Ember Keepers

Ember Keepers Boone and Johnson City Certified Chimney Professionals

09/07/2026

A useful written chimney estimate for a home sale begins with measured, documented evidence.

The fireplace opening is only one part of the system. We account for the type of fireplace or stove, run a camera inside the flue—the passage that carries smoke up and out—and document the parts that can be reached. Depending on the setup and access, that may include the firebox, damper, smoke chamber, liner, attic pass-through, cap, crown, flashing, masonry, or chase cover.

Measurements matter. Firebox and flue dimensions, along with clear notes about roof and attic access, help turn a general concern into documented facts. We tie each finding to a clear photo and explain it in plain English. We also document access, including areas we could not reach. If repairs are recommended, the estimate puts the work into a clear written scope.

That gives the people you authorize the same facts to review. It does not decide the negotiation; it gives everyone a clearer basis for the next conversation.

If a property transfer needs chimney documentation, tell us who should receive the report and what question the inspection needs to answer.

09/06/2026

Hearing movement in a chimney or finding nesting material calls for a clear division of work—not guesswork.

Ember Keepers can inspect the flue—the passage that carries smoke up and out—with a camera to locate a blockage and document the entry point. If nesting material is inactive and can be removed safely and legally, we can clear that debris to restore the open passage and then evaluate the cap that helps keep animals and leaves from getting back in.

There is an important service boundary: we do not remove dead animals or clean droppings or urine. That cleanup belongs with a pest-control professional. Our role is the chimney and venting system: identify what is blocking it, document what we can reach, address eligible nesting debris, and show what needs attention at the opening above.

If you hear animal sounds, see debris, or suspect the flue is blocked, hold off on lighting a fire until the system has been checked.

When you contact us, tell us what you have heard or seen and where it seems to be coming from. We will explain whether the next step belongs with Ember Keepers, pest control, or both.

09/04/2026

Cleaning and inspecting a chimney are related, but they answer different questions.

A sweep removes ordinary soot and brushable creosote from the flue—the passage that carries smoke up and out. An inspection looks beyond buildup at the condition and setup of the accessible system. Depending on what you have, that may include the firebox, damper, smoke chamber, liner, connector pipe, accessible clearances, cap, crown, flashing, masonry, or chase cover.

At Ember Keepers, the sweep is included in the inspection visit. We protect the work area, run a camera through the flue, clean it, and document the flue's before-and-after condition. The report should also say what was reached, what could not be reached, what operated normally, and what needs attention. A masonry fireplace, factory-built fireplace, insert, and freestanding stove do not all use the same checklist, so identifying the system matters.

One important exception: glazed creosote has hardened onto the liner, so a standard brush will not remove it. If we find it, the photos and a separate removal plan come before any additional work.

When you schedule chimney care, ask whether the visit includes cleaning, a condition check, and documentation you can keep. Ember Keepers is glad to explain what applies to your system.

09/03/2026

An inspection should do more than confirm that a damper, fireplace doors, or a clean-out are present. It should show whether the moving parts actually operate.

The damper is the metal plate that opens and closes the flue—the passage that carries smoke up and out. During our inspection, we work it by hand to confirm that it moves and seats the way it should. We also open and close the fireplace doors and operate an accessible clean-out instead of judging them from a quick glance.

Why does that matter? A still photo can document appearance, but a functional check records what the part did on the day of the visit. Your report should distinguish what was tested, what operated normally, what needs attention, and anything that could not be reached. Camera images and measurements support other findings; clear notes explain the result in plain English.

Before approving a repair, ask: Was this concern found by an image, a measurement, or a functional test? You deserve to know the evidence behind the recommendation and choose the next step without pressure.

If you'd like a documented inspection that works the moving parts, ask Ember Keepers what will be tested on your system.

Most homeowners can see the firebox and maybe the damper, but the smoke chamber sits just beyond view. In a masonry fire...
09/02/2026

Most homeowners can see the firebox and maybe the damper, but the smoke chamber sits just beyond view. In a masonry fireplace, it is the funnel-shaped transition above the firebox that guides smoke into the flue—the passage carrying smoke up and out.

That shape matters, but condition matters too. During an inspection, we use camera images to look for exposed or rough masonry, voids, gaps, cracking, and glazed creosote—creosote that has hardened onto the surface. A close-up is only useful when the report identifies where the image was taken and explains what the finding means in plain English.

If repair is recommended, you may hear “parging.” Parging means coating the smoke chamber smooth with heat-rated mortar to support cleaner airflow. It is one possible repair, not an automatic answer; the right scope depends on what is actually visible and the condition of the surrounding masonry and flue.

Before approving smoke-chamber work, ask three questions: Where is the issue? What do the images show? Why does the proposed repair fit this fireplace? You should have enough evidence to understand the finding, compare options, and decide without pressure.

Before burning season, one useful checkpoint is easy to overlook: the attic pass-through, where the chimney or vent trav...
09/01/2026

Before burning season, one useful checkpoint is easy to overlook: the attic pass-through, where the chimney or vent travels through the attic. When that area is safely accessible, it gives the technician another view of the system between the fireplace and the roof.

We look for visible spacing concerns around the chimney or vent and signs that water may have traveled through the structure. Just as important, we document what can be reached—and plainly note anything that cannot—rather than guessing. Photos and plain-English notes give you a record of what was actually seen and help keep decisions in your hands.

If your attic is accessible, ask us to include the pass-through in your documented inspection before burning season.

Small Business Saturday feels like the perfect time to share the story—and a few numbers—behind Ember Keepers Chimney & ...
08/30/2026

Small Business Saturday feels like the perfect time to share the story—and a few numbers—behind Ember Keepers Chimney & Fireplace. 🔥
More than 20 years ago, Rick started Tristan’s Chimney Service here in the mountains. He built the business from the ground up through honest work, careful craftsmanship, and taking good care of his neighbors.
In 2020, his son Jeremy took over with a promise to carry that legacy forward. As the company grew from traditional chimney sweeping into complete chimney and fireplace care, we chose a name that better reflected why we do this work: Ember Keepers.
To us, an ember represents warmth, comfort, and connection—the things that turn a house into a home. Keeping that warmth safe is still at the heart of everything we do.
The name changed, but the foundation didn’t. We’re still a local, family-run company serving our neighbors across Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee.
Since January 1, 2022:
📞 23,092 calls handled
🏠 6,314 jobs completed
As of today, our online catalog includes:
🔥 Products from 19 fireplace and hearth brands
🛍️ 1,327 live catalog listings covering wood stoves, wood and gas inserts, wood and gas fireplaces, gas stoves, gas logs, and electric fireplaces
🪵 46 freestanding wood-stove listings, 30 wood-insert listings, and 72 wood-fireplace listings
✨ 370 gas-fireplace listings, 47 freestanding gas-stove listings, and 527 gas-log configurations
Those numbers are exciting, but they aren’t the heart of the story. Every job began with a homeowner trusting a local family business, and every call was an opportunity to help a neighbor.
For Small Business Saturday, we want to thank everyone who has trusted us, recommended us, or watched our family business grow. Your support allows our team to protect more homes and families, and we never take that trust lightly.
If you knew us as Tristan’s Chimney Service, say hello in the comments. We’d love to hear how long you’ve been part of our story.
— The Ember Keepers Team

Water protection at a chimney isn’t one single part—it’s a small system working together. On a chimney wider than 30 inc...
08/28/2026

Water protection at a chimney isn’t one single part—it’s a small system working together. On a chimney wider than 30 inches, we look for a cricket: the small peaked roof behind the chimney that diverts water around it. Up top, the crown is the sloped slab that sends water away instead of letting it pool. At the roofline, flashing is the metal seal where the chimney meets the roof, and counter-flashing overlaps it to help seal that joint.

A sound inspection checks each piece for cracks, low spots, gaps, or failed sealant, then documents what’s actually there with clear photos. That way, you can make decisions from evidence instead of guessing where water may be entering. If you’d like a documented look at your chimney’s water-shedding details, ask us to inspect the crown, flashing, and cricket together.

08/26/2026

🔥 CLEARANCE ISN’T JUST EMPTY SPACE—IT’S A SAFETY REQUIREMENT.
“Clearance” is the required distance between a hot surface and anything that can burn. Around your fireplace or stove, that may include:
• Mantels and decorative trim
• Hearth extensions
• Connector pipes
• Nearby walls and framing
• Furniture or other combustible materials
The correct distance depends on the appliance, venting system, installation, and manufacturer’s instructions. That means clearances should be measured and verified—not guessed.
A thorough fireplace or chimney inspection should identify the system, check accessible clearances, and document concerns with clear photos and a plain-English explanation.
Planning to replace a mantel, remodel the surround, extend the hearth, or install a new appliance? Have the applicable clearance requirements confirmed before making changes.
🔥 Protect your home. Understand your system. Keep the fire where it belongs.
Message Ember Keepers to schedule your inspection.

📣 Meet the newest member of our team: Jaxon!We’re thrilled to welcome Jaxon aboard and excited for the energy, talent, a...
08/26/2026

📣 Meet the newest member of our team: Jaxon!

We’re thrilled to welcome Jaxon aboard and excited for the energy, talent, and fresh perspective he brings with him. Starting a new chapter is always a big moment, and we’re glad Jaxon chose to begin his with us.

Help us give him a warm welcome in the comments! 👋🎉

Address

5124 US-19E
Hampton, TN
37658

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 4:30am
Wednesday 9am - 4:30pm
Thursday 9am - 4:30pm
Friday 9am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+18778757668

Website

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