SureGlow Stove & Chimney: Springfield, MO
SureGlow Stove & Chimney: Springfield’s Go-To Company for Fireplace, Stove & Chimney Services
We’re Southwest Missouri’s trusted chimney sweep provider. Hire us for quality wood and gas fireplace repairs, chimney sweepings, masonry restoration, and more.
What Chimney Sweep & Fireplace Repair Services Do We Offer?
If you’re in Nixa, Ozark, Republic, Willard, Rogersville, Strafford, Ash Grove, Marionville, or anywhere else nearby, count on us for the following services:
- Chimney Cleaning/Sweeping
- Chimney Inspection
- Leaky Chimney Repair
- Chimney Waterproofing
- Chimney Cap Installation
- Chase Cover Installation
- Flashing Installation & Repair
- Chimney Relining & Resurfacing
- HeatShield Liner Repair
- Masonry Repair
- Stucco Repair
- PriorFire Installation
- Wood Stove Installation
- Wood Cookstove Installation
- Gas Log Installation
- Fireplace Insert Installation
Book online or give us a call now.
How Often Should I Have My Chimney Cleaned?
You should schedule a sweeping either every 36 fires or once per year – whichever of the two comes first for your household. While every fireplace owner in Springfield and surrounding areas should have their flue swept at least once per year, this number can increase based on what type of system you have and how often you actually use it.
In addition to the once-per-year rule, be sure to book a chimney cleaning…
- …if you notice visible soot anywhere in your home.
- …before and after the installation of a new fuel-burning appliance (furnace, hot water heater, etc.).
- …before purchasing a new home.
- …immediately after a chimney or house fire.
- …if your home has been struck by lightning.
- …if your chimney has experienced impact (hit by a falling tree, etc.).
- …if you notice staining on the inside or outside of your home in the vicinity of the chimney.
- …if your roof has been recently replaced.
- …if you’ve experienced a severe weather event (hurricane, flood, tornado, etc.)
How Can I Tell if My Chimney Needs To Be Cleaned?
The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends your fireplace and chimney be cleaned when there is 1/8″ of creosote or soot buildup inside the chimney liner. Creosote levels may not be readily visible to an untrained eye, but there are telltale signs that your chimney may be overdue for a cleaning.
- It’s difficult to start and maintain a fire. Fire requires oxygen, so if it’s more difficult to get a fire started, it may be because your chimney is clogged and the airflow is restricted.
- You notice unusual odors. Creosote smells similar to a campfire, so if you’re noting this smell from your firebox, levels are likely higher than they should be. Also, if there is anything lodged in the flue (like wet leaves, debris, animals, etc.), those will give off a distinctive unpleasant odor too.
- Smoke is coming out of the firebox. Does smoke come into the room when you light a fire? Quickly check that the damper is open. If it is, some sort of debris or buildup is likely filling your flue and forcing the smoke back into your home.
- Your damper is black. A black damper could be an indication of creosote buildup. Creosote can appear as a soft and flaky soot, but in its more advanced stages, it becomes a hard, shiny, tar-like substance that is very difficult to remove.
- You hear (or see) wildlife. Chimneys are prime real estate for nesting animals, especially birds and squirrels. Fortunately, these critters aren’t known for their discretion and usually leave evidence of their residency. If you hear regular movement or sounds in your chimney, schedule an inspection.
Have concerns about your fireplace in Springfield and want us to take a look? Reach out by phone or book with us online today.
Do Gas & Prefabricated Chimneys Need Sweeping?
Yes – dirty chimneys aren’t limited to older masonry fireplaces. Many assume a new prefabricated or cleaner-burning gas model doesn’t need sweeping, but you’ll still experience buildup throughout time – and this buildup needs to be cleared out to keep your system running safer.
What if I burn gas?
Do even gas fireplaces need cleaning since they don’t use wood and burn a lot cleaner?
Yes, just like traditional wood-burning structures, gas fireplace chimneys should be inspected and cleaned once per year. Creosote is a feature of wood-burning and may be the biggest concern for fireplace safety, but the removal of debris and pests are just as important for all-around protection – and this isn’t something gas flues are immune to.
What Are Creosote Sweeping Logs? Do They Work?
Creosote sweeping logs contain chemicals that, when burned, are intended to help loosen the creosote deposits inside of a chimney.
Do creosote sweeping logs actually work?
Yes, they work for their intended purpose, but they do not replace a professional chimney sweeping. Creosote sweeping logs can work well in the short term, but, although they loosen creosote, they don’t remove it from your chimney. In fact, sometimes debris can form into flakes and settle into smaller pockets and openings in your chimney, which can introduce hazards.
Yes, the logs are affordable and easily available in retail and online. But, while creosote sweeping logs can be a good maintenance option in between regular professional services (and are technically safe to use in your fireplace), they should not be a replacement for your regular chimney cleaning.
Don’t these logs also contain chemicals? Are they safe?
Creosote logs are safe to use in your fireplace, as long as you’re investing in regular yearly chimney inspections and sweeps, as well.
Just note that if you don’t completely clear out the creosote loosened up by the logs, you can inadvertently be increasing your risk of chimney fires. The creosote at the bottom of your fireplace can catch fire, so be sure to trust an expert for a thorough and complete job done.
It’s also important to remember that creosote logs are strictly for use in wood-burning fireplaces, and should not be used in fireplaces that use gas, propane, or any other type of fuel.
