Our Company Blog

Dryer Vent Services

The importance of having your dryer vent cleaned and serviced on a regular basis cannot be emphasized enough. Lint build-up can cause major issues and put your home and loved ones in danger. When vents get clogged up, the toxic fumes from your appliances can back up into your home and affect your loved ones’ well being.

The vents and link trap are also known for being a source for fires in the home, so ensuring that everything is filtering appropriately is essential in keeping these devices safe for use. Lint can get into all sorts of cracks and crevices and when it piles up it becomes an ideal spot for sparks to ignite. Cleanings are vital and a professional will know exactly where and what to clean so that you can rest easy, knowing your home is not in danger.

Signs Of Lint Build-Up

It is important to know when it is time to schedule a dryer vent inspection and cleaning. One warning sign that indicates you may be overdue is when your clothes are taking much longer to dry than usual or are not drying at all. This indicates that the water cannot filter out properly and that your vents may be full of debris and other hazardous materials.
Other signs consist of the dryer become excessively hot, the exhaust vent flapper not functioning as it should, or a burnt smell throughout your laundry room. Any signs of too much heat are not good, as this is a clear indicator that a fire could be just moments away from occurring. Do not hesitate and get your cleaning scheduled right away.

Hire A Professional

Hiring a professional is the safest option when it comes to getting your vent system back in tip-top shape. The process of inspecting and cleaning these vents involves clearing out leaves, nests, and other debris, which may be hard to spot or locate if you do not know the proper areas to check. Ensuring that everything is exhausting as it should is what will enable your dryer to run efficiently and safely.

On top of that, cleaning out everything can be an extensive process, involving taking apart your entire dryer venting system. The sections need to be separated and addressed with the proper tools and cleaning supplies. Then, once you get them apart, there is the process of putting them back together again. Professionals are trained as far as how to do this without breaking anything and know which tools should be used on the various parts and sections. They can also reassemble the pieces with ease.

At Olde Town Chimney Sweeps, we know how hazardous a dryer can be and work hard to ensure that every home we work in is safe for the family staying there. Do not wait until it is too late. Give us a call today and schedule an appointment.

Waterproofing Your Chimney

Your chimney goes through a lot of wear and tear. Being constantly exposed to the outdoor elements causes a lot of damage in the long run, which ends up putting a strain on you and your pocketbook. A better option is to invest in preventative measures now, before having to face costly repairs in the future. One of the best things you can do for your chimney is have it waterproofed.

Water and Masonry

Water is very harmful the brick on your chimney and will end up causing a lot of deterioration if it is not properly protected. Through the process of freezing and thawing, the chimney experiences extra pressure, since water expands when it freezes. On top of that the mortar holding the brick together will wear down more quickly and any metal aspects on the chimney will rust or break down.

In the long run, these things will cause a lot of overall damage. Your chimney will eventually collapse if not properly taken care of, which is an extremely costly thing to repair. Rust, rotting, cracks, and stains are just a few more of the many issues that arise when water comes into contact with your masonry. If you spend the money waterproofing now, you will save yourself from expensive and time-consuming fixes in the future.

Preventing Water Damage

So, what needs to be done to prevent water damage from occurring? Here are a few things you can do.

• Install A Chimney Cap: Chimney caps sit on top of the chimney and do not allow rain or other weather elements to enter it. They are typically inexpensive and work hard to protect your brick year round. They also protect it from birds and other animals that might want to build homes inside of your chimney.
• Repair Cracks and Gaps: The mortar on your chimney breaks down as it is exposed to outdoor elements. If holes start to form, it allows more opportunities for water to enter the brick and cause more damage. Filling these gaps and patching up any cracks will benefit your chimney greatly for when nasty weather comes around.
• Waterproofing: Since brick is known for sucking in water, it would be a wise idea to waterproof your entire chimney. The smartest and safest option is to hire a professional to do the job. Before anything is done, the brick needs to be thoroughly cleaned and inspected for any possible damage. Once that is done, the water repellent can be applied. An expert will know exactly what to look for, as far as needed repairs, and knows the proper chemicals that should be used.

Olde Town Chimney Sweeps has everything you need to get your chimney in the best possible condition. Give one of our experts a call today. We look forward to serving you!