Our Company Blog

We’re Proud To Serve Ames, Iowa

There are four distinct seasons in Ames and there are four distinct reasons why Top Notch Chimney Service is proud to be able to serve those who live in here. The people, the location, the history, and the quality of life are what make living and working in Ames a wonderful experience, and why Ames is so special to us.

The residents of Ames are hardworking, studious, fun-loving, and family oriented people who enjoy all that Ames has to offer. In 2010 Ames was voted as the 9th Best Place to Live in the U.S. by CNNMoney.com and continues to thrive and provide a rock solid foundation to raise a family and earn a living. Ames attracts international businesses such as 3M and Barilla. Iowa State University(ISU) is located in Ames and there is a strong emphasis placed on quality education beginning with kindergarten and continuing all the way through advanced college degree programs.

Residents of Ames enjoy the four seasons and all that each season brings in the way of sports, outdoor activities, and climate. From a health care perspective, Ames attracts the finest health care professions so residents of Ames and the surrounding communities not only have a place for quality medical care, but between the medical facilities, university, Fortune 500 companies, governmental agencies, and private businesses, the employment opportunities are numerous and diverse at all skill levels.

Ames is in the central part of Iowa in Story County and about 30 miles north of Des Moines. The temperature usually runs from the teens to 30s and 40s in the colder months and highs in the 80s during the summer months. The South Skunk River and Squaw Creek run through Ames and are home to small and largemouth bass, gar, walleye, and bluegill which delight fisherman and draw naturalists from the university as well as throughout the area.

The area was founded in 1864 as a railroad station by Cynthia Olive Duff and John Insley Blair. By 1870 the population was just over 600 and has continued to grow ever since with current population estimates over 62,000.

Another strong contributor to the valued quality of life in Ames are all the fun activities available. If you like live performances, ISU offers everything from theatrical performances to sporting events to unique museums. The Brunner Art Museum and Textile and Clothing Museum offer traveling and permanent collections and exhibits. The Alluvial Brewing Company, Torrent Brewing, and the Prairie Moon Winery and Vineyards are favorites. The Reiman Gardens attract tourists and residents alike with their art, architecture, plants and insect collections. The Octagon Center for the Arts is a community gem. There is an art gallery, exhibits, workshops and classes and workshops for beginning and advanced arts of all ages. The Octagon Art Festival, held at the end of September, has been attracting artists, visitors, and shoppers since 1970.

The entire team at Top Notch Chimney Masonry & Chimney knows how important it is to preserve the quality of life residents of Ames enjoy. That’s why we are committed to providing unparalleled customer service and expert craftsmanship with every contact you have with us. We love Ames!

When it comes to your health and safety, some things just aren’t a DIY project.

What You Need To Know About Dryer Vent Cleaning

While some household tasks can be a do-it-yourself project, when it comes to your safety and health you always want to turn to professionals who have the equipment, training, and expertise to do the job properly. This is especially true for properly maintaining your clothes dryer venting. Top Notch Chimney Sweep & Services offers both professional dryer vent cleaning to ensure your safety and increase the efficiency of your appliances.

Many homeowners don’t realize the importance of having their clothes dryer venting professionally cleaned, nor do they realize the consequences of not having it done. According to the National Fire Protection Association dirty venting was cited as the main cause of household fires originating in the laundry room. Laundry appliances accounted for over 92% of home fires.

Blocked and cracked dryer venting are two of the top causes of household fires. The Culture of Safety explains, “’A majority of dryer fires occur as a result of highly flammable lint getting caught in the dryer’s vent and becoming heated to the point of ignition. Most dryers come with lint traps or filters designed to capture the lint. These filters, however, fail to capture all of the lint. Yet the assumption remains that emptying the filter regularly is enough to protect a dryer. This false assumption accounts for half of all dryer fires, since they typically start from within lint traps.”

Seek Professionals

Professional technicians use high powered commercial HEPA vacuums that are far more effective and powerful than the capabilities of household vacuums. Professional vacuums are also designed to contain the dislodged dirt and other contaminates so you are not breathing the loosened debris.

In addition, professional cleaning technicians know what to look for and will inspect your dryer venting to ensure your venting is properly installed and routing the toxic and combustible gasses outside rather than allowing them to seep inside and become a fire and health risk.

Home owners should have their dryer vents cleaned at least once a year. When any work is being done in your home, it is important to work with a trained and reputable company and obtain a written estimate. Ask questions; and don’t make assumptions.

When you call Top Notch Chimney Sweep & Services you can have confidence that you are in good hands. Top Notch has over 17 years’ experience and expertise when it comes to providing residents of central Iowa with the best customer service possible. Call us for all your venting, chimney, and related needs. To learn more about our service, click here.