top-hat-chimney

Adulting 101

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 21:56:08 GMT

Home Survival Checklist

�� Adulting 101: Home Survival Checklist

Your essential guide to handling common home emergencies and maintenance tasks. Keep this file handy!

�� Section 1: Emergency & Safety Essentials

1. Fire Safety & Alarms

Smoke/CO Alarms: Test monthly. Alarm = danger; a persistent chirp = change the battery NOW.
Fire Extinguisher: Keep one in the kitchen. Use the P.A.S.S. Method: Pull pin, Aim at base, Squeeze lever, Sweep side-to-side.

2. Utility Shutoffs

Main Water Shutoff: Know where it is (basement, garage, or outside meter). Turn clockwise to stop a burst pipe immediately.
Circuit Breaker: Locate the electrical panel. If power cuts, look for the switch that is in the middle or 'tripped' position and flip it firmly back to 'ON'.

⚡ Section 2: Electrical & Maintenance

1. Electrical Safety

GFCI Outlets: Found near water (bathrooms, kitchen counters). If the power trips, hit the RESET button on the outlet first.
Breakers: They protect the house (wiring) from overload. Don't constantly reset a breaker; it means you have too many things plugged into that circuit.

2. Airflow & Vents

Dryer Vent: Clean the lint screen every single time. Clogged vents are a top cause of house fires and waste energy.
Fans: Use bathroom fans during/after showers (for 15 min) to remove moisture and prevent mold and peeling paint.

3. Fire Starter Skill

Top-Down Fire: For fireplaces or fire pits, stack logs on the bottom, then place kindling, then tinder (paper) on top. It's cleaner, starts faster, and produces less smoke than traditional bottom-up methods.

�� Section 3: Plumbing Quick Fixes

1. Local Shutoffs

Under Sinks/Toilets: Know how to turn the small valves clockwise to stop a leak at that specific fixture (sink, faucet, or toilet).

2. Clogs & Drains

Toilets: Always use a flange plunger (the one with the rubber flap). Ensure a good seal and plunge vigorously (10-15 pumps).
Sinks/Showers: Use a hair removal tool or drain snake before trying harsh chemicals.

3. Septic Systems

The Three P's Rule: If you have a septic system, you can only flush P ee, P oo, and toilet P aper. Everything else goes in the trash!

�� Section 4: Pro Tips

Plunger Type: A cup plunger is for sinks; a flange plunger is for toilets.
Safety First: When working near water, always shut off the local water line first!

10 Often Overlooked Issues in New Construction Fireplaces

Tue, 13 May 2025 12:38:33 GMT

95% of Fireplaces in New Construction are NOT Installed by a Certified Professional

A brand-new fireplace should be a source of warmth and beauty, but sometimes the excitement can be overshadowed by easily missed construction details that can lead to safety hazards and functional problems down the line. As you settle into your new home, it's wise to be aware of these often-overlooked issues that can arise during fireplace construction.

Here are 10 common problems we frequently see with new construction fireplaces:

Lack of Spark Strip: The spark strip is a vital safety element. Positioned partially beneath the front of the fireplace and partially over the subfloor, it stops hot embers from dropping into the gap between the fireplace and the hearth extension and reaching the subfloor.
Insufficient Hearth Extension Size: Building codes or the manufactures listing specify minimum dimensions for the non-combustible hearth extension in front of and to the sides of the fireplace opening. An undersized hearth doesn't adequately protect flooring from sparks and radiant heat.
Inadequate Clearance to Mantle: Combustible mantels placed too close to the fireplace opening can overheat and potentially catch fire. Proper clearance, as dictated by the fireplace manufacturer and local codes, is essential for safety.
Insulation Not Meeting Clearances: Combustible insulation installed too close to the firebox or chimney can pose a fire hazard. Strict clearances must be maintained between insulation and components.
Absence of Firestop/Draftstop: Firestops are horizontal barriers within wall cavities and around the chimney chase that prevent the spread of fire and smoke. Draftstops help control airflow. Their omission can compromise fire safety.
Insufficient Clearances to Chimney Pipe (Especially Spray Foam): Combustible materials like spray foam insulation must maintain specific clearances from the hot surfaces of the chimney pipe. Improper application can create a significant fire risk.
Improper or Inadequate Flashing: The flashing around the chimney where it meets the roof is critical for preventing water leaks. Poorly installed or insufficient flashing can lead to water damage in the attic and around the chimney structure.
Improper Installation of Siding Around Chimney: Improper installation of siding can reduce life expectancy, cause expensive water leaks and/or void manufacture warranties.
Poorly Constructed Chase Cover: The chase cover, the top of the chimney chase, is designed to keep out rain, snow, and debris. Some manufacturers even require a ventilated chase cover. A poorly built or improperly sealed cover can allow water intrusion, leading to internal damage.
Improper Chimney Height: Building codes and manufacturers specify minimum chimney height above the roofline and nearby obstructions to ensure proper draft and ventilation. Inadequate chimney height can lead to smoking issues, inefficient burning and even fire hazards.

While a new fireplace is an exciting feature, these often-overlooked construction details can have significant safety and functionality implications. It's important to understand that the definition of a "thorough inspection" can vary greatly between companies. Many chimney sweeps may only assess readily accessible areas. However, at Top Hat Chimney Sweeps, our commitment to your safety goes further. Our comprehensive inspections often include accessing attics, crawl spaces, roofs, and chases, in addition to a detailed video camera inspection of the interior of your chimney system. This in-depth approach allows us to identify potential issues that others might miss. Don't assume everything is correct – ensure your new fireplace is truly safe and sound with a comprehensive inspection from Top Hat Chimney Sweeps. The standard for the 3 levels of chimney inspections are set by NFPA 211 . The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors also repeats the importance of annual inspection and cleaning by a Professional Chimney Sweep. Get it checked right, the first time!

How To Build A Top-Down Fire

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 12:49:38 GMT

What is a top down or upside down fire?

Flip Your Fire, Not Your Lid: The Genius of Top-Down Fires

Here at Top Hat Chimney Sweeps, we've seen our fair share of fireplaces, and let's be honest, some burn a lot smarter than others. Today, we're going to talk about a game-changer in the world of wood burning: the top-down fire , sometimes called an upside-down fire . Forget everything you thought you knew about building a cozy blaze – this method flips the script (literally!) and offers a surprising number of benefits.

What Exactly Is a Top-Down Fire?

Instead of starting with kindling at the bottom and progressively adding larger pieces of wood, the top-down method does exactly the opposite. You build your fire like a reverse pyramid:

The Foundation: Start with your largest, seasoned logs at the bottom of your firebox. Arrange them snugly, leaving a little space for airflow.
The Middle Layer: Place medium-sized pieces of wood perpendicularly across the base logs.
The Kindling Crown: Top it all off with a generous layer of small, dry kindling (think twigs, small split pieces) and a natural fire starter (like rolled-up newspaper or a commercial fire starter).

Why Go Upside Down? The Brilliant Benefits

You might be scratching your head right now. Doesn't fire burn upwards? Absolutely! And that's precisely the beauty of the top-down method. Here's why it's a superior way to build a fire:

Cleaner Burn, Less Smoke: This is a big one, folks, and something we at Top Hat Chimney Sweeps heartily endorse! By lighting the kindling on top, the fire gradually ignites the larger logs below. This allows the wood to reach its optimal burning temperature more slowly and efficiently, leading to a more complete combustion of the fuel. The result? Significantly less smoke, creosote buildup in your chimney, and particulate matter released into the air. This not only makes your fireside experience more pleasant but also contributes to a safer chimney and a cleaner environment.
Longer, More Consistent Heat: Because the larger logs ignite slowly from the top down, you get a sustained and consistent heat output. No more constantly adding small pieces of wood to keep the fire going. A well-built top-down fire can burn steadily for a considerable amount of time.
Easier to Light: Surprisingly, many find top-down fires easier to get going. The kindling on top catches quickly, and the heat it generates gradually dries out and ignites the larger wood below.
Reduced Risk of Flare-Ups: The controlled burn from the top down minimizes sudden bursts of flame that can sometimes occur with traditional fire-building methods.
More Efficient Fuel Use: By burning more completely, you'll get more heat from each piece of wood, meaning you'll use less fuel overall.

Top-Down Fire: A Breath of Fresh Air for Your Chimney (and the Environment!)

As chimney professionals, we at Top Hat Chimney Sweeps are always looking for ways to help our customers enjoy their fireplaces safely and efficiently. The top-down fire method is a fantastic way to achieve both. By reducing smoke and creosote buildup, you're not only making your fires more enjoyable but also minimizing the risk of chimney fires and the need for frequent cleanings.

Ready to Flip Your Fire?

Give the top-down fire method a try this season. We think you'll be impressed by the cleaner burn, longer heat, and overall ease of use. And remember, for all your chimney maintenance, cleaning, and safety needs, the experts at Top Hat Chimney Sweeps are always here to help you keep your hearth happy and healthy.

Watch a How-To Build an Upside Down Fire Video

The Top Hat Chimney Process

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 14:00:05 GMT

When you have the certified technicians at Top Hat Chimney Sweeps evaluate your chimney system, you can expect us to show you and your home the caring respect. We will arrive ON TIME, in company vehicles, wearing Top Hat attire. (We may even wear our Top Hat if you’re lucky!)

We begin in the home by first laying down protective drop cloths. This is to ensure your home remains as clean. We try to make The area around the fireplace cleaner than we found it.

Next, for first-time customers or if we have not been to the home in two years or more, we will conduct a Video Scan chimney inspection in accordance with our Certifications

This inspection is a comprehensive examination of your fire system. It includes a live video scan of the entirety of the flue liner, both a firebox and smoke chamber inspection, as well as a rooftop inspection of your chase if it's safe to access. If accessible we also ask to access the crawl space and attic space. The video scan chimney inspection enables the technician to see all visible defects in the system.

Upon the conclusion of the video scan inspection, The chimney will be swept. This is necessary if there is a 1/8 inch creosote build-up or more, anywhere in the system. On occasion, our technicians will find issues that prevent the technician from sweeping the system.

Top Hat uses only the best techniques and equipment, including professional brushes and HEPA dust control machines, to ensure your system is carefully and thoroughly swept from the firebox all the way up to the chimney cap.

All brushable soot and debris will be dislodged and removed from the smoke chamber, firebox, flue, connector pipes, and fireplace. You can rest assured that all of our tools and techniques are designed to keep your home and air supply clean throughout the entire chimney sweeping process.

As mentioned above, in accordance with our certifications, we must first conduct a chimney inspection of the system prior to sweeping in order to first deem your system adequate for use. Your safety and the structural integrity of your system are our primary concerns.

Masonry and Modular Masonry Fireplaces

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 19:28:16 GMT

Fireplaces have been around a long time!

If you are older than 40 years old, a masonry fireplace is probably the type of fireplace you remember from your childhood. A modular masonry fireplace has only been around for about 30 years. Both masonry fireplaces and precast modular masonry fireplaces can be built as vent free fire boxes.

A masonry fireplace is the most expensive type of fireplace you can build. It requires a special foundation and is very labor-intensive.

A precast modular masonry fireplace is the next most expensive product you can install.

Those cost considerations are why factory built fireplaces are, by far, the most widely installed type of fireplaces installed.

Let me explain the difference between a masonry and a modular masonry fireplace…a masonry fireplace is constructed of brick or stone. A better word for modular masonry fireplace is a precast fireplace. Modular masonry or precast fireplaces go together like Legos. They are usually cast from concrete which would contain a lightweight insulating material. At first look, both masonry fireplaces and precast fireplaces look the same when you are looking at the firebox.

A big difference between a brick chimney and a precast modular masonry chimney is that you cannot modify, in any way, a precast modular masonry fireplace. Although precast modular masonry fireplaces have proven to be pretty durable, if a component in the system besides the fire brick or siding material gets damaged, there is not a repair available.

Below we will expand a little bit about the two different masonry products. A masonry fireplace is allowed to be constructed of any standard brick or stone. A precast modular masonry fireplace uses components that are produced in a factory. You are not allowed to modify or change or repair any of the components. (Note: Precast modular masonry fireplaces sometimes are installed with factory built sheet steel chimney.)

The biggest advantage to a home owner of a masonry fireplace versus the precast fireplace is that a masonry fireplace can be modified, repaired and virtually any aftermarket insert from gas logs to inserts (wood, coal, gas and pellets) can be installed. All components of a standard brick or stone built masonry fireplace can be repaired or replaced. A masonry fireplace can be modified generation after generation versus a factory built fireplace. Think about it, most fireplaces are the only appliance in your home that are built in behind very expensive masonry and or stone. To replace a factory built fireplace which has a lifespan of around 30 to 35 years the entire facing of the fireplace usually has to be removed.

The most common problem that affects usability of both types of fireplaces is water penetration from rain. Although not required by code in most areas, all masonry structures should have a proper rain cap installed. Additionally, the crown/wash (flat top of the chimney where the flue liner passes through) of the chimney should be inspected annually if not completely covered.

In regards to a masonry fireplace… The quality of the Mason installing your fireplace is everything. We run into more issues with masonry fireplaces than any other type of fireplace due to improper construction techniques. The good news is, these problems can be repaired.

A regular brick mason, especially today, is not the person you want to build your fireplace. You want a fireplace mason. A fireplace is more than just a firebox with a hole on top. A fireplace mason is a very technical trade… imagine spending $30,000 for a fireplace that doesn't work!

It is getting harder and harder for us to recommend a masonry or modular masonry fireplace for new construction unless the customer wants to install a wood stove insert in that fireplace. You can get the same look nowadays by purchasing a factory built fireplace at a fraction of the cost and get the real firebrick look! And when that factory built fireplace wears out, you can replace it for less than you could have built the masonry fireplace in the first place.

Stay safe and warm.

Guess How Long a New Wood Stove Can Burn

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 19:28:14 GMT

30 Hours!

We beat them with technology again! The EPA has upped the ante on how clean wood stoves must burn. There are new stoves out there as of last year that will burn up to 30 hours!

Manufacturers have figured out how to build hybrid wood stoves. These are available as wood stoves or inserts. The way they work is to have two ways to burn the smoke. New wood stoves and inserts, the ones that have hybrid technology, burn mainly the smoke. The smoke first travels through secondary burn tubes within the stove. Then the remaining smoke is burned in the catalytic combustors. The effect is an extremely long burn time with virtually no visible smoke whatsoever coming out of your chimney system. These new wood stoves will burn approximately 33% less wood than a regular catalytic wood stove. If you are thinking of replacing your old wood stove you may burn

over 50% less wood.

Now the good news! The government likes these stoves so much you can get a tax credit!

The Hearth Patio Barbecue Association announced this in one of their recent newsletters.

"Beginning in 2023, consumers buying highly efficient wood or pellet stoves or larger residential biomass heating systems may be eligible to claim a 30% tax credit – capped at $2,000 annually – based on the full cost (purchase and installation) of the unit. The credit runs through December 31, 2032. The 10-year term and 30 percent credit have been big components of HPBA’s advocacy push of the Biomass Thermal Utilization (BTU) Act over many years."

Top Hat Chimney Sweep's is heavily involved with government affairs for our industry. We all want to see cleaner air and more efficient appliances. Jeff Simmons, the founder of Top Hat Chimney Sweeps, helped lobby for the tax credit. He was able to talk to Alabama's senators and congressman to lobby for this much needed legislation.

The tax credit covers only those stoves that are the most efficient. There are stoves that qualify that are freestanding as well as inserts. Most pellet stoves also qualify for the tax credit.

You do need to be careful when you choose one of these new stoves. Some manufacturers rushed to meet the new requirements and the stoves do not operate very well. There have been complaints of not being able to get the fire started and maintaining a fire. You do need to realize that these new stoves burn the smoke. Green wood will not work in any of these stoves. It's like pouring water in your gas tank. It's very hard to burn the gas vapors when they are full of moisture. Contrary to what our grandfather's said, new wood stoves burn longer with dryer wood.

Consider stopping by our retail showroom located at 1280 Financial Court Auburn, Alabama 36830 to get an idea of the products available or just schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can contact us at 334-521-8303.

The Hipster 20: Cool name for a cool stove

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 19:28:13 GMT

Hipster 20 Stove

Quality is guaranteed with every feature of the Hipster® 20 stove. The innovative TruHybrid® combustion system provides more heat from less wood. This wood burning stove complies with all current EPA requirements and is approved to be sold across the USA and Canada. The HIPSTER® 20 is one of the few wood burning stoves that qualifies for the US 25-C Tax Credit. It boasts a HHV efficiency of 79% with emissions of only 0.6 gram/hour!

The constant and steady heat from the HIPSTER® 20 is smoothly delivered without the peaks and valleys felt from a steel stove. This is due to the combination of cast iron and soapstone, both well known for the ability to absorb and slowly radiate heat for hours. In fact, burn times can be as high as 24 hours on a single load of wood! The HIPSTER® 20 firebox will take up to an 18” log. And, the ceramic glass stays remarkably clean thanks to the air-wash process. The stove is also backed up by an impressive limited lifetime warranty.

This is the perfect wood stove for the south. Being soapstone lined, the stove will give off a slow even heat and will not run you out of the room. Even on high it will burn for 8 hours. Of course, we will never need that in our neck of the woods.

Utility bills have gotten out of sight! My gas bill last month was over $500. I am contemplating on trying to convince my wife to now burn wood. We are exclusive dealers for this wood stove.

Please be sure to visit our showroom located at 1280 Financial Court in Auburn, Alabama. Or you can view this stove and others on our website . You can schedule online or you can call us at 334-749-3559. We can schedule a consultation in the comfort of your home!

High Efficiency wood Burning Fireplaces

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 19:28:11 GMT

If you have availability to free or close to free firewood, you're heating costs will be reduced around 80% to 95%

If you want to help the environment and you live in Alabama, burn the renewable resource known as cord wood. Did you know that when you burn wood in a wood stove it produces the same amount of carbon dioxide as it does when it rots in the forest?

And if you replace a tree for everyone you burn you are actually reducing the carbon footprint you have left on this earth.

I've been in the industry a long time. I have several friends that heat with wood that work at the EPA. Hard to believe? Not so, they know the facts. People that are concerned about air quality are concerned about particulates. Modern high efficiency wood burning fireplaces produce less than three grams of particulates an hour. They contain relatively new technology that allows the stove to burn smoke in addition to the cord wood. No visible smoke exits the chimney when the stove is up to temperature. The only thing you can see is a plume of water vapor.

Let me give you some facts about Alabama's forested lands:

This is an excerpt from the Alabama forestry's commission's " Forest Facts".

"Trees have always been a touchstone for Alabama's viability. The state has one of the most productive timberlands in the world.

Alabama's forest resources are a critical component as a subset of North America's production of wood products. Approximately 93% of Alabama timberland is owned by families, private individuals or companies."

They further state some forest facts:

Cleaning the air : private forest landowners are sequestering The emissions of 6 million cars annually driven on Alabama's roads
Growing oxygen: private forests produce enough oxygen for 214 million citizens to breathe each year
Forests to faucets: 60% of Alabama's surface water travels through private lands.
Safe drinking water: Alabama's residents get more than half of their public drinking water from Alabama private lands
Storing carbon: Alabama forests are estimated to have a 'sea' of stored carbon with a volume of approximately 1.16 BILLION metric tons.

I'm beginning to sound like a tree hugger… I am! But not in the way most folks think. We love our forests and our wildlife. We love our abundance of clean water and our freedoms. We either love to hunt or we love our loved ones who do hunt.

It is nice to know that one of the owners of our company, our CEO, Trent Simmons, is an owner of timberland himself. He feels like a steward for a major water tributary that runs through his property into one of Opelika Alabama's public drinking water tributaries.

Okay, enough about the virtues of burning cord wood.

Modern day high efficiency wood burning fireplaces are simply amazing!

Many of them can burn 12 to 24 hours without reloading wood. These new wood burning high efficiency fireplaces have a glass that is large and stays virtually clean.

Some of these high efficiency wood burning fireplaces have the ability to transfer heat to additional rooms besides the room in which they are installed.

We would suggest that you talk to a NFI Certified wood burning burning specialist about your next high efficiency or mid-efficiency wood burner. There is a big difference between a mid-efficiency fireplace and a high efficiency fireplace!

The biggest thing someone considering purchasing a high efficiency wood burning fireplace needs to know is that they will not operate as advertised with green wood. Remember… They burn mainly smoke. Much like an internal combustion engine, they gasify the wood. Imagine what your car would run like if it had a lot of water in the gas.

The old timers said it best "wood warms you twice… once when you harvest it and again when you burn it".

Stay safe and warm!

What is a High Efficiency Direct Vent Gas Fireplace?

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 19:28:09 GMT

It's actually a tested and listed wall furnace!

Imagine a gas fireplace that can heat multiple rooms, is very efficient, can look like a wood burning appliance, does not have any odors and can provide the perfect amount of thermostatically controlled heat…

It's called a direct vent fireplace. I love these things! As a seller of gas fireplaces, we just don't get any dissatisfied customers with this product. Please realize, we sell the best of the best. They are extremely realistic.

The vent system is ingenious! It uses venting that both supplies the fireplace with air for combustion of the fire and exhaust for the flue gases. No possibility of odors or carbon monoxide! Another great option for a NetZero home or a tightly constructed home.

If there is a downside, a customer without any previous knowledge of the product would think it's too expensive. To the customer who bit the bullet and purchased a good one, they are the happy campers!

These products have so much versatility. They can be purchased with the look of a standard wood burning fireplace, look like a linear wood burning fireplace or can be set up with modern looking interiors and media (glass, stones, and more).

This is a perfect product for the Southeast if you purchase a model that has a way to dump heat. What do I mean by dump heat? Well, like I said earlier, these things are heating machines. They are tested and listed to the wall furnace standard. People like them so much they want to run them all the time. Many of our units, offer a way to dump the heat to an an unheated area in your house, like the garage. You can even purchase units that allow the heat to flow to two adjacent rooms with optional heat distribution systems. The units can distribute heat to a room above, below or adjacent to the room it is installed.

Other options available are interior lighting. They can be used as night lights or you can operate the unit with the lights on to highlight the interiors of the fireplace. Multiple different looking log sets are available. The fireplaces are available with a madrid of interior liners. The inside walls of the fireplace can look like brick, ledgestone, simple black, a tile look and even reflective sidewalls and back panel to give the illusion of even more flame!

Most of these units are set up thermostatically so that they can be used as intended…A primary heat source within the house.

The utility companies suggest that you zone heat. In other words, why run the central heat when, during the day you are in the common living areas. Why not just heat the daytime living area and let your central system heat the rest of the house at night.

If you invest in one of the better units. The unit will heat power or not. They will come with a battery backup to power the burner. Granted, the fan on the system will not operate during a power outage but these fireplaces do not use glass in front of the logs or modern media. They use a product called pyroglass or ceramic glass. This type of glass does not stop any of the heat.

Remember to consider this product as an option for new construction, remodeling or if you live in an area with inconsistent power.

Stay safe and warm!

My Fireplace: I Think it's an Insert

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 19:28:07 GMT

Call it what you like!

The fact is, what is pictured above, if it has any black metal showing and no fixed glass or heavy cast/steel doors, is what we call, as professionals, an open wood burning or vent free factory built fireplace. It could be wood burning or have gas logs in it. It could even have bifold glass doors.

Our terminology for an insert is an additional appliance, not including gas logs, that is inserted into an open wood burning fireplace. This is where things can get confusing.

There are several types of factory built fireplaces that cannot have inserts installed. They are vent free gas fireplaces, direct vent gas fireplaces, high efficiency fireplaces with fixed doors and b-vent gas fireplaces.

To make more sense of fireplaces you cannot install and insert into, you need to know that some fireplaces have dedicated interiors, like integrated gas burners. These cannot be removed. The entire system would have to be replaced if you wanted to change use.

Types of inserts are; high efficiency wood burning inserts, direct vent gas inserts, b-vent gas inserts, vent free gas inserts and biofuel (pellet) inserts. All of them are "inserted into an operational wood burning fireplace".

Fireplace inserts (wood or gas) are typically installed in fireplaces that no longer serve their intended function or a fireplace that a customer wants to make more efficient.

Updating and inefficient fireplace with a wood or gas insert can be a huge upgrade to your home.

If I have confused you, you're not alone. There are so many things available that it is always a good idea to have your fireplace professionally inspected by someone that is certified by the National Fireplace Institute as a Fireplace Design Specialist .

At Top Hat Chimney Sweeps we have our Certified Chimney Sweeps also certified as NFI Design Specialists. We can help you decide what type of fireplace, gas logs or fireplace insert is best for your needs.

Feel free to browse our web site, visit our retail outlet at 1280 Financial Court in Auburn Alabama or call us at 334-749-3559.

Stay safe and warm!

Is a Fireplace Candelabra Right For You?

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 19:28:06 GMT

You may not have thought about it!

There are a few reasons why you may want to purchase a fireplace candelabra.

Maybe you've had your fireplace inspected recently and gotten the bad news it is not usable. A fireplace candelabra can be a great product to put in your fireplace when you get this terrible news and you cannot afford the repairs. There are many styles of candelabras available that look great inside and unusable fireplace

Keep in mind, that it may be a good idea to repair that fireplace when it comes to resale of the house. Look at the excerpt below:

"Return on Investment

A homeowner can often recover over 100 percent of the expenses associated with adding a fireplace upon selling their home. According to the National Association of Real Estate Appraisers, adding a fireplace to home can increase the resale value of the home by as much as 6-12 percent."

Another reason to put a candelabra in your fireplace is when the fireplace is not being used to burn wood. Think about it… You can add warmth to your home even in the summer without the heat. A candelabra is a beautiful addition to the fireplace during the warmer months.

As a chimney and fireplace professional, the last thing I ever want to hear is I hate fireplaces. But guess what… a few people have bad memories about fireplaces. They just don't want them or want to use them. When they purchased the house, it happened to have a fireplace. They didn't purchase the home for the fireplace. They just liked the house. The key to making a candelabra look good in your fireplace, just to paint the firebox the color of your choice and install a stunning candelabra. It won't matter that you don't like fireplaces!

Stay safe and warm.

Factory Built Wood Burning Fireplaces

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 19:28:04 GMT

Is this fireplace for you?

Factory built wood burning fireplaces first came on the market in the 1970s. The cost of a masonry chimney had gotten extremely expensive.

Since no one knew how they would perform in the long term, they were built like tanks… at least for a few years.

Today's factory built wood burning fireplaces are available in a wide range of sizes and interior looks. From this point on in this I will refer to it as a prefab. A prefab can range in fireplace opening size from 30" to 50" and are available in a wide range of fireplace heights.

Unless you have a custom home or purchased your fireplace from a specialty fireplace retailer, you probably have what is called a builder model prefab fireplace.

You may ask… what is the difference between a builder model prefab fireplace and a specialty prefab fireplace?

Builder model prefab fireplaces typically have a actual opening that is about 4 in less in total than the black part of the fireplace that shows behind your surrounding material. In other words, many 36-in fireplaces have an actual opening of around 32 in. Also, builder model fireplaces usually do not have much height to them. Most of them have a height opening around 14 ½"to 19". The interior brick panels will usually be a whitish color. Also the quality of the damper assembly, grate, screen mesh, brick panels and thickness of sheet metal are just enough to pass the UL tests for safety. You can expect a builder model fireplace to last less time than a specialty prefab fireplace.

In contrast to a builder model prefab, a specialty prefab will feature an opening that is true to the name of the fireplace. They will have a true 36-50 in opening. The height of the fireplace will be dramatically higher than a builder model fireplace. This alone makes the fireplace look much more realistic. A typical brick chimney fireplace will have a height around 28 to 30 in tall. Specialty prefabs also usually have higher quality components and a choice of brick panels. Many times you can choose from standard stacked brick, herringbone brick or a colored fire brick. The grate will be of much better quality than a builder model fireplace and will last much longer. A larger specialty fireplace is always a good choice (36" to 42").

Factory built fireplaces are very affordable versus a true masonry or modular masonry fireplace. For instance, today the standard brick fireplace chimney will cost around $30,000.00. It will require digging down into the Earth two to five feet for a proper foundation. They are very heavy structures.

Prefabs, both builder model and specialty units, do not require special foundations typically. This can change if you choose a real stone or brick profile on the fireplace. Not including the surround, installation of a factory built fireplace will cost around $10,000 to $18,000.

Both types of fireplaces are increasing in price at a rate that I have never seen before. Price increases are currently rising about every 90-180 days.

When choosing a prefab fireplace here are a few things you need to consider:

How often will you use your fireplace?
Are you going to burn wood or a gas appliance?
Is the fireplace a focal point of the home?
Do you want a small or large fireplace?
How long will you be living in the home?

We almost always suggest that when building a home, if it is within your budget, to purchase a specialty fireplace. As mentioned above, they are built better. If you think you will not use your fireplace much, a builder model fireplace is extremely affordable.

Another thing to consider is if you plan on installing a gas product in your fireplace. Most builders as well as most people are not aware that some fireplaces are not allowed to have vent free gas logs installed in them. It will say in the fireplace manual and on the label that is attached to the fireplace what gas appliances can be installed in it. Many people find that after a year or so their fireplace is just not producing the amount of heat they would like. If you were fortunate enough to have installed a specialty prefab, you have many more choices on the different gas appliances that are available. As I mentioned before, builder model fireplaces have an actual opening size less than the size they were advertised at. Most builder model 36"the prefab fireplaces will only allow for an 18-in gas log set. Conversely, a specialty 36-in fireplace can usually handle a 24-in gas log set. Additionally, you may find over time that your fireplace is not producing the amount of heat that you would like and you could be averse to the odors from vent free or just not like the product. If you purchased a specialty 36 in prefab you can also install a direct vent gas insert inside your fireplace. Direct vent gas inserts are heating machines.

If the fireplace is going to be the focal point of your home, you definitely will want to select a specialty fireplace with a tall height. Some people want to make their fireplace look like a masonry fireplace with real fire brick inside the unit. There are several specialty prefab fireplaces that offer real brick panels for the inside of the fireplace. The only way that you can tell it is not a real masonry fireplace is by looking up the damper and seeing if it has a metal pipe.

Let me conclude by mentioning that both builder prefads and specialty prefabs are available in stainless steel for damp or high humidity areas. Unfortunately, in our area, many contractors install interior fireplaces on an outside patio, deck or balcony. This is a bad idea. In Alabama and Georgia we have very humid weather. Even if the patio, deck or balcony is covered, we recommend a stainless steel model for the fireplace. A standard fireplace will rust if placed out of a conditioned environment.

I hope this article helped you understand more about prefab fireplaces.

Stay safe and warm.

Electric Fireplace?

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 19:28:03 GMT

This is the fastest growing segment of the fireplace industry!

I've been in this business close to 40 years. I would have never suggested to a customer several years ago that an electric fireplace would be a good option for their home.

Things have changed! Electric fireplaces are no longer just light bulbs and colored foil reflecting light around the log set. Today's fireplaces are absolutely beautiful. Electric fireplaces are available in a standard rectangular format or linear. Some linear fireplaces can span an opening wider than 6 ft. As homes have gotten tighter and tighter, this is a great option to install if you don't want to mess with gas or wood. Matter of fact, wood or gas can be too much heat for a newer efficient home. The better electric fireplaces can be set up with either modern media such as glass, stones and geometric shapes. They can also be switched out very easily to a wood burning look thanks to the different colored LEDs that are available in the units.

They also provide additional heat to the room they are installed in. The better units will heat up to 2000 ft². They can be set up with a wall thermostat or a handheld remote that will allow the unit to operate with or without heat. You can also change the look of the flame.

If you are striving to install a NetZero home, this is an absolutely fantastic option. There is no chance for air infiltration anywhere around the fireplace. There's also no chance of spilling dangerous fumes.

Since we are talking about built-in electric fireplaces, It is important to choose a very well constructed fireplace. Don't try to save money by getting a cheap electric fireplace. Keep in mind, this thing will be framed in place. Very few appliances in your home are fixed in place. It needs to last a long time.

Look for a fireplace that contains both modern media (glass, stones, etc) as well as a wood burning look. The better electric fireplaces that we carry come with both media types so you can change the mood.

In a well-built modern home, extra heat is not necessary. But if you live in a household like mine, one of you is cold-natured and the other one is hot natured. This adds just the right amount of heat to the room for the person that feels cold all the time.

Compared to other fireplace options, they are one of the least expensive types of fireplaces, to install. And since most of the time, they are installed in new construction, the need for an electrician is not an added expense.

It's something to consider!

Dedicated Vent Free Fireplaces

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 19:28:01 GMT

Dedicated vent free fireplace.

This is the least expensive option you can get for real flame and heat. It is great for a first-time home, apartment or people that move around. Most of these products, are available with a cabinet style mantle. This is great for people whose budget tight. The cabinet style mantle is usually available in several finishes and can be easily disassemble and move to another location.

There are several problems with this type of product. First of all, it is vent free or ventless. Nothing in the system can be changed out. You cannot change gas logs, you cannot change ignition options and you cannot change fuel types.

This is what we call an entry level product for people that do not have the income to buy a better option.

Stay safe and warm!

Decorative Gas Fireplace

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 19:28:00 GMT

They look great!

The only problem with these fireplaces is that everything is built in. They are usually quite inexpensive due to the fact that everything is installed at the factory.

The bottom line is you have no choice of the look of the gas logs. The log sets cannot be changed out except with original equipment. There are no options for changing to different ignition sources like electronic ignition. And when they quit making the unit, you cannot get any parts because everything must be OEM.

I would advise staying against this product if you are building a home.

Stay safe and warm

Biofuel Fireplace

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 19:27:59 GMT

Alcohol Fireplace

Even if you are on a very limited budget, do not buy this type of fireplace fireplace. There are many other options that are more rational than this type of fireplace. This is not a good option for any home.

You must load the alcohol into the bin under the logs for them to operate. If you spill it on yourself and ignite the logs you will ignite! We do not recommend these products. Imagine if you had children and they tipped over your fuel bin… there would be fire all over the floor.

Stay safe and warm

"I don't have a chimney. I have gas logs."

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 19:27:57 GMT

Why should I have my fireplace serviced?

Vent free gas fireplaces, also known as ventless or unvented, are very popular. Builders of new homes especially like these products because they do not have to have a chimney going through the roof which could cause leaks if installed improperly and they are less expensive to install. Many consumers also choose these due to their very high efficiency. All the heat makes it into the room.

The government requires that all these products have safety devices built into them to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not specifically track deaths or injuries from exposure to the carbon monoxide gas produced by ventless fireplaces, about 50,000 Americans visit an emergency room annually due to carbon monoxide poisoning, and nearly 450 die.

Many people are not aware that vent free gas logs produce acceptable levels of toxic gases. The level of these gases is very low when measured in a laboratory. Many manufacturers of these products recommend opening a window or a door while they are in operation. Additionally, several states have banned these products.

Anytime fire is produced, oxygen is used for part of the fuel. The other part is the gas. It is possible to use up all the oxygen in a room. When the oxygen in a room gets low, the fire turns carbon dioxide (a non-poisonous gas) into carbon monoxide (known as the silent killer). Carbon monoxide is odorless. Most vent free gas logs are not allowed in small rooms or bedrooms for this reason.

When a vent-free gas log set is first purchased, it burns quite cleanly. The problem is, that after a certain amount of time dust, pet dander and other materials start building up in and around some of the safety components built into the gas log sets. When this happens, all kinds of nasty gases start to accumulate.

According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), even though ventless fireplaces greatly reduce toxic fumes, they will still release some small amount into the home, which increases the risk of exposure to carbon monoxide. Additionally, ventless fireplaces produce water vapor as a byproduct of the combustion process, which can lead to high levels of humidity in the home and an increased risk of mold growth.

It is absolutely essential that you have your gas logs serviced annually to help limit the amount of toxic gases from being produced. Top Hat Chimney Sweeps does sell vent-free gas logs but only after an inspection has been performed to see if the vent free gas log set is an option for that home. We also require that customers have a carbon monoxide alarm installed in their home before installation of the product. Because servicing of these products is so important, we don't leave it to the customer to remember to have them serviced. We call them every year and let them know it is time to service the product.

To conclude, Top Hat Chimney Sweeps believes that vent free products are an option for people that do not have either the budget or ability to purchase a product that is vented. It is imperative to have the vent free gas logs serviced annually by a NFI CERTIFIED technician. You can locate certified technician near you at https://www.nficertified.org/public/

Stay safe and warm!

Is it a Gold Mine or Your House Going Up in Flames

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 19:27:55 GMT

Both!

The above picture shows items that were found in a dryer vent. Most of the heavy stuff is right behind the dryer in the connector pipe. It makes you wonder if that lint filter is doing anything.

But there is another hazard. When we are cleaning dryer vents, many times we find those socks you've been missing or a bunch of old "Bounce sheets" and your favorite shirt. The hottest part of a dryer vent system is behind the dryer; both in the connector pipe and stuff that was dropped accidentally behind the dryer. All these items are potential fire hazards. You don't have to pull your dryer out to see most of these items. Just use your smartphone! Take a picture behind the dryer. If you can see anything that will burn behind the dryer get it out!

The CSIA certified dryer exhaust training book states that a dryer venting system should be cleaned on an annual basis. That's where we come in! We are Certified Dryer Exhaust Technicians.

I promise that if we find a gold mine behind your dryer we will return it to you the owner.

Also, did you know that most dryer connectors; you know…, the ones that look like aluminum foil, are actually flammable. Watch this video .

We replace hundreds of the standard big box connectors with semi-rigid non-flammable connector pipe. When you call us to have your dryer vent cleaned, we will make all the necessary recommendations and leave you pricing or ,if we have time, replace it on the spot.

If you're calling us for fireplace service or gas log service, you're in luck! We offer a free dryer vent inspection with any fireplace related service.

For a dryer vent service, call us at 334-749-3559 or visit our website to schedule an appointment .

If you're not in our service area, you can visit the CSIA website to locate a Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician in your area.

As always, stay safe and warm!

Are You Tired of that Outdated Drafty or Stinky Fireplace

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 19:27:54 GMT

You have options!

Do you hate the way your fireplace looks? Maybe you don't like that it's always cold around the fireplace. Or maybe your fireplace smokes up the room. Maybe it has a foul odor. Maybe you just don't like having to clean out the ash or go to the hassle of getting firewood. Maybe you're scared it's not safe!

These are things we hear from our customers everyday.

I have great news! At Top Hat Chimney Sweeps we have the ability to provide you with the fireplace of your dreams.

Maybe that means just fixing what you've got or some minor upgrades. Our CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps are trained to recognize problems that are common with fireplaces.

Maybe you're tired of burning wood and want to switch to a gas fireplace or an electric fireplace. We even sell biofuel products!

Many people are not aware that we are actually a construction company. Not only do we sell and service fireplaces, we can upgrade your system to the look you have always dreamed of.

Just about all of our chimney sweeps, construction technicians and office staff are certified by several fireplace related certification agencies. We know what we are doing!

And the process is simple. Simply call us at 334-749-3559 or schedule online. Click here to visit our website.

Whether you live in the Auburn Opelika area, Columbus Phenix City area, Lake Martin area, Montgomery area or Alexander City area, we can schedule you an appointment.

We are proud of our hundreds of 5 star reviews on the internet and all the referrals that we receive.

If you already know the type of product you would like you can always visit our Showroom at 1280 Financial Court in Auburn Alabama.

We look forward to getting to know you!

Stay warm and safe!

I Don't Use My Fireplace Much How Often Should I Have It Inspected

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 19:27:52 GMT

Every year!

Having been a chimney professional for close to 40 years, I know now why the standards say a chimney should be inspected annually regardless of use.

A lot can happen to a fireplace or chimney whether it is used or not.

In this blog I will discuss many things that we have found during inspections of customers that have nothing to do with the buildup from burning fires.

Have you ever been driving down the road and seen a Walmart bag floating through the air? I wonder if this bag could land on top of your chimney?

Have you ever known anyone that lightning has hit their home or a tree near their home? Do you always stay at your house? I wonder if it's possible for it to hit your chimney?

Have you ever been under a tornado watch or a severe thunderstorm watch? I wonder if that wind could have picked up your chimney system and separated the pipe?

Have you ever seen a squirrel in your yard? I wonder if that squirrel ever got on your house and sharpened its teeth on your chimney flashing?

Have you ever known anyone that took the low bid on roof repairs? I wonder if they did the flashing properly?

Have your kids or grandkids ever hid something in your house? I wonder if they were curious enough to throw something behind your gas logs or behind your damper?

Have you or anyone you known ever had a mouse in their home. I wonder if that mouse could make a house behind louvers on your prefabricated fireplace.

Have you ever seen a hornet nest or a wasp nest on near your house? I wonder if they might like it under your chimney cap?

Have you ever had visitors or family members at your home when you were not present? Do you think it is possible that they could have shut your damper (some folks call it the flute)? Do you think that might cause carbon monoxide if you have vented logs or smoke to spill if you burn wood?

Our certified technicians at Top Hat Chimney sweeps see many of these things on a monthly basis. And just because you burn oak or hickory does not mean you are not building up creosote. All firewood contains creosote. It doesn't just have to be pine. And that deposit is very flammable!

These are many reasons why National Fire Protection Association 211 (standards on fireplaces, chimneys and vents) states that a chimney shall be inspected on an annual basis. "Shall" does not mean "Should".

It takes very little creosote to have a chimney fire. Studies have found that only an 8-inch of creosote buildup can be a potential chimney fire hazard.

If you have a gas fireplace. It should also be inspected annually. Carbon monoxide is known as the "silent killer" . Any gas appliance in any fireplace can produce and spill carbon monoxide if it is not serviced.

Don't procrastinate! Call us at 334-749-3559 or visit our website to schedule an appointment.

Quit Calling Roofers For That Chimney Leak You Can't Stop

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 19:27:51 GMT

It's rainy season again!

We've been fixing chimney leaks for close to 40 years. We are so good at diagnosing problems and properly repairing issues on the roof and chimney that we offer a 10-year leak proof warranty on our repairs.

If you're like most people, the first person you think of when you have a leak in your home from rain is the roofer. The problem is a roofer is great at roofing. A roofer is not a Framer. A roofer is not a Mason. A roofer is not a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep. And we are not just any chimney sweep company.

At Top Hat Chimney sweeps our construction and repair technicians spend one day of every week training at our training center. We call it Top Hat University.

You may ask, why does it take so much training. Well, to be honest chimney leaks can be daunting. Chimney leaks can come from many places. A chimney can leak through the top of the structure either through a defective chimney cap, blowing rain or a cracked masonry top on the chimney. Chimney leaks can also come from the actual masonry itself.

Masonry units, you know them as bricks, come in a variety of shapes and sizes as well as density. Some are glazed, some are very porous, some people even elect to have used brick on their chimney because they are very good looking. We have found out during our long tenure as chimney sweeps that the water can come right through the brick. We have also found out that just because the brick is in good shape the mortar could be the wrong kind of material for the chimney or damaged.

Improper flashing is one of the biggest problems that we find. The problem is that most roofers do not know what the International Residential Code says regarding flashing. It takes up several pages in the code book. We do our repairs to the northern standard. Believe it or not, there are standards for the zone that you live in. We believe in using the highest quality materials for our repairs and doing these repairs as if we had ice dams form on our roofs. In other words, our flashing jobs don't leak.

Another problem that we see is a improperly constructed or missing cricket. A chimney cricket is a structure behind the chimney that diverts the water to both sides rather than damming against the back side of the chimney. We have such heavy downpours down south here that the water will overcome the flashing if a cricket is not installed.

Fixing your water leak is a two-step process.

The first thing that you need to do is to call us for a full chimney evaluation. We will inspect the chimney in the attic, inside the fireplace, using video scanning equipment for inside the chimney, and, if accessible, checking the crawl space area. Our technicians will give you a written proposal with all of the pictures in the proposal.

The second step is to have our construction division come out and permanently fix the deficiencies.

If your chimney has been leaking for a long time you need to fix all of those areas or risk termite damage and structural damage to your home.

Don't put up with a leaky chimney! We are the chimney leak specialists. Check us out on Google maps. We have hundreds of five-star reviews. And remember, we offer that 10-year leak proof warranty.

You can check us out on the web at www.calltophat.com. Or you can call us at 334-7493559.

Better yet, visit our showroom located at 1280 Financial Court and check out Top Hat University. Our tech room features pictures of our technicians with all of their accomplishments. Our technicians are the best. We believe in treating them right. We believe in paying them well. We feel like they are part of our nuclear family. They are all kind and hard workers. The best thing is, they care about you!

Ten Most Common Problems with Factory Built Fireplaces

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 19:27:50 GMT

Stay safe and warm

This is quite a long blog. I'm going to summarize the issues in this blog in case my article bores you to death. Here are the 10 most common problems we find with factory built fireplaces summarized.

Lack of servicing
Cracked or damaged interior of fireplace
Damage or disconnected chimney pipe
Lack of proper clearances
Roof flashing
Chimney Chase siding and trim
Rusted or damaged chase pan
Wrong chimney cap
Warped her damaged spark screen
Wrong glass door

Below is an explanation of all the problems listed above in detail.

Lack of servicing

Creosote is the natural byproduct of burning wood products. All wood, including hardwoods, produces creosote. Creosote is a highly flammable material that must be removed from your chimney system to avoid a chimney fire. NFPA 211 states that the chimney shall be inspected annually for need of cleaning and structural integrity. Any deposit greater than 1/8 of an inch requires that the chimney be swept. It is recommended that you use a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep to perform this service. You can locate a certified chimney sweep by using the chimney professional locator on the CSIA web page .

Cracked or damaged interior liner of firebox

Factory built fireplaces have either a set of refractory panels that look like brick or have metal liners. A few older units may have refractory that does not have a brick pattern stamped on it. All of the panels inside the fireplace are removable because they deteriorate over time. We often get the question "is it safe to use my fireplace if my firebrick is cracked". The answer is probably not. All fireplaces are tested by UL laboratories or a similar testing facility. They have never been tested without the panels installed. Keep in mind that factory built fireplaces are , almost always, framed out with combustible building materials. At the laboratory, they locate heat sensors all around the combustible framing enclosure of the factory built fireplace. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to deduce that the clearances would change if the panels were damaged, removed, or replaced with a non-tested material. After all, we are talking about fire in your home. Hairline cracking is a normal occurrence in a refractory brick panel: As long as a credit card will not fit in the crack and if the panel is not moving as two pieces when pushed on, fireplace manufacturers state that this is not an issue. Do not try to repair fireplace refractory panels with the fireplace mortar available from big box stores. This mortar is intended to be used in masonry fireplaces to repair mortar joints. Most chimney professionals have been trained to replace these panels.

Damaged or disconnected chimney pipe

This problem, typically, can only be discovered with a video scan of the interior of the chimney pipe. If you haven't had your fireplace chimney system inspected recently, your CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep will recommend a video scan of the system. You cannot detect improperly connected chimney by just looking up the pipe. You may wonder how a chimney pipe gets disconnected. Unfortunately, many times the installers of the fireplace are not National Fireplace Institute certified as installers of wood burning appliances. Almost all manufacturers of factory built fireplaces recommend that the installation be performed by an NFI professional. It's not just the initial installation that could have been the problem. Many times, workman from other trades, accidentally bump up against the pipe in the attic or bad weather pushes on the chimney exterior above the roof and puts pressure on these connections. Factory built chimney systems are extremely safe when installed properly. They will usually protect your home in the event of a chimney fire the first time. Chimney fires can burn very hot causing the metal to expand rapidly. This can warp and damage the pipe even though the house did not experience a structure fire. Always call a CSIA professional after a sudden event.

Lack of proper clearances

This is a major cause of structure fires from factory built chimney systems. There is no such thing as a zero clearance factory built chimney pipe. The name commonly used for factory built fireplaces is "zero clearance fireplace". Nothing could be farther from the truth. The only part of a factory built fireplace that is allowed to touch a combustible material is the very front of the fireplace where it meets the framing of the profile. A typical label on each section of fireplace will state "maintain a 2 inch clearance to combustible materials and building insulation". You may ask why they add building insulation. The reason is that, when tested, if building insulation is against the pipe it no longer allows the pipe to dissipate hot air. The hot air is trapped and travels to nearby combustible materials. This is one of the major causes of structure fires from factory built chimney systems. Blown in insulation is very common. Many of the insulation contractors are not aware that chimney systems have this requirement. Also, blown in insulation tends to migrate around in the attic.

Roof flashing

Damaged or improperly installed roof flashing can rot your house away without you even knowing due to water penetration through the roof. Besides rot, termites are drawn to damp areas where there are leaks in your home. There are two types of chimney systems used to penetrate the roof. Most chimney systems are installed in a chimney chase. Chimney chases are not required by the manufacturer. They are purely decorative. You may just have the pipe going through the roof with the manufacturer supplied pipe flashing. Most common flashing materials rust over time. Chimney chase flashings are often installed improperly. At Top Hat Chimney Sweeps , we train our certified technicians in proper installation of flashing systems. Most roofers as well as non CSIA chimney sweeps, will patch roof flashing. We consider this unacceptable. Proper flashing should last over a decade.

Chimney Chase siding and trim

Most chimney sweep companies, even those certified by the CSIA, have ever been taught the skills of rebuilding chimney chases. All of our technicians are trained in the proper installation of siding materials. If you think about it, your chimney chase is the only part of your home that is not protected by a roof and the overhang of the roof. It will deteriorate much faster than the siding on your home.

Rusted or damaged chase pan

If your factory built chimney is installed inside a chimney chase, there will be a sheet metal top covering the chimney chase. Don't confuse the chase cover with the chimney cap. A chimney cap sits on top of the pipe itself. It is almost impossible to make a chase pan where it does not hold water from rain. Unless the chase cover is constructed of stainless steel, it will rust over time. Top Hat Chimney Sweeps only installs stainless steel chase covers which carry a lifetime warranty.

Wrong chimney cap

You would think that any chimney cap that keeps water out of the chimney is suitable for a factory built fireplace. This is why it is a common problem. The builder of your home may have installed something decorative instead of the chimney cap that is tested and listed for the system. Almost all chimney systems are air cooled. It's called double wall pipe. The inner wall exhausts the smoke and the inner wall pulls cool air in to the chimney. The chimney cap made by the manufacturer separates where the smoke exits the inner pipe and cooling air is pulled in the outer pipe. In other words, smoke can be pulled in the cooling walls of the chimney This can create creosote within the chimney system between the inner wall and the outer wall. It can also pull smoke into the combustible chimney chase. Or worse, the outer cooling wall can be blocked by the non-tested and listed cap.

Warped or damaged spark screen

The spark screen that is installed in your factory belt fireplace is required by its UL listing. This is one item you don't need to be a chimney professional to recognize. If your screen is warped and will not close sparks will flirt out of the fireplace causing a potential fire hazard. Also, many of these spark screens do not move well over time due to all the heat they experience. All fireplaces whether they are factory built or masonry needs to have a spark screen that fully protects from sparks or embers entering the home. And finally, keep furniture, newspaper, magazines, and knick knacks that are combustible, 3 ft away from the opening of the fireplace

Improper glass door

Most homeowners would not think that a glass door is a big deal. It's simply makes my fireplace look better and allows for added safety to be able to shut the doors before bedtime. Very few people are aware that factory built fireplaces have cooling vents on the sides of the opening. These can be disguised or you may notice them when you look on the inside opening of your fireplace. It is critical that these cooling vents not be blocked by any material. The glass doors made for factory built fireplaces have a space between the glass and the frame on the sides of the opening of the fireplace. Some factory built fireplaces are called circulators. They will have louvers at the top and the bottom of the fireplace. These are not allowed to be blocked in any way. Overheating can occur with installation of an improper door. Our technicians are trained to recognize this potential hazard. If you would like to update the look of your fireplace you can visit our retail showroom at 1280 Financial Court in Auburn Alabama or are certified technicians can show you your options in the comfort of your home.

Top Hat Gives Back, Reduce your Carbon Footprint

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 19:27:48 GMT

And global warming… if you believe that it exists

Did you know, that at Top Hat Chimney Sweeps, we plant a tree for every review we get? We plant these trees in deforested areas of the world.
Be proud that you live in Alabama! Alabama for several years has actually been increasing the percentage of forested land by close to 3% a year. Absolutely amazing! Sweet home Alabama!

Top Hat has planted over 400 trees. That means that customers who have given us review are responsible for reducing the carbon footprint of the world by 8,800 pounds per year just by giving us review. And a tree lives a lot longer than one year, think about it.

Not only that! We would like to thank our wood burning customers. Did you know that burning wood is carbon neutral. A tree produces the same amount of carbon dioxide when it rots in the forest as when you burn it. It has no effect on the carbon cycle It is considered carbon neutral according to the EPA.

Additionally, if you plant a tree for each one you burn, ou have exponentially reduced your carbon footprint.

Unfortunately, according to the EPA, the average American car produces 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. Oil products are not a renewable resource. I may be a dreamer, but I do like my big carbon producing vehicles.

Being a dreamer, one day I hope that our transportation will rely on carbon neutral fuels. Wouldn't it be great to run our cars on wood pellets that are carbon neutral. It is possible! Do you remember the mode of transportation that fueled America. It was called the steam locomotive.

Let's get back on track… Chimney Sweeps are realists as well as dreamers.

I have faith in the American people and American ingenuity! Having been in the wood burning industry for close to 40 years, I thought the EPA would put us out of business due to the amount of particulates produced by inefficient wood burning appliances. Way back in the 1980s, the EPA said we had to reduce our particulate emissions of wood stoves by close to 70%. At the time, that just wasn't possible… we thought!

The wood stove manufacturers got together and figured out technology that would reduce the particulate emissions of our high efficiency wood burning fireplaces. That was just the beginning. Today's wood burning fireplaces burn cleaner than ever. And I am actually thankful for the EPA pushing our industry towards a cleaner world. Our industries haven't failed yet. Wood burning is getting cleaner and cleaner and, as previously stated, has always been carbon neutral.

Bottom line: I wish it was convenient for all of you to burn wood. I know this is not the case. Maybe you can at least give us a review at our next servicing and be part of reducing carbon on our planet.

Stay warm and safe!

My Fireplace Smokes, I Just Don't Use It.

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 19:27:47 GMT

You're not alone! And many times it's not even your or the chimneys fault!?

You know, my first few years in the fireplace business were tough. I had gotten my certification as a chimney sweep. I thought I was prepared. But far too often, I would go to a house that had a smoking problem out of their fireplace and I couldn't find anything wrong with the chimney. I've always hated not being able to help my customers. Sometimes, I would even guess what the problem was. Unfortunately, back then, I didn't know Chimney Physics.

Education is important in life!

After about 10 years in business, The Chimney Safety Institute of America, whom I was certified through, offered a new week-long course. It fascinated me! It was called "Chimney Physics…Why Chimneys Work and Sometimes Don't". It had to do with your fireplace spilling smoke.

In my early days, most fireplaces were built brick by brick by a Mason. Just because a fireplace is built by a brick mason does not mean he is a chimney mason. I knew, if the fireplace was smoking, it had to be a problem created by the mason. Well, I would guess, at best, that it is the Mason's fault 60% of the time.

Until I took the chimney physics class I didn't understand the dynamics of the entire home. I would say that 40% of the time, the problem is not the way the chimney was constructed. Below is a small list of the reasons why your house "sucks" ("not a typo").

Chimney location
Chimney height
Heating system
Available outside air
Recessed lights
Attic door
Another fireplace in the house
Dryer
Closing a door

In regards to the last item on the list …I will explain it in this paragraph. Y'all, it was a week-long course. There is no way I can teach everyone what I learned in one week. During the class I found out that the fireplace mysteriously smoking, could be the fact that heat rises in a home.

One of my customers had a son, whom, when he went to bed, opened his window in his room on the second story. Even though, he cracked his door, air was being sucked in the home because the warm air was leaving through his bedroom window. Guess where the easiest place for the heat escaping the house was coming from? You are right; it started sucking it down the chimney. We call it stack effect…"hot air always leaves the home through the highest point in the home": So every night at 11:00 p.m., when the sun went to bed and opened his window, the customers' fireplace would start smoking! Guess where the easiest place for the heat escaping the house was coming from? You are right it started sucking it down the chimney. We call it stack effect…"hot air always leaves the home through the highest point and enters through the lowest point. The customers fireplace was the lowest opening in the house.

That's one of 100 reasons why your fireplace may smoke!

Over the week of the Chimney Physics class, I learned how complicated fireplace smoke spillage can be for the average homeowner. At Top Hat Chimney Sweeps, we like to think that we have the best educated sweeps in the nation. It's all thanks to "Top Hat University". All of our sweeps and construction technicians attend continuing education classes one day of every week.

Can we solve all of the problems? The honest answer is, sometimes not. It It is usually a budget issue. But if you would like to know why your fireplace sometimes smokes and sometimes doesn't call us! Most of the time we can resolve the issues within your budget. Contact us for an appointment through our website or call our office at 334-749-3559.

Stay safe and warm!

Ever Thought About Your Smoke Detector

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 19:27:45 GMT

If not, I hope it never happens to you.

At Top Hat Chimney Sweeps, we are in the business of keeping your home warm and safe. But sometimes accidents happen.

The phone rings and you are loading wood in the fireplace. You get distracted. Before you've notice it the rug in the living room begins to smolder. Maybe you're not in the room. Without a smoke detector you may not know there is an issue. A potentially grave issue.

In 1915, people living in homes or apartments could expect that if their home caught fire, they’d have a one in ten chance of that fire killing them.

The Life Safety Code (NFPA 101) was passed by the NFPA in 1976, and was the first document that stated “smoke alarms are required” to be in every home. By 1980, an estimated 50% of all homes in the U.S. reported having working alarms.

Thankfully, codes now mandate smoke detectors in several areas of your home. The problem is, not all homes are new.

Many people are also not aware that smoke detectors have components that do not operate properly when the smoke detector is over 10 years old.

Being in the life safety business (chimney sweeps), we recognize the importance of a smoke detectors. The death rate per 1,000 reported home fires was more than twice as high in homes that did not have any working smoke alarms compared to the rate in homes with working smoke alarms (12.3 deaths vs. 5.7 deaths per 1,000 fires).

What is sad is that people have not been taught what to do when their smoke detector goes off and they see smoke in their home. Notice that close to 6 deaths for every 1,000 fires still occurs when people have smoke detectors.

According to Kiddy, the leading manufacturer of smoke detectors, there are several things you should do.

Never ignore the sound of an alarm!
When the alarm senses products of combustion and goes into alarm mode, the pulsating alarm will continue until the air is cleared. If the alarm goes off, check for fires first. If a fire is discovered, follow the steps below.
Alert small children in the home.
Leave immediately by your escape plan. Every second counts, so don't waste time getting dressed or picking up valuables.
In leaving, do not open any inside door without first feeling its surface. If hot, or if you see smoke seeping through cracks, do not open that door! Instead, use your alternate exit. If the inside of the door is cool, place your shoulder against it, open it slightly, and be ready to slam it shut if heat and smoke rush in.
Stay close to the floor if the air is smoky. Breathe shallowly through a cloth, wet if possible.
Once outside, go to your selected meeting place and make sure everyone is there.
Call the fire department from your neighbor's home.
Do not return to your home until the fire officials say that it is alright to do so.

Let me tell you a true story from several years ago. I was finishing up servicing a fireplace and called the attention of the homeowner. I was reviewing the importance of three items that should be in every home. I asked her if she had a working smoke detector and she said yes. I asked her if she had a fire escape plan and she said "Yes… get out". Then I asked her about her fire extinguisher and she said she had one. Just at that time, the smoke detector close to the kitchen went off. She ran in the kitchen and yelled "the kitchen is on fire". She had left some oil in a pan on the stove and I had kept her attention too long. The cabinets had started to burn. I asked where her fire extinguisher was and she opened the drawer and handed it to me. It was a cheap little fire extinguisher with no pressure gauge to tell you if it worked. It was also the wrong kind of smoke detector. It was tested as a BC fire extinguisher which means it only works on flammable liquids and electrical fires. When I pressed the button on the fire extinguisher It just went"pssst". I told her to run outside and call the fire department. She was the only one at home. I ran to my van and grabbed my fire extinguisher and quickly crawled along the floor inside the home to attempt to put out the fire. I had no idea if I had extinguished the fire because the house was full of smoke. All of this took less than 60 seconds. While outside after waiting about 20 minutes, I finally said to her "Something's not right. We have a great fire department here and they should have been here by now." She looked at me and said "I was too embarrassed to call the fire department". Being a polite Southern gentleman, I resisted the urge to cuss her out. It was just my thought in that moment. I was very scared.

The fire department, like the police department are here to protect and serve. Notice above that it says in the recommendations to call the fire department after you have exited the home. Had I not been successful in extinguishing the fire her house would have burnt down.

Check your smoke detectors today. You should have one in every bedroom and main living areas. They are not recommended to be installed directly inside a kitchen where nuisance alarms can set them off.

I've Been Burning My Fireplace For 15 years and I Haven't Had a Problem

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 19:27:44 GMT

Quote from my dad

Can I tell you a story?

The story I am about to tell you happened many years ago. My name is Jeff and I bought Top Hat Chimney Sweeps from a great guy whom I am still friends with, almost 40 years ago.

For the first several years of our (my wife and I) ownership of Top Hat Chimney Sweeps, we almost starved to death because of the lack of business. People didn't know anything about chimney sweeping besides what they knew from the movie Mary Poppins.

After a few years in business and getting certified by the Wood Heat Alliance (They are no longer around), I was visiting my mom and dad in South Carolina and my dad pulled me off to the side and said "Son, you have a degree from Auburn University. Why don't you use it and make something of your life." Well, I was devastated.

I must say, that although my feelings were hurt. Don't ever tell me I can't do something or be successful at it. I decided to keep his words out of my mind.

The following year, we were visiting for Christmas. The business was doing much better. I decided to take it on my own and just look behind his wood burning insert. It was scary! Of course, not many people know what glazed creosote is or what it can do. I was even one of those people before I became a chimney sweep. I told my dad that he needed to have his chimney repaired. That's when he said " I've been burning my fireplace for 15 years and haven't had a problem. It's just fine. I'm not worried about it. It is a brick chimney." I did convince him to get a smoke detector. After a great visit with mom and dad, we return to Opelika.

Two weeks later, I got a call from my dad. He said "son I owe you an apology. The chimney caused our house to catch fire last night. You were right."

He said that he and mom were okay and that the fire department, on the second visit to the house, was able to extinguish the wall next to the fireplace that had caught fire. The first trip from the fire department was to extinguish the chimney fire. Several hours after the chimney fire he felt the wall next to the fireplace and it was getting hotter and hotter. He had to call the fire department back. They took their axes and opened up the wall and it was an inferno. My Dad asked if I could come up at my earliest convenience and repair the fireplace.

I went up there as soon as I had an opening and repaired both of their fireplaces. The repairs took about a week. They worked flawlessly until he died many years later. Man, I miss my dad.

My wishes are that anyone who reads this story have their fireplace or gas logs inspected by somebody. Of course, you can call us at 334-749-3559, but if you are out of our area or reading this because you just stumbled on it, you can find a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep using the chimney sweep locator. Just click here and enter your ZIP code.

The National Fire Protection Association states in NFPA 211 that a fireplace shall be inspected annually for structural integrity and need of cleaning.

Thank You!

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 19:27:44 GMT

To all our loyal customers!

It's Valentine's Day.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our regular customers for their business.

We have been around for a very long time. Counting the previous owner, Ed Weatherman, almost 50 years. And we know, it is because of you!

Take a look at our mission statement:

We Believe In The Highest Quality Products And Services For Our Customers. We Believe Our Customers Are Our Greatest Asset. We Are Dedicated To Serving Our Customer’s Needs.

Many of you, I have become to know as friends… close friends. Maybe, that's why I wake up every morning looking forward to the day ahead. It's not like a job; it's like going out and and visiting with friends.

It is exciting to see what y'all have done for Top Hat. We currently have eight vehicles on the road! And we're ordering more! Of course, we are purchasing locally.

Although it is exciting to see the company grow exponentially, I miss seeing a lot of you because of our many technicians and having the ability to get to y'all in a timely manner. In the old days, you didn't have a choice… It was me in the field and my wife (Denise) running the business.

I thank the Lord every day that we have been able to maintain quality and take care for our friends (customers). It seems like I only get to see some of you once every two or three years.

"Cherish your friends and your family"

Hope to see you soon! Stay safe and warm.

Did You Know?

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 19:27:42 GMT

That in Alabama, you, The homeowner, have responsibilities when you hire a contractor.

It's something we just don't ever think about. Imagine, you hire a contractor to do some work at your home. The owner of the company is not doing the work. It is an employee.

The contractor does not carry workman's compensation insurance. Let's say that contractor is a chimney sweep company doing flashing repairs on your roof. The flashing has been leaking for years. The roof has rotted around the chimney. The employee falls through the roof and the attic and ends up on your living room floor with a broken back. Did you know, that employee can sue you for the damages. You could be held responsible.

I know it sounds crazy, but it's true. Below is an excerpt from the Belt, Bronzer & Barnet PC, attorneys at law's blog:

Contractors Working as Employees

If a contractor is injured in a private home and is an employee of a business, then they should learn whether they have workers’ compensation insurance coverage. If the employer carries workers’ compensation insurance, then the contractor can file a claim for:

Medical expenses

Lost wages

Loss of use of a body part

Total or partial disability

Temporary or permanent disability

If the employer does not provide workers’ comp insurance, then the contractor needs to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim. Depending on the situation, the worker may file a personal injury claim against their employer or another at-fault party, like the homeowner.

The bottom line is this. Make sure you hire a reputable contractor. You want to make sure that contractor has workman's compensation insurance, general liability insurance, business license to do business in your municipality, and does not have several OSHA violations.

Do not trust your contractor to simply say "oh yeah… we have all that stuff". Be bold and ask for proof.

Are you aware, that in the state of Alabama, less than 5% of all chimney sweep companies have workman's compensation insurance. It may be part of the reason why there was such a price differential when you called several companies to get pricing for a chimney sweep.

At Top Hat Chimney sweeps, we pride ourselves on having business licenses in all of Georgia and all areas in Alabama that we do business. We also can show you our general liability insurance policy, auto insurance policy as well as our workman's compensation policy.

Protect yourself and hire a legitimate contractor!

Stay safe and warm

top-hat-chimney

Adulting 101

Home Survival Checklist

�� Adulting 101: Home Survival Checklist

�� Section 1: Emergency & Safety Essentials

1. Fire Safety & Alarms

2. Utility Shutoffs

⚡ Section 2: Electrical & Maintenance

1. Electrical Safety

2. Airflow & Vents

3. Fire Starter Skill

�� Section 3: Plumbing Quick Fixes

1. Local Shutoffs

2. Clogs & Drains

3. Septic Systems

�� Section 4: Pro Tips

10 Often Overlooked Issues in New Construction Fireplaces

95% of Fireplaces in New Construction are NOT Installed by a Certified Professional

How To Build A Top-Down Fire

What is a top down or upside down fire?

Flip Your Fire, Not Your Lid: The Genius of Top-Down Fires

What Exactly Is a Top-Down Fire?

Why Go Upside Down? The Brilliant Benefits

Top-Down Fire: A Breath of Fresh Air for Your Chimney (and the Environment!)

Ready to Flip Your Fire?

Watch a How-To Build an Upside Down Fire Video

The Top Hat Chimney Process

Masonry and Modular Masonry Fireplaces

Fireplaces have been around a long time!

Guess How Long a New Wood Stove Can Burn

30 Hours!

The Hipster 20: Cool name for a cool stove

Hipster 20 Stove

High Efficiency wood Burning Fireplaces

If you have availability to free or close to free firewood, you're heating costs will be reduced around 80% to 95%

What is a High Efficiency Direct Vent Gas Fireplace?

It's actually a tested and listed wall furnace!

My Fireplace: I Think it's an Insert

Call it what you like!

Is a Fireplace Candelabra Right For You?

You may not have thought about it!

Factory Built Wood Burning Fireplaces

Is this fireplace for you?

Electric Fireplace?

This is the fastest growing segment of the fireplace industry!

Dedicated Vent Free Fireplaces

Dedicated vent free fireplace.

Decorative Gas Fireplace

They look great!

Biofuel Fireplace

Alcohol Fireplace

"I don't have a chimney. I have gas logs."

Why should I have my fireplace serviced?

Is it a Gold Mine or Your House Going Up in Flames

Both!

Are You Tired of that Outdated Drafty or Stinky Fireplace

You have options!

I Don't Use My Fireplace Much How Often Should I Have It Inspected

Every year!

Quit Calling Roofers For That Chimney Leak You Can't Stop

It's rainy season again!

Ten Most Common Problems with Factory Built Fireplaces

Stay safe and warm

This is quite a long blog. I'm going to summarize the issues in this blog in case my article bores you to death. Here are the 10 most common problems we find with factory built fireplaces summarized.

Top Hat Gives Back, Reduce your Carbon Footprint

And global warming… if you believe that it exists

My Fireplace Smokes, I Just Don't Use It.

You're not alone! And many times it's not even your or the chimneys fault!?

Ever Thought About Your Smoke Detector

If not, I hope it never happens to you.

I've Been Burning My Fireplace For 15 years and I Haven't Had a Problem

Quote from my dad ﻿

Thank You!

To all our loyal customers!

Did You Know?

That in Alabama, you, The homeowner, have responsibilities when you hire a contractor.

Quote from my dad