OVER 25 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE! Chimney Cleaning Charlotte
Charlotte, Matthews, Gastonia, Fort Mill, Tega Cay, A Chimney Sweeps are in your area for Chimney Cleaning and Repairs.
Information
Chimney Inspections:
Chimney Inspections are Recommended Annually
Remember – annual chimney inspections can prevent fires and CO poisonings. Did you know that storks nesting in chimneys were once believed to bring good luck, according to European folklore? The fact is bird nests in chimneys – or blockages of any kind in your fireplace – are nothing short of bad news. These obstructions can cause smoking problems, chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.
According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were 18,300 residential fires in the United States originating in chimneys, fireplaces and solid fuel appliances in 1998. These fires resulted in 160 personal injuries, 40 deaths and $158.2 million in property damage.
Virtually all of these fires were preventable according to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, a non-profit institution dedicated to public and chimney professional education. Both CSIA and the National Fire Association recommend a yearly chimney inspection to help prevent these hazards.
What is a Level 1 Inspection?
- Recommended if you have not changed – and do not plan to change — your heating appliance or system.
- Considered appropriate during annual service visit.
- Technicians do not need to use tools to open or remove doors, panels, or coverings in order to examine the chimney exterior and interior.
- Technicians may need commonly available tools to examine portions of the appliance and the chimney connection and the evaluation will not disrupt the chimney structure or finish.
What is a Level 2 Inspection?
- Required when any change is made to your system – for example, before the flue is relined, or when you replace an appliance with another of a dissimilar type or efficiency level.
- Required upon the sale or transfer of property.
- Suggested when an operating malfunction or external event is likely to have caused damage to the chimney or appliance.
- Does not require the removal or destruction of permanently attached portions of the chimney or building structure.
- Includes all services appropriate in a Level I inspection, plus the examination of accessible portions of the chimney exterior and interior, including attics, crawl spaces, and basements.
- Includes inspection by video scanning.
What is a Level 3 Inspection?
- Conducted only after a Level 1 or Level 2 inspection indicates a hazard in concealed portions of the chimney and flue.
- Involves the removal, and possibly destruction, of portions of the chimney or building structure, as necessary.
- Requires special tools and access to concealed areas of the chimney and flue.
Contact Us Today To Schedule an Inspection 704-449-3413
- Think our chimney leaks? No worries. Our chimney and venting experts can fix it!
Chimney Cleanings:
A Chimney Sweeps specializes in fireplace cleaning and inspections. Our certified chimney sweeps performs various levels of chimney inspections. We begin by a full inspection from the top of the fireplace where we inspect the chimney cap, chimney crown, flashing, brickwork and we even check for loose roof shingles. At this point, our technicians begin the cleaning process if this is required. After the chimney and fireplace cleaning process, our technician will inspect the inside of the chimney and fireplace. This is a full inspection of the smoke chamber, damper, firebox, lintel, hearth, and the ash dump door.
Gas LOg Inspection w/ Maintence:
Gas Fireplaces Inspection W/ Maintenance:
Access glass assembly and firebox
Before starting, make sure the fireplace and glass is completely cool.
Turn the gas valve off-.
Remove the decorative front from the fireplace.
Fireplaces, stoves, and inserts should have a safety barrier screen to protect you from
coming into contact with the hot glass. If your hearth product does not have a safety
barrier screen, contact your authorized dealer or visit the Fireplace Safety. It is recommended not
to operate your fireplace without a barrier.
Carefuly remove the glass assembly by following the instructions in the owner's manual. If the
glass is held in place by spring latches, the latches should move smoothly without binding: if it is
not, consult your dealer. Lay the glass on a soft, level surface.
Clean the glass (Only if no defects are present)
Inspect the glass for scratches, which can cause the glass to lose strength and could lead to
glass breakage during heat up and cool down times. If the glass is scratched or damaged in any
way, do not use the fireplace until new glass has been installed.
Wipe down both sides of the glass with a soft cloth and a cleaner specified for fireplace glass
ike Stove Brighte or Rutland White-Off. Never use abrasive cleaners or cloths, as these can
scratch the glass.
Inspect the gasketing on the glass assembly. If it appears worn or damaged it may need to be
replaced, as it provides the seal between the glass assembly and the combustion chamber of
the fireplace to keep the byproduct of combustion, like carbon monoxide, from entering the
home. .
Clean the inside of the firebox
Remove any dirt or dust from inside the firebox or logs using a soft paint brush or vacuum.
Inspect the inside of the firebox
While your fireplace is disassembled, inspect it for signs of rust, flaking, or soot, and clogged
pilot assembly for any signs of soot or impedance of flame to ignite the burner.
M you see any rust or flaking, ightly sand the affected area and repaint the entire frebox with
the appropriate paint. (Reach out to your Heatilator dealer for the correct product.) Paint
carefully and protect the area surrounding the fireplace to prevent overspray.
Clean the outside of the firebox
Using a vacuum and soft cloth, clean the base and valve cavity area (being careful not to
dislodge wiring) to remove dust. This wil help reduce odors in the fal during the first fre.
Reassemble the fireplace
Put the glass back on the fireplace, turn the gas valve back on and reinstall the front. AG
fireplaces produce high temperatures, ensure furniture and other combustible materials are kept
a sate distance away from the appliance.
Check the outside vent
Check the vent to ensure it is free of nests, leaves, grass cippings or other debris. (Note: your
fireplace vent can be on the side of your home or on the roof.)
Check your carbon monoxide detector
Make sure your carbon monoxide detector is in place and functioning. It should be positioned
four to five feet above the floor or near the ceiling, but not directly over the fireplace.
Check burner ignition
-When you turn on the fireplace, the burner should light smoothly and without delay. If the burner
does not light smoothly. consul your dealer.
Running a holiday sale or weekly special? Definitely promote it here to get customers excited about getting a sweet deal.
Chimney Caps
A chimney cap or spark arrestor has mesh wall coverings that are perfect for keeping out squirrels, birds and raccoons, etc. Chimney caps also help protect against the entry of leaves, twigs and other debris. Caps can help reduce some wind-induced downdrafts. Having one of these in place will help reduce the entry of rain and will slow down the deterioration of the internal chimney components.
During your annual chimney inspection and cleaning, we will be checking the crown of the chimney to make sure the cap is in good working order. If we note a problem, we will provide detailed digital pictures.
All of our caps have a lifetime warranty against corrosion and workmanship defects. You will notice that there are several different styles of chimney caps and the one you choose might be determined by the type of flue you have in your fireplace–square, round or rectangle. Replacing or repairing chimney caps is a must when they leak because moisture is one of your fireplace’s biggest enemies. Caps come in stainless and copper. You can also order in a satin black or dark brown and get them powder-coated to the color of your choice. If you need assistance in choosing the right one for your chimney, please cotact us. We are more than happy to help you. Once you choose the chimney cap you like, let us know and we can get the order placed ASAP. Prices do not include installation.
Chimney Repairs
Many things can go wrong with chimneys; from holes in the mortar, cracks in the lining, deterioration due to exposure to weather, etc. Usually, you’ll notice something wrong when your chimney stops venting properly, but you might not know exactly what’s wrong. A1 Chimney Sweep professionals quickly diagnose the problem and fix it.
A1 Chimney Sweep have been repairing chimneys for many years. All of our guys are qualified masons. These men have seen everything chimney-wise. In addition to chimney service, we perform wood stove repairs, fireplace repairs, and a wide array of other work to keep your house clean and safe.. Our men are all top-notch and every one of them is approved by our founder.
Call us today for more information!