How Florida Weather Wears Down Your Chimney (And Why Maintenance Matters)

October 1, 2025 | Chimney Basics

Florida’s climate is uniquely tough on chimneys and fireplaces — whether you have a traditional masonry chimney or a factory-built (prefabricated) system. Even if you rarely use your fireplace, the environment alone can cause wear and tear that leads to costly problems if not addressed.Think of your chimney like your car: even if it spends most of its time parked, it still needs routine maintenance. You wouldn’t skip oil changes and expect your car to last forever, right? The same goes for your chimney or fireplace system.Below, we’ll explore how Florida weather impacts both masonry and factory-built chimneys — and the steps that help protect them for the long run.High Humidity = Hidden DamageMasonry Chimneys: Florida’s constant humidity seeps into bricks and mortar. Over time, this weakens the structure, causes cracks, and can create musty odors.Factory-Built Fireplaces: Excess moisture encourages rust and corrosion on metal fireboxes, dampers, and liners, shortening … Continued

Why Chimney Inspections Should Be on Every Real Estate Agent’s Radar

July 31, 2025 | *Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

When helping a client purchase a home, your role as a real estate agent is more than facilitating transactions—you’re guiding them through one of the most significant investments of their life. While home inspections are a standard part of the closing process, one crucial component is often overlooked: the chimney.The Overlooked Danger Lurking OverheadChimneys may not be top of mind during a walkthrough, but they play a vital role in both safety and property value. A faulty chimney can be a fire hazard, a source of carbon monoxide poisoning, or an avenue for costly structural damage. That’s why chimney inspections, especially for older homes or those with wood-burning fireplaces, should be a standard recommendation in your real estate checklist.What Can Go Wrong with a Chimney?Here are just a few potential issues that a proper chimney inspection can uncover:Creosote Buildup: This flammable byproduct of wood burning can ignite and cause chimney … Continued

What Makes a Chimney Inspection So Unique?

February 18, 2025 | Chimney Cleaning

At Chimney Champions, we understand the importance of keeping your home safe and warm, especially during the cooler months. While you might not think much about your chimney, it plays a major role in protecting your property and family. That’s why our professional chimney inspections stand out. But what exactly makes a chimney inspection so unique? Let’s talk about it.

How to Remove Fireplace Ash Without Making a Mess

January 19, 2025 | Chimney Cleaning

Nothing beats the warm and inviting glow of your fireplace on a chilly winter evening—until it’s time to clean up. The leftover ash can seem like a messy nightmare, but don’t worry! Chimney Champions is here to show you how to remove fireplace ash without turning your living room into a dusty disaster. With these tips from our chimney sweeps, you’ll keep your fireplace tidy and enjoy it season after season.

Why Your Chimney Needs Swept this Winter

December 21, 2024 | Chimney Basics

If you’re a homeowner in Jacksonville, FL, you know that winters can be surprisingly chilly, with cooler days and even cooler nights. And what’s better than snuggling up by the fireplace on a cold winter night? But before you light that first fire of the season, have you thought about when was the last time your chimney was swept? As much as we love cozy nights by the fire, it’s important to make sure our chimneys are well-maintained and safe. That’s why we at Chimney Champions are here to help you determine when to get your chimney swept.

Why You Should Never Cook Over Your Fireplace

3 Reasons You Should Never Cook Over Your Fireplace

March 14, 2024 | Chimney Basics

Cooking over an open flame can be a fun and rustic way to prepare meals. However, there are several reasons why it’s best to avoid using your fireplace as a cooking source. Not only is this a safety hazard, but it can also result in more extensive sweeps. Below, Chimney Champions explains three additional reasons why you should never cook over your fireplace.

3 Fireplace Mistakes You’re Probably Making

September 9, 2022 | Chimney Basics

Many people enjoy the cozy ambiance and warmth a fireplace provides during the winter or even on those cooler summer evenings. However, if you’re not using or caring for your fireplace correctly, you may be costing yourself money and causing damage to your home. So, Chimney Champions is here to help you avoid these three common fireplace mistakes so you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

How to Choose a Chimney Sweep

August 9, 2022 | Chimney Cleaning

Like most homeowners, you probably don’t give much thought to your chimney until it’s time for a sweep. Then, you’re suddenly faced with a daunting task: how to choose a chimney sweep. It can be tough to know who to trust, what to look for, and how to ensure the job is done correctly. But don’t worry. Chimney Champions is here to help! We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about choosing a chimney sweep.

How to Increase Your Chimney’s Lifespan

March 10, 2022 | Chimney Cleaning

While most chimneys are durable, many won’t last the lifespan of the home. Unfortunately, this leaves many homeowners spending big to replace or repair them. So, how can you extend the life of your chimney? We’re glad you asked! While regular inspections from Chimney Champions help, there are some other things you can do to prolong the life of your chimney.

What Water Does to a Chimney

February 15, 2022 | Chimney Cleaning

Water damage inside your home is never a good thing. That’s why your entire structure is waterproofed from top to bottom, including your chimney. Still, the elements can be harsh and Mother Nature has a way of causing unwanted damage. When it comes to your fireplace and chimney, Chimney Champions offers a wide variety of services, including chimney inspections. It’s during these inspections that we find most water damage, and here is what we want you to know.