3 minute read
Business Style
The Chimney Doctor
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By Marge Shoemaker
Nebraska has just come through one of the roughest, coldest winters in its recorded history. Many folks experienced temperatures well below zero and shoveled snow more than two feet deep. Mother Nature provided the perfect weather for curling up in front of your fireplace and enjoying a nice, warm evening…unless the chimney doesn’t draw properly and you get smoked out. That’s when you need to call The Chimney Doctor.
Randall (Randy) aka “Sooty” Redding, the owner, operator, and certified chimney professional, started The Chimney Doctor more than 31 years ago. “It all began when I was on active duty in the Air Force, stationed at Andrews Air Force in Maryland.” Randy explains. “My son, Brett played t-ball and the coach and team sponsor was the owner of Magic Broom Chimney Sweep. He offered to teach me the business, and I liked the work.” Randy went on to say, “while still in the service I worked part-time for Wesley Adams, the owner of Clinton Fence. Wes showed me the benefits of entrepreneurism. He taught me to be committed to customer service and to take care of my employees, treating others as I wanted to be treated.” Randy explained that after he left the Air Force he started The Chimney Doctor in January 1990.
“The first thing we do on any job,” Randy explains, “is a level I inspection of the chimney to identify any possible problems and to determine what scope of work needs to be done.” Another step includes a level II inspection of scanning the inside of the chimney flue with a video camera. This provides a picture of the flue, exposing any cracks or damage that should be repaired to bring the chimney back into safe working condition, according to industry standards.
The chimney for a wood-burning fireplace is cleaned using rotary brushes and a vacuum equipped with a filter to contain microscopic contaminants. The fireplace’s surrounding area is protected with drop clothes to catch dislodged dust and soot. In addition our technicians wear booties over their shoes to make as little mess as possible. “It’s a dirty job,” Randy comments. “We do our level best to avoid damage to your property.” The less sooty jobs are gas fireplaces, which are usually direct-vented through a venting chimney that resembles a dryer vent. Ventless fireplaces with vent-free gas logs burn almost 99 percent pure, using oxygen from the home.
The Chimney Doctors will inspect the masonry and if necessary, will repair or replace minor masonry damage, including replacing damaged concrete crowns and waterproofing the chimney. They can also tuck-point the firebox and install top sealing dampers and caps. If damage is indicated by the video scan, they can reline your chimney.
Not every call to The Chimney Doctor needs to be an emergency. “I encourage my clients to be proactive,” Randy says, “and to take steps to avoid a possible catastrophe. “It’s important to keep your chimney and fireplace clean and to avoid burning soft, carbon-producing materials. No trash, please!” Scrap wood is usually treated or painted; burning it will release chemicals that can be harmful to breathe.
Anyone with a wood-burning fireplace should have it inspected once a year. In fact, Randy points out, twice-yearly inspections are mandated by law in Europe. If you don’t use your fireplace often, your chimney may not need to be cleaned at every annual inspection. The Chimney Doctor also cleans and inspects wood-burning stoves, dryer vents, and gutters. “We don’t have a problem getting on your roof…unless it’s snow-covered,” Randy says with a smile. They also do real estate inspections. “Whether you’re buying or selling, have the fireplace and chimney inspected by a certified chimney professional before the sale or transfer of property,” Randy advises. “Know what you’re getting into.”
Jim L., a pleased customer, writes, “I started a fire in the wood-burning furnace this evening. WOW! What a tremendous difference! The smoke went up the firebox instead of ‘belching’ out into my face. I’m thrilled with the transformation. When I checked, the damper was at the proper position, letting additional air mix in and letting it go up the chimney.”
The Chimney Doctor is a family operation. Randy’s son, Brandon and nephew Kyle are also certified chimney professionals. Randy’s wife, Lena, is the office manager and vice president of the corporation. The business holds memberships in the Better Business Bureau, the Chimney Safety Institute of America, and the National Chimney Sweep Guild. They are certified and insured. They service the Lincoln area and “nearly anywhere within a 60-mile radius.” You can reach them by phone at 402-719-7374, find them online at thechimneydoctorne.com, or send them a message at reddawgenterprisesinc@gmail.com.
