A Fireplace as a Source of Comfort

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