Ozark Stove and Chimney Is Springfield’s Experts for Fireplace, Stove & Chimney Services

The city of Springfield, MO is a city filled with countless exciting attractions and an atmosphere that’s hard to beat. Explore Springfield Botanical Gardens, check out some trails at Sequiota Park, spend a day at the museum and aquarium, or hit up any number of dining and shopping attractions in the city’s popular downtown area.

Yep, there’s no denying that staying busy here isn’t a problem. But if you’ve been visiting new spots day after day, you might be hankering for a simple and quiet evening at home – especially if the weather isn’t ideal for an outdoor day. That’s where we come in with our fireplace and chimney services, ensuring your day indoors is as cozy as possible.

The team of dedicated and experienced chimney sweeps here at Ozark Stove and Chimney serves Springfield, Brookline, Elwood, Willard, Republic, Battlefield, Fair Grove, Strafford, and many more towns and cities surrounding, and we’d love to be your go-to team of experts for it all. Reach out now.

What Services Do We Offer?

Count on us for the following:

  • Chimney Cleanings/Sweepings
  • Chimney Inspections
  • Gas Fireplace Service
  • Leaky Chimney Repair
  • Chimney Waterproofing
  • Chimney Cap Installation
  • Chase Cover Installation
  • Flashing Installation & Repair
  • Chimney Relining & Resurfacing
  • HeatShield® Liner Repair
  • Masonry Repairs
  • Stucco Repairs
  • PriorFire Installation
  • Dryer Vent Cleaning
  • Wood Stove Installation
  • Gas Log Installation
  • Central Boiler Outdoor Furnace Installation

How Often Should I Have My Chimney Cleaned?

This is the million dollar question. Unfortunately, it’s hard to give a solid and clear-cut answer because how often you need cleanings or sweepings can vary depending on what type of system you have and how often you actually use it.

A good rule of thumb, though, is to schedule a sweeping either every 36 fires or once per year – whichever of the two comes first for your household.

In addition, be sure to book a chimney cleaning…

  • …when you purchase a pre-built home or dwelling.
  • …if you notice visible soot anywhere in your home.
  • …before each heating season.
  • …before 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.

Derek and his crew did a wonderful job installing our new stove. Their prices were reasonable and they didn’t leave a mess inside or outside our home. I would definitely use them again for any work we need done.

-Connie Freeman
★★★★★

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. You’ve lit a fire plenty of times before, but for some reason, it doesn’t have the same crackle as it did in the past, and it’s not giving off the same level of heat, either. 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. On the surface, that may sound pleasant – and even relaxing – but it’s actually a sign that creosote has accumulated to a dangerous level and needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
  • Smoke is coming out of the firebox. Does smoke envelop 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, thus 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. In its more advanced stages, it becomes a hard, shiny, tar-like substance that is very difficult to remove from surfaces and requires specialized tools.
  • Soot and creosote is falling from your chimney. It’s not uncommon for debris to fall from your chimney sometimes. The cause of this, though, depends on what type of debris you notice. If you’re seeing leaves and twigs, there may be an issue with the chimney cap, while mortar and tile can indicate a structural problem. If you’re seeing soot or creosote or oily spots on the fireplace’s wall, then it is time to have your chimney swept.
  • 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 and want us to take a look? Reach out by phone or book with us online today.

Do Modern Chimneys Need Sweeping?

Yes – dirty chimneys aren’t limited to older fireplaces. Many assume a new, cleaner-burning 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 systems need cleaning? They don’t burn wood, so maintenance can probably be skipped more often, right?

Nope – 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.

Need a sweeping? Call or schedule online with us today.

What’s the Deal With Creosote Sweeping Logs?

Creosote sweeping logs contain chemicals that are intended to help loosen the creosote deposits inside of a chimney. Similar to what one would do with natural wood, you would burn a creosote log in the fireplace, which in turn is supposed to help your chimney’s creosote deposits be cleared more easily.

Do creosote sweeping logs actually work?

Sounds like a great solution for your dirty chimney problem, huh? But… do they work?

Creosote sweeping logs can work well in the short term if you have minimal creosote buildup. The downside of the logs is that, 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 sweeping.

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.

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.

Did You Book a Sweeping? What You Can Expect From Us

OK, so your sweeping is on the calendar, and you’ve already started experiencing that peace of mind that comes with operating a professionally-maintained system. What can you expect when we visit your home?

  • To ensure that we protect your home from any damage, drop cloths will be used to protect all surface areas near the fireplace. Our technicians clean the entire system, from the fireplace up.
  • We use professional brushes, and a HEPA vacuum. This ensures that any dust and/or allergens don’t enter the air in your home or create any messes.
  • Our cleaning services also include a level 2 NFPA inspection to identify any unsafe conditions. We can recommend and perform any & all necessary fireplace or chimney repairs, so that you can rest assured that you are safe to burn.
  • We’ll clean the entire chimney system, including the firebox, smoke chamber, smoke shelf, chimney flue, and damper assembly.
  • If you have any questions along the way, we’re here to offer advice and expert opinions.

If you’re looking for a team of professional chimney sweeps in the area, there is no job too big or too small for the team here at Ozark. Not only is the care of your chimney important to us, the safety of your household is too. Reach out now – we’re here to put you first.

Anything I, as the homeowner, need to do ahead of time?

  1. If you could stop using your system at least 24 hours in advance, that would ensure our techs don’t face any burn risks and that they stay safer throughout the process.
  2. Clear a 6-foot radius around the fireplace. Move furniture and any breakable items away, so we have a clear space to work – and so your valuables stay safer.
  3. Make a plan ahead of time to ensure pets and little kiddos can’t gain easy access to our working area. Again, this is just another step for keeping everyone as safe as possible.
  4. Have your questions ready – we’d be happy to answer them!
Derek was efficient, polite and very professional. He told me exactly what was needed and will be needed in the future. I highly recommend him!

-Chelsea Reed
★★★★★

Need Dryer Vent Cleaning Services?

Did you know that annual dryer vent cleanings are essential for keeping households safer? The accumulation of lint in the ducts blocks up your vents, which not only hinders the appliance’s performance, but also creates a fire hazard. Essentially, your dryer overheats because of the clog, then causes the extremely flammable lint that’s filling the space to ignite.

Blocked vents can also cause carbon monoxide to back up into your home if fumes and gases can’t properly escape.

If you notice lint buildup around the termination of your dryer vent, or if your dryer is not functioning efficiently, it is advisable to seek professional assistance. Our crew can provide the necessary maintenance and cleaning services to ensure you can use your appliance stress-free.

What are the signs my dryer vent is clogged?

How do you know if a professional cleaning is in order? First of all, if it’s been over a year since your last service, we’d suggest getting in touch with our team to set something up. It’s recommended that your vents are cleared out at least once every year – and more if your dryer sees frequent use.

If this isn’t the case for you, though, there are other indicators that a cleaning is needed.

  • Your dryer isn’t drying as well. If your dryer needs to be run twice (or maybe three times) to get a load of laundry dry, this isn’t a good sign. But it may not be the dryer’s fault! It could just be that a clogged vent is keeping things from performing optimally.
  • Your clothes feel hot after a cycle. After grabbing your clothes after a complete cycle, does your laundry pile feel unusually hot? We all know (and love) the feel of warm clothes, but if your laundry is exceptionally toasty, this should be cause for concern.
  • You notice lint in places it shouldn’t be. Is lint showing up on the floor surrounding your dryer? Or maybe you’re finding it in the dryer itself… This means it isn’t able to go where it needs to and that your vent is probably clogged up.
  • You’re smelling something hot and musty. If you walk into your laundry room and discover that things are smelling odd, then be wary. It could be that your system is overheating and causing the space to develop some less-than-pleasant odors.

What is carbon monoxide?

If you know anything about the Boy Scouts, you know that lint is their main choice of fuel because it’s so flammable. So the risk of fires occurring in a heating appliance that produces lint is obvious. But carbon monoxide poisoning is something people tend to give less thought to.

Carbon monoxide is a gas, and it’s a major threat because it is both highly poisonous and very hard to detect due to being both colorless and odorless. This combination leads to multiple deaths and countless hospital visits every single year.

Combat carbon monoxide by investing in annual inspections for your appliances, and be sure to invest in carbon monoxide detectors for your home as well.

Call or Reach Out Online Today

If you live in or near Marshfield, Halltown, Ash Grove, or anywhere else throughout our service area, we’re here for you. Call 417-201-6585 or reach out to us online now.

 

Whatever chimney-related services you need in Cassville, MO, like chimney repairs, gas log services, or chimney sweeping, we’ve got you covered within our service area.