Our Company Blog

Schedule Your Chimney Sweeping Early

Too often, people put off their home service appointments. Why? Usually it’s because they dread finding time to be home to have that service performed. Annual chimney sweepings and inspections often fall under this category. Unfortunately, many homeowners put off their annual chimney maintenance for that reason. Did you know that you could enjoy easier scheduling of your chimney sweeping? Simply schedule it early!

Why early scheduling matters.

The vast majority of homeowners wait until fall to schedule their annual sweeping and inspections. This means, when you wait until the fall, you’re competing with everyone else for an appointment date and time. That can leave you struggling to find an appointment time that will fit within your schedule, so that you don’t miss out on any of the fire-burning season.

When you call to schedule your annual chimney sweeping and inspection early, you beat the rush. You’ll be able to schedule an appointment sooner. By doing this, you don’t have to worry about not being able to get your chimney swept and inspected before fall. Since you won’t be rushed, you will be able to pick a date and time for your chimney sweeping that works better for you!

Other benefits of early scheduling.

A less rushed, more convenient time table isn’t the only reason to schedule your chimney sweeping and inspection before fall. What if your chimney inspection turn up any signs of damage or need for repair? Scheduling now will leave yourself plenty of time to have your chimney and fireplace repaired. Plus, the summer weather is ideal for chimney maintenance. Also, if you have your chimney inspected before the rush, you won’t have to combat with all of the other homeowners scheduling appointments!

What’s another benefit of early scheduling? It gives you time to contemplate improvements to your fireplace or chimney. No matter what you have in mind, you’ll have the time to discuss these improvements with your sweep. Not to mention, you’ll have plenty of time to schedule those improvements before the fire-burning season begins.

Schedule your chimney sweeping and inspection today!

Don’t wait to get caught in the fall rush. Enjoy the benefits of an early chimney sweeping and inspection! Add convenience, and plenty of time for repairs and improvements, by calling to schedule your annual chimney sweeping and inspection now! You can schedule your appointment with Your Chimney Sweep by calling our office at (317) 243-9687 or by filling out the appointment request form found on our website.

Removing Animals From Your Chimney

The heat and smoke of your fireplace, combined with its dark confines, may make your chimney seem inhospitable. Many animals and birds have the opposite view, however. The warmth that flows up from you home can seem cozy and inviting. In addition, the walls of your chimney can offer protection from predators and the elements. That’s why a variety of animals will try to make a home in your chimney, if given the opportunity.

The dangers of animals in your chimney.

Do you hear scratching and movement from your chimney walls? Have you noticed an animal lurking on your rooftop near your flue? If so, it can be tempting to ignore, but ignoring an animal intruder in your chimney is a big mistake! Animals can damage your flue liner. Their bodies and their nests can create dangerous obstructions that can force smoke and carbon monoxide back into your home, or that can ignite and cause a chimney fire. Animals that find their way into your chimney and get stuck can die inside the chimney. Consequently, they can fill your home with a putrid smell as they rot. In a worst case scenario? Animals can bypass your chimney damper and gain entry to your home. This is where they can be aggressive, cause damage to your furniture, floors and décor, or spread dangerous diseases.

What to do about animals in your chimney.

Do you hear the telltale rustle of animals or birds in your chimney or see animals or birds entering and exiting your flue? If so, it’s time to call in chimney professionals. Never try to deal with an animal on your own! Threatened animals can become aggressive and bite or scratch. If you accidentally kill or trap the animal in your chimney, you will be stuck with a rotting corpse in your chimney. Additionally, some bird species cannot legally be removed from your chimney; you must wait until the animals migrate away and then have the nest remains swept away.

Chimney technicians trained in animal removal will know how to remove an animal or bird safely from your chimney. A trained chimney technician also can sweep the chimney to make sure that any remaining nest, food or debris within the chimney has been cleared away. In addition, he or she will inspect the chimney for any damage that could have been caused by the nesting animal.

How to keep animals out of your chimney.

Of course, it’s ideal to prevent animals from invading your chimney in the first place. Your chimney should be outfitted with a chimney cap, or a top-sealing damper, that is surrounded by a metal cage. These cages are specifically designed to keep your chimney – and your home – safe from animal intrusions.

If you need an expert to remove an animal from your chimney, call Your Chimney Sweep to schedule an appointment today! We can remove the animal and make sure that your chimney is once again safe for use. If your chimney is unprotected from animal intrusions, we can outfit your flue with a chimney cap or top-sealing damper that will keep pests out of your chimney.