Lower Temps, Higher Risk!

January 22, 2019 | Information

When it’s chilly outside, it’s nice to make your home warm inside. This is the time of year when everyone looks to use their fireplaces for quick warmth and relaxing ambience. Unfortunately, however, this is also the most common time of year for house fires caused by dirty fireplaces. Just this past weekend, Savannah Fire Rescue had to cut holes in a Tatem Street home to put out a chimney fire. The fireplace was dirty, and long overdue for a professional cleaning and inspection; however, it was used anyway.Firefighters everywhere see this sort of problem more than you may realize – even in Florida!This is a common danger that can be easily prevented by having your chimney professionally cleaned and inspected by a CSIA-Certified Chimney Sweep, and making sure it is safe BEFORE using it. Call Chimney Champions® at 904-268-7200, or book online to schedule your service today!

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

This is Your Chimney on Dookie!…

August 20, 2018 | Information

At Chimney Champions®, we frequently get calls about things not working properly. During one of our recent calls, a client indicated that for some reason, they couldn’t get their damper to open.⊗ WARNING! ⊗ The pictures below are not for the faint-of-heart!During the course of our inspection, we found that our client’s damper was wedged shut due to the amount of “debris” left behind by Chimney Swifts. That’s right, folks! “POOP.” “DOOKIE.” “NUMBER TWO.”Call it whatever you want – either way, it’s nasty stuff!The picture on the bottom-right shows some of the chunks that came out from the client’s smoke chamber and damper area. A total of THREE trash bags and SIX vacuum bags were used to clean up after the little guys.This excrement is extremely hazardous to your home AND your health!Birds aren’t the only things that can make their way into your chimney; Raccoons, Rodents, Bees, and plenty more environmental elements … Continued

Chimney Champions Explains What Is a Chimney Chase Cover and Why You Need One in Jacksonville

August 1, 2018 | Inspections

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 technicians train annually through CSIA, CVC Coaching, and All Star Relining and follow NFPA 211 standards. What is a chimney chase cover and what does it do? A chimney chase cover is a square or rectangular metal panel fitted to sit securely on top of a chimney chase, keeping water and other environmental elements out of the flue system. Some people call it a chase pan. Because the cover sits exposed to sun, wind, and weather year-round, regular inspection is important to confirm it is still sealing properly. You may already know what a chimney cap is and why a functioning cap matters. The chase cover is a separate component that works alongside the cap, covering the full top surface of the chase rather than … Continued

Chimney Champions: When Do Chimney Swifts Leave in Jacksonville?

July 5, 2018 | Inspections

Chimney Champions is a Jacksonville, FL chimney service company staffed by CSIA certified technicians and a National Chimney Sweep Guild member. This page explains when chimney swifts leave, what federal law requires of homeowners while the birds are present, and what chimney service steps to take once they are gone. What are chimney swifts and why do they nest in chimneys? Chimney swifts (Chaetura pelagica) are migratory birds that travel from Peru to North America each spring and commonly build nests inside chimney flues. Chimney swifts use a glue-like saliva to attach small, cup-shaped twig nests directly to the interior wall of a chimney flue. The species is federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which makes it illegal to remove or disturb the birds or their active nests during breeding season without a Federal Migratory Bird Depredation Permit. When do chimney swifts leave the nest? Chimney swift hatchlings … Continued

CHRISTMAS IN JULY???

July 1, 2018 | Inspections

Ho Ho… HOT! You have most likely noticed by now that retailers everywhere are advertising “CHRISTMAS IN JULY” specials. Though it may seem crazy to start thinking about Christmas while it’s still summertime – especially for those of us in hot states like Florida – it is the optimal time to begin prepping for winter holidays! Popular gift items are abundant in quantity… prices haven’t yet been inflated… and you still have the luxury of time on your side.That’s why consumers everywhere are choosing to use their time wisely by getting their seasonal tasks out of the way! Chimney Champions® wants to help you check one more item off of your ‘To-Do’ List so you can relax this holiday season! Be sure that your fireplace is CLEAN, SAFE, and SANTA-READY in time for the holidays this year! When you schedule your Level 1 or Level 2 Inspection and Sweep and mention the … Continued

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