Many homeowners give attention to their chimneys during the heating season. And it makes sense because this is the time they are using them. While there is nothing wrong with this, you should note that you also should work at keeping your chimney in good shape during the offseason.

In addition to knowing nothing can go wrong when you properly maintain your chimney, you also have peace of mind that your fireplace is ready for winter. So, what activities can you do to keep your fireplace in top shape during the summer months?

Chimney inspection

Most homeowners might be asking, “Why would anyone inspect their chimney when they aren’t using it?” You should know chimney inspection is vital whether you are currently using the fireplace or not.

Chimneys get a beating both on the inside and outside. If you don’t have a chimney cap, the flue tends to deteriorate fast due to repeated exposure to extreme temperatures and acidic creosote.

Since you aren’t using the chimney, summer is the best time to go up the chimney and carefully inspect the flue for any signs of damage. You should fix the problem regardless of how minor it looks.

On the outside, extreme weather conditions wear away the mortar and masonry. When you inspect the chimney you are able to identify the problems early enough and fix them before they get worse.

It’s common for birds and animals to build nests in rarely used chimneys. In addition to increasing the chances of spreading diseases, birds also block the chimney flue which puts your family at the risk of suffocation.

By inspecting the chimney you are able to identify the nests and dead animals early enough and get rid of them before they cause extensive damage.

You can undertake the inspection by yourself or hire an expert to help you out.

Chimney cleaning

You might be wondering why would you clean the chimney when you aren’t using it, right? Well, there is no better time to clean the chimney than in summer.

In addition to paying less for the cleaning, you also get better services as the chimney cleaning professionals aren’t in a hurry to get the work done so they can rush to another venue.

Most contractors aren’t busy at this time; therefore, they don’t do the cleaning work in haste. They also give you better discounts as there isn’t a lot of demand for chimney cleaning services.

For you to get the best services, don’t hire a contractor based solely on the price they charge. Pay close attention to their expertise. You want a professional who will perfectly clean the chimney without leaving anything to chance.

You also should consider whether the contractor is insured. You are better off working with an insured professional as you are sure that in the event of an accident the insurance company will take care of the costs.

Install the chimney cap

The chimney cap is located at the very top of the chimney. When complete and properly installed, the cap prevents moisture, animals, birds, debris, and other materials from getting into the chimney.

The chimney cap also functions as a spark guard where it prevents the hot embers from catching the roof and setting the combustible materials on fire.

Unless you have masonry skills, you should let an expert handle the installation.

Install a cricket

Is your roof too steep that it inundates the chimney with water when it rains? You need to have cricket in place. The cricket functions like an added ridge in the roofline that diverts water. The cricket also protects and extends the life of the fireplace.

Again, if you have the skills you should install the cricket by yourself but if you have never done it before, let an expert handle it.

Upgrade the chimney with an insert

There is no better time to upgrade the fireplace than during the offseason. A fireplace insert increases the efficiency of the fireplace so when the heating season comes, you spend less to keep the house warm.

Fireplace inserts come in different sizes, colors, and designs. For you to install the right one, work with experienced chimney contractors  to help you make the decision.

This post first appeared on https://www.firstclasschimneyservices.com

Superior Chimney was fortunate to get time out of Santa’s
busy schedule to ask him about December 25^th. We thought it would be
best to ask an expert on chimney travels. Here’s what he had to say:

SC: Thank you Santa for allowing us to speak with you for a few minutes. We’ll share your answers with all those that celebrate the Holiday Season by the fireplace. We understand that you land on the roof with your sleigh, and make your way into the chimney. Do chimney caps stop you from entering?

Santa: Ho, ho, ho. No, chimney caps are fine for me. I prefer houses with chimney caps so critters can get their presents from me in their natural home. It also helps keep the leaves outside. Dried leaves are very noisy.

SC: Once you make your way down the chimney, what should we
watch for you make your trip easier?

Santa: For safety reasons, be sure to keep your Christmas
tree and presents away from the fireplace. The beautiful Christmas wrappings do
catch on fire quickly, so as you unwrap the presents don’t throw it into the fireplace
or keep it near the open flames. Also, when the tree and presents are not by
the fireplace, it gives me and my bag of presents more room to work.

SC: Does it help to have the chimney cleaned before you come?

Santa:  Ho, ho, ho. That creosote does end up on my red jacket! Do get it cleaned as creosote is flammable. Better to keep everyone safe!

SC: Where do you like for all your fans to place your milk
and cookies?

Santa: By the fireplace of course!

This post first appeared on https://www.superiorchimney.net

Winter has come! In case you need a reminder that means you have to start thinking about WARMTH…switching out the clothes in your closet, setting that thermostat, and stocking up on wood logs for your fireplace. That is unless you want to switch things up this year and convert your fireplace to gas. Southern Chimneys can help you make the switch if you’re looking to be able to use Peterson gas logs and not have to worry about stocking up. 

Southern Chimneys Can Help You Make the Gas Log Switch

Southern Chimneys gets a lot of requests to convert wood fireplaces to gas and we can understand why. Gas fireplaces are

• less mess
• less worry
• can be used year-round. 
• People claim they heat the room up better too.
• Gas fireplaces release fewer allergens into your home and fewer pollutants into the environment. You know that creosote gunk we often talk about cleaning? That comes from burning wood!

Southern Chimneys and Peterson Gas Logs

Southern Chimneys installs Peterson Gas Logs, the “cleanest, most economical, most convenient alternative to burning real wood”. These vented gas logs go right in your current, functioning, wood-burning fireplace. We’ll run the lines and install a gas line if needed. We’ll also determine just the right size log for your fireplace. They’ll look great in your home as all Peterson Gas Logs are crafted to look just like real wood, so you can maintain the fireplace appearance you’re used to. And, you get to use a remote control to turn on your fireplace and control the flame size, height, and strength, so there’s that extra bit of coolness. 

If you want to go over all your gas-log options, give Southern Chimneys a call. We can help you determine which type of fireplace would be best for your home and get it all ready for you to have a warm winter! 

 

This post first appeared on https://southernchimneys.com

Choosing to bring a new gas fireplace into your home is a decision you’ll be glad you made for many years to come. All styles of gas fireplaces deliver numerous important benefits, and we’ll take a look at some of those. First, let’s talk about the different types of gas fireplaces available today.

 Gas fireplaces

These popular units are factory-built and ready to install within just about any wall in your home. Commonly referred to as “ZC gas fireplaces,” they’re highly insulated to keep the heat in the firebox from contacting combustible home building materials.

Because they operate on a “closed-combustion” system, gas fireplaces retain a very large percentage of the heat they produce rather than sending it up the vent pipe. As to venting, ZC gas fireplaces come with their own simple and safe vent system, so you won’t need to build any kind of chimney.

Gas fireplaces are also available in non-vented models. These units aren’t approved for use in all U.S. regions, so check your local safety and zoning codes before purchasing one.

Gas fireplace inserts

If finding a place in a wall to add a new fireplace is problematic for you, then just get yourself a powerful gas fireplace insert and place it in the firebox of your existing masonry wood-burning fireplace. Like ZC fireplace, inserts are built in a factory and come in various sizes, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your open firebox.

Also like ZC gas fireplaces, gas-burning inserts produce large volumes of heat, far more than your masonry fireplace ever could.

While the drafting of fireplace inserts is done up through an existing chimney, there’s a special vent pipe attached through which all exhaust travels.

Gas lot sets

Gas log sets aren’t actual fireplaces, but they transform an existing wood fireplace into something special. Modern log sets look so much like real wood logs, it’s hard to tell the difference at first glance. With a secure gas line connection, gas log sets typically are placed inside open masonry fireplaces or other wood-burning fireplaces for a beautiful look with virtually no maintenance and mess involved.

Benefits of gas fireplaces

Gas fireplaces, gas inserts and in some instances gas log sets bring you all these benefits:

• Fabulous aesthetics that improve the look of any room.
• A variety of styles, sizes and finishes to enhance your current décor.
• Heat-efficiency ratings of 80% and higher. This rating measures how much heat will be available within the home vs. lost through venting. (Compare to a 10% to 20% rating for most open masonry fireplaces.)
• No creosote buildup in the vent pipe that has to be cleaned to prevent fires.
• No issues with smoke backing up into the house.
• No buildup of ashes to scoop out of the firebox.
• A switch or remote button gets fires started immediately and extinguishes them just as fast.
• High levels of safety and performance, no matter which method of gas heating you choose.

The post How to Choose the Perfect Gas Fireplace for Your Home appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

When you prepare to use your wood-burning fireplace, it is important to first think of safety. Your home and family can be in danger if chimney cleaning and other types of chimney maintenance are neglected. Chimneys usually look quite sturdy. What is rarely obvious to the untrained eye, however, is that dangerous conditions can exist.

Dirty Chimney

Wood fires produce combustion gases that leave deposits of highly flammable creosote in the chimney flue.

Until chimney cleaning is performed by experts, the layers of creosote cause the following potential dangers and damages:

Obstruction

Chimney obstruction often occurs from layers of creosote in neglected chimneys. When there isn’t a proper draft, the toxic gases go into the home instead of outside through the chimney. It’s essential to have an operational carbon monoxide detector in the home when you use your fireplace because carbon monoxide fumes produced by wood fires are deadly. Carbon monoxide is frightening on several levels. The fumes are odorless, tasteless, symptomless, and invisible. Without a warning from an alarm, those who are exposed to the toxic fumes are usually unable to escape to safety.

Chimney Fire

There is an increased risk of a dangerous chimney fire when the chimney liner has caked-on creosote layers. The creosote being highly flammable, it is prone to catching fire from flaming embers. When layers of creosote continually feed a chimney fire, the resulting blaze will usually destroy the chimney liner and sometimes burns down the home, as well.

Corrosion

Combustion byproducts from wood fires are highly acidic, in addition to being toxic. Metal and masonry could corrode from the presence of creosote, especially when moisture is mixed with it. When a chimney liner becomes damaged to the smallest degree, the home becomes exposed to increased risks. First, the toxic gases could enter the home’s living space and endanger the occupants. Secondly, the excessively high temperatures inside the chimney flue could cause nearby combustible materials to ignite, creating a house fire that spreads quickly.

Chimney Repair

Schedule annual chimney inspections, as the first step in chimney maintenance. Every leading fire safety organization agrees that annual inspections are crucial for purposes of safety. It is usually during an inspection that deterioration in a flue liner is discovered. Fireplaces should not be used until chimney liner damage is repaired or the liner is replaced.

Chimney sweeping is also usually needed at least annually. It’s safe to go by the gauge of having chimney cleaning scheduled when there is a 1/8”-thick layer of creosote in the flue, according to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). Heavily used wood fireplaces usually need to be cleaned at least twice per year.

The third step in chimney maintenance is to schedule any needed repairs. Chimney exteriors are susceptible to moisture damage, especially when built with brick masonry, which is highly porous and absorbent like a sponge. Common types of chimney repairs are chimney crown repair or rebuild, masonry rebuilds, flashing repair, tuckpointing, and chimney cap installation.

Enjoy greater peace of mind by scheduling your chimney inspection, chimney cleaning, and chimney repairs with the chimney sweep experts at Northeastern Chimney LLC. Call us today at 860-233-5770.

This post first appeared on https://www.mychimney.com

So you think you have a gas fireplace? It is fairly simple to figure out whether your fireplace burns gas or not. First, there is not an empty space for logs and fire-building in your firebox. Instead, you’ll find logs—usually ceramic. Your system will be connected to a gas line of some kind and will have an ignitor and pilot light. This is a gas fireplace. What type of gas fireplace you have can be slightly more difficult to figure out. If you don’t have your owner’s manual, it is important to determine what type of system you have. Using the system according to its design is important for safety and efficiency as well as convenience.

Types of Gas Appliances

Gas is a fuel type that is always growing in popularity due to its convenience and versatility as well as efficiency and cost. You may be able to use gas in any room in your house, but your venting and your space will determine what type of appliance is best for you.

• Gas Stoves – Like all other types of stoves, a gas stove can be freestanding anywhere in a room. It can fit into a corner, in an existing firebox, on any story, and in any sized home or apartment. A professional can install a gas stove anywhere using appropriate refractory materials.
• Gas Fireplaces – A gas fireplace can be accomplished by installing a gas log set into an existing firebox, or installing a manufactured insert into a wall or firebox. Your professional chimney sweep can help you determine which type of gas fireplace is best for your home, your style, and your need.

Gas Inserts V. Gas Logs

Perhaps you don’t have the space for a gas stove or you simply like the appeal of a fireplace more, you can get the same benefits from a gas log set or insert. If your gas fireplace is set into a wall or hearth, it is likely one or the other. If it has glass doors, ceramic logs, and no visible ash or creosote residue, you’re looking at a gas insert or gas log set—not a wood-burning fireplace.

Identifying a Gas Insert

A gas insert is a closed unit, like a stove, but looks like a fireplace. It is retrofitted into an existing firebox or installed directly into a wall. A gas insert may have ventilation that is hidden. It may vent through the ceiling or wall and many draw air the same way, leaving the air in your home undisturbed. A direct vent insert, for instance, has a pipe that draws air in from the outside to help the fire burn. Inside this pipe is the actual flue that vents the toxins from the fire. This allows there to be only on vent and means the air inside the home is continuously cycled and heated and deposited back into the home.

• A gas insert is retrofitted into a traditional masonry fireplace
• A gas insert produces radiant heat and warm air
• A gas insert will often have doors or a closed glass front
• Logs in a gas insert are sometimes rearrangeable (for aesthetics)
• Gas inserts are made with a metal firebox

Identifying a Gas Log Set

A gas log set is convenient for people who would like a fireplace but don’t need it to produce a lot of heat. Gas logs use gas for fuel, but don’t cycle air from the room and continuously heat it. Some gas log sets feature detailed ceramic logs and others are very simple. Some require a vent and others do not. Gas log sets are cheaper than inserts and ideal for converting from a wood-burning fireplace without a lot of costs.

• A gas log set will sometimes have a blue flame
• Gas logs are removable (for cleaning) but have a specific order for optimal use
• Gas logs require an existing fireplace
• Gas logs are usually installed in a masonry fireplace with no special wall or floors

Know Your System for Safety

Part of knowing your system is identifying what type you have but also locating the model number so that you can use it properly. Generally, gas appliance work in the same way—using gas and an ignitor the fire lights, and continuous fuel and airflow allows it to maintain a flame. The toxins produced by the fire are then vented out a flue or if it is a vent-free log set or insert it will require no ventilation and all the heat and moisture from the fire comes into the living space. Using a vented fireplace with no vent is dangerous and can cause permanent injury or death.

If you’re not sure whether your fireplace should be vented or not, it is imperative that you locate the model number and user guide before lighting it. If you cannot locate your model number or user manual, a professional can do this during a standard gas service appointment.

Schedule a fireplace maintenance appointment with Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep and we can help you identify your fireplace. When one of our fireplace experts complete the job, you can rest assured you’re using your fireplace properly and safely.

Call us today at 617-469-4528 if you live in and around Boston.
Call our North Shore number: 781-593-2333.
Call our Portland area number: 207-773-7933.

The post The Difference Between Gas Inserts and Gas Logs appeared first on Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep.

It’s that time of year again – the time good old Santa Claus hitches up his sleigh to the reindeer and heads to the homes of every good boy and girl and shimmies down chimneys to leave brightly wrapped presents for the kids. Okay, none of this may be true, but it’s not a bad idea to think it is when it comes to taking care of your chimney.

Let’s look at four ways you can prepare your chimney for Santa and in the process keep it running at max safety and efficiency.

First, Santa needs to be able to get into the chimney

If your chimney is full of accumulated leaves and twigs and dust and bird nests and possibly the bodies of small animals who have died in the chimney, Santa might not even fit into the flue. So, step one in getting your chimney ready for a visit from the Old Man is to have all the obstructions cleaned out.

Doing this will also allow your fires to burn more efficiently and keep smoke drafting up the flue rather than backing up into your home.

Next, Santa can’t afford to get too dirty

Creosote and soot inside a chimney can seriously mar Santa’s pristine red-and-white appearance. If Santa went down a chimney packed with these smoke byproducts, he would emerge looking like he’d been dragged through the mud.

Removing creosote and soot from your chimney also brings the benefit of significantly reducing the chance of a chimney fire – most of which in the U.S. each year start with ignited creosote.

Chimney repairs 

Santa isn’t getting any smaller as the years pass, so your chimney might be a tight fit for him. The last thing you need is for his sizeable girth to push against already compromised bricks and mortar joints and cause the whole chimney to come tumbling down.

Damage from water infiltration, house-settling, seismic events and plain old age can cause chimney masonry to degrade. Once the structure is sufficiently compromised, it can begin to fall apart and create a danger for everyone near it. It would be a good idea to repair damaged masonry before Santa arrives.

Finally, don’t smoke out Santa

You’ve decided to leave a low fire burning in the fireplace during the night. Hopefully you’re burning dry (seasoned) logs that produce minimal smoke. Sure, Santa can come down chimneys when the fireplace is in use, but he’s only human, and if you’re burning wet, unseasoned wood, he’s going to get smoked out before he can drop off the presents and eat whatever snack you left for him.

By burning dry wood only, you create much less smoke, which means less creosote and soot buildup as well as less smoke emissions going out into the atmosphere. Plus, your fires will start easier and burn better.

Of course, it’s unlikely that Santa will be dropping down your chimney this holiday season. But if you go about chimney maintenance as if he really was going to pay you a visit, you’ll have a much cleaner, safer and efficient chimney to enjoy all winter long.

High’s Chimney Service of Gaithersburg, MD, is standing by this winter to help with the very best in certified chimney sweep services, chimney repair and chimney inspection. We’ll get your chimney in great shape for the long winter season – and maybe for a special visit from you-know-who.

The post How to Get Your Chimney Ready for Santa Claus appeared first on Highs Chimney.

Holidays are the perfect time of year to share family traditions around the fireplace or wood stove and create new memories that will last a lifetime. And just because its cold outside doesn’t mean the kids and family are stuck inside without anything to do. You can enjoy many of your favorite outdoor activities and create new ones for the whole family. Instead of watching television, here are a few holiday traditions to partake around the warmth of the hearth. 

Make Some S’mores

S’mores are a favorite campfire tradition that is perfect for enjoying around the fireplace. They are easy to make too. All you need are a bag or two giant puffy marshmallows, wooden or metal skewers, chocolate pieces, and graham crackers. Skewer a giant marshmallow on the stick and dangle it over the fire. Be careful to avoid touching the flames with your marshmallow.

Slowly turn the skewer, so the marshmallow is toasted and golden brown. Then place the marshmallow on top of the chocolate on the bottom half of the graham cracker. Use another graham cracker for the top half while sliding the marshmallow off the skewer to create the sandwich. They are oh so gooey good.

You can also dip your toasted marshmallow in a bowl of melted chocolate and roll in peanuts for a crunchy tasty treat. Or you can enjoy them straight off the stick (after it cools). Yum!

Sing Christmas Carols

Singing Christmas carols is another fun and memorable holiday tradition. It is especially festive when the entire family gathers around the fireplace and joins in. You can also have each family member choose their favorite holiday song.  We Wish You A Merry Christmas, O Holy Night, and the First Noel are some of the most popular songs. And, of course, Jingle Bells is a children’s classic. After singing, enjoy some Christmas cookies with Eggnog or Hot Chocolate. And it’s always better topped with whipped cream.

Read a Christmas Story

Reading your favorite Christmas stories is another favorite holiday pastime. It’s even more fun when each family member takes turns reading aloud. Dim the lights and let the backdrop of the flames in the fireplace light up the room for a more festive experience reminiscent of those moon-lit summertime campfires.

Decorate the Mantle

Decorating the mantle for the holidays is a fun and memorable tradition for the entire family. There is a virtually endless opportunity of decorations limited only by your imagination. Have everyone decorate their own Christmas stocking and hang them on the mantle. You can also decorate the mantle with garland, scented pinecones, family photos, and Christmas lights. Just be careful to use non-combustible materials and don’t let decorations dangle in front of the fire.

Trim the Christmas Tree

Perhaps, the most popular holiday tradition is trimming the Christmas tree. It’s a great way to celebrate the start of the season with the entire family while the wood-burning fireplace is keeping your home warm and toasty. Just be sure to position the tree away from the fireplace to prevent hot embers or excessive heat from igniting the tree. And when the Christmas season ends, remember never to burn your Christmas tree in the fireplace. Check for disposal options in your community.

The post Holiday Traditions to Enjoy Around the Fireplace appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

When your chimney gets dirty you need to clean it. While there are many professionals out there, not all are right for you. To help you out, here are things you should look out for when looking to hire the right chimney sweep:

CSIA certification

The chimney sweep Institute of America (CSIA) certification is proof that a given contractor has the right experience on proper chimney use, maintenance, and repair.

When hiring the contractor, ask them to provide you with written proof of the certification. If working with a company, ask them to give a certificate of the person that will be providing the service.

For you to have peace of mind, don’t hire a person who doesn’t have the certification.

NCGS membership

The contractor you are looking to hire should also be a member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG). Although membership to the organization doesn’t mean that the contractor is experienced and an expert, it’s an indication that the professional puts a lot of effort into getting better at their craft.

Studies show that members of the NCSG are well informed about the latest trends in sweeping and masonry repair hence you can rest knowing the contractor you hire will use the latest technologies to clean the chimney.

Verify the insurance plan

An insured contractor gives you peace of mind that you will be compensated in the event of an accident during the cleaning. For example, when they use a tool that damages the chimney.

When hiring the contractor, ensure he/she is experienced and insured. When the contractor gives you the insurance document, take the time to go through it and fully understand what it entails. Ensure that it fully covers your property.

Professionalism

It’s vital that you pay close attention to how professional the contractor is. When you call their phone number, how do they answer the call? Are they professional? When they visit your home, how are they dressed?

A professional technician wears outfits that you can clearly see the organization they work for. An expert technician will also treat you and your home with deference. The technician should also answer all the questions positively and thoroughly.

If you come across a contractor that is rude they aren’t the right people to work with.

Ask for references

An experienced technician should have worked with other clients in the past. Before you hire a technician, ask them to give you a list of at least three clients they have worked with in the recent past.

When you get the risk, don’t just look at it and set it aside. Carefully go through it and even call the clients. Ask them about their experience with the contractor and whether they can recommend the contractor to other people.

To protect yourself, don’t hire a company that doesn’t have references. This is because they are most likely inexperienced or they provide shoddy services and they don’t want you to hear about it from other people.

Promptness

A good company should respond to your queries fast. When you call them and they don’t pick the call, how fast do they get back to you? Remember your time is valuable and should be respected so you shouldn’t work with a company that doesn’t prioritize you.

When you contact a technician, you should set a definite time frame when they will visit your home for inspection. If they say they will call you when they have time, these aren’t the right people to work with.

Work with a company that is eager to start working with you and gives you the precise time when they will visit your home, inspect the house, and start the cleaning.

Prices

While they are often the last things homeowners consider when hiring chimney experts, prices are crucial as they determine the quality of chimney cleaning you get.

You should go for the cheapest contractor in the market to save money, right? Wrong! While you will spend less hiring a cheap contractor, you end up spending more cleaning your chimney. This is because the cheap contractor doesn’t provide a great service.

Since the cheap technician isn’t experienced, he/she might damage your chimney and you end up spending a lot of money on repairs.

You should note you are better off with an experienced technician. While you will pay more for the chimney cleaning services , you will be sure you are getting excellent services.

This post first appeared on https://www.firstclasschimneyservices.com

Winter begins December 22nd and that means Snow is Coming!

Boston’s Best Chimney is now taking snow plowing contracts for the winter 2019-2020 season.

Boston averages 48 inches of snow every winter. Our skilled and friendly team will make sure your walkways, driveways and lots are clear, safe and keep you in full swing.

Limited Contracts Available! Call (781) 893-6611 or email us today to inquire.

The post Need a Snow Plow This Winter? appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.