In the beginning....1984
We are Black Duck Chimney of Allegan
Black Duck Chimney serves West Michigan and the lakeshorre area for all of your burning needs. We adhere to the best practices and methods to provide a safe burning system for you to enjoy. We are professional and casual at the same time. Call today for an appointment.
269–686–9321
Matt - I grew up the son of a chimney sweep. Hopping around on roofs, pushing brushes, and sweeping out ashes is how I spent much of my summer vacations. After high school, I received an engineering degree from Ferris State University. After working for several years as an engineer (and having 4 daughters!), I decided I needed some additional income. So I finished my apprenticeship and secured my mechanical license for the state of Michigan in 2006. I am still an engineer, but I have thoroughly enjoyed returning to my roots in this business.
Michelle - I was fortunate enough to marry the son of a chimney sweep! :)
What's in a name?
In early America, colonists would use live ducks and geese to clean their chimneys. They would tie a rope around the animals feet and lower them down into the flue. As the bird would flail around, it would knock much of the creosote down into the fireplace. These helpful animals were affectionately known as "black ducks". I thought naming our company after these birds to be a fitting tribute to those that have sacrificed for our safety.
Licensed Vs. Certified
Matt is licensed by the great State of Michigan as a Mechanical contractor. This involves a 2 year apprenticeship and passing the mechanical code exam given by the State of Michigan. This license must be renewed every 3 years.
When you hear about a certified chimney sweep, they are most often talking about belonging to a guild. This promotes professionalism, some specialized training, doing business by a code of ethics, and annual fees.
I have chosen to maintain my mechanical contractors license as a way of making sure I am current on any codes that are applicable to solid fuel and gas piping and venting. In my opinion, this is a much more valuable credential for a chimney professional.
Service - This isn't just a word to describe the type of business we are in, it is how we operate. We are a service oriented service company. We will do everything within our control to accommodate your needs and desires - that is what you are paying us for! Your requests will never be met with a stone wall, company policy excuse, or other slippery means of taking the easy way out. We go out of our way so that we can add to the testimonials listed below - it is our trophy case!
Testimonials
10/3/09
"...I went and saw work today and it looks professional. I will keep your name and number as I do water and fire restoration and may need you down the road."
Russ - Byron Center
7/3/09
Hi Matt; “Thanks for doing a great job of cleaning and repairing my chimneys….The amount of crud that came out of the boiler chimney was amazing; I think my ex-chimney guy was ripping me off. See you next spring, or possibly sooner per our conversation. I appreciate the fine job you did on everything.”
Bob - Allegan
9/25/07
"Matt - The stove seems to work just fine and am looking forward to it this winter."
Thanks,
Dave - Allegan
5/19/10
"Thank you again for being prompt. It is greatly appreciated in my line of work. [Realty] We always have time frames. I will refer you to other clients."
Amy - Plainwell
7/6/10
Matt,
"Thanks for “beyond the call of duty” work on the 5th. It means a lot to me that a sub-contractor takes my customers needs and wants as seriously as I do."
Jim - Hastings
8/10/10
"Matt, thanks for coming out. Your quote looks good, and I feel confident in your knowledge and will
definitely be calling you for the job. Thanks again for coming out..."
Jason - Alto
9/19/10
"Matt was here yesterday to install the stove. The stove is wonderful and warm...I think it will be perfect!
Matt was very professional and did a good job."
Amy - Grand Rapids
9/28/10
"Looks good. We fired it up last night and it heats better and faster than the old one. Thanks for the
good job."
Rob - Pullman
11/2/10
"Most excellent! We love it. Thanks for doing a great job and feel free to use us as a reference."
Mark - South Haven
11/5/10
"Thanks for the photos--looks good. We will definitely call you when we need anything else. Thanks again for your help."
Art - Allegan
3/8/11
"Matt, Thanks a ton for your prompt attention...You are awesome. It's always nice to see another small business owner on the job."
Marcy - Grand Junction
7/26/11
"Hi Matt, Thank you for taking the extra effort to caulk and paint. I am truly amazed at your initiative! The check is in the mail."
Lois - Hagar Shores
7/21/11
"I want to say thank you for taking the extra time to explore options for lining our chimney...I also want to let you know that we appreciate how thoroughly you cleaned the chimney – it looks almost brand new...We also appreciate you putting the ladder into the barn, we did not expect that."
Peter - Plainwell
8/3/11
"Matt, I am very pleased to hear this report. I am also thankful for the help you have given to us and our customer in resolving this matter. I will stay in touch as this process nears the end. Thank-you again for the excellent service!"
John - Holland
12/12/11
"LOVING our insert... and wool rug and new fire tools. Couldn't be more pleased! You do great work."
Gerah - Allegan
12/15/11
"Thanks... Matt. Yes, we burned some wood this weekend and it was great, thanks!"
Diann - South Haven
1/12/12
"Thank you Matt for the install. The stove is working great!
We really appreciate Matt's professionalism and neatness during the install.
Matt, Mirabelle also thanks you for the Chimney Sweep book and the little surprise that you left by the fireplace!"
Doug - Shelby Township
6/13/12
"You did a great job with the installation. The custom surround looks awesome. You were knowledgeable, technically competent, easy to work with and just a really nice person..."
Melody - South Haven
7/15/12
"Thanks for being a trusted resource; we feel we are in good hands with your services and advice."
Peter - Plainwell
9/6/12
"Just wanted to let you know how happy we are with our new wood stove--it's great--and thank you for installing it so professionally!"
Heidi - Allegan
10/10/12
"The gas fireplace insert is working beautifully! It’s the new focal point of our family room! Everyone comments on the relaxing flames and soothing heat that it produces. We (my wife and I, and our four small children) love to spend time by the fire just reading books and playing board games. And every time it brings back memories from when I was a kid growing up in a house with a wood burning fireplace. I can’t thank you enough..."
Sean - Mt. Pleasant
11/11/12
"Matt was also great to work with throughout this issue. He was very helpful, courteous and professional at all times. In fact, I am going to try to get him to perform my bi-annual chimney cleanings from now on if he’s willing to drive all the way down to my place."
Mike - Hickory Corners
12/4/12
"It's working great! It's probably a bit too much heat for that space, but my wife likes it warm, and it certainly does that...The installation looks great too, very professional."
Eric - Shelbyville
11/16/13
"Matt, I just wanted to thank you for our beautiful wood burner. We are really enjoying it and we have received many compliments on it. You did such a nice job with the custom surround. We spend more time in the room with the fireplace, over any other room in the house. In fact we even sleep in that room sometimes! Thank you so much for your patience with all of my questions and concerns. We are really loving it!"
Kelly - Ada
12/22/13
"Thanks Matt. The stove, chase cap, and new top are working great. Burning a lot of wood this winter.
I'm forwarding your email address to my brother-in-law. He's interested after I sang the praises of my stove, mentioned the money I've saved, and the independence I've gained. Thank you."
Doug - Rockford
12/27/13
"Hey Matt, we just wanted you to know how much we are enjoying our insert! As Fred said, this was a good year to get it put in and use it, we had such a cold snap there for a while. We have had it going every day since the first fire in it. Everyone that has come over has admired it. The brick and the insert look like they have always been there, and the insert works great. Thanks so much.
Jackie - Bloomingdale
6/23/14
"I picked Matt Waite, Black Duck Chimney out of the yellow pages. He came today. He quickly analyzed the chimney, cleaned as necessary, and installed a damper at the top. He was careful, answered all my questions, and charged a reasonable fee. I can highly recommend him should anyone need similar services or fireplace doors."
11/19/14
Hi Matt, we are getting a lot of use from our new Jotul stove and really like it a lot.
1/18/16
Dear Matt,
Thank you for your competent and comprehensive service. Our new stove is a dream and the chimney cap works like a charm. We are completely happy with our purchase and feel so lucky that we picked Black Duck and Matt Waite to help us with this project.
Sincerely, Shirley - Fennville
1/18/19
Matt,
Thanks for your help this week with our insert. It now seems to be working beautifully. Bravo. I appreciate your patience and commitment to seeing through the insert's fine tuning.
Thanks again, Scott
My Favorite Part...
