Chimney Sweep & Dryer Vent Cleaning in Fairfax, VA
A-1 Chimney Sweep & Dryer Vent Services serves homeowners in the City of Fairfax and the surrounding Fairfax communities, including Fair Oaks, Fair Lakes, Mantua and the George Mason area. We are a veteran-owned company based in nearby Springfield. Many Fairfax homes date from the 1960s through the 1990s, and older chimneys there often need crown repair, a new cap or a stainless steel liner. We sweep and inspect chimneys, repair masonry, install caps and liners, and clean and repair dryer vents. Call (703) 296-7636 to schedule service in Fairfax.
Dryer Vent Cleaning & Repair in Fairfax, VA
Many homes in Fairfax and the City of Fairfax were built between the 1960s and the 1980s, and some still have the original dryer duct or a plastic or foil hose that has been crushed behind the dryer. Lint packed into that duct makes the dryer work harder and raises the risk of a fire. We clean the vent from the dryer to the outside wall or roof, clear blockages, replace old or damaged duct with metal duct, and fix stuck or broken exterior flaps. Call (703) 296-7636 to schedule dryer vent service in Fairfax.
CHIMNEY INSPECTIONS
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends chimneys be inspected annually and cleaned as needed. Having your chimney inspected before lighting your first fire of the season is the #1 way to prevent potential damage to your home or even the loss of life that may result from a damaged or blocked chimney.
Level 1 Inspection
A Level 1 Inspection is considered the most standard of inspections, and is conducted with simple tools: a flashlight and the naked eye. During a Level 1 Inspection, we’ll simply take a quick look in your chimney and make sure that there are no visible blockages or damages. Typically, this is the level of inspection you would have if your system was working normally, without problem and without change.
Level 2 Inspection
A Level 2 Inspection is a bit more thorough, and requires the use of a chimney camera. Here at A-1, we use the chimney inspection camera to get a close-up view of the interior of the chimney, from top to bottom. We’ll examine every aspect of the chimney and appliance that is easily accessible, and check for any damages, defects, blockages, or other problems or weaknesses. A Level 2 Inspection is required upon the sale or transfer of a property; when a change is being made to the system (i.e. new appliance, new fuel type, new liner, etc.); when a natural disaster may have impacted the system (i.e. tornado, earthquake, strong storm, etc.); when there has been a building or chimney fire; or when the system is showing signs of problems.
Level 3 Inspection
A Level 3 Inspection is really a last resort because it may involve the removal of parts of the chimney system or home. If we can’t locate or identify the problem with a Level 1 or Level 2 Inspection, a Level 3 Inspection gives us access to concealed areas of the chimney so we can find and fix the problem.
Chimney Camera Inspections
Why do chimneys need to be cleaned?
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Burning items like wood can create byproducts like creosote or soot in your fireplace. Creosote condenses on the walls of your chimney when hot gasses meet the flue’s colder surface. This condensed material is highly flammable under the right conditions and can easily turn your chimney into a serious fire hazard.