Our Company Blog

Why Do We Use ChimneySaver?

Water damage throughout your chimney and fireplace can put a real damper on your holiday plans. Excess moisture can trigger all kinds of issues like rusting, rotting, clogs, and more. It will also cause your bricks and mortar to deteriorate, which causes holes and cracks to form. This leaves you a lot more vulnerable to gas leaks, carbon monoxide exposure, house fires, and more! All in all, water damage can be expensive and time-consuming to fix, and it’s not something anyone wants to deal with right before winter weather starts settling in.

Fortunately, our team is equipped to help you out. At A-1 Chimney Specialist we take your chimney concerns seriously, and we value the safety and comfort of our customers above everything else.

Looking for peace of mind when cold weather hits? Then, call on us today. We’ll get an inspection scheduled, so we can see what state your chimney is in. After that, we’ll recommend the next appropriate steps for getting you back to where you need to be before Thanksgiving and Christmas arrive. There’s no better team to trust!

Our Waterproofing Products Offer Unbeatable Protection

Now, one thing we always suggest is to waterproof your masonry with ChimneySaver. We offer this service to ensure your brickwork withstands any rain or snow throughout the year, leaving you leak-free and better protected, no matter what! Believe it or not, your brickwork is extremely absorbent, so covering it with protective products is vital for keeping your chimney healthy and strong with every passing year.

So, why ChimneySaver? Because no product will do a better job for your system! Unlike other waterproofing products, ChimneySaver provides a seal that is vapor permeable, ensuring the water that’s already trapped in your system can find its way back out. Basically, no moisture can enter, but reabsorbed moisture can still escape. Other brands keep water out, but any water already inside of the brickwork gets stuck, meaning it will merely stay where it’s at and continue to cause damage – not good!

We only use products and tools that we truly believe in, and we don’t believe in cutting corners or taking shortcuts. We’ve been specializing in chimney care for over 20 years and you can rest easier knowing our techniques really get the job done! That’s why customers continue to turn to us again and again with every passing year.

ChimneySaver has high standards, so you’re guaranteed the results you deserve. Trust us when we say that this is the only product to use on your masonry this fall!

Pick Up The Phone Now!

There’s no time to lose. Call on our CSIA certified team today to get everything and more from your chimney and fireplace this holiday season. We’ll inspect, sweep, repair, and provide you anything and everything you need to get the long-lasting and cozy fires you’re hoping for. With help from us, it’ll be your best year yet! We can’t wait to help you out soon.

Fire Prevention Week 2018

Back in October of 1871, the Great Chicago Fire destroyed thousands of homes, left a huge portion of the city homeless, and took the lives of hundreds. This devastating damage serves as a reminder of how important fire safety and education truly is, which is why in 1925, Fire Prevention Week became a national observance that we acknowledge with every passing October.

What This Year’s Theme?

If you’ve participated in Fire Prevention Week in the past, then you are likely aware that each year comes with its own theme. This year’s theme? “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere.” This encourages homeowners to look for potential fire hazards everywhere they go, listen for alarms that could indicate a fire has occurred, and to learn of at least two exits from every room they’re in. All of these small steps can make a big difference when it comes to staying safer!

This theme also encourages general awareness of how dangerous fires are and serves as a reminder that the possibility of one occurring is always there. It may seem like it couldn’t happen to you, but thousands are affected every single year, and there’s no denying the risk of injury or extensive home damage should one fall victim.

Join the NFPA this year by spreading the word. Post online, organize community events, and share the fact sheets that the NFPA has provided on their website. They offer some great sources for information and ideas, so check them out today, then get to work! With all of us pitching in together, we can make a big difference in our neighborhoods.

The Facts About House Fires

In just four short years between 2011 and 2015, fire departments across the United States responded to well over 350,000 home structure fires. That averages out to nearly 88,000 per year! It’s time we work together to encourage a drop in these numbers, which is why staying up-to-date and educated on fire safety is so essential.

As you can imagine, these fires resulted in countless injuries and thousands of deaths. Fires are preventable, so let’s review some facts to ensure your household stays as safe as possible, especially with the holidays and cooler weather coming up so quickly.

First of all, investing in smoke detectors is a must, as these are often the fire indicators that trouble is amiss. We also encourage everyone to plan and practice escape routes from the various rooms of their home. Always remember – once you are safely out of your home, never re-enter a burning building for any reason.

Then, work with us to ensure your fireplace and dryer vents are thoroughly inspected and cleaned on a regular basis. The CSIA advises that homeowners invest in at least one inspection per year for both of these appliances, which will minimize the risk of house fires significantly. Anything from a damaged interior to creosote build-up to clogs in the system and more can trigger a fire, so schedule your maintenance now before your burning season kicks off.

Trust in the best by working with us. We’re ready for your call.

Different Uses For Fireplace Ash

With spring and warm weather upon us, many homeowners are shutting down their fireplaces until fall and cooler temperatures come back around. If you’re among them, you can’t wait to get out and start enjoying the sunshine! Just make sure your fireplace is properly cleaned out before you kickstart any of your plans!

While you may have been leaving a small pile of ash behind all winter to help you build fires, ash should never be left on the fireplace floor during periods of disuse. This could draw moisture and lead to corrosion, water damage, and rust, all of which will lower your chimney’s lifespan significantly. The good new is, this leftover ash can be used for plenty of things you encounter in your day-to-day life!

First Off – Remove It Safely!

Before using your fireplace ash for anything, it’s important that you give it time to properly cool off. Embers can stay alive in ash for days, so improper removal and storage can lead to injuries or fire. To begin, use a metal scoop to remove the ash from the fireplace, then place it in a metal container with a slightly raised bottom, a handle for carrying, and a secure lid. Once you have your ash cleared out, place the bucket on a non-flammable surface, such as concrete, brick, or cement.

The ash should be kept in the sealed bucket for a few days (at least) to ensure every possible ember or spark has been extinguished. Once the waiting period is up, you’re free to put your ash to good use around the house!

Put It In Your Garden

Wood ash is great to use in your garden! It enriches the soil and helps a wide range of flowers, vegetables, and fruits grow better and stronger. Just be sure to do your research first! Acid-loving plants, like blueberries and peppers, will not benefit from the addition of wood ash and should not be exposed to it. Tomatoes on the other hand – along with carrots, potatoes, cabbage, and plenty more – will love the extra calcium!

You could also throw it in your compost pile for later use in the garden, or sprinkle it around the edges of your plot to repel snails and slugs. The slimy creatures find it less than appealing! Just be sure to reapply it after every rainfall.

Use It To Clean Around The Home

If you have anything made of silver, metal, or glass, add a bit of water to your ash to form a paste, then apply it to the object. Let it sit for a bit, then scrub it down. You’ll be amazed at how well it shines afterwards! You could also leave a bowl of it in the fridge or in stinky areas of the home to help reduce odors.

Have an unsightly oil stain in your driveway? Use ash to remove that, too, as well as sprinkle some on ice patches in the wintertime to increase traction and lower your risk of falls.

Call Us In For Your Inspection!

Many choose to wait until fall for their annual inspection, but why not knock it out right now? Come fall, you’ll be all set and ready to go, and we can tackle any repairs, waterproofing needs, and sweepings before the busy season kicks off. Give the team at A-1 Chimney Specialist a call today. We’ll set you up right!

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!