Chimneys

November 11, 2024

Batts' Chimney Services

How Often Should I Have My Chimney Cleaned?

Chimneys play a crucial role in maintaining a safe and efficient fireplace or heating system. However, many homeowners are uncertain about how often their chimneys should be cleaned. Regular chimney cleaning is essential for ensuring safety, preventing damage, and maintaining the efficiency of your heating system. Here in Alabama, where [...]

November 5, 2024

Batts' Chimney Services

Step in Time – A Brief History of Chimney Sweeps

When you hear the term “chimney sweep,” do you automatically think of the lovable character of Bert from Mary Poppins? While you might not find one of Batts’ Chimney Services chimney experts doing a choreographed dance along your rooftop, we do have a connection to a profession with a long [...]

October 25, 2024

Batts' Chimney Services

‘Tis the Season for Fireplace Safety 

As we get ready for the holiday season here in Alabama, there's nothing quite like cozying up in front of a warm, crackling fireplace. The flicker of the flames and gentle glow instantly makes a house feel like a home. However, along with the comfort and cheer fireplaces provide also [...]

October 5, 2024

Batts' Chimney Services

The Best Ways to Keep Critters Out of Your Chimney

Nothing ruins a peaceful evening by the fireplace quite like the pitter-patter of little feet scurrying around in your chimney. While the thought of a family of raccoons, squirrels, or birds taking up residence in your chimney might seem cute at first, it can quickly become a nightmare situation. These [...]

August 6, 2024

Batts' Chimney Services

What are the Different Types of Chimneys?

As a chimney cleaning and maintenance company serving Alabama homeowners, we often get questions about the various types of chimney systems out there. There's more variety than you might think! While they all serve the same basic purpose of venting smoke and gases from fireplaces, woodstoves, furnaces and other heating [...]

January 12, 2023

Batts' Chimney Services

Can Snow Damage My Chimneys?

While most of today's chimneys are built to keep debris and small animals from getting into the flue, snow may sometimes make its way in.  In this blog post, chimney cleaning and repair company Batts' Chimney Services discusses what happens when snow makes its way into your chimneys, and whether or not [...]

December 22, 2022

Batts' Chimney Services

Why Is My Fireplace Smoking Up The House?

A fireplace is a fantastic addition to any home. It provides a warm and inviting atmosphere that the whole family can enjoy. However, if your fireplace is smoking up the house, it can be a real nuisance.  (more…)

December 15, 2022

Batts' Chimney Services

Can I Cook In My Fireplace?

The fireplace is the focal point of many homes. It's where you gather to relax and enjoy quality time with family and friends during the colder months. Another activity you can do in this place is cook. With some creativity, you can use your fireplace to whip up some delicious meals. [...]

December 9, 2022

Batts' Chimney Services

Why You Shouldn’t Use a Chimney With a Cracked Liner

It can be tempting to ignore a cracked chimney liner. There is a common misconception that this issue won't affect other parts of your home. Unfortunately, a cracked chimney liner can endanger your property and your family. If you are dealing with this problem, you must immediately contact a chimney repair professional.  [...]

August 23, 2022

Batts' Chimney Services

Common Dryer Mistakes Every Homeowner Should Avoid

Most homeowners regularly rely on their clothes dryer. Without proper maintenance, however, dryer vents can become clogged and cause over 15,000 residential fires each year in the United States alone. For this reason, it's important to use your dryer wisely and clean its vents regularly. Through proper dryer vent maintenance, [...]

May 16, 2022

Batts' Chimney Services

What’s the Difference Between Top-Sealing & Throat Dampers?

Throat dampers are pretty common and most homeowners – even those who don’t have a fireplace – are familiar with them. They are part of the fireplace, rather than the chimney, and work by keeping the chimney closed off at the bottom, keeping the house warm by shutting out the [...]

May 9, 2022

Batts' Chimney Services

How Dryer Vent Cleaning Can Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality – if it’s not something that you think about often, you probably should. After all, it's an important but often overlooked factor to your family’s overall health. Poor indoor air quality has been linked to symptoms like headaches, difficulty in concentrating, fatigue, as well as irritation to [...]

May 2, 2022

Batts' Chimney Services

What Is a Chimney Smoke Test and How Is It Done?

If you’re planning to reinstate a chimney that hasn’t been used in a while, or maybe you just purchased a house and would like to check how airtight the chimney is, you'll want to have a chimney smoke test done. In today’s article, your friendly team of chimney cleaning experts at Batts' [...]

April 18, 2022

Batts' Chimney Services

Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Fireplace Cracks

As a homeowner, you should always be on the lookout for cracks in your fireplace even if you only use it a few months each year. Depending on the material, cracks can be caused by different factors. If you want to keep enjoying the warmth of your fireplace while keeping [...]

April 11, 2022

Batts' Chimney Services

What Causes Creosote Buildup?

Whenever the fireplace is used, a residue called creosote is deposited in the chimney flue or lining. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), this is a highly flammable material that can be a potential hazard and lead to a house fire. Fortunately, the buildup can be dealt with [...]

April 7, 2022

Batts' Chimney Services

The Consequences of a Cracked Chimney Flue

Also known as a chimney liner, a chimney flue is a little-known component that serves a big role in the safety of your roofing system. Its function is so important that fire experts even recommend having the entire chimney inspected professionally at least once a year for maintenance and repair. [...]

March 16, 2022

Batts' Chimney Services

How to Keep Chimney Swifts out of Your Chimney in Spring

Did you know that your chimney system offers an inviting nesting space for a variety of animals? Chimney swifts are a species of birds that are particularly drawn to chimneys. Unlike other birds, they build their nests on vertical surfaces, as they can't perch on trees. Every March, chimney swifts [...]

March 9, 2022

Batts' Chimney Services

Chimney Chase Covers: A Quick Overview

Understanding the parts of your chimney and their respective functions allows you to properly maintain the entire system. One important component you should know about is the chase cover or chase pan. It is the square or rectangular piece of metal that is fitted on top of your chimney chase.  [...]

March 2, 2022

Batts' Chimney Services

What You Need to Know About Creosote Sweeping Logs

If your chimney is caked in creosote, this can be a potential fire hazard, possibly putting you and your family in danger. Since creosote can be tough to clean, soap and water may not be enough. For this reason, many homeowners use creosote sweeping logs to deal with this chimney [...]

February 16, 2022

Batts' Chimney Services

How Water Damages Your Chimney

Water is one of the main causes of damage in different parts of your home, especially your chimney. Heavy rain and severe weather conditions can take a toll on your chimney. To avoid chimney issues from ensuing, make sure that you get it maintained and inspected regularly. (more…)