In Bloomington’s cold winters, service your chimney twice a year: once before fall fires and once after spring use. DIY checks (like inspecting for creosote buildup) help, but never attempt repairs or deep cleaning, those require a licensed chimney sweep like Reid Olivares Chimney Co. to avoid deadly hazards.
Scheduling chimney service in Bloomington: The best times to book your inspection
Bloomington’s climate, with its long winters and sudden cold snaps, means chimneys see heavy use. Schedule a professional chimney sweep twice a year: once in late summer or early fall (before your first fire) and again in spring (after winter’s last burn). If you use your fireplace daily, add a third cleaning mid-season. Wood-burning fireplaces need more frequent service than gas, as wood vs. gas fireplace explains. Pro tip: Book early, chimney sweeps in Bloomington and nearby Savage or Edina fill up fast before Thanksgiving.
Quick safety checks Bloomington homeowners can do between professional sweeps
Between professional visits, perform these quick, safe checks from outside your home (never climb on the roof or inside the chimney). First, inspect the chimney cap: Look for rust, warping, or missing pieces, these let water and debris in. Next, check the damper: Open and close it to ensure it moves smoothly. Finally, shine a flashlight down the flue (from a safe distance) for visible creosote buildup (glossy black or tarry residue). If you see more than 1/8-inch of buildup, schedule a sweep immediately. For a deeper dive, read our DIY chimney work guide, but remember, DIY cleaning tools (like wire brushes) only scratch the surface and can damage liners.
Chimney trouble signs in Bloomington: When to call a professional instead of guessing
These symptoms mean your chimney is unsafe, never ignore them. Smoke or strong odors in your home after lighting a fire signal a blockage or poor draft. Excessive smoke spilling into the room or soot on walls/ceilings means creosote or debris is clogging the flue. A yellow or flickering flame (instead of blue) indicates incomplete combustion, which can produce carbon monoxide (CO), a silent killer. Cracks in the masonry or rust on the chimney cap let water in, weakening the structure. If you hear cracking or popping sounds, creosote may be burning off dangerously. Any of these? Call Reid Olivares Chimney Co. immediately, our services include emergency inspections for these risks.
DIY chimney tasks Bloomington homeowners should avoid, and why they’re risky
Some chimney tasks are too dangerous for DIYers. Never attempt to remove creosote with a wire brush, it damages liners and spreads toxic dust. Never repair cracks or repoint mortar without training; improper fixes can trap moisture and weaken the chimney. Never ignore a blocked flue. DIY tools can’t reach deep blockages, and forcing air through can cause a chimney fire. Never install or modify a chimney cap unless you’re a pro; a bad fit can worsen draft issues. Never use your fireplace after smelling gas, this means a gas leak, which requires a professional to fix before lighting another fire.
When to contact Reid Olivares Chimney Co: Your local chimney safety resource for Bloomington’s older homes
We’re here for every stage of chimney care, from routine sweeps to emergencies. Call us if: You’re unsure about creosote levels or damper function; your chimney is older than 20 years (liners degrade over time); you’re buying a new home in Bloomington or Richfield and need a pre-purchase inspection; or you’ve had recent chimney work (even DIY fixes need a pro check). Need a quote? Use our online form or call, we’ll explain what’s included in your service and hidden risks you might miss, like these 3 costs. Pro tip: Schedule your fall sweep now, our team books up fast, especially in high-traffic areas like Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Frequently Asked Questions
My fireplace smells like gas after lighting, what’s the likely cause?
That’s carbon monoxide (CO) or a gas leak, stop using the fireplace immediately. CO has no smell, but gas companies add a scent to warn of leaks. Turn off the fireplace, open windows, and leave the house while calling Reid Olivares Chimney Co. We’ll check for leaks, blockages, or venting failures, never use it again until we confirm it’s safe. This is an emergency, don’t delay.
I see black streaks inside my chimney from the street, is that normal in Bloomington’s winters?
Those streaks are creosote, a flammable tar that builds from burning wood. Any visible buildup means it’s time for a sweep, especially before winter. Bloomington’s dry air and frequent fireplace use accelerate creosote buildup. Never brush it down yourself; our high-pressure sweeps remove it safely. If the streaks are thick or tarry, schedule a sweep this week, creosote can ignite and cause chimney fires.
My chimney cap is rusted, can I fix it myself in Bloomington’s weather?
No, rusty caps need professional replacement. Bloomington’s freeze-thaw cycles worsen rust, and a DIY fix can trap moisture, leading to masonry damage or leaks. We’ll install a durable, weatherproof cap that matches your chimney’s draft needs. Never use duct tape or temporary fixes, they fail in Minnesota winters. Call us for a quick inspection, rust often signals deeper corrosion in the flue or liner.