Nighthawk Chimney Sweep & Service

I had an ongoing problem for years with the fireplace in my 100 year old house with smoke curling up the front of the mantle and the entire house having a lingering smell like a campfire after a very small fire with a single fire log. Al Hilts was one of the three fireplace contractors I contacted, and the only one who suggested that rather than assuming it could be fixed with a canopy hood an inspection should be conducted. He came and conducted a thorough inspection of the fireplace and chimney, both inside and out. He quickly determined that for some unknown reason a previous owner had built a second wall in the back of the fireplace narrowing the firebox and causing the smoke to roll up the front of the fireplace instead of up the chimney. He recommended the wall be knocked out, and the problem would be solved. I was very impressed with his knowledge and thoroughness. He took photographs of the inside of the chimney and showed me a number of areas where pieces of brick and mortar were missing and recommended I install a stainless steel liner. He sent me a detailed report and quote. A few days later he came back and restored the firebox and the next day I had a roaring fire with real wood! The fireplace brick is painted white and there was not one mark of smoke on it after the fire, and no smell of fire in my house. I was thrilled. Al had told me that because of the condition of the interior of the chimney that if I smelled smoke upstairs to call him. Well, after about 10 fires I smelled smoke in one of the upstairs bedrooms beside the chimney. Al came back the next day and confirmed the smoke was likely coming through the floorboards in the closet over the dormer so I had him install the liner a few days later. I have had numerous chimney sweeps over the last 20 years and not one of them had any idea how to solve the problem. I am so pleased I called Al and didn’t mask the problem with a canopy. Al made my fireplace safe and we now enjoy a fire almost every night. I would definitely recommend Al for his professionalism, workmanship and superior knowledge.