It’s Not Too Late To Take Care Of Your Chimney

Winter is in full swing; for many homeowners, this means that the fireplace is being frequently used to bring warmth and comfort to their homes. However, there is still time to take care of your chimney!

With the holiday season at a close, it is easier for many families to find time to schedule chimney services. In addition, the team at Jack Pixley Sweeps have a variety of deal and promotions for our customers during these winter months!

$40 off any sweep with an inspectionred chimney in the snow

If they schedule their appointment for the month of February, customers can get $40 off any sweep with an inspection. If you have not yet had your chimney swept or inspected this season, this is the perfect opportunity!

Chimney sweepings are one of the most important things homeowners can do to keep their fireplaces burning safely and efficiently. The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends all chimneys should be swept at least once per year. Chimney sweeping removes soot, ash, and debris from the flue; sweepings also remove any flammable creosote that has built up in the flue.

Creosote, which is a natural byproduct of combustion, is highly flammable. If accidentally ignited by stray sparks or embers, this can lead to a chimney fire. While small amounts of creosote are produced by every fire, there are a number of factors that can lead to increased creosote production. Burning green wood or wood that has not been properly seasoned or purposefully burning fires at low temperatures are two things that can cause excess creosote to accumulate in the flue.

Annual Sweepings

While an annual chimney sweeping is all that is necessary for most homes, additional chimney sweepings may be recommended for homes that burn more than one cord of wood each season. Mid-winter sweeps are recommended when 1/8th of an inch of soot has accumulated in the flue; this typically occurs after one cord of wood has been burned. Homes that use a wood-burning stove or fireplace as a primary heat source are often in the most need of a mid-season sweeping.

A chimney inspection goes hand in hand with chimney sweeping. The National Fire Protection Agency, or NFPA, states that “Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary.”

During a chimney inspection, the chimney sweep will check all accessible areas of the fireplace and chimney for signs of damage or deterioration. Chimney inspections are an important diagnostic tool for fireplace problems. An inspection could find small cracks in the masonry of the chimney, for example. This minor issue could be identified and repaired long before the structure of the chimney itself is damaged.

No charge for insert consultations!

Thinking about changing fuel sources? Jack Pixley Sweeps is currently offering no-cost gas and wood insert consultations! Fireplace inserts are efficient, easy to use, and an excellent alternative to open-hearth fireplaces.

For many homeowners with masonry fireplaces, inserts can be installed directly into the existing hearth. This makes it easier than ever before to switch fuel sources. While there is nothing that replaces the look and feel of a real wood-burning fire, the push-button ease of a gas burning fireplace can’t be beat! Gas fireplace inserts are more realistic than ever before. They also come in a variety of sizes and styles, and with features like adjustable thermostats that offer more control.

Don’t want to switch fuel sources but want better efficiency? There are wood burning inserts, too! According to the Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association, installing an insert into an existing fireplace can help reduce energy bills by as much as 40%! This is because inserts operate using closed system combustion. Less heat is lost up the fireplace, so the insert can better heat the home. Likewise, inserts burn wood more completely than masonry fireplaces, reducing the amount of firewood needed.

No charge refacing consultations!

Tired of old, drab, or stained masonry? Want a fireplace that better fits your décor and style? Consider having your fireplace refaced!

During the month of January, we are offering our customers no charge consultations for fireplace refacing! Fireplace refacing involves switching out the existing fireplace front without making changes to the fireplace or chimney. Redoing the fireplace front can be as minor as installing a new mantle or new glass doors or can be as dramatic as totally replacing all the brick, tile, or stone for a totally new look.

Because every fireplace is unique, every fireplace front redo is unique as well! Homeowners can work with our teams of highly skilled masons to design a new fireplace front that will seamlessly blend in with the rest of the décor in their home – or stand out as a totally unique, eye-catching focal point. Our fireplace refacing ensures that your new fireplace is both functional and beautiful.

Contact us today to take advantage of our new year promotions!

We may be into the middle of winter, but there is still plenty of time to have your fireplace serviced! Take advantage of the new year promotions at Jack Pixley Sweeps and contact us today to schedule a sweeping or inspection with a discount or to set up a free insert or refacing consultation!