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How Do I Prepare My Home for a Chimney Inspection?

by | Aug 21, 2026 | Chimney Inspection

Whether you live in Jacksonville, Middleburg, Gainesville, or anywhere across Northeast Florida, scheduling a chimney inspection is one of the smartest steps you can take as a homeowner. But before the technician arrives, a little preparation on your end can make the process smoother and more efficient. Knowing what to expect and what to do ahead of time helps ensure your inspector has full access and can deliver a thorough, accurate assessment.

How Do I Clear the Area Around My Fireplace for an Inspection?

A clear workspace allows your chimney inspector to move efficiently and focus on what matters most. Before your appointment, take a few minutes to walk through the space around your fireplace and hearth. Removing clutter and personal items not only speeds up the inspection process but also reduces the risk of anything being moved, bumped, or soiled during the visit. Here is a quick checklist to help you get started:

  • Move furniture, rugs, and décor at least three to four feet away from the fireplace opening
  • Remove any fireplace tools, screens, or grates stored directly in front of the hearth
  • Clear the mantel of candles, picture frames, and other decorative items
  • Pull back or remove area rugs that could be dirtied during the inspection
  • If there is a hearth gate or baby gate nearby, move it out of the way
  • Ensure the inspector has a clear path from the entry door to the fireplace

Do I Need To Remove Ashes Before a Chimney Inspection?

You do not need to remove all ashes from your firebox before a chimney inspection, but keeping a manageable level can be helpful. A small amount of ash, typically no more than an inch or two, is generally fine to leave in place. However, if ash is piled high or overflowing the firebox, it is worth scooping out the excess before your appointment. Too much ash can make it harder for the inspector to fully examine the firebox floor and lower areas of the system.

If you have a metal ash bucket and scoop on hand, do a quick cleanup a day or two before the inspection. Avoid using a standard vacuum, as it can spread fine particles throughout your home. Residents across Orange Park, St. Augustine, and Ponte Vedra Beach often find that a quick pre-inspection tidy-up leads to a faster, more focused visit.

Should Pets Be Kept Away During a Chimney Inspection?

Keeping pets secured during a chimney inspection is a good idea for everyone involved. Inspectors often bring equipment like cameras, lights, and brushes that can be tempting or frightening to animals. A curious dog or cat darting near the firebox or getting underfoot can slow the inspection and potentially cause a distraction that leads to missed details.

Beyond the disruption, chimney inspections can stir up dust, soot, and debris, none of which is good for pets to inhale. If you have dogs or cats, consider securing them in a bedroom or another part of the home away from the work area. If you live in a warmer part of the service area, like Fleming Island or Green Cove Springs, and your pet enjoys the yard, letting them outside during the visit is another simple solution. A little planning ahead keeps both your pets and your inspector comfortable throughout the appointment.

Can I Use My Fireplace the Night Before an Inspection?

Using your fireplace the night before a chimney inspection is not recommended, though it is not always a dealbreaker. When a fire burns, it leaves behind residual heat in the firebox and flue that can linger for many hours. A hot or warm chimney makes it harder for the inspector to work comfortably and may limit their ability to get close to certain components during the evaluation.

For the most thorough and efficient chimney inspection possible, plan to skip the fire for at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment. This allows the firebox and flue to cool completely, making the process more comfortable for the technician and more accurate overall. Homeowners in Middleburg, Keystone Heights, and Gainesville who use their fireplace frequently during cooler months should keep this timing in mind when scheduling. Building in a buffer day ensures the inspector can do a complete, unobstructed job.

What Are Common Issues Found During Chimney Inspections?

Chimney inspections reveal a wide range of issues, from minor maintenance needs to problems that require more immediate attention. In Northeast Florida, where chimneys may go unused for much of the year, certain conditions tend to show up more frequently. Here are some of the most common findings:

  • Creosote buildup in the flue, which can accumulate quickly even with light use and poses a fire hazard
  • Cracked or deteriorating mortar joints in the firebox or crown, often caused by moisture exposure and Florida’s fluctuating weather
  • Damaged or missing chimney caps, which allow rain, debris, and animals to enter the flue
  • Blockages from bird nests, leaves, or other debris, especially common in chimneys that sit unused during warmer months
  • Spalling brickwork on the exterior of the chimney, caused by moisture cycling through the masonry
  • Damper issues, including stuck, warped, or corroded dampers that prevent proper airflow

Schedule Your Chimney Inspection With Hudson Chimney

Preparing for a chimney inspection does not have to be complicated. A few simple steps before your appointment can make a meaningful difference in the quality and efficiency of the visit. Hudson Chimney has been serving homeowners in Jacksonville, Middleburg, Gainesville, and surrounding Northeast Florida communities since 1979. Contact our team to schedule your chimney inspection with a certified professional today.

5 Signs Your Dryer Vent Cleaning Is Overdue

by | May 13, 2026 | Dryer Vent Cleaning

Your dryer is one of the hardest-working appliances in your home, but it’s easy to overlook the vent system that keeps it running properly. A clogged dryer vent doesn’t just reduce efficiency. It can create serious hazards for your household. Homeowners throughout Jacksonville, Middleburg, Gainesville, Crescent City, and Melrose deal with humidity and lint buildup year-round, making routine vent maintenance especially important. If you’ve noticed any of the following signs, it may be time to schedule a professional dryer vent cleaning.

Why Does My Dryer Take So Long to Dry Clothes?

When your dryer vent is clogged, hot, moist air has nowhere to go. Instead of being expelled outside, it recirculates inside the drum, leaving your clothes damp at the end of a normal cycle. You may find yourself running loads twice or adding extra time just to get towels and heavier items fully dry.

This isn’t just an inconvenience. It’s a sign that your vent system is restricted. Lint, debris, and even outdoor obstructions can block airflow over time. The harder your dryer has to work, the more energy it consumes, which often shows up as a noticeable increase on your monthly utility bill. If a single load of laundry takes significantly longer than it used to, a clogged vent is one of the most common culprits.

Why Does My Dryer Feel Hot to the Touch After a Cycle?

A dryer that feels unusually hot on the outside after running is more than a minor quirk. It’s a warning that heat isn’t venting properly. When lint and debris restrict the exhaust path, trapped heat builds up inside the unit and radiates through its exterior surfaces. Here are a few things to watch for:

  • The top or sides of the dryer feel noticeably hot immediately after a cycle
  • Clothing comes out excessively hot or even too warm to handle
  • The dryer’s automatic shutoff or thermal sensors activate frequently
  • Metal components like the door or drum feel hotter than they normally would
  • The area directly behind the dryer feels warm to the touch

Ignoring these symptoms can shorten the lifespan of your dryer and put additional strain on internal components. Scheduling regular dryer vent cleanings helps keep your system operating within normal temperature ranges.

Why Does My Dryer Smell Like Something Is Burning?

A burning smell coming from your dryer should never be ignored. In most cases, it means lint has accumulated inside the vent line or around the heating element and is being exposed to high temperatures. Over time, this buildup becomes highly flammable, and even a small amount of trapped lint can produce a noticeable odor when heated.

For many home appliances, unusual smells can be the first warning sign of trouble, and your dryer is no exception. The combination of heat, restricted airflow, and combustible material creates a potentially dangerous situation. Homeowners in areas like Jacksonville, Middleburg, and Crescent City should be especially attentive during seasons of heavy dryer use. If you detect a burning or musty smell during or after a cycle, stop using the dryer and have your vent system inspected promptly.

Why Is My Laundry Room Hotter or More Humid Than Usual?

Your laundry room shouldn’t feel like a sauna after running the dryer. When the vent system is functioning properly, hot air and moisture are directed outside through the exhaust. A clogged vent disrupts this process, forcing warm, humid air back into the room instead.

In Northeast Florida, particularly in communities like Gainesville, Melrose, and Middleburg, outdoor humidity is already a factor for much of the year. Adding excess moisture from a malfunctioning vent only compounds the problem, potentially encouraging mold growth in walls, flooring, and cabinetry around the laundry area. You may also notice condensation forming on windows or nearby surfaces.

If your laundry room consistently feels warmer or more humid than other rooms in your home after running the dryer, restricted venting is a likely cause that warrants professional attention.

Why Is There So Much Lint Around My Dryer?

Finding lint on the floor, behind the dryer, or accumulating on nearby surfaces is a clear indicator that your vent isn’t expelling debris as it should. When the vent pathway is partially blocked, lint has nowhere to go and begins escaping through gaps, seams, and connections in the ductwork. Watch for these telltale signs:

  • Lint gathering on the floor or surfaces near the dryer after each load
  • Visible lint or debris collecting around the dryer’s exterior exhaust vent
  • The lint trap filling up faster than usual or appearing packed after short cycles
  • Lint or dust appearing on clothing, shelving, or other items in the laundry room
  • A musty or stale smell near the dryer, caused by trapped moisture and fiber buildup

Regular vent cleaning removes these blockages at the source and helps your dryer operate more efficiently, reducing excess lint throughout your laundry space.

Schedule Your Dryer Vent Cleaning With Hudson Chimney

Keeping your dryer vent clear is one of the simplest ways to protect your home, improve appliance performance, and reduce energy costs. Whether you’re in Jacksonville, Middleburg, Gainesville, Crescent City, or Melrose, the CSIA-certified team at Hudson Chimney is ready to help. With more than 40 years of experience serving Northeast Florida, we provide thorough dryer vent cleanings you can count on. Call us today or click here to schedule your appointment.

Don’t Procrastinate Your Chimney Repair Work

by | Mar 31, 2020 | chimney maintenance

Procrastinating on chimney repairs can lead to very dangerous results. There are many reasons why you should never procrastinate on repairing your chimney. A fireplace is a wonderful addition to your home to keep you warm and cozy, however, it is important to remember that the chimneys that serve them work to make sure that the fire burning doesn’t result in dangerous gases and other by-products of combustion getting into your home.

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Reasons Why Chimney Repairs Are Important

Smoke from fires contains dangerous gases such as carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless gas that can cause illnesses or even death if exposed to large amounts. 

Another risk is that delaying repairs could lead to chimney fires. As all of the different substances produced as wood burns are expelled through the chimney, it could result in residue that sticks to the inner walls of your chimney. This is called creosote. Creosote is a black or brown oily residue that is highly combustible. If it’s not maintained and taken care of, the buildup could ignite causing chimney fires.

Another reason to not delay repairs is that the further the damage, the more costly it could get, especially if it deals with cracks or leaks. Cracks in your chimney could lead to overheating and dangerous gases to leak into your home. Leaks in your chimney could lead to further damage of the structure of your home. As it impairs the efficiency of your chimney, it can also cause leaks into your ceilings, walls, and other structures.

Leaks occur because a lot of masonry materials are porous to expel the gases, however this also means that it can absorb large amounts of water. According to the Chimney Institute of America (CSIA), common bricks act like a sponge, absorbing water & moisture into the interior of your chimney system.

Preventing leaks is very affordable and easy. Here at Hudson Chimney, we want to do everything we can to help from water damage to preventing dangerous gases to enter your home.

Look for Signs

There are many different ways to know if you need chimney repairs. With leaks, it could be hard to find any symptoms. However, if you see any of these following signs, call a chimney professional right away.

  • Deteriorated metal or masonry firebox parts or rusted fireplace accessories
  • A dripping noise
  • Rotting adjacent wood and ruined wall coverings
  • Water-stained walls and ceiling around your chimney
  • Stained chimney exterior or decaying exterior mortar
  • A cracked or deteriorated flue lining
  • A tilted, collapsed or settled-looking chimney
  • Rainwater in or around your fireplace or furnace thimble

With possible creosote build up, you shouldn’t see any heavy or dangerous signs such as loud cracking or dense smoke if you get your chimney swept regularly. As creosote build up comes in different stages, the further you get, the harder and more costly it will get.

Some early signs to look for are:

  • Reduced drafting in fireplace
  • Black soot in and around your fireplace
  • Very dark smoke coming from your chimney
  • If you can see more than ⅛ of an inch of soot build up
  • Not as much as ash left after burning
  • If you see any of these signs, make sure you contact a chimney professional to help.

How We Can Help

Hudson Chimney has been in the business for over 30 years and we have dealt with all kinds of repairs. We have certified chimney professionals that will help inspect your chimney and repair them for you. We want to make sure that your home is protected from preventable danger concerning your chimney. 

With the recent Covid-19 outbreak, we are taking precautions to ensure your safety as well as your professionals. We are taking measures not to shake hands, we will be wearing gloves, laying down tarps, which are washed everyday when professionals return, and we have many tarps to ensure that we are not spreading the virus from home to home.

What is Chim-Scan?

by | Feb 28, 2020 | Chimney Inspections

It can be quite difficult to properly diagnose a chimney problem when you don’t have the proper equipment to get the job done right. Licensed and certified professionals who are trained in chimney science and diagnostics are able to get to the source of the matter and offer a report that is clear and helpful. Once the homeowner has the report, the repairs can be planned and completed so that more damage isn’t sustained in the wait.

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Expert Diagnostics With Chim-Scan

Chimney professionals use a special CCV camera system designed to go inside the flue and offer a view where most cannot look. Using the Chim-Scan system, chimney experts are able to inspect even the most out-of-reach places. Chim-Scan inspections result in HD quality images and document the general condition of the chimney interior. This is the only real way to verify chimney safety and diagnose chimney damage.

Masonry and Pre-Fab Chimneys

Chimney professionals can use a Chim-Scan system to inspect your chimney whether it’s a pre-fab chimney or a masonry one. They are used when a real estate inspection is needed, to verify repairs have been done properly, to complete a level two inspection and more. In order to get the most of the inspections, there are a few different models that work with certain types of systems or after certain serious damage has occurred. When it’s time to have the system inspected, there’s no need for you to fret over the decisions. Your chimney sweep will determine how to best scan the system and provide the most detailed report possible.

Chimney Inspections in Jacksonville

Whether your fireplace and chimney have been acting up, or you simply need your annual inspection to ensure the safety and efficiency of your system, we can help. Residents in and around Jacksonville depend on Hudson Chimney for comprehensive chimney care year-round. We travel from Jacksonville South to Crescent City and from Lake Butler and Gainesville to St. Augustine, covering a large area and many cities. When there is a problem that needs to be diagnosed or a repair that needs to be made, we handle it with expert care and professional courtesy. For the convenience of our customers and the safety of our communities, we offer three levels of inspection that provide the best diagnostics and lowest cost to our customers.

  • Level One – This is the chimney inspection necessary under the best of conditions when the chimney system has been used in the same way with no changes and no problems. A level one inspection is required annually for safety and efficiency and includes all readily accessible portions of the chimney interior and exterior.
  • Level Two – When the chimney has had a problem functioning properly when repairs or changes have been made, or after a natural occurrence like a fire, earthquake, or tornado, a more thorough inspection is necessary. A level two inspection is also required before the sale or transfer of property, but this is not the same as a home inspection, as a home inspector will not properly assess a chimney and fireplace system. A level two inspection includes all accessible portions of the system (including those found by way of doorways in attics, basements, and crawlspaces) and a video scan for detailed diagnostics and reporting.
  • Level Three – When a problem is detected in a lesser-level inspection, your chimney sweep will recommend a level three inspection. This is a thorough inspection designed to access suspected hazards even if it requires minor demolition. Your technician may have to remove panels and even masonry to access a suspected hazard and repairs usually follow a level three inspection.

If you schedule your annual inspection and a problem is discovered, it will be handled swiftly by our team at Hudson Chimney. Our technicians are CSIA certified and have the knowledge and experience to handle any job, big or small. Our goal is safety for our customers. This keeps our friends and neighbors warm, and our communities safe from accidental fires. Because we know the seriousness of the matter, we also know the solution. When it comes to chimney safety, prevention is key. The only way to prevent chimney accidents, hazards, and costly damages is to schedule important routine services for your chimney now. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) asserts that chimneys must be inspected annually and cleaned regularly for safety and efficiency. The chimneys that are dangerous are those that are neglected, affected by unseen damage, or used improperly. When one of our experts takes a look at your system on a regular basis, we catch the damage, we correct the problems, and we answer questions and share all the newest information available.

Our dedication to your safety and comfort season after season, year after year, is why we continue to choose and trust Chim-Scan closed circuit internal evaluation system. When we can’t see the damage, it doesn’t get addressed. This is why homeowners trust Hudson Chimney, and we trust Chim-Scan.

Call us at 904-282-4159 to schedule your appointment with our Chim-Scan technology.

Reasons Why Your Fireplace Requires Annual Maintenance

by | Jan 29, 2020 | Fireplace Maintenance

No matter what type of chimney and fireplace system you have and no matter how often it is used, it still requires annual maintenance to maintain safety for your family and long-lasting parts and functionality. To get straight to the point, the fireplacesGas-Fireplace-Jacksonville-FL-Hudson-Chimney and chimney systems which are cleaned regularly and inspected annually are the ones that are most safe and efficient year after year—both the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) say so (and we agree).

Unsafe Chimneys Put Lives at Risk

When you neglect your annual maintenance, your chimney will suffer, which means your fire will suffer, and your comfort and safety will as well. As your fire burns, chemical byproducts are released into the flue system where they vent safely outside the home. When this process is interrupted, the smoke and toxins can push into the rest of the house, affecting the breathable air and putting your family at risk for carbon monoxide exposure and particulate pollution.

Additionally, when the fire doesn’t vent properly it will be difficult-to-light and will require more fuel to reach the desired temperature. This heat will not go up the chimney the way it’s intended and designed, so the risk for accidental fire goes up. A flue fire can be catastrophic, destroying your property and causing injury or even death to family and guests.

It’s our goal and the goal of every CSIA certified chimney professional to bring down the occurrence of residential chimney fires and chimney-related incidents. We help our friends and neighbors in and around Jacksonville, Florida maintain safety and comfort for their homes by offering expert chimney services.

Signs Your Chimney Needs Maintenance

Your chimney system is put to work every time you light a fire and it requires annual maintenance no matter how often it’s used. If you haven’t scheduled a chimney sweep or inspection for your system in the last 12 months, now is the time. Though your chimney system needs basic services annually, there are certain signs that indicate the system needs attention right away.

  • Odors in the fireplace and chimney: Odors mean a problem in the system. Depending on the odor, the problems may be extreme and dangerous. A barbecue smell means the system is dirty and likely has obstructions and flammable creosote deposits. A mildew odor means there is a chimney leak and is likely causing water damage. Foul odors of decomposition mean the system is dirty with decomposing organic materials like leaves and limbs—even a possible dead animal! Any odors in the system mean an expert eye needs to assess the system.
  • Spalling masonry: Broken, cracked, and crumbling masonry is a serious problem that can allow water into the system, can lead to structural issues, and can compromise ventilation. If your masonry is damaged, it’s important to call a professional who can assess and repair it properly, and prevent a recurrence.
  • Chimney leaks: A chimney leak may not only occur inside the chimney system itself. While the water may enter by way of the chimney, the leak can occur anywhere in the home as water runs through flooring and walls and can form a leak several rooms away from the chimney. If you have a leak anywhere in your home, or notice dripping sounds or visible signs of a leak in the chimney itself, it’s time to call a professional.
  • A smoky fireplace: If your fireplace is smoky, the flue isn’t venting properly. It may be that your flue is obstructed, dirty, or your damper isn’t working properly. Your smoky fireplace may even be caused by the wrong type of firewood. In order to determine the source of your smoky fireplace, call a professional who can complete a basic assessment before you use your fireplace and expose your family to smoke inhalation.
  • Stains on the chimney or in the fireplace: Stains on the inside of the firebox (or fireplace) can be a sign of the wrong firewood, a ventilation problem, or a leak. This needs to be addressed by a certified professional. Additionally, exterior stains are a problem. Red/brown stains at the top of your chimney is a sign of a damaged or dislodged cap. White stains on the masonry surface mean water is passing through the masonry and leaving minerals on the surface.

No matter what type of damage you have discovered or signs you’ve noticed, it is never too late to have it repaired, and it’s never too early to call an expert. At Hudson Chimney we are trained to diagnose and make repairs of the smallest kind so that our customers can avoid costs of the big kind.

When it’s time to schedule your services, schedule with us. Call Hudson Chimney at 904-282-4159 and put your trust in the CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps that have been serving Jacksonville, Florida for over 30 years.