Posts by TJ Robinson
#tbt: Throwback Thursday to the Good Ol’ Days!
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…
Read MoreWhy Does My Chimney Stink?
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…
Read MoreClothes 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…
Read More4 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.…
Read MoreWhat 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…
Read MoreWhy 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…
Read MoreWhen Should I Have My Air Ducts Cleaned?
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…
Read MoreWhat 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…
Read MoreA 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…
Read More4 Misconceptions Associated with Dryer Vent Cleaning
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…
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