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Chimney Inspections and Repairs

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Hamilton Chimney Sweep

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Hamilton Chimney Sweep is an important aspect of maintaining your home.  Many home owners are under the impression that being able to look up through the chimney and see a clear path means that the chimney is good to go. However, this is not the case at all. A substance known as creosote sticks to the interior of your chimney and may not be easily detected unless you know what you are looking for. Today, we are going to examine some of the many reasons to keep have your chimney swept on a regular basis.

Why Hire Regular Hamilton Chimney Sweep?

  1. Regular Chimney Sweep Prevents Dangerous House Fires: Fire causing creosote and substances begin to build up at the top of your chimney and works it’s way down to the bottom. Creosote is a highly flammable substance and a single stray ember has the potential to start a fire inside your chimney. Chimney fires can easily spread into other parts of your home and result in devestation damage.
  2. Hamilton Chimney Sweep Services Identify Potential Issues: You fireplace and chimney work together as a single unit. You can think of them as an appliance that needs regular maintenance and upkeep to run properly and efficiently. Regular chimney inspection can identify problems such as a cracked flue before they become a costly or dangerous problem.
  3. Chimney Sweep is Part of Home Maintenance: Each spring when you clean and maintain your home, chimney sweep is that final piece. Nobody wants a dirty chimney that smells like smoke or soot. Best of all, you will remove all the dangerous creosote that can be dangerous to your home and family.
  4. Cleaner Air Inside Your Home: The buildup of creosote inside your chimney can cause the inside of your chimney to narrow. The smaller size in can cause smoke and soot to travel down into your house and affect the air quality. If left unchecked, you may begin to notice discoloration of your walls or furniture. A clean chimney can prevent these issues.

Looking for the Best Hamilton Chimney Sweep?

For over 15 years, St. John Chimney Sweeps has been servicing the Hamilton area. We take pride in our efficient no-mess services and customer satisfaction is always guaranteed. Many of our quality products have a lifetime warranty. We are honest and efficient, providing thorough explanations for all our work. Our licensed and insured company is also a member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG). Call now for a free estimate at: (609) 737-0133 or visit our website.

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Mercer County Chimney Inspection

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Mercer County Chimney InspectionYour Mercer County chimney may look like it’s in great condition on the outside, the inside could be in need of crucial repairs. So how does one know when these repairs are needed? Get a professional Mercer County chimney inspection to give you peace of mind. A Mercer County chimney inspection includes a camera scan of the flue, where possible. Professionals will also check to see if your chimney is functioning properly or if it needs repairs before you can burn safely. Here are a few reasons why it’s important to schedule a Mercer County chimney inspection.

Importance of a Mercer County Chimney Inspection

  • Cracks in the Flue Can Cause a House Fire. Your flue is the liner inside your chimney that carries heat, toxic fumes and smoke out of your house. Over time, cracks and deterioration may develop from excessive heat or from having contact with water. Drops of water can cause your flue to deteriorate faster when your chimney is not properly covered with an approved spark arrestor, commonly known as a flue cap. A cracked flue leaves your home exposed to heat and embers reaching combustible materials, or toxic fumes entering your home. A professional can give you a Mercer County chimney inspection to check your flue for damage.
  • Masonry Cracks Let the Outside In. If your chimney is made of brick, masonry repairs may be needed to keep it strong and stable. After years of heating and varying weather temperatures, masonry can deteriorate and cracks begin to develop. The damper should be tested to make sure it can be opened and closed. A Mercer County chimney inspection can offer a detailed analysis of your masonry and recommend repairs to keep your chimney strong and structurally sound.
  • Creosote and Animal Nests Cause House Fires. Creosote accumulates from burning wood or solid fuels and can lead to a chimney fire if not removed. Animals may use your chimney as a nest and should be removed before use. A Mercer County chimney inspection or cleaning will make sure your chimney is clear and safe for burning.
  • Water Damage Leads to Expensive Repairs. If your chimney or flue is not properly covered with a flue cap, water will enter your chimney and can cause faster deterioration of your flue and can mean you’ll need to pay for a replacement flue sooner. During a Mercer County chimney inspection, your chimney sweep will check the condition of your chimney including the masonry, crown wash, the flue cap and recommend appropriate repairs.  This may range from minor masonry repairs, installation of your flue cap, replacement of the top cement known as the crown wash.
  • You Don’t Know When the Last Inspection Was Done. When you buy a new home, you may not know when the last owner got a Mercer County chimney inspection or cleaning. In this case, it’s important to schedule a sweep and scan before you burn. This gives you a current benchmark on the health of your chimney, and you’ll be informed if there is need for current or future repairs for safety and optimal performance of your system.

Looking for Expert Mercer County Chimney Inspection Service?

St. John Chimney Sweeps has been providing satisfied home owners with chimney liners & chimney services for well over 15 years. We pride ourselves in our 100% customer satisfaction no-mess guarantee. Many of our quality products have a lifetime warranty. We are honest and efficient, providing thorough explanations for all our work. Our licensed and insured company is also a member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG). Call now for a free estimate at: (609) 737-0133 or visit our website.

Mercer County Chimney Sweeps

Mercer County Chimney Sweep

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Most people think that if they can shine a strong flashlight up their Mercer County, NJ chimney and see a clear path, they’re in the clear. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. Creosote appears as a shiny substance, so a lot of people think if the interior of their chimney is shiny, it’s clean. You may not see any visible signs of dirt or creosote, but it’s still there. Here are four really good reasons to hire a Mercer County chimney sweep this year for your chimney.

Reasons to Hire a Mercer County Chimney Sweep

Mercer County Chimney Sweep

Mercer County Chimney Sweep

Mercer County Chimney Sweep | Prevent House Fires

The top few feet of the chimney is where it accumulates first then slowly builds down the flue. One single ember or spark has the potential to start a chimney fire if it travels up and meets the creosote. A chimney fire can quickly spread to the interior of your home and prove catastrophic.

Mercer County Chimney Sweep | Identify Potential Problems

The chimney and fireplace or wood burning stove work together as a single appliance. All appliances require maintenance from time to time and the chimney and fireplace are no exception. a Mercer County chimney sweep can identify potential problems like cracked flue tiles or other interior damage and repair them before they become a very costly problem.

Mercer County Chimney Sweep | Complete Your Home Maintenance

Hire a Mercer County chimney sweep to clean and inspect your chimney as a final step of your spring cleaning regimen. You’ll have a clean chimney that doesn’t smell like creosote, soot, or smoke, and you’ll be able to finish up the last of the cleaning in no time.

Mercer County Chimney Sweep | Improve the Quality of the Air in Your Home

Creosote makes the diameter of your chimney’s flue smaller as it builds. This reduction in size causes smoke and dangerous gases to back up and enter your home. You may not notice them at first but eventually then you’ll see discoloration on your furniture or you’ll notice soot in areas that it shouldn’t be. This means that the air quality has been compromised and a good chimney cleaning will help prevent future issues.

After you find a company with a good reputation, you can confidently hire them knowing that you made an informed decision. Having the same company perform maintenance year after year is beneficial to you because they will know of any past damages or work that has been done. This insures that you have accurate gauge of the condition your chimney and fireplace is in.

Hiring a Good Mercer County Chimney Sweep Company

Not all Mercer County chimney sweeps are equal. You want to find a company that has your best interest in mind and isn’t preoccupied with simply making money off of you.

Mercer County Chimney Sweep | Mercer County Chimney Services

A Good Mercer County Chimney Sweep Company Identifies Future Issues

A good chimney sweep looks for future problems in addition to existing chimney.  Some chimney companies only look for blaring problems.  They ignore minor problems in the hopes that they can charge more when the minor issue becomes a major problem later.  The best chimney sweeps look for signs of future problems and make recommendations.  Doing so often results in lower repair costs.  It is always cheaper to address minor chimney issues before turns into major repair needs.

A Good Mercer County Chimney Sweep Company Provides Comprehensive Services

You want to choose a Mercer County chimney sweep company that can help you in a variety of different areas.  Doing so allows for you to take full benefit of their expertise.  Otherwise, you will ultimately end up hiring more than one company which can be quite a pain.

Some of the most common services offered include:

  • Cleaning of chimney
  • Masonry repairs
  • Flashing repair
  • Waterproofing of chimney
  • Crown and caps repair
  • Purging of smoke chamber

In addition to cleaning the chimney and fireplace, it is also beneficial to look at any other services that the company might offer, such as dryer vent cleaning. After all, once you find a company, it’s best to rely on them for various other services around your home as well.

A Good Mercer County Chimney Sweep Company Has a Superb Reputation

You should always look into the reputation of the Mercer County chimney sweep company you’re considering.  Your research should include sources such as online reviews, testimonials and their membership with professional organizations. Past customer reviews are a powerful resource.  If a large number of homeowners in your area have good things to say about the company, you are likely to have a similar experience.  Positive reviews will help you makes sure that the company understands how to sweep a chimney in a professional manner.  Taking a little bit of time to investigate the company before you hire them will ensure that you get the best services at the best possible price.

A Good Mercer County Chimney Sweep Company is Fully Certified

As you search for the best company to handle your chimney, make sure that you hire a fully certified chimney sweep. This is especially true when working with a bigger company as opposed to a sole proprietor. You don’t want to run the risk of having shady work done that is not guaranteed.

A Good Mercer County Chimney Sweep Company Has Experience

Before you hire any company, check to see how long they have been in business.  You shouldn’t hire a company that has less than 5 years of experience. If you can find online reviews or customer testimonials, read as many as you can.  You can also ask neighbors, friends and coworkers in your area if they have had any experience working with the company in question.

A Good Mercer County Chimney Sweep Company Is Listed on BBB

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see how the company in question ranks. The BBB does a great job keeping track of reputable companies in your local area. You can also find out if the company has a past record of being reliable and if there are any unresolved issues involving he company. You can find lots of valuable info just by looking through the Better Business Bureau website.

A Good Mercer County Chimney Sweep Company Is Licensed

Companies who provide chimney services need to be licensed.  You want to make sure that the business that you choose is licensed and insured. Being licensed shows that they are professional and have taken the proper steps to be compliant with the regulations.  If you allow a company to come in and they are not licensed or carry adequate insurance, any damage could potentially be your responsibility.

A Good Mercer County Chimney Sweep Company Gives Free & Accurate Quotes

You also need to ask for a quote for the services that you require.  Pricing should be relatively straightforward. When you get into repairs and installations, the company might need to come out and provide an inspection before they can provide a quote.   Most companies charge for inspections and cleanings.  However, they should not charge a fee to provide a price quote.  Unfortunately, there are some cases where a quote cannot be given without performing a full inspection.

Looking for the Best Mercer County Chimney Sweep?

St. John Chimney Sweeps has been providing satisfied Mercer County NJ area home owners with chimney liners & chimney services for well over 15 years. We pride ourselves in our 100% customer satisfaction no-mess guarantee. Many of our quality products have a lifetime warranty. We are honest and efficient, providing thorough explanations for all our work. Our licensed and insured company is also a member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG). Call now for a free estimate at: (609) 737-0133 or visit our website.

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Princeton Chimney Liners

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Princeton Chimney LinersPrinceton chimney liners can make a great addition to your fireplace, but many homeowners have no clue why they would even need one. Many wonder whether Princeton chimney liners are totally necessary for safety and function or simply added for decoration. To educate you a bit, here are a few reasons for you to consider purchasing Princeton chimney liners.

Reasons to Buy Princeton Chimney Liners

  1. Your chimney is unlined. Most masonry chimneys were built without a liner. The absence of a liner can cause wood exhaust to leak through the mortar joints into your home which is safety concern. On top of that, your chimney could actually catch fire. This is because in some cases, liquid creosote can eventually dissolve the binder in the mortar and soak into the joints. Without a liner to create a buffer, a fire could occur.
  2. Your chimney is lined, but the liner is in poor condition. There are a lot of different types of durable Princeton chimney liners, such as ones made of rigid and flexible materials. In the case of some masonry chimneys, the liners are made from terracotta clay or pumice, which can crack over time from normal wear and tear. A crack in that type of liner can allow smoke and liquid creosote through, which can ultimately lead to safety risks.
  3. Your chimney is lined, but the liner is not the correct size . Ill-fitting liners can cause a handful of issues. In fact, an oversized liner can lead to everything from smoke spillage to excessive creosote formation potential causing chimney fires. Due to updated safety codes, it is important to have your chimney inspected to be certain that all liners are sized accordingly, which will help prevent harmful gases from seeping into your home.

Interested in Princeton Chimney Liners & Professional Installation Services?

St. John Chimney Sweeps has been providing satisfied home owners with Princeton Chimney liners & chimney services for well over 15 years. We pride ourselves in our 100% customer satisfaction no-mess guarantee. Many of our quality products have a lifetime warranty. We are honest and efficient, providing thorough explanations for all our work. Our licensed and insured company is also a member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG). Call now for a free estimate at: (609) 737-0133 or visit our website.

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East Windsor Chimney Sweep

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East Windsor Chimney SweepMany love the relaxing ambiance of a fireplace. The problem is chimney and fireplace maintenance is often neglected. Before using your fireplace, it’s imperative to make sure that it is clean and safe to operate. It is recommended that you have your East Windsor chimney professionally inspected and cleaned by an East Windsor chimney sweep at least once a year. There are many good reasons to hire an East Windsor chimney sweep, but here are the top three:

Reasons to Hire an East Windsor Chimney Sweep

  • Prevent a Chimney Fire. A chimney fire can be quite a show with loud popping and cracking sounds, lots of dense smoke and a strong, hot odor. But chimney fires aren’t always dramatic enough to alert the neighbors. Sometimes, they burn slow and aren’t even visible, but they still reach high temperatures and can seep into the walls of your house and ignite anything flammable. Flames from a chimney fire can quickly spread into the walls or onto the roof of your Mercer County NJ home and cause massive devastation, if not the total destruction of your home. It is a nightmare scenario, but one that can most likely be avoided by hiring an East Windsor chimney sweep for chimney maintenance. The most common cause of chimney fire is a dirty chimney. Over time, chimneys will become clogged with creosote, a natural, tar-like substance that is a by-product of burning wood. Creosote is black or brown in appearance and, over time, it builds up and leaves a glazing inside your chimney. This glazing is highly combustible and it can take only a small amount to start a fire. Restricted air supply is one of the factors that contribute to the build up of creosote, another reason it is important to get services from an East Windsor chimney sweep regularly.
  • Protect Your Health. There have been many victims of an accidental carbon monoxide poisoning from burning wood in their fireplace. Breathing the fumes from gas or solid fuel fires can be dangerous or fatal. Carbon monoxide is produced whenever fuel is burned. Even at low levels, CO can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion and fainting. A blocked chimney or a chimney with an improperly functioning flue can cause a buildup of this dangerous gas. CO is responsible for thousands of deaths in America each year, and many of these poisonings are caused by blocked chimneys. This is why it is critical to get the services of a East Windsor chimney sweep to make sure your flue is clear before using the chimney.
  • Avoid Smoke Damage. When a chimney is not regularly cleaned, soot will accumulate around the flue. This makes it difficult for the flue to draw the smoke upwards and can cause the smoke to enter your room. This soot will leave a black film around your hearth and soil any furniture, carpeting or decorations nearby. Sometimes, smoke can even cause black staining around your chimney, which can be difficult or impossible to remove. Hire an East Windsor chimney sweep to prevent this.

Want to Hire the Best East Windsor Chimney Sweep

St. John Chimney Sweeps has been providing satisfied home owners with Mercer County Chimney Sweep services for well over 15 years. We pride ourselves in our 100% customer satisfaction no-mess guarantee. Many of our quality products have a lifetime warranty. We are honest and efficient, providing thorough explanations for all our work. Our licensed and insured company is also a member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG). Call now for a free estimate at: (609) 737-0133 or visit our website.

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Why Chimney Caps Are Important

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Mercer County Chimney Caps are very important to keeping your fireplace or wood burning stove functioning cleanly and properly. The crowning jewel for every chimney is the chimney cap and it acts as a first line of defense for keeping your chimney healthy and fully functional. Chimney caps keep the elements from intruding into your chimney. A chimney cap will keep snow, rain, dirt and even small animals will be kept outside where they belong.  A chimney cap provides many practical benefits. Today, we will be looking at the many reasons to have a chimney cap

Mercer County Chimney Caps | What are the Benefits?

Stop water from entering your chimney – When water gets inside your chimney it can seep into the bricks and even find its way into your attic. This can cause damage to both the bricks in your chimney as well as the wooden structure of your attic. The result could be expensive damages that can be easily avoided by purchasing a chimney cap.

Stop dirty air from blowing into your home – Chimney caps stop drafts from coming into your house through the chimney. Not only is a draft cold in the winter time, but the air will be filled with smoke and soot which can cause negative respiratory side effects.  Keep your home warm and smoke free by replacing your chimney cap if it falls off.

Chimney caps keep squirrels and birds out – Small animals love to make their way into chimneys without caps. Chimneys provide birds, squirrels and other small animals with a warm cozy shelter. If any of these animals settle dow and build a nest, your chimney can become blocked and a fire could start.

Chimney caps help prevent house fires – Chimney caps keep sparks and embers from setting your roof on fire.  If heated materials make their way onto your roof and start a fire, there is no way for you to know until it is too late! Make sure you always check to see if your chimney cap is attached and isn’t damaged.  If you are unsure, contact your local Mercer County Chimney service company today!

Looking for the Best Mercer County Chimney Caps?

There are various types of Mercer County chimney caps to choose from. Whenever considering installing a new chimney cap, you should always contact an experienced professional. St. John Chimney Sweeps has been providing satisfied home owners with Mercer County Chimney Caps services for well over a decade and a half. We pride ourselves in our 100% customer satisfaction no-mess guarantee. Many of our quality products have a lifetime warranty. St John is a fully licensed and insured company is also a member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG). For more information or for a free estimate, contact us today at: (609) 737-0133 or visit our website.

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Mercer County Chimney Liners

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Mercer County Chimney Liners is something that many homeowners don’t quite understand, and many times it may not seem too important!  Contrary to popular understanding, a chimney liner is a vital part of every chimney.  It guides smoke and other combustable materials away from the actual chimney and out into the air above. All chimneys must have an adequate working liner to maintain safety and functionality. If you are unsure whether or not you need a new chimney liner, contact your local Mercer County chimney sweep service company today!

Mercer County Chimney Liners

Today, we will be taking a closer look at the three main types of chimney liners: Clay, cast-in-place and metal liners. All three types of liner provide your chimney with adequate protection, however, depending on your individual circumstance, a certain type may be more beneficial to you.

Clay Chimney Liners – This type of liner is usually installed during the construction of a home. This is an older method of chimney lining and has been used in homes since the early 20th century.  Clay tile is a tried and true type of chimney liner that is able to withstand extremely high temperatures without compromise. The clay lining is capable of resisting the harmful materials that travel up through the flue into the air above. Best of all, the clay material is very affordable and the liner can last up to 5 decades without needing to be replaced.

There are also some downsides to clay chimney liners.  For starters, The clay is arranged in rectangular tiles and therefore does not create a smooth interior. Air can get stuck in the spaces and can effect the natural draft inside your chimney. If the tiles get too old, they can begin to crack which puts you at risk for a house fire. Contact your local Mercer County Chimney company to come and assess the condition of your chimney and decide whether or not you need to replace it.

Other Types of Mercer County Chimney Liners

Cast-in- liners –  These liners are usually used to strengthen an existing liner inside your chimney. If your chimney. It works to reinforce the existing chimney and provides a sturdy and effective liner. Similar to the clay flue becomes misshapen, a cast in liner can create a new shape inside the flue. This type of liner is not affected by the heat or corrosive chemical that are released from combustion making them very durable. Similarly to clay liners, cast in liners can last up to 5 decades.

The installation process of cast-in liners involves a mortar mix being pumped into the chimney. This mixture is pumped around an inflated rubber balloon to create a very smooth surface inside the flue. This is an affordable and durable method and it is highly recommended.

Metal liners – Metal liners can be installed in virtually every chimney. These can be made into any size or shape. Most often, these liners are made of stainless steel. There are two major types of metal chimney liners: rigid and flexible. The shape of your chimney will dictate which type of chimney liner your chimney company will use. Rigid liners are ideal for chimneys that go straight up without any twists or bends while flexible liners can be used in chimneys with curves or bends. Insulation can also be implemented with metal liners to help to keep higher heat in the chimney and remove moisture that can cause rust and damage. It also prevents heat from moving into the pipes within the home structure. These stainless steel liners are best used for existing chimneys that either have no liner or require liner replacement.

Although there are a number of different types of chimney liners, the most importing thing is that every chimney has one. If you are unsure about the status of your chimney liner, contact your Mercer County Chimney liner company today.

Looking for Mercer County Chimney Liners?

If you are looking for a reliable company to install or repair Mercer County chimney liners, call St. John Chimney Sweeps today!  St John Chimney Sweeps has been providing the Mercer County are with reliable chimney liner services for well over 15 years. Customer satisfaction is always guaranteed and most of our products come with a lifetime warranty We are a hard-working and efficient company and we always provide detailed explanations for everything we do to your chimney. Our licensed and insured company is also a member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild. Call now for a free estimate at: (609) 737-0133 or visit our website.

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Mercer County Chimney Sweep Service

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Mercer County Chimney Sweep Service is vital to keeping your chimney in full working order year after year. If you want to get the most out of your fireplace or wood burning stove, having your chimney swept once or twice annually will provide you with the comfort and safety you and your family needs. In reality, many homeowners neglect their chimneys and do not have them inspected or swept on a regular basis.  This can lead to many risks including a fire. If you want to enjoy fires while remaining safe, contact your local certified Mercer County chimney sweep company today. Below is some helpful advice to help you find the best chimney sweep company n your area:

Hiring a Mercer County Chimney Sweep

  • Mercer County Chimney SweepWhat services does the company offer? Although most Mercer County chimney sweep companies charge around the same price for their services, you need to be wary of what exactly you are getting when you hire them. Not all chimney sweeps offer the same services. Look around the internet for different local Mercer County chimney sweep services to find out what services you are paying for when you hire a company. Shop wisely and never settle for a company based solely on the price.
  • Is the company fully certified? As you search for the best company to handle your chimney, make sure that you hire a fully certified chimney sweep. This is especially true when working with a bigger company as opposed to a sole proprietor. You don’t want to run the risk of having shady work done that is not guaranteed.
  • Does the company have experience? Before you hire any company, check to see how long they have been in business.  You shouldn’t hire a company that has less than 5 years of experience. If you can find online reviews or customer testimonials, read as many as you can.  You can also ask neighbors, friends and coworkers in your area if they have had any experience working with the company in question.
  • Check out the Better Business Bureau. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see how the company in question ranks. The BBB does a great job keeping track of reputable companies in your local area. You can also find out if the company has a past record of being reliable and if there are any unresolved issues involving he company. You can find lots of valuable info just by looking through the Better Business Bureau website.
  • Does the company have liability insurance? Insurance is probably the most important thing to look for in a company. Before you hire any company, ask them to present documentation proving that they are fully insured. Insurance guarantees that the company in question is completely covered in the event of an accident or if property damage occurs during the job.  If the company does not have insurance, you may end up being held responsible for any injuries on the job or damages to your house.

After you find a company with a good reputation, you can confidently hire them knowing that you made an informed decision. Having the same company perform maintenance year after year is beneficial to you because they will know of any past damages or work that has been done. This insures that you have accurate gauge of the condition your chimney and fireplace is in.

Looking for the Best Mercer County Chimney Sweep?

St. John Chimney Sweeps has been providing satisfied home owners with Mercer County Chimney Sweep services for well over 15 years. We pride ourselves in our 100% customer satisfaction no-mess guarantee. Many of our quality products have a lifetime warranty. We are honest and efficient, providing thorough explanations for all our work. Our licensed and insured company is also a member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG). Call now for a free estimate at: (609) 737-0133 or visit our website.

Mercer County Chimney Sweeps

Princeton Chimney Sweep – Tips for Hiring

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Getting regular (once or twice a year) chimney maintenance for your Princeton NJ area home is very important for the safety of your family and the efficiency of your fireplace or wood stove. Unfortunately, it is often times overlooked. The very best person to handle your annual chimney maintenance is a professional and certified Princeton chimney sweep. Here are a few tips on how to go about hiring a chimney sweep.

Hiring a Princeton Chimney Sweep

Hiring a Princeton Chimney Sweep | Choose on service

Prices should be fairly constant across the industry and you need to base your selection on the level of service offered. Search around online for multiple local Princeton chimney sweep services to get an idea of “the norm”. Don’t choose a chimney sweep solely for the cheapest price.

Hiring a Princeton Chimney Sweep | Certifications matter

Always be sure that you are hiring a certified sweep. When dealing with a large company as opposed to an individual, it pays to be sure that the person performing the actual work is certified.

Hiring a Princeton Chimney Sweep | Look for experience

Find out how long they have been in business and more specifically, how many years of experience the individual Princeton chimney sweep has.

Hiring a Princeton Chimney Sweep | Check the BBB

Look up the company in the Better Business Bureau to be sure that there are no outstanding or unresolved claims with the company. You can get a lot of valuable information on a company by looking through the BBB.

Hiring a Princeton Chimney Sweep | Liability insurance

This is perhaps the most important tip. Ask about liability insurance and be sure that the firm is covered should an accident or damage occur while they are performing the maintenance. If not, you will be responsible for any injuries on the job or damages to your home. Also be sure that any equipment they are using is up to date and will offer you the best overall clean for your hearth.

Once you have found a reputable and reliable Princeton chimney sweep, keep their contact information handy. It’s important to have the same company back each year for chimney maintenance. That way you can have a more accurate gauge of the condition your chimney and fireplace is in.

Local Princeton Chimney Sweep | What is the number one reason to keep your chimney clean?

Home owners are painfully aware of the threat that chimney fires pose to their homes and families. Chimney inspections are designed to detect and prevent this from happening. You should know and record the date of your chimney inspection and cleaning. Are you concerned about the state of the chimney on your new home? Do you have a copy of the records from the last inspection and cleaning from the closing?

You don’t want to take chances with your home or family. Preventing fires is the number one reason to have your chimney inspected and cleaned regularly. Home owners can check with their insurance companies for discounts related to home safety inspections. Your local fire company is a great source for information to share with your family and community.

Local Princeton Chimney Sweep | Are there other good reasons for cleaning the chimney before the fall?

Home owners should be aware of what takes place inside their chimneys when they’re not in use. Have you noticed more insects around the top of the chimney this summer? Do you have any strange or unpleasant smells emanating from the fire place? Are there any critters scurrying about that like dark dusty hiding spots?

You probably clean your fireplace after the winter season is over. Doesn’t clean smell better? Your fireplace flu has a lot of buildup. Is this a great environment for insects to nest? Home owners like it when they control who is living in their home. You don’t want visitors nesting in your chimney. Getting your chimney cleaned prevents unwanted pests from gathering. Having a clean chimney smells a lot better as well.

Local Princeton Chimney Sweep | Why is this a job for the professionals?

Home owners are sometimes an adventurous bunch but they soon learn where to draw the line. Are you willing to invest in the professional equipment that makes chimney cleaning possible? Does having the equipment make it any less of a filthy, disgusting job? You want to ensure that the chimney is both clean and safe. Isn’t it easier to trust in a company that can clean, inspect and verify the safety of your chimney? You deserve the peace of mind that comes from knowing you can use your fireplace safely come winter.

Finding your local Princeton chimney sweep is as easy as scheduling them for a visit. Summertime is the season for sun, surf and swimming. Our company looks at summertime as ‘tis the season’ for sweeping and cleaning chimneys. We take pride in the work we do and treat each and every customer like family. You can call us today and schedule an appointment that conveniently fits your summer plans. We encourage you not to put this off beyond September. No one can predict an early fall but we can guarantee a busy one. We look forward to serving you and hope you have a pleasant summer.

Looking for the Best Princeton Chimney Sweep?

In business for more than 15 years, St. John Chimney Sweeps is the only name you need to know for full-service chimney and fireplace sweeping and installation in the Princeton, New Jersey, area. We offer 100% customer satisfaction and a no-mess guarantee. Most products also come with a lifetime warranty. Feel free to contact us to inquire about free estimates. Our employees have undergone extensive training and earned certificates, which enable them to do your job with full expertise. We are honest and efficient, providing thorough explanations for all our work. Our licensed and insured company is also a member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG). Service towns in the Mercer County NJ area include: Princeton, Pennington, Lambertville, Hopewell, Hightstown, East Windsor, West Windsor, Lawrence, Robbinsville, and many more. For more information, you can call today at (609) 737-0133 or visit the website.

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Chimney Repair | Prolong the Life of your Chimney

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Mercer County chimney repair is very important if your chimney stops functioning properly. If your chimney becomes cracked or has holes in it, you are running the risk of a dangerous house fire. There are many precautions you can take to avoid needing chimney repair. Below are some chimney care tips that will help keep your family and home safe as you continue to use your fireplace.

Mercer County Chimney Repair

Mercer County Chimney Repair Tips

Burn dry wood only! The best type of wood for a clean fire is split wood that has been dried for at least six months before burning. While your wood is drying, make sure to cover the top of the log pile to prevent excess moisture from soaking into the wood.  You should leave the sides uncovered as to not prevent the airflow from the wood. The best types of wood to burn are hard woods such as hickory, oak, beech, and maple, however, the dryness of the wood is more important than the species. Softer wood such as pine can burn well if it is very dry, however it will burn very quickly and you will go through wood very quickly.

Avoid wood that is contaminated with chemicals.  Paint, laminates, and other treatments can release harmful chemicals into your chimney flue.  These substances can cause a buildup of soot and combustable substances in your chimney that can lead to damage. It is ok to use a starter log to get your fire going, but try to use as much real wood as possible. Also, never use more than one starter log at a time!

Mercer County Chimney Repair | Keep Your Chimney Clean

Always ensure that your chimney cap is properly installed. The chimney cap prevents things from outside get into your chimney. The caps prevent things from entering but have vents to allow smoke to escape. Debris, rain, snow and ice can all be hazardous to your chimney, it is in your best interest to prevent those things from entering your chimney flue.

Make sure to schedule your annual chimney inspection/chimney sweep.  If you make sure that your chimney is kept clean and inspected every year, you will not be surprised with damages that need immediate attention. These regular inspections can improve efficiency and greatly decrease the amount of heating dollars you’re sending up the chimney. Additionally, the recumbent of smoke will increase your enjoyment of time near the fire.

To burn fire safely, build it slowly, adding more wood as it heats and keeping your damper completely open to increase draw in the early stages. Burn the fire hot, at least occasionally—with the damper all the way open to help prevent smoke from lingering the fireplace and creosote from developing.
By the way, fireplaces aren’t officially rated for energy efficiency because they’re so varied. Depending on the source of information, they can be 10% to 30% efficient in converting fuel to heat.

St. John Chimney Sweeps |Mercer County Chimney Repair

Mercer County chimney repair company, St. John Chimney Sweeps is a comprehensive chimney and fireplace company for both residential and commercial customers throughoutMercer County. We specialize in chimney repair services to ensure that your fireplace and chimney remain healthy, functional and enjoyable. Each one of our highly trained and certified staff are professional, courteous, and are experienced in the chimney industry. If you have any questions, or want to know how to get started, call us today at (609) 737-0133 for estimates on our chimney installation and sweeping services.

Mercer County Chimney Sweep