Homeowners in Wimberley Can Count On Wolfman Fireplace & Chimney for Annual Chimney Maintenance
Live in Blanco, Dripping Springs, San Marcos, Driftwood, Canyon Lake, Kyle, Buda, Johnson City, New Braunfels, Austin, or somewhere else in the surrounding area? We’re the team to hire for all of your chimney and fireplace needs.
If you live in Wimberley, you know there are a ton of fun activities for you and the family to do. Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the area, there’s no shortage of quaint shops, restaurants, and parks to visit. You can get a group together and go for a dip in the lake at Blue Hole Regional Park or sign up for one of the many city-sponsored events at the park. Or if you’re up for it, climb the steps at Old Baldy to snap some photos of the breathtaking view.
And when the weather report isn’t promising and you can’t get errands done – like heading to the post office or checking out a few books from Wimberley Village Library – you can stay in and relax with a cozy fire. Luckily for you, Wolfman Fireplace & Chimney is here to make sure that your fireplace is in great working condition year-round.
If you live in Wimberley or anywhere else in our service area, give us a call at 830-620-9130 or schedule your next appointment online today.
Schedule Your Next Chimney Inspection or Sweeping With Us
It’s important for homeowners to take care of their chimney system by investing in a good chimney maintenance plan. We recommend scheduling a chimney inspection and chimney cleaning at least once a year. Don’t just listen to us – we take our advice from the experts at the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
What is the purpose of a chimney cleaning?
When you burn a fire, it produces soot and a highly flammable byproduct of combustion called creosote. A chimney cleaning allows us to remove soot, creosote, and other obstructions (think old animals’ nests and insulation from your chimney system) to improve its safety and efficiency. In short, an annual chimney cleaning can extend a chimney’s lifespan and help homeowners avoid costly repairs.
What types of problems can a chimney sweep find during a chimney inspection?
An inspection gives us the chance to establish a baseline of how your fireplace looks and performs. We suggest at least one inspection per year because a lot can change within a chimney system over the span of a few seasons. These are some common issues that can happen between your last inspection and your next appointment:
- Creosote buildup
- Damaged flue liner
- Blockages
- Problems with the masonry
- Rusted or corroded components
- A damaged chimney crown or chase cover
- Flashing problems:
- Missing or damaged chimney cap
- A malfunctioning damper
Looking For Chimney Repair Services in Wimberley?
It’s never fun to deal with fireplace problems, but Wolfman Fireplace & Chimney is here to make the process as easy and straightforward as possible. We have a lengthy list of chimney and fireplace repair services available for homeowners when issues pop up including:
Dryer Vents Need Regular Attention Too
Fireplace and chimney maintenance is vital to keeping your home protected, but there is another appliance in your home that often gets neglected – the dryer. Every year, dryers are near the top of the list as one of the leading causes of home fires. Lint can build up in the vent and overheat, which is the perfect kindling for a devastating event.
As tempting as it is, you can’t give up doing laundry (as much as you might like to). However, you can take precautions to make sure your dryer is safe for use. Schedule an appointment to have your dryer vent cleaned once every 6 – 12 months. You may be able to cut back on cleanings – or have to add a few more per year – depending on how much you do laundry.
We Also Specialize in Fireplace Installations & Replacements
Don’t have a fireplace and you’re finally ready to take the leap to install one? Or perhaps you do have a fireplace, but it’s too outdated for your current tastes and doesn’t perform as well as it used to. We have options for you too! In addition to maintenance and repair services, Wolfman Fireplace & Chimney also provides fireplace installations and replacements.
Deciding that it’s time to upgrade your fireplace or have a system installed is only the first of many choices you’re going to have on your hands. What’s your overall budget? Do you prefer the rustic charm of a brick fireplace or is a modern metal look a better match for your decor? Of course, there’s the most important decision of all – what type of fuel should you use?
That isn’t a right or wrong answer here. There are benefits and drawbacks for both wood-burning fireplaces and gas appliances. The best fit for your chimney system comes down to which fuel best suits your needs.
Is a wood-burning fireplace better?
The pros:
- It’s hard to beat the ambiance and intimacy of a wood-burning fireplace.
- Wood is a cost-effective and renewable fuel source.
- You don’t have to worry about having access to a gas line or storing propane.
- A wood-burning fireplace can help lower your heating bill.
The cons:
- Wood and ash can get messy.
- It can take a while to get a fire started and keep it going.
- Wood-burning fireplaces produce more emissions than gas and they aren’t as safe for the environment.
- You have to be able to chop and store your own wood or have regular access to firewood.
Is a gas fireplace better?
The pros:
- Starting a fire is as easy as flipping a switch or pushing a button on a remote control.
- Gas appliances can be less of a fire risk because they don’t produce as much creosote as a wood-burning fireplace.
- Gas fireplaces don’t always need a chimney, and there are more venting options available.
- They don’t produce much soot and ash, so they don’t need as much maintenance – but you should still keep up with annual inspections!
The cons:
- You’ll have to install a gas line If you don’t already have access to one. If you prefer propane, you’ll need an area available to store containers.
- Gas appliances are clearer, but you’ll have to deal with maintenance for the gas line, burner, and pilot light.
- Gas prices aren’t stable and it can be difficult to budget month to month.
- Some gas units rely on electricity if they have electrical ignition systems, so you may lose heat if there is a power outage.
Be Sure To Choose a Qualified Chimney Sweep Company
The chimney industry isn’t nationally regulated, meaning there isn’t a federal organization that oversees licensing and training. An unfortunate consequence of this is that just about anyone can call themselves a chimney sweep and offer services without the proper expertise or background.
The good news? There are industry organizations and professionals who value accountability and education. We advise all of our prospective clients to do research before moving forward with a chimney sweep. Here are a few tips to guide you:
- Make sure the company is fully licensed and insured.
- Check to see if the company is a member of or has certifications from reputable industry organizations like the CSIA, the NFPA, and the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG).
- Read online reviews from past clients.
- Choose a company with a proven track record and several years of experience in the industry.
- Don’t be afraid to ask about any guarantees or warranties offered by the company for their work.
Trust the CSIA-Certified Experts at Wolfman Fireplace & Chimney
Turn to the team at Wolfman Fireplace & Chimney for quality chimney services. With over 30 years of experience in the chimney business, there isn’t a job too big or too small for us to handle. Let us be your go-to company for all of your chimney care needs. Give us a call today at 830-620-9130 or reach out to us online.
Own a home in Blanco? Good news – we’d be happy to serve you! Those in our service area receive only the best care available.