Harker Heights’ Preferred Service Provider for Chimneys & Fireplaces: Trust Ables Top Hat Home Services
Harker Heights, Texas, is a growing city located in Bell County – right near Killeen and Fort Hood. While smaller compared to nearby cities like Killeen and Temple, Harker Heights still has a lot to offer!
Enjoy hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, or bird watching at Dana Peak Park, or stop by Carl Levin Park to enjoy the sports fields, playgrounds, picnic areas, and walking trails. There’s also Stillhouse Hollow Lake, a nearby reservoir where people can boat, swim, and fish.
Have family in town? Head over to Purser Family Park to enjoy the playground and open spaces, or check out any events happening at Stewart C. Meyer Harker Heights Public Library. And if anyone is in the mood for shopping, Market Heights Shopping Center is the place to go.
Between all the attractions, great local events, and community gatherings, like the Harker Heights Farmers Market, it’s not hard to see why people love this area – and it’s one we’re proud to serve!
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254-477-6535
Book Your Commercial & Residential Services With Us
If you own a home or business in Harker Heights, Killeen, Temple, or anywhere else nearby, we’re here to help with quality services and products you can feel good about. Call or reach out to us online now.
Why Chimney Maintenance Is Important
Chimney maintenance is a vital part of preserving a safer and healthier home. A chimney’s purpose is to help vent smoke, heat, carbon monoxide, and other emissions out of the house, and when not maintained properly, it can create hazards such as:
- carbon monoxide poisoning
- house and chimney fires
- hazardous buildups of creosote and soot
- blockages due to debris or animals nesting in the chimney
- lack of airflow that causes problems with smoke evacuation
- structural damage
- …and more
However, if your chimney is inspected annually and any necessary repairs are made promptly, you can enjoy a variety of benefits, including improved air circulation in your home, lower energy bills, better indoor air quality, and, of course, better performance from your fireplace.
What Are Signs My Chimney & Fireplace Need Maintenance?
In many cases, signs of chimney or fireplace damage are visible and obvious…that said, there are other times things are more subtle, so staying in tune and alert to any issues is a must. How might you know your fireplace is due for some professional maintenance?
- Bad Odors: Bad odors may be caused by excess debris in your flue – whether that’s high levels of creosote deposits, animal debris and nesting materials, or leaves and lawn clippings. In these cases, a chimney sweeping is in order. Other times, it could be caused by downdrafts and negative airflow
- Poor Ventilation: When it’s time to light a fire, you might experience difficulty starting one evenly across the hearth as smoke struggles to find its way out. This can also be a sign that something is wrong with the chimney and dryer vent system.
- Animal/Bird Noises: One of the more obvious signs of potential damage is when you hear animals or birds in your chimney or flue. Whether it’s the critters themselves or debris they’ve left behind, this situation is less than ideal.
- Visible Damage: Are you seeing actual cracks, rust, or deterioration around your fireplace or chimney system? Stop putting your fireplace to use and call us in before things get any worse.
- Water Issues: Whether you have a leak in your firebox or are noticing staining on the walls around your fireplace, water issues aren’t something to ignore or put off – get our team on it as soon as possible.
Remember – more damage equals more money spent to address it. Don’t wait to book repairs – call on us right away!
How Frequently Should I Get My Chimney Inspected?
When it comes to chimney services, frequency is key. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that your flue should be inspected once a year and swept as needed. Doing so can prevent the dangerous buildup of creosote and reduce the risk of potential chimney fires or carbon monoxide poisoning.
As professional chimney technicians, we are specially trained in this process and will have the proper equipment necessary for proper maintenance, such as rods, brushes, vacuums, and specialty tools for different applications that come up from time to time.
We always take safety precautions when working with a chimney, including checking for any areas that could prove hazardous when climbing atop the roof, as well as wearing protective clothing and safety gear. Our goal is to make sure you and your family are as comfortable and protected as possible any time you light a fire.
Should I Have My Chimney Inspected Every Time It Gets Swept?
The answer to this question is a resounding yes. In fact, most don’t realize that these two services actually go hand in hand…but they do!
A regular inspection from one of our certified chimney technicians not only ensures that the inside of your chimney is free from creosote buildup and other damages, but also provides you peace of mind. An inspection can identify any potential risks, like structural damage, improper clearances to combustibles, and damaged mortar – all fixable with help from an expert.
What Happens if My Chimney Is in Need of Repairs?
If your chimney is in need of repair work, it’s important to address the problem quickly. Common chimney repairs include:
- replacing flue liners
- installing chimney caps
- installing chase covers
- replacing or repairing flashing
- rebuilding or repairing chimney crowns
Repairing a chimney can be more complex than your average DIY home project, which is why it’s always best to hire a professional chimney repair company like us here at Ables Top Hat. A qualified chimney system and fireplace contractor will inspect your home for damage before making necessary repairs – all to ensure the utmost safety of your residence.
I highly recommend using Ables Top Hat. The technician was wonderful and was able to diagnose as well as fix the cause of my dryer issues. They sent a thorough diagnostic report when finished with the service which was awesome. I will definitely be using them again and would recommend them to anyone.
– Anna G.
★★★★★
What Is a Chimney or Fireplace Damper? Why Do I Need a Damper?
A damper is simply a metal plate that sits above the firebox in your fireplace or at the top of your flue, depending on which kind you have. Both styles are designed to regulate the airflow through your chimney by being open when you have a fire (so the smoke can go out) and closed when you don’t have a fire (so the heated or cooled air stays in).
Without a damper, your chimney would be wide open to the outside air and elements, which can potentially cause other issues that, trust us, aren’t worth dealing with.
Where Do I Find the Damper In My Fireplace?
There are two different types of dampers – one style that’s at the throat of the flue and one that’s near the top.
If you have a throat damper, you will be able to reach up and feel a lever at the top of the firebox. When you slide the lever open, you should feel air coming down the flue into the firebox. Once your fire is out and all the smoke has gone up the chimney you can – carefully, it may be hot – pull the lever shut to keep the heat in your home.
If you don’t feel a lever at the top of the firebox, look around and see if there is a handle with a pull-down chain somewhere located just outside of the fireplace or just inside the firebox. The handle, once pulled, should release the top-lock damper and you should feel a slight airflow letting you know the top-lock damper is open.
Once the fire has gone out and there is no longer any smoke you can pull the handle and lock the damper back down at the top of the flue to hold the heat in.
Book With Us Today
If you need to get chimney care booked, reach out now – book online or give us a call today.
There are a lot of benefits to living in Woodway We think being part of our service region is one of them. It means you can count on our professional chimney services throughout every year.