ADDITIONAL SERVICES

 

 

  
     
   
ANIMAL REMOVAL
       
           
   

We offer a full range of responses when animals get into or around your chimney.

  1. Raincaps are the best and most cost-effective preventative action.
  2. Raccoons — cute but a heap of trouble. They love to seek shelter and security on the smokeshelf behind your fireplace damper where they birth their litters. Soon you'll hear the high pitched squeaks of their brood. Meanwhile the urine and feces and roundworms build up, and rabies is an issue. We'll chase the mama out, extricate the babies and leave them outside in a safe place for the mama coon to retrieve later, and then clean the chimney — yuch! Warn your neighbors that they're headed their way. Then you'll need a meshed raincap!
  3. Squirrels — build nests and block off chimneys and then sometimes find their way into your house, especially if they fall down and can't get back up the chimney. Dead squirrels smell really bad! We chase 'em out and clean the chimney and put on a cap.
  4. Birds — sit around up top, defecate on roof, chimney and damper, and (oddly) peck holes in flashing. Sometimes they fall down in or get stuck part way down blocking the flue. Chimney swifts love chimneys and build their small nests, sticking them onto the chimney sides. Since they are a protected species, we can't clean or line the chimney during their nesting times, June through August! We'll clear out unwanted or trapped visitors and, again, cap your chimney.
  5. Warning —Blocked Flues
  • With wood you will have probably just unpleasantness, smoke damage, and smells.
  • With gas or oil you may have carbon monoxide backup with sickness, brain damage, even death.

 
     
     
     
     
     
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
   
VIDEOSCANNING
    
     
   

We have a sophisticated, "state-of-the-art" video camera system for looking at every inch of an interior chimney flue from up close. The system is capable of providing striking details and fine digital pictures.

  1. When is videoscanning needed? Basically, whenever damage or deterioration are not discernible enough with bright lights and the naked eye.
    • After a damaging event such as a chimney fire, a house fire, a lightning strike, a tree falling on the chimney, a severe animal presence, development of an extreme blockage. NOTE: Many such "events" (not gradual wear and tear) are covered by normal homeowner's insurance!
    • When major interior flue deterioration has been observed — usually because of acid erosion or freeze-thaw cycles induced by water penetration. Such deterioration is often accompanied by seeping dark stains or white calcium salts ("efflorescence").
    • When a chimney is unlined (or suspected of being unlined) and verification of its status and the extent of deteriorated mortar joints and brickwork needs to be determined. Videoscanning can often ascertain the appropriateness of continued service based on safety, Code, performance and durability issues. NOTE: Lots of old, unlined brick chimneys (usually built before 1950) have no business being used without remedial actions and repairs — e.g., fireplaces and oil/gas flues.
    • As a means to routine or extra thorough evaluation as part of regular maintenance, at a time of real estate transfer, or when an insurance company wants detailed data. Installing a new heating appliance, especially a woodstove, may be an important occasion for a videoscan!
  2. How does videoscanning work?
    • A 3" x 6" camera is inserted into the chimney, either from above or below, and caused to travel up and down the chimney while attached to flexible rods.
    • The resulting visual images are monitored on a portable video screen positioned either at top or bottom.
    • Helpful or appropriate visual evidence is captured in color via digital equipment that saves it for future viewing and analysis. Hard copy pictures can be reproduced to be part of reports and proposals. Copies of crucial images can be made available to appropriate parties as needed, either in digital or hard copy format.
  3. Summary: Videoscanning can provide a detailed, reliable insight into difficult-to-view areas that potentially pose great risks and expense. Videoscanning is invaluable in times of crisis or uncertainty, and provides cost-saving information and peace of mind.

picutre of tile damage taken with video equipment

 

 

 

  
     
     
     
     
             
   
©2006 A Merrie Sweepe Inc.