Most likely, if you heard sounds in your chimney this spring, your chimney was a home for chimney swifts. Chimney Swifts build their nests by attaching small twigs to the chimney wall with their glue-like saliva. When completed, the shallow half-cup nest protrudes two to three inches from the wall.

Chimney Swifts are protected by Federal Law under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Unfortunately, some chimney cleaning companies will still illegally remove active nests.  When hiring a professional chimney cleaning company, be careful to select one that is reputable.   Always keep in mind that “Bird Removal” is a blatant violation of the state and federal laws that protect Chimney Swifts and other migratory birds.  Homeowners should inquire about a company’s policy regarding Chimney Swifts.  Any company that offers or advertises such a service should be avoided.  After the baby swifts have left the nest with their parents, Blackburns Chimney Sweep recommends having your chimney swept and evaluated. We also recommend capping the chimney flue if you don’t want to continue providing a home for the swifts. Caps also serve to prevent other animals from nesting and help prevent water damage.

Source: Chimney Swifts: America’s Mysterious Birds above the Fireplace, Paul D. Kyle and Georgean Z. Kyle, Illustrated by Georgean Z. Kyle, Photography by Paul D. Kyle

The summer grilling season begins with Memorial Day.  Many people will be having bar-b-que this holiday weekend with friends and family.  The Green Egg is both a grill and smoker and Blackburns has many Eggs in stock. 

Here is a recipe we think you’d enjoy.

The Perfect Steaks
Ingredients:
2 steaks, 1-1/2 to 2-inches thick, preferably rib-eyes
1/4 cup kosher salt
1/2 tsp white pepper
2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

• Trim the steaks of any excess fat. Mix all of the dry ingredients together and apply to both sides of the steaks. Allow to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling.
• Set the EGG® up for direct cooking. To increase sear marks use a cast iron cooking grid; for extra flavor add wood chips.
• When the EGG is heated to 650°F, place the steaks on the grill and sear for two to three minutes.
• Open the lid (see the note regarding cooking at high temperatures) and flip the steaks onto a new section of the grid. After two to three more minutes, flip the steaks once more.
• Completely shut down the EGG by closing the damper top and draft door. Let the steaks continue cooking for 3 to 4 minutes, until they reach the desired internal temperature (check with a meat thermometer).
• Remove the steaks and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving

Note:  Be careful when opening the Green Egg.  Open for 2-3 inches to allow the oxygen to burn and avoid flash backs.

Become an EGG head today!

Most people wait until just before the heating season to have their chimney swept. Here are five great reasons to get the job done now.

1. When the heating season is done, it’s only natural for you to stop thinking about the furnace, fireplace and chimney. But there are benefits to getting ready for the next season early. No waiting around! There is always a long wait in the fall - sometimes 60 days or more. We always feel bad that we can’t get to service loyal customers like you, but the demand in the fall is just overwhelming. By doing your maintenance early, you can get service a lot sooner, and you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your chimney and flue have been serviced.
2. Leaving in the residue from the heating season in your chimney flue actually wears out your masonry faster and increases the likelihood that you’ll need costly repairs. Soot and water make acids that deteriorate mortar joints. The process is slow, but leaving the soot in the chimney during the spring and summer months will expose your masonry and flue to the corrosive build up that’s there after every heating season. Having the chimney swept right when the season’s over drastically decreases the likelihood that you’ll need expensive repairs.
3. Fireplace odors are worst in the spring and summer - the smell can permeate your home and even your clothes! By sweeping and deodorizing your fireplace after the heating season, you can minimize or eliminate that awful smell.
4. Find the problems before it gets cold. Every year people find that they’ve got heating system emergencies just when they need heat. We trust nothing will be wrong with your chimney, but if there is a problem let’s find out before you need the chimney again!
5. You will save money, because we offer the Blackburn Chimney Sweeps Spring Sweep Discount. Since we need to pay our people all year, we offer a discount to reward you for helping us stay busy during the warmer months.

Early chimney maintenance is good for you as well as us. Let us take care of your chimney early this year.

This a tougher question than it sounds. The quick simple answer is: The National Fire Protection Association standard 211 says, “Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary.” This is the national safety standard and is the correct way to approach the problem. It takes into account the fact that even if you don’t use your chimney much, animals may build nests in the flue or there may be other types of deterioration that could make the chimney unsafe to use.

The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends that open masonry fireplaces should be cleaned at 1/4″ of sooty buildup, and sooner if there is any glaze present in the system. Factory-built fireplaces should be cleaned when any appreciable buildup occurs. This is considered to be enough fuel buildup to cause a chimney fire capable of damaging the chimney or spreading to the home.