Take Advantage Of Our New Spring Discounts!

Spring has officially arrived, and warmer weather is right around the corner. This means we have new, spring discounts for you to take advantage of! With four incredible coupons available for our customers, now is the perfect time for fireplace and chimney services.

$40 off a chimney sweep that includes an inspectionsSeasonal Deals

Our first spring coupon gives customers $40 off a chimney sweeping that includes an inspection. This special helps ensure your fireplace is clean and safe after a long winter of use – while helping you save money!

Regular chimney maintenance, including sweepings and inspections, is the best way to keep your fireplace burning safely and efficiently. Chimney sweepings help remove soot, ash, flammable creosote, and other blockages from the flue. Chimney inspections help ensure that the entire fireplace and chimney system is in good condition and free from areas of damage or deterioration.

Annual maintenance is recommended by major safety organizations as well. The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends all homeowners have their chimneys swept at least once per year – if not more; the National Fire Protection Association recommends all fireplace be inspected at least once per year as well.

Complete chimney protection – 15% off chimney waterproofing package

Now that spring is here, we know that rain is right around the corner. To ensure your chimney is ready, we are offering our second spring discount, 15% off our chimney waterproofing package. Water is the leading cause of masonry damage. Guarantee a prepared chimney by having out team waterproof your system!

No charge repair estimates

Whether you have a chimney leak, damaged masonry, or want to reface your firebox, now is the perfect time to call one of the chimney experts at Jack Pixley Sweeps [https://jackpixleysweeps.com/]. Our third spring discount gives customers the opportunity to receive no charge repair estimates; if you have a chimney or fireplace repair that needs to be completed, stop putting it off and call for your no charge repair estimate today!

$40 off a dryer vent cleaning with a sweep

We might be known for our fireplace and chimney services – but we can clean your dryer vents, too! Our fourth spring coupon gives customers $40 off a dryer vent cleaning with a chimney sweeping.

The same lint that accumulates in the lint trap after each load can build up over time in the dryer vents. This is harmful in two ways. First, lint build up can restrict air flow in the dryer vents, forcing the dryer to work harder and negatively impacting performance. Second, lint is extremely flammable. The superheated air the dryer produces as it compensates for restricted airflow can ignite and lead to an accidental dryer fire. Cleaning dryer vents can improve dryer efficiency while reducing the risk of dryer fires.

Don’t forget about your masonry repairs, too!

Early spring is the perfect time of year to take care of any masonry repairs that may have arisen over the winter. The weather is perfect for masonry to cure properly. The weather ensures your repairs are completed as quickly as possible. Likewise, spring is often a low-use season for fireplaces. Having repairs done now ensures your fireplace will be ready to use again next fall.

Make sure you are gearing up for spring properly, by taking advantage of our seasonal deals! Contact Jack Pixley Sweeps today for more information about how to take advantage of our spring coupons!

Rely on Jack Pixley For Gutter Cleaning Too!

At Jack Pixley Sweeps, we are known for helping our customers in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area care for their fireplaces and chimney systems. But did you know we can help take care of your gutters, too?

After a long winter, spring rains will soon be on the way! Make sure your home is ready for the coming weather by having your gutters professionally cleaned by Jack Pixley Sweeps. Gutter cleaning can help protect your home’s exterior while preventing water damage issues including foundation problems, wood rot, or erosion.

Why are gutters important?gloved hand pulling out dirt from gutters

Gutters serve an important purpose when it comes to protecting our homes against water damage. The primary purpose of gutters is to protect our roofs, siding, and foundation against water damage; gutters direct water away from the sides and base of the house. Gutters also protect our roofs during the winter by preventing large icicles from forming at the edge of the roofline – and damaging shingles.

How often should I clean my gutters?

Most homeowners should clean their gutters twice per year]: once in the late fall/early winter and once again in the spring. Cleaning gutters at the end of the fall season helps to remove most of the leaves that have fallen, while a spring gutter cleaning gets rid of seed pods and blossoms. If your home is surrounded by a significant amount of trees, additional gutter cleanings may be needed.

Can I tell if I need to clean my gutters?

It can be possible to see if your gutters need to be cleaned – even if you aren’t comfortable on a ladder. One of the primary signs of clogged gutters is water that drips from the gutters when it isn’t raining; this shows that water is trapped or blocked in the gutters. Water overflowing out of the tops of the gutters during rainfall can also indicate clogs or blockages that are preventing water flow. Water damage in the basement or along the side of your home is a serious sign of clogged gutters that should not be ignored.

Reasons to have your gutters cleaned

The following are three of the many reasons to have your gutters cleaned.

1. Roof damage. When clogs cause water to overflow out of gutters, issues with shingles and roofing materials can occur.
2. Cracks in the foundation. Overflowing water from gutters often pools around the home’s foundation. This prolonged exposure to water can cause damage, such as cracking to occur. This is particularly prevalent in our area where the repeated freezing and thawing during the winter can exacerbate the damage.
3. Keep out pests. Damp leaves and other debris in the gutters are the perfect nesting ground for mosquitoes and other pests. Keep them away from – and out of – your home by having gutters cleaned.

Heavy spring rains are on the way; make sure your home is ready by having your gutters cleaned! For more information about gutter cleaning or to schedule your next appointment, contact Jack Pixley Sweeps today!

We Install Rain Covers

Chimneys are sturdy and built to withstand the test of time. However, there is one thing that can wreak havoc on both the interior and exterior of your fireplace system – water. Water damage is one of the primary causes of chimney deterioration. From exterior bricks crumbling to rusting interior fireplace components, water can affect every part of your chimney system. However, all water damage can be prevented through preemptive maintenance such as installing a rain cover for your chimney. At Jack Pixley Sweeps, we offer rain cover to protect your chimney fully. 

What is a rain cover?

rain cover for a chimneyA rain cover is a metal cap with mesh or wire sides that covers the top of the flue and protects the top of the chimney. While chimney caps cover just the flue, rain covers are full size and protect the chimney crown as well the flue.

They are made of sturdy, corrosion-resistant metal such as stainless steel or copper. Rain covers can protect your chimney from the elements and prevent both interior and exterior water damage. Installing a quality rain cover is also important. Those made of aluminum or other lesser metals can rust over time, creating ugly stains that are difficult to remove. Likewise, poorly constructed rain covers can weaken over time, allowing animal entry or moisture and debris to get into your system to wreck all kinds of havoc.

Reasons to install a rain cover

While most chimneys have a chimney cap, a rain cover is an additional protection that can help reduce moisture damage to your fireplace. The following are five reasons to consider installing a rain cover on your chimney.

  1. Reduce water damage. Rain covers reduce water damage in two ways. First, it covers the top of the flue and prevents water from entering the fireplace to damage delicate interior components including the chimney liner, damper, firebox, and more. Secondly, full-size rain covers protect the chimney crown. The sloped top and overhanging sides of a rain cover direct water away from the chimney and safely onto the roof.
  2. Prevent animal entry. Birds, squirrels, raccoons, and other animals have all been known to seek shelter – or nest in – unprotected chimneys. A rain cover help prevent animal entry and the debris, odors, parasites, and damage they can bring.
  3. Avoid downdrafts. The slanted sides pf a rain cover prevent down drafts from affecting fireplace use. This encourages a good draft and keeps strong winds from blowing smoke and gas back down the chimney, when your fireplace is in use.
  4. Block sparks. Stray sparks and embers from a roaring fire can travel up the chimney. Rain covers serve as a spark arrestor, preventing sparks from leaving the chimney. This helps to prevent accidental fires caused by sparks from the fireplace landing on roofs, trees, garages, or other structures.
  5. Keep debris out. Falling leaves, twigs, trash, and other debris can fall into an uncapped chimney to create blockages. In addition to increasing the risk of chimney fire, blockages in the flue can prevent smoke and gas from properly drafting when your fireplace is in use. Rain covers help prevent debris from falling into your chimney in the first place.

Rain covers protect your entire chimney system – both inside and out. For more information on the importance of a capped chimney or to schedule your chimney inspection, contact Jack Pixley Sweeps today!

Top 3 Reasons To Invest In A Chimney Cap

While all parts of the chimney serve a specific purpose, few are as important as the chimney cap. A quality chimney cap can protect your entire fireplace system and keep it in good condition for years to come.

What is a chimney cap?

A chimney cap is a fitted metal hood that sits on top of the chimney structure and protects the top of the flue. Chimney caps have a solid top and mesh or wire sides. The solid top protects the chimney from moisture, animals, and debris while the open sides allow smoke and gas to safely vent.

Three ways a chimney cap protects your home3 Reasons For A Chimney Cap

The following are three of the ways installing a chimney cap can protect your fireplace system.

1. Keep animals out

Raccoons, squirrels, birds, and other animals view chimneys as a safe, dark, enclosed and protected place to hide from predators and build nests. Unfortunately, animal entry can cause serious damage to your fireplace and chimney.

Animals damage the chimney and fireplace in a number of ways. First, they can scratch interior fireplace components such as the chimney liner. If your chimney has a clay tile liner, it may be necessary to reline the entire flue. Animal entry also increases the risk of chimney fire; nesting materials, food, and droppings can become dry in the flue and accidentally ignite from a stray spark or ember. The presence of animals in the chimney can also expose your family to diseases and pests such as lice or maggots – as well as the smells associated with a trapped animal.

2. Reduce risk of accidental fire

While fireplace safety and chimney maintenance significantly reduces the risk of chimney fire, chimney caps are an additional level of protection against accidental fires. First, the solid metal top and mesh sides act as spark catchers; it prevents embers, sparks, and hot coals from landing on the roof. Chimney caps also reduce the risk of fire by keeping debris out of the chimney. This keeps them from accumulating in the flue and drying out or catching fire.

3. Prevent water damage

Water from rain, sleet, snow, ice, and even sprinklers and hoses can be extremely damaging to your chimney. While fireplace and chimney components are designed to withstand extreme heat, even small amounts of moisture can cause significant damage.

Whether it is from a few droplets of a serious leak, water wreaks havoc throughout the chimney. Moisture can cause cracks in clay tile chimney liners, rust dampers, and even damage surrounding insulation, ceilings, and building materials. The combination of water along with the dark, moist chimney can also lead to mold and mildew growth.

Have your chimney cap inspected today!

A quality, well fitting chimney cap is an important part of protecting your entire chimney system. Contact the experts at Jack Pixley Sweeps to schedule your next chimney cap inspection. Our expert staff of CSIA certified chimney sweeps can ensure your chimney cap is in good condition, recommend necessary repairs, or even help you find a new chimney cap for your fireplace system.

Save Money With A Top Sealing Damper

Fireplaces and chimneys are designed and built in the same way for hundreds of years. With new developments in safety and technology, there are ways to improve fireplace performance and efficiency – without installing a new fireplace or insert. Top sealing dampers are one of the ways to improve the safety and efficiency of your fireplace system.

What are top sealing dampers?

a masonry chimneyMost fireplaces have throat dampers. This is located at the top of the firebox; throat dampers separate the firebox from the flue. Throat dampers are opened and closed with a lever or pulley system when the fireplace is in use. While this allows hot air, gas, and byproducts of combustion to safely draft out of the chimney, it allows the flue to remain open to outside air when not in use. Homes with throat dampers also require a chimney cap to prevent moisture, animals, and debris from entering the flue.

Top sealing dampers operate with the same principle as traditional throat dampers. They are opened when the fireplace is in use and closed when the fireplace is not is use. The major difference is their location. Top sealing dampers are located at the top of the chimney structure where a chimney cap normally sits. This allows the entire flue to be closed to outside air when the fireplace is not in use. It also works to prevent extreme air temperature changes in the flue and protect it from moisture and debris.

Three reasons every chimney needs a top sealing damper

Installing a top sealing damper may seem like an unnecessary fireplace upgrade. However, there are a number of benefits to installing a new damper in your fireplace system. The following are three reasons why every chimney needs a top sealing damper.

  1. Lower heating and cooling costs. Top sealing dampers save money in two ways. First, traditional throat dampers constantly leak. They have a metal-to-metal seal, which allows air to leak. This air leaking gets worse over time as heat, age, and further warp. This leaking allows heated air from your home to escape up the chimney as cold air enters, which increases your heating costs.
  2. Protect against moisture. Water is one of the most damaging forces to fireplaces. While chimney exteriors are designed to withstand moisture from the elements, interior fireplace components can easily be damaged by water. Because they create an air-tight seal when not in use, top sealing dampers protect against water entry.
  3. Prevent animal entry. Because the entirety of the flue is closed to the outside with an air tight seal, it is impossible for animals to find their way in when your damper is closed. When the top sealing damper is opened when your fireplace Is in use, the smoke, gas, hot air, and byproducts of combustion are a natural deterrent to animals.

Because throat dampers leave the flue exposed to outside air, it can be extreme temperature changes. This can affect the air temperature in the rooms adjacent to the chimney – and increase heating and cooling costs. A top sealing damper seals the entire flue from outside air; this helps reduce temperature changes in the flue and maintain a consistent temperature in the surrounding rooms.

Don’t delay – install a new top sealing damper today to improve the safety and efficiency of your fireplace. Contact Jack Pixley Sweeps for more information to start saving money today!