Hansen & Sons Chimney & Fireplace: Performing Expert Chimney Inspections in Stoughton & Beyond for More Than 70 Years

Chimney inspections are a key factor in home safety and fire prevention. If you’re a homeowner in Stoughton, Oregon, McFarland, Cottage Grove, Deerfield, Cambridge, Brooklyn, Fitchburg, Sun Prairie, Monona, Verona, Maple Bluff, Madison, Waunakee, Middleton, or a town closeby, you can trust Hansen & Sons Chimney & Fireplace for this crucial routine service. Get in touch with us today to book your next appointment!

Stoughton, WI is the perfect picture of a quiet suburban oasis. With enough small-town charm to convince even the biggest city dwellers to take a moment and smell the roses, Stoughton has solidified itself as a standout midwestern gem.

Our town is known for its friendly and welcoming community, with a quaint downtown area with plenty of local businesses and a historic district for residents and tourists to explore. You can head to the Stoughton Historical Society Museum to study Stoughton’s roots or attend the Syttende Mai Festival for a special glimpse at our area’s rich Norwegian heritage.

When the forecast is promising, you can plan a day outdoors at Lake Kegonsa State Park featuring kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and archery hunting. During the summer months, peruse the Coffee Break Festival to learn about Stoughton’s ties to coffee and its influence on the employee coffee break.

Life in Stoughton isn’t always about revisiting history or exploring the town’s unique quirks. Some days, being a homeowner means chores and house maintenance. Fortunately for you, Hansen & Sons Chimney & Fireplace is here to take at least one chore off  your to-do list so you can get back to enjoying life on the town as soon as possible. If it’s that time of year for you again, call us at 608-466-4185 or reach out to us online to schedule your annual chimney inspection.

What Type of Services Can I Get From Hansen & Sons Chimney & Fireplace?

Whether you require a routine chimney inspection or something more in-depth like having your chimney relined, Hansen & Sons is your go-to source for all things chimney-related here in Dane County and beyond. For your convenience, we offer a full slate of chimney services to keep your heating appliance up and running in prime condition for the burning season.

We’re proud to offer the following services:

Chimney & Fireplace Services

    • Chimney Sweeping
    • Chimney Inspection
    • New Fireplaces, Stoves & Inserts
      • Wood Fireplace, Stoves & Inserts
      • Gas Fireplace, Stoves, Inserts & Logs
      • Electric Fireplaces, Inserts & Logs
    • Chimney Repair
      • Chimney Relining
      • Flashing/Cricket Repair & Replacement
      • Chase Covers
      • Concrete Caps/Crowns
      • Rain Caps
      • Exhaust Fans
      • Chimney Rebuild
      • Top-Sealing Dampers
      • Waterproofing/Water Repellent
      • Smoke Chamber Repair & Sealing
      • Prefabricated Fireplace/Chimney Repair & Replacement
    • Fireplace, Stove & Insert Repair
      • Fireplace Remodeling/Refacing
      • Mantels, Hearthstones, Glass Doors
      • Firebox Repair & Rebuild

      Home Masonry Repair

      • Brick/Stone Repair & Tuckpointing
Living room with a lit fireplace

Why Is a Chimney Inspection Important?

Regular chimney inspections are essential for keeping your fireplace safe, efficient, and lasting for the long haul. If you have a wood-burning appliance, it creates creosote which is a highly flammable substance that sticks to the interior walls of your chimney system. If not cleaned out regularly, this accumulation of creosote buildup can become a major fire hazard.

Chimney inspections also help identify any potential structural problems, blockages, or damage that could lead to dangerous situations like carbon monoxide poisoning or chimney fires. Regular inspections can help you avoid costly repairs down the road by catching problems early on. With early intervention, a professional chimney sweep can ensure that your fireplace operates safely and efficiently and keeps your chimney in good condition for years to come.

How Often Should I Have My Chimney Inspected?

It is generally recommended to have your chimney inspected at least once a year, no matter how frequently or how little you use your fireplace – although more frequent inspections may be necessary if you appreciate and use your fireplace as much as we do. These annual inspections help identify and address potential problems like creosote buildup, debris accumulation, or animal nests that can bump up the risk of chimney fires.

Regular inspections also play an important role in detecting structural issues caused by weather and standard wear and tear. This gives chimney professionals like us at Hansen & Sons the opportunity to evaluate your chimney system and establish a baseline so that it’s easier to detect changes in the earliest stages.

efflorescence on red brick wall

What Are Common Signs That My Chimney Needs an Inspection?

Your chimney might need a checkup if you’re in between annual inspections and experiencing some of these problems:

  • Unusual smells that may be described as smoky or musty odors. New odors can point to creosote buildup or moisture issues in the chimney.
  • Visible damage. This is a major red flag. If you see cracks in the structure, loose or missing bricks, and crumbling mortar joints, it’s time to call Hansen & Sons for an appointment.
  • Your fireplace isn’t operating correctly. A malfunctioning fireplace can show itself in a few different ways. For example, a smoky fireplace often means that there is a ventilation problem or blockage within the chimney system.
  • The chimney looks different. A change in your chimney’s appearance isn’t limited to damage only. You should also be on the lookout for discoloration. Efflorescence – a white powdery substance on the chimney exterior – can signal moisture intrusion.
  • Poor fireplace draw. If fires aren’t burning efficiently or you’re unable to maintain a fire, you may be having draft issues which could be due to a blockage or something more serious like poor craftsmanship.
  • Signs of animal life. Hearing squeaking or sounds of tiny feet scuttering about? If you have reason to suspect your chimney has attracted an invader, a chimney inspection can either confirm or deny your fears.

What Are the Dangers of Not Inspecting My Chimney Regularly?

There are many compelling reasons to prioritize regular chimney inspections. A major concern is the aforementioned creosote buildup that can dramatically increase the probability of a fire. Blockages caused by debris, animal nests, or soot can also prevent complete and proper ventilation. This can also lead to a buildup of carbon monoxide – a potentially lethal gas that is colorless and odorless – within your home.

In addition to finding areas of concern within your chimney, annual inspections are also one of the primary ways that we’re able to diagnose water leaks and identify what is causing them. Leaks tend to go unnoticed without inspections until they inevitably cause expensive water damage, mold growth, and eventually bigger structural issues that will leave a huge dent in your budget.

Book Your Annual Chimney Inspection Today

An annual chimney inspection can keep your family safe and protect your home against fire hazards. When you’re due for your next chimney inspection, don’t put it off. Instead, simply get in touch with us at Hansen & Sons and rest much easier knowing you’re in good hands. Call us now at 608-466-4185 or reach out to us online.

Testimonials

Hansen & Sons replaced our old gas fireplace with a beautiful new one. We considered converting to gas and through the whole process they were very transparent and open about the pros and cons of both. They were always on time and extremely professional in our home. They did a wonderful job and we definitely recommend them.

We were so impressed with the work that Hansen & Sons did on our chimney and fireplace. They were so informative and communicative during the whole process. I would HIGHLY recommend working with them. First rate service!

 

When you live in our service area, like our friendly neighbors in nearby Oregon, you can count on getting the most professional chimney services year after year.