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http://vikingchimneysolutions.com/

Viking Chimney Solutions LLC, 1027 Broken Trail Court, Sugar Land, TX (2026)

09/10/2026

Thinking About Remodeling Your Fireplace? Start With the Fireplace — Not the Stone.
“My fireplace is only 30–35 years old. Why would I replace it?”
Maybe you shouldn’t.
Age alone isn't a reason to replace a fireplace or gas appliance. But before spending thousands updating stone, tile, mantels or cabinetry, have the fireplace and appliance evaluated first.
I've been called to homes where beautiful new finish work had just been installed around an older gas appliance. Then a component failed, the needed part was obsolete, and the appliance had to be replaced.
That brand-new surround had to come back out. The homeowner essentially paid to finish the fireplace twice.
Before remodeling, ask a few important questions:
• Is the existing fireplace and venting system in good condition?
• Are replacement parts still available?
• If the appliance needs replacement later, will a new one fit the existing opening and framing?
• Will different venting, gas, electrical or clearance requirements affect the remodel?
And just as important:
What do you actually want from your fireplace?
Maybe you love burning wood. Maybe you want push-button convenience. Maybe you're updating the room's appearance. Or maybe you'd like some additional heat during those few weeks when South Texas remembers it's supposed to have winter.
If we wouldn't build a new home by finishing the fireplace wall before choosing the fireplace, why would we remodel one that way?
This is also why using properly trained fireplace professionals matters. Fireplaces involve more than appearance — venting, combustion, clearances, gas systems and manufacturer requirements all matter.
I'm an NCSG Chimney Certified Professional and NFI Certified Gas Specialist. These are certifications held by the individual technician, not simply the company.
Sometimes my recommendation will be:
Keep the fireplace you have.
But let's determine that before you build thousands of dollars of beautiful finish work around it.
Before you remodel around your fireplace, have the fireplace evaluated — not just the room around it.

Craig Dornak – Owner
Viking Chimney Solutions LLC
Your Chimney’s Mightiest Defender.

09/08/2026

Yes, I know. It’s been feeling like 100+ degrees outside for what seems like a month, and here I am talking about getting your fireplace ready for winter.
Trust me, the irony isn't lost on the guy standing on the roof. 😂
But this is actually the time to do it.
Every year, homeowners wait until the first cold weather arrives before thinking about their fireplace. The problem is that an inspection may uncover repairs that need to be completed before the fireplace should be used.
Some repairs are simple. Others can involve masonry work, venting repairs, replacement parts, custom-fabricated chimney components, waterproofing, or even fireplace replacement. Those repairs can take time to schedule, order materials for, fabricate and complete.
Finding out in September gives you time. Finding out on the first 38° night when you want a fire... not so much.
And once that first real cold front hits Texas, everybody remembers their fireplace at the same time.
So while we're still sweating through the end of summer, now is the time to get ahead of fireplace season. Have it inspected early and give yourself time to address any needed repairs before you actually want to use it.
Viking Chimney Solutions LLC
Certified chimney, fireplace & dryer vent inspections, service and repairs.
Your Chimney's Mightiest Defender.

09/04/2026

Replacing parts isn't the same as diagnosing the problem.

This week I worked on a gas fireplace where a part had already been replaced in an attempt to fix a pilot problem.

The problem was still there.

That's because several different issues can cause very similar symptoms in a gas fireplace. Proper diagnosis matters. Otherwise, you can spend money replacing perfectly good parts without ever fixing the actual problem.

There's something else homeowners should know when choosing someone to work on a gas fireplace:

NFI certification belongs to the INDIVIDUAL — not the company.

A company having an NFI Certified technician does not mean every technician they send to your home is certified.

So ask.

“Are YOU NFI Certified?”

I'm an NFI Certified Gas Specialist. That certification requires knowledge of gas hearth systems including combustion, valves, ignition systems, fuel delivery, venting, controls, codes and troubleshooting.

When someone is working on an appliance that combines gas, fire and combustion inside your home, knowing who's actually doing the work matters.

And if your fireplace gave you problems last winter, now is a good time to have it inspected and diagnosed — before that first cold night when everybody suddenly remembers their fireplace doesn't work.

Don't just ask if the company is certified. Ask if the technician standing at your door is.

09/02/2026

THE PROBLEM WITH THE $99 DRYER VENT CLEANING…

These pictures are from an actual dryer vent system I worked on recently — and there’s a reason I’m sharing them.

I had two customers in the same day who had previously used one of the companies advertising dryer vent cleanings for around $99.

Both still had problems.

At the first home, I found an approximately 18-foot dryer vent that still contained a significant amount of lint even though the homeowner had already paid to have it cleaned.

Based on what I found, it appeared the previous cleaning may not have even reached the entire length of the vent.

There was also a restriction at the exterior termination that had never been brought to the homeowner's attention.

Then came the second house.

This homeowner had already had the previous company out THREE TIMES.

One trip resulted in the installation of an inline booster fan — before the vent system had even been properly cleaned.

Then they came back and said the vent needed cleaning.

Then they came back AGAIN and installed approximately 6–8 feet of foil connector duct behind the dryer.

When I arrived, that booster fan had been installed for less than a month.

Look at the first picture.

That's lint already accumulating on the fan.

The booster fan was also running continuously instead of operating only when needed.

I removed it.

I also removed the excessive foil connector behind the dryer and replaced it with approximately 2½ feet of DryerFlex, eliminating several feet of unnecessary duct and improving the connection between the dryer and the permanent vent system.

And here's the important part:

A dryer vent cleaning and a dryer vent inspection are NOT the same thing.

Running a brush through a vent and pulling out some lint doesn't tell you:

Is the entire vent actually clean?

Is there a restriction?

Is the exterior termination working properly?

Is the connector behind the dryer installed correctly?

Is the vent excessively long or poorly configured?

Is a booster fan actually necessary?

If there is a booster fan, is it installed and operating correctly?

And most importantly…

How much air is actually making it outside?

That's why I measure airflow.

I don't want to tell a homeowner, “Looks clean to me.”

I want to know whether the system is actually moving air.

I'm not going to tell anyone that every company advertising a $99 cleaning does bad work.

But I will tell you this:

Price shouldn't be the only question you ask when hiring someone to work on your dryer vent system.

Ask what they're inspecting.

Ask whether they're checking the entire vent.

Ask whether they measure airflow.

And ask about the qualifications of the technician actually coming to your home — not just the company name on the truck.

I'm a CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician (C-DET), and my goal isn't to be the cheapest dryer vent cleaning in town.

My goal is to find out why your dryer vent isn't performing the way it should and correct the actual problem.

Because a $99 cleaning isn't much of a bargain if you have to pay someone else to come behind it and do the job correctly.

Viking Chimney Solutions LLC
Your Chimney’s Mightiest Defender

Craig Dornak – Owner

08/27/2026

This is exactly why a thorough chimney inspection matters.

This homeowner had already spoken with multiple chimney and brick-repair companies, but important issues were still being overlooked. A fireplace and chimney must be evaluated as one complete system—not simply viewed from the firebox or roof.

I take the time to inspect each accessible part of the system, use specialized camera equipment to examine the inside of the chimney, document what I find, and explain it clearly so the homeowner can make an informed decision.

When hiring someone, verify that the individual technician inspecting your chimney is nationally certified—not simply that the company offers chimney work.

Thank you, Brittany, for trusting me with your home and for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful review.

Craig Dornak – Owner
Viking Chimney Solutions LLC
NCSG Chimney Certified | NFI Gas Specialist | C-DET Dryer Vent Certified
281-744-7076
vikingchimneysolutions.com

Your Chimney’s Mightiest Defender

08/24/2026

WHAT WE FIND DURING A PROFESSIONAL DRYER VENT INSPECTION
Last week provided another great example of why dryer vent service should involve more than simply pushing a brush through the duct.
During these inspections, I found roof terminations that could restrict airflow, a booster fan heavily packed with lint, and a concealed vent system that required thermal imaging to better understand its route through the home.
A dryer may still be heating and turning while the vent system is struggling to move air properly. Restricted airflow can lead to longer drying times, unnecessary wear on the dryer, trapped moisture, excessive heat, and increased lint accumulation.
That is why my dryer vent inspections include evaluating the entire system—not just cleaning the portion that is easy to reach. Depending on the home, that may include:
• Inspecting the termination
• Checking airflow and backpressure
• Evaluating booster-fan operation
• Using thermal imaging when needed
• Documenting the findings with photos
• Recommending the correct repair instead of applying a temporary fix
Certifications matter because dryer vents are complete mechanical exhaust systems. Proper training helps identify problems that may be missed when the job is treated as nothing more than a basic cleaning.
As a CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician, I want my customers to understand what I found, why it matters, and what is needed to help the system operate safely and efficiently.
Craig Dornak – Owner
Viking Chimney Solutions LLC
Your Chimney’s Mightiest Defender

08/20/2026

A fireplace can look completely restored from inside the room and still be unsafe—or even unusable.
During yesterday’s Level 2 inspection, I evaluated a fireplace that had recently received extensive interior masonry work. Visually, the finished product looked nice. Unfortunately, the work focused entirely on appearance and did not account for how the fireplace actually operates.
The damper was obstructed and damaged, leaving it unable to function properly. The smoke chamber remained corbeled and needed to be properly parged, and gaps were visible between sections of the clay flue liner. None of these areas were addressed before the cosmetic work was completed. The smoke chamber, flue system, and exterior chimney had apparently never been evaluated as part of the repair.
The result was a fireplace that looked much better—but could no longer be used.
This is not a blanket criticism of masons. There are many highly skilled masonry professionals. However, building attractive masonry and evaluating a complete fireplace and chimney venting system require different areas of training and experience. A fireplace must safely move heat, smoke, and combustion gases from the firebox through the smoke chamber, flue, and out of the chimney.
Before spending money on cosmetic fireplace repairs, have the entire system inspected by a qualified chimney professional. The repair plan should address safety and function first, then appearance.
A fireplace should be more than pretty. It should be safe, functional, and properly vented.
Craig Dornak – Owner
Viking Chimney Solutions LLC
NCSG Chimney Certified | NFI Gas Specialist
Your Chimney’s Mightiest Defender

08/18/2026

Not all dryer vent terminations are created equal—and this is a perfect example of why the material matters.

The original plastic roof termination had a built in screen and no damper. Plastic vent covers are constantly exposed to sun, heat, cold, wind, and moisture. Over time, they can become brittle, crack, warp, or break apart, leaving the dryer exhaust vulnerable to weather, debris, birds, and other animals.

We replaced it with a metal DryerJack roof termination designed specifically for dryer exhaust.

Why is a DryerJack a better choice?

✅ Durable metal construction
✅ Zero extra airflow restriction out of the box
✅ Animal-proof damper that opens when the dryer runs and closes when it stops
✅ No screen to collect lint and restrict airflow
✅ Designed to handle the heat and airflow produced by a dryer
✅ A cleaner, safer, longer-lasting rooftop installation

That “no screen” feature is important. Screens may keep animals out, but they can also collect lint quickly. As lint builds up, airflow becomes restricted, drying times increase, and the dryer has to work harder. The DryerJack uses a proper damper to keep animals out without creating a lint trap at the roof.

Your dryer vent system is only as effective as its termination point. If the vent cover is damaged, clogged, poorly designed, or too restrictive, it can affect the performance and safety of the entire system.

Take a look at the difference between the old plastic termination and the new metal DryerJack. It’s a small upgrade that can make a big difference.

Concerned about your dryer vent or rooftop termination? Send us a message to schedule an inspection, cleaning, or replacement.

08/14/2026

Good Friday morning!

I’ve been quiet on Facebook this week, but I’ve been busy helping homeowners uncover dryer-vent problems that a quick DIY cleaning can easily miss.
This week, I completed three dryer-vent appointments where the exterior termination—the point where the vent exits the home—was the real problem. At two of those homes, the customers had already purchased and used their own cleaning rods. However, the restriction remained because the termination was still blocked.
At one home, the roof termination was completely packed with lint. I’ll include a photo so you can see just how severe the blockage was. I also discovered a vinyl connector behind the dryer. Vinyl transition ducts can trap lint, become crushed or damaged, and are not designed to safely handle a dryer’s heat. They can create a serious fire hazard and should be replaced with an approved metal transition duct.
I often see people in neighborhood Facebook groups recommending, “Just use a leaf blower and blow it out yourself.” There are also “blow-and-go” companies that do little more than attach a blower, push air through the vent, and leave.
The problem is that blowing lint through the duct doesn’t guarantee it makes it safely outside. If the exterior or roof termination is restricted, damaged, screened, or not opening properly, the lint may collect and become tightly packed at the termination. A leaf blower also won’t identify an unsafe vinyl connector, crushed ductwork, disconnected sections, or other installation problems.
This is why professional dryer-vent service involves much more than pushing rods through the line or turning on a leaf blower.
As a certified dryer-vent professional, I inspect the complete system—from the connection behind the dryer to the exterior or roof termination. I check for improper materials, hidden restrictions, damaged components, and installation issues. I also perform airflow and system-performance testing to locate the actual problem and verify that the system is operating properly when the work is complete.
DIY rods and leaf blowers may move some lint, but they cannot tell you whether your entire system is clean, safe, and functioning correctly.
Your dryer doesn’t just need air blown through the vent. It needs a safe, properly installed, unrestricted path all the way outside.
If your clothes take too long to dry, your dryer feels unusually hot, or you’re unsure whether your vent system is safe, message me to schedule a professional inspection and cleaning.

08/04/2026

Last week, I inspected a chimney for a homeowner who already knew the flashing was damaged. She had several chimney and brick repair companies look at it, but she still didn’t feel like she had the complete picture.
Once I got on the roof, it became clear that the flashing wasn’t the only concern. The chimney appeared to be pulling away from the house, which had created large gaps and contributed to the flashing damage. Before investing in chimney repairs, I recommended having the foundation beneath the chimney evaluated so we could make sure everything was addressed in the right order.
I also completed a full Level 2 inspection, including a camera inspection of the flue, so she could understand the overall condition of the entire chimney—not just the area visible from the roof.
Her review afterward really meant a lot to me:
“What impressed me the most was how thorough he was. He took his time, inspected everything carefully, even looked inside the chimney, and pointed out issues that multiple chimney/brick repair companies didn’t even take the time to do.”
This is one reason hiring a certified chimney technician is so important. Certification means the individual inspecting your chimney has invested in specialized education and understands how the different parts of the system work together. A company itself cannot be certified—only the individual technician can—so it’s always worth asking who will actually be performing your inspection.
Every home is different, and sometimes the most noticeable issue is only part of the story. I’m glad I could help this homeowner get a clearer understanding of what was happening and what her next steps should be.
Viking Chimney Solutions LLC
Your Chimney’s Mightiest Defender
281-744-7076
vikingchimneysolutions.com

Viking Chimney Solutions LLC

09/10/2026

09/08/2026

09/04/2026

09/02/2026

08/27/2026

08/24/2026

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08/04/2026

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Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm