Home Chimney Inspection & Sweep Services: We’re Temple & Killeen Homeowners’ Top Choice for Chimney Care
You’re invested in the health and happiness of your home. It’s not just a key financial investment – it’s also a hub for gathering, a depository for memories, and the comfortable spot you land at the end of the day. For houses that feature fireplaces, an important component of home care includes timely chimney inspections.
Looking for chimney inspection services near you? We’re the team you can trust to take care of the job – a crew that can provide the high-level service of a big company, just without treating you like a dollar sign in the process. We’re proud to offer top-notch chimney care in central Texas. You can rely on us to recognize how important your space is to you, offering that hometown service you deserve.
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254-477-6535
How Often (& When) Should I Schedule a Chimney Inspection?
Detailed chimney inspections are an imperative part of fireplace ownership, whether you use your system frequently or only occasionally. Chimneys are exposed to the elements at every moment: wind, heat, and weather against the exterior, and high temps, smoke, and gases on the interior. Inspections give insight into what your chimney needs to keep running optimally – and catching any deterioration or debris build-up on the early end of things can reap major savings in functionality, costs, and stress.
During the big winter storm here in Texas, one family in Killeen had their bedroom wall catch on fire the very first time they used their fireplace. The chimney was clean but had wood framing too close to the back wall that caught on fire after just one afternoon of use. It’s these things that we can catch with our inspection services.
When to schedule your inspection isn’t as important as being diligent about simply getting it done! Because we enjoy a warm climate year-round here in the Killeen and Temple area, weather doesn’t pose the obstacles it might in northern winters. That said, if there’s a season you use your fireplace less often, having it inspected during the “off” season will ensure that it’s in good shape and ready to enjoy when you want to use it.
Once the fireplace is determined to be suitable for use after our initial inspection, stay on top of this important routine service on an annual basis. Book with us today.
About Our Thorough & Detailed Chimney Inspection Process
Our in-depth intake inspections consist of a thorough forensic analysis of your chimney system, ensuring every nook, cranny, and corner is covered – a full overview of its current condition.
If this is your first visit from us, here’s what you can expect:
- We’ll use an internal camera to inspect the chimney flue and identify any potentially hazardous issues – like cracks, gaps, damage, or disconnected joints that may be leaking carbon monoxide and heat into the home.
- We’ll use the installation manual, if available, to guide the inspection and ensure that key fireplace and chimney components are properly installed and built according to the manufacturer’s requirements and all relevant safety standards.
- We’ll do an in-depth inspection of the fireplace to determine its condition and ensure that all required features are functional.
- We’ll perform an inspection of the attic space to ensure required clearances in accessible areas are met to minimize the risk of a structure fire.
- We’ll complete an inspection of the exterior of the chimney, looking for potential water intrusion or other concerns.
Note – the Migratory Bird Treaty Act Protect Species and other endangered animal lists prohibit us from being able to remove most birds and bats lest we incur a hefty fine per egg, per nest, and per bird. Unfortunately, in these instances, we will need to wait until the birds and bats leave your chimney during their migratory periods to complete your services, after which we can cap your chimney to prevent their return.
How long does the inspection process take?
This first inspection takes approximately 1.5 – 2.5 hours. Depending on dirtiness and any damage that may be inside the chimney, the chimney may or may not be swept to facilitate a complete inspection. Once we’re through, the inspector will go over his findings and pictures with you – and you’ll also be emailed a copy of all the pictures and the accompanying report.
After this inspection and any required repairs are complete, we will be able to service the chimney in the future with a regular annual inspection (at a reduced cost) and chimney sweeps for continued use.
Why is this initial examination so important?
Just like a doctor or dentist requires an intake exam, x-rays, bloodwork, etc., our initial inspection requires something similar – a full overview of where our new patient (i.e. your chimney) stands.
This allows us the chance to study the chimney and fireplace system and make sure everything was installed and built correctly, so as not to pose any hazards to your home. For example? This summer, we found a newly built house that had charred framing where the chimney was touching it in the attic after just one season of usage. Luckily, we were able to catch that issue before it burned their whole house down.
And those annual inspections afterwards are just as important. Just like you can’t go to the dentist once every 10 years and expect your teeth to be healthy, you can’t expect your flue to perform safely without regular check-ups.
Do I Need a Full Inspection? Can I Just Get a Sweep?
Cleanliness is important to prevent chimney fires, yes…but even a brand new, perfectly clean chimney can cause a structure fire if it isn’t built right – which is why our inspection process is such an important piece of your chimney safety puzzle.
Once, we found one chimney that had a live gas line melted onto it and had live electrical wires melted onto the back of the fireplace. They had been unable to identify the source of their gas leak, but luckily we found it before it ignited and caused an explosion in their attic.
If you just want someone to stick a brush up your chimney, there are several lawn care or pool cleaning people who do things to chimneys in their off-season. But, if you do go this route, we would encourage you to take a close look to see if they are insured for chimney work and are certified by a nationally recognized organization – and if they conduct any type of inspection before sweeping the chimney.
I Just Got a Home Inspection…Do I Still Need a Chimney Inspection?
Yes! Home inspectors do a great job inspecting houses, but they are not required to (or certified to) fully inspect the chimney or fireplace system. They’ll do a basic check, see if it has a damper and a chimney cap, then move onto the next item in your home.
Our forensic chimney inspection, on the other hand, involves a camera scan of the entire interior of the chimney flue, which helps us identify any dangerous cracks, damage, or disconnected joints. We also take in-depth measurements to determine proper clearances, and we complete an inspection of the attic space and other access areas of the chimney system too.
Remember that, when there is an issue within your flue – like a leak, for example – there are often several potential causes, and you’ll need the knowledge of a professional chimney technician to determine where exactly the problems lie.
So, while you may see water pooling and think, “I must need a new cap…” it’s likely a lot more complex than that. Sure, a new cap is likely necessary…but so is a crown repair, flashing repairs, fireplace and damper repairs, etc. If we only tackle part of the problem, that simply won’t do you any good – and it definitely won’t reverse the damage that has already happened!
What Should I Do To Prepare for a Chimney Inspection?
The most important action step is actually setting up the inspection. From there, we’ll make sure you’re taken care of. It may be helpful to prepare any specific concerns or questions you have about your chimney or fireplace. One of the first things our technician will do is ask if you have any concerns or problems, then they’ll explain the inspection process to you.
When you have your inspection date set, we do ask that you stop using your system at least 24 hours before to ensure everything is properly cooled for our techs and equipment. Another helpful step is making sure there’s clear access to the fireplace and chimney area and the attic entrance.
You may wonder if it’s necessary to cover flooring or other areas before we arrive. Although chimneys don’t exactly have a reputation for being the cleanest places – think of the chimney sweep scenes in Mary Poppins – our process is designed to provide a thorough service without leaving you sad and sooty in the aftermath.
As a matter of fact, if we determine that chimney sweeping is necessary, your home will be cleaner when we leave! Our technicians will respect your home, taking care to leave your living space clean and soot-free, with no special prep required on your part.
When Should I Have My Chimney Swept?
There is no hard and fast rule for when your chimney should be swept, particularly in Texas where warm winters, types of wood, and burning habits widely vary. The CSIA generally advises that your chimney should be swept whenever there is a ⅛-inch buildup of soot in the chimney or fireplace or if there is a “glazed” appearance in the flue.
…but how can you tell what’s inside your chimney?
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends having your chimney and fireplace system inspected at least once a year. This annual inspection is the best way for us to let you know whether it’s time for your next sweep. If your flue doesn’t need swept, then we’ll see you next year for your next inspection!
Is Chimney Sweeping Messy?
The answer to this question is yes… and no!
Yes, we’re dealing with substances that are prone to make a mess, such as dark, smeary soot and tarry creosote. Our brushes won’t emerge unsullied! But there’s a reason you call in the pros. It’s because…
No, chimney sweeping doesn’t have to be a messy affair. We understand the importance of cleanliness, and we take rigorous precautions to minimize mess in your home.
Our technicians use tarps and specialized equipment and techniques to contain dust and soot. A combination of high-powered vacuums, protective coverings, effective brushes, and skillful technicians work together to get your chimney clean and avoid spreading particles to your flooring or furnishings.
When we leave, the dirt leaves with us. We’re careful to complete a thorough cleanup after the job is done. The goal is to leave your home as clean as we found it, with the exception of your now-pristine chimney!
Can I DIY Chimney Sweeping?
Almost any job can be attempted as a DIY project for the adventurous homeowner, but it’s important to consider the costs of doing it yourself.
The reality is that chimney sweeping involves more than just brushing away a bit of soot. Doing it right starts with gathering the necessary equipment – including a chimney brush, rods, safety gear, and possibly an industrial vacuum – which can be a task in itself. And balancing on a ladder and accessing the chimney adds a layer of risk and requires a steady hand and confidence with heights.
The process of sweeping can be messy and time-consuming, and soot and debris can spread quickly if not carefully contained. This can lead to a substantial clean-up effort.
In addition, without professional training, it’s easy to miss critical signs of damage or improper installation that can lead to serious safety hazards, such as cracks in the flue, gaps in the masonry, or deteriorating chimney liners – these are all issues that can compromise the safety and efficiency of your chimney. Creosote buildup is another major concern…while it might appear that you’ve removed it all, creosote can accumulate in layers that are difficult to detect without the trained eye of an expert. And since this flammable substance is a leading cause of chimney fires, it’s not something you want to overlook.
In the end, after the job’s done, you may be left with lingering concerns about whether you managed to get it done thoroughly. In contrast, a professional chimney sweep technician brings expertise and equipment to ensure that every nook and cranny is examined, minimizing the risk of uncontained fires and ensuring proper ventilation.
Investing in professional chimney care saves you big – in time, in hassle, and in peace of mind. So while a homeowner could attempt chimney sweeping as a DIY project, it’s best to safeguard your home by entrusting this particular project to those trained to do it safely and thoroughly.
Book with us now.
Seeking a Premier Chimney Sweep Company Near You? Call On Us
Home, family, safety, service – these are what we value both personally and professionally.
And it’s our commitment to these values that drives us to offer friendly, thorough, expert chimney care solutions that are as high quality as they are low stress for the homeowner. If you’re looking for a chimney sweep company that has your best interests in mind, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our credentials and customer reviews testify that we’re here to serve with our signature top-hat style.
There may come a time when you need chimney or fireplace repair. That’s the perfect time to count on our comprehensive home services.