Owens Chimney Systems’ Experts Service Fort Mill Homeowners With Care & Dedication

There are lots of large and enjoyable parks to visit, such as Anne Springs Close Greenway, Walter Y. Elisha Park, Harris Street Park, or Steele Street Park. There’s also plenty of trails to check out and community events to attend, like the annual Strawberry Festival. Rest assured, there will be plenty to do when the sun is out and the weather is nice.

Looking for shopping options? You’ll definitely want to explore Historic Downtown Fort Mill. We also recommend checking out Springs Farm, as well as looking into one of the many great dining options around town when you’re all down browsing.

Or, if it’s not much activity you’re looking for, simply run your errands, get that letter mailed, pick up a new book from the library, then relax in front of your fireplace, knowing the team here at Owens Chimney Systems has ensured it’s in good shape and working right.

Book Your Next Chimney Inspection or Service With Us

We provide in-depth chimney inspection services, as well as thorough chimney sweepings. That goes for gas systems, too – we’re happy to provide annual servicing services for your gas fireplace and logs.

That also means if you need troubleshooting services, like figuring out why your chimney is smoking or smelly, we can help with that too.

And the list doesn’t end there. Animal in your flue? We remove it humanely. Need a dryer vent cleaning? We can handle that too. We also sweep and clean furnace flues, making us your one-stop shop for various household to-dos.

Finally, when your system needs repairs, we offer a comprehensive list of chimney and fireplace repair services. These include:

• HeatShield®
• Stainless Steel Relining
• Chimney Flashing Repair
• Water Repellent Application
• Chimney Leak Repair
• Chimney Restoration & Relining
• Chimney Caps & Supplies
• Chase Covers
• Custom Chimney Caps
• Fireplace Dampers
• Chimney Extras

Can a Homeowner Sweep Their Own Chimney?

Chimney inspections and sweeps are recommended by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) to be done at least once a year. 

Now, we understand the desire to save a little money where you can. That said, your chimney sweep (and inspection) isn’t the place to do this or cut corners. Out of an abundance of caution, performing a chimney sweeping and inspection yourself is not recommended for several reasons. 

Here are just a few:

• Safety: Chimney sweeping involves working at heights and handling potentially hazardous materials like creosote and soot. A certified chimney technician undergoes hours and hours of training to handle these materials safely. Our company also provides the necessary personal protective gear to prevent any exposure.
• Expertise: Certified chimney technicians are not only trained on how to handle hazardous materials, we are also very knowledgeable about the different types of chimneys and appliances – as well as how to properly service and inspect each one. While performing a chimney sweeping, we can also identify potential issues, like damage within your chimney, and offer appropriate solutions.
• Specialized Equipment: A chimney sweeping requires special brushes, rods, vacuums, and inspection cameras. These tools allow us to reach every nook and cranny of the chimney, ensuring a thorough cleaning every time. Using your own tools can result in an incomplete cleaning or even damage to your chimney or appliance. 
• Additional Services: It takes a keen eye to identify issues during an inspection. If your chimney doesn’t require any repairs, our chimney techs can also offer advice on proper chimney usage, maintenance tips, and answer any questions you may have regarding your chimney system. Step aside Superman, there’s a new superhero in town!

Remember – a chimney sweeping service helps prevent chimney fires by clearing the whole chimney system of creosote buildup, soot, and other obstructions. It also allows one of our certified technicians to get a closer look to make sure there are no possible cracks, other signs of deterioration, and even water damage.

In other words, this isn’t a job to take lightly – hire an expert from the start to ensure you can light fires safely with every season.

Can Creosote Sweeping Logs Replace Professional Chimney Sweeping?

You’ve probably seen creosote sweeping logs, or chimney cleaning logs being advertised as a convenient way to reduce creosote buildup in chimneys. Although these logs are an accepted product by the CSIA (and can provide a few benefits), the packaging itself clearly states that a creosote sweeping log does not take the place of inspection and professional cleaning. 

Why is this?

• Limited Effectiveness: These logs contain chemicals that breakdown creosote and reduce the chance that creosote sticks to the walls of the chimney. However, they are not capable of removing creosote buildup.
• Regular Maintenance: Creosote sweeping logs are only recommended in addition to regular professional chimney maintenance. Your chimney, stove, and fireplace still requires a yearly inspection and cleaning to ensure it is safe to use. 
• Safety Concerns: If these logs aren’t used according to the manufacturer, it can pose a safety risk, especially if there are existing chimney or flue issues. Use with extreme caution and be sure to follow all of the instructions. 
• Professional Assessment: Only a certified chimney technician can properly inspect the condition of your chimney. If there are any issues or damage you should know about, our chimney techs can help determine the appropriate course of action for you. 

Although the price of a creosote sweeping log is much more affordable than most chimney appointments, it isn’t worth the risk using it as a full replacement for your annual service.

Looking for a Reliable Chimney Sweep Company? Give Our Crew a Call

Trust the certified chimney technicians at Owens Chimney Systems to handle all of your chimney maintenance needs. Not only do our techs come with decades of combined experience, we strive to provide nothing but the best experience for all of our customers in the Charlotte, NC area.

Our customer service representatives are happy to take your call now, or we make it easy and convenient for you to schedule an appointment online. Trust us, you’ll be glad you did!

Can I Perform Chimney Maintenance and Repairs Myself to Save Money?

Most people love a good DIY project…especially one where you can save money and maintain your home. When you search DIY chimney repair, there are so many tutorials already out there, so you might be thinking…how hard can it be?

Before you go trying to acquire the nickname Fix-it Felix, know this – we generally recommend that you contact a professional for all of your chimney and fireplace service needs. 

Why? Prioritizing safety while climbing on rooftops, working at heights, and handling potentially dangerous substances (like soot and creosote) is of utmost importance. These are situations we have the tools, gear, and training for.

In addition, we attend workshops and invest in training to ensure we know all of the ins and outs of every complex chimney system we come across. With these types of repairs, its easier than you think to make an error. By working with us from the get-go, you won’t have to worry about the cost of further repairs when something goes wrong (or spending time and money on another potentially disastrous DIY solution). 

Remember – fireplaces host flames in the middle of your living space, so you really don’t want to be taking any risks when it comes to maintenance and repairs. Hire us from start to finish, so you can rest easier knowing your home won’t face any risks.

Call or book online now to get started.

How Can I Find Affordable & Reliable Chimney Services?

When there are so many choices for chimney services near Charlotte, Waxhaw, and other nearby areas, how do you know which one to pick? There are few things we recommend you look for in your search for a trustworthy chimney technician:

• Certifications & Licenses: Look for certifications from reputable and nationally recognized organizations, as well as licenses from the state of North Carolina. Since the chimney service industry isn’t very well regulated, you want to make sure the company you hire is more than just a name stuck on the side of a work truck. 
• Insurance: Liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance protects the technician, yes, but it also protects you in case any accidents or damage occur on the job. 
• Reviews: Since reviews are so easily accessible these days, there’s no reason you can’t start narrowing down your search with reviews on the company. Spending just a little time beforehand checking out reviews will help prevent hiring someone that leaves you frustrated and disappointed with the job. Not to mention wasting valuable time and money. 
• Experience: Finding a technician that not only knows what they are talking about, but also knows what they are doing is important. We all like a company that doesn’t just talk the talk, but actually walks the walk. So choose a company with extensive history in the chimney and venting industry. 

We think it is important to take into consideration all of these factors together because picking a company based solely on being the lowest quote might also mean you’re picking a company with the least amount of experience – or one with no certifications to properly complete the job. Remember the saying: you get what you pay for. 

A good and honest company will be able to check off each of the qualities above. At Owens, we aim to not only meet, but exceed, your expectations. Call or book something online with us now.

Book Your Next Service With Us

Not only are we Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) certified, we are also members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) and have associations with countless industry organizations. Our technicians have decades of combined experience and our former customers have left many 5 star reviews on the services provided.

If you’re finally ready to quit postponing your chimney repair services, allow us to help you. Call today or schedule an appointment online – we’d love to speak with you soon!

Is your home maintenance to-do list overwhelming? We can ease your load. Call on our skills to come to Concord, a valued part of our service area.