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, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Clearing, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary.” It’s also a good idea to have your chimney inspected even if you do not use it often to remove any animals that may have built a home in the flue, or to remove any other kind of debris that may have fallen. Most importantly it is a good idea to have you chimney checked and cleaned to remove any creosote each year. Creosote is flammable and can cause a fire in the chimney if not properly clean and removed.
Having a professional, like TJ’s Chimney Service, is an easy process. Professionals can inspect a variety of chimneys including oil, wood, and gas. During the inspection professionals, like TJ’s Chimney Service, will not only clean the chimney but will inspect the chimney and check for any problems that could restrict the functionality of the chimney. With each inspection you will also receive a recommendation as to what is needed to improve the performance of your chimney.
Professionals will also check for water damage or leaks in or around your chimney. Water damage can be fixed by rebuilding the walls of the chimney or fixing the source of the leak. No matter what the outcome a professional chimney service is able to assess the condition of your chimney and flue and recommend the right services to get your chimney working at its highest level of performance.
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 never done during the course of a job:
1) Sang and danced (talk about dangerous!) on a rooftop – though I’m not immune to quietly
humming some of my favorite tunes while hard at work
2) Laughed so hard I levitated off the ground
3) Created a chalk drawing world that I jumped into for a fun afternoon outing
4) Taken a break to put on a one-man band skiffle show for commuters in a neighborhood park
5) Worn a top hat while on a job. Seriously – how inconvenient!
No, more often than not, the job is significantly less glamorous. The following are steps I frequently complete on a job:
1) Using vacuums and brushes to clean out harmful build-up and trash from the interior of a chimney
2) Removing past or current remnants of animal habitation
3) Fixing cracks in the foundation of a chimney
4) Repairing the flashing surrounding the chimney
And the list goes on.
The point to consider here is this: The chimney sweep stereotype and the realities of the job are two completely different concepts. That said, I love the job and the ways I can help home owners get the most out of their chimneys.
Now back to work! Step in time . . . ahem.
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 that luck with them at all times. For 2012, the Austrian Mint has issued a lucky coin depicting a chimney sweep scaling the Alps. In the representation, the sweep’s top hat is firmly in place on his head and he has his fist raised in a thumbs-up gesture. The back of the coin features a phrase that translates roughly to, “Although, I am small and round, I’ll bring you luck all year round.” Coins are available in silver and bronze.
First, thank you to the Austrian numismatists responsible for the coin’s creation! I never thought I’d see a chimney sweep on a modern day collectible. Unfortunately, chimney sweeps don’t receive that kind of buzz here in the United States. But the idea is great. Everyone deserves a little luck. And if you can wrap in the importance of our profession with a coin that people carry around daily, well . . . it would certainly cut down on our advertising bills!
If you’re interested in buying the lucky chimney sweep token, they can be bought online at www.eurocollections.com. Cost is $19.95 for the silver and $6.95 for the bronze.
What do you think of this amazing coin?
Dealing with Frozen Dryer Vents
An estimated 20,000 dryer fires occur throughout the United States each year. Most of these fires are a result of worn or damaged vents that trap dryer lint. The solution for this type of problem is simple: Hire a professional for a thorough service call and cleaning. While having your vents professionally serviced is critical to reducing the risk of 
fire, doing so can also help stave off issues that occur because of frigid winter temperatures.
A common problem caused by cold weather is a frozen dryer vent. The plastic flaps that lead from your dryer to outside are often unprotected. The purpose of these vents is to release dryer exhaust while keeping cold air from traveling back to your dryer and home. But you have two concerns here: If the flaps don’t close properly, prolonged cold air can lead to ice build-up inside your home and on the outside of the dryer. On the other hand, if they’re frozen shut, harmful carbon dioxide can’t escape and will circulate back into your home.
The simple solution when this happens is to plug in a hair dryer and blow on the frozen area until the ice melts. Long-term, however, your best bet is to have your dryer vent serviced regularly. A trained professional can ensure that your vents are best prepared for the trials of winter. You won’t waste as much energy, your clothes will take less time to dry, and you’ll ensure your family’s safety.
Have you ever suffered from frozen dryer vents? What did you do to solve the problem? When was the last time you had your vents cleaned?
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 recently purchased several chimney sweep brushes for the public to use. While the idea is noble and well-intentioned, there’s a big difference between knowing the basic steps of cleaning a chimney and being trained to complete the job properly.
Alone, you may be able to clean some of the build-up inside your chimney, but it’s unlikely that you’ll do a thorough job. An experienced technician, on the other hand, can administer a correct cleaning that will not only take care of all the debris within your chimney, but also complete a full inspection.
Your chimney has several components that, if not maintained, can become safety concerns. Improper cleaning and inspection can lead to fires or an inability of smoke and hazardous waste to escape your home. When it comes to the safety of you and your family, consider what’s most important. Would you prefer to be frugal and increase your risk or spend the money to have a certified chimney sweep do the job correctly? What’s the value of peace of mind?
By no means are we saying you should abandon your desire for DIY home improvement. But when safety is a concern, you’re better off relying on an expert.
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 you avoid the chimney cleaning scam artist and hire a certified professional.
Unfortunately, some people use the severe weather shifts to take advantage of unsuspecting consumers. Residents of Bangor, Maine were recently approached by a fly-by-night operation showing up at their front door offering a cheap deal on a chimney cleaning. Upon what they were told was a thorough inspection, the homeowners were informed that they had a bad liner and couldn’t use their furnace again until it was replaced. The cost of this “life-saving” information: $1500 in cash, up front.
Reading this, you may think, “Well, I know better than to believe that kind of con game.” Hopefully, that is the case. But many people, whether they realize it or not, allow unsubstantiated, fear-based selling tactics to work. The fear of no heat or a fire hazard that could endanger loved ones is compelling. The best way to combat these con games is to be informed and proactive.
If you do intend to use your fireplace these next few months – and it’s been more than a year since your last inspection – give us a call. For more than 32 years, TJ’s chimney service has been providing central Indiana residents with unmatched service. You’ll get what you need at a fair price, backed by our professional guarantee. If a chimney cleaning scam artist does knock on your door, you’ll be prepared to send them away confidently.
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 – were less complicated. But that doesn’t mean it was better. Sure, we still use the standard chimney brush, but we also use vacuums and specialized instruments designed specifically for today’s modern construction. Most fireplaces used to be wood burning. Today’s systems include natural gas, oil, pellets, and even space heaters. Technology – video, in particular – plays a key role in modern cleaning. It’s hard to imagine not having a good camera to snake up a chimney to diagnose a problem. Safety has also improved. We sweep from the bottom of the chimney, rather than the top, to avoid spreading harmful chemicals and debris. Today’s chimney sweeps take more precaution regarding protection, including goggles, masks, and other gear. We’re also more informed, thanks to improved regulations from the Chimney Safety Institute of American and The National Chimney Sweeping Guild.
Looking back, it’s hard to believe we used to do some aspects of the job without the safety and technological improvements. On the other hand, I look back at those early years with fondness – a time when a young business was cutting its teeth. We at TJ’s Chimney thank you for letting us serve you all this time. Here’s to the next 32 years!
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 the fourth day of Christmas, TJ gave to me, four rebuilt fireplaces, three dryer vent cleanings, two fireplace inspections, and an overdue chimney cleaning.
On the fifth day of Christmas, TJ gave to me, five new crowns, four rebuilt fireplaces, three dryer vent cleanings, two fireplace inspections, and an overdue chimney cleaning.
On the sixth day of Christmas, TJ gave to me, six chimney caps, five new crowns, four rebuilt fireplaces, three dryer vent cleanings, two fireplace inspections, and an overdue chimney cleaning.
On the seventh day of Christmas, TJ gave to me, seven chase tops, six chimney caps, five new crowns, four rebuilt fireplaces, three dryer vent cleanings, two fireplace inspections, and an overdue chimney cleaning.
On the eighth of Christmas, TJ gave to me, eight water leak fixes, , seven chase tops, six chimney caps, five new crowns, four rebuilt fireplaces, three dryer vent cleanings, two fireplace inspections, and an overdue chimney cleaning.
On the ninth day of Christmas, TJ gave to me, nine pieces of flashing, eight water leak fixes, , seven chase tops, six chimney caps, five new crowns, four rebuilt fireplaces, three dryer vent cleanings, two fireplace inspections, and an overdue chimney cleaning.
On the tenth day of Christmas, TJ gave to me, ten flue relinings, nine pieces of flashing, eight water leak fixes, , seven chase tops, six chimney caps, five new crowns, four rebuilt fireplaces, three dryer vent cleanings, two fireplace inspections, and an overdue chimney cleaning.
On the eleventh day of Christmas, TJ gave to me, eleven rodent removals, ten flue relinings, nine pieces of flashing, eight water leak fixes, , seven chase tops, six chimney caps, five new crowns, four rebuilt fireplaces, three dryer vent cleanings, two fireplace inspections, and an overdue chimney cleaning.
On the twelfth day of Christmas, TJ gave to me, twelve spotless registers, eleven rodent removals, ten flue relinings, nine pieces of flashing, eight water leak fixes, , seven chase tops, six chimney caps, five new crowns, four rebuilt fireplaces, three dryer vent cleanings, two fireplace inspections, and an OVERDUE CHIMNEY CLEANING!
Happy Holidays!
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 story about sitting quietly by the fireplace when an insistent scratching sound begins. You may sit there for a few minutes hoping it just stops. But then the sound seems to shift, suddenly coming from a different area. That gets your attention. You may bang on the nearby walls a few times, which may cause the sound to stop for a brief time. Five or ten minutes later, however, the sound resumes. And now you’re irritated.
Could it be a mouse or a chipmunk? Perhaps it’s something larger like a squirrel, raccoon, or possum. Some birds may have built a nest. In any case, you probably have dirty animals that are now living in your home.
The bottom line, unfortunately, is this: You may have the most spotless chimney in the tri-state area, but when an animal decides to make it its home, you’ve got a choice to make. You can either let it continue to live there, dropping feces and procreating, or you can call an expert who will take steps to have the nuisance removed. I know the choice I’d make.
Are you dealing with an animal in your chimney? If so, give us a call today! We’d be happy to come out and help you solve the problem.
Chimney Safety
People sometimes ask us how we stay safe on the job. Because we often end up on people’s roofs, chimney safety is a top priority. Below is the basic checklist for staying safe.
- Check the Ladders – Climbing up to the roof and back down again can occasionally be tricky. We always make sure that our ladders are in top shape and that we place them properly on a home or business. A bad fall can lead to severe injury or even death.
- Be Aware of the Surroundings – A roof is rarely level, so balance is imperative. Overhanging tree branches can be an issue, as well as stumbling blocks like satellite dishes. A lack of focus can be dangerous.
- Respiratory Health – A dirty chimney has a lot of junk that needs to be cleaned out. Soot, dirt, and other forms of bacteria collect, which are not pleasant to inhale. Wearing a mask is our number one source of protection.
- Protect the Eyes – We don’t want to inhale the debris in a chimney; we also don’t want any of those particles to get in our eyes. To ensure that our vision stays in tip-top shape so we can do our job, goggles are a must.
- Finally, No Fires – This one is obvious, but still needs be stated. Before we get started on cleaning a chimney, we confirm that no fires are active. That’s a surprise we never want.
Five simple steps, but they’re critical to our success. Has it been a while since you last had your chimney cleaned? Give us a call today! We’d be happy to set up a time that works for you.