Reading is a sprawling Southern Pennsylvania city and is the seat of Berks County. The town is the birthplace of Daniel Boone and features several famous museums, a planetarium and an arboretum, making it a favorite destination for locals and tourists. Due to its low cost of living and high quality of life, Reading is widely recognized as one of the best places in the US to retire. However, the area experiences chilly, wet, and snowy winters, prompting many residents to rely on their cozy wood and pellet fireplaces, inserts, and stoves to keep warm. Wells & Sons Chimney and Fireplace Service, with over 40 years of experience, has been the leading chimney sweep service in the Greater Reading area for inspections, installations, and repairs.
Hiring a Certified Chimney Sweep in Reading, PA
Many homes, particularly those in Southeast Reading and other older neighborhoods, feature beautiful limestone exteriors and classic wood floors, adding to the region’s distinctive character. However, these charming homes can also present specific challenges, especially regarding fireplace and chimney safety. So, annual chimney inspections and cleaning are essential. A certified chimney sweep can identify potential hazards before they become fire and health hazards. Even if you no longer use the fireplace, an inspection is still necessary to assess the chimney’s structural integrity.
A thorough inspection will assess the condition of your Reading, PA, chimney system, including:
- Chimney structure: Checking for cracks, deterioration, or damage to the exterior.
- Flue liner: Evaluating the condition of the interior lining, which protects against heat and gases.
- Chimney cap: Ensuring it's securely attached to prevent water and animal intrusion.
- Creosote buildup: Assessing the amount of creosote, a flammable substance that can accumulate in the chimney.
- Fireplace components: Inspect the damper, smoke shelf, and other components for proper function and signs of weakness.
We will also clean the chimney per National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards to reduce fire risk and exposure to toxic carbon monoxide fumes.
Common Chimney Problems in Reading PA.
The Southern Pennsylvania climate poses some unique challenges for masonry chimneys. Here are five common problems homeowners should watch out for:
- Creosote Buildup: Those warm and cozy fires leave behind dangerous creosote deposits. This flammable byproduct of combustion can easily ignite and cause a chimney fire.
- Animal Intrusion: Squirrels, birds, and raccoons love a warm chimney. But their presence can block the flue, create a mess with nests and droppings, and even pose a health and fire risk.
- Water Damage: Rain, snow, and ice can wreak havoc on your chimney. Cracks in the mortar, a missing chimney cap, or a rusted chase cover can cause leaky chimneys, leading to deterioration and costly repairs.
- Spalling Bricks: Winter’s freeze-thaw cycle and continued exposure to extreme temperature swings eventually wear down your chimney's brickwork. Flaking, cracking, and crumbling bricks compromise the stack’s structural integrity, increasing the risk of collapse.
- Flue Liner Issues: The lining inside your chimney protects the masonry walls from heat and acidic gases. A damaged or cracked flue liner can lead to chimney fires and pose a health hazard from carbon monoxide exposure.
Chimney Repair Experts
Wells & Sons is the trusted expert for chimney repairs in the Greater Reading area. Our certified chimney and masonry professionals offer many services, including minor masonry repairs, complete chimney rebuilding, stainless steel liner installation, flashing replacement, smoke chamber parging, brick repointing, and more. We are committed to providing outstanding quality and durable solutions for your Reading, PA, fireplace, insert, and stove maintenance, helping homeowners in Reading and Berks County enjoy years of warmth and enjoyment.
Why Your Reading Chimney Needs a Cap
As rain, snow, and ice shower your stack, a chimney cap helps to protect the flue from water damage caused by moisture intrusion. Without a chimney cap, water can leak inside, leaving a puddle in your firebox and weakening the chimney crown. In addition, an uncapped flue is an open invitation for critters looking for a warm and dry place to build a nest, potentially leading to blockages and further damage to your chimney.
By choosing Wells & Sons, you're taking a proactive step to protect your Greater Reading and Berks County home. We offer a variety of chimney cap solutions to fit your needs, from simple flue covers to chase covers and custom full-width caps with spark arrestors. Protect your home and extend the life of your chimney with a professionally installed cap in your choice of material and style. Contact us today for expert installation, repair, or replacement services.
Dryer Vent Cleaning for Fire Prevention
While clothes dryer fires are common in Reading, Pennsylvania, the good news is that this danger is largely preventable. Lint buildup within dryer vents is a primary culprit. By scheduling regular professional dryer vent cleanings, homeowners can significantly reduce the risk of a devastating house fire. A clean vent ensures optimal airflow, preventing overheating and the ignition of flammable lint. Protect your home and family with professional dryer vent cleaning from Wells & Sons today.
Best Source for Fireplace Inserts and Freestanding Stoves in Reading PA
Do you want relief from high heating bills? Looking to add a touch of cozy ambiance to your Greater Reading area home? Consider the warmth and energy efficiency of a fireplace insert or freestanding stove.
Unlike traditional fireplaces that waste most heat up the chimney, our inserts and stoves capture and radiate warmth, making them ideal for primary heating while significantly reducing energy costs.
Fireplace Inserts: These modern closed-combustion units fit seamlessly into your existing fireplace, combining modern efficiency with classic charm.
Freestanding Stoves: Offering versatility and design flexibility, freestanding stoves can be the focal point of any Reading, PA, room.
Whether you prefer the timeless essence of wood or the convenience of pellet fuel, Wells & Sons will help you select the perfect home heating solution to fit your lifestyle and budget.
Reading Chimney Sweep & Repair Services
Wells & Sons is the key to a hearth-healthy home. Our commitment to excellence and top-rated customer satisfaction is why Wells & Sons Chimney and Fireplace Service is the preferred choice for homeowners throughout the Greater Reading and Berks County area, including Allentown PA, Kenhorst PA, Kutztown PA, Sinking Spring PA, and West Reading PA.
Don't wait—schedule your annual inspection today!