Fireplace cleaning services by A Step in Time Chimney Sweeps


Chimney Inspections (Click the camera for prices)
Did you know that according to the National Fire Protection Association, there are 3 levels of chimney inspections? The first level is the basic chimney inspection. This occurs during routine annual chimney cleanings. The level 2 chimney inspection is recommended if you buy or sell your home or believe you may have experienced a chimney fire. This more intense chimney inspection involves a video inspection of the interior portions of your chimney. Various issues like missing mortar joints between flue tiles, cracked flue tiles and unseen abandoned thimbles are potential fire hazards and usually require advanced video inspections to reveal these dangers. Ask your customer service representative about video inspecting your chimney, especially if this was not performed when you purchased your home.


Fireplace cleaning (Click chimney for prices)
A Step in Time Chimney Sweeps specializes in fireplace cleaning and inspections. Our C.S.I.A. certified chimney sweeps performs various levels of chimney inspections. We begin by a full inspection from the top of the fireplace where we inspect the chimney cap, chimney crown, flashing, brickwork and we even check for loose roof shingles. At this point, our technicians begin the cleaning process if this is required. After the chimney and fireplace cleaning process, our technician will inspect the inside of the chimney and fireplace. This is a full inspection of the smoke chamber, damper, firebox, lintel, hearth, and the ash dump door.

Dryer Vent Cleaning (Click Dryer for prices)
In the years from 1991 to 1995, dryer vent fires increased to 15,800, up over 15 percent, resulting in at least 10 deaths and 310 injuries annually. Most dryer vent fires start with a buildup of lint, which blocks the flow of air and ignites when it becomes too hot. Most often, poor venting causes the problem. As most people prefer to keep their dryer pushed as close to the wall as possible, this leaves little room for the pipe to come out and turn. Most people crush that pipe, which creates a trap for lint to collect, in an effort to get the dryer closer to the wall. Also, dryer venting tends to sag, if it is not guided through the rafters with rigid ducting. The curves will stop the lint from blowing out. Lint becomes trapped in the ribs of ducting, creating pockets of potentially flammable debris. The easiest solution: clean your dryer vents regularly or have them professionally cleaned. Make sure that your dryer is operating properly. Each time that you begin a new load of clothes you should make sure that the filter has been cleaned; also, check the outside exhaust to see that air is escaping normally. A Step in Time Chimney Sweeps can handle all your dryer vent cleaning needs.

Gutter Cleaning (Click gutter for prices)
A Step in Time Chimney Sweeps are continuously on roofs and we can't help but notice overflowing gutters. When gutters overflow, water not only overflows away from the house, but overflows behind the soffit boards which causes moisture damage and produces mold. This mold eventually works it's way inside the attic and throughout the house by way of air ventilation ducts. Many wifes assign this task to their hubby. While these brave men might be great dentists, lawyers, salesmen, or auto mechanics. They might night me the best roof climber. These accidents can be prevented by simply hiring a person who has the proper experience to effectively clean these gutters. Roofs are dangerous and this task should be left to a professional.

Chimney repair
A Step in Time has many chimney technicians who have seen and repaired nearly every imaginable chimney problems that you could encounter. Whether it is leaking chase covers as shown in the photo to the left to complete chimney rebuilts with historic preservation, A Step in Time can solve your chimney repair needs. All our chimney repairs come with a two year labor warrantee and most of our repair products come with ten year or lifetime manufacturer warrantee. Our staff has many brick masons, one professional engineer and many C.S.I.A. certified chimney sweeps. If you want your chimney repair performed correctly, then you have come to the right place.

Stainless Steel Chimney Liner installation
A Step in Time installs stainless steel chimney liners. Many masonry chimney have a terra cotta flue tile liner. These liners are very effective as a heat insulator if they experience a chimney fire, but are also very brittle and usually crack when they are exposed to thermal shock. NFPA 211 (national fire codes) basically state that these liners should be repaired or replaced when they crack. A very good way to correct these problems is to install stainless steel chimney liners. Many of these liners have lifetime warrantees and can effectively handle the thermal stress of chimney fires. Most homeowner insurance policy coverage includes chimney fire damage. Apparently the insurance companies understand that the cost of a chimney liner is better than the cost of a entire house. Call A Step in Time for you stainless steel chimney liner needs.

Structural Engineering inspections and design
A Step in Time was founded by Ray Gessner who is a licensed professional engineer. He graduated from Virginia Tech - 1991 in civil engineering with a focus on structural engineering. Later he worked at various structural engineering firms and geotechnical (soils) engineering firms. In 1998 he received his masters degree in civil engineering from Old Dominion University with a geotechnical and structural emphasis. Later that year he successfully sat and passed the Virginia Professional engineering exam and is a Virginia licensed professional engineer. Ray has also sat for and passed the Class A contractors license. Everyday, A Step in Time chimney sweep technicians visit homes and encounter a variety of problems. All homes are built on soil and experience wide variety of settlement issues which include leaning chimneys, damaged foundations, termite infestation and water deterioration. Ray's duel major with geotechnical (soils) and structural engineering is a perfect fit to offer advice to everyday homeowners. Call A Step in Time for your structural engineering needs.
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