Chimney Company Near Huntersville: Owens Chimney Sweeping Services Are Superior
If you’re searching for a trusted chimney company near Huntersville, NC, look no further than Owens Chimney Systems. With decades of experience and a reputation built on safety, professionalism, and expertise, we offer the highest quality chimney sweeping services near you. Whether you’re maintaining your fireplace for winter use, concerned about creosote buildup, or dealing with animal intrusion, our team of certified technicians is here to help. Reach out today to set up your appointment.
Do Unused Fireplaces Need Chimney Sweepings?
You bet. Even if a fireplace hasn’t been used in years, it’s still recommended to book annual chimney sweepings and inspections. While it’s easy to assume that a fireplace that goes unused can be left alone, neglecting it can lead to several hidden problems over time that lower your home’s value and affect your household. Things like…
- Debris can still accumulate in an unused chimney. Leaves, twigs, and other wind-blown debris often fall into chimneys. This buildup can create blockages that invite damage and odors, as well as restrict airflow and create a fire hazard if the fireplace is used later.
- Animal nests are a common issue. Birds, squirrels, and raccoons often find chimneys to be ideal nesting spots. With wild animals comes the potential for unpleasant odors or pest problems inside the home.
- Moisture damage can occur. Even without active use, chimneys are vulnerable to moisture from rain or snow, especially if the chimney cap or crown is damaged or missing (something we won’t know until we inspect it). This moisture can spread and lead to interior home damage.
- Creosote may still be present from past use. If the fireplace was used at any point in the past, residual creosote or soot could still be inside the flue. Over time, this buildup can harden, making it harder to clean and more dangerous if reignited.
- A clean chimney supports indoor air quality. If the chimney is clogged or deteriorating, it can allow unpleasant smells or moisture to seep into the home, affecting indoor air quality, even though the fireplace is never used.
How Do I Keep Animals Out of My Chimney?
Keeping animals out of your chimney is an important part of home maintenance, especially since birds, squirrels, raccoons, and even bats often try to make chimneys their temporary home.
The most effective way to prevent animals from getting in is to install a properly fitted chimney cap with a mesh screen. A stainless steel or copper cap with a wire mesh barrier keeps critters out while still allowing smoke and gases to exit safely.
Just remember that, over time, caps can rust, loosen, or become dislodged in strong weather. A quick visual check or an annual inspection ensures it stays in place and continues to provide protection.
Other tips?
- Trim nearby tree branches, so animals don’t have easy access to roofs and chimneys.
- Don’t leave the damper open when the fireplace isn’t in use, so that if an animal does enter, they’ll be out of your living space.
- Avoid using deterrents that may harm animals – a dead animal in your flue isn’t ideal either.
- Never try to smoke out or trap an animal yourself, as it’s dangerous for both you and the animal.
Do Chimney Sweeping Logs Work?
Chimney sweeping logs are commonly marketed as an easy way to clean your chimney without hiring a professional – yet this is rather deceiving. While they can be helpful in certain situations (and are safe to use in fireplaces), they should never replace a thorough, manual chimney sweeping by a certified technician.
How do chimney sweeping logs – also called creosote sweeping logs – work?
These logs contain chemical additives that release vapors when burned. These vapors help dry out and loosen creosote, making it more brittle and easier to remove.
Yet, while chimney sweeping logs can slow creosote accumulation between professional sweepings, they don’t eliminate the need for manual cleaning. They cannot remove heavy deposits, blockages, or animal nests, and they can’t tell you whether or not there are hidden damages.
In addition, if the creosote inside your chimney has reached Stage 3 (glazed creosote), sweeping logs won’t help. This hardened form of creosote is extremely flammable and must be removed by professionals using specialized tools.
When used responsibly, chimney sweeping logs can complement regular cleanings, and for frequent fireplace users, using a log midway through the season may help reduce buildup and extend the time between cleanings. But they are not a substitute for professional service.
Regular inspections and thorough cleanings remain the safest and most effective way to protect your home.
Experience Exceptional Chimney Services Near You: Trust Owens Chimney
At Owens Chimney Systems, we believe that great chimney service starts with honest expertise – and ends with your total satisfaction. From routine chimney sweeps to complex repairs and restorations, we bring a level of care and quality that’s hard to find anywhere else. If you live in or around Huntersville and need professional chimney services, make Owens your first call. We’re proud to serve our community with the kind of personalized service only a local, experienced team can provide.
Reach out today.