When it comes to keeping your chimney clean and your home protected, few names carry the local trust and reputation that Blackburn’s Chimney Services does in Pickerington, NY. Our team has spent years helping homeowners in the area keep their fireplaces burning safely, their chimneys drawing properly, and their homes free from the hidden dangers of creosote buildup. We know what Pickerington weather can do to a chimney, and how quickly soot, moisture, and shifting temperatures can turn a simple cleaning into a much bigger issue if left unattended. Book a chimney sweeping today.

How Often Should a Chimney Be Swept in Pickerington?

In central New York’s four-season climate, the freeze/thaw cycles and damp winters mean chimneys work overtime. Soot and creosote build up faster than many homeowners realize. Even gas fireplaces can leave behind corrosive residue.

That’s why we recommend at least one sweeping per year, preferably before the first cold snap of fall. We’ve seen what happens when that annual checkup gets skipped:

• Creosote hardens into a glaze that can ignite even from a small ember.
• Moisture mixes with soot, forming acidic buildup that eats through metal liners.
• Blockages from leaves, nests, or even chunks of loose masonry restrict the draft and push smoke back into the home.
• Odors and poor airflow make the fireplace unpleasant to use, especially during humid summer months.

Routine sweeping isn’t just about cleanliness, it’s about catching those early warning signs before they become expensive repairs.

What Makes Blackburn’s the Go-To Chimney Company in Pickerington?

We’ve built our reputation by focusing on three things: skill, honesty, and prevention. Every technician we send out is certified, detail-oriented, and treats your home as carefully as their own.

Here’s what sets Blackburn’s apart:

• Detailed Inspections With Every Sweep: We don’t just remove soot; we check for structural cracks, flue liner separation, and flashing gaps that can lead to leaks.
• Up-Front Communication: Before any work starts, we walk you through what we see and what we recommend, with no surprises and no rushed decisions.
• Local Weather Expertise: Pickerington’s mix of snow, rain, and wind requires special attention to waterproofing, cap integrity, and mortar sealing.
• Clean, Respectful Service: We use professional-grade vacuums and drop cloths so your home stays spotless from start to finish.

We know that when you invite someone into your home, you’re trusting them with more than just a job – you’re trusting them with your safety. That’s a responsibility we take seriously.

How Do Pickerington’s Seasonal Changes Affect Chimneys?

Few homeowners realize how much the local climate works against their chimney year-round. One month, you’re dealing with spring pollen and nesting birds; the next, it’s heavy summer humidity followed by freezing winter nights.

Some of the most common weather-related chimney issues we see include:

• Freeze/Thaw Damage: Moisture seeps into brick pores, freezes, and expands, causing cracks that weaken the structure.
• High-Wind Shifts: Strong gusts from Nor’easters or lake-effect storms can loosen caps or even tilt aging masonry.
• Condensation Damage: Warm interior air meeting a cold flue creates condensation that corrodes metal liners.
• Leaf and Debris Blockages: Especially in wooded Pickerington neighborhoods, autumn leaves can quickly clog an open flue.

That’s why chimney sweeping in our region isn’t just a routine task – it’s essential preventive care tailored to local conditions.

What Happens If Creosote or Soot Build-Up Is Ignored?

We often hear the question: “Isn’t sweeping just about keeping it tidy?” The truth is, creosote is far more dangerous than most homeowners think. It’s highly flammable and can ignite even without a visible flame.

Ignoring a dirty chimney can lead to:

• Chimney fires that spread silently through the flue or attic.
• Reduced draft, causing smoke and carbon monoxide to backflow into living spaces.
• Corrosion that weakens liners and mortar joints.
• A shortened lifespan for the entire chimney system.

All it takes is one missed cleaning for creosote to reach dangerous levels. We’ve seen it happen in just a single burning season, especially with heavy wood use or unseasoned logs.

Chimney Sweeping Near Me: Why Local Experience Matters

Pickerington homeowners know that not all chimneys are built or age the same. Some homes still have original, unlined brick chimneys from decades ago, while others have modern prefabricated units. Each requires a different sweeping method and inspection approach.

Because we’ve serviced hundreds of chimneys across Fairfield and Franklin counties, we recognize the telltale signs of local wear, like mortar decay from salt exposure or venting problems caused by nearby construction or tree growth. That kind of familiarity is something only a hometown company can offer.

Ready to Schedule Your Chimney Sweeping in Pickerington?

If it’s been more than a year since your last cleaning, or you’ve noticed smoke backing up, a smoky odor on humid days, or bits of soot around your hearth, it’s time to give Blackburn’s Chimney Services a call.

We’ll perform a full sweep, inspect your system from cap to firebox, and make sure your chimney is ready for another cold New York season. Because around here, a clean chimney isn’t just about comfort… It’s about peace of mind for your family and your home. Book your Pickerington chimney sweeping today

When it comes to chimney inspection services near you, homeowners in New Albany, OH deserve more than just a quick glance with a flashlight. At Blackburns Chimney Service, we’ve built our reputation on detailed, thorough, and customer-focused chimney care. From identifying hidden hazards to making sure your system works as efficiently as possible, we take pride in being the trusted local experts families turn to year after year.

Here are the top 10 reasons to choose us for your next chimney inspection:

1. We Provide Thorough, Camera-Assisted Inspections

A simple surface check won’t reveal the true condition of your chimney. That’s why we use specialized video cameras to examine the flue from top to bottom. This technology allows us to spot cracks, blockages, or wear that would otherwise go unnoticed, keeping your home safer and your fireplace operating at its best.

2. We Have Local Knowledge of New Albany Homes

New Albany is known for its blend of historic charm and newer developments. From brick colonial-style houses near Market Square to newer builds in neighborhoods like Planters Grove or Upper Brandon, chimneys vary widely in age and design. Because we’ve worked throughout the area for years, we know what issues tend to show up most often in local homes.

3. We Hire CSIA-Certified Technicians You Can Trust

Our team is certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), which means we follow nationally recognized standards and best practices. That certification shows our commitment to professionalism and continuing education in our field.

4. We Know That Detecting Problems Early Saves You Money

An inspection isn’t just about finding damage…it’s about catching it before it becomes an expensive repair. Small cracks in mortar joints, minor leaks around flashing, or a loose chimney cap might not look serious at first. But if left unchecked, those small issues can lead to major water damage, fire hazards, or structural problems down the road.

5. We Tailor Inspections to How You Use Your Fireplace

Some families in New Albany light a fire every chilly night in winter, while others use their fireplace only a few times a year. We customize our inspection approach based on your usage, looking for the types of wear and buildup most likely in your home.

6. Transparent Explanations & Reports

We believe an inspection should give you answers, not confusion. After every inspection, we explain what we found in plain language. We’ll show you photos or video footage if needed, so you can see exactly what’s going on inside your chimney. That way, you can make informed decisions about next steps.

7. We Can Help You Meet Real Estate Requirements

Are you buying or selling a home in New Albany? A Level 2 chimney inspection is often required as part of the real estate process. We provide these detailed inspections, ensuring that both buyers and sellers can move forward with confidence.

8. Our Inspections That Improve Performance

A chimney that’s clogged, cracked, or sized incorrectly can cause smoke to back up into your home or make it harder to light and maintain fires. By spotting airflow issues or hidden obstructions, our inspections can help improve draft, reduce odors, and make your fireplace easier to enjoy.

9. We Offer Friendly, Family-Owned Service

We’re not a big-box or out-of-town operation. Blackburns Chimney Service is locally owned and family-operated, which means we treat your home the way we’d treat our own. Customers throughout Franklin and Licking counties know us for our approachable, respectful service.

10. Proud to Serve the New Albany Community

From the leisure trails that wind through town to events at the Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts, New Albany is a place we’re proud to call part of our service area. We love helping local families gather safely around their fireplaces—whether in cozy historic neighborhoods or in the modern developments that give the area its unique charm.

Why an Annual Chimney Inspection Matters

Even if you don’t use your fireplace every day, annual inspections are important. Creosote buildup, weather damage from Ohio’s freeze-thaw cycles, and nesting animals can all create risks that aren’t visible until it’s too late. A professional inspection gives you peace of mind before fireplace season begins.

Schedule Your Chimney Inspection in New Albany, OH

At Blackburns Chimney Service, we believe your home deserves the highest level of care. Our detailed chimney inspections are designed to uncover hidden hazards, extend the lifespan of your system, and give you confidence every time you light your fireplace.

If you live in New Albany or nearby communities like Gahanna, Westerville, or Granville, we’d be honored to be your go-to chimney experts. Call today to schedule your chimney inspection and keep your home warmer, cozier, and safer this season.

We’ve all heard that April showers bring May flowers, but one of the less pleasant things they can bring is odors into your home due to issues with your chimney.

Many folks stop thinking about their fireplaces after the last fire of the season is extinguished, and don’t consider them again until the first chilly day in autumn. While it is tempting to avoid adding one more item to the spring cleaning checklist, there are actually some pretty good reasons to take care of this now.

During the warmer weather, particularly when it is rainy, water may enter through your chimney. This may be due to the need for a protective rain cap, because of gaps or cracks in the exterior masonry, or simply as the result of condensation forming inside the chimney flue. If this moisture comes into contact with creosote deposits in your chimney, a smoky odor may develop, which could enter into your living space if any downdrafts are present.

In addition, standing creosote can degrade the integrity of your chimney liner if left in place over the warm weather months, which could lead to costly liner repairs if not addressed in a timely manner.

Give us a call today to schedule your annual chimney sweep and evaluation, and avoid the scheduling delays caused by the “busy season” rush this autumn.