Blog

#tbt: Throwback Thursday to the Good Ol’ Days!

TJs Chimney Tim Robinson Throwback Thursday Hi! Tim here. I started TJ’s Chimney Sweep back in 1979 (which means we had our 36th birthday this year). I launched it as a way to earn a second income and to get away from working in a factory.

This was right at the time when the old oil embargo was well under way and wood stoves were soaring in popularity. I started working weekends sweeping chimneys. Back in those there was no way to learn except from a kit with a powerful soot sweeper, brushes, and a study manual to help me along the way. I soon got laid off from the factory, so chimney sweeping, here I come!

I thought you might like to see a couple of photos from back in the old days. Seems hard to believe, but I actually wore a coat and a top hat up on the roof. Chimney sweeps enjoy a rich history and lore (read more about that here) and it was fun to perpetuate the traditions. Yep, these are pictures of me!

Business was slow at first—trying to get my name out there with no experience in advertising or running a business. I got in with a stove dealer in New Palestine and by 1984 I had my first employee. I soon found out that a lot of chimneys were in need of repair and that most brick layers did not want to bother with a small job.

In 1986, I went to an Indian Reservation in South Dakota to learn the basics of chimney repairs. In the meantime I also discovered that there was an organization of chimney sweeps called the National Chimney Sweep Guild which I joined, took a test and became certified.

By 1990 I now had a full time employee and also helped start the Indiana Chimney Sweep Guild where I made some good friends and fellow sweeps who followed a good code of ethics.

I now have my son Gabe, who is a journeyman brick layer, help me full time in all aspects of the business, along with a great team of licensed chimney technicians and expert masons. Susie and Janell are the friendly voices that you will hear when your call our office. I still work out in the field pretty much every day as well, although they’re trying to get me to spend more time in the office (we’ll see how that goes…).

TJs Chimney Service Indianapolis Chimney Cleaning TBT In 2004 I started selling wood stoves and inserts as well as gas inserts. We used to have a showroom at my property along with my office which was available to view by appointment only. In October of 2011 we moved our offices and showroom to a bigger location 866 S State St, Greenfield, Indiana. Stop by and check us out!

Thanks to all our great customers, we are always busy. A few years ago, we also started a new division of our business called Indiana Skylights, offering tubular skylights which save a lot of energy and add a lot of light without heat to homes.

Have a memory to share about TJ’s Chimney Service? Please leave a review »

Why Does My Chimney Stink?

by TJ Robinson Leave a Comment

During the summer, when we have hot, humid weather or lots of rain, you may notice an undesirable smell coming from your fireplace and chimney. This odor can be caused by a variety of reasons. Let’s explore some of the most common types of smells and the likely cause.

An asphalt or bad barbeque smell is probably due to creosote buildup. Creosote is a foul-smelling, flammable, corrosive substance that’s a byproduct of the wood-burning process.
A musty odor may be from rain water, ice or snow that’s gotten inside your smoke chamber, creating a moist environment.
A rotten, earthy smell could be from fallen leaves or other natural debris that’s gotten inside your chimney and combined with damp soot, and is now rotting.
A rotten smell of decomposition is likely from an animal that’s gotten inside your chimney and died or left animal scat.

If you have odors coming from your fireplace and chimney, contact the professionals at T.J.’s Chimney Service of Greenfield, IN. We can find the source of the smell and make recommendations for eliminating the odor.

Some solutions may be to:

Have your chimney professionally cleaned. Our chimney sweeps will remove any creosote buildup and decomposing leaves, animal nests and droppings, or dead animals. A professional chimney cleaning should eliminate most smells coming from your chimney. However, sometimes, creosote can soak into your chimney walls and may continue to smell some.
Have the professionals at T.J.’s Chimney Service install a top-mounted damper or chimney cap to the top of your chimney to keep rain and moisture out. Also, dampers and chimney caps will keep falling leaves and animals from getting into your chimney as well.
Correct negative air pressure in the home. Typically, chimney draft pulls any odors inside your chimney up the flue and away from the inside of your home. But if your home has a negative pressure issue, the smelly air can flow back into your home. This problem is often in found in newer, tightly sealed homes or when venting changes have been made. Some typical causes of negative air pressure are exhaust fans, central vacuum, additional chimneys, combustion appliance flues, range hoods and the installation of other household appliances. To correct negative air pressure in the home, you can: a) Keep a window cracked at all times to reduce the pressure; b) Close the fire damper when you’re not using your fireplace; and c) Have the professionals at T.J.’s Chimney service install a tight sealing, top-mounted damper onto the top of your chimney to reduce the airflow that comes down your chimney.

Clothes Dryer Exhaust Safety – 6 Requirements You May Not Know

by TJ Robinson Leave a Comment

Before & After a Dryer Vent Cleaning

Did you know that lint and debris can build up in your clothes dryer duct? When lint buildup occurs, it can create potentially hazardous conditions, like dryer fires that can turn into devastating house fires, and carbon monoxide buildup that can poison people and pets – and even result in death. Therefore, it’s important that your clothes dryer exhaust system is properly vented outside your home.

To reduce potential hazards associated with clothes dryer exhaust, the industry has adopted certain standards. Here are 6 requirements by the International Code Council you may not know about dryer exhaust systems:

Dryer vents must be independent of all other systems and must exhaust moisture and combustion products outdoors – not into attics, crawl spaces, basements, chimneys, wall cavities or any interior room.
Dryer ducts must be constructed of rigid aluminum or galvanized steel. Plastic transition ducts cannot be used since they’re flammable. Duct interiors must have smooth surfaces with the joints running in the direction of the airflow. There shouldn’t be any sheet-metal screws, rivets or other fasteners used to connect the duct joints since these can catch lint and obstruct airflow.
Dryer ducts must be at least 4 inches in diameter and at least as large as the dryer outlet. The dryer duct can’t go into or through HVAC ducts.
Dryer ducts cannot exceed 25 feet in length. Note: Each 90-degree turn that the duct makes, adds 5 feet to the actual length. Often newer homes have laundry rooms that are located away from outside walls, which results in longer venting distances and more possible bends. This can make dryer ducts harder to access and create more surfaces for lint to build up on.
Flexible transition ducts cannot be used in an attic, crawl space or inside a wall.
The exhaust vent termination hood must be equipped with a back draft damper to keep moisture/exhaust from coming back into your home and small animals out of your home. This exhaust termination outlet must not be covered with a screen.

To make sure your dryer exhaust system is sized and installed correctly, have it checked by T.J.’s Chimney Service. Also schedule a dryer vent cleaning by calling us at 317-455-5310. An annual dryer vent cleaning will ensure your clothes dryer continues to work safely and efficiently.

4 Causes of Chimney Crown Cracks

by TJ Robinson 1 Comment

When was the last time you inspected your chimney crown? If you’re like most homeowners, you probably haven’t given much thought to your chimney crown. However, if your chimney crown is cracked and not repaired, damage to your chimney from water and other outdoor elements can quickly escalate, costing you thousands of dollars in repairs. Therefore, it’s important that your chimney crown is in good condition.

A chimney crown is the concrete slab that covers the top of your chimney. The crown protects your chimney from harsh weather like rain and snow. It keeps water from seeping into the chimney masonry walls and causing damage. The crown does this by redirecting the water to the outside of the chimney where it can fall to the roof or ground.

But just as the crown protects the chimney, the crown also needs to be protected. Because if a crown is left unprotected, it will eventually crack and deteriorate.

Some common reasons for cracks in your chimney crown include:

Improperly constructed chimney crowns.
Shifting of the chimney structure.
Concrete shrinkage as the water content in the concrete dries out when the crown was initially installed.
Freeze-thaw damage from water that’s absorbed into your chimney crown. As the water freezes and thaws – a process called expansion and contraction – the crown can crack and deteriorate.

Most chimney crowns have small cracks which need to be fixed, because they allow water to seep in. Then, during winter, as the water freezes and thaws, the cracks can become larger. Once bigger cracks appear, water can enter through these cracks into the masonry below, causing more extensive damage.

If your chimney is poorly constructed or has become cracked – allowing water to seep in or posing a fire hazard – contact the chimney professionals at T.J.’s Chimney Service. We will inspect your crown and chimney for damage – and we can build you a proper concrete chimney crown that we guarantee will not crack. Call us today at 317-455-5310 to schedule your appointment.

What Is a Level 3 Chimney Inspection?

by TJ Robinson Leave a Comment

If you have experienced a chimney fire or major damage to your chimney due to a lightning strike, a severe storm or an earthquake, you should have your chimney inspected by a professional in order to assess the amount of damage done.

In these instances, the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends that you have a Level 3 Chimney Inspection completed by a certified chimney professional, like those at T.J.’s Chimney Service in Greenfield, IN.

A Level 3 Chimney Inspection is the most comprehensive type of chimney inspection. It means you have serious structural problems with your chimney system.

During a Level 3 Chimney Inspection, the technician will conduct a basic Level 1 Inspection of your chimney structure, examining all readily-accessible portions of your chimney’s interior and exterior, and will perform a Level 2 Inspection, inspecting accessible areas of chimney’s interior and exterior while looking for damage and other issues. But, as part of a Level 3 Inspection, the technician will also access concealed areas of your chimney or flue to look for hidden problems. Also during a Level 3 Inspection, the technician may need to remove specific components of the chimney and your home in order to gain access to your chimney to see what damage has been done. When necessary, this in-depth inspection may require the removal of:

Drywall adjacent to the chimney.
Exterior walls surrounding the chimney.
The chimney crown.
Interior and exterior chimney walls.

However, before any destructive action is taken to your home, the professionals at T.J.’s Chimney Service will explain what needs to be done before they do their inspection. Also they will talk with you about the reconstruction of your chimney and provide you with a job estimate for your review.

If you think your chimney has serious structural issues, for your safety, don’t delay in calling T.J.’s Chimney Service at 317-455-5310 to schedule your Level 3 Chimney Inspection.

Why You Need to Clean Your Oil-Fired Furnace Chimney

by TJ Robinson Leave a Comment

Did you know that oil is the dirtiest burning fuel? If you have an oil-fired furnace, not only should you have your furnace inspected every year, you also need to have the chimney inspected and cleaned annually, because oil’s by-products of combustion can be very volatile and corrosive. And neglecting to clean your oil furnace can lead to significant deaths, injuries and property losses.

Spring or summer is the best time to have your oil chimney cleaned. During the winter, your oil-fired furnace can run for long cycles, which can produce soot that may adhere to the sides of your chimney. Eventually, this soot may fall to the base of your chimney or on top of your oil furnace. This soot can buildup and restrict the flow of flue gases such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide and water vapor. Over time, carbon monoxide (a tasteless, odorless, poisonous gas) can build up in your home with this soot buildup if your furnace is not properly vented or your chimney isn’t properly swept.

Additionally, soot is made up of carbon and sulphur. When this sulphur mixes with rain water or moisture from the flue gases that is absorbed into the clay flue tiles, these tiles will eventually start to deteriorate in a process called flaking or spalling. Sulfuric acid can also corrode metal chimney linings, too. Small pinholes can form in the liner compromising its integrity. In both clay and metal liners, this deterioration can lead to potential fire and health hazards.

Therefore, the National Fire Protection Association 211 codes state that “chimneys must be inspected and cleaned annually as necessary by a certified chimney sweep” like those from T.J.’s Chimney Service. Many people think that their furnace service technician will inspect and clean the chimney – but this is a misconception! The tech may shovel out the base of the chimney and brush the connector pipes, but the tech will not clean the chimney. The professional chimney sweeps at T.J.’s Chimney Service will inspect the entire chimney – the interior and the exterior – as well as clean the chimney.

So take care of your oil furnace flue this summer before the cold air returns this fall by calling 317-455-5310 to schedule your flue inspection and cleaning today. Our technicians can detect and correct any potential problems to ensure your chimney’s safe and efficient operation.

When Should I Have My Air Ducts Cleaned?

by TJ Robinson Leave a Comment

Did you know that almost 40 pounds of dust is created in a typical six-room house every year? That’s a lot of dust. And all of that dust affects your home’s indoor air quality. If you or a loved one suffers from respiratory health conditions, autoimmune disorders or some environmental allergies, dust can cause some serious problems.

Your home’s heating and cooling system, also known as a HVAC system, acts like the lungs of your home, because air is taken in and out through the system. That means dust as well as dander and chemicals can get sucked into the HVAC system. If these fine particles aren’t removed through air duct cleaning, they can continue to re-circulate through your house about 5 to 7 times a day.

The only way to get rid of this debris is to clean it out. So how to do you know when it’s time to call a professional like those at T.J’s Chimney Service to clean the air ducts in your home?

According to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association, below are some things that may lead you to think about having your air ducts cleaned more frequently:

Someone smokes indoors.
Your pets shed a lot of hair and dander frequently.
You’re moving into a new home.
You’ve renovated o remodeled your home.
Your home or HVAC system has had water contamination or damage.
You or someone in your family suffers from asthma or allergies.

Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends you clean your air ducts when:

You have mold growing in them.
You notice that you have vermin in your home, or you see insects or rodents entering or exiting the ductwork.
You see dust being released into the air from your supply registers.

If you have any of the above factors in your home, schedule an air duct cleaning appointment with the professionals at T.J.’s Chimney Service. Generally, during your appointment, our technicians will clean the various components of your HVAC forced air system, including the supply and return air ducts and registers, grilles and diffusers, heat exchangers heating and cooling coils, condensate drain pans, fan motor and fan housing, and the air handling unit housing. If you have any questions about our duct cleaning services, just ask us. We’ll be happy to answer your questions.

What Is a Level 2 Chimney Inspection?

by TJ Robinson Leave a Comment

chimney-444241_1280 If you use a chimney to vent a fireplace, wood stove, water heater, furnace or boiler that burns wood or fossil fuels, it’s critical that you perform regular chimney inspections and maintenance for the safe operation of your system. However, the type of chimney inspection you need depends on a number of factors.

Are you buying or selling a home that has a chimney?
Have you had a building fire?
Have you had a chimney fire?
Has an earthquake or strong storm damaged your chimney?
Have you had an operational malfunction with your chimney?
Are you making changes to your heating system, such as changing the fuel type that’s burned, or adding/replacing an appliance with a new appliance that is different from your current equipment or has a different input rating or efficiency?
Are you re-lining your flue?
Are you making changes to the materials that your chimney is made of?

If you can answer “yes” to any of these questions, the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends that you have a Level 2 Chimney Inspection completed by a certified chimney professional, like those at T.J.’s Chimney Service in Greenfield, IN.

A commonly recommended inspection level, a Level 2 Inspection is a more in-depth inspection than a Level 1 Inspection. However, in addition to everything that is done during a Level 1 Inspection, the chimney professional will:

Clean the flue system before his visual inspection.
Inspect all the accessible portions of the chimney’s exterior and interior, including attics, crawl spaces and basements.
Make sure there are proper clearances from combustibles in accessible locations.
Look for damaged masonry and cracks in the flue liner as well as other issues that may affect the safe usage of the system. If damage is found, it should be repaired.

During his inspection, the chimney technician may use still photography or video scanning equipment to examine the internal surfaces and joints of the flue liner. Other than a screwdriver, pliers and a flashlight, he shouldn’t need any other special tools to open doors, panels or coverings. So you don’t have to worry about any damage to permanently attached portions of your chimney, the structure or the finishes.

For your safety, ensure that your chimney is in good shape and operating as it should, by scheduling a chimney inspection with the professionals at T.J.’s Chimney Service. Call 317-455-5310 to make your appointment.

A Lightning Strike Can Damage Your Chimney

by TJ Robinson Leave a Comment

lightning-1845_640 It is summertime and you know what that means – it is thunderstorm season again. Every year, we experience about 100,000 thunderstorms in the U.S, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). And about 10% of these storms are severe. While thunderstorms can happen at any hour, they’re more likely during the afternoon and evening hours.

All thunderstorms have lightning – since you can’t have thunder without the lightning first. And lightning can strike anywhere there is a thunderstorm. In the U.S., we have about 25 million lightning strikes a year.

Lightning can cause property damage, fires, injuries and even fatalities. While you’re safe inside your home (for the most part) during a thunderstorm, your home, including your chimney, is vulnerable to damage from lightning strikes. Usually, lightning will strike the top of your chimney and travel down the chimney, exiting either inside or outside your home. When lightning strikes your masonry chimney, it can:

Take out huge chucks of bricks or stonework from your chimney.
Scatter bricks or stones across your roof and/or on the ground.
Crack and damage your chimney lining.
Cause your chimney to collapse.
Start a chimney fire.

When metal chimneys are struck by lightning, they can warp, buckle or become detached.

Additionally, you can have massive internal damage to your chimney and not have any visible damage from the exterior.

If lightning strikes your chimney, you need to call the experienced chimney professionals at T.J.’s Chimney Service, located in Greenfield, IN. They can evaluate your chimney and make recommendations on repair and replacement. They also offer a full range of repairs to chimney systems – big or small, including masonry repair, flue relining, replacement of damaged chase tops, rebuilding of cracked chimney crowns and completely reconstructing the chimney.

If you need a chimney professional to assess your chimney damage and make repairs, call us today at 317-455-5310.

4 Misconceptions Associated with Dryer Vent Cleaning

by TJ Robinson Leave a Comment

Do you know where your dryer vent is located? If we took a poll, a lot of people would probably say it’s the lint trap that they clean out after every load of laundry. Others might say it’s the hose that connects the dryer to wall. In actuality, your dryer vent system includes the hose that runs from your dryer, through the wall(s) and to the vent hood that’s located on the exterior of your home. This is just one misconception people have when it comes to dryer vents. Below are 4 misconceptions concerning the need for dryer vent cleaning.

Dryer vents don’t need to be cleaned. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, clothes dryers caused an estimated 6,000 residential fires from 2010 to 2012. Of these 6,000 residential fires, on average, 10 deaths and 210 injuries occurred. And these fires caused an estimated $79.3 million in damages. The failure to remove lint buildup in the dryer vent system is the number one reason for dryer fires.
I always clean out my dryer vent before I dry a load of clothes, so I don’t need dryer vent cleaning. Only about 70% of the lint in your dryer is trapped in the lint trap. The rest is blown through your dryer vent system where it can build up on the walls of your vent hose over time – eventually causing a variety of problems.
The lint that doesn’t get trapped in the lint trap is expelled outside my home. Unfortunately, a clothes dryer only has so much power to push wet, heavy lint so far. Therefore, it’s inevitable that some of it is going to get left behind in your dryer vent system. In fact, as lint builds up in your dryer vent, the air flow is reduced even more, causing even more lint buildup.
I’m getting a new dryer. I don’t need to clean my vents. When you get rid of your old dryer, that’s the best time to have your dryer vents cleaned by a trained service professional, like those with T.J.’s Chimney Service. After all, you want your new dryer to operate at its maximum efficiency. But if the vent system is clogged with lint buildup, your new dryer isn’t going to work as efficiently as you would like. In fact, some newer models of dryers are designed with a shut off. So if the vent doesn’t have the proper air flow needed for the dryer to work safely and efficiently, the dryer will shut off.

To make sure your dryer is working safely and efficiently, have your dryer vents cleaned at least once a year. Contact T.J.’s Chimney Service, located in Greenfield, Ind., to schedule your dryer vent inspection and cleaning today!