The potential hazards of new construction

December 21, 2018 | Dangers!

One concern I see on a regular basis is the lack of regulation with fireplace installations, including new construction. For reference here is the warning label clearly print on the flue system for the installers to follow: As you can see pretty simple to follow but rarely adhered to. As you can see this is just one example of violations to clearances to combustibles I find regularly. Cardboard insulation baffles leaning against the flue system, a fresh air vent against the flue liner, and a natural gas line that has been run past the flue system 🤦‍♂️. Any system new or old, I highly recommend having your fireplace inspected by a CSIA certified professional before use!

One option for a fireplace that has seen better days

December 21, 2018 | A Day in the Life

Sometimes the elements win the battle against a fireplace, especially ones that have gone several years without maintenance. The fireplace above was no longer operational but the client still wanted something cost effective and would look better than this! It is a painful day for a chimney professional but sometimes the best option is to convert a system to electric. Step One – Cap off the chimney chase Step Two – Concert to electric As you can see the before and after is a pretty dramatic difference. This is also a popular option for clients with rental properties where they do not want the liability of the renter using a wood or gas fireplace. Disclaimer – When converting over to an electric system the client must be fully aware that eletric is the only option after the conversion and that using the fireplace for any other means could result in … Continued

The importance of hiring a experienced chimney sweep

December 20, 2018 | A Day in the Life

Recently I inspected a home that was owned by a home inspector (I will not give the name) and while nothing out of the norm was observed or detected, I was called in to do a comprehensive inspection of the fireplace. I have known the home inspector for a while and he always recommends a level II inspection to get a full scope of the health of the system. I am very glad that he took his own advice and had me come inspect his fireplace! Below is what I found: [wpvideo 4jxBslrg ] When the home was remodeled the contractors did not install 68″ of flue liner and all of the flue gases were terminating into a wooden chimney chase! The entire missing section was hidden inside of the chimney chase and nothing out of the norm was visible from the attic as well. Luckily the issue was found … Continued

What the heck are Aldehydes?

December 20, 2018 | Technically Speaking

So lets say you have a strange odor coming from your gas fireplace, not typical to the rotten egg smell of a gas leak, what could it be? The answer could be Aldehydes, chemical compounds that results from incomplete combustion. One key component of maintaining a gas system is keeping the firebox clean and free of things such as pet hair, lint, dust, etc. As your fireplace naturally pulls in these contaminants from your home, key components of your gas log system can become clogged and the result is the production of Aldehydes and also potentially deadly carbon monoxide. Always remember, you can smell Aldehydes but you can never smell carbon monoxide. Be sure to have multiple carbon monoxide detectors in your home for safety and make sure to have your gas system professionally inspected and cleaned once a year to prevent clogging of air inlets and ensure that your fireplace … Continued

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

Chimney Champions Answers Your Chimney FAQ for Jacksonville

November 20, 2018 | *Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Chimney Champions is a Jacksonville, FL chimney inspection and cleaning company. Its lead technician, Michael Wood, is a third-generation chimney sweep and CSIA-Certified technician. The questions below are the ones Jacksonville homeowners ask most often before scheduling service. Quick links Are you licensed? How long have you been in business? Will you get on the roof to inspect my chimney? Do I have to attend the service appointment? What kind of report will I get? Do you do repair work? Do you do full home inspections? Do you give free estimates? Can you come out just to measure my chimney cap or chase cover? Can you replace my chimney cap or chase cover without an inspection first? Can you remove birds or bees from my chimney? Do you have any coupons or military discounts? Can you find my chimney leak? Why should I use Chimney Champions? Are Chimney Champions technicians … Continued

Chimney Champions: How Do I Sweep My Chimney? A Jacksonville Homeowner’s Guide

October 10, 2018 | Information

Chimney Champions is a Jacksonville, FL chimney service company staffed by CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® technicians who are members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild. The company performs annual chimney sweeps, inspections and repairs for Jacksonville homeowners and trains its technicians annually through CSIA, CVC Coaching and All Star Relining. Chimney Champions is also IAC2 certified and operates in compliance with NFPA 211. This guide explains what Jacksonville homeowners can do between professional cleanings and where a DIY approach must stop. These supplemental tips are not a substitute for a professional chimney sweep. Do not attempt any self-cleaning if your fireplace has never been professionally inspected and confirmed safe for use. Why does a chimney need regular cleaning? Creosote, soot and debris collect inside a flue every time a fire burns, and leaving that buildup in place makes it harder to remove over time. The Chimney Safety Institute of America … Continued

NATIONAL CHIMNEY SAFETY WEEK 2018

September 12, 2018 | Information

SEPTEMBER 30 – OCTOBER 6, 2018 IS NATIONAL CHIMNEY SAFETY WEEK!According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there are over 20,000 residential chimney fires each year, resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars in repairs… AND PREVENTABLE INJURIES AND DEATHS!Keep your dryer vents clean, always make sure your home has Smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors, and change their batteries regularly! You should always keep fire extinguishers in your home, but be sure to check them periodically for recalls! While fire is an obvious danger that we should all take seriously, it is not the only hazard to our fireplaces. Click here to check out one of our recent blog posts, and see for yourselves just how bad a system can get when vulnerable to animal intrusion.These are some of the reasons Chimney Champions® wants to help you protect your home and family. Be sure that your fireplace is CLEAN AND SAFE before using it this … Continued

Chimney Champions Explains Chimney Crown vs Cap in Jacksonville

September 1, 2018 | Information

Chimney Champions is a Jacksonville, FL chimney service company staffed by CSIA certified technicians and a member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild. Chimney Champions serves homeowners who want a safe, properly functioning fireplace and chimney system. What is the difference between a chimney crown and a chimney cap? A chimney crown and a chimney cap are two separate components that protect the chimney in different ways, and most masonry chimneys need both. Understanding what each part does helps homeowners in Jacksonville know what to look for and when to call for service. What is a chimney crown? A chimney crown is a concrete or masonry slab that seals the top of a masonry chimney around the flue opening. The crown covers the full width of the chimney and is shaped to shed water away from the flue liner and the chimney structure. Not every chimney has a crown. Factory-built … Continued

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