Month: March 2020

Your chimney may be the biggest system in your home besides the central air and heating unit and there’s a lot that can go wrong with it. Because it’s so big and can cause big problems for your home, it’s important to understand just what makes up the chimney system, how it works, and how it can go wrong.

Parts of the Chimney

From bottom to top, there are many parts and materials that make up a fireplace and chimney system. The terms ‘fireplace’ and ‘chimney’ are often used interchangeably, and they work together to get the job done. What we know as the fireplace is actually called the firebox, and what we know as the chimney is actually the flue. These are only two parts of a very large system that must be built and maintained properly. Only then will the system work efficiently and safely.

Foundation – Just as the house itself sits on a foundation that holds it up and prevents settlement and shifting as seasons and weather change the soil, the chimney requires a foundation. Oftentimes this foundation is built when the home is built, but not always.
Ash Dump – Some, but not all, chimneys have an ash dump. This is a space beneath the firebox where ashes can be pushed and stored to cool and collect over time. A chimney sweep can remove these ashes as needed through a cleanout door near the foundation—a service that usually isn’t required for several years.
Hearth – The hearth is the floor of the firebox which usually extends from the back of the fireplace out into the room a bit and is made of a particular firebrick and refractory mortar that protects against heat transfer from the fire.
Firebox – The space where the fire sits and burns is called the firebox. It endures the highest temperatures for the longest periods but receives the least attention. The firebox is constructed of firebricks and refractory mortar.
Damper – The damper is a mechanism, usually made of metal, installed at the top of the firebox and opens and closes the flue opening. When the damper is closed, very little air moves through the chimney system. When the flue is open, air flows freely.
Smoke Chamber – The space above the firebox is called the smoke chamber—so named because this is where the particles and gases mingle with the heat to rise up the chimney. It is shaped like an inverted funnel to direct smoke upward and into the flue. Beneath the smoke chamber, there is a shelf (called the smoke shelf) designed to prevent smoke from falling back into the firebox and into the home. The walls of the smoke chamber should be at certain angles and smooth.
Flue – The flue is the interior vent by which smoke and gases travel out of the home. The surface of the flue should be covered with a liner that keeps heat and corrosive chemicals from damaging or moving through the masonry and gives it a seamless, smooth surface for optimum airflow.
Masonry Crown – At the top of the chimney there is a ceiling that extends from the flue opening to the edge of the chimney. The crown is made out of durable material that can withstand harsh temperatures, sunlight, and precipitation. It is also made at a slant so that water runs away from the flow and onto a drip edge, where it drips down onto the flashing at the roof instead of running down the masonry.
Chimney Cap – The chimney cap is the roof of the chimney system. It keeps water, animals, wind, and weather out. The cap is necessary to prevent chimney water damage and animal intrusion. It is often made of copper or stainless steel.

Common Chimney Problems

Even a well-constructed chimney can become damaged over time—especially through particularly rough winters or when subjected to coastal air and moisture.

• Spalling masonry can be particularly devastating to chimneys that stand in coastal regions. This is when the mortar cracks and falls away, causing bricks to loosen and take on water.
• Leaky chimneys can lead to damaged parts of the chimney, but also water damage throughout the house. A chimney leak can occur in any season and cause damage year-round.
• Smoky fireplaces are usually caused by an obstruction, draft issue, or even the wrong firewood being burned in the fireplace! A smoky fireplace doesn’t always require a repair but should always be troubleshot and a professional should be called if the problem persists.
• Liner damage is most often due to an old clay tile liner becoming worn out and breaking apart. You might find pieces of clay tile in your firebox or notice problems like masonry that is hot to the touch. Liner damage can also be caused by a dirty flue or a flue fire.

Whether your system is old or new, whether you have a fireplace, a stove, or an insert, whether you burn wood, pellets, or gas, your chimney is important. It can be a great asset, but can also be very dangerous. Make sure you know the ins and outs of chimney function and maintenance. Make sure your chimney system is safe and efficient. It will work better and for longer.

Call and schedule services with Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep today by calling 617-469-4528

The post Anatomy of Your Chimney (And Common Chimney Problems) appeared first on Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep.

You’ve probably been using this time of quarantine to get a lot done around your house. With everyone under shut-in orders except essential-business employees, residents of Atlanta are becoming home-repair and cleaning experts.

Coronavirus has changed a lot in our lives, but it has not changed your need to have a healthy, working chimney. In reality, there’s no better time than now to get your chimney inspected! And while you’re at it, mark next year’s calendar too because your chimney inspection should be a regular, annual event.

Get a jump on your chimney inspection.
Your chimney was working overtime the last several months, doing its job to keep you warm and dry. Now that the seasons have changed, you should schedule an 18-point inspection from Southern Chimneys now because

• scheduling is wide open and you’ll be able to leisurely find a time that works best for your inspection, rather than fighting to find a time that lines up with a busy inspector’s schedule.
• If you take care of your chimney inspection now, you won’t be scrambling to get it done last minute in the fall or winter.

Here are more reasons to be proactive about your chimney inspection:

Safety – a lack of maintenance can lead to chimney and house fires. A regularly scheduled chimney inspection will prevent this. In fact, an annual chimney and venting system sweeping and inspection is recommended by the National Fire Protection Association and the Chimney Safety Institute of America.

Money – Many homes don’t get their chimneys inspected, and they wind up getting them repaired because they didn’t take that time. Being proactive stops this. You will save so much more money on an inspection and sweep than you will when you have to have major repairs done.

Lack of knowledge – …and that’s okay! It’s normal and happens all the time, but most people move into a home or begin renting one with a chimney and have no idea what condition that chimney’s really in. Don’t let that be you. For instance, how’s your cap? Do you even have one? Do you know what it is?

Peace of Mind – The masonry of a chimney is made to last forever and hold up like a house, so chimney damage is something that you can’t really see and, the worse it gets, the more expensive it is to repair. If you get things checked out every year, you don’t have to worry about it!

Do you have what it takes to be proactive and protect your wallet and home?  Give Southern Chimneys a call. We will save you money by doing a great job at the best price. Schedule an inspection with us today and you’ll see why we’re a different kind of chimney services company.

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

The chimney walls in a fireplace used for wood burning leads to accumulation of soot and debris which must be cleaned away. Tar and creosote build-up are flammable and leads to fire hazard. Chimney cleaning logs claim offer a cleaning alternative for the fireplace and chimney by hand which seems to be laborious task. The logs help to decrease and loosen the creosote build-up but it’s not as effective as a professional chimney sweeping helps.

Chimney-Cleaning Log Claims

A chimney cleaning log proves helpful when you burn it in fireplace. Burning a wood fire leads to softening of the tar build up in the chimney and makes chimney cleaning more effective. This leads to release of chemicals that adhere to chimney walls, loosens the tar and reduce the chances of fire.

When to clean Chimney?

Although, there is no rule on how frequent to clean a chimney. No one can make a schedule depending on the years of service or number of fires you had in the fireplace. Chimney inspection plays an important role to determine if a cleaning is required.

How to Inspect Chimney

While doing a chimney inspection, use your fireplace poker or other device to scrap away the creosote from the fireplace lining. If the creosote buildup is very thin then it rules out the requirement of cleaning. If the buildup is 1/8 of an inch then schedule a cleaning. A buildup of more than 1/8 to ¼ inch requires immediate cleaning. If it’s more than ¼ inch then make sure not to use the fireplace till it has been cleaned properly.

Source of Creosote

Creosote is nothing but the leftover of wood burned in the fireplace. Different types of wood leave variety of creosote buildup and piling up leads to increase in creosote and it should not be used in your fireplace.

Importance of Chimney Cleaning

The presence of creosote in the chimney leads to inefficiency. The rise in the level of creosote buildup increases the chances of flue fire. It can be very dangerous and can be avoided by keeping your chimney clean and chimney relining.
Although there are various types of do-it yourself cleaning instruments and home cleaning kits to clean the chimney but make sure to follow the directions given. It is better to initiate the cleaning process after the fireplace and chimney are completely cool and hire a chimney contractor for efficient cleaning.

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

It’s been raining and now it’s windy. It’s the perfect
combination for problems with the chimney. If you’re feeling wind coming down into
your fireplace, the chimney
cap could be the source.

One of the best ways to know for certain is for a Superior
Chimney certified chimney technician to take a look. Here’s why:

• It blocks the wind from inducing downdrafts
• It prevents rainwater from getting into the chimney
• Animals are on the go. Let’s prevent them from making their way into the chimney for shelter
• Leaves and debris are flying around on these windy days. Let’s keep it from accumulating

Get the chimney cap checked
today by calling 877-244-6349.

We’re an essential business provider.
Read our statement
as to what this means to you.

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

A crackling fire in the fireplace is a common sight in millions of homes during the winter.  It provides warmth and comfort while helping to keep heating costs down. With proper maintenance and good safety practices, your fireplace will provide years of enjoyment. However, a lot can go wrong when you neglect to clean your chimney regularly.

Risk of a Chimney Fire

One hazardous by-product of burning liquid and fossil fuel is creosote. It’s a carbon chemical compound that sticks to the walls inside the chimney. It continues to build up with every burn. When creosote is not removed through regular chimney cleanings, it becomes a dark, tarry, and highly flammable substance. A spark inside the chimney from a hot ember is all it takes to ignite a fire. Every winter, there are over 70,000 house fires, resulting in millions of dollars in property damage, injuries, and even deaths.  The overwhelming majority of residential structure fires, approximately 30%, are caused by excessive creosote in the chimney, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Exposure to Carbon Monoxide

Your chimney must be free of obstructions to vent smoke and fumes. It’s not uncommon for leaves, twigs, and small animals such as squirrels and birds, to find their way inside the flue, especially during the colder months. The debris and nests can cause an obstruction, hindering the venting of carbon monoxide and other toxic gases. Instead, the gases will be forced back into your home, where they can cause adverse health effects. These blockages can also restrict airflow into the fireplace. Inefficient burning will result in increased pollution and higher energy costs.

It Can Make You Sick

The soot, creosote, and other particles of dirt that continue to accumulate inside the chimney can reduce your indoor air quality and emit an unpleasant odor in your home. It can even make you sick. Breathing in many of these contaminants can lead to a variety of health issues. Some of the symptoms you may experience include itching of the eyes and skin, headaches, nausea, and respiratory problems, to name a few. Prolonged exposure to an unclean chimney can also increase the risk of skin and lung cancer.

Mold

When homeowners neglect to clean the chimney, they also miss out on an opportunity to notice signs of water leaks. A warm and humid flue are ideal conditions for mold. It can quickly multiply into millions of tiny spores that can spread throughout your home. Besides health issues and chimney damage, mold can also cause damage to walls, ceilings, and other surfaces around the house.

Professional Chimney Cleaning

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and national fire safety experts recommend homeowners have annual chimney cleanings and inspections. If it has been more than a year since your last chimney cleaning, it is time to hire a professional chimney sweep.  It is the best way to ensure your fireplace and chimney will keep your home and family safe.

The post What Can Happen If You Go Too Long Without Cleaning Your Chimney appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

Dirt is often on our minds in spring and it’s partly for the purpose of cleaning to improve indoor air quality. A common question that arises is whether a dirty chimney can make you sick or is it safe to leave it as is? Good question because threats to your wellness do lurk in dirty chimneys every season of the year. Read on to learn some of the ways dirty chimneys make you sick and the symptoms associated with those illnesses.

Creosote

What makes chimneys the dirtiest is creosote, a highly flammable, tar-like substance deposited in chimney flues with every wood fire. The toxic combustion materials created by wood fires don’t all go up and out of the chimney. Some amount is always left behind, and it is what’s called “creosote.” There are three primary dangers associated with creosote: Chimney fires, toxic poisoning, and various health issues associated with making direct contact and breathing in particles of the brownish-black gook.

Chimney Fires

A chimney fire is when the creosote or other material inside a chimney flue is ignited and burns inside the chimney. Thousands of house fires are started every year because of a dirty chimney filled with creosote. When the creosote is thick on the walls of a chimney liner, it continuously fuels a chimney fire. The heat often intensifies to the extent that the flue is destroyed, resulting in a life-threatening house fire.

Toxic Poisoning

Combustion gases from solid-fuel appliances are toxic, and it is very dangerous when they leak into the home. One of the gases is deadly carbon monoxide. A dirty chimney can cause you to breathe these dangerous fumes in the following ways:

• As a chimney fire is burning, a tremendous amount of combustion gases will usually billow back into the home, exposing occupants to carbon monoxide. Because it is odorless, tasteless, invisible, and symptomless, carbon monoxide is known as the “Silent Killer.” Because of this serious threat, it is vital to have a working carbon monoxide detector in the home when using gas and wood-fueled heating appliances.
• If your chimney liner has so many layers of creosote that the chimney becomes obstructed, toxic fumes flow back into the home instead of going outside. It’s important to realize that a smoky fireplace means you are exposed to these toxic gases.

Once the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning begin having an effect, an exposed person may experience any or all of the following:

• Dizziness
• A dull headache
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness
• Blurred vision
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of consciousness

Carbon monoxide exposure results in death if a person doesn’t escape the fumes and get to some fresh air. People who survive sometimes experience debilitating health problems from carbon monoxide exposure.

Creosote Exposure

Your household is exposed to the creosote in your chimney when there isn’t a good seal created by the damper. If you were to try do-it-yourself chimney cleaning, which experts do not recommend, you would likely come into direct contact with creosote. Because you don’t have the same equipment professionals have, a DIY effort could result in excessive creosote in the air of your home. Exposure to creosote can cause the following health problems:

• Irritation to the respiratory system, including the potential for severe respiratory issues
• Inflammation of the mouth, nose, and throat
• Rashes, lesions, and other types of skin irritation
• Eye irritation
• Vision damage, if it gets directly in your eyes and you rub your eyes
• Abdominal discomfort
• Mental confusion
• Long-term exposure to creosote can cause kidney and liver problems, seizures, and skin cancer

Schedule chimney cleaning with the trusted experts at Northeastern Chimney, Inc. We are located in West Hartford, CT. If you want to help ensure the good health of your family by getting your dirty chimney cleaned, call us today at 860-233-5770.

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

Chimney maintenance is imperative if you own a fireplace. Deadly fires, chemical poisoining and expensive chimney repair are some of the serious consequence associated with lack or ignorance of chimney maintenance. Whether you want to know more about these dangers or whether you want to know as what to expect with chimney cleaning then read on to know some of the essential things:

Chimney Fires

Smoke goes up in the chimney in case of fire. Some of the smoke condenses in the form of creosote on the flue. Creosote is a hard tar-like substance formed in the chimney with time. Whenever a thick coat of this substance catches fire then it leads to a frightening chimney fire. The chances of creosote formation are more when the fire is lit for the first time. A cold chimney leads to more condensation of smoke on the chimney flue. So, a continuous fire will usually filthy a chimney slowly than other types of fires.

Chimney fires are very hot and it leads the surrounding walls and rafters break open into flames. The fire open out at such a rapid speed that firefighters seems to be too late to reach the destination. The high temperature fire also leads to cracks to appear in the chimney and the flue. Whenever, any fuel is burned inside your fireplace, wood or gas stove or furnace it generates carbon monoxide. Normally,these harmful fumes vent up safely through the chimney but if the chimney leakage occurs then the fumes captures the home.

Chimney Maintenance Tips

The Chimney Safety Institute suggests that if you use fireplace or woodstove more than thrice in a week then make sure to hire a chimney contractor for chimney cleaning and inspection at least once in a year.
Normally, a comprehensive chimney maintenance costs around $298. The location of your house, timing of the year and the soot level of the chimney fluctuates this price. Regular chimney sweeping keeps the costs under control and prevent the chances of major chimney repairs that can cost several dollars.

Furnace Flue

Make sure to clean your furnace flue every time along with chimney cleaning. Although, furnace flues are less prone to creosote formation, still they get fouled with chlorine and sulfur. The accumulation of these chemicals leads to the formation of a powerful acid to eat away the flue.

Chimney Liners

Most of the new chimneys have in-built chimney liners. These liners can be of metal, cement or tile and helps to create an airtight path for your chimney. It helps to increase the area between the heat and the combustible surfaces like rafters. It also provides extra protection from fire and prevents water to enter into the masonry work, where it might damage the chimney by freezing. All the efficient furnaces use chimneys with appropriate sized liners. So,maintain your chimney with timely chimney inspection and repair and keep your family safe and secure.

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

As many are working from home and dealing with kids and pets
running around, homeowners have shared with us how the fireplace has brought comfort
and a smile to their home.

“Since our days remain chilly, I use the fireplace as a
way to get the kids to sit in one place. They enjoy doing activities in our
family room, and I’m able to get something done.”

“I do my yoga, then sit in front of the fireplace for
quiet meditation.”

 How do we know this?

Since people are working from home, our certified
technicians are in full swing with spring chimney sweeps. Homeowners
have had an opportunity to get to tasks that normally get pushed off, like cleaning the fireplace,
or a fireplace sweep.
Here are a few things homeowners have noticed about their fireplace:

• The fireplace or chimney has a strong-smelling
  odor
• The damper isn’t closing and opening properly
• “I swear I heard some noises”
• There’s greasy creosote on the side walls of the
  chimney
• The fire isn’t burning the way it did before

While our chimney technicians are at your home, you’re sharing
with us some new experiences.

“I have never used my gas fireplace this much. It’s
really nice. I think I will use it more now.”

“I really enjoy the sound of wood crackling. It’s very
relaxing.”

Outside

However, some other homeowners have taken a different
approach. They are walking outside their home just looking around getting fresh
air. When they look at the top of their house, the chimney gets their
attention.

“I never thought about looking at the chimney. I used my
binoculars, and found mortar missing from between the bricks.”

“I noticed the flashing was laying on the roof. It used
to be up against the chimney. I think this needs to be fixed.”

“It rained yesterday, and noticed a small puddle of water
in the fireplace. I think it could be coming from the chimney outside.”

These are great observations and issues with the chimney
that we can help you address and repair. If you can
see your chimney, here’s a few things to look for:

• Mortar between the
  bricks or stones have deteriorated leaving gape in between layers
• Flashing has pulled
  away from the side of the chimney, where you can see a gap
• Chimney cap is open
  allowing animals and debris to enter, or it has blown away!

If you can’t see the chimney, don’t worry. As part of your chimney sweep, our
certified technicians inspect the health of your chimney. We show you pictures
so you can see what we’re seeing.  

Now that you have the opportunity, give us a call and we’ll
take care of a chimney
sweep or chimney
repair. Remember, Superior Chimney takes your safety seriously. Read our
post, “The New
Normal Is Our Normal” to understand Superior Chimney’s best practices.

Call: 877.244.6349

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

Pellet stoves use innovative technology to burn wood products with such efficiency that the heating appliances are recognized by the EPA as virtually smokeless. Unlike standard wood stoves and fireplaces that burn logs and need to be tended and continuously monitored for safety’s sake, pellet stoves offer hands-free operation for up to 36 hours. These are just a couple of the benefits of using a pellet stove to cut heating costs in winter. Anyone who has one of these environmentally friendly stoves should be aware, however, of the importance of pellet stove maintenance.

How a Pellet Stove Operates

The operation of a pellet stove involves a lot more than what it takes to fire up and burn logs in a traditional stove. It’s easier to grasp the importance of pellet stove service when you know about the various components involved in the appliance’s operation, details of which follow.

Fuel Mechanism

Small pellets made of wood waste are fed into a pellet stove through a hopper in one of two ways. Some simply use gravity and others use an augur.

An augur is a mechanized way to feed fires with the pellet fuel. The faster the pellets are fed into the burn pot, the hotter the fire.

Combustion Chamber

The fire pot, also known as a burner ring, is in the combustion chamber. Due to the dynamics of the chamber, pellet fires don’t have the same mesmerizing, relaxing appearance of a traditional wood fire. Air that is blown into the combustion chamber ensures intense flames and very hot fires.

Heat Exchanger

A fan is part of the operation of a pellet stove, and the fan pulls in air from the room and blows it across the heat exchanger. The air is warmed to approximately 250ºF. The warmed air is then returned to the room. Electricity is required to operate the fan. If the power goes out, a pellet stove will shut down.

Pellet Stove Venting

Venting of pellet stoves doesn’t have to be through a conventional masonry chimney. Metal chimneys can be used, as well. The issue of creosote is greatly minimized due to the remarkable burn efficiency of pellet stoves. Combustion gases contain almost no particulate matter.

Why Pellet Stove Maintenance is Important

The quickest way to interfere with the tremendous efficiency of a pellet stove is to neglect annual maintenance services. The various components of a pellet stove work together for eco-friendly operation. For instance, the pressured air that is drawn into a pellet stove by the exhaust doesn’t just draw air in. Dust, dander, lint, and pet hair are continuously drawn in. The passages this debris travels through needs to be cleared routinely. Otherwise, the air is unable to circulate properly and heating efficiency is lost.

The longevity of your pellet stove is largely determined by how well the components work together, and that entire process can be hindered by the use of substandard pellet fuel. Owners of pellet stoves should understand that not all pellet fuel is recommended for use. It is essential to use only high-quality pellets. In essence, this means that the pellets contain wood waste such as sawdust and woodchips but no bark. The addition of bark greatly increases ash content and can impact the longevity of the pellet stove.

Contact Our Chimney Experts at Northeastern Chimney

Is it time for you to schedule pellet stove maintenance services? Contact the certified chimney sweep experts at Northeastern Chimney. We can help to ensure that all components of your heating appliances and venting systems are in good working order. When needed, we can provide chimney repair, chimney cleaning, masonry repair, chimney cap installation, and much more. Call us today at 860-233-5770.

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

Is your fireplace starting to get boring? Could it do with an upgrade to bring the excitement back and add some elegance in the process? Is the big problem simply that it’s not producing enough heat? If you answered yes to any of these questions, read on for some good news.

Upgrade the look of your hearth area

There are many ways to beautify a hearth area.

Fireplace mantel installation: For many people, a fireplace just isn’t complete without a stately mantel on top of it. Use your new mantel for displaying photographs, vases, antiques, kids’ artwork, mirrors, clocks – you name it.

Add a fireplace surround: The entire wall area around your fireplace can be transformed with a custom-built or factory-made fireplace surround. Choose from many beautiful materials including stone, brick, granite, wood and more.

Install glass fireplace doors: A new set of lovely glass fireplace doors will add eye-appeal to your hearth area all year long. Plus they provide a layer of protection for kids and pets after the fire dies down.

Add a set of fireplace tools: Tool sets can include a shovel, poker, brush, log-lifter and more, all displayed in a handsome stand. A decorative log holder is another idea to upgrade the look of your fireplace area.

 Upgrade your level of heat

If your fireplace upgrade plans center more around getting extra heat out of your fireplace than enhancing its appearance, consider the advantages of a fireplace insert.

With an insert, you don’t have to construct anything, because the unit fits right into your existing masonry fireplace’s firebox. Inserts are made for both wood and gas fuel, and they deliver high levels of safe, useable heat.

Heat-efficiency ratings for fireplace inserts typically range from 70% up to 85% and even higher. This rating tells you how much of the total heat the appliance produces will be available as heat within your home.

By comparison, your current masonry fireplace may not be rated any higher than 20%, and even that may be a stretch. Masonry fireplaces, while they look awesome, aren’t known as high heat producers. A gas or wood insert will not only give you the heat you want but will add significant beauty to your hearth area as you choose among the many finishes, colors, design styles and options available.

Upgrade your masonry fireplace’s performance

If you love your masonry fireplace, then give it the TLC it needs to operate safely and at peak performance. Start by scheduling an annual visit from a certified chimney sweep to remove flammable creosote and drafting obstructions from your flue. Then bring in a professional chimney inspector to evaluate the condition of your chimney and fireplace and recommend (and perform) any needed repairs. A chimney in good shape will allow the fireplace to work so much more efficiently and safely. As you can see, there’s no reason you have to keep living with a dull hearth area or an underperforming, unsafe fireplace.

High’s Chimney Service of Gaithersburg, MD, is ready to help with all your desired fireplace upgrades from appliance and mantel installation to complete inspection and chimney cleaning work. Call the trusted experts in the DC area today at (301) 519-3500.

The post 3 Pro Tips for a Stunning Fireplace Upgrade appeared first on Highs Chimney.