Quality services...dedicated to meeting all client expectations.

We specialize in every aspect of chimney maintenance and repair. Whether you need your chimney swept or repaired. I'm able to do the job. Provide top quality reputable, reliable workmanship to homeowners and businesses in the Ottawa Region.

​

• Yearly cleaning…

It’s not just creosote build-up that is dangerous, but debris from surrounding trees and animals who try to hole up for the winter, or birds that find the perfect springtime nest at the top of the chimney. A lightning strike, tree branch or ice can also cause damage that cannot be determined without having it properly checked.

​

• New home…

Anyone buying a previously-occupied condo or home should request an immediate cleaning as well as an inspection and repairs if needed, even if the previous owner never used the fireplace, or simply to ensure proper regular maintenance such as caulking doesn’t need to be redone or wildlife screen replaced etc.

​

• Camera Inspection…

A camera inserted into the flue can determine good condition and ensure there are no cracks buckled or separated chimney sections etc. that can be caused by excessive heat such as a chimney fire or simply overly hot fires, age, water or ice damage as well as can determine amount of creosote buildup in chimney sections which can easily build when wood is burned that contains too much moisture (usually if wood doesn’t burn well, it has too much moisture) Years ago, a buildup of a quarter-inch was considered dangerous, but recently the tolerance has been changed to just an eighth of an inch, Creosote is acidic, and just that small amount can have an adverse effect on the life of a chimney. Which is also why it’s a good idea to cleaning your chimneys, stove pipes and woodstoves soon after the wood burning season is finished to ensure longevity.

 

• Screens...

Safety is also enhanced, by the use of a screen to contain sparks, (the same goes for around the “rain cap” at top of chimney) and a glass door that should be shut when the fireplace is cold and not being used. But the rule, when burning a fire, is “screen closed, glass doors open,” 

​

• Clean lungs…

As the chimney acts as a naturally lung of the home relying on positive and negative pressures of the home (creating the draw drawing air out when heated and allowing air to drop into the home when cool) harmful particles to the sides of the flue can become loose in your home and in the air you breath and can be easily eliminated by annual spring cleanings.

 

 

• Clean burning …

Whether you buy firewood or harvest it yourself, it’s important to know which kind is best for your fireplace or wood stove, as well as how best to dry, season, and store it. There are many firewood alternatives worth exploring too. I will cover the entire spectrum here, along with pros and cons.

​

• Hard Woods vs Soft Woods: Pros and Cons…

• Hard woods are densest. They typically burn longer and hotter than soft woods.

• Hardwood species aren’t as sappy or sticky as softwoods; they produce less tar, meaning less buildup in your chimney and easier/faster chimney cleaning.

• Hard woods typically produce less smoke than soft woods.

• Soft woods are often cheaper than hard woods, depending on location.

• Soft woods season faster than hard woods, in most cases.

• Soft woods tend to ignite faster and easier.

​

• Popular Hardwood Species:

• Ash

• Birch

• Black locust

• Oak

• Maple

​

• Popular Softwood Species:

• Cedar

• Pine

• Poplar

 

 

 

 

• Traditional Firewood Alternatives…

-If you’re harvesting your own firewood and it needs to be seasoned, or if you are all out of firewood but have some cold days ahead, there are some alternatives to traditional firewood. Here are a few to consider.

• Manufactured “log” products made with compressed sawdust, woodchips, etc. These are often quite efficient.

• Pellets are designed to be used in pellet stoves, but you can burn them in a standard wood stove if you need to. These don’t last as long as compressed fire logs.

• Wood chips don’t last long in the fireplace, but they can be burnt and they make excellent kindling.

• Dimensional lumber such as 2x4s – This can be useful as kindling, but it’s not a good primary fuel source as it burns ultra-fast and hot, and can cause over firing and a subsequent chimney or house fire.

-You might be tempted to burn old plywood in your woodstove or fireplace. Don’t do it! The chemicals it contains can be dangerous to inhale when burnt, and they can damage your fireplace or woodstove.

​

​

​

 

 

    Jacob Dixon

    Chimney cleaning services

       Ottawa on.

​

      (343) 262-1410

        Dixonchimneysweep@gmail.com