As a homeowner, one of the last things you want to deal with is pests entering your chimney. Not only can they cause damage and create a nuisance, but they also pose health risks to you and your family. However, there are steps you can take to prevent pests from homing in your chimney and keep them out for good. Chimney Champions deals with pest problems during regular inspections, and here’s how you can prevent them.1. Install a Chimney CapOne of the most effective ways to prevent pests from entering your chimney is by installing a chimney cap. A chimney cap goes over the top of your chimney ..read more

Cooking over an open flame can be a fun and rustic way to prepare meals. However, there are several reasons why it’s best to avoid using your fireplace as a cooking source. Not only is this a safety hazard, but it can also result in more extensive sweeps. Below, Chimney Champions explains three additional reasons why you should never cook over your fireplace. 1. Safety ConcernsSafety is one of the primary reasons you should never cook over your fireplace. Fireplaces are designed for heating purposes only. They are not equipped to handle the demands of cooking. The intense heat a fire produces ..read more

No matter how often you use your fireplace, eventually, it must be cleaned. This is a crucial duty, not just for aesthetics, but for maintaining a safe and functional hearth. However, it’s imperative to be aware of the chemicals that can do more harm than good. Your friendly chimney sweeps from Chimney Champions are here to explain which chemicals to avoid when cleaning your fireplace.1. Ammonia-Based CleanersAmmonia might seem like a potent ally against grime, but when it comes to your fireplace, it can quickly turn into your worst enemy. Not only are ammonia-based cleaners corrosive, but the ..read more

Your home’s fireplace is the perfect place to cozy up at night, especially when there’s cooler weather in the forecast. However, there are some things you need to understand when it comes to choosing the right material to burn. Unfortunately, not everything is meant to be burnt in your fireplace, including charcoal. However, some people do, and it’s obvious during sweeps. So Chimney Champions feels it necessary to revisit four reasons why you shouldn’t burn charcoal in your fireplace.1. Toxic EmissionsCharcoal is known to release high levels of carbon monoxide, which can be fatal. Your firepla ..read more

Nothing beats the warmth and cozy ambiance from a crackling fire in your fireplace on a chilly evening. As a homeowner with a well-inspected fireplace, you’ll need a steady supply of dry firewood to keep those flames going. However, storing firewood can be challenging, especially if you want to keep it dry and pest-free. Chimney Champions shares five wood-storing tips to help you keep your firewood in excellent condition and ready for use every time.1. Keep Firewood off the GroundStacking firewood directly on the ground can cause it to absorb moisture from the soil, leading to rot, mold, and p ..read more

Choosing the right fireplace for your home can be a difficult task, especially when there are so many options available. If you’re deciding between a gas and a traditional fireplace, you might be wondering which one is the safer choice. To help you make the perfect decision for your family, Chimney Champions is here to explain some key differences and to remind you to schedule your yearly inspection.Gas Fireplaces are Known for Their Safety FeaturesOne of the main advantages of a gas fireplace is its built-in safety features. Unlike traditional wood-burning fireplaces, gas fireplaces don’t pro ..read more

A chimney is a crucial component of any home that uses a wood-burning or gas fireplace. However, like any other part of your house, chimneys have a finite life span. Thankfully, your yearly inspection from Chimney Champions can help determine the condition and life expectancy of your chimney. With this knowledge, you can make proper repairs and prepare for when your chimney does need to be replaced.What are the Factors that Affect Chimney Life Expectancy?Several factors affect the life expectancy of a chimney, such as the type of material used for construction, the frequency of use, maintenanc ..read more

Are you thinking about lighting a cozy fire in your fireplace, only to be disappointed when you can’t open your chimney damper? This is a frustrating experience that many homeowners face. Fortunately, it’s usually a problem with a relatively simple repair for Chimney Champions. So, let’s look at three common reasons chimney dampers get stuck and how our repair team can help!1. Rust and CorrosionOver time, the metal parts of a chimney damper can become corroded due to exposure to moisture. If the damper hasn’t been used in a long time, it’s especially susceptible to rust buildup. Rust and corro ..read more

Your chimney is an essential part of your home. But did you know your chimney requires proper maintenance and repairs to function efficiently? A damaged or deteriorating chimney can lead to several problems, including fire hazards and health concerns. So, let’s look at a few common types of chimney repairs that Chimney Champions can make for you!1. Chimney Crown RepairThe crown sits at the top of your chimney, protecting the masonry from rain and debris. Over time, the crown can crack or deteriorate due to exposure to the elements. This can lead to water seeping into your chimney and causing d ..read more

A chimney cap is a small yet important feature of any home with a fireplace and chimney. Without it, a lot can go wrong with your chimney and home. Still, homeowners here in Florida might not realize they even need one. So, Chimney Champions is here to explain what happens if you don’t have a chimney cap.Water DamageOne of the most obvious problems of not having a cap is water damage. We get a lot of rain here in the sunshine state, and that rain can easily get into your chimney if you don’t have a cap. The water can penetrate the bricks of your chimney and then leak into your home. This event ..read more