney cap, it’s easy for water, snow, and ice to get in. Excessive moisture leads to mold growth and musty odors.

Animals

Birds, squirrels, raccoons, rats, and other small critters find refuge in warm chimneys during winter. They build nests, leave droppings, and sometimes die, leading to unpleasant odors and an unhealthy home environment.

Negative Air Pressure

New homes are tightly sealed, which is excellent for energy efficiency but bad for your fireplace because it causes negative air pressure. Negative air pressure can lead to chimney odors drawing down the chimney and into the home. Negative air pressure also makes it more difficult to maintain a healthy fire because it can’t get enough oxygen.

Ash and Soot

Allowing ash and soot to accumulate in your fireplace can result in odors.

How to Prevent and Eliminate Fireplace Odors

Regular Cleaning and Inspections

Because creosote is the leading cause of chimney and fireplace odors, hire a professional chimney sweep to clean and inspect the chimney at least once a year. Certified chimney sweeps are trained to detect issues like mortar or brick damage that allow water to enter, leading to mold and musty odors, and issues that could be a fire hazard.

Install a Chimney Cap

Many people confuse chimney caps with crowns or chase covers, but they’re different. A cap is a metal component that covers the opening atop the chimney. Caps are vital for stopping rain, debris, and animals from getting in and protecting your chimney from blockages and damage. Keeping water out is key to preventing odors and can extend your chimney’s lifespan.

Balance Indoor Air Pressure

To counteract negative air pressure, open a window slightly in the room with the fireplace or install vents to get better circulation and improve the draft. This can prevent odors from flowing back into your home and make your fire burn more efficiently.

Clean the Hearth

Regularly clean the hearth by removing ashes to prevent odors.

Use Deodorant

You can find fireplace and chimney deodorant products at your hardware store or big box retailer. These products don’t replace annual professional cleaning but can keep it smelling fresh between appointments.

chimney and fireplace cleaning company in Kansas City KS

Make an Appointment With Us!

If you need professional chimney cleaning, you’ve come to the right place. Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace is the number one chimney and fireplace company in Kansas City. Our technicians are certified by the National Fireplace Institute and the Chimney Safety Institute of America.

And if you need something beyond cleaning, we’ve got you covered because we do everything from repairs, inspections, rebuilds, installations, and more.

Schedule your chimney cleaning today by calling 913-236-7141.

The post Why Does My Fireplace Smell? appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

Chimney Chronicles: Tales of Historic Chimneys and Their Stories

Did you know that chimneys in the home date back as early as the twelfth century? Between then and now many warm, fond memories have been made alongside a fire. Even before this, fires were enjoyed inside – sometimes even around an open fire. As you can imagine this wasn’t the safest approach. However, in the dark ages, you did what you had to do to keep warm and cook food for your family.

Fireplace maintenance in Leawood KSThe Origin of Fireplaces

The birth of what we consider a fireplace coincides with the rise of two-story homes. This took away the option to have a fire simply in the middle of a home and let the smoke rise up and out. Rather, there was a new approach: light the fire in a section of the wall. This way it could rise and leave the home unobstructed with holes made throughout the wall. The smoke was still an issue until a flue was created. This helped to draft smoke up and out of the home. Some of the more advanced and wealthy homes even installed hoods. 

14th Century Advancements

Once hoods were introduced to the concept, further advancements were made as well. Full, official chimney structures started to be built into the walls of homes, allowing for more advanced and thorough heating solutions. This even allowed for multiple fireplaces to vent through the same flue system. However, at this point, the flue exit was still pretty minimal, and drafts weren’t completely taken care of.

16th Century Turning Point

Surprisingly, a big push for ventilation improvements came after the Tudor period in England. Lumber and timber supplies became less prominent and more expensive, which meant homeowners were forced to look for alternative sources of heat. The solution was coal. This came with toxic smoke as a byproduct, which begged for more advanced and efficient ventilation systems. Due to the need and throughout the years of technological advancements, the ventilation system continued to improve. 

fireplace firebox repairs in Overland Park KSToday

From there, ventilation was perfected, even when wood was back to the main supply, making wood-burning fireplaces a vital and primary source of heat for many centuries. Even today, in the 21st century, homeowners enjoy fireplaces in the cold months as a supplementary heat source and even for aesthetics. Our ventilation systems are optimized, and we’ve even introduced modern solutions such as gas and electric fireplaces. These allow for ease without compromising the timeless coziness that fireplaces provide for any home. 

Call Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace Today

Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace is known in the Kansas City area for its reliable and efficient chimney services. The expert team is known and trusted to perform premium chimney and fireplace services. Between extensive training, certifications, and consistent customer satisfaction, we can get the job done fast without compromising quality. Everything we do from the first call to the finished project; we make sure you are 100% satisfied.

If your chimney needs service or repairs, contact us today at 913-236-7141.

The post Chimney Chronicles: Tales of Historic Chimneys and Their Stories appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

Avoiding Winter Chimney Fires: Crucial Prevention Tips

Now that the winter is here, the fireplace is a source of heat. Many homeowners use their fireplaces as a heat source. It may be an economical choice considering the cost of energy to heat your home. Let us discuss some of the concerns homeowners may have and how to protect them. 

chimney fire prevention in Newington CTBe aware of the dangers involved in fireplace use. It is important to know the causes of chimney fires and how to protect yourself and your family from them. More than 25,000 chimney fires are incurring with over $125 million in property damage each year.

Chimney Inspection 

An annual chimney inspection is your first defense against chimney fires. A professional company like Northeastern Chimney LLC will inspect your entire chimney. We will ensure a safe fire-burning season. They will discuss a plan for the maintenance of your chimney to protect you from any danger.

Chimney Sweep

A clean chimney will help prevent a chimney fire. Schedule an annual chimney sweep along with your annual inspection. Creosote buildup is a main culprit of chimney fires. Creosote is a flammable tar-like substance that builds up on the inner walls of your chimney. This happens when you burn wood in your fireplace. If not cleaned out regularly, it may catch fire, causing a chimney fire.

Stainless Steel Liner

Invest in a stainless-steel liner. Stainless steel withstands very high temperatures. A liner will also protect your home from seepage of carbon monoxide gas through the bricks in your home. Stainless steel is durable and will last a long time.

Good Seasoned Wood

The fastest and hottest wood is hardwood. Be sure to choose the best wood for your fireplace. Also, be sure that it is thoroughly seasoned. Wood holds a lot of moisture. With moisture, wood will smoke, and the smoke goes up the chimney and causes creosote. Allow wood to season for at least 6 months and up to a year. It is a good idea to buy your wood now for next year. This way you are sure that it is completely dry. Dry wood will burn hottest and creosote buildup will be minimal. 

Chimney inspection in Windsor Locks CTHeatproof Glass Doors

It is important to protect the inside of your home as well. A good heat-proof glass door is recommended by the experts. Keeping this closed will keep any sparks from falling into the room. 

We can help you with everything including chimneys and fireplaces. Call Northeastern Chimney LLC at 860-233-5770 for your annual chimney sweep and inspection. This is the best preventative action that you can take to keep your home, fireplace, and chimney in perfect working condition. 

As members of the NCSG, we stay on the cutting edge of the latest technologies in sweeping and masonry repair. Click on the logo to visit the NCSG website.

Every one of our chimney sweeps (not just the owner) is fully certified by the CSIA. That means that the sweep we send to your home has proven expertise in the sweeping industry.

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This post first appeared on https://www.mychimney.com

Understanding Creosote Buildup: Risks and Solutions 

Fireplace safety is vital to your family and home’s well-being, but do you really understand? In addition to having smoke and carbon monoxide detectors placed fifteen feet from the fireplace, you need to consider chimney safety. Why? One word- creosote. So let’s look at understanding creosote buildup: risks and solutions. 

stage one creosote buildup in chimney in Prairie Village KSWhat is Creosote?

When you burn organic materials such as wood or plants, a chemical byproduct called creosote is produced. It is a combination of tar and other chemicals that sticks to the inside of your chimney and creates a buildup. Over time, there can be quite a creosote buildup inside your chimney.

Why is a Creosote Buildup Unsafe?

Creosote is an extremely flammable substance, and it becomes more dangerous the more there is of it. A hot ember could float upwards and land on the buildup that could spark a chimney fire. The fire may not be confined only to your chimney; it could also spread to your roof and attic, eventually to your whole home. Creosote burns and spreads quickly, giving you little time to escape your house. Creosote is responsible for some twenty-five thousand chimney fires in the United States annually. 

The Three Stages of Creosote Buildup

The First Stage of Creosote Buildup

In the first stage of buildup, a thin coating of creosote flakes begins to build from smoke, making contact with the chimney’s interior. 

The Second Stage of Creosote Buildup

In this buildup stage, creosote takes on a tar-like appearance and becomes harder to remove. In this stage, you can still save your chimney and fireplace.

The Third Stage of Creosote Buildup

In the last stage of creosote, the buildup is thick and restricts air movement, giving you less efficient burns and an increased chance of a chimney fire. By this stage, removing the creosote is much more difficult, and you will probably require a new liner.

How Do I Prevent Creosote Buildup?

The best way to prevent a creosote buildup in your chimney is to have a qualified chimney service inspect and clean it at least once a year. Removing creosote from your chimney will exponentially reduce the chance of a fire. It will also increase airflow so you can have a more efficient burn. If you use your fireplace often, you may want to have it cleaned every few months to prevent creosote from building up.

cleaning and removing creosote in chimney in Shawnee KSAnother way you can reduce creosote buildup is to burn hardwood like oak, birch, and hard maple. These types of wood produce more heat and produce less creosote. They may cost a little more, but you can’t put a price on your family’s safety.

You should also ensure the wood you use is seasoned because it will produce less smoke. 

Fluesbrothers Can Remove Creosote

Our chimney techs can come to your home and inspect and clean your chimney to remove dangerous creosote buildups. Call us today at 913-236-7141 or fill out our contact form if it’s been some time since your chimney has been cleaned. One of our chimney experts will gladly answer any questions about scheduling an appointment. Get creosote out of your chimney now and prevent chimney fires.

The post Understanding Creosote Buildup: Risks and Solutions  appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

Do Customer Reviews Matter for Chimney Sweeps?

Do customer reviews matter when you are evaluating a chimney sweep company? According to a 2021 report by PowerReviews, Yes… over 99% of customers read reviews. It is part of the evaluation process for consumers to want to know what they are buying and who to trust prior to making a decision. But is getting 5 stars good enough for customers or are the comments that follow those stars the validation that consumers need?

The Customer Review

As we all know, when you are thinking of purchasing a product or service, you’ll take a look at the reviews. Sometimes the review is just a simple 4/5 or 5/5 rating. But does that tell you enough to make a decision? At Superior Chimney, sure we’re happy to get the 5/5 stars, but it’s the extra time a Superior Chimney customer takes to explain for others why they gave us a 5/5 review.

Let’s first understand where some of Superior Chimney’s reviews are and why these are important.

Where are the Customer Reviews?

Some of the most common online reviews for Superior Chimney are on the following platforms: Google, BBB or Better Business Bureau, Angi, Yelp, Facebook and NextDoor with a few extra reviews on Houzz and Amazon. That’s a lot of platforms for our over 4,000 reviews. And that’s the way we like it. By having a variety of platforms more homeowners can find a reputable company to come into their home and perform services that they know are vital to the safety of their home. That’s because we’re talking about lighting a real fire in the fireplace, gas or wood. Both need to be done and maintained with care annually.

How Important are the Customer Ratings?

According to Search Engine Journal, they asked the question: “When deciding which local business to use, how important are the following factors of the review profile?” 85% state the overall star average rating, 73% care how recent the latest review is, and 60% for the number of reviews. Let’s take a deeper diver into these numbers.

Yes, the stars are important as it shows the overall experience. But again, that extra step with comments that customers write is vital to a new customers evaluation. For instance, here’s what some of our customers say:

On BBB: Aaron J. – 5 stars – 12/07/2023

“Superior Chimney and the technicians were very thorough and respectful of our home. They did not pressure us to make unnecessary changes and were honest in what was a concern for today vs what could wait. I am not a chimney expert, and they took the time to explain why something was needed.”

Megan J. – 5 Stars – a month ago

“I highly recommend. Superior Chimney Services. Brad and Chase specifically.  They are a fantastic team. Work well together especially when my kids tried to “help”. They explained what they were doing in terms I understand. They gave a few different options including their personal recommendations on what they would do with their homes. Brad walked me through everything and made sure I understood what was going on.  They had everything they needed to get the job done quickly and efficiently, and they even cleaned the work space better than it was before they got here. 20 out of 10 stars hands down!!  Will use them again in future homes if needed.”

On BBB there are over 420 customer reviews with a 4.95/5 rating. On Google there are over 1,300 customer reviews with a 4.9/5 rating. These understanding customers are what drives more customers to Superior Chimney. The new customers want the same trust and treatment as what the other homeowners received. And we couldn’t agree more.

The Time It Takes

There is a proven process that is practiced at Superior Chimney to ensure the experience is consistent with each customer. Each chimney technician is Nationally Certified by CSIA. That is a crucial step, but not the only step. Next comes the training, which takes a couple of years with an experienced Superior Chimney technician before they are ready to service a customer’s chimney as a lead technician. The consistency of excellence is part of what we’ve been delivering for over 19 years. That’s why customer reviews are so important. They show not only the recent customer satisfaction, but also the consistency of excellence throughout the years. Nothing has changed, and that’s the way we want to keep it.

What’s Next? Now that the end of the year is near, and you had no time to get the fireplace swept and inspected, start the New Year off safe and warm by getting a Superior Chimney sweep/inspection service. It’ll be comforting to know that over 4,000 customers gave not only 5 stars, but their own words of comfort and ease you can expect.

This post first appeared on https://www.superiorchimney.net

A Holiday Thank You to a Chimney Technician

As the holidays are a time for family and friends to gather and celebrate, there is a quiet group of individuals that take their job seriously to ensure the utmost care for each home with a fireplace. Yes, it’s the chimney technician. These special people, for some reason, don’t mind the soot and the dust that naturally accumulates in a fireplace. They gladly come into the home and make the chimney all better. But we can’t forget the masonry workers that spend more time on rooftops than they do the sidewalk fighting the weather elements that batter down on them and the chimney each day. All to make it safe and look good… all at the same time. So, we thank you… our chimney technicians and masonry technicians for doing the dirty work and keeping homes protected and the families safe.

Famous Chimney Technicians

The world’s most famous chimney technician is Bert. No, not Bert and Ernie’s Bert, but Bert in Mary Poppins. Yes, Dick Van Dyke somewhat glamorized chimney sweeps, but he showed the hard work and dirty job that it can be. But he also showed that it’s a special group of individuals that care and stick together for the love for their profession. In Mary Poppins, they celebrated it with a song and dance on rooftops. As Mary Poppins most famous quote says, “Practically Perfect in Every Way”. We all agree with you, Mary Poppins.

I bet most of you forgot about Bill the Lizard. Who? Bill the Lizard was a famous chimney sweep from the wonderful Alice in Wonderland story. Because of Bill’s talents, he is recruited by the White Rabbit and Dodo to go down the chimney, doing the dirty work of the White Rabbit. He didn’t have a huge part, which makes us all ‘curiouser and curiouser!’

A Chimney Sweep is a Good Luck Charm

All over the world, the chimney sweep is considered good luck! In Great Britain for example, a bride would look for a chimney sweep on the wedding day. The tradition continues today with brides keeping the tradition alive by hiring a chimney sweep to attend weddings to ensure good luck in the days and years ahead.

In Germany, a New Year’s Day gift with a chimney sweep symbol signifies good luck for the upcoming year. The chimney sweep symbol or ornament is used (not the chimney sweep themselves) are attached to a gift and given to others as a sign of heath, happiness and good fortune in the year ahead.

In numerous countries throughout Europe, it’s good luck to rub a button on your own clothing when you pass a chimney sweep on the streets. Next time a Superior Chimney truck passes your home, be sure to rub the button on your coat or clothing for good luck!

They Learn So You Don’t Have To

It’s a commitment to want to be full of soot and dust. All Seventeen of our technicians are Nationally Certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). This organization exists so homeowners like you can use/trust reliable, highly trained chimney technicians. As many of our customers have shared all over social media, our chimney technicians are highly skilled, trustworthy and polite. By choosing Superior Chimney, you’ve found your lucky charm. 

This post first appeared on https://www.superiorchimney.net

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