December 2021 - English Sweep

No one wants to be stuck without a working chimney, especially this time of year when holiday parties and festivities are in full swing. So, what happens if something unexpected happens and you need chimney care fast? Well, that’s where we come in with our emergency chimney care services.How Does It Work?How do our emergency services work exactly? Well, it’s pretty simple! Basically, if a chimney-related emergency occurs in your home, we want you to reach out to us at 636-225-3340. We’ll then be out to your home within 24 – 48 hours to help resolve the issues you’re facing and do what we can to get things back to normal working order.What’s Considered a Chimney Emergency?So, what exactly constitutes an emergency in the chimney sweep field? Here are some common examples:Your flue is clogged making your chimney unsafe for use. If animals, debris, nesting materials, creosote, or anything else is jammed in your flue, using your fireplace can put you at serious risk. You could experience carbon monoxide exposure or smoke inhalation, and your fireplace will likely be inoperable. If you call us in, we’d be happy to take a look and remove whatever is blocking things up.You’ve experienced a chimney fire. Chimney fires are detrimental to the health of your chimney, and you should never put your fireplace to use after one has occurred. If you experience a chimney fire, don’t hesitate to reach out as soon as possible so we can look things over and make sure there’s no immediate threats throughout your system.There’s carbon monoxide in your home. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, so noting its presence isn’t nearly impossible. If you’re experiencing strange symptoms related to exposure (like fatigue, dizziness, nausea, confusion, etc.) be sure to leave your home immediately and call the fire department or 911. Is your carbon monoxide detector going off? Same thing – leave your home and call for help. And if the proper authorities confirm its presence, then it’s time to get on the phone with us, so we can find the leak and make appropriate repairs.Can Chimney Repairs Be Done in the Winter?Now, here in St. Louis, we’re not strangers to harsh winter weather, and if you’ve had a chimney for some time, then you likely know repairs aren’t typically recommended in the winter.But let’s say one of the emergency situations listed above occurs. Then, can repairs be done if totally necessary?Well, there’s good news and bad news. The good news is that, if needed, we can make wintertime masonry repairs work. The industry today has tools, heaters, and other special products that will allow the repairs to take place even when temperature ranges are not ideal.The bad news? While these will offer a temporary resolution and allow you to put your fireplace to use for the remainder of the winter, they will not offer the long-lasting results you’d get from a spring or summertime repair. But it will buy you some time and can be well worth it if it means enjoying your system safely for the rest of the season.Come spring and summer, we can jump back in and reassess to see if further services are needed.What’s the Best Way to Avoid Chimney Damage?If you’ve experienced any type of chimney-related emergency (or even any non-emergency damages, for the matter), you’re probably wondering the best way to avoid these issues again down the line.The best way to avoid chimney damage from occurring in the first place is to invest in annual inspections from a CSIA-certified chimney sweep. Before the start of your burning season each year (ideally in the spring or summer months), have a sweep look things over to ensure everything looks good for the burning season ahead.If creosote build-up, clogs, cracking, or any other type of damage is noted, they can then take the time to properly address them before fall and winter arrive again.Along with this, you can invest in preventative measures, like waterproofing, to ensure you’re less susceptible to issues down the line.And never put off necessary repairs! If you hire a reputable sweep and they suggest a sweeping, masonry repair, or new chimney component, do not put your system to use until all appropriate services are completed. Putting a faulty fireplace to use can lead to serious issues like house fires or exposure to harmful fumes.We’re Knowledgeable, Dedicated & Here to Put Your Mind at EaseHere at English Sweep, Inc., we pride ourselves on staying educated, on top of any new developments in the trade, and dedicated to serving all of your chimney and fireplace needs. We’re a family-focused team that’s committed to answering your questions and putting you at ease as you use your fireplace every season.Don’t wait to reach out! If you live in St. Louis, Kirkwood, Wildwood, Olivette, Webster Groves, or anywhere else nearby, give us a call. We’d love to help you out soon!

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