We’re Proud to Serve Montgomery County, Butler County, Clinton County & More
The Mid-Valley Chimney crew is polite, professional, efficient, and happy to offer quality chimney and fireplace services to homeowners throughout our wide service area.
For Chimney & Fireplace Services, Count On Us
If you’re in any of the following counties, zip codes, cities, or towns, give us a call at 513-727-0994 to schedule or request an estimate online. We’d love to serve you soon
Butler County
College Corner, Collinsville, Hamilton, Fairfield, Middletown, Monroe, Okeana, Overpeck, Oxford, Ross, Seven Mile, Shandon, Somerville, Trenton, West Chester
45003, 45004, 45011, 45012, 45013, 45014, 45015, 45018, 45042, 45044, 45050, 45053, 45055, 45056, 45061, 45062, 45063, 45064, 45067, 45069, 45071
Clermont County
Amelia, Batavia, Goshen, Loveland, Miamiville, Milford, Newtonsville, Owensville, Cincinnati
45102, 45103, 45122, 45140, 45147, 45150, 45158, 45160, 45245
Clinton County
Blanchester, Clarksville, Cuba, Martinsville, Midland, New Vienna, Port William, Reesville, Sabina, Wilmington
45107, 45113, 45114, 45146, 45148, 45159, 45164, 45166, 45169, 45177
Greene County
Alpha, Beavercreek, Bellbrook, Bowersville, Cedarville, Clifton, Fairborn, Jamestown, Spring Valley, Wilberforce, Xenia, Yellow Springs, Dayton
45301, 45305, 45307, 45314, 45316, 45324, 45335, 45370, 45384, 45385, 45387, 45431, 45432, 45433, 45434, 45435
Hamilton County
Addyston, Cleves, Harrison, Hooven, Indian Hill, Miamitown, Mount Saint Joseph, North Bend, Camp Dennison, Terrace Park, Cincinnati, Montgomery
45001, 45002, 45030, 45033, 45041, 45051, 45052, 45111, 45174, 45201, 45202, 45203, 45204, 45205, 45206, 45207, 45208, 45209, 45211, 45212, 45213, 45214, 45215, 45216, 45217, 45218, 45219, 45220, 45221, 45222, 45223, 45224, 45225, 45226, 45227, 45229, 45230, 45231, 45232, 45233, 45234, 45235, 45236, 45237, 45238, 45239, 45240, 45241, 45242, 45243, 45244, 45246, 45247, 45248, 45249, 45250, 45251, 45252, 45253, 45254, 45255, 45258, 45262, 45263, 45264, 45267, 45268, 45269, 45270, 45271, 45273, 45274, 45275, 45277, 45280, 45296, 45298, 45299, 45999
Highland County
Highland, Lynchburg
45132, 45142
Montgomery County
Brookville, Clayton, Englewood, Farmersville, Germantown, Miamisburg, New Lebanon, Phillipsburg, Vandalia, Dayton
45309, 45315, 45322, 45325, 45309, 45327, 45342, 45343, 45345, 45354, 45377, 45401, 45402, 45403, 45404, 45405, 45406, 45409, 45410, 45412, 45413, 45414, 45415, 45416, 45417, 45419, 45420, 45422, 45423, 45424, 45426, 45428, 45429, 45430, 45437, 45439, 45440, 45441, 45448, 45449, 45458, 45459, 45469, 45470, 45475, 45479, 45481, 45482, 45490
Preble County
West Elkton, Camden, Eaton, Eldorado, Gratis, Lewisburg, New Paris, Verona, West Alexandria, West Manchester
45070, 45311, 45320, 45321, 45330, 45338, 45347, 45378, 45381, 45382
Warren County
Franklin, Harveysburg, Kings Mills, Lebanon, Maineville, Mason, Oregonia, South Lebanon, Springboro, Waynesville, Morrow, Pleasant Plain
45005, 45032, 45034, 45036, 45039, 45040, 45054, 45065, 45066, 45068, 45152, 45162
Miami County
Casstown, Ludlow Falls, Pleasant Hill, Potsdam, Tipp City, Troy, West Milton
45312, 45339, 45359, 45361, 45371, 45373, 45374, 45383
How Does My Chimney System Work?
In order to understand whether your chimney is safe or not, it helps to get the gist of how a chimney system works. Chimney systems are made of several parts, and each part plays a role in helping to move smoke and other unwanted byproducts out of your home when you have a fire.
Your typical chimney and fireplace system has a firebox, smoke chamber, chimney flue, damper assembly, and a chimney cap.
A chimney system’s sole purpose and function is to keep you and your family safer while using your fireplace or stove. If you have a wood-burning fireplace or stove, things like soot and creosote are produced when you burn wood. Creosote is bad news for you and your home because it’s extremely combustible. Over time, it builds up in your chimney, which can cause a chimney fire if a spark gets in there.
What about gas fireplaces and stoves? While they may get a free pass on creosote, they still produce potentially harmful fumes and carbon monoxide.
Long story short – your system is more complex than you likely ever realized and all parts need to be working well and in good shape to ensure better burns and heightened efficiency. Because of this, trusting an expert for quality care and services is a must.
Can I Inspect My Own Chimney?
When it comes to checking your chimney, you want to leave this to the professionals here at Mid-Valley Chimney. Our technicians have the knowledge and tools needed to get the job done right, and we’re trained to get an in-depth look at every nook and cranny, ensuring nothing is missed. In fact, we have video equipment to ensure just that.
Many of our customers are also surprised to learn that they should have their chimneys inspected and cleaned each year. These annual inspections and cleanings are the best way to make sure your chimney is safe to use.
All that said, while the actual chimney inspection should be done by a professional, we do encourage all of our customers to visually inspect their fireplaces and chimneys every so often. This helps you to spot potential issues in between our annual inspections and cleanings. We always suggest calling us if you see any soot, staining, damaged masonry, or smoke coming back into your home. Those are all signs of a potential issue that should get handled right away.
What’s the Difference Between a Chimney Crown and a Chimney Cap?
If you’ve ever gazed lovingly at the rooftops of your home and others, checking out each and every chimney (…just us?), you’re likely to notice two things that are consistent across the many different models and designs you see: the chimney crown and the chimney cap.
Even if you didn’t know what exactly you were looking at, the commonalities might have caught your eye. (Or maybe we’re just big chimney fans, always keeping an eye on the safety status of ventilation appliances in our area.)
Nevertheless, if you’re curious about chimney caps, crowns, flashing, or any other parts and pieces of your chimney system – or have concerns about their current level of functionality – and live in or around the Cincinnati area, Mid-Valley Chimney is the company to call for quality services. Not only are we friendly and knowledgeable, all of our technicians are certified and experienced. We’re always happy to help.
Now, let’s get into it.
What is a chimney crown?
Occasionally referred to as a crown wash, this part of the chimney covers the top of the entire chimney chase (the full open part of the chimney, excluding the flue/flue liner where the smoke escapes) and often appears as a thick slab or shelf slightly hanging over the side walls of the chimney. Chimney crowns are usually made of stone or concrete, but are also sometimes constructed of a non-corrosive metal.
When they’re constructed and installed correctly (made of materials that are cement-based and meant to withstand the elements), a chimney crown shouldn’t break down very easily. Think about how long cement sidewalks hold up, even with a ton of foot traffic.
However, what tends to happen – and what we see in this industry all the time – is that during the construction of your masonry chimney, when the mason is finishing up at the top of the chimney, they’ll smear any leftover mortar on the top of the chimney and call it your crown. This will last for a little while, but because mortar is not as sturdy as concrete, over time, just like with the joints between your bricks, the material will begin to break down and crumble.
This leaves your brickwork and any openings in the chimney chase susceptible to weather damage, water entry, animal intrusion, etc. Fortunately, if your chimney crown is old, damaged, or deteriorating, it is not irreparable. You can trust the Mid-Valley crew to rectify your situation, so your chimney crown can do its job.
What is a chimney cap?
A chimney cap on the other hand, is a structure placed on top of the flue(s) of your system. These are almost always made out of metal, but also come in different designs and styles, depending on both your personal preferences and the type of chimney you have. Where a chimney crown is meant to totally cover the entire chimney chase and act as a barrier, the functions of a cap are a little bit different.
Chimney caps sit atop the flue(s) to prevent anything from getting in. While they differ slightly across models, the basic structure is the more or less the same: a metal grate in the shape of the flue (square, circle, rectangular, etc.) with its own little roof and metal mesh sides designed to fit snugly atop the flue opening to your chimney.
This structure provides the perfect conditions to keep unwanted things out, while still ensuring your system is vented appropriately.
What Is the Most Affordable Way to Reline a Chimney?
When it comes to chimney liners, while there are technically three options – clay tiles, aluminum or stainless steel, and cast-in-place – only the first two are commonly used. However, because clay liners are usually installed at the same time as the brick chimney and need to be properly sealed with mortar at all the joints, these are challenging to use for relining purposes.
When it comes to relining though, terra cotta clay liners are the only type of chimney liner eligible for repair as opposed to replacement – as long as the damage is not too severe.
This solution is called HeatShield® and can be applied in several different methods depending on the state of the liner’s deterioration. So, while not quite considered a traditional “relining” where an existing liner is removed and a new one is installed, HeatShield® sealant restores your clay tile liner to long-lasting, optimum efficiency – and it’s typically your most affordable option.
It is important to note though, that your fuel level plays a big role in what relining option is the best choice for your chimney system. So, while aluminum can only be used to vent systems with natural or propane gas, it is not as sturdy or durable as its stainless steel counterpart and as such cannot be utilized in wood-burning fireplaces, oil or pellet systems. Because aluminum is a weaker metal, it also has a shorter lifespan than stainless steel and could require maintenance or repairs down the line even when used to vent gas systems.
Long story short – cheaper isn’t always better, but we’re happy to work with you to find the best and most affordable option.
How do I know if HeatShield® will work for me?
Usually, when someone calls us about chimney relining services, no matter the fuel source, we recommend an evaluation to help guide you to the best replacement option. With options in aluminum and stainless steel, liners provide a bit of variety and range in price. And if HeatShield® will work for you, we’d be happy to get the process going for you!
Why Should I Trust a Professional To Reline My Chimney?
While we would love to encourage you to learn more about your chimney and take a stab at figuring out how exactly to reline it, we will not. As if the whole of chimneys weren’t complicated and difficult enough to repair and service, chimney liners are on a whole different level.
Crucial to the overall chimney system’s functionality and success, the flue liner is arguably one of the most important elements because it is created, sized, and installed in such a way that streamlines the dangerous combustion byproducts up and out of the house. If the wrong alloy of stainless steel is installed or the mortar joints of the flue tiles aren’t properly sealed, the corrosive and superheated gases, as well as noxious fumes, can cause a lot of damage and health risks.
In the end, when it comes to anything to do with your chimney system – inside or outside – we always recommend being proactive, as well as working with a professional.
Book with us online through our website, or give us a call to learn what we can do for you.
What Should I Look for When Choosing a Chimney Service Company?
Besides expertise, industry knowledge, and work ethic, it’s important to learn about a company’s credentials as well as what others in the community have to say about them and their work. Keep these questions in mind throughout your search:
- How long have they been in business?
- Have others heard of them/have nice things to say?
- What are their credentials? Do they hold any certifications?
- Do they have reviews?
- Do they seem willing and eager to do all they can to reach your end goal?
- Do they listen to your concerns?
While we can’t speak for anyone else, we can say with confidence that Mid-Valley Chimney passes this test with flying colors. See for yourself why your neighbors trust us as their local chimney experts. Schedule an appointment online or call us at 513-727-0994. We’d love to work with you.
Do Gas Fireplaces Need Servicing?
Let’s cut to the chase. Yes, gas fireplaces need servicing. Even though you likely invested in a gas fireplace because it is low maintenance, don’t confuse that with no maintenance. In fact, the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and most gas appliance manufacturers recommend you get your fireplace inspected and serviced at least once a year, regardless of what type of fuel you use.
But there are also other instances that may occur in between those annual servicings that require special attention. Things like:
- Damage or deterioration
- Malfunctioning burners
- Irregular flame patterns
- Excessive soot or carbon buildup
- Gas odors or unusual smells
- Fading or discoloration
- Unusual noises
What Maintenance Is Required for a Gas Fireplace?
As common sense would imply, regular maintenance is necessary to ensure safe and efficient operation of your gas fireplace. So when we talk about maintenance, what tasks are routinely performed? Well, regular gas fireplace maintenance includes the following:
- Inspect the Exterior: Do you notice any cracks or gaps in the framework?
- Check the Glass: Make sure the glass has no cracks, as well as the gasket seals. If your glass is looking a little dirty, only an ammonia-free glass cleaner can be used to clear any dirt, dust, or residue.
- Inspect the Logs: Because logs are typically made of ceramic, they can withstand very high temperatures without changing their appearance. However, over time, you may still experience fading or deterioration.
- Look at the Gas Ignition and Burner: Spiders are actually attracted to LP and natural gas. So it is very common for them to build webs and nests within all of the tiny holes of the burner.
- Inspect Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Having a carbon monoxide detector is extremely important when you have a gas fireplace, insert, or freestanding gas stove in your home. Make sure to regularly change the batteries and test that it is working properly.
- Check the Ventilation: Whether this is the chimney or another vent, you want to make sure it is clear of any and all obstructions or debris. This helps prevent the buildup of harmful gases, such as carbon monoxide.
These are just a few of the most common ways to service a gas fireplace. That said, there are many other components that need to be in working order for you to safely use your gas fireplace and ensure it is efficiently heating your home this winter. Trust our experts for an accurate and in-depth evaluation. Call or reach out online to schedule.
Our Certified Technicians Are Ready for Your Call
So, why trust Mid-Valley Chimney for all of your chimney, venting, and fireplace needs? Because there isn’t much we can’t do for you, and we treat you with care and respect throughout the entire process. Trust our team to be honest and thorough, ensuring you get the highest level of care possible.
In addition, we won’t slam you with confusing jargon or give you a big bill, then high-tail it out of there. We treat our customers with care and consideration, ensuring a full understanding of what to expect and why we’re doing what we’re doing.
Questions about where to start? Or maybe you’re ready to get an appointment set up? Well, we’d be happy to hear from you. Call 513-727-0994 or reach out online now.
We work with some of the best vendors in the industry and that’s one of the things people love about us.