Our Company Blog

We Are Proud To Serve Huntsville

If you live in or near Huntsville, then you know we have proudly served this area for years. But did you know that we now have an office right in town? This better equips us to offer you the personal care and attention you deserve. Huntsville is an area with countless restaurants, shops, and attractions, and we are so excited to continue serving the folks of this area for many years to come.

Our Sweeps Are CSIA Certified

Why should residents of Huntsville and its surrounding areas count on A-1 Chimney Specialist for help? We are CSIA trained and certified, ensuring we can handle any and all of your chimney-related needs. The CSIA is a highly-esteemed nonprofit organization that is dedicated to educating sweeps and the public on better chimney care.

Associating with the CSIA is one way sweeps can stay on top of everything chimney related, and it better equips them when it comes to serving their customers day after day.

We are also CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technicians. This means we are equipped to inspect, maintain, and clean your dryer vents. This is an important practice that many fail to invest in, and by having your vents cleared out at least once per year, you lower your risk of dryer fires and carbon monoxide exposure significantly.

We Are Members Of The NCSG

The National Chimney Sweep Guild helps sweeps become better at what they do by providing them with the tools and knowledge they need to excel in their field. This community of sweeps is known for helping others in the industry advance. The organization itself helps sweeps stay up-to-date on any of the latest tools, technologies, and techniques in the trade.

We Have An Extensive List Of Services

From sweepings to inspections to installation work and more, we do our best to offer our customers the chimney care they need. We can troubleshoot any issues you may be experiencing, then provide you with the services necessary for resolving them.

Need replacement parts? We can provide those, too. Whether you need caps, dampers, bird screens, or something else, our team can set you up right. We also do repairs and restoration work, so all your appliance can be working like new in no time.

Things like cracks, holes, creosote build-up, a faulty liner, and more can make a fireplace unsafe for regular use, and the longer repair work is put off, the worse these problems will become. Gain the peace of mind and comfort you deserve by counting our crew to help you out from start to finish. Come fall, you will be all set and ready to light fires evening after evening.

What Are You Waiting For?

If you are due for an inspection, then give our team a call now. Get your appointment set up today!

We Offer Quality Chimney Liners

A well-functioning chimney liner is a must when it comes to the safety and efficiency of your heating appliance. The CSIA highlights three main functions of a chimney liner: they protect your home from high temperatures, they protect the masonry from deterioration, and they help your chimney properly vent out smoke and fumes.

If you don’t have a liner or if your current liner is damaged, you increase danger for your home. Some of which include, house fires, carbon monoxide exposure, smoke back up, excess creosote accumulation, and more. If you need help, do not put your home or fireplace in harm’s way. Rather, contact our team about receiving the care you deserve!

We offer three types of chimney liners. Learn more about each of these below, then contact us with any questions or inquiries. We’d love to get you started on this process with the fit that works best for you.

Clay Tile Liners

If you are working with a tighter budget then a clay tile liner may be the best investment for you. These do an effective job, but they need to be regularly maintained in order to avoid any damages. Also, some appliances simply are not compatible with the older style clay liner, so we will have to ensure your system is equipped to handle it.

Cast-In-Place Liners

Now, if you want a liner that will fill every gap and is sure to stand the test of time, then cast-in-place options are a great fit. They rarely corrode, they improve your appliance’s efficiency, and their streamlined structure won’t break down any time soon. They take some time to install, as the materials need to properly set, but once finished, you will be set for a long time.

Stainless Steel Liners

Stainless steel liners are known for not rusting or breaking down, and they come with a lifetime warranty, so you won’t need to stress should damages happen to occur down the line. These liners are compatible with a wide range of fuel types, and they provide long-lasting results without breaking your budget. Whether you are upgrading your current liner, adding one to a historic home, or resizing your flue, stainless steel is always a great option.

Have You Considered HeatShield?

Stainless steel, clay tile, and cast-in-place are the three types of liners we offer here at A-1 Chimney Specialists. We also have HeatShield which may be an appropriate option for your home. HeatShield can be used to either resurface or repair an existing liner, offering folks a different solution. This effective product works wonders when it comes to restoring your existing chimney liner, and you will be amazed at how quickly things look like new again.

A chimney without a properly-fitted or a broken down liner cannot be used safely. Don’t delay. Call today so we can set you up right!

Scheduling An Appointment With Us Soon? Here Are Some Tips!

Are you eager to have your fireplace maintenance taken care of? Well, our experienced and professional team is here to help! If you are considering scheduling an appointment with our crew, follow these guidelines to ensure a fast and smooth appointment. We are ready and eager to provide you with the care you need!

Book Your Slot Early

When it comes to basic chimney maintenance, the sooner you book a time slot, the better off you will be. Our busy season starts in fall and goes through winter, so finding an opening will be more of a challenge around then. If you wait, you may have to settle for an appointment time that is not as convenient for your schedule.

Booking earlier in the year is also beneficial for addressing any repairs. The spring and summer months yield more ideal weather and temperatures for our products to cure. For the best results possible, you are better off scheduling repairs right now.

Don’t wait. Get the time slot you are hoping for by giving our CSIA certified crew a call now.

Prep Your Appliance

For wood-burning unit servicing, please clear out all ashes prior to our visit. This will help the appointment go quicker and smoother, and it ensures less of a mess, as well. This is one step we, as sweeps, really appreciate!

Along with this, it is important to not use the appliance for at least 24 hours before the time of the appointment. This guarantees the fireplace, stove, or insert is completely cooled down before we get to it, ensuring a safer sweep.

Safely Stash Your Belongings

We ask for a five or six-foot clearance around the fireplace, so please clear away any furniture or belongings before we arrive. The more space we have to work, the quicker and more efficiently we can get the job done.

Relax & Enjoy Unmatched Customer Satisfaction

When it comes to chimney and fireplace care in and around Tullahoma, there is no team that will match our skills, and we always desire to bring you the best care possible. We will thoroughly inspect your system and, should we find any problems along the way, we can get them addressed and resolved in no time.

Whether you need crumbling masonry repaired, a leak fixed, or specific chimney parts replaced, we are equipped to handle it all. If you are looking to keep your chimney and fireplace healthy and safer for regular use for years to come, count on our team today. It’s the right choice to make!

Addressing Your Leaky Chimney

Concerned about the state of your chimney? With all the rain lately (and with more spring rains on the way), ensuring your system is adequately protected is a must! Fortunately for homeowners throughout Tullahoma, Huntsville, and their surrounding areas, A-1 Chimney Specialist is here to address water damage, find the source of your leaks, and provide the preventative maintenance you need to stay safer year after year.

Water & Your Chimney

Water and chimney systems never mix well, and if you do not invest in waterproofing, flashing, chimney caps, and more, your system will undergo a lot of excess stress. Water is known to easily penetrate your brickwork and mortar, triggering all kinds of decay and deterioration, and once it starts wearing on your masonry it is only downhill from there.

The more your masonry crumbles, the higher your risk is for a settlement or collapse and the more expensive any repair work will be. Addressing repairs right away is essential, as is investing in waterproofing services from a professional team of sweeps.

Another problem homeowners can face is leaks coming in through the roof or chimney. If you have noticed stained walls or ceilings, this is a clear sign that you have a problem. Water can easily enter through the area where your roof and chimney meet because these two things are made from different materials, and they expand and contract at different rates. One way to prevent this from occurring is to have flashing installed.

Flashing is the metal sheet that seals this area, keeping water out and ensuring your home stays safer and drier. Unfortunately, incorrectly installed flashing is prone to rust, and other times curious animals or bad weather can cause it to falter. In these cases, a professional can come out and fix it up, so you are good to go in no time.

Missing a chimney cap? We can install a new one, so water will not enter your fireplace through the flue and wreak havoc on your liner. You may want to consider a top-end damper, as well, as these work well alongside the chimney cap to keep out water, animals, downdrafts, and more.

Finally, let us check your chimney crown over to ensure it is not cracking or crumbling. The crown sits on the top of your chimney and sends water out and away from the sides of your brickwork. Without it, your structure would suffer immensely, and water would work its way into your masonry in no time!

How We Can Help

We have the tools, training, and technology to restore your system back to where it needs to be. We can replace and repair parts, as necessary, and our waterproofing services are top-notch, as well. Once our crew is through with your chimney, water and excess moisture will not stand a chance.

Don’t put it off. Invest in the care you deserve today to avoid bigger problems down the line. Our team is waiting for your call!

Importance Of Annual Dryer Vent Cleanings

Your dryer vents are probably something you rarely think about. Sound about right? Well, you are not alone! Many homeowners forget that, like most appliances, their dryer vents need annual maintenance and regular upkeep in order function as efficiently as possible.

If your dryer hasn’t been giving you the best results lately, don’t buy a new one just yet. Invest in dryer vent cleaning services from the team at A-1 Chimney Specialist.

Benefits Of Dryer Vent Cleaning

Now, there is no doubt that a thorough vent cleaning will greatly reduce your risk of carbon monoxide exposure, as well as dryer fires. Both of these scenarios can lead to illness or injury, and fires will likely trigger a lot of damage throughout your home, as well. It is always best to avoid any risks when it comes to the safety of your home and family, and getting that annual dryer vent cleaning on the books is one way to do it.

Clean vents also lead to a more efficient appliance. No one likes waiting hours and hours for their clothes to get dry. It is inconvenient, and it eats ups your monthly energy bills which is less than ideal. If you are running your dryer for two or three cycles to get your clothes ready to fold and put away, then something definitely isn’t right.

Cleaning your vents will speed up drying times significantly, so you aren’t left waiting around all day long. Have you been picking up extra lint from in and around your dryer, too? Vent cleanings typically take care of that, too. After all, who need an extra chore to add to their cleaning list?

Another common issue associated with dirty vents is excessive heat and musty odors. If your clothes are hot to the touch or if your laundry room seems a little more toasty than normal, don’t wait to have your vents checked over by a team of qualified experts. These are both clear cut signs that your vents need some attention.

Give Us A Call With Any Questions

So, that’s all there is to it. If you want to keep your home safer, lower your monthly bills, and get more from your dryer, then a dryer vent cleaning is the thing to invest in today. Any questions? Please give our team a shout. We are more than happy to address your concerns and offer any advice you may be looking for.

Then, set up an appointment with our qualified staff. Our sweeps are CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technicians, and we are more than confident that we can handle the job with professionalism and efficiency. We have been here for 17 years and counting, and our long list of satisfied customers can vouch for us – when it comes to providing chimney and dryer vent care in Tullahoma, we are the best!

Speak with our team today, so that we can get your annual cleaning on the books. We’re excited to talk with you about all of your fireplace, chimney, and venting needs.