Lords Chimney Chimney Sweep Services: We’re Proud to Serve Beaumont & Beyond
At Lords Chimney, we take pride in keeping Beaumont residents and their families safer, warmer, and better protected with our expert chimney sweep services. Whether you’re prepping for a cozy winter or simply want peace of mind, our certified technicians are here to deliver thorough, professional care with every visit. From soot removal to creosote buildup and general maintenance, we’re proud to help Beaumont homeowners protect what matters most. Reach out today.
Can Chimney Sweeps Remove Animals From My Chimney?
It’s not uncommon for homeowners to discover unwanted guests in their chimneys – think birds, squirrels, raccoons, etc.. But can chimney sweeps actually remove these animals? The answer: sometimes.
Before we get into animal removal processes for your chimney, though, let’s start with a quick disclaimer: The best way to deal with wildlife in your chimney is to prevent them from getting in at all.
That’s where chimney caps come in. At Lords Chimney, we specialize in installation custom-made stainless steel chimney caps designed to protect your home from animals, water intrusion, and stray sparks. Whether you need a single-flue cap, a spark arrestor screen, or a completely custom fit, we’ve got you covered.
A problem our chimney techs can run into is finding animals that are federally protected. One of the most common intruders we see in chimneys is the chimney swift, and these small, fast-flying birds fall under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act – which means it’s actually illegal to remove or disturb them or their nests. If they’re already in your chimney, the only course of action is to wait until they’ve left on their own (usually by late summer or early fall) and then have a professional install a chimney cap to prevent them from returning.
Raccoons are another common chimney dweller – especially mothers looking for a safe, quiet place to raise their young. While it’s technically possible to remove raccoons, we don’t recommend forcibly evicting a mother with babies. If the mother is scared away or relocated, the babies will most likely be left behind and won’t survive. Instead, we recommend letting them grow a little until they’re old enough to leave with their mom. Then, we can cap your chimney, so that they don’t return.
In the meantime, if you want to speed up the process, try making the environment less comfortable – playing loud music near the fireplace or keeping lights on can often encourage them to leave on their own. Once they’re gone, we can step in to seal the deal…literally.
Are Chimney Sweep Services Messy?
When you picture a chimney sweep, you probably think of an old-timey man covered in soot that leaves dirt and residue throughout the house. (We’re looking at you, Mary Poppins.)
Fortunately, chimney sweep services have come a long way from the sooty, dirty job portrayed in old movies. Today, a reputable, professional chimney sweep prioritizes cleanliness just as much as safety and efficiency.
When done properly, chimney sweeping is not a messy process – especially when performed by a certified technician who uses modern tools and industry best practices. While it’s true that the process involves removing soot, creosote, and other combustion byproducts, a skilled technician will take precautions to ensure that your home remains spotless throughout the entire visit.
Precautions like…
- laying down drop cloths or tarps around the fireplace
- sealing off the work area
- using high-powered vacuums with HEPA filters to catch debris
- and more
To answer the question more clearly – no, modern chimney sweep services are not messy. When performed by a trained technician, the process is clean, efficient, and minimally invasive.
Do Creosote Sweeping Logs Replace Chimney Sweep Services?
Creosote sweeping logs (CSLs) are a popular product among homeowners who use wood-burning fireplaces and stoves. These logs are marketed as a convenient way to help reduce creosote buildup in chimneys, and they’re safe to use in your fireplace and chimney to help loosen and minimize creosote accumulation.
That said, CSLs do not – and should not – replace professional chimney sweep services. While CSLs can play a role in maintaining chimney systems, they are best thought of as a supplementary tool…not a replacement for thorough, hands-on care from a trained technician.
Why are CSLs not a good substitute for a professional sweeping? First of all, there are multiple stages of creosote buildup, and the heavier, tar-like forms (Stage 2 and Stage 3) are much more difficult to treat. CSLs are largely ineffective against these more dangerous types of creosote. In addition, while these logs can loosen creosote, they do not remove it from the firebox and chimney.
In addition, a chimney sweep and inspection involves more than just creosote removal. Professional sweeps check for structural issues, blockages (like bird nests or debris), and signs of water damage, rust, or deterioration in the flue liner. These are issues that a creosote sweeping log simply can’t detect or address.
Trust Chimney Company Near You: Book Your Sweeping Service Today
We’re more than just a chimney company – we’re your neighbors, and we’re committed to serving Beaumont with the highest level of care and craftsmanship possible. When you choose Lords Chimney, you’re choosing experience, safety, and service you can trust. Reach out today and let us help keep your home and hearth at their best, season after season.