Behind the Scenes of a Dryer Vent Cleaning: Why It Matters More Than You Think

September 5, 2025 | Dangers!

Dryer vent cleaning is one of the most overlooked yet essential maintenance tasks in any home or business. While it may seem like a minor chore, neglecting your dryer vent can lead to serious safety risks, higher utility costs, and reduced appliance efficiency.In this article, we’ll take you behind the scenes of a dryer vent cleaning—what it involves, how fires can start, and why regular maintenance is critical for protecting your property.What’s Hiding in Your Dryer Vent?Each time you dry a load of laundry, small fibers—known as lint—are released from your clothing. While your lint trap catches some of this material, a significant amount passes through and begins accumulating inside your dryer’s exhaust vent.Over time, this buildup can include:Lint and fabric fibersDust and pet hairDebris from outside (leaves, dirt, insects)Bird or rodent nests near exterior vent openingsThis debris not only restricts airflow but also creates a highly flammable environment behind … Continued

Why Hiring a Certified Chimney Sweep Matters: Protect Your Home, Your Wallet, and Your Peace of Mind

August 27, 2025 | Chimney Inspections

When it comes to home maintenance, the chimney is often overlooked. But the reality is that an improperly maintained chimney can pose serious risks—from fire hazards to structural damage and even carbon monoxide exposure. That’s why hiring a certified chimney sweep is not just a smart choice—it’s a critical one.Unfortunately, the chimney industry has seen a rise in unqualified, uninsured, and non-certified contractors offering discounted services to gain access to your home. These companies often use low prices as bait and may deliver substandard, unsafe work. As a homeowner, it’s important to know what you’re really getting.The Problem with Low-Cost “Deals”Many companies advertise extremely low prices for chimney inspections or cleanings. Once inside your home, they may attempt to upsell services you don’t need or perform work that is incomplete—or outright unsafe.Worse, many of these contractors are:Not certified by recognized industry organizationsOperating without proper insuranceLacking technical training and safety knowledgeNot … Continued

Chimney Swifts: What They Are, Why They Matter, and Why Your Chimney Needs Professional Care

August 15, 2025 | Chimney Inspections

As we are in the warmer months, chimney swifts are in their annual migration and nesting season across North America. These small birds often find their way into residential chimneys, using them as nesting sites during spring and summer. While they may seem harmless, chimney swifts can bring serious health and fire hazards if chimneys are not properly maintained.Here’s what you need to know about chimney swifts, their seasonal activity, and why proper chimney cleaning and inspection by a certified company like Chimney Champions is essential.What Are Chimney Swifts?Chimney swifts (Chaetura pelagica) are small, fast-moving migratory birds that are often seen darting through the sky at dusk. They were once known to nest in hollow trees and caves, but today, chimneys serve as their primary nesting structures in urban and suburban areas.These birds are unique in that they are unable to perch like most other birds. Instead, they cling to … Continued

Hurricane Season & Your Chimney: Why a Chimney Service is More Important Than Ever

August 5, 2025 | Chimney Caps

Being in the midst of hurricane season many homeowners prepare their properties for severe weather. Windows are reinforced, trees are trimmed, and emergency supplies are stocked. However, one critical part of the home is often overlooked: the chimney.Your chimney plays a major role in your home’s safety and structure. Without proper maintenance—especially ahead of heavy rain and high winds—it can become a source of significant water damage and costly repairs. Now is the ideal time to schedule a professional chimney sweep and inspection.Chimneys Are Especially Vulnerable During Storm SeasonChimneys are fully exposed to the elements, making them particularly susceptible to damage from high winds, rain, and airborne debris. If your chimney hasn’t been recently inspected or cleaned, it may already have vulnerabilities that could be worsened by a major storm.Without proper sealing, a chimney can become a direct pathway for water intrusion, which can have serious consequences.How Water Intrusion Damages … 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.

Why Get a Chimney Inspection Following a Hurricane

4 Reasons to Get a Chimney Inspection Following a Hurricane

October 24, 2024 | Florida

Hurricanes are a familiar threat to us, with high winds and relentless rain posing a risk to homes across the region. Chimney Champions knows firsthand how critical it is to ensure that all parts of your home are in good condition following severe weather events. One often overlooked area is the chimney. Below, we explore four reasons a post-hurricane chimney inspection is essential for homeowners.

How Often Should You Have Your Chimney Inspected?

July 16, 2024 | Inspections

As a homeowner, it’s important to take care of your chimney to ensure the safety and efficiency of your fireplace. Regular chimney inspections from Chimney Champions are crucial in preventing chimney fires and carbon monoxide leaks. But how often should you have your chimney inspected? Let’s discuss.

Why Get a Chimney Inspection Even if You Don't Use It

3 Reasons to Get a Chimney Inspection Even if You Don’t Use It

December 13, 2023 | Chimney Inspections

If you own a home with a chimney, you may think that it only needs to be inspected by Chimney Champions if you use it. However, this is a common misconception that can lead to serious problems down the line. Let’s look at three reasons why you should get a chimney inspection even if you don’t use your fireplace.

3 Reasons You Should Install a Spark Arrestor

May 10, 2023 | Chimney Inspections

For homeowners with chimneys, ensuring that their homes are safe and secure is of utmost importance. Many homeowners may not know they should install a spark arrestor, and it can be a simple, yet vital, component that makes a world of difference. So, if you’re still wondering whether or not you should call Chimney Champions, here are three good reasons to pick up the phone.