Why Hiring a Certified Chimney Sweep Matters: Protect Your Home, Your Wallet, and Your Peace of Mind

August 27, 2025 | Chimney Inspections

When it comes to home maintenance, the chimney is often overlooked. But the reality is that an improperly maintained chimney can pose serious risks—from fire hazards to structural damage and even carbon monoxide exposure. That’s why hiring a certified chimney sweep is not just a smart choice—it’s a critical one.Unfortunately, the chimney industry has seen a rise in unqualified, uninsured, and non-certified contractors offering discounted services to gain access to your home. These companies often use low prices as bait and may deliver substandard, unsafe work. As a homeowner, it’s important to know what you’re really getting.The Problem with Low-Cost “Deals”Many companies advertise extremely low prices for chimney inspections or cleanings. Once inside your home, they may attempt to upsell services you don’t need or perform work that is incomplete—or outright unsafe.Worse, many of these contractors are:Not certified by recognized industry organizationsOperating without proper insuranceLacking technical training and safety knowledgeNot … Continued

The Best and Worst Types of Wood to Burn in Your Fireplace — And Why It Matters

August 18, 2025 | *Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

There’s nothing like the warmth and crackle of a real wood-burning fire. Whether it’s for ambiance or home heating, your fireplace can be a cozy focal point — but only if you’re burning the right kind of wood.Using the wrong firewood can result in excess smoke, poor heat output, creosote buildup, and even dangerous chimney fires. Below, we break down the best and worst types of wood to burn — and why choosing the right firewood is so important for your safety and comfort.Best Types of Firewood for a FireplaceThe best wood for burning is seasoned, dry hardwood. These woods burn longer, cleaner, and produce more heat with less smoke.1. OakOak is one of the most popular firewood choices. It burns slowly and produces steady, high heat. However, it must be properly seasoned — usually 12 to 24 months — for best performance.2. MapleMaple burns cleanly and gives off good … Continued

Chimney Swifts: What They Are, Why They Matter, and Why Your Chimney Needs Professional Care

August 15, 2025 | Chimney Inspections

As we are in the warmer months, chimney swifts are in their annual migration and nesting season across North America. These small birds often find their way into residential chimneys, using them as nesting sites during spring and summer. While they may seem harmless, chimney swifts can bring serious health and fire hazards if chimneys are not properly maintained.Here’s what you need to know about chimney swifts, their seasonal activity, and why proper chimney cleaning and inspection by a certified company like Chimney Champions is essential.What Are Chimney Swifts?Chimney swifts (Chaetura pelagica) are small, fast-moving migratory birds that are often seen darting through the sky at dusk. They were once known to nest in hollow trees and caves, but today, chimneys serve as their primary nesting structures in urban and suburban areas.These birds are unique in that they are unable to perch like most other birds. Instead, they cling to … Continued

Hurricane Season & Your Chimney: Why a Chimney Service is More Important Than Ever

August 5, 2025 | Chimney Caps

Being in the midst of hurricane season many homeowners prepare their properties for severe weather. Windows are reinforced, trees are trimmed, and emergency supplies are stocked. However, one critical part of the home is often overlooked: the chimney.Your chimney plays a major role in your home’s safety and structure. Without proper maintenance—especially ahead of heavy rain and high winds—it can become a source of significant water damage and costly repairs. Now is the ideal time to schedule a professional chimney sweep and inspection.Chimneys Are Especially Vulnerable During Storm SeasonChimneys are fully exposed to the elements, making them particularly susceptible to damage from high winds, rain, and airborne debris. If your chimney hasn’t been recently inspected or cleaned, it may already have vulnerabilities that could be worsened by a major storm.Without proper sealing, a chimney can become a direct pathway for water intrusion, which can have serious consequences.How Water Intrusion Damages … Continued

Carbon Monoxide

January 13, 2019 | A Day in the Life

Let’s talk about a very serious topic, Carbon Monoxide (CO). Carbon Monoxide is a odorless, tasteless, and colorless gas that can be deadly to humans and animals. Carbon Monoxide is a natural byproduct of combustion and one of the purposes of why things such as fireplaces, gas dryers, and furnaces have venting systems to get deadly gases out of the home. According to the CDC, each year more than 400 Americans die from unintentional Carbon Monoxide poisoning, 20,000 visit the emergency room, and over 4,000 are hospitalized. This a a staggering number that could be drastically reduced with the installation of Carbon Monoxide detectors in the home. Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning – Dizziness – Feeling weak – Headache – Upset stomach – Vomiting – Confusion – Chest pains Symptoms are often described as “flu-like” and sleeping or drunk individual are more likely to die from Carbon Monoxide poisoning … Continued

2019 for Mike the Chimney Guy

January 6, 2019 | A Day in the Life

So anyone who knows me is aware that I am a little bit obsessed with training and certifications. I typically spend a few thousand dollars a year and several weeks of my time on education and obtaining new certifications. 2019 will finally be the year for one of the most difficult certifications of all – The NFI Master Hearth Professional. A MHP has passed and is currently certified in all three of the major NFI categories: -Gas -Wood -Pellet Stove Until this year I haven’t put much effort into mastering the installation and maintenance of pellet stoves, we really do not see them down South! 2019 will finally be the year so time for me to get studying.

Let’s talk about flashing!

December 22, 2018 | A Day in the Life

Sorry to disappoint you but particularly counter flashing for masonry chimneys. Counter flashing is designed to be pointed into the mortar of the chimney and ensure a water tight seal of your chimney at roof level. Sounds easy enough, but this has become a issue between roofers and chimney professionals over how it should be done. In the recent years, roofers no longer point the counter flashing into the mortar and instead attach and seal it over. Does it meet current code? Yes. Will it eventually leak? Very likely. Florida is a very harsh environment for sealant, or any material for that matter, so the typical outcome after a few years is deteriorated sealant and water intrusion into the home. Above is what I typically see with counter flashing a few years after installation, not good! So the next time you are having your roof replaced I highly recommend having … Continued

Tip of the day – Pooling water

December 21, 2018 | A Day in the Life

Water intrusion can be a costly headache but avoided if caught in time. This morning I inspected a chimney system with pooling water and deteriorated sealant around the flue termination. Have a look: [wpvideo jRWiTEOA ] While it may not look like much from above, check out what is happening below: Water makes it’s way past the deteriorated sealant and down the outer flue liner. The result is moisture that can enter through the attic, ceiling, and/or on top of the fireplace. It is always important in Florida to keep everything sealed and maintained, even those hard to reach places 😀.

The daily life of a Chimney Sweep

December 9, 2018 | A Day in the Life

This blog is meant to be a peek into the daily encounters, training, and dangers of a Chimney Sweep. Enjoy and reach out anytime if you have any questions or have any additional input on the posts! “Work hard in silence, let your success make the noise“. – Frank Ocean

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