Cleaning
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,…
Read MoreThe 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…
Read MoreThe 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…
Read MoreDealing 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…
Read MoreWhy 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…
Read MoreBeware 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…
Read More32 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…
Read MoreTJ’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…
Read MoreThose 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…
Read MoreChimney 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…
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