What is a Chimney Sweep?

The phrase "chimney sweep" might conjure up fun images of a dancing Dick van Dyke, but in reality, the job of a chimney sweep is a very important one. A dirty or damaged chimney system presents a serious danger to your home and health -- a chimney sweep is tasked with cleaning your chimney, performing any necessary repairs, and visually inspecting your chimney system to make sure everything is in proper working order.

Homeowners in Bergen County NJ have trusted Guardian Chimney with their chimney maintenance needs for over 16 years. Prior to beginning your chimney cleaning or repair, someone from Guardian Chimney will complete a free estimate, letting you know how much the project should cost before any work is started. When the job is finished, you, your loved ones, and your home will be much safer.

Ready to have your Bergen County chimney cleaned, serviced, or inspected? Give Guardian Chimney a call today at 1-888-688-1388.

Free Estimate from Guardian Chimney

Your chimney ventilates smoke from your fireplace into the outside air, but not all byproducts of a fire make it out of the chimney. Dirt, dust, and soot can build up inside your chimney, creating a very serious fire hazard. Your chimney can also become damaged due to storms or other events. If you feel your chimney might present a danger to your home and your loved ones, call the most trusted chimney maintenance and repair company for Bergen County residents -- Guardian Chimney.

For over 16 years, Guardian Chimney has helped thousands of families in New Jersey, including those in Bergen County, safeguard their homes through professional chimney cleaning, maintenance and repair. Guardian Chimney offers customers a free estimate, giving them a price for repairs and service before the job even begins at no cost.

If you'd like to have your chimney cleaned or otherwise repaired for the winter season, contact Guardian Chimney at 1-888-688-1388.

Come on a Tour of Your Chimney

Whether you're the owner of a home with gas heating, an oil furnace, a wood fireplace, a coal stove or a pellet stove, your home likely has a chimney for ventilation purposes. All of these chimney types need chimney inspections regularly, or else your home is exposed to a number of potential dangers. You may not be able to see problems with your chimney, but that doesn't mean they aren't there.

To educate our customers, we've put together this guided chimney tour that takes a look at your chimney and explains its ventilation process, as well as where potential problems can show up if you don't have your chimney cleaned and inspected on a regular basis.

Why Go With Gas Fireplace Logs?

There's no question that a fireplace adds a certain charm to the room it's in. The look of the flames jutting up through the logs, and the crackling sounds the fire makes as it burns create a "homey," comfortable feeling.

Unfortunately, not everyone has time to chop wood or even start a fire. This is one of the major benefits of gas logs -- logs that resemble normal wood logs, but are actually fed with a gas line. This means you don't have to lug a bunch of logs into your home, mess around with kindling as you try to get a fire going, and shove a bunch of wood into your fireplace.

Instead, you have a fire that can instantly turn on when you want it, and off when you don't. And, with gas logs, you still get the same look, feel and sound of a conventional fireplace, but without the mess and required clean-up.

Gas Logs Growing in Popularity

Fans of gas logs are increasingly finding themselves surrounded by new converts daily.

Today's Sacramento Bee features an article titled, "Modern gas fireplaces offer increased efficiency, more options." The gist of the piece is this: more home builders and home owners are switching over to gas fireplaces, opting to bypass using wood in the fireplace for better efficiency and more choice in terms of placement and design.

Gas logs in particular are mentioned in the article:

"Gas logs give the look of a full fire for a lot less – $300 to $600. These logs are a popular option for otherwise unused fireplaces."

If you have a fireplace you wood in and you want to step it up in the areas of efficiency and mess (come on -- you know you're sick of cleaning up those wood chips), gas logs are definitely the way to go.

Fireplace FAQs

Here are some of the most common questions we get asked about fireplaces:

Can a fireplace that burns wood be converted over to gas?

Yes, and this is becoming more popular as natural gas is cheap and burns cleaner. Just make sure a professional handles the work.

Will a fire place increase the value of my home?

Exactly how much depends on your location, but in general, fire places could produce a 130% return on your investment should you decide to sell.

What is the cost of heating a gas fireplace?

It depends on how much you will use your fireplace, but using natural gas can save you up to 75%.

Guardian Chimney is New York fireplace pros. Find out more about how we can help you at www.ChimneySafetyAuthority.com. 

Preparing Your Fireplace for Winter

Soon enough, it will be time yet again to pack away the shorts and flip flops for the sweaters and snow boots. Yes, old man winter is coming back to town, and your fireplace should be ready for his arrival.

So, what should you do? You should have had in the spring or fall called for chimney cleaning services, to avoid damage your chimney during the season. Old soot and creosote needs to be cleaned annually.

Other things you should to prepare:

• Install a chimney cap to keep out birds and rodents from taking refuge in your chimney
• Begin to gather firewood and store it in a dry place. Or save money by purchasing a gas fireplace log
• Have the fireplace damper inspected to ensure it properly opens and closes
• Have the mortar and tuckpointing examined.

New Jersey fireplace experts Guardian Chimney can make sure you’re set for winter. Contact us today at www.GuardianChimney.com.