For more than 40 years, Ables Top Hat Home Services has been serving central Texas, ensuring that homes with fireplaces are not just cozy, but safe. What began in 1980 as a family-owned chimney sweeping business has since grown and evolved into a modern, tech-driven company under the leadership of Micah Ables, the youngest son of the original owner Doug Ables, who established the company in 1980.
During Fire Prevention Week Oct. 6 to 12, 2024, the team is emphasizing their mission to educate community members about fire safety and the critical importance of thorough fireplace inspections. “Chimney safety isn’t something you want to take lightly,” Micah said.
A family business
Over the last decade, a lot has changed at Ables Top Hat Home Services, when Micah left the active duty Army to take over the business when his father retired. Micah grew up sweeping chimneys with his dad , so he had an idea of what he was in for when he purchased the business.
With a background in the military, he has overhauled the company by bringing in a fresh perspective along with modern technology. He has focused on investing in the latest chimney equipment and technology as well as pursuing educational opportunities across the country to ensure the company stays ahead of the curve.
“We’ve upgraded everything — from our inspection methods to the technology we use — to ensure that we’re providing the most thorough inspections and services possible,” he said.
The Ables Top Hat team specializes in thorough chimney and fireplace inspections. Using various cameras and advanced sensors, the technician spends up to two-and-a-half hours inspecting the chimney and fireplace system from top to bottom, providing a comprehensive report, complete with photos, to each homeowner.
“We walk you through a very thorough inspection report with all of our pictures before sending you a copy. Our goal is to make sure you fully understand your fireplace and chimney system — warts and all,” he said.
Fire prevention and awareness
While chimney sweeping is often needed, he and his team stress that is only a part of the equation. “Years of experience and data have shown us that even a clean chimney can start a fire if there’s an underlying issue,” he said. “Our priority is making sure people understand the risks that can’t be seen with the naked eye.”
Ables Top Hat also offers dryer vent inspections, fire extinguisher inspections and hands-on fire extinguisher training. “If we notice a customer’s home does not have a fire extinguisher, we advise that they buy one, which we have available if they need.”
The busy season
“People don’t think about their fireplaces until the first cold snap hits,” he said. “That’s when we get flooded with calls.”
The risk of chimney-related fires increases with more frequent usage of fireplaces. During extreme cold spells, such as the 2021 “Snowpocalypse,” area neighborhoods saw a significant spike in chimney-related fires as improper construction and aging systems came to light in a bad way during that week of heavy use. Ables Top Hat wants to help prevent these tragedies from recurring.
Fire Prevention Week
“This isn’t just a job to us — it’s our passion,” Micah says. “We take pride in helping our community stay safe.”
With Fire Prevention Week upon us, Ables Top Hat Home Services encourages homeowners to schedule a thorough chimney inspection and take proactive steps to safeguard their homes. From identifying potential fire hazards to keeping fire extinguishers handy, the team is committed to making sure every household is prepared for the worst-case scenario.
For more information or to schedule an inspection, visit ablestophat.com and take the first step toward a peace of mind this season.
