About Us
Trusted Chimney Experts in Wichita, KS – Locally Owned by a First Responder
At Turn of the Century Chimney, we proudly serve Wichita, Kansas, and surrounding communities like Derby, Andover, Maize, Goddard, and Newton with expert chimney services, fireplace care. As a first responder-owned and operated business, we bring unmatched reliability, professionalism, and personal dedication to every job.
We’re more than just a service provider—we’re your neighbors. Whether you need chimney repair near College Hill, or fireplace installation in Riverside, you can count on us for high-quality work and hometown values.
We’re proud to be CSIA-certified, BBB-accredited, and active members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG). Our technicians stay up to date with the latest safety standards and best practices in chimney sweeping, gas fireplace servicing, dryer vent cleaning, and more.
Why Homeowners Across Wichita & Kansas Trust Turn of the Century Chimney:
✅ Local, First Responder-Owned Company – Rooted in the Wichita community, we understand the unique needs of Kansas homeowners.
✅ Certified Chimney Professionals – CSIA-certified and trained to handle everything from chimney cleaning to furnace repair.
✅ Affordable, Transparent Service – We offer fair pricing, honest assessments, and custom solutions tailored to your home.
✅ High Standards & Lasting Results – We take pride in our reputation and ensure every project is completed with precision and care.
✅ Serving All of South-Central Kansas – From Wichita to El Dorado, and Park City to Valley Center, we’re your go-to team for chimney needs.
FAQs
How often should I get my chimney swept?
Do Unused Chimneys Still Need Inspections?
Yes! Even if your chimney isn’t in use, it should still be inspected annually to prevent costly damage. Many chimneys vent exhaust from a home’s heating furnace or boiler, which produces acidic gases that can corrode the chimney lining over time. Additionally, brick and mortar naturally absorb moisture, and during freezing temperatures, this trapped water expands, causing bricks to crack, crumble, and deteriorate. If left unchecked, water damage worsens, leading to leaks, structural issues, and expensive repairs. Since chimney damage often goes unnoticed until it becomes severe, scheduling annual inspections ensures your chimney remains structurally sound, moisture-free, and safe for your home.
What is Creosote?
Creosote is a byproduct of burning wood that forms when smoke cools and sticks to the inner walls of the chimney flue. It can develop in three different forms:
1️⃣ Light, ashy powder – The least troublesome and easiest to clean.
2️⃣ Hard, flaky deposits – More stubborn but still removable with standard chimney sweeping.
3️⃣ Thick, tar-like buildup (Glazed Creosote) – The most dangerous and highly flammable form, requiring specialized removal techniques.
Regular chimney inspections and cleanings help prevent creosote buildup and reduce the risk of chimney fires and ventilation issues.
What is a slow burn?
Creosote buildup is influenced by three key factors: smoke density, airflow through the flue, and flue temperature. A hot fire, using seasoned wood with proper airflow, produces less creosote, while a restricted fire with poor ventilation leads to excessive buildup.
Many homeowners overheat their fire, then close the air intake to slow the burn and extend heat output. While this may seem efficient, it’s actually very dangerous. A choked fire creates denser smoke, reduces airflow, and slows smoke exit, leading to thick, highly flammable glazed creosote—a major chimney fire hazard.
For a safer, cleaner burn:
✅ Start small and allow the fire to breathe.
✅ Keep the air intake at least halfway open to maintain proper airflow.
✅ Always ensure the damper is fully open when using your fireplace.
Proper burning techniques reduce creosote buildup and lower the risk of chimney fires.
What type of firewood should I burn?
When buying wood, make sure you’re buying seasoned hardwood. “Seasoned” simply means that the wood was cut over a year ago and was allowed to dry out in that time. Green, or wet wood, is wood that was cut down recently and has not yet dried adequately. Wet wood is harder to light, and once lit, it will sizzle and pop. Wet or green wood will also cause more creosote to build up in the flue.
The best types of trees to use for firewood are maple, oak, and birch. Pine should never be used as a primary firewood, as it is a softer wood, and contains more sap.
How Can I Protect My Chimney from Water Damage?
Water is the biggest threat to your masonry chimney. When moisture seeps into the bricks and mortar, it weakens the structure, causing cracking, deterioration, and costly repairs—especially during freezing temperatures. To prevent water damage, every chimney should have three essential defenses:
✅ Chimney Cap – A properly fitted cap covers both the flue and the chimney crown, keeping rain and snow out while also preventing brick and mortar absorption. It also acts as a barrier against animals, birds, and debris.
✅ Flashing & FlashSeal Protection – Flashing connects the chimney to the roof, but over time, it can weaken due to weather, animal interference, or physical damage. FlashSeal is an elastomeric sealant designed for long-term waterproofing, bonding permanently to asphalt shingles, flashing, and masonry. Professionally applied, it comes with a 7-year warranty.
✅ Masonry Waterproofing – To prevent brick and mortar from absorbing moisture, we apply ChimneySaver Water Repellent, which blocks water penetration while allowing the chimney to breathe. This industry-best sealant comes with a 10-year warranty.
Once your chimney is capped, sealed, and waterproofed, you can have peace of mind knowing water damage won’t be an issue for years to come!
What Happens If My Chimney Liner Is Damaged?
Most chimneys use clay flue tile liners to safely vent smoke and gases from wood or oil-burning appliances. Over time, these tiles can crack, deteriorate, or fall apart, creating gaps that allow smoke, carbon monoxide, and heat to escape into your home—a serious safety hazard.
The best solution is to install a durable stainless steel liner inside the existing chimney flue. At Turn of the Century Chimney, we use continuous stainless steel liners, not spliced-together sections, ensuring maximum durability and long-term performance. Once the liner is securely installed from top to bottom, you can enjoy safe, efficient heating with total peace of mind!
What Should I Do If I Have a Chimney Fire?
A chimney fire can be a frightening experience, but staying calm and acting quickly is essential. First, evacuate your home and call the fire department immediately. They will extinguish the fire and assess the immediate danger.
Once the fire is out, contact a CSIA-certified chimney professional for a thorough inspection. At Turn of the Century Chimney, we use a camera inspection system to examine the entire length of the flue, checking for cracked or damaged clay tiles caused by extreme heat. If the liner is compromised, we recommend installing a stainless steel chimney liner to restore safe and efficient use of your fireplace or heating appliance.
Why do I get smoke in the basement when I light a fire?
If you’re noticing smoke inside your home during winter, the cause is usually a problem with the flue. However, if smoke is entering from another fireplace, stove, or even the basement, you may be experiencing cross-draft.
Cross-draft happens when your appliance struggles to find enough air to feed the fire—this is called make-up air. Since modern homes are built air-tight with closed windows and doors, the appliance pulls air from any available source, often another flue. As one chimney pushes smoke out, the other acts like a vacuum, pulling outside air (and smoke) back into the home.
There are several ways to fix cross-draft, but the best solution depends on your specific setup. A professional inspection will help diagnose the issue and determine the right fix.
What do I do about animals in my chimney?
During cold winter months, animals like squirrels, raccoons, and birds often seek warmth inside chimney flues, only to become trapped. In warmer months, chimneys provide a safe nesting space, leading to blockages and potential fire hazards.
Unfortunately, we do not remove live animals, so you’ll need to contact animal control for safe removal. Once the animals are gone, give us a call for a chimney inspection and sweeping, and we can install a chimney cap to prevent them from returning.
If you hear chirping birds in the spring or summer, they may be Chimney Swifts, which are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. They cannot be removed while nesting, but once they migrate in the fall, we can sweep your chimney and install a cap to keep them out in the future.
meet The team
Braxton
Owner / Operator
Robert
Lead Inspector
Kyle
Lead Inspector
Jeremy
Lead Inspector
Join The team
At Turn of the Century Chimney, we’re looking for dedicated, hardworking professionals to join our growing team. We value individuals who are committed to excellence, eager to learn, and passionate about helping others. Attention to detail and pride in workmanship are key qualities we seek, as we strive to deliver top-quality chimney and HVAC services to our customers.
If you’re looking for a rewarding career with a company that values growth, integrity, and exceptional service, we’d love to hear from you! Apply online today, and take the next step toward joining our team.
Submit Your Resume Below
Real Stories – Real Relief
Monica Cowen
Braxton and his team removed a gas fireplace that emitted a smell that gave me headaches and installed a new electric fireplace with a blower. They did such a good job in an old house that is not completely square or level. We are so satisfied about it and would definitely use them again! I highly recommend.
John Ulrich
We had turn of the century come by and look at our chimney. They were prompt and had our inspection done in about 40 minutes. He then went over with us the possible next steps to take for a complete repair. He was very professional.
Josh Colling
I called them out for a dryer vent cleaning and to inspect my fireplaces. They found that the dryer vent was clean and were honest did charge me for a service not needed. They were also very thorough at the fireplaces.
MM
Amazing!! Came through fast, professional and great work. What other chimney companies couldn’t do, they made happen. Electric custom fireplace and beat competitors with a better product!