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When Researching Chimney Sweeps, Don’t Forget to Check Online Reviews

Over the past several decades, technology has gone through some incredible changes that have transformed the way that we live our lives. When Atlas Chimney first began serving thefive stars Austin, Texas area, we depended on referrals from our customers to their family, friends, and neighbors who were looking for excellent comprehensive professional chimney services. More than 25 years have gone by since we opened for business, and although some of our new customers have found us from that kind of recommendation from our established clients, more and more people hire us to take care of their chimney and fireplace needs after reading the reviews of our services on Google, Yelp, and other online sources. In fact, recent surveys have suggested that the majority of consumers trust online reviews as much as they do personal recommendations. We would like to take the chance to tell you more about why you should consider online reviews when you are researching chimney sweeps to hire to perform maintenance, repair, and installation services in your home.

Where can I find online reviews of chimney sweeping businesses?

One of the most comprehensive sources of business reviews that you can access via the Internet is Google. Not only does this search engine giant provide consumers with opportunities to write their own reviews, but it also includes reviews that have been left by customers on other websites and social media platforms. Simply type “professional chimney sweeps near me” into the search bar, and you will be given a listing of the companies that are located nearest to your home as well as customer reviews of these companies. Yelp is another great online resource for doing research on available chimney sweeps in your area. With online communities set up in every major city in the country, this website allows its members to share their experiences with just about every type of business in that area. With a user-friendly interface, it is simple to search for the exact type of service that you need and find ratings and reviews about companies that provide that service. You can also download review apps to your smartphone so that you can access reviews when you are away from your computer. Social media platforms like Facebook also provide users with the ability to review and recommend businesses directly from their home pages. These online reviews can be easily found by searching on that platform as well as on various search engine websites.

Why should I consider online reviews when researching chimney sweeps?

When you have recently moved to a new area, it can be challenging to find the best chimney sweep to hire to perform important maintenance tasks such as the annual inspection service. If you do not have friends or family who live in this area to ask for recommendations, reading online reviews of the local chimney companies is an excellent way to know who is the right chimney sweep for your home. Unfortunately, scam artists commonly use chimney sweeping as a way to make money at the expense of homeowners, but thanks to online reviews, this type of dishonest scheme can be easily exposed. Another advantage of checking online reviews when researching chimney sweeps is being able to see how the business handles negative experiences. When someone leaves Atlas Chimney a negative review online, our owner Chris Hess takes the time to reach out to that customer to make amends. We want to go the extra mile to make sure unhappy customers are satisfied with our services. Although it may seem impossible to please everyone, it is important to note how a business responds to negativity.

What is another source to find information about professional chimney sweeps?

When you are looking for a chimney sweep to hire to provide a service in your home, you should always check to see if they have been certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). Founded in 1983, the CSIA is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to educating, training, and certifying chimney and venting system professionals. Known as the leading expert in the chimney and fireplace industry, the CSIA also promotes public awareness of the best safety practices to follow when operating chimney and fireplace systems. Atlas Chimney is proud to have a team that has received this professional credential. Not only do chimney professionals have to pass a comprehensive examination to earn CSIA certifications, but they must also sign the CSIA Code of Ethics, which ensures that the chimney sweeps engage in honest and fair business practices on every job. You are guaranteed to be treated respectfully and decently by a CSIA-certified chimney sweep.

Hiring a professional chimney sweep does not have to be a challenge. By reading online reviews of sweeps in your area, you can easily find the best professional for your home. If you live in the Austin, Texas area, Atlas Chimney is here for any professional chimney maintenance, repair, and installation need you may have. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our CSIA-certified professionals.

Waterproofing Your Chimney

When the temperature drops below freezing in the winter, a lot of damage can happen to your masonry chimney if you are not prepared. Preventing water leaks is the most important thing you can do for the condition of your chimney. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) was not joking when they said that water is the biggest enemy of masonry chimneys. Water penetration causes serious and expensive damage, and much of this damage occurs during the winter. If water has leaked into the bricks and mortar of your chimney, it will freeze and expand when the temperature drops. When this water thaws, it can cause the bricks and mortar to crack, break apart, and even fall out of your chimney. Known as spalling, this type of damage can lead to the collapse of your chimney structure if left unrepaired. At Atlas Chimney, we provide several water penetration preventive services that can reduce the risk of spalling each winter, including waterproofing your chimney. We would like to tell you more about this prevention method to keep water from leaking into your chimney to cause expensive damage.

What is waterproofing?

Waterproofing Your Chimney - Austin TX - Atlas ChimneyEven when your chimney is properly built, the masonry materials absorb water. Waterproofing creates a barrier that keeps water from penetrating bricks and mortar. Our CSIA-certified chimney technicians will apply a coating of a waterproofing formula to your entire chimney. We only use formulas that are 100 percent vapor permeable, and this is essential because it allows any moisture and vapors trapped inside the bricks and mortar to escape yet prevents water from rain or melted snow from being absorbed into the masonry materials. We never use paint or clear sealants because they lead to more damage by trapping in moisture. We will also repair any damage that has occurred due to spalling or other issues before applying the waterproofing formula. We will be sure to fix any gaps, cracks, and missing bricks and mortar so that your chimney will be sound and safe.

What other kinds of damage can water penetration do to my chimney?

When water leaks into your chimney, it can cause extensive damage to every component of your chimney as well as parts of your home. The metal parts of your chimney like the damper, the liner, and the firebox can suffer from rusting damage and other types of corrosion. These parts can also crack and break apart, which causes your chimney to be unsafe to use. It can rot any neighboring wooden structures as well. You can even experience water leak damage inside your home, including water-stained ceilings and walls.

How else can Atlas Chimney protect my chimney from water penetration?

We also provide custom flashing installation services that will prevent water from leaking in between the roof and the chimney as well as chimney cap installation services that keep water from rain and melted snow from entering your chimney at the top. We are happy to consult with you about the best water leak preventive services for your particular chimney.

Keep your chimney from suffering from water penetration damage this winter. Contact us at Atlas Chimney to schedule an appointment for our waterproofing services.

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