by Mark Hudson | Feb 13, 2019 | Chimney Liner
Your chimney is important. It may be the largest system in your home. It changes the air pressure, can allow or stop drafts, adds heat and ambiance to your favorite spaces, and can even affect your breathable air. Your chimney is important to you, and it’s important to us too. Chimney professionals know the ins and outs of chimney science. We know things that homeowners don’t know, and we use that knowledge to prevent devastating fires and accidents. We want to help your chimney be the safest and most efficient system possible, and we do this by offering services and repairs that are absolutely essential. Liner replacement and repair is one service that is essential for chimney life and safety.
Your Chimney Liner
One of the most common problems with old chimneys has to do with the chimney liner. Liners may be clay, ceramic, or metal, and older liners may become damaged without you ever knowing. Although hidden from view, the liner is one of the most important parts of the chimney system. Like human skin, it covers a lot of area and is extremely durable because it is an important barrier. The liner should keep your fire, heat, and gases inside the chimney. Without a liner, toxic gases such as carbon monoxide can escape and poison your family. Carbon monoxide can cause permanent organ injury and even death. A cracked or damaged liner can also allow high temperatures to affect beams and other structural materials in your house. You might notice that your masonry is extremely hot to the touch, which is a liner problem. You may also notice pieces of ceramic or clay tile in the fireplace. This is also a sign of a damaged liner. Once a problem is recognized, it needs to be addressed before you use your fireplace again. Discontinue use and have the liner repaired by a professional.
Reasons to Replace a Liner
If the damage to your liner is extensive, it may need a full relining. Other reasons your liner may need to be completely replaced include:
-There is no liner in the chimney
-The liner is an old and badly damaged clay tile liner
-You are switching fuels and the current liner is not safe for use with your new fuel
-The flue needs to be resized to match the capacity of a new fire appliance.
At Hudson Chimney we can help you determine whether your liner needs a quick repair or a full replacement. We install stainless steel liners which are long-lasting and safe for all fuel types, and we also design and install custom liners in all sizes, shapes, and designs. Bring your old chimney up to new standards. Your chimney will work better and safer when you trust Hudson Chimney.
If you know you have a liner problem, contact Hudson Chimney to price your new liner or repair. Call us at 904-282-4159 today.
by Mark Hudson | Jan 30, 2019 | Chimney Damper
The chimney is as long-lasting as your house itself, which is why you may have a historical home with old parts and components. Over the years, advancements in chimney science and technology have resulted in new products that bring up the efficiency of your old chimney. At Hudson Chimney we revitalize old chimneys and improve efficiency and function by installing energy top dampers and clean-out doors.
Energy Top Dampers
Named for their energy saving capabilities, the energy top damper is also called the top mount damper. It is a damper that is installed on the top of the chimney instead of the traditional metal dampers which are installed in the throat of the chimney. Many homeowners like to replace a throat damper with the new energy top dampers in order to start reaping benefits right away.
Airtight seal – The energy top damper is equipped with an airtight seal that prevents air, moisture, and animals or insects from entering.
Chimney cap – Energy top dampers double as a chimney cap, keeping animals, water, and wind out even when it’s open.
Ease of use – With a handle that reaches to the hearth, it’s easy to engage and disengage the damper from indoors.
Durable – Made of stainless steel and aluminum, the energy top damper doesn’t rust or corrode. It is long-lasting and unaffected by soot and creosote which may cake the interior of the flue.
Pre-set – The damper remains open by default for maximum safety and always opens to the perfect pre-set height.
Once your energy top damper is installed, you will start reaping the benefits right away. The new damper will save you money year-round, preventing heated air loss through winter, and conditioned air loss throughout the off-season. With this new addition, you can save up to 75 percent on heating and cooling costs.
Chimney Clean-Out Doors
The clean-out doors are the “back door” to the chimney which allows for easier access to the flue and chimney for cleaning. Not only does a new clean-out door make your chimney more accessible, but will also help you notice and diagnose chimney problems. You may not see evidence of chimney damage in your stove or fireplace, but when you find fragments of clay tiles or mortar in your clean-out door, you know there is a problem. Your clean-out door makes the flue more accessible to you, the homeowner, but also offers another route to the chimney professional who may come and clean or repair your chimney system.
Whether you’re replacing a damaged damper or looking to improve efficiency or value, we have what you’re looking for. At Hudson Chimney we use our experience and expertise to bring safety and efficiency to our customers’ homes and lives.
Call and speak with a chimney expert at 904-282-4159.
by Mark Hudson | Aug 14, 2018 | Jacksonville
Jacksonville, Florida is known for many things, especially the climate and wildlife. Despite mild temperatures, many homeowners prefer to have in their home a fireplace and chimney. This helps to lower utility bills during seasonal transitions and also adds to the ambiance and decor of the home. At Hudson Chimney, we understand the magic that transforms a home when a fire is lit in a beautiful hearth. We also know the importance of maintaining fireplaces and chimneys to keep them safe and efficient. We make it our priority to keep our neighbors and families in Jacksonville safe season after season.
Why Choose Hudson Chimney
In over 20 years, Hudson Chimney has serviced countless families, businesses, and contractors, bringing safe fire appliances into residential and business spaces in and around Jacksonville. Located in Middleburg, Florida, we’re located in the heart of our service area and are well-versed in local and state fire and safety regulations. When we come into your community and your home, we treat you as neighbors. We live and work in the area, and it’s our goal that residential fires become a thing of the past for our communities.
We are certified through the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), Independent Safety Commission (ISC), C-DET, and members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG), Georgia Chimney Sweep Guild (GCSG), and the Florida Guild of Professional Chimney Sweeps (FGPCS) of which owner Mark Hudson is President and Founder. At Hudson Chimney, education is a valuable asset and ongoing experience. When you choose Hudson Chimney, you will get a professional with the training and experience necessary to complete the job, as well as the backing of an established, licensed, and certified company.
Comprehensive Chimney Care for Jacksonville
In order to offer the best services to our service area in Jacksonville, Florida and surrounding communities, we strive to have certified technicians on staff who are experienced and formally trained. We offer preventative chimney maintenance year round, as well as chimney leak repairs, masonry repairs, routine maintenance, installations, parts replacements, and more.
Hudson’s Service Area
Though we serve a large area in Northeast Florida, there are certain cities and towns where we work every day, including:
Middleburg
Orange Park
Green Cove Springs
Saint Johns
Saint Augustine
Jacksonville Beach
Neptune Beach
Atlantic Beach
Ponte Vedra Beach
Penney Farms
Macclenny
Baldwin
Gainesville
Melrose
Keystone Heights
Starke
Palatka
Crescent City
Welaka
Fort White
Hawthorne
Palm Coast
Lake Butler
If you reside in any of these cities and would like to find a new chimney sweep company for all of your chimney needs, give Hudson Chimney a call today at 904-282-4159. If you don’t see your city name, or your zip code here, we may be able to work with you when you call to speak with a chimney expert.
You can also contact us online with this online form.
by Mark Hudson | Jan 14, 2017 | Professional Certifications
Your chimney is the ventilation for your fireplace. It allows the harmful byproducts of your fire to exit the home and it protects your family from health hazards caused from carbon monoxide poisoning, particle inhalation, and more. Just as you would choose a physician over your next door neighbor, you should choose a certified professional over the neighborhood handyman.
The Industry Standard
- The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) has been the authority on chimney safety since the 1980s, and only the CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® (CCS) adheres to CSIA’s high standard of excellence.
- The CSIA Code of Ethics designed to protect customers from scams.
- Professional training and education aimed at preventing accidental fires, carbon monoxide intrusion, and other chimney related hazards.
- Re-certification every three years by examination or continued education credits to allow chimney sweeps to adjust to the changing industry and technologies.
- Networking with related professionals at the local and national level.
- Nationally recognized as the industry’s best.
When your homeowners insurance requires an inspection due to a claim or premium adjustment they look for the CSIA signature. When your realtor requires an inspection for a sale or a mortgage broker requires an appraisal, they will look for the CSIA signature. It is easier to find a CSIA certified chimney sweep from the start. This is the industry standard that related fields look to.
The Hudson Chimney Standard
At Hudson Chimney we do not stop at a CSIA certification. We maintain Independent Safety Commission (ISC) and Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician (CDET) certifications as well as membership of the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) and Georgia Chimney Sweep Guild (GCSW). This continued education helps us to offer the best service for the Jacksonville, Florida area for over thirty years. We also pride ourselves on educating the public about chimney and dryer vent safety. Mark Hudson, owner and operator of Hudson Chimney is also the founder and former president of the FGPCS (Florida Guild of Professional Chimney Sweeps) because at Hudson we know that no amount of training, education, and standards is too much when customer safety and comfort is concerned.
We think it’s important to join not just national, but local organizations because part of CSIA membership is contributing to community education about fire safety. That’s why we make it a priority to maintain these carefully chosen memberships and certifications. Hudson Chimney strives to be the best in northeast Florida, so we maintain membership among the best in the industry.
Do you want the best professionals in the fire safety industry to be the ones who work on your chimney system? By choosing Hudson Chimney you don’t have to risk your safety with a less-experienced chimney sweep. Make the best choice your first choice. Contact Hudson Chimney today.
by Mark Hudson | Sep 29, 2015 | Chimney Safety Week
Whenever September arrives, Hudson Chimney knows that not only will we be busy preparing chimneys in the Jacksonville, Florida area for the upcoming fireplace season, but we will also be getting ready to celebrate with the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) during their annual National Chimney Safety Week, which occurs the last week of September (September 27 – October 3, 2015). This is an opportunity for chimney professionals across the country to educate people about fire and chimney safety before the weather starts getting cold. A fireplace and chimney system can present many hazards, so it is important to know and follow safety practices whenever you use this part of your home. The last thing you would want to happen this winter is a devastating chimney fire because you neglected to schedule your annual chimney inspection. The Director of Education for the CSIA, Ashley Eldridge says, “Fires in chimneys can start for a variety of reasons. They can be poorly built, or incorrectly designed, or the chimney flue sees a buildup of creosote over time. If you’ve ignored the need for an inspection, you are taking a risk.” Other than having your chimney professionally inspected every year, the CSIA offers other things you should do to reduce your risk of a chimney fire, and we would like to share them with you.
Your chimney is not the only part that should be inspected.
Your wood-burning or gas fireplace should also be examined by a professional to be sure no potential hazards exist. A wood-burning firebox could also have a large buildup of creosote, and this can be an extremely dangerous situation. Ensure your firebox is free from any creosote accumulation before you light a fire inside it. Gas and propane logs may not produce any soot or creosote, but they can deposit corrosive substances within your chimney. Ceramic logs in gas fireplaces can also deteriorate and clog the vents and pilot light. Having the logs checked in your gas fireplace can prevent chimney fires and other fireplace issues that can happen when the pilot light and other connectors are not correctly working.
Be prepared for all severe weather hazards.
To be sure you are ready for a severe storm, such as a hurricane, the CSIA suggest three steps:
1. Know your risk.
Before leaving home in the morning, check the weather reports to be sure you are prepared for any coming weather event.
2. Take action!
Find out more about what kind of weather your area should expect this fall. Make an emergency supplies kit. Come up with a communication plan for your entire family in case of an emergency.
3. Be a force of nature.
If a hurricane or other severe weather storm is heading your way, spread the word! Inspire your friends and family by letting them know how you have prepared for the potentially bad weather.
If you would like to learn more about National Chimney Safety Week, contact us at Hudson Chimney. We are happy to educate you on fire prevention!
