Santa's Friend Chimney Service Blog

The Camera Sees Where You Cannot

Technology is allowing chimney sweeps to do what they used to do in days gone by: get inside your chimney. Modern sweeps better understand the intricacies of chimney construction and operation and are able to more clearly view inside. Highly specialized cameras and properly trained eyes are coming together to make chimney inspections more valuable than ever.

Using Images to Locate Problems

Responding to the requirement that Level 2 inspections include assessment of the “accessible” flue, video scanning or other camera-aided viewing makes this easy. After all, remove the chimney cap and the flue is quickly visible. However, the scope of inspection needs to see beyond the top of the flue. Being able to snake down a camera allows for a thorough examination and ensures the safety of the sweep.

We cannot stress enough that camera inspection needs to be performed by a certified chimney sweep. The potential for damage to your flue is significant and sweeps have to be properly trained and equipped for this task.

When a Level 2 inspection is required, however, camera assistance is invaluable in ascertaining the true condition of the chimney’s interior. Closed-circuit video scans are becoming increasingly popular because of the certainty they bring to assessment of the flue’s condition. Additionally, still shots are extremely useful in supporting insurance claims and inspection reports.

Seeing the Condition As It Is

Being able to view the entire flue is necessary to make sound judgments about your chimney’s condition. With the wonders of Photoshop, an unscrupulous sweep could enhance the images to fit their agenda. Choosing an ethical chimney sweep is critical. Find a certified sweep who will use the camera to get the information needed to make the best decision for your chimney upkeep. Keeping checking www.santas-friend.com for more chimney information.

The Dangers of Animals in Your Chimney

Animals in your chimney may seem like a simple annoyance that can be ignored until you get around to doing something about it. However, there is far more to be worried about than an annoying scratching or banging sound. In fact, there are many serious risks to allowing animals to reside in the chimney without handling them immediately.

If you suspect that you have animals in your chimney, you should know that they might be much bigger than a bird or small rodent. Animals as large as squirrels and even raccoons have been known to make their nests inside of a chimney. These animals may carry infectious diseases that pose a threat to anyone who tries to remove them. For this reason, it may be best to call a chimney sweep or animal control to deal with this situation.

Even if the animal does not carry a disease, there are risks associated with the possibility that they could make their way into the home. If an animal suddenly finds itself in someone’s living room, it will most likely become scared and defensive. This could result in an attack on anyone who comes near it. Even without the risk of a disease, this could result in a serious injury, especially for any children or pets that may be in the room.

In the best-case scenarios, there will be no personal injury because of an animal living in the chimney. However, there is a still a good chance that the animal will cause significant damage to the actual structure of the chimney. If this occurs, the chimney may not function properly, which is annoying at best and dangerous at worst. Removing the animals is far easier and less expensive than replacing any part of the chimney.

If there are banging and scratching noises coming from the chimney, do not dismiss them as simply the sounds that houses make. There is a good chance that there is at least one animal living in there, which can be very dangerous. These animals may carry diseases that can infect the entire family or they could cause irreparable damage to the chimney.

Choosing a Dryer Vent Cleaning Professional

Many homeowners think that dryer vent cleaning is a DIY job, when in reality, dryer venting systems can be complicated and hard to access, and can sometimes cover great distances. Without professional skill and equipment, safe and thorough cleaning can be next to impossible. Here are some tips on how to go about choosing the right company for the job.

Your next door neighbor may be a great help when it comes to a variety of household jobs, but dryer vent maintenance should never be one of them. It is important to find someone who has the proper training and the required experience to do the job properly.

When beginning the search, it is a good idea to inquire of friends and family who have recently had their vents cleaned. They will be able to narrow down the search and recommend a professional with whom they were pleased. Word of mouth can save you from having a bad experience, and can help make sure that your money is well spent on a job well done.

Once you have narrowed down your search, it is important to speak with each professional  about their experience and certifications. A professional will be able to explain the entire process and its benefits, answering any questions you may have, and giving you peace of mind.

If you are satisfied with his or her knowledge and experience, ask yourself whether or not you feel comfortable having them in your home. Are they courteous and professional? Do they seem trustworthy? Do they guarantee a mess-free cleaning? If the answer to these questions is “yes”, then you’ve found the right professional.

Having the dryer vents cleaned on a regular basis is an important part of dryer upkeep. It helps ensure the safety of your family and home, and preserves the life of your dryer and clothes. Once you’ve found a trustworthy, qualified professional to service and clean your venting system, you’ll have no problem making annual maintenance a priority in your home.