Our Company Blog

What We Might Find During a Chimney Inspection

To keep your chimney working safely and efficiently, you should schedule an annual maintenance appointment with a chimney professional. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), your chimney needs to be professionally swept and inspected at least once a year. If you live in the Austin area, Atlas Chimney provides these professional chimney maintenance services. We are often asked about what exactly we find during routine inspections. We would like to tell you more about the problems we have found on the outside and the inside of chimneys we have inspected over the past three decades.

YOUR CHIMNEY’S INTERIOR

One of the most important reasons your chimney needs to be professionally maintained every year is to have all of the creosote removed. The creosote is removed from the inner walls to prevent chimney fires. Developed naturally during the combustion process of burning wood, creosote sticks to the interior walls of the chimney. It can accumulate into large deposits that can be dangerous. Creosote is so flammable that the CSIA has named it as a leading cause of chimney fires. The CSIA-certified chimney sweeps from Atlas Chimney will make sure to remove every bit of the creosote deposits from your chimney. We also check to ensure there are no blockages of the flue from debris and no damage to interior components like the liner.

YOUR CHIMNEY’S EXTERIOR

You may have heard that water penetration can cause the most damage to a masonry chimney. During our chimney inspections, Atlas Chimney is always on the lookout for masonry chimney damage and deterioration caused by water. We look for cracked, crumbled, loose, and missing bricks and mortar joints that need to be repaired. This damage not only allows water to leak into your home to cause further damage, but it can also lead to serious structural problems. These include the collapse of the chimney structure. We will also check out the condition of your chimney cap, crown, and flashing system since these components serve to keep water from getting into your chimney.

After we have completed our inspection, Atlas Chimney will give you a written report on the condition of your chimney, and if we find damage, you will also receive photos of the damage and a written estimate of the repairs needed. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to have your chimney professionally swept and inspected.

Enjoy the Fireplace with These Holiday Drinks

During the holiday season, the fireplace is a traditional gathering spot for many families. While sitting around a warm and cozy fire while you catch up with visiting family and friends can be a perfect way to celebrate this time of the year, it can be even more festive when you serve special holiday drinks to your guests. You may already know that Atlas Chimney is the top chimney company in the Austin area. However, not only does our staff have the trusted knowledge and experience in professional chimney maintenance, repair, and installation services, but we also consider ourselves experts on the best holiday beverages to enjoy by the fireplace. We would like to share with you some suggestions of what to serve during your fireside holiday moments this year, along with a few fireplace safety reminders.

HOT HOLIDAY COCKTAILS

If you are hosting a holiday party at your home this year, you may be looking for the perfect cocktail to add even more cheer to the festivities. In Country Living’s “40+ Winter Drinks to Sip Around the Fireplace This Christmas,” you will find a nice variety of holiday-themed cocktails that will keep your guests warm and happy. Those who love the traditional eggnog drink will enjoy the Eggnog and Bailey’s, Cinnamon White Russian, S’mores Martini, and the Spiked Coconut Vanilla Steamer. If you would like to serve a more fruity type of cocktail, check out the recipes for the Vanilla Cranberry Mimosa and the Blood Orange Moscow Mule.

HOT HOLIDAY-THEMED DRINKS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

For family celebrations, Country Living also features a great deal of non-alcoholic holiday beverage suggestions that both the children and the adults will enjoy drinking by the fireplace. You will find several festive variations on hot chocolate, including Spiced Mexican, Nutella, Gingerbread, Mint White Chocolate, and Grinch. A favorite of our staff, the Peppermint Oreo Milkshake is the perfect addition to any holiday gathering. If you are looking for a new punch recipe for your holiday parties, the Christmas Day Punch not only tastes delicious; it also looks colorful and cheerful and will add to any seasonal party decor.

To be able to fully relax around the fireplace with your guests during the holiday season, you should follow a few fire safety tips. Have your chimney professionally swept and inspected before the holiday season begins. Make sure all of your holiday decorations, including your tree, stockings, and greenery accents, are placed at least three feet away from the fireplace. Place a screen in front of the hearth to protect children and pets from getting too close to the fire. Considering these fire safety practices can prevent an accidental fire from ruining your holiday celebrations.

Atlas Chimney would like to wish you and your family a very happy holiday. Contact us for any of your professional chimney maintenance, repair, and installation needs you may have this winter.