Name: St John Chimney Sweeps
Address: 1613 Reed Rd D1, Pennington,, NJ, 08534
Telephone: (609) 737-0133

Chimney Repair | Prolong the Life of your Chimney

April 6, 2017 By admin Leave a Comment

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 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

The Importance of Chimney Inspection

April 6, 2017 By admin Leave a Comment

Mercer County chimney inspection is one of the most important things you can do to keep your home and family safe. If your chimney does not function properly, you run the risk of a deadly house fire. Lighting a fire inside your home fireplace needs to be approached with caution and care. Your chimney provides ventilation to keep your house from filling with smoke, carbon monoxide and soot particles. During a fire, all these things travel through your chimney flue to the outside of your home. Over time, these substances begin cling to the sides of the flue and can have a corrosive effect the brick or stone work of your chimney. This can be extraordinarily hazardous when combined with moisture because of a missing chimney cap or a leak. Today we are going to be taking a look at chimney inspections; the different types of inspections and the importance of keeping your chimney clean and functional.

Mercer County Chimney Inspection | What is a Chimney Inspection?

To ensure that your chimney is working properly, the Chimney Safety Institution of America (CSIA) recommends yearly inspections to ensure that everything is working properly and to avoid the risk of chimney fire. You should always prioritize having your chimney inspected even if you are not suspicious of a problem. Many times, it is not easy to detect the beginning if an issue. There are three levels of chimney inspection. If you are not noticing any problems such as cracks in the chimney, a missing cap, or a smokey house, you only need a preventative maintenance, also known as a level 1 chimney inspection.

Three Levels of Mercer County Chimney Inspection

Level 1 Inspection – If your chimney looks and functions the same way as it did last year, and there are no holes or cracks in the stone work, then a level 1 inspection is best for your situation. This type of inspection is for chimneys that have not undergone any changes during the last 12 months. Level 1 is also the way to go if you are not planning to change use of the chimney or the frequency of fires. This type of chimney service includes an inspection of the exterior and the readily accessible parts of the appliance and chimney connection. The chimney sweep company will look for the overall health of the structure and the flue. During a level 1 inspection, the flue is not cleaned, however your chimney sweep company will verify that it is free of blockages and combustable materials. If you would also like your chimney swept, you can ask the technician when he comes.
Level 2 Inspection – This type of inspection involves a little bit more than a level 1. A level 2 inspection is recommended if there have been changes to the chimney including new appliances or changes in the type of fuel used for fires. Level 2 inspection is also recommended if you have just purchased a home or if the home has been subject to a natural disaster such as an earthquake, or tornado. In addition to everything included in a level 1 chimney inspection, level 2 will examine your chimney from the attic, basement and any smaller crawl space areas. The chimney sweep company will ensure that your chimney is free of damage and combustible materials, however, they will not open doors, panels, or coverings in this inspection. If the chimney sweep company finds a reason for concern during a level 2 inspection, they will probably recommend a level 3 inspection.

Level 3 Inspection – This type of inspection is the most thorough inspection you can have done to your chimney. This includes uncovering certain areas of your home or chimney area to access to hard to reach areas. A level 3 inspection is performed only if there is serious structural damage or safety concerns. After the thorough inspection, your chimney sweep company will determine the next steps that need to be taken to get your chimney back in working order as soon as possible.

St. John Chimney Sweeps |Mercer County Chimney Inspection

Mercer County chimney inspection company, St. John Chimney Sweeps is a comprehensive chimney and fireplace company for both residential and commercial customers throughoutMercer County. Every employee on our team is highly trained and fully certified, enabling us to perform our jobs with expertise. All staff members in the office are very professional, courteous, and are experienced in the chimney industry so we can answer all your questions. Contact us at (609) 737-0133 for estimates on our chimney installation and sweeping services.

Mercer County Chimney Sweep

Pennington Chimney Sweep

April 4, 2017 By admin

In order for your NJ chimney to remain performing its best, it’s key to clean it regularly. The frequency of your chimney cleaning will depend on how often you use your fireplace, but the Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends that most chimneys be cleaned at least once a year. While you could choose to do this on your own, there are some advantages of hiring a professional Pennington chimney sweep to complete your cleaning for you. Here are the top reasons to hire a Pennington chimney sweep.

Reasons to Hire a Pennington Chimney Sweep

Reasons to Hire a Pennington Chimney Sweep | Get A Professional Inspection With Your Cleaning

A Pennington chimney sweep does more than just clean your flue. They are there to assess the state of your chimney and alert you if any repair work is needed. An annual chimney inspection will ensure that your chimney is repaired at the first sign of trouble, which you can save you a significant amount of money on repairs and energy bills later on. The chimney sweeping will practically pay for itself.

Reasons to Hire a Pennington Chimney Sweep | Identify Problems In Your Chimney Installation And Construction

During the inspection your Pennington chimney sweep performs, he will review how your chimney was installed and constructed. Your flue may not be the right size for the best output levels, or your liner may not be sufficient for your fireplace, stove, or furnace. Whatever the case may be, you can get the professional advice you need to correct current and future problems with your chimney when you get it cleaned.

Reasons to Hire a Pennington Chimney Sweep | Have Your Chimney Cleaned With The Right Equipment

A Pennington chimney sweep has the tools, equipment, knowledge, and expertise necessary to ensure your chimney is properly cleaned and maintained. They know what it takes to clear out a chimney safely without causing damage to your brickwork, furnace, fireplace, etc.

Reasons to Hire a Pennington Chimney Sweep | Avoid Safety Hazards Associated With Chimney Sweeping

Chimney sweeping often involves getting up on roofs, ladders, and high-rise equipment that could put you in danger. A professional Pennington chimney sweep knows how to use this equipment to complete their work safely and effectively. They will make sure your chimney is thoroughly cleaned while you remain safe on the ground. There is no reason to put yourself or your family at risk.

Local Pennington Chimney Sweep | Valuable service for your home and family

Homeowners are careful to protect their property. Home maintenance is an important part of your budget. You do not want to take unnecessary risks that put your home in danger. Being careful means being proactive. Your home is one of the largest investments you will ever make. Protecting your home from potential hazards is not an option. Homeowners have plenty of unforeseen circumstances threatening them. Avoiding the threat you can see is the sensible thing to do.

Your home is designed to provide comfort and protection for your family. Keeping your home in good shape improves the odds of keeping your family safe. Chimney cleaning is a valuable service for your home and family. Servicing your heating system at regular intervals is a recommended safety standard.

Local Pennington Chimney Sweep | Considering an emergency cleaning or inspection?

Are you considering an emergency cleaning or inspection? Professional chimney sweeps agree it is a better idea to err on the side of caution. Are there obvious signs that something is wrong? Your local chimney sweep can quickly identify and correct most common issues related to improper chimney function. Getting a second opinion from a professional is never a bad idea.

Your home heating system is one of the most important aspects of home maintenance. Heating systems that fail create emergency situations. Homeowners are cautious to avoid that possibility. Your home’s heating system is more likely to fail when it is needed the most. Do you have an emergency plan in place for losing heat in your home? The same professionals that take care of your yearly maintenance should be on call to save the day. Having a comprehensive emergency strategy is one good idea you hope never to actually need.

Local Pennington Chimney Sweep | Keeping your home safe and warm year round

Homeowners need service professionals they can trust. Do you trust your family’s safety to just anyone? You look for caring professionals when the job comes this close to home. Are you confident in the chimney sweep you rely upon for this important service? Homeowners share information regularly about the service they receive. Keeping a good reputation depends largely upon recommendations and endorsements. Your neighbor is typically the first person you ask when searching for professional contractors.

Looking for an Experienced & Reliable Pennington 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.