Sick of birds setting up camp in your flue? Are squirrels and other critters scrambling throughout your chimney? Stressed about water-related
masonry damages this fall? An easy way to resolve all of these worries is to invest in a high-quality, sturdy chimney cap and to have our team of professionals install it for you.
Not sure where your current cap stands or whether or not it’s actually being effective? We’re here to help. Learn more about chimney cap basics below, then reach out to our crew with any questions. We’re always eager to lend a hand and keep our customers safer, more knowledgeable, and completely prepared for it all.
Matching the Right Cap to the Right Chimney
Now, not all caps are created equal, and the type of cap you’ll need will depend on the type of fireplace you have. If things aren’t matched up appropriately, you’ll end up with a lot of issues, and you’ll invite all kinds of hazards and dangers into your home. Fortunately, we know all there is to know when it comes to fitting the best cap for your system, so you’ll be in good hands when you hire our crew for the job!
The biggest thing to remember is that, no matter what type of chimney or fireplace you’re using, a cap is always a must-have component. Without one in place, those birds and woodland creatures will have easy access to your home, and you’ll find yourself with excessive water damage and debris build-up, too.
If a bad storm blew your cap off or if yours seems damaged or misplaced, please don’t hesitate to call us in. We would be happy to look things over and see where you stand, then suggest further services that are best suited to your needs.
How Do I Know I Have the Wrong Cap?
If you have water coming into your home, or if you’re experiencing clogs, then that’s a clear indicator that your cap may need some adjustments. Other common problems we see are issues with the screening. Every chimney needs the right amount of screening, as well as the right type of screening, and without it, your chimney won’t be able to perform properly.
Usually these problems occur when chimney experts are not the ones hired to handle the task of keeping pests out of the chimney. Now, pest control professionals definitely know how to keep pests out of the home, but when it comes to chimneys they often get it wrong.
Essentially, if your screen is prone to experience build-up or if it lays flat, you’ll end up with issues. In both of these cases, nesting materials will block air, and you’ll have smoke backing into your home before you know it.
And while roofers offer some effective temporary fixes, most won’t do much for you long-term. We’ve even seen some take off the right cap and replace it with something less effective! Not good. In the end, hiring a CSIA certified pro is always the best route to take.
Is a Full-Coverage Cap Worth the Expense?
Now, as long as homeowners have some type of cap (whether that be single-flue, an umbrella type, or something else), we’re happy. That being said, you may find yourself replacing the less expensive, simpler models more often, and they aren’t always as effective as covering all of your bases (i.e. preventing animal entry, blocking out debris, stopping water damage, etc.).
The best route is always going to be investing in a full-coverage cap that keeps anything and everything that’s harmful away from your structure. It’s best for the design of the chimney, and it will save you money over time, both on repair/replacement costs and on damages that could occur throughout the system.
Should I Be Worried About Chimney Swifts?
Now, one of the animals we worry most about in terms of your chimney is the chimney swift. These small birds may seem like nothing to stress about (especially compared to raccoons, bats, and other bigger critters), but the truth is that removing them isn’t as simple as you might think.
You see, chimney swifts are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, so once they establish themselves in your chimney, we can’t legally remove them. They’ll have to stay put until they leave on their own, after which we can remove their nests, so you aren’t left with any fire hazards.
And don’t think you’re off the hook once they’re gone! Once they’re done migrating, they’ll want to come right back to the same place they left, so preventing their entry is essential. That’s where an effective cap comes into play. Let us ensure you’re set up right, so you don’t have to deal with the hassle.
Our Qualified Techs are Ready to Serve
You won’t find a team in the Houston area that is more knowledgeable than ours. We have the experience, training, and expertise to ensure all of your chimney-related needs are addressed before your holiday season really takes off. We’d be happy to help you out soon, so please reach out now!
With our busy season coming to a close, now is an ideal time to get your inspection, sweeping, or repair work scheduled. There are countless benefits to schedule chimney care this time of year, so get in touch Lords Chimney right away. We are always happy to help you out!
Scheduling At Your Convenience
If you feel that free time is something that is hard to come by in your family, then you are not alone. We understand that your to-do list is long and many struggle when it comes to scheduling regular professional chimney care. Unfortunately, putting this maintenance on the back burner can lead to some serious risks.
That’s why we always aim to come at a time that is convenient for you, which is why we suggest getting your inspection in now while our schedule is more clear. This availability means you will have the freedom to schedule your appointment at a time that works well for you. No need to rearrange your hectic schedule! Just let us know what works, and we can schedule it.
Addressing Your Repairs Fast
Another big advantage of scheduling your chimney maintenance now is that we will be able to tackle any repairs right away. During the fall, repairs may need to be put on hold until our scheduled clears up. Throughout fall and early winter we stay very busy, so addressing repairs can take more time than usual, putting off your burn season. If we spot damages we can repair them now so you will be able to light up a fire early! While others are struggling to get maintenance completed, you will be ready to enjoy nights by a fire.
Importance Of Annual Inspections
All in all, regular inspections are never something to put off, and now is an ideal time to get yours completed. Skipping this maintenance could land you in some trouble when the time comes to light a fire. Using a system that is damaged or clogged increase your chances of experiencing chimney fires, gas leaks, and house fires.
Along with this, a chimney that is well cared for will run more efficiently, guaranteeing you more heat and a more pleasant aesthetic, overall.
Guarantee yourself a safer and more comfortable home by getting the care you deserve right away. The team at Lords Chimney is experienced, CSIA certified, and eager to provide you with top-notch customer care. Schedule an appointment online today. We’ll be happy to help you out right away!
The HomeShow Radio Show with Tom Tynan is a well-loved and -respected program that many enjoy on a regular basis. Thanks to Tom and
his extensive knowledge on architecture and home construction, a number of homeowners throughout the Houston area look to him for great tips and advice every Saturday and Sunday morning. And with over two decades of experience building custom homes under his belt, you can rest easy taking his instructions to heart – Tom knows his stuff!
Well, one thing this show is known for is designating a select number of businesses as HomeShow Pros. As you can imagine, there are a large number of business throughout Houston and its surrounding areas, so to be given this honor is quite an accomplishment! Lords Chimney is proud to hold one of these titles, and Tom Tynan himself feels that we are a great team to trust with all of your chimney and fireplace needs.
Schedule An Inspection With Us Today
Now, with the holidays fast approaching, you want to work with a team that puts you at ease when it comes to chimney care. Based on our reputation, experience, and dedication to further education, we’re confident that we can handle anything you need done! Start off by scheduling an inspection with us. We’re CSIA trained and certified, so we can handle your annual maintenance, no problem.
An inspection is a surefire way to give you that peace of mind you’re hoping for as you dive into holiday festivities this season. There’s nothing like a crackling fire to light up some Christmas spirit, but you need to ensure your system is functioning safely before putting it to use! Otherwise, you could easily be faced with uncomfortable and dangerous scenarios, such as smoke back-up, chimney fires, gas leaks, and more.
We’ll do a thorough overview of your entire structure, and let you know if there are any issues that need our professional attention. We can offer advice and tips for moving forward, and before you know it, your system will be performing in tip-top shape.
Save yourself stress and hassle this Christmas by depending on us for it all!
We’re The Team For You!
From big to small, we can handle anything. Whether you have a minor leak, excessive creosote accumulation, or some major restoration work to get done, we’re the team trusted throughout Houston and all of its surrounding areas. Set your home up right for the holidays by putting your fireplace in our hands!
Time is running short and our schedule fills up fast, so if you’re hoping to get a nice fire going for all of your parties and get-togethers, then don’t hesitate to set up an appointment with us. There’s no time to lose! Give us a call today, and we’ll set you up right.
At Lords Chimney, we hold and maintain CSIA certifications because they help us better serve you! The Chimney Safety Institute of America is a non-profit organization striving to educate sweeps and serve the public. We are proud to associate with them with every passing year.
Check out some reasons why we and countless other chimney companies throughout the country trust the CSIA!
High Ethical Standards
One reason we take such pride in holding CSIA credentials is due to their strict code of ethics. The founders of the CSIA feel it’s important to ensure homeowners can trust their sweeps to act professionally and be honest. In order for a sweep to complete their CSIA training, they must agree to use what they’ve learned to bring fair and helpful services to the areas that they serve.
The CSIA also wants homeowners to hold their sweeps accountable! If you hired a certified sweep, but feel that they are either lying about their certifications or that they aren’t living up to CSIA standards, report the sweep to the organization right away. Thanks to the CSIA’s commitment to the public, they’ll ensure corrective action is taken, so that you don’t have to face these issues again down the line.
A Mission For Safety
Another great aspect of the CSIA is it’s desire to promote education and fire safety in homes everywhere. It’s not just about keeping sweeps informed and up-to-date on fireplace knowledge… they want homeowners to be aware of these facts, too! The more a person knows about their fireplace, the less likely they are to experience a big disaster, such as a fire or gas leak. And the CSIA aims to avoid accidents like these at all costs.
Knowing more about your fireplace and chimney will also ensure that you don’t get scammed down the road. If you hired a sweep, and things just don’t seem to be adding up, the CSIA wants to make sure you’re not paying more services you may not need. By staying informed, you’ll be able to spot a scam artist from a mile away!
Standing The Test Of Time
The CSIA is also known for their longevity. This is an organization that has truly stood the test of time, and they continue being successful with every year that passes. They continuously search for ways to improve. In addition, they never fail to provide techs with new technology and techniques for better serving the public.
Since 1983, the CSIA has maintained its ethical standpoints and mission to keep homes throughout the country safer. When it comes to fireplace maintenance, they really know their stuff! And there’s a reason why they haven’t lost momentum in all these years. They never fail to receive support, and they are publicly promoted in various forms of popular media on a regular basis. When you hire a CSIA certified, you can bet that you’re in good hands!
