FAQs
- What types of customers have you worked with?
A&T Chimney Sweeps, L.L.C. Home Services & Prices FAQS Home Improvement Products Contact Us Schedule Online Expert Chimney, Roofing And Masonry Professionals! ATchimneys@gmail.com Call 703-659-1699 VA HIC,CIC,ROC,BRK 2705143455C Md Const # 15466065 Privacy Policy Detailed Information of our Chimney Services Cleaning of the Fireplace, Wood Stove, Furnace, Pellet Stove... The main reason you should have your chimney cleaned is to remove flammable creosote which accumulates over time inside your chimney and/or heating unit. If these harmful deposits of soot and creosote are allowed to build up, they may eventually lead to a chimney fire. Another important reason to have your chimney cleaned is to clear the flue to allow the toxic gasses to escape. Blocked furnace flue is among the leading causes of carbon monoxide poisonings. Dryer Vent Cleaning... Lint and debris can build up in the clothes dryer vent blocking air flow and creating potentially hazardous conditions including the possibility for an exhaust fire or carbon monoxide intrusion (gas clothes dryers). The U.S. Fire Administration, National Fire Data Center reports that there are over 12,700 home fires per year associated with clothes dryer fires resulting in 15 deaths and 300 injuries, and 88 million dollars in property loss.* Along with the water vapor evaporated from the wet clothes, the exhaust stream carries lint highly flammable particles of clothing made of cotton and polyester through the ventilation duct. Lint can accumulate in the exhaust duct, reducing the dryers ability to expel the heated water vapor, which then accumulates as heat energy within the machine. As the dryer overheats, mechanical failures (thermostat, limit switch, damaged screen, or crushed hose) can trigger sparks which cause the lint trapped in the dryer vent to burst into flames. Chimney Inspection (NFPA #211 Standard) Level I Inspection A Trained Chimney Sweep can verify that the chimney structure is sound and that the chimney is free of obstructions and combustible deposits such as creosote. This level of inspection is performed in most homes along side any standard cleaning. Level II Inspection The addition of a new home heating appliance or a change in the type of fuel a homeowner is burning requires a Level 2 inspection. This level of inspection is also required upon the sale or transfer of a property. In some cases, after an operating malfunction or external event that is likely to have caused damage to the chimney. Level III Inspection When a hidden hazard is identified as a result of either a Level I or II inspection, a Level III inspection is highly recommended. This level of inspection confirms the proper construction and condition of sealed portions of the chimney structure and the flue system. Level III inspections are generally performed when investigating a harmful incident that has caused damage to the chimney or building. Chimney Caps Quite simply, a chimney cap is the least-expensive preventative measure one can take to protect a chimney from deterioration and keep it operating properly. The benefits of a properly sized and installed cap include keeping out weather, such as rain and snow, and animals, such as raccoons and birds. A devious raccoon entering through an open chimney can cause immeasurable damage to the interior of a home. The uncovered chimney that allows rain and snow to enter eventually will deteriorate and, ultimately, will deem the chimney unsafe to use until costly repairs are made. Additionally, a cap can prevent downdrafts while the fireplace is in use, making the fire burn more safely and efficiently Top Closing Dampers If it's not the cold drafts on your feet, it's the high energy bills in your mailbox. You've got a fireplace problem you probably don't know about. It's your damper. It leaks. Not a lot mind you, but enough to be costing you over $200 a year in lost energy. Top Closing Damper seals tight with a silicone rubber gasket, not metal to metal like your most dampers. A Top Closing Damper seals tight, so virtually no air, and thus no heat or air conditioning gets lost up your chimney. Top Closing Damper also eliminates downdrafts, seals out rain which can deteriorate the inside of your chimney, and prevents entry by pests like squirrels, raccoons, and nesting birds. Relining Chimney Systems When the original chimney construction fire clay flue tile liners are cracked, the cracks open during the heating phase and allow gases to pass through to your chimney walls. The gases, being acidic, attack the masonry and will shorten the life of your masonry structure. In addition, this will lead to carbon monoxide in your home. Stainless steel chimney liners are needed to exhaust all poisonous gas and chimney smoke out of your home safely. Advantages of stainless steel chimney liners: Stainless steel chimney liners have a lifetime warranty. Stainless steel chimney liners provide superior fire protection for your home. Meet code requirements for safe operation and resale. Stainless steel chimney liners are one long continuous piece not sectional (no connectors or fireplace mortar joints to shift or separate like clay tile chimney liners) Concrete Crown The Chimney Crown is a key part in protecting the masonry chimney and sits at the top of the chimney. The mortar or cement that makes the crown isn't designed for and will not withstand the test of time and suffers the abuse of weather. Every 7-10 years the crown should be replaced with a new mortar crown to ensure the the chimney is protected. When a mortar crown has cracks, water will enter from the top and begin to deteriorate the interior of the chimney. Thus, leading to relining of the flue and possibly other repair needs. When the chimney crown is not in need of a rebuild but has minor cracks; a crown seal is best to extend the life of the chimney. Crown Seal A Crown Seal is a premixed, concrete and polymer coating that forms a flexible waterproof membrane to protect chimney crowns and more. It dries in about 4 hours and cures in about 24 hours to a natural concrete/mortar appearance. Use on chimney crowns, the tops of masonry and parapet walls, or wherever a flexible waterproof membrane is needed. It remains permanently flexible and carries a 10 year warranty. Chimney Rebuilding Chimney rebuilds include setting up (scaffolding in most cases), tearing down & disposing, and code reconstruction of your existing chimney. Partial chimney rebuilds: small chimneys, when no scaffolding is required, or only the top few courses of a large chimney and includes relaying a new concrete crown. Roof line up chimney rebuilds: The chimney is torn down to the flashing area near the roofline, and then rebuilt with a new concrete crown. Scaffolding required. Total chimney rebuilds: Required when the chimney is leaning or sever deterioration is present jeopardizing the soundness and structural integrity of the whole chimney. Total chimney rebuild require complete tear down of the chimney and new concrete crown. In most cases the firebox, hearth, and smoke chamber do not have to be removed (minor brick chimney repair is usually sufficient).
- What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
Cleaning of the Fireplace, Wood Stove, Furnace, Pellet Stove... The main reason you should have your chimney cleaned is to remove flammable creosote which accumulates over time inside your chimney and/or heating unit. If these harmful deposits of soot and creosote are allowed to build up, they may eventually lead to a chimney fire. Another important reason to have your chimney cleaned is to clear the flue to allow the toxic gasses to escape. Blocked furnace flue is among the leading causes of carbon monoxide poisonings. Dryer Vent Cleaning... Lint and debris can build up in the clothes dryer vent blocking air flow and creating potentially hazardous conditions including the possibility for an exhaust fire or carbon monoxide intrusion (gas clothes dryers). The U.S. Fire Administration, National Fire Data Center reports that there are over 12,700 home fires per year associated with clothes dryer fires resulting in 15 deaths and 300 injuries, and 88 million dollars in property loss.* Along with the water vapor evaporated from the wet clothes, the exhaust stream carries lint highly flammable particles of clothing made of cotton and polyester through the ventilation duct. Lint can accumulate in the exhaust duct, reducing the dryers ability to expel the heated water vapor, which then accumulates as heat energy within the machine. As the dryer overheats, mechanical failures (thermostat, limit switch, damaged screen, or crushed hose) can trigger sparks which cause the lint trapped in the dryer vent to burst into flames.