Chimney Cleaning and Inspection

It may be unclear as to how often you should have your chimney and flue inspected, cleaned, and the process involved. If you use your fireplace often you may want to have your chimney inspected every few months.  If you do not use your fireplace often the National Fire Protection Association Standard states that, “Chimneys,…

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Evolution of the Chimney

In this day and age many chimneys are used to add character to a home. They haven’t always been for decoration though. Chimneys have evolved over the decades and have become more detailed over the years. According to the article “Quick History: The Evolution of the Chimney” written by Anna Hoffman, the first chimney was…

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Winter and the Logs You Use In Your Chimney

Winter is upon us and it’s officially time to start breaking in those chimneys. For the colder days and nights you might be looking for just the right log to double your heat and will be easy on your chimney. There are many options out there to suit your needs. Of course there is the…

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The Chimney Sweep Stereotype

Mention the words “chimney sweep” to most people and the first thing they typically think of is Burt, the character played by Dick Van Dyke in Mary Poppins. It’s a wonderful family movie, no question about it. And Burt’s a fun guy. But the similarities pretty much end with the job label. The following are things I’ve…

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The Lucky Chimney Sweep

Sometimes a chimney sweep gets lucky. In the case of a new coin from the Austrian mint, the chimney sweep is lucky.  Since the 1930s, Austrians have practiced a tradition of giving each other lucky tokens. Upon receiving the tokens, recipients are supposed to carry them around for the remainder of the year to keep…

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Why DIY Chimney Cleaning is a Bad Idea

As homeowners, we’re always pleasantly surprised when a do-it-yourself project ends well. Building a bookshelf, installing a light fixture, or replacing a faucet – there’s a substantial amount of pride in that kind of accomplishment. But some areas of home upkeep and repair are best left to the experts, including chimney cleaning. A Minnesota town…

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Beware the Chimney Cleaning Scam Artist

It’s January and the snowflakes are swirling. The worst weather of the season will likely hit within the next two months. If you haven’t done so already, the sudden frigid temperatures could make you more inclined to get that fireplace and chimney primed for use. If that’s the thought running through your mind, make sure…

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32 Years of Business and Still Going Strong

When you’ve been in business as long as we have, sometimes you stop and reflect at all the changes that have occurred in the industry. TJ’s Chimney Service has been servicing Indianapolis-area residents for 32 years, so there’s plenty for us to consider. Back when we started in 1979, the tools – and the services…

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TJ’s Twelve Days of Christmas

On the first day of Christmas, TJ gave to me, an overdue chimney cleaning. On the second day of Christmas, TJ gave to me, two fireplace inspections and an overdue chimney cleaning. On the third day of Christmas, TJ gave to me, three dryer vent cleanings, two fireplace inspections, and an overdue chimney cleaning. On…

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Those Pesky Rodents

Most home builders will tell you that new construction slows down during the winter months. That trend, unfortunately, doesn’t extend to the animals that live around your home. In fact, it’s during the winter that some of those pesky critters really settle in, especially in your chimney. You, or someone you know, probably have a…

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