Clothes Dryer Exhaust Safety – 6 Requirements You May Not Know

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…

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4 Causes of Chimney Crown Cracks

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.…

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What Is a Level 3 Chimney Inspection?

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…

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Why You Need to Clean Your Oil-Fired Furnace Chimney

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…

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What Is a Level 2 Chimney Inspection?

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…

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A Lightning Strike Can Damage Your Chimney

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…

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Water Can Damage Your Chimney

Now that it’s May, the weather is finally warming up – which is a good thing if you don’t like snow and ice. But spring typically brings rain. While the roof and walls of your home protect you from rain, snow and ice, your chimney is constantly exposed to the weather. And moisture of any…

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6 Ways to Control Spring Allergies

Spring has finally arrived in Indiana. The temps are getting warmer. The grass is getting greener. The daffodils are blooming. And the trees have buds on them and are bursting into flowers. But with the arrival of spring also comes seasonal allergies, causing your nose to run and your eyes to water.   According to…

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Safety Tips for Factory-built Fireplaces

Is your home less than 50 years old? Was your home’s design one of a half a dozen new build designs in a planned neighborhood? Does your home have a fireplace or multiple fireplaces? Well, chances are your home features a factory-built fireplace. Factory-built fireplaces – often called pre-fab fireplaces – are constructed and assembled…

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When Should You Repair or Replace Your Chimney Cap?

When was the last time you or a professional chimney sweep – like those at T. J.’s Chimney Service – inspected the chimney cap covering your chimney or flue? Last year? A few years ago? Never? A chimney cap is the rectangular or round device that fits onto the top of your chimney or flue.…

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