Callaway
Chimney Sweeps And Inspections

With over 30 years of chimney sweeping experience, Sootmaster of Callaway is dedicated to giving you the best experience when dealing with your chimney and fireplace system.

What we do

Chimney Sweeps, Repairs, Inspections, Installations

What To Expect

Here at Sootmaster Chimney Sweeps of Callaway, Florida, your satisfaction is our priority. We have spent the last 30 years perfecting our craft and earning a great reputation with those we have had the pleasure of meeting. At Sootmaster, we hold our technicians to the highest standard of training and certification, and we use the best equipment. It is for these reasons we offer 10-year warranties on most of our services. To find out which services or to schedule a warranty appointment, call us at (850) 712-3470.

 

Why Choose Us

As we have mentioned before, you are the number one priority here at Sootmaster of Callaway. We value your experience with us more than anything, which is why we have the most respectful and knowledgeable team. Because we do not want to be the cause of any problems for you, we do our best to give you fair pricing for the quality we provide. We promise to provide the best quality service and customer interaction because we have the best people for it. Give us a call at (850) 712-3470 and we would love to speak to you more and see what we can do for you!

Sweeps & Inspections

Sootmaster Chimney Sweeps of Callaway Florida offers professional chimney sweeping services as well as quality inspections. Learn more about our sweeps and inspections, and trust in the Sootmaster.

Waterproofing & Repairs

Sootmaster of Callaway offers excellent waterproofing services and general masonry and prefab repairs. Call Sootmaster to schedule an appointment with our professionally trained technicians.

Custom Installations

Do you have a fireplace? Do you want one? Sootmaster also offers professional chimney and fireplace installation. Whether it be a masonry system (brick), or prefabricated (metal), Sootmaster has you covered.

Why Spring is the Perfect Time for a Chimney Sweep

Another burning season has come to an end. As the weather warms up outside, the fireplace is used less and eventually retired until the next chilly autumn night. But before you completely put your fireplace out of your mind, schedule a chimney sweep and inspection. The warmer months are the best time to schedule chimney maintenance for several reasons.  Get Ahead of the Rush  When temperatures begin to cool down, chimney companies are bombarded. Cooler weather reminds many homeowners to get their chimneys checked out before burning the first fire of the season. Because of this, fall is the busiest time of year for chimney sweeps, and it may be difficult to get on the schedule. During the busy season, sweeps can be booked out for weeks at a time. By scheduling your chimney sweep and inspection now, you can avoid the chaos of burning season and get your chimney system ready for those cool days and nights.  Catch Problems Early  There are many issues that could be hiding in your...

The Benefits of giving your Chimney a Chimney Cap

Chimneys are wonderful structures. Unlike fireplaces, they might not add that romantic, aesthetic oomph to a home interior but they do a far more important job. A chimney ensures you and your family’s and your home’s safety. They save you from toxic gases like carbon monoxide and even from fires. Having known this, don’t you agree that they are structures that must be cared for and protected? After all, what you give is what you get (in this case). A protected chimney results in a better functioning chimney. This is where you need a chimney cap or cover. If your chimney does not have one, have it installed. If it is damaged, have it replaced. Chimney caps are highly recommended by chimney professionals for the following key reasons. They Prevent Rainwater From Getting Into the Chimney Liner Rain is a blessing, but not when it sips inside your chimney, for if it does, it becomes a bad thing. If snow, ice, or rainwater drips inside the chimney liner, it causes it to deteriorate very...

Benefits of A Lock-Top Damper

What is a damper? A fireplace damper is normally located at least 8 inches above the firebox opening. The damper acts as a door separating the chimney and the inside of your home, allowing the smoke to exit when open. When the damper is closed, it prevents downdrafts from entering your home. Are you aware of what kind of damper you have on your chimney? If not, it is worth it to find out because your leaky throat damper could be costing you hundreds of dollars a year in energy loss. Read more below to find out why and what you can do to prevent this. Problems with Traditional Throat Dampers Traditional dampers were designed for times when energy was not nearly as expensive as today. These throat dampers cause several problems because they are made completely out of metal. Throat dampers are sealed by metal to metal closure, which allows hot and cold air to leak through. Due to this inefficient seal, your air conditioner may need to work harder and longer to get to the temperature you...

Anatomy of a Chimney

When figuring out what the problem with your chimney is, you may be wondering, “What are these parts?” Well, you are not alone. Many people who own a fireplace do not know what different parts of their chimney and such are. This is important to know as a homeowner. Here we will discuss the many different pieces involved in making your fireplace work safely and efficiently! What are the parts of the chimney? Surprisingly, the chimney has many different parts. All of these are important to the functioning of the fireplace. They work together in harmony to draw out the smoke to prevent your home from filling with smoke. These are as follows: Chimney flue Chimney liner Chimney cap Chimney flashing Chimney crown Damper Smoke chamber These are all important to the functioning of the fireplace and ensuring the proper functioning of them is crucial to the maintenance of your home. What is the purpose of a flue? A chimney flue is the area of passage of the smoke exiting the chimney. This is...

Why Install a Chimney Cap Even if You Don’t Use Your Fireplace

Even if you only use your fireplace as part of your decor, the chimney still needs a cap. Many homeowners assume that they don’t need to worry about their chimney if they never light up a fire in their hearth. This isn’t true. Leaving your chimney without a cap puts your home at risk of unpleasant pests, expensive damage and toxic mold. There are 4 reasons why every chimney needs a cap: 1. Keep Pests Out of the Chimney Many animals—from squirrels and raccoons to birds and bats—love to nest in chimneys since they look like safe, dark spaces. No matter how much you like woodland creatures, it is not a good idea to let them live in your chimney. They can bring diseases and other pests or cause damage. Bats and squirrels are well known for getting into homes through the chimney. One squirrel can cause thousands of dollars in damage by chewing on walls, furniture and linens. Many critters get trapped and die in chimneys. A rotting animal carcass can attract insects and rodents. It can...

Chimney Noises: Are Birds Stuck in Your Chimney?

If you’ve ever heard peculiar sounds emanating from your chimney, you may wonder if birds have taken up residence within. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the phenomenon of birds nesting in chimneys, the risks associated with it, and what steps you can take to address the issue effectively. Fireplace making noises? Before we delve into the possibility of birds being stuck in your chimney, let’s address the common occurrence of noises emanating from your fireplace. While some sounds may be attributed to the normal operation of your fireplace or settling of your home there are specific sounds you should keep an ear out for when detecting a bird in your chimney. If a bird is stuck in your chimney, you may hear scratching, rustling and flapping, this is because the bird is strugling to get out. However, some birds like chimney swifts, want to be in your chimney. In this case instead of hearing birds struggle you should keep an ear out for chirping, especially...

Squirrels in Your Chimney – What to Do

There are several kinds of animals that seek shelter in chimneys. Squirrels are one example of animals that can take up residence in your chimney. While it can be annoying or even scary to have a critter running around your chimney, don’t panic. Today’s blog discusses everything you need to know about squirrels in your chimney and how to solve the issue.  How do Squirrels Get Into Chimneys? There are a few ways squirrels can end up in your chimney. One way is simply by accident. Squirrels can fall from trees or other high points into chimneys and become stuck. Other reasons squirrels end up in chimneys include hiding from predators or looking for a safe place to build a nest. Sometimes, squirrels can get trapped in chimneys and need assistance getting out.  How do I Know I Have a Squirrel in my Chimney?  A major indicator of animals in the chimney is frantic scratching noises, especially during the day. Squirrels tend to be more active during the day, whereas other...

How to Find a Chimney Cleaning Service Provider That is Reputable

Having a fireplace and chimney is more than just aesthetics. It comes with some level of responsibility. Unfortunately, a number of homeowners with these structures often do not take such responsibilities seriously until it is often too late or when it is absolutely necessary. It is very important to ensure frequent inspection and maintenance of your fireplace and chimney not only as a safety measure but also because this can spare you future frustrations and expenses of an overhaul or expensive fixes due to extensive damages. Many homeowners looking for chimney cleaning services often face the challenge of identifying a reputable chimney service provider that is professional. Settling on the best chimney sweep is very crucial in your quest for chimney care. Many sweeping companies have sprouted because it does not take much to start one so you must be very careful whom you settle for. Here are a few tips to guide your choice of chimney cleaning service provider. Personable and Easy...

Chimney History

In early history, fires were implicit fire pits in the focal point of rooms to give warmth to structures and homes; however, the early Romans started utilizing chimneys to deliver heat and to cook inside. Ventilation happened when pastry kitchens introduced tubes in the dividers to allow smoke to go out. The earliest indications of real chimney use date to the thirteenth century in Italy yet wasn’t until the fifteenth and sixteenth century that they took on a cosmetic appeal with residents building large and tall structures that could make up for bigger homes and various chimneys. During this period, the requirement for chimney experts expanded. Coal developed in ubiquity as an elective fuel replacement for wood. Since coal left enormous clingy stores of buildup on the dividers of the chimney and vent, the requirement for more successive cleaning of the chimney and pipes expanded. If not cleaned regularly, the buildup would start to block the flow of air up the smokestacks...

Chimney History

Many of our customers tell us that they thought chimney sweeps were a thing of the past when we talk with them about having their chimneys swept. Chimneys have been around for a very long time, but many people have misconceptions about them.  Having a look at the chimney’s past is an incredibly fascinating and exciting experience.  The following information provides us with a comprehensive history of the chimney and how they came to be. Why do old houses have so many chimneys? The chimneys protect the inside of the house from fumes coming from the chimney. As a fire burns, it can produce fumes like carbon monoxide, which can quickly collect in the air. There was a time when homes were heated with a chimney, and not only that but the chimney was also used for cooking and other needs of the family.  They used to use wood-burning stoves and fireplaces to provide heat for their homes when they needed to. The greater the size of the home, the more chimneys the home would need to...

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Frequently Asked Questions

If I'm renting an apartment with a fireplace, is it my or my landlords’ responsibility to get my Fireplace cleaned?
This care responsibility should be listed in your lease. If you are not sure, call your landlord, let them know of your concern. A fireplace should be cleaned and inspected at least once a year if used regularly.
How much does a chimney sweep cost?

The smell is because of creosote deposits within the chimney, a natural byproduct of woodburning. The odor is sometimes worse during the summer when the humidity is high the air conditioning is turned on. A typical sweeping will help but usually won’t solve the smell completely. There are commercial chimney deodorants that work well, and plenty of people have good results with kitty litter or maybe baking soda set inside the fireplace. The real problem is that the air being drawn down the chimney, an indication of overall pressure problems within the house. Some make-up air should be introduced someplace else in the house. A good sealing and a top-mounted damper will reduce this air flow coming down the chimney.

What should I do about smoke coming out my fireplace?
Having smoke in your home is serious for your health and you belongings. Modern airtight homes can keep the fire from drawing enough air so It’ll draw air down the chimney and into your home. We can help troubleshoot these problems with you.
Can I clean my fireplace and chimney myself?
Trying to clean your chimney and fireplace yourself can be a very dirty, dangerous and time-consuming task. The tools our technicians use, cannot be bought at your local hardware store. A professional Chimney sweep can find damage that can cause even more problems later. A cleaning and inspection can usually be completed in under an hour, verses trying to tackle the job yourself, could take an entire weekend. Call us today, and schedule with pro.

Nice people with great company. Answered the first ring in the office, came out that weekend, and fixed my leak the same day as inspection/cleaning. overall an A+ experience.

– Phil Gillis

We are experienced

We Have Over 30 Years of Experience in The Industry

With an ever-growing team, the experience of the Sootmaster company grows as well. For Over 30 years, Sootmaster has focused on perfecting their work on chimney and fireplace systems. We have many professionally trained technicians who are prepared and eager to assist you with any problem your chimney and fireplace might present, from standard sweeps to ground-up installations, Sootmaster’s expert technicians can get the job done.

Check Your Calendar

The National Fire Protection Association recommends having your chimney professionally cleaned and inspected at least once a year. If you’ve gone a year or more without having your chimney checked out, it’s best to go ahead and make an appointment with your local chimney sweep. Experienced chimney technicians like the ones at Sootmaster will make sure your chimney is clean and working properly.

Fireplace Odors

Do you have unpleasant smells coming from your fireplace? It’s most likely due to a buildup of soot and creosote, which are byproducts of burning wood. Creosote can stick to the walls of your chimney and is the leading cause of chimney fires.

Black Spots on Fireplace Walls

Have you noticed a black, oily substance on the walls of your fireplace? This is a buildup of creosote and can be removed by a chimney technician. It is important to remove creosote to prevent chimney fires. 

Weak Fires

If it’s difficult to start a fire in your fireplace, your chimney could be clogged. Poorly burning fires can also be a result of a malfunctioning damper. Both issues restrict the amount of oxygen that reaches your fire, stopping it from burning properly. These problems can be fixed by a knowledgeable chimney technician.

Animals In Your Chimney

Animals and animal nests can restrict the flow of air in your chimney or even catch fire. If you hear noises coming from your chimney or notice nests on top of it, call your local chimney sweep to have the animals safely removed. 

5 Signs You Need Your Chimney Cleaned

Being a homeowner comes with a long to-do list. From home improvement projects to daily upkeep, there’s probably a lot on your mind when it comes to your home. However, the last thing that may come to mind is one of the most important: your chimney. Just like the rest of your home, your chimney and fireplace need regular cleaning and maintenance to work properly. Keeping your chimney clean is also the best way to prevent chimney fires. Look out for these five signs it’s time to have your chimney professionally cleaned.

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