Chimney Champions Explains What Happens If You Don’t Have a Chimney Cap in Jacksonville

June 19, 2023 | Chimney Basics

Chimney Champions is a CSIA-certified chimney service company based in Jacksonville, FL, serving homeowners who need chimney caps, inspections and repairs. Chimney Champions technicians are members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild and train annually through CSIA, CVC Coaching and All Star Relining. This post explains what happens to a chimney and home when no cap is in place. A chimney cap is a small cover fitted to the top of a chimney flue. Without one, the open flue is exposed to rain, animals and debris year-round. In Jacksonville, where rainfall is frequent and wildlife is active, an uncapped chimney creates several specific problems. For a full overview of cap types and installation options, visit the Chimney Champions chimney caps page. What does water do to a chimney without a cap? Without a chimney cap, rainwater falls directly into the flue and contacts the liner, mortar joints and firebox. Jacksonville … Continued

Chimney Champions Guide to Fireplace Efficiency in Jacksonville

December 13, 2022 | Chimney Basics

Chimney Champions is a Jacksonville, FL chimney service company staffed by CSIA certified technicians and a National Chimney Sweep Guild member. The company provides chimney inspections, sweeping, and repairs for homeowners who want to get more consistent heat from a traditional wood-burning fireplace. How does a traditional fireplace actually work? A traditional fireplace moves heat and combustion gases through four main components: the firebox, the flue, the damper, and the chimney cap. Firebox: The opening where firewood is placed and burned. Flue: The channel inside the chimney that carries smoke and combustion gases out of the home. Damper: A movable plate that controls airflow through the flue. The damper must be open during a fire and closed when the fireplace is not in use. Chimney cap: A cover fitted to the top of the chimney that lets smoke exit while keeping rain, debris, and animals out. Understanding each component makes … Continued

3 Fireplace Mistakes You’re Probably Making

September 9, 2022 | Chimney Basics

Many people enjoy the cozy ambiance and warmth a fireplace provides during the winter or even on those cooler summer evenings. However, if you’re not using or caring for your fireplace correctly, you may be costing yourself money and causing damage to your home. So, Chimney Champions is here to help you avoid these three common fireplace mistakes so you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

Is Your Chimney Cap Safe?

May 11, 2022 | Chimney Basics

Chimney caps are an essential part of your chimney system, and they must be in good condition. It should also be situated on the chimney correctly. So, if you’re not sure whether or not your chimney caps are safe, it’s time to call Chimney Champions. But first, let’s discuss the importance of caps, how to tell if yours need replacing, and the benefits of having a cap installed on your chimney.

The Top 5 Reasons You Need a Fireplace Screen

Chimney Champions Answers: Do You Need a Fireplace Screen in Jacksonville

April 12, 2022 | Chimney Basics

Chimney Champions is a CSIA-certified chimney service company based in Jacksonville, FL, serving homeowners who use wood-burning fireplaces. This post addresses a common question: do you need a fireplace screen, and what does it actually do? A fireplace screen is a barrier placed in front of a firebox opening to contain sparks, limit radiant heat loss, and reduce access hazards for children and pets. Every wood-burning fireplace benefits from one. Do you need a fireplace screen? A fireplace screen serves five distinct functions: it captures and redistributes heat, blocks sparks and embers, creates a physical barrier for children and pets, supports better airflow to slow creosote buildup, and adds a finished look to the firebox opening. 1. Does a fireplace screen help heat your home? A fireplace screen helps distribute radiant heat more evenly into the room by slowing the escape of warm air through the firebox opening. Without a … Continued

3 Fireplace Safety Tips for Kids

November 15, 2021 | Chimney Basics

Having a fireplace in your home requires responsibility and safety precautions, especially if kids are in the house. While your fireplace isn’t dangerous when used correctly, it does have the potential to be deadly. Yearly inspections from Chimney Champions can help prevent most fireplace accidents and issues, but there’s still more you can do. To help keep you, your family, and your home safe, pass along these three fireplace safety tips to your kids.

Chimney Champions: How to Prepare Your Home for a Chimney Sweep in Jacksonville

October 10, 2021 | Chimney Basics

Chimney Champions is a Jacksonville, FL chimney service company staffed by CSIA certified technicians who are members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild and compliant with NFPA 211. Chimney Champions technicians train annually through CSIA, CVC Coaching, and All Star Relining. Your fireplace is an enjoyable feature in your home, and keeping it safe means scheduling regular chimney sweep and cleaning appointments. A chimney sweep visit is not always a tidy process, so a few simple preparation steps help protect your belongings and let the technician work efficiently. Why should you prepare before a chimney sweep appointment? Preparing your home before a chimney sweep appointment in Jacksonville helps the technician inspect and clean safely and protects your furniture and decor from soot. Each step below takes only a few minutes but makes a meaningful difference to the quality of the visit. How do you make sure the chimney is cool … Continued

Why should my chimney be waterproof?

September 7, 2021 | *Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

If you live right here in Jacksonville, FL, then you know we’re blessed with plenty of sunshine and warm weather. However, we’re not immune to the occasional thunderstorm and downpour. If your chimney isn’t waterproof, then you could experience significant water damage in both your stack and your roof. But why is a waterproof chimney necessary if the downpours come and go? Chimney Champions is here to answer this, as well as other commonly asked questions we get from homeowners throughout the area.

3 Chimney Repairs to Make Right Away

August 10, 2021 | Chimney Basics

A fireplace and chimney bring a lot of physical and monetary value to your home. However, they also require a great deal of maintenance and care. As a home ages, so does the chimney, which is why regular inspections from Chimney Champions are necessary. Even more important are repairs that you should make to keep your chimney in proper working order and keep your home safe from smoke or fire damage.

3 Facts About Efflorescence

June 16, 2021 | Chimney Basics

Are you starting to see a white powder form on the exterior of your chimney? This residue is called efflorescence, and it’s not uncommon for homeowners to think that this is just a sign of an aging chimney. However, it’s a sign that your chimney needs an inspection, and the professionals at Chimney Champions want you to know that efflorescence should not be ignored. In fact, it could be a sign of a larger issue with your chimney, and definitely should be inspected. Here are several facts you need to know about this white, powdery substance appearing on your stack.