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 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.

3 Benefits of a Wood-Burning Fireplace

June 15, 2022 | Chimney Inspections

When you think about the wood-burning fireplace in your home, do you ever consider all the benefits? In addition to keeping your home warm or creating a cozy ambiance, there are several other benefits that you might not even consider. Just as long as Chimney Champions inspects your chimney and fireplace regularly, you’ll go on to enjoy all of these great benefits for years to come.

3 Chimney Repairs to Make Right Away

August 10, 2021 | Chimney Basics

A fireplace and chimney bring a lot of physical and monetary value to your home. However, they also require a great deal of maintenance and care. As a home ages, so does the chimney, which is why regular inspections from Chimney Champions are necessary. Even more important are repairs that you should make to keep your chimney in proper working order and keep your home safe from smoke or fire damage.

3 Chimney Summer Maintenance To-Dos

July 14, 2021 | Chimney Cleaning

Sunny weather means more household projects. You’ve probably got a “honey-do” list longer than your leg, and the chimney is one of them. However, you shouldn’t take chimney sweeping or repairs into your own hands. Instead, let the team from Chimney Champions help you out with all of your summer chimney maintenance.

3 Facts About Efflorescence

June 16, 2021 | Chimney Basics

Are you starting to see a white powder form on the exterior of your chimney? This residue is called efflorescence, and it’s not uncommon for homeowners to think that this is just a sign of an aging chimney. However, it’s a sign that your chimney needs an inspection, and the professionals at Chimney Champions want you to know that efflorescence should not be ignored. In fact, it could be a sign of a larger issue with your chimney, and definitely should be inspected. Here are several facts you need to know about this white, powdery substance appearing on your stack.