Hire Us for Commercial Chimney & Fireplace Repair Services In Killeen, Temple & Surrounding Communities
Keeping up with chimney and fireplace repair in a commercial setting can be a tall order. Fortunately, we’re here as a trusted partner for commercial chimney and fireplace repair services in Killeen, Temple, and the greater central Texas region.
As a business owner or manager, you understand how important industry expertise is – and that’s precisely what we have to offer. In fact, we’re known for serving our customers with the perfect blend of professionalism and hometown values.
We specialize in providing comprehensive solutions to keep the chimneys of commercial properties safer, more efficient, and compliant with necessary regulations. Whatever it is you need – routine maintenance, sweeping, repairs, or more – just reach out to our dedicated team of professionals to learn what’s possible. Call, text, or book online today.
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What Are the Most Common Issues That Require Chimney Repairs in Commercial Buildings?
Chimneys play a crucial role in the atmosphere of your commercial environment – in terms of safety, function, and, in some cases, ambiance. They’re silent workhorses that stand up to years of tough environmental elements – and if they’re well-constructed and maintained, they do it with grace.
However, that maintenance piece is key – both preventive maintenance and quick, responsive maintenance when concerns arise. There are several common issues that can necessitate repairs:
- Leaks and water-related issues. Once water finds its way into your chimney, it can do considerable damage. Where can leaks come from? Cracked chimney crowns, deteriorated masonry, damaged flashing…a number of things can cause water infiltration. Water will erode your chimney structure, cause funky odors, and allow mold or mildew to take root if left unchecked.
- Blockages. Built-up creosote, leaves, wildlife nests – anything that finds a way into your chimney can create obstructions. These blockages can restrict airflow, cause smoke and gases to back up into your space, and become fire hazards.
- Crumbling and deterioration. It’s important that your chimney structure remains strong and secure. Unfortunately, over time, weather and age can cause bricks or mortar joints to deteriorate, leading to loose bricks and potential instability. “Fragile” is not an adjective you want applied to your chimney!
- Odors. Strange smells should not characterize your employees’ and customers’ experience. Too much creosote, nesting birds, animal leavings, and/or mold growth can all generate a signature scent that you never asked for emanating from your chimney!
These issues can range from unpleasant and inconvenient to full-out safety hazards. If you’re experiencing any of these concerns – or if you want to take steps not to experience them in the future – address them head-on. Contact our reliable professionals to take prompt and preventive action. We’ll help keep your chimney in tip-top shape, ready to impress customers, inspectors, employees, and guests alike.
How Can I Prevent Water Damage to My Commercial Chimney?
Water damage is a huge problem for chimneys. It’s crazy, but true – that seemingly innocuous liquid you drink every day can cause significant damage to the structural and functional integrity of something constructed from strong materials like brick and metal.
How to keep water damage from taking your chimney down? There are a number of steps you can take:
- Regular inspections by a qualified professional are crucial and should occur at least annually. Inspections get professional eyes on your chimney system from top to bottom, and help mitigate water issues by identifying problems such as cracks, gaps, or deterioration in the structure. Why is finding issues (if they exist) helpful? Early detection allows for timely repairs, preventing further – more significant – damage.
- Proper chimney cap installation offers a layer of protection against water – and also against debris and animals entering the chimney flue. Your chimney cap should be constructed of durable materials – think stainless steel or copper – and should be correctly sized and installed to create a reliable barrier against precipitation.
- Address masonry issues promptly. Over time, masonry chimneys can develop cracks or gaps, which can then serve as a gateway for moisture. Regular inspections will bring these to light and allow an opportunity to repair any mortar joints or bricks that show signs of breaking down.
- Maintain chimney flashing. Flashing seals the joint where the chimney and roof meet. You can see how, if the flashing wasn’t in good repair, it would be a prime spot for water to seep into the building. High-quality flashing, with adequate overlap and proper sealant, guards against this happening.
- Waterproofing treatments are an excellent preventive measure that helps prolong the life of your chimney. Waterproofing involves applying a water-repellent sealant engineered to allow masonry chimneys to “breathe,” while still protecting against water absorption – perfect for safeguarding a strong, yet porous building material.
- Be mindful of surroundings, particularly overhanging branches. Trim branches and remove debris that could otherwise fall on the chimney and cause damage.
Taking preventive steps helps keep hard-working commercial chimney systems doing their job quietly and flawlessly, extending their lifespan and ensuring safe operation. Proactive inspections and regular maintenance are like the check-ups and vitamins that keep a person healthy as they grow – neglecting them will compromise the health of your commercial chimney system.
We provide the quality care that will keep them strong, addressing potential issues before they escalate into costly repairs or operational disruptions. Call or book online with us now.
Troubleshooting Your Gas Fireplace Issues
If your gas fireplace is not functioning properly, it can be really frustrating. These systems are meant to make your life easier…and if your pilot light isn’t coming on, you’re not getting enough heat output, or you’re worried there’s a leak somewhere, it can make your end-of-the-day relaxation time a lot more frustrating.
Here’s a troubleshooting guide to help diagnose the most common gas fireplace problems:
Problem: The pilot light is out.
Solution: Ensure the gas valve is turned on, then try relighting the pilot light by following your fireplace’s manufacturer instructions. If it doesn’t light, the thermocouple may need adjustment or replacement.
Problem: The pilot light won’t stay lit.
Solution: A dirty or faulty thermocouple/thermopile may be the culprit. These components generate the voltage that keeps the gas valve open. Clean them with fine sandpaper, or if the issue persists, replace them.
Problem: The fireplace won’t ignite at all.
Solution: Ensure the gas valve is turned on and the gas supply is not disrupted. If other gas appliances in your home work fine, this issue may be isolated to the fireplace – and professional guidance may be needed.
Problem: The fireplace clicks but won’t ignite.
Solution: The igniter may be worn out or dirty. Clean the igniter with a soft brush or replace it if necessary.
Problem: The fireplace won’t turn on with the wall switch or remote control.
Solution: Make sure the wall switch is properly connected and the batteries in the remote are functional. Replacing the batteries may solve the issue – easy fix!
Problem: The flame is too low or sputtering.
Solution: Low gas pressure may be causing the problem. If adjusting the flame height on the fireplace doesn’t help, you may need to call a professional to adjust the gas pressure.
Problem: There’s an irregular flame pattern or delayed ignition.
Solution: A clogged burner or gas line may disrupt gas flow. Turn off the gas and clean the burner ports with a soft brush. For gas line issues, it’s best to call a professional.
Problem: Black soot is forming on glass or inside the fireplace.
Solution: Soot buildup indicates incomplete combustion, often due to improper air-to-gas ratio or dirty burner. Clean the glass and burner, and if the issue persists, a professional may need to adjust the air shutter.
Problem: The detector alarms when using the fireplace.
Solution: Carbon monoxide alarms could signal a dangerous issue. Turn off the fireplace, then leave your home and call a professional immediately.
Problem: Fireplace turns off unexpectedly or room gets smoky.
Solution: This could be caused by a blocked or improperly installed vent. Check the exterior vent for blockages like leaves or debris. If the problem continues, the venting system may need to be inspected by a professional.
Now, of course, if these steps and simple solutions don’t resolve the problem, it’s time to call in our experts – especially for gas pressure issues, leak-related concerns, or venting problems. Regular maintenance and cleaning can also prevent many of these common issues from recurring, so if you have yet to book your annual inspection, be sure to reach out!
Is Chimney Repair Covered by Insurance for Commercial Properties?
Whether chimney repairs are covered by insurance for commercial properties depends on the circumstances surrounding the repairs and the type of insurance coverage held by the property owner. Because of this, we can’t make a definitive answer on whether your particular repairs will be covered or not.
Generally, commercial property insurance policies may cover chimney repairs if the damage is sudden, accidental, and not due to neglect or lack of maintenance.
What type of occasion would constitute sudden and accidental damages?
Insurance coverage might apply to repairs caused by events such as severe weather, unavoidable fires, or structural issues due to a peril that’s covered – think lightning strikes or high winds.
Routine maintenance, repairs due to normal wear and tear, and gradual deterioration are typically not covered by insurance policies. This would include problems like cracking due to age or neglect of regular upkeep.
To determine the specifics of coverage, commercial property owners or managers should carefully review their insurance policy and consult with their insurance provider for clarifications as needed. It’s really important to understand, and not just assume, the policy’s terms, exclusions, and limits related to repairs.
Pro tip – make sure to document regular maintenance and inspections, as some policies will require it.
What Certifications or Licenses Should a Commercial Chimney Repair Company Have?
A well-qualified commercial chimney repair company should be accredited by a reputable certifying organization. Surprisingly, there is no national requirement for chimney sweep licensing and certification, though regional oversight might apply. This is one reason certification is so important. It demonstrates the service provider’s expertise, practical skill, and commitment to ongoing industry education regarding best practices and safety standards.
At Ables Top Hat Services, we maintain our status as Certified Chimney Professionals within the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG). This organization shares our values, to “promote the highest level of safety, integrity, and skill” when dealing with our clients’ homes and businesses. NCSG-certified technicians are thoroughly examined, and are required to renew their credentials every three years – ensuring that their industry knowledge is sharp and up to date.
When you employ a service provider dealing with key systems in your work space, be sure that they know their stuff and can deliver on what they provide – choose someone who is industry certified.
Protect Your Business With Our Fireplace & Chimney Repair Services
Whatever concerns you may have about maintaining your fireplace and chimney systems, let us alleviate them. We’re friendly, thorough, and dependable chimney system technicians. Our certification and years of experience testify to our technical trustworthiness, and our customer reviews back up our integrity and commitment to customer service.
Regular inspections and maintenance and timely repairs save you from all manner of costs and inconveniences, and keeps you and your staff focused on doing what you do best – running your business with excellence. Contact us today to line up an appointment, and prepare to take chimney care worries off your list!
Commercial dryer vent cleaning is important to the safe operation of your business. Don’t hesitate – call on our commercial services expertise today.