Why Do I Need a Chimney Company?

So, you have a fireplace, but it doesn’t get much use. You use it once or twice a year (maybe on a colder day or around the holidays), but other than that it mainly serves as an attractive focal point in your home. Because of this, it shouldn’t need much professional care or maintenance. …right?

Wrong! In fact, believe it or not, refraining from using your fireplace typically causes it to deteriorate more quickly than if you use it on a regular basis.

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Like a washer, dryer, refrigerator, or other appliance, your fireplace needs regular attention, no matter how often it’s used. This especially goes for metal prefabricated fireplaces. Learn more below, and be sure to reach out with any questions! We’d love to do all we can to help you out.

Preventing Damages

Think of your fireplace like a car. If you let a car sit in your driveway for years on end without ever starting it up or taking it on a drive, would you expect it to work perfectly when you eventually try to drive it again? Not likely. Fluids likely will have pooled, your battery will probably be dead, and there’s sure to be weather-related wear and tear.

Water Leak Colors are Key

The same goes for your fireplace. Rust and warpage will occur more than usual during long periods of unuse, along with countless moisture-related damages, such as mold growth, deterioration, decay, stains, and more.

What happens when we experience another freeze or you just feel like starting a cozy fire after these issues have occurred? Like the car that was left abandoned, the system is simply not going to function correctly. In fact, you may experience dangers such as smoke and fume backup, an increased risk of house fire, exposure to harmful gases, and more.

Saving Money Long Term

When we come in to inspect your chimney, we’ll look for things like holes, gaps, signs of animal life, warpage, rust, and more. If we can spot and resolve these issues while they’re still small and manageable, the lifespan of your fireplace could be extended significantly.

We’ll also look for parts that need replacing. Some things, like the chimney cap, are fairly easy and inexpensive to replace if spotted in time. That said, if you ignore a broken cap, your system will be exposed to harmful things (like storms, rain, curious animals, and more) that cause a lot more damage overall.

In the end, purchasing a new chimney cap to ensure your system stays protected is a lot cheaper than investing in a time-consuming and costly rebuild or relining job. And the sooner we can react, the better shape your system will stay in, thus preserving resale value and ensuring you can use it when you need to.

Avoiding Unwanted Visitors

Critters in your fireplace? This means something is wrong up top. Animals should never have easy access to your fireplace, and once they get in they can cause a lot of damage. Along with this, animals that are unable to escape may pass away, leaving you with an even bigger mess on your hands.

Another problem has to do with bird’s nesting materials. If birds set up camp in your chimney (an ideal spot for them), the twigs, leaves, and materials that make up their nests can clog things up and affect airflow. A system that cannot properly vent doesn’t do anyone any good. Be sure to get a sweep in to look things over so you can avoid those uninvited guests – especially this time of year.

Assisting in Insurance Claims

If your chimney was damaged due to a natural disaster like a lightning strike, hurricane, tornado, earthquake, flood, or something similar, your insurance company should be covering the costs to repair it. Unfortunately, they often look for ways around this.

If you have no records on your fireplace, then your insurance company could easily deny your claim stating that there’s no proof the damage caused was due to the event that had just occurred.

That said, if you have a report from your chimney company showing that at the last yearly inspection your system was just fine, getting that money you need for repairs, restorations, and replacement parts won’t be such a challenge.

Ease the Home-Buying Process

Before buying a home, we strongly advise getting a video inspection. This ensures you don’t get caught with big repairs after you finalize the sale.

Home inspectors will tell you if you should have it cleaned or have something looked into, but there’s no way for them to gauge just how extensive certain damage can be. All too often people sign the papers on their dream home, only to realize later that they’re now responsible for thousands of dollars worth of repairs.

Also, keep in mind that if you bought a house and no one has ever used the fireplace, there’s typically a reason for that. The previous homeowner may have used it once only to have something go wrong and never use it again. And if you see freshly painted brick? There are likely smoke stains underneath.

In the end, getting that level 2 inspection done is always worth the peace of mind you gain in the end.

Give Us a Holler

The big takeaway from all of this? If you want to use your fireplace at all – even once – you need an inspection. Even if the system is brand new or rarely used, an inspection is vital. Professional insight can make all the difference when it comes to how safely and efficiently your system operates down the line.

Anything specific you need covered? Send us a message! We’d be happy to answer any and all of your questions. You can reach out to us through our website, give us a call, or even follow us on Facebook or Youtube. It’s Lords Chimney’s goal to keep you as up to date and informed as possible!

How To Choose The Proper Firewood

A crackling fire on a cool fall or winter evening sets a beautiful aesthetic in any home. Once a fire gets going, it seems to draw family members together in a hurry, as everyone gathers around and takes advantage of the warm and cozy atmosphere the wood-burning unit has created.Stack of properly dried and seasoned firewood

That is, unless the firewood is creating some unpleasant effects. Using unseasoned firewood can trigger lots of issues like excess smoke, less heat, and more creosote accumulation (which can then trigger unpleasant odors and structural issues). All in all, it’s well worth it to either season your own wood pile or take the time necessary to examine the wood you purchase, ensuring it’s adequately dried out and ready to burn.

Why do issues occur with unseasoned wood? Well, the fresher the log is, the more water it will contain, meaning your fire has to put in a lot of extra work and energy to burn out all that extra moisture. This takes time and it causes a lot of acidic water to be sent through your chimney, which isn’t good for your chimney’s health

Along with this, burning wood with lots of moisture also makes your fireplace experience less than ideal. Learn more about how to differentiate between seasoned and unseasoned wood by reading below, or you can feel free to contact our staff here at Lords Chimney with any questions. We’re always happy to help you create a more enjoyable burning season!

Seasoned Vs. Unseasoned Wood

If you’re purchasing wood to burn, there are a few key characteristics to note before making any final decisions. First off, check the length of the wood. If it’s cut short, that’s a good sign that the person seasoning it knew what they were doing. The less mass, the less water there is, ensuring it drys out faster. Splitting the ends also speeds up this process, so look for that, too.

Noting the color and weight of the wood is a wise step, too. Fresh wood is still vibrant-looking and has a pleasant aroma. Wood that has been sitting for some time is typically faded and darker in color. Also, when you lift it will feel lighter in weight, since most of the water is evaporated. Try hitting two pieces together. If they sound hollow, they’ve been seasoned. If they make a duller, thud-like noise, they likely need more time on the wood pile.

Storing Your Own?

Obviously, the most surefire way to get exactly what you want from the wood you burn is to season your own. Store it in a place that is open, yet protected, such as a wood shed with open sides and a sturdy roof, and let it sit for at least six months before putting it to use. Ensure the pieces are cut short and split on the ends to get things moving faster.

Call On Us For All Of Your Fireplace Maintenance

If your wood pile is ready to go, and you’re ready to put your system to use, call us in for your annual inspection. Our team is CSIA certified and ready to serve, guaranteeing you a safer and better functioning system every single year. There’s no time to lose – call today!

Now Is The Time To Schedule Your Annual Chimney Appointment

Don’t have that chimney inspection on your calendar yet? Call the experts at Lords Chimney right away! Inspections play a vital role in ensuring your fireplace stays in great condition and safer for use all year long. We want your system to be ready to go when the holidays come around – give us a call now!

You Deserve Convenience

Managing a household (no matter your family size) can be a stressful job! It seems like there are always things going on and, with the holidays coming soon, life is only going to get more hectic. Amidst it all, we know it can be a challenge to fit in your yearly chimney inspection.

That’s why we urge you to schedule now! We want to make this process as easy and stress-free as possible and, by getting in early, you save yourself the hassle of finding a slot during our fall rush. Get the appointment time that works best for you by giving us a call right away!

Get That Fireplace Running

When the time comes for holiday get together’s and family gatherings, you want your fireplace to be ready to go! By getting your maintenance done now, you know everything will be all set when you go to light that first fire. We would hate to see you call to make an appointment, only to discover the next available slot is after your big party or event. In addition, running a fireplace that hasn’t been thoroughly checked over is never a safe option!

Ensure that your guests, friends, and family stay as safe and comfortable as possible by getting your inspection in now. There’d be nothing worse than firing things up only to face smoke back-up or nasty odors. That would definitely put a damper on things fast! Not to mention, built up creosote can be extremely flammable. Play it safe – give us a call right away!

What To Expect

When it comes to providing you with quality service, the staff at Lords Chimney goes above and beyond. We implement all of the proper footwear and coverings, so that your home stays clean and damage-free throughout our entire inspection process. We will use top of the line equipment to search every nook and cranny and, should you need a cleaning, we’ll get that covered, too!

And don’t worry about a mess. We’ll clean up everything, so your home will look just as good as it did before our arrival. For customer service that can’t be beat, you can count on us!

Also, should we note any necessary repairs, we will offer sound advice as far as proceeding forward. With our long list of tools and services, we are certain we can assist you no matter what, and we will be happy to get your next appointment scheduled right away. Give us a call now!

Trust the Best With Your Fireplace & Chimney

As a homeowner, there are lots of things around your home, both inside and outside, that need to be regularly maintained. And let’s face it – it’s easy to get so overloaded with household to-do lists that sometimes some of the most important places get overlooked.

We’ve noticed that fireplaces and chimneys tend to get thrown into this overlooked category since they are only used for a portion of the year. Sound all too familiar? Well, don’t burn yourself out figuring out how you’ll fit in yet another job. Simply give our experts a call to handle it all!

Chimney Inspections & Sweepings

Annual chimney inspections are essential when it comes to keeping your system standing strong for the long haul. All kinds of hidden dangers could be lurking and putting your home at risk, and it takes the trained eyes of a pro to spot and resolve them. Oftentimes, what homeowners think of as no big deal (even something as seemingly minor as a broken tile or brick) are actually quite dangerous.

Trust the Best With Your Fireplace & Chimney - Houston TX - Lords Chimney bricksWhen it comes to chimneys, the sooner any issues are spotted and addressed, the better. If there is a crack, it will only continue to grow. If mold shows up, it will only spread. If things aren’t heating correctly, this will only continue, costing you more to operate the appliance and putting your home at risk.

That’s why we urge all of our customers to book inspections at least once per year and always before kicking off your burning season. During these, our sweeps will look for any flaws, build-up, and imperfections, and then suggest any further maintenance, like sweepings or repairs, as necessary.

And what’s the importance of a chimney sweeping? To start, they remove any build up, excess debris, and creosote, which is the main cause of chimney fires. And apart from being fire hazards, blockages can lead to smoke in your home, carbon monoxide poisoning, and a lack of efficiency.

Repair & Restoration Services

Now, chimney sweepings and inspections are an important part of chimney maintenance, but they’re still just only one part of the equation. That’s why we offer a wide range of chimney, masonry, and venting services and repairs, all of which allow us to better serve our customers and meet all of their chimney and fireplace needs.

If your fireplace or chimney is worn down after years of use, we can help restore it to its former glory. Our fireplace restoration services can fix every part of your chimney, from the chimney cap at the top to the firebox at the bottom. Some of our many services include tuckpointing, leaky chimney repairs, chimney pressure washing, relining services, wildlife removal, troubleshooting, and even replacements or facelifts.

Not sure where you stand or what you need? Give us a call! We’d be happy to answer your questions and get you where you need to be.

Need Dryer Vent Services?

In addition to our chimney services, we can also clean dryer vents, as well as assist with installation and re-routing. Even if you regularly clean your lint trap, lint will still accumulate in your dryer vents and hoses over time, which can then create clogs and fire hazards. In fact, dryer-related issues cause thousands of house fires every single year. This one service well worth investing in.

Clean dryer vents can also help your dryer run more efficiently, wasting less energy and resulting in dryer clothes after each load. This saves you money month to month, and keeps your dryer and clothes from experiencing excess wear, too.

We’re Trusted Throughout Houston

At Lord’s Chimney, we have been proudly providing the greater Houston area with chimney, fireplace, masonry, and vent services for years. If you’re experiencing chimney issues, there’s no better crew to trust!

Trust the Best With Your Fireplace & Chimney - Houston TX - Lords Chimney certificationsWhy do so many turn to us time and time again? Well, for one thing, we make education a priority. We’re certified with the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG), and maintain a long list of certifications, associations, awards, and 5-star reviews. One look at our credentials and it’s clear – we take what we do seriously!

In the end, when you hire a sweep for your chimney inspections, sweepings, and more, you deserve to work with someone you can trust. If your sweep is associated with reputable organizations, experienced, and has a strong relationship with the community it serves, these are all solid signs that they’ll have your back throughout it all. When you hire us, we’ll treat you and your fireplace with respect!

Keep Your Home Safer By Working With Us

A clean and well-maintained chimney and fireplace doesn’t just help with efficiency… it also ensures your home stays a safer place to live season after season. Stay out of harm’s way by reaching out to our highly trained and qualified staff today. When you work with Lords Chimney, you work with the best!

Getting a Head Start on Chimney Service

If you have a chimney, you should have it inspected and cleaned annually in order to prevent fires and make sure it is running efficiently. When your chimney is not cleaned, a highly flammable substance called creosote builds up. Creosote can cause chimney fires and block ventilation, allowing hazardous toxins to enter your home. The professionals at Lords Chimney can inspect and clean your chimney to ensure safety and efficient fires for your home.

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Lords Chimney, like any chimney servicing company, is very busy between September and March, especially in the winter months. Therefore, the best thing to do is to get a head start on chimney service before it gets cold and service appointments get backed up. You can do this by scheduling an appointment during Lords Chimney’s  less busy months between April and August. Not only will you better be able to get an appointment that fits your schedule, but you will be ready for winter when it hits.

When a professional from Lords Chimney arrives, he or she will be checking to make sure your appliance is properly installed, your appliance and flue are compatible, there are no missing components of your chimney, you are using a fuel compatible with your chimney, you don’t have creosote build up, you do not have water damage, and that there are no blockages in your flue. The technician will also write you a report explain the chimney’s condition and will inform you of any potential problems you should be aware of and have fixed.

The technician from Lords Chimney will start the inspection by first looking at the inside of your chimney. He or she will then go on your roof and inspect that portion of your chimney. Next, the technician will cover your floor for protection before using video equipment to take a closer look at your flue, helping to determine whether your flue needs a cleaning and whether it has cracks. He or she will then clean the flue and chimney if needed. You will then receive the written report and the technician will clean up.

Lords Chimney also provides three levels of chimney inspections. The first level is a visual examination to search for deterioration and structural soundness as well as to check for other problems noticeable to a well trained eye. The second level uses a camera to get a more detailed look at your chimney and any problems it might have. A second level inspection should be performed after a fire or natural disaster, before ownership of a property is changed, and before you make changes to your heating system. The third level of inspection is rarely used, as it is only needed when a problem is found in a level one or two inspection that cannot be easily solved. A third level inspection requires portions of the chimney to be removed to check concealed areas of the chimney.

Call Lords Chimney as soon as possible to prepare for winter and guarantee yourself a clean and safe chimney!