Top Notch Chimney Sweep & Services has been providing homeowners in Indianola and the surrounding Central Iowa area with the best in chimney and venting care for over two decades. We always deliver the highest level of workmanship and respect to our customers — that’s why we’re named “Top Notch.” Whether your needs are related to a damaged and outdated chimney and hearth, a new set of gas logs, a clogged dryer vent, or a dirty air duct system, our technicians can help. Here is an overview of our services and products: Chimney Sweeping, Chimney Inspection, Gas Log Service, Chimney Caps & Dampers, Chimney Crown Repair, Factory Fireplace Repair, Minor Masonry Repairs, Chimney Relining, HeatShield®, Waterproofing, Flashing Repair, Air Duct Cleaning, Dryer Vent Cleaning
Let Top Notch Take Care Of You
Everyone has heard the horror stories about carbon monoxide poisoning, and about damage caused by fire, water, and smoke as a result of undetected masonry and venting blockages. But when you call us to inspect and clean your chimney and dryer vents, you will have peace of mind knowing that you are being proactive in minimizing risk and preventing these hazards.
Since 2002, we have been dedicated to offering our neighbors in Indianola top-notch service. We are proud of our online reviews and our customer testimonials, and work hard to keep our customers satisfied year after year. Let our CSIA-certified experts take care of you!
If you live in Indianola, don’t forget to call on Top Notch Chimney Sweep & Services for all of your chimney and venting needs. You can also schedule online!
If you live in Pella, don’t worry! You are in Top Notch’s growing service area all through the year.
Brick, Mortar and Iowa Winters
Brick chimneys are built to last, but they are not immune to the weather. Brick and mortar are porous, so they absorb rain and melting snow. On cold nights that water freezes and expands, and after enough cycles the mortar loosens and brick faces start to crack and peel away. Masons call that spalling.
The first signs often show on the outside: white chalky staining, gaps in the mortar lines or chips of brick on the roof. Our masons repair this with tuckpointing, which means grinding out the failing mortar and packing in new, and by replacing damaged brick. See our full list of chimney repairs.
Burning Wood? Keep Creosote in Check
Every wood fire leaves some creosote on the inside of the flue. It can be flaky, sticky or hard and glazed, and all forms of it will burn. A buildup of creosote is the fuel behind most chimney fires.
A few habits help slow it down. Burn wood that has been split and dried for a good long while, since wet wood smolders and sends more residue up the chimney. Give the fire enough air instead of letting it smoke for hours. Most of all, have the flue swept and inspected by a professional so buildup is removed before it becomes dangerous.
Selling or Buying in Indianola
When a home with a fireplace changes owners, NFPA 211 calls for a Level 2 chimney inspection. It adds a camera inspection of the inside of the flue to the visual check, so hidden damage gets found.
For sellers, an inspection ahead of listing gives you time to handle repairs on your own terms. For buyers, it means knowing what the chimney needs before you sign. Either way, our report is based on what our camera actually shows.
Your Dryer Vent Needs a Yearly Look
Dryer vents should be checked once a year. Lint slips past the trap and collects inside the duct, and as the vent narrows the dryer runs hotter and longer. That raises energy costs and the risk of a lint fire. A blocked vent on a gas dryer can also let carbon monoxide back into the home.
If your dryer feels hot, smells like something is burning or takes two cycles to dry a load, call us. Learn more on our vent cleaning page.
The Training Behind the Work
Our owner, Tom Hunkele, holds the Certified Master Chimney Technician credential and has served as president of the National Chimney Sweep Guild. CSIA Certified Sweeps round out the crew. Meet them on our team page. Before your visit, look over our appointment tips.
Gas Logs and Inserts Still Need Service
Gas does not leave creosote, so many people stop thinking about the chimney after switching. But gas appliances still make carbon monoxide, and it must vent out of the house. A blocked flue or a damper stuck closed can push those gases back inside.
When we service gas logs, we go over the installation and test the pilot, valves and connections, then confirm the vent is clear. The logs get checked too, for cracks and for proper placement. Heavy soot is a warning sign that the burn is off and something needs adjusting or repair.
Vent-free gas logs burn more efficiently and do not need a working chimney, but they still need regular service to burn cleanly and safely.
What Happens During an Inspection
We start inside at the firebox and damper, then look up through the smoke chamber and flue. Our camera lets us see the full length of the liner, including cracks and gaps that a flashlight alone cannot reach. Outside, we check the crown, cap, brickwork and flashing.
When we are done, we go over what we found. If something needs repair, we explain why and show you the images. If everything checks out, we tell you that too.
Clean Work Inside Your Home
Nobody wants soot on the carpet. Floor protection and dust control equipment go down before any brushing starts, and our mess-free guarantee stands behind the work. We clean up before we leave.
Signs That Should Not Wait
Call us between visits if you notice:
- Smoke coming back into the room when you burn
- Flakes of brick or mortar gathering on the roof or the ground
- A white crust forming on the chimney brick
- Rust spots on the firebox floor
- Scratching or nesting sounds high in the flue
Small problems found early are easier and less expensive to repair.
Fresher Air From Your Ducts
Heating and cooling systems run for much of the year in Iowa, and dust settles throughout the ductwork. In muggy summer weather, moisture can also lead to mold in the system, which is hard on anyone with allergies or asthma.
We clean ducts using a HEPA vacuum and specialized brushes, capturing loosened dust before it can spread through the house. If we spot holes or other damage in the ductwork, we point it out so it can be fixed.
South of the Metro and Beyond
Indianola is the Warren County seat and home to Simpson College, and it is a regular stop on our routes south. We also serve Norwalk, Carlisle and Milo. Call (515) 249-6337 or request an appointment online.
