Cold Snaps & Cozy Fires: Why Fireplace Maintenance Matters Most This Season

January 28, 2026 | Chimney Cleaning

As temperatures drop and cold snaps roll in, fireplaces across our community quickly become the heart of the home. There’s nothing better than gathering around a warm fire during the coldest months — but this is also the time when fireplaces and chimneys work their hardest. At Chimney Champions, we want to remind homeowners that regular fireplace maintenance is especially important during peak burning season.When a fireplace is used frequently, soot and creosote build up faster inside the chimney. Creosote is a highly flammable byproduct of burning wood and is one of the leading causes of chimney fires. During cold snaps, many homeowners burn longer, hotter fires, which can accelerate this buildup and place added stress on chimney systems — especially factory-built fireplaces that rely on metal components and decorative panels.Routine chimney inspections and cleanings help ensure your fireplace is operating safely and efficiently. Maintenance allows potential issues — such … Continued

The Hidden Dangers of Soot Buildup During Burning Season

November 10, 2025 | Chimney Basics

When the temperatures drop and fireplaces and wood stoves become part of your daily routine, it’s easy to focus on comfort and warmth. But what often goes unnoticed is the accumulation of soot inside your chimney system—a seemingly minor issue that can quickly become a serious safety hazard.Whether you burn wood occasionally or rely on your fireplace or stove throughout the season, keeping your chimney clean and inspected is essential. Here’s what you need to know about soot buildup, the risks of neglecting chimney maintenance, and why working with a certified chimney professional matters.What Is Soot, and Why Does It Build Up?Soot is a fine, powdery black substance made primarily of carbon. It’s created as a byproduct of incomplete combustion—when wood or other fuels don’t burn completely. It rises with smoke and attaches to the interior walls of the flue, collecting over time with each fire you burn.Factors that contribute … 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

How to Prepare Your Home for a Chimney Sweep

October 10, 2021 | Chimney Basics

Your fireplace is a relaxing feature in your home. Whether you have one in the living room or a bedroom, it’s an enjoyable part of your homeownership experience. However, fireplaces do come with a fair amount of responsibility, including regular sweeps from Chimney Champions. However, this process isn’t always the tidiest, so we thought we’d help you prepare for our visit.

3 Signs of a Chimney Fire

November 10, 2020 | Chimney Inspections

On average, there are roughly 25,000 chimney fires every year, causing more than $125 million in damage. Still, many homeowners don’t realize that they need to have chimney inspections performed regularly. It’s very likely that you’ve had a chimney fire and haven’t even noticed. That’s where the team at Chimney Champions comes in. We can inspect the entire structure of your chimney and tell you whether or not you’ve experienced a fire in your chimney.

3 FAQs About Chimney Sweeps

August 15, 2020 | *Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

At Chimney Champions, we get a lot of questions about fireplaces, chimneys, and chimney sweeps. While safety is our number one priority, so is providing additional education and resources. If you have a fireplace in your home, educating yourself on features and safety precautions is essential. Here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions we receive as trusted chimney sweeps.

A Spring Cleaning Checklist for Your Chimney

March 17, 2020 | Chimney Basics

There’s no better time to get your chimney cleaned and inspected by a professional chimney sweep than right now. Spring is here, which means more rain, more pests, and probably some much needed deep cleaning. So, why not have your chimney cleaned and inspected as well? Although doing a complete spring clean is a lot of work, it can end up being a great payoff. With the help from the team at Chimney Champions, you can rest easily, knowing your flue and stack are moisture damage free and sealed up tightly for the hot summer months ahead.

Ropes Training – Raising the Standard of Safety

July 7, 2019 | A Day in the Life

Long time, no updates! We have made it a top priority this year to attend as many hands on training classes as possible to stay at the top of the industry. One of the most important classes we have attended so far this Summer is ropes training and safety. Jim Brewer is a legend in the chimney sweep industry and our team recently made the visit to train with him at the Fire Service & Codes Enforcement Academy in Bell Buckle, Tennessee. The two day class went over basic safety precautions, proper ways to protect a clients roof while using ropes, knots, and most importantly hands on training at the Academy. The reality of our industry is that most sweeps are inspecting a home or performing a repair alone. Using the old style OSHA safety harness, if you fall off a roof alone you have no way to self rescue … Continued

Safe chimney sweeps