We’ll Meet Your Fireplace and Chimney Sweeping Needs
How does chimney cleaning benefit homeowners?
Creosote (more commonly known as “soot”) results from wood burning and that steadily collects within chimney flues. That substance may be described as carbon-based and usually black or brown in color. It’s highly flammable and may cause a fire if it isn’t regularly cleaned away. We at Midtown Chimney Sweeps of Ames, Iowa strive to benefit homeowners by ensuring their safety, as well as the protection of their homes.
What are the chimney maintenance requirements in Ames, Iowa?
There are regulations to follow if you own a masonry or brick fireplace, a factory-built fireplace, a wood stove, a bio-fuel pellet stove, or a gas fireplace. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and most fireplace manufacturers agree that bio-fuel pellet and wood stoves should be swept every year. Masonry fireplaces and factory-built fireplaces are expected to be swept when they gather a layer of soot measuring at least 1/8”. All fireplaces and heating stoves should be inspected annually. If you don’t comply with these regulations for your item, the manufacturer will likely refuse to honor the warranty.
How often should you have your fireplace cleaned?
The NFPA’s Document 211 states,
Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary.
It’s strongly advised that you have your fireplace checked annually, regardless of how often you use it. Even if you rarely light up your fireplace, it could suffer from other issues, such as broken dampers or shutters. In Ames, the freeze-thaw cycle of water (from rain, sleet, and snow) leads to the steady deterioration of brick fireplaces and chimneys. Midtown Chimney Sweeps looks forward to identifying and correcting such issues for you.
How Midtown Chimney Sweeps of Ames Cleans Chimneys
Our Tools Rank Among the Finest in the Trade
One tool that we’re especially glad to use is our HEPA triple-filtration vacuum. This unique device is manufactured in Germany and thoroughly removes soot and ash in a single pass. Our customers are impressed by how the vacuum leaves the air clean and makes little noise. It’s harmless to use on hard surfaces (as well as carpet) and is without match in the chimney sweeping industry.
Qualified and Insured Professionals
All our technicians are held to the highest standard of courtesy and professionalism. They are CCP-certified (Qualified Chimney Professionals™, a national credential for chimney sweeps) and have insurance for both their general liability and their business vehicles. When Midtown technicians complete a job, they follow up the customer with a satisfaction questionnaire to make sure that all needs were met.
Types of Inspections
There are three levels of inspection recognized nationally, two of which we offer regularly. Level I satisfies most annual inspections and involves a professional looking into the fireplace and adjoining chimney (or the stove and adjoining connector pipe). Level II combines that inspection with a live-video scan of the inside of the chimney in order to thoroughly inspect for damage and build-up. That second level of inspection is required by the NFPA 211 for new homeowners. When ownership of a residence changes, realtors and property managers are likewise expected to fulfill the Level II.
Dryer Vent Maintenance in Ames, Iowa
Why is dryer vent cleaning important?
Your clothes release lint, pet hair, and other fibers while spinning around in the dryer. That material then gets deposited into the appliance’s vent. If too much builds up, it may combine with the electrical heat to start a fire.
How often should the dryer vent be inspected and cleaned?
Due to the fact that tiny holes may develop in the flexible connector behind the dryer, every dryer hook-up and the area surrounding it should be scanned for damage every 6 months. You can lean over the dryer and shine a light down there and look. But you cannot see the tiny holes in the flex connector unless you take it outside. A good connector pipe will prevent dust or carbon monoxide from invading. Additionally, plastic flexible connectors are not satisfactory and need to be replaced with semi-rigid aluminum connectors. Lastly, the vent should be cleaned once a year.
Midtown Chimney Sweeps of Ames, Iowa is the best choice for knowledgeable and friendly staff who treat every client like family. We will make sure you can stay warm and safe when the weather gets chilly.
