Our Company Blog

Has Rain Been Making Your Chimney Leak?

Rainy weather can really put a damper on your week. Outdoor activities get canceled, water puddles show up everywhere, everything gets muddy, and you may start experiencing leaks throughout your home. If rainwater has been causing problems in and around your chimney, then it’s time you invest in repairs and find solutions that will help you out in the future. The certified staff at A-1 Chimney Specialist is here to help you out!

Taking Preventive Action

So, what can you do to stop leaks from forming? There are a few great options we have for protecting your chimney and home. Remember, though, that any repairs should be addressed before we start on any preventative work. This will ensure your chimney is in great health from the get-go and stays that way for years to come.

First of all, let’s talk about chimney caps. Chimney caps keep water out of your flue and keep your chimney liner protected and in good condition. The best part is, they have other perks, as well! They help to keep out animals and serve as spark arrestors. In addition, they prevent debris from clogging up your flue and stop annoying downdrafts from swooping through your home.

We can easily install a chimney cap for you – and they’re affordable, too! Count on our staff to get the job done right the first time. It’s a great purchase that we know you won’t regret.

Next, we can examine the flashing and the chimney crown. If these parts are damaged, that may be a big contributing factor to your water problems. Flashing helps seal the area where your roof and chimney meet, and the crown directs rainwater out and away from your masonry. We can seal cracks, patch holes, and replace any parts as necessaryv .

Lastly, we strongly encourage homeowners to invest in waterproofing. Waterproofing provides a protective coating for the chimney, while still allowing your brickwork the ability to breath out necessary moisture and vapors. It’s the perfect way to ensure your system stays standing tall for years while eliminating leaks and water damage. It’s affordable and we can get the job done fast. Why wait? Make your appointment with us today.

Other Negative Impacts Of Water

Neglect and lack of regular maintenance leads to lots of problems, and when it comes to moisture and masonry, leaks won’t be your only issue when preventative measure aren’t in place. Water damage comes in all shapes and forms, some of which include clogs, decay, rust, rot, stains, and more. The more issues your system faces, the worse off you’ll be, and you may eventually face a chimney settlement or collapse.

Investing in preventative measures and regular maintenance early on is always a better and more cost-effective investment option than neglecting everything until you need expensive repairs. Give us a call, so that we can set your chimney up with all of the tools necessary for maintaining a long and healthy life.

What Are Prefabricated Chimneys?

When most people think of a fireplace, they think of a big, sturdy brick structure that is built into one’s home. These are known as masonry fireplaces and they add a timeless look and pleasing aesthetic to homes everywhere. Yet, if you’re thinking of putting a new fireplace system in your home, masonry options may not be the best option!

For something that requires less installation time, offers high-quality functionality, and won’t break the bank, consider adding a prefabricated fireplace to your home! These units are becoming more and more popular as homeowners discover how visually pleasing and highly efficient these models are. And they come in a wide variety of styles, so you’ll be able to find the perfect fit for your home – no matter what!

How Do They Work?

Prefab fireplaces come as one whole unit and must be installed exactly as the manufacturer instructed. It’s best to hire a CSIA-certified sweep (like the staff at A-1 Chimney Specialist) to get the job done right. That way, you can rest easy all year long, knowing your home and family are staying as protected as possible.

The best part is, these units are always put through various testing processes. Because of this, you know you’re investing in a product that will bring years of safe, family-friendly entertainment to your home.

Do I Still Need To Schedule My Annual Inspection?

Yes! No matter what type of fireplace system you have in your home, a yearly inspection is always a necessary step for maintaining safety and efficiency with every passing season. Prefabricated fireplaces are known for fitting in great in anyone’s home and have gone through many tests before being sold and manufactured, but that doesn’t mean they can’t break down or face wear and tear. Always play it safe – schedule your next inspection today!

Also, keep in mind that prefabricated fireplaces are just as vulnerable to chimney fires as any other system. A chimney fire will damage your unit significantly and put your home and family in a dangerous situation if not properly addressed. Get that inspection scheduled today.

We’re Here For You!

The staff at A-1 Chimney Specialist is here to help you out today! We can install, replace, and repair any prefabricated fireplace so that your home is looking great in no time. Call us now to beat the fall rush, and we’ll make sure you’re ready to go when the holidays come around!

The best part about working with us? Our CSIA certified staff can do it all! Once your unit is installed, count on us for regular maintenance and sweepings down the line. We look forward to serving you for years to come!

Importance Of Burning Seasoned Wood

If you’ve built fires in the past, you may have heard that it’s best to use only seasoned wood. Many have been told this fact, but know little about why it is recommended. Well, wood naturally contains a good amount of water. If you use fresh wood, your fire will have to burn through all of that moisture before it can get to the wood itself.

While this may not seem like a huge deal, it can wind up causing a lot more damage than you think. All of that acidic water ends up in your chimney, causing decay and creosote accumulation, and you’ll waste a ton of energy, as well. On top of this, you’ll notice less heat distributed into your home, and it makes the whole overall process of building and maintaining a fire much less efficient.

Purchase seasoned wood or store your own so that you get better results every time. Wood that has been adequately dried out will show a much lower moisture content and will be a whole lot easier to burn. You’ll see less smoke, less buildup, and you’ll have a much easier time building and maintaining fires throughout your burning season.

How Do I Know If Wood Is Seasoned?

If you’re storing your own wood, there are some surefire methods to ensuring your fuel dries out properly. First off, you’ll want to store your wood for 6 months to a year (at least) before use. Split the ends for better results, and be sure to store the pile off of the ground and in a spot where it will get exposed to lots of sunshine.

If you’re purchasing wood, there are some things to keep in mind when selecting the best logs. Seasoned wood will be lightweight, dark in color, split at the ends, and will make a hollow, clunking noise when smacked together. Fresher wood will be heavier, lighter in color, and will sound more “thud”-like when you hit it.

What Should I Do If I’ve Been Burning Fresh Wood?

If you have been ignoring the rule of burning seasoned wood, worry not. It’s never too late to switch up old habits. Once you start investing in better quality fuel, we know you’ll be much happier with your end results.

Annual inspections are vital for maintaining chimney health and, if you’ve been burning unseasoned wood, you would be wise to schedule an extra one, just in case. When it comes to the safety and health of your home and family, every extra step is well worth it!

Call Us In For Your Regular Maintenance

If you’re worried about the state of your fireplace and/or chimney, give us a call. Our CSIA-certified staff can get you taken care of in no time! Should you need a sweeping, we can handle that, too. We are more than qualified to take on any repairs that we spot along the way.

For chimney care in Tullahoma, there’s nowhere better to turn. Give us a call today!

Why Hiring A CSIA Certified Technician Is Important

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) is a non-profit organization with a mission to spread awareness on the importance of regular fireplace and chimney maintenance. That’s why this organization works so hard to train, certify, and continuously educate sweeps all across the country! The CSIA is nationally recognized and holds the standard as far as chimney education.

Any chimney company that staffs CSIA certified sweeps and technicians is one you know you can depend on for quality service. That’s why we at A-1 Chimney Specialist are proud to hold and maintain these certifications year after year.

Count On Us For Chimney Inspections

One thing the CSIA promotes is the importance of annual chimney inspections. A qualified expert will look at all parts of your system and ensure no cleanings, repairs, or other maintenance is necessary. Should they spot an issue, they can point you in the right directions as far as getting back into tip top shape as soon as possible.

Whether you’re up for your yearly inspection or you notice something suspicious about how your appliance is running, we can help you out! Count on our certified staff today to do a thorough overview of your entire fireplace. Then, rest easy knowing your home and family are safer any time you light a fire.

We Know NFPA Codes

Another highly recognized corporation is the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The CSIA ensures that all certified techs know the proper NFPA codes necessary to do any job with accuracy and expertise. Sweeps are required to study this material and take an exam to ensure they know all of the ins and outs before earning any certifications.

Continuing Education

One of the best parts about the CSIA certification is that the sweeps are required to renew it every few years. This means that, should any codings, regulations, or techniques be modified or updated, they will definitely know about it! It also helps ensure that these professionals stay on top of their game with every passing year. When you hire a CSIA certified sweep, you’re getting the best of the best!

Trust Us

For quality and care you won’t find anywhere else, you can count on the experts at A-1 Chimney Specialist. We stay up-to-date and informed on all of the latest practices, so we can serve our customer base to the best of our ability – every time! And with our long list of services, repairs, and more, there’s nothing we can’t help you with when it comes to the health of your chimney or dryer vent.

Give us a call today to learn more or visit us online to get in touch with one of our staff members. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Summer Is The Best Time For Annual Inspections

Are you in the habit of putting off your chimney inspection until fall? Homeowners with fireplaces know the importance of yearly inspections, but many opt to have this service done closer to winter time. At A-1 Chimney Specialist, we are urging you to give us a call now and get this service out of the way. Why? Learn more below!

Keeping It Convenient

One of the biggest benefits for early chimney inspections is the flexibility you’ll gain in scheduling. Most of our customers have specific time frames in mind when it comes to making an appointment. Between work, family, and other engagements, there may only be a handful of slots that work for you. We want to accommodate as best as we can, but when we get busy, this isn’t always an option.

Throughout fall and winter, our books fill up fast. If you want to ensure you get a specific time slot, we suggest booking an appointment with us this summer. We have a lot less going on, and you’ll beat the rush, giving you a wider range of dates and times to choose from. Not to mention, it’ll be one less thing on your to-do list this fall!

Getting Repairs Done Fast

As we’ve mentioned, scheduling anything in the fall can be a challenge. If we get your inspection done, then discover some necessary repairs, you’re left trying to arrange another appointment in an already hectic season. This may mean putting off fireplace use for quite some time, despite dropping temperatures and upcoming holidays.

We don’t want you to miss out on the warmth and welcoming aesthetic that a fireplace has to offer. Make sure your system is ready and safer for regular use by getting that inspection done early! This will give us adequate time to come back later and get repairs done during a time where your fireplace is typically out of use, anyway. Then, when cooler weather comes, you will be ready to go – much less stressful!

Safer And More Efficient Work

On top of everything, working with chimneys in the summertime often yields better results, and it keeps our staff safer, too. The temperature range is ideal for allowing certain materials to cure, and there will be a lower chance of new mishaps in the near future. When we provide a service, we aren’t looking to give you a temporary fix… we want to leave you with results that will last!

And our staff appreciates summertime work, too! As the weather gets cold and ice forms, roofs become a dangerous spot to be. We do everything to keep our sweeps as safe as possible, but that doesn’t mean accidents don’t happen! By scheduling your appointment now, you’re helping us keep our workers injury-free and able to help you out all year long. And we appreciate that!

Pick Up The Phone

Why waste any more time? There are countless advantages to getting your inspection done now, and you’ll be happy it’s completed when fall and winter roll around. Give us a call today, so we can get your chimney ready for regular use!