Ables Top Hat Brings Quality Residential & Commercial Chimney & Venting Services to Round Rock & Surrounding Cities
Located just north of Austin and known for boasting a vibrant community with a rich history, excellent schools, and a thriving local economy, Round Rock offers a high quality of life for all of its residents.
Some things we suggest adding to your to-do list in Round Rock?
- Catch a baseball game at the Dell Diamond, home to the Round Rock Express.
- Visit the famous Round Rock Donuts for their iconic yellow donuts (a local favorite since 1926).
- Enjoy outdoor activities at Old Settlers Park, home to hiking trails, sports fields, playgrounds, and even a lake.
- Explore the historic downtown area with its charming shops, restaurants, and local events.
- Check out some books and see some great historic architecture at Round Rock Public Library.
- Learn about Round Rock’s history as a cattle-driving town at Chisholm Trail Crossing Park.
Oh, and one more thing – be sure to book your next chimney inspection and service with our team of professionals, so that you can be sure to enjoy your fireplace to the fullest when your day out and about is over. Whether you own a home in the area or are running your own business, we’re here to ensure your venting materials stay safer, cleaner, and more efficient.
Call, text, or book online today.
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254-477-6535
What Services Does Ables Top Hat Offer?
A Brief History of the Chimney Sweep Profession
Chimney sweeping has been an essential practice since before the middle ages when European families would burn wood and coal to keep their homes warm. The ash and soot that were produced by these fires presented a unique hazard, though, as it could quickly clog up both the fireplaces and the chimneys – which then lead to dangerous buildups of smoke and carbon monoxide inside of the home.
As a result, chimney sweeps were hired to clean out these pesky particles, ensuring cleaner air in these multiple-story buildings.
Here in the US, the same issues arose, and many early kitchens were built away from the main house in case the chimney caught on fire. It didn’t take too long before the chimney sweep profession became a necessity here as well.
Nowadays, a chimney sweep technician offers much more than a flue “cleaning” or sweeping. They can also inspect your entire chimney and venting system, as well as advise on the proper burning of fuel and recommend preventive maintenance. In short, a good chimney sweep technician can be essential for keeping your home safer from fire hazards, which is why annual inspections are always recommended.
Why Is Servicing a Chimney & Fireplace Important?
Whether you use your fireplace regularly or not, it’s important to have your chimney serviced at least once a year. But what does servicing a chimney entail?
A chimney is a structure that provides ventilation from various sources of combustion, most commonly from fireplaces used for heating homes. The importance of servicing your chimney can’t be understated, as it ensures these structures are safe to use and prevents any potential safety hazards – after all, you are burning a fire in the middle of your house!
The goal of these services is to create a safe environment, which includes taking into account any restricted working spaces or ventilation requirements. We’ll ensure all systems and parts are working as they should be, as well as ensure all venting systems are clean, clear, and ready for use.
What Are Some Common Chimney Issues a Chimney Tech Might Find During an Inspection?
There are many common problems with chimneys that can go unnoticed. During an inspection, we inspect both the interior and exterior of the chimney for many common issues – like missing mortar joints or bricks, obstructions in the throat or smoke chamber, or even a displaced flue liner.
We’ll also check for signs of water damage on both the interior and exterior surfaces of a chimney, as water intrusion can easily lead to costly structural repairs. Additionally, signs of animal nesting could indicate a blockage which would make sweeping and inspection difficult until cleared out.
In the end, by having a thorough inspection performed on a regular basis, you’ll be able to identify any potential problems with your chimney before they become serious safety concerns.
How Does a Chimney Technician Sweep a Chimney?
When people say “clean a chimney” it’s a little misleading, as chimneys are actually swept – not cleaned. They will never be spick and span like a bathtub, but they do need to be swept to get as clean as they can get. This needs to be done on an annual basis – or more frequently based on your usage – for heightened efficiency and safer overall operation of your fireplace or furnace.
The most common sweeping method involves using a strong brush that’s capable of reaching the full length of the chimney flue. The brush is attached to a drill and whips against the walls of the chimney flue to break up any creosote or soot buildup. If a chimney is extremely blocked, we may have to use more specialized tools.
After loosening any soot or creosote that has built up inside the fireplace, it will be removed with an appropriate HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner, so that your indoor air isn’t polluted by the buildup. Lastly, we will check your fireplace and inspect the surrounding area for any signs of water or rodent damage.
Once the chimney has been swept, we will run a camera up the flue to inspect for any damage in the flue tiles or flue liner. You will find that, with regular maintenance, you can rest assured that your chimney remains in proper working order for years to come. Gain the peace of mind you deserve by scheduling with us today.
This company understands what customer service is supposed to be like! They responded quickly to my email, they scheduled our appointment, they emailed a few days before, and again the day before to give us an idea of what time they would be here. They arrived within the time frame provided, and the two young men were polite, responsive to questions, and very professional in doing their jobs. I can not imagine having a better experience. I highly recommend them.
– Melissa M.
★★★★★
What’s the Best Thing a Homeowner Can Do To Take Care of Their Chimney & Fireplace?
The best thing a homeowner can do to take care of their chimney and fireplace is to have the chimney properly serviced by a professional tech. It is an essential part of maintaining a healthier and more comfortable home.
Professional chimney technicians should be called in to examine, sweep, and diagnose any potential problems with the flue at least once per year (depending on overall usage and the type of firewood that you burn). Scheduling maintenance will greatly reduce the risk of health hazards, such as carbon monoxide exposure or house fires caused by soot buildup or broken flue liners.
Additionally, have a professional inspect your chimney liner and crown for deterioration over time, and make sure any open masonry on the top has a full cover cap (which is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to protect your system). Homeowners who take the precautionary step of getting a chimney technician to regularly inspect their chimney will significantly reduce safety risks – while ensuring this important heating feature remains in good condition throughout its lifespan.
Get Started – Call Us Today
Ready to book your next appointment? Call the crew at Ables Top Hat Home Services today. Reach out by phone or online!
Living in Austin means you can count on our dependable, friendly chimney repair and maintenance services like every other community in our service area.