Clean dryer vents, sweep chimneys

Buck's Chimney Service


While spring is a time for cleaning, one thing missing from your list might be your chimney, but Janelle Lukas Widel, schedule coordinator for Buck's Chimney Service, said spring's actually a good time to get your chimney swept.

"Right now is a really good time to get chimneys swept and inspected. If they need work, you can get it done in the spring and be ready for fall. It's also a good time for pressure washing and waterproofing. We put on a waterproof seal that keeps water from getting into your home and can save the life of your fireplace. It keeps metal from rusting and fire brick from cracking," Mrs. Widel said.

Janelle's father, Bob Lukas, owner of Buck's Chimney Service, has been in business 28 years in Central Arkansas. Both Mr. Lukas and Janelle's husband, David Widel, are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America, which involves taking continuing education classes and periodic re-certification exams. Buck's Chimney is bonded and insured.

Last October, Janelle took over the job of schedule coordinator after Bob's wife, Eloise "Weezie" Lukas, retired.

It's a job Janelle enjoys. "I love to get on the phone and talk with people."

Years ago, Bob had a retail store where she worked selling stoves and scheduling appointments.
Although there's no longer a retail store, Bob and David stay quite busy installing prefab fireplaces, wood and pellet stoves, soapstone stoves, stove inserts, gas logs, gas-burning fireplaces, and glass and decorative fireplace doors. In addition, the company services fireplaces, sweeps chimneys, waterproofs masonry and pressure washes homes, driveways and decks.
"We do custom chimney caps and even do critter removal."

They build fireplaces from scratch. "David is real skilled in metal work. He worked eight years as a structural mechanic in the Navy. We can do some really nice custom jobs with metal."

Janelle said one popular item right now is the pellet burning stove with some customers opting to have gas logs removed and pellet stoves installed in their place.

The pellets, which come in 10-pound bags, are fed automatically into the stove according to the temperature, she said.

"It burns extremely clean, so it needs a smaller pipe, and you don't have all that ash to clean out. You still get the heat and benefit of wood burning without all the mess. Dad and Weezie have a pellet stove. You get the wood smell, the wood feel, the warmth of having a wood fire."

They can be installed closer to the wall and can be vented out of the wall instead of straight up, so they are less expensive to install, she said. In addition, there are several different brands from which to choose.

One other neglected thing that should be cleaned this spring is your dryer vent, Janelle said.

"Dryer vents are actually one of the leading causes of fires in your home."

Even if the lint trap in a dryer is cleaned thoroughly, sticky lint builds up in the vent. Bob and David grind the lint out with a special brush and drill, and then vacuum the vents.

Janelle advised consumers to look beyond the "deals" and the catchy names in the business. There have been a number of instances where customers have called Buck's Chimney in to fix the mess made by uncertified sweeps, she said. "We've gone behind them, and we've seen the work they do."

When it comes to the safety of your home, opt for a company with training and experience. For more information call Janelle at 455-9285.