It’s that time of year again when humidity is high and so are the smells. Wood burning fireplaces as well as gas fireplaces can produce a musty smell, dusty smell or even a smokey smell. If you usually get a chimney sweep or a fireplace cleaning in the Fall, you may want to reconsider.

Working out in the yard today, a neighbor came to the fence looking stressed and had a light shade of olive green on his face. It certainly caught my attention.  I didn’t need to speak any words as my concern was enough. “I can’t take it anymore! The smell in the house is so bad! I tried to open the windows, but the smell only got worse!” The exclamation points are necessary.

My neighbor has a wood burning fireplace and usually waits until the Fall season to get the chimney cleaned and inspected. The house has the bad barbeque smell from months of fireplace use, compounded by humidity. The creosote built up inside the lining of the chimney causing it to give off the burnt-like smell. When he opened the windows, it caused the smell to get worse. Now that the windows are closed again, the smell is trapped inside and caused my neighbor and his family to become nauseous.  

Bad Barbeque Isn’t the Only Smell

There are other types of smells that form from rain and humidity.

• Leaves – the smell of something rotting or decomposing can mean there’s debris or leaves in the chimney. A chimney cap or repairing the loose chimney cap may fix that problem.
• Animals – dead animal smell is certainly unpleasant in the home. Sometimes is their ‘droppings’ mixed with rain and humidity that can cause the unpleasant smell.
• Water – there’s that musty smell again, this time it could mean that water is in your chimney. Allowing water to enter the chimney can cause future repairs to the flue lining and other areas of the chimney. A check at the chimney cap or replacing it with a new one may help.

I’m sure my neighbor will be back to tell me the result of the technician from Superior Chimney cleaning and inspecting the chimney and fireplace. I hope this time I can see a color that is not green.

Stay ahead of the smells and call Superior Chimney today at 877-244-6349.

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

Schedule a Chimney Inspection Today! 

You might think you’ve got plenty of time to worry about your chimney. It looks fine, there’s no smell or water damage evident. Plus, summer is not really a chimney/fireplace time of year. 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 that chimney inspection should be a regular, annual event.

Get a jump on your chimney inspection.

Your chimney and fireplace are not on the front of your mind right now and that’s exactly why you need to get them inspected. No one’s thinking about it. That means that

• 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? Someone proactive is also someone smart enough to 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

For home safety, it is important to give attention to chimney maintenance every year. Professional chimney sweeps provide crucial services that help to prevent life-threatening hazards. Spring and summer are ideal times to schedule chimney sweep services such as chimney cleaning, chimney inspections, and chimney repairs. By taking care of these vital matters when it’s hot outside, you will be ready to safely enjoy the warmth of blazing fires indoors and outdoors in fall and winter. The following are four reasons chimney sweeps and the services they provide are essential.

Fire Hazards

When chimney sweeps perform chimney cleaning services, they do the important task of removing creosote from the chimney flue. Creosote is deposited in the chimney lining each time there is a wood fire in your fireplace. It has three different forms, and each is highly flammable and dangerous. 

Creosote in your chimney creates an increased risk of a chimney fire. Once a chimney fire ignites from floating hot embers coming into contact with creosote, it is also fueled by the creosote in the lining. The more creosote there is, the more dangerous the chimney fire is likely to be. Oftentimes, blazing chimney fires destroy chimney linings and then spread into the home, causing devastation, including lost lives.

Deadly Toxic Fumes

Toxic fumes are also hazardous by-product of fires that can threaten the lives of a home’s occupants. If, for instance, creosote has built up to the point it causes a chimney obstruction, the chimney draft won’t operate as it needs to for safe operation. When there is chimney blockage, instead of going outside, toxic fumes go into the home. Among those toxic gases is deadly, highly dangerous carbon monoxide (CO). 

It is extremely important to have an operational carbon monoxide detector in your home when you burn home fires because CO is a stealth killer. It cannot be seen, tasted, or smelled. Those who are being exposed to carbon monoxide don’t experience any symptoms, either, until it is often too late to escape.

Chimney Blockage from Debris and Nature’s Creatures

Excessive creosote buildup isn’t the only way a chimney becomes obstructed. Leaves, branches, and other debris can also get inside a chimney. It is normal, as well, for creatures to go into chimneys. Birds, bats, snakes, raccoons, and squirrels are among the critters commonly discovered in chimneys. 

Some birds prefer chimneys for nest-building. Raccoons are drawn to chimneys, as well, often choosing them as the place to bring their kits, also known as baby raccoons, into the world. Contact chimney sweep experts for animal removal services because it can be dangerous to come into contact with these undomesticated birds, mammals, and reptiles.

Masonry Destruction

It can be difficult to identify signs of moisture damage, but water is the number one enemy to masonry chimneys. Chimney sweeps can identify signs of moisture in masonry that homeowners often miss. Moisture intrusion can occur in a variety of ways. With routine annual chimney inspections, problems can be identified before a chimney rebuild becomes necessary. A neglected chimney can be destroyed due to the effects of moisture in brick masonry.

Contact Northeastern Chimney Today!

For qualified CSIA-certified chimney sweeps in West Hartford CT, Northeastern Chimney LLC is the place to call. Enjoy peace of mind in knowing that your chimney is safe. Contact us for reliable chimney sweep services, including chimney inspections, chimney cleaning, chimney maintenance, chimney repair, masonry rebuilds, flashing repair, outside-mount chimney cap installation, and more. Call Northeastern Chimney today at 860-233-5770.

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

How well do you know your fireplace and chimney? While you may be familiar with some of its more common parts, the ability to identify the inner structure and components are a mystery to most. Since it is essential to understand the chimney and fireplace, we have identified the ten important terms homeowners should know.

Chimney Cap: The chimney cap is a device that covers the exposed flue pipe of a masonry fireplace to help prevent moisture intrusion. Some caps contain a metal mesh screen to prevent small animals and debris from obstructing the flue. Chimney caps that also have a spark arrestor helps keep hot embers off the roof.

Crown: The top of a masonry chimney is a cement surface known as the chimney crown. It surrounds the flue pipe and is sloped to help deflect water and snow away from the chimney.

Flue:  The flue is an opening, pipe, or duct in the chimney that expels the smoke and gases from the fire in the fireplace.

Flue Liner: The flue or chimney liner is a covering that protects the masonry from the intense heat and corrosive gases of a burning fire. It contains the heat in the chimney preventing it from transferring to combustible building materials. It also reduces the risk of exposure to carbon monoxide gas inside the living space. The three most common types of liners are clay tile, stainless steel, and cement. Some older homes were built without a liner.

Smoke Chamber:  Located just below the flue in the middle of the chimney is the smoke chamber. The smoke and gases are compressed in this passageway, facilitating its rise out of the vent.

Smoke Shelf: The smoke shelf sits at the bottom of the smoke chamber just above the damper. The shelf protrudes slightly upward to prevent the rising gases from coming back into the fireplace or living space.

Throat: The throat is a narrow opening above the firebox. The smoke and gases from the fireplace enter here then pass through the smoke chamber to be expelled out the flue. A metal damper seals the firebox when shut.

Firebrick:  The masonry walls inside the firebox are constructed with refractory brick and mortar due to its proximity to the fireplace. It is different than the bricks used in the remainder of the chimney. The refractory materials can withstand temperatures of up to 1,800F.

Firebox:  The firebox is the main area inside the fireplace where the fire burns.

Ash Dump: The ash dump is a compartment under the firebox. The burnt ash particles are swept into the dump via a trap door. The chimney sweep will remove the ash during cleaning for disposal.

The post 10 Important Chimney and Fireplace Terms Homeowners Should Know appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

Moving into a new home means you have a lot of things to learn and check out. One of the most important is the existing fireplace/chimney system. Before you fire up your fireplace, here are some things you’ll want to know.

The chimney needs an inspection

Whether the seller or you as the buyer arranges it, the chimney must be inspected. In fact, in most jurisdictions, it is the law. The inspection should be done by a CSIA-certified (Chimney Safety Institute of America) technician, not a common home inspector.

A real estate chimney inspection is an in-depth process that goes over all accessible areas of the internal and external chimney including components such as the chimney cap, chimney crown, roof flashing, chimney liner and more. Chimney inspectors use advanced video technology to allow them to see “hidden” areas within the flue in order to check for damage to the mortar and chimney liner. Technically referred to as a Level 2 inspection, a real estate chimney inspection also includes looking at the attic, basement and crawl spaces and ensuring that combustible materials of the home near the chimney will be safe when the fireplace is being used.

Important chimney safety precautions

After your initial inspection is finished and any issues are dealt with, you’re ready to use your fireplace. But keep in mind that chimneys require regular inspections and cleaning to keep them safe and operating efficiently.

Most fire-safety agencies and hearth organizations like CSIA recommend annual chimney sweep services to remove flammable creosote buildups and any debris that may have gotten into the flue.

Creosote causes most of the chimney fires in the U.S. each year. Both creosote and debris such as falling leaves and twigs as well as the nests of small animals will narrow the flue passage and cause smoke to draft inefficiently.

A poorly drafting chimney can make fires hard to start and maintain. It also can send smoke back into the house. Carbon monoxide, which is present in varying amounts in combustion smoke, can be fatal to humans and pets. Certified chimney sweeps have the tools and equipment to clean your chimney thoroughly and prevent excess creosote and air-flow problems.

Safely using your fireplace

You can help to keep your chimney clean and safe by following these best practices:

Burn only dry (seasoned) wood as it creates much less creosote-causing smoke.

Make sure the chimney has a flue cover or full-width chimney cap at the top to block debris.

Never burn household trash, colored paper, pressed wood, plastics, cardboard, broken furniture or anything other than wood logs. These materials release toxic gasses and make a lot of smoke.

 Call a professional chimney technician immediately if you notice these signs of a chimney leak:

Water in the firebox

White staining on the chimney’s exterior masonry

Strong, unpleasant odors coming from the fireplace

Damp patches on the ceiling and walls near the fireplace

Unusual musty smells in the attic or basement

Also, contact a chimney tech if you notice signs of a chimney fire:

Odd clicking or tapping noises

The sound of rumbling, like from a distant train

Large volumes of dense, black smoke coming out either end of the chimney

As noted, have your chimney professionally cleaned and inspected once a year. Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace of Kansas City, KS, provides CSIA-certified chimney real estate inspections and other types of inspections, chimney sweep services and complete chimney repair and rebuilding. We’re here to keep your chimney safe and strong. Call us today at (913) 236-7141.

The post Buying A New Home With A Chimney & Fireplace appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

Fireplaces are one of the most popular features requested by homeowners looking to purchase a new home! The ambiance created by a glowing fire is unlike any other home feature. Fireplaces are worth certain sacrifices—but shortcomings can be overcome! As you make plans to build a new chimney, it helps to know some things upfront that can make a difference in your long-term enjoyment. Read on for information that could be helpful as well as enlightening.

Placement

The impact that the placement of your new chimney will have is the first thing you should know about. When the chimney is located on the home exterior, even with a nicely lined chimney flue, cold weather tends to fill chimneys up with a column of cold air. The cold air makes it more of a hassle to light a fire because the cold air must be dispelled before the combustion fumes can go outside instead of in the home.

 

 

Also, with all that heavy cold air in the chimney, it can leak into the home and cause your heating costs to rise. In other words, it is best to have your masonry chimney built within the walls of your home, not on an exterior wall.

Masonry Experts Needed

Masonry builder experience and dedication to quality are important to avoid potential disaster. For instance, these chimneys are extremely heavy and require a concrete footing at or below the home’s foundation level. The footing should extend at least 6 inches beyond each side of the chimney. When the chimney footing is insufficient, it can mean bad news for the life of the chimney masonry and possibly the foundation of the house. For you, it could mean great expense because the chimney can settle in a way that pushes past the footing.

Chimney Clearance

The purpose of a chimney, of course, is to accommodate combustion fumes as they rise up and out of the home. If the chimney is the wrong height, however, the draft can be negatively affected. The chimney top clearance formula is simple. The chimney peak should extend 2 feet higher than anything within 10 horizontal feet.

Chimney Liner

It is against building code to build a chimney without a liner, no matter where you are in the U.S. Fire safety experts discovered back in the 1940s that building a chimney with a chimney liner is necessary! It was deemed “almost criminal” to do otherwise, due to the grave dangers associated with using an unlined masonry chimney.

 Efficient Fireplace

Most home builders “help homeowners save money” by installing a builder-grade fireplace. These appliances are only about 10% efficient at most, which means that at least 90% of the heat produced goes up and out of the chimney. You could save costs later on by having a fireplace insert installed from the start. An insert is a major upgrade and has an efficiency rating of between 65% and 80%. You can cut heating costs by turning off central heating from time to time and relying solely on your fireplace to stay warm. Fortunately, even if you start with a builder-grade fireplace, you can replace it with a wood or gas-fueled fireplace insert or a pellet stove whenever you’re ready.

Contact the chimney experts at Northeastern Chimney LLC for any type of masonry repairs, chimney cleaning, chimney inspections, tuckpointing, chimney flashing repairs, chimney crown repair, and much more. We also sell and install chimney inserts and all other solid-fuel heating appliances. If you are in or around West Hartford, Connecticut, give us a call today at 860-233-5770.

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

How much do you know about your fireplace and chimney? Here are some common words and terms you may have heard but weren’t sure of their meaning.

ASH DUMP: A space beneath the fireplace where ash can be collected and then removed.

BAFFLE: A device that manages the direction of flue gases and can cause fires to burn more efficiently.

BLOWER: A fan inside a fireplace/stove that blows heat into the room.

CARBON MONOXIDE: A toxic gas produced by wood or gas fires, particularly when combustion is incomplete. Carbon monoxide can cause sickness and death.

 

 

CHIMNEY CAP: A full-width component that covers and protects the entire top of the chimney. Both chimney caps and smaller flue covers keep rain, snow, animals and debris out of the flue.

CHIMNEY SWEEP: The name given to the process of cleaning creosote and obstructions out of a chimney flue. It’s also the name for individuals who do this work.

CHIMNEY LINER: Typically made of clay tile, metal or a poured-in-place compound, chimney liners run the length of the flue to protect masonry and provide a smooth, properly sized channel for smoke to move up and away from the home.

CREOSOTE: The byproduct of smoke combustion that can form as a sticky, flakey or solid substance inside the flue. Creosote is highly flammable and should be removed by a trained chimney sweep once a year.

CHIMNEY CROWN: The sloped concrete covering at the top of the chimney designed to protect the flue and masonry from water damage.

DAMPER: Dampers open and close to control the flow of air between the home and the outside environment. Most are installed just above the firebox. Others are placed at the top of the chimney.

DRYER VENT CLEANING: An important service offered by some chimney companies to prevent fires by removing blockages from the vent systems connected with clothes dryers.

FIREBOX: The open compartment in a fireplace or stove where wood and gas fires are created.

FIREPLACE INSERT: A factory-made appliance that goes in the firebox of a masonry fireplace. Inserts can run on gas or wood and are significantly safer and more efficient than standard fireplaces.

FLASHING: The material that seals the gap between the exterior roof and chimney to prevent water from running down into the home. Flashing also is found on roof valleys to channel water.

FLUE: The inner passage inside a chimney used to draft smoke and gasses. Technically not a “chimney” but rather part of it.

MASONRY CHIMNEY: The most common chimney style, built of bricks and mortar. Masonry chimneys are constructed by hand, differentiating them from other types of chimneys that are made in a factory.

MASONRY FIREPLACE: Refers to the “standard” fireplace built into a wall using bricks, stone or other materials.

PELLETS: Small nuggets made of sawdust or other wood refuse that are used by some fireplaces, inserts and stoves.

SMOKE CHAMBER: The area just above the fireplace and smoke shelf and below the bottom of the flue.

SMOKE CHAMBER PARGING: The process of adding a layer of mortar to the chamber to allow smoke to draft more smoothly. Most smoke chambers need this service periodically.

SMOKE SHELF: The area between the smoke chamber and firebox.

SOOT: Powdery carbon particles created during combustion, particularly when the fuel burns only partially.

THROAT: The area just above the firebox into which smoke and gasses enter. Dampers located here are called “throat dampers.”

VIDEO SCAN: Technology used to inspect the inside of the chimney flue and other hard-to-access areas. Chimney sweeps use video scans to detect otherwise unseen flue or liner damage.

High’s Chimney Service of Gaithersburg, MD, presents this concise glossary of chimney and fireplace terms to help you know more about the parts and structures that make up your system. When that system needs cleaning, inspections or repairs, count on the certified chimney sweeps at High’s to get the job done right the first time. Reach us at (301) 519-3500.

 

The post Brush Up on Your Fireplace & Chimney Terminology appeared first on Highs Chimney.

An annual chimney inspection is the best way to keep your chimney and fireplace running safely and at peak efficiency all winter long. When performed by a CSIA-certified technician, a chimney inspection covers many areas from the masonry structure to performance issues. Here are some of the key areas of focus during a yearly chimney inspection.

Creosote

If you use a wood-burning fireplace, creosote is added to your chimney flue every time you burn a fire. Creosote can form as a solid, sticky or puffy substance, all of which are highly flammable. Excess creosote is the cause of most chimney fires in the U.S. each year. Chimney inspectors always check the flue to determine how much creosote has built up since the last chimney sweep service.

 

 

Aside from the danger of a chimney fire, creosote and soot can exist in large enough quantities to cause smoke and toxins to draft poorly, putting everyone who lives in your home at risk of smoke and carbon monoxide inhalation.

Different types of flue obstructions

Along with excess creosote, chimney flues can be narrowed by all sorts of obstructions such as the nests of birds, squirrels and other small animals; the animals themselves when they are unable to get out of the chimney after getting in; and tree debris like leaves, twigs, fruit, seeds and more.

These obstructions prevent the natural draft of your fires and can send smoke into the home. Smoke is bad enough, but the carbon monoxide carried within smoke is known to be fatal to humans and animals. This toxic gas is invisible and odorless, so poisoning can happen without anyone realizing it until symptoms begin to develop.

When a chimney inspection turns up excess creosote or other obstructions in the flue, immediate chimney cleaning is recommended. Most chimney inspectors are also certified chimney sweeps and can do this work themselves.

Masonry damage

Another key component of a chimney inspection is checking the masonry for signs of cracking, water damage and general decay. Whenever bricks and mortar are compromised, rain and snow can infiltrate the cracks and expand during freezing weather. This causes further damage and can actually lead to a chimney collapse. Addressing damaged chimney masonry can be as simple as applying a waterproof sealant to prevent water from getting in.

In cases where damage is more extensive, a process known as tuckpointing can be used to add fresh new mortar to areas where old mortar is missing. Various levels of chimney rebuilding may be necessary when damage is significant. Your chimney inspector will tell you exactly what is needed to restore structural safety to your chimney.

Chimney leaks

One of the most common problems homeowners report with their chimneys is a leak. Chimney leaks can be the result of cracking and decay within the masonry or problems with the chimney crown, chimney cap, flashing and other components.

Chimney inspectors will find out where the leak is coming from and encourage you to have the problem repaired before widespread damage occurs – which it will if the leak is ignored.

Chimney component inspection

A certified chimney inspection may also involve a close look at your chimney’s components including:

• Throat damper
• Top-sealing damper
• Smoke chambers/smoke shelf
• Chimney liner
• Full-width chimney cap
• Flue cover
• Chimney chase top
• Chimney crown

Schedule a professional chimney inspection

Northeastern Chimney of West Hartford, CT, specializes in chimney inspections that cover all the areas and functions that make your chimney and fireplace safe and operational. Our technicians are certified through the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and can perform all levels of chimney cleaning and chimney repair services. Call us today at (860) 233-5770.

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

It’s the weekend again and our big activity is to take a walk around the neighborhood. People who you never see outside are now cutting the grass, cleaning out the gutters, or even washing windows. At least they are giving me something different to look at.

I will admit, there was a house I walked past slowly.

I was watching a homeowner on top of his roof with (what looked like) a jump rope tied around his waist that was tied around the chimney. Now that it caught my curiosity, I had to continue watching. He had a bucket with a tool in hand. It was a ‘do it yourself’ tuckpointing project on the chimney. Clearly it was an on the job learning experience. He was trying to fill in those gaps in between the bricks. Fortunately, I have a pretty good camera phone and zoomed in. Here’s what I saw:

Whatever patch job he was attempting was going to have to be redone because his didn’t work.

Chimney repairs or masonry work is best done by a Superior Chimney professional. Many of the cracks reappeared in the same location in the mortar. When done professionally, the mortar is:

• Repaired from the inside…out by grinding
• The color will be matched as best as possible to the existing mortar
• The mortar is properly finished for a seamless look.

Once its repaired, get the bricks and mortar coated with a waterproofing agent called Chimney Saver. It prevents water absorption and water penetrating the bricks. If you’ve made the investment in the repair, the one step further will ensure a long-lasting repair and slow down the deterioration process.

So be safe by letting the experienced technicians at Superior Chimney take care of the details. Call us today at ( 877) 244-6349.

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

It’s getting very hot outside here in Atlanta, Georgia as summer is right around the corner. With the temperature climbing and your AC running, you’ve stopped thinking about your chimney and fireplace. It’s just sitting there, going unused, not bothering anybody…

Now’s the time to use this quick checklist and get your chimney ready for summer.

Summertime is an important time for the maintenance and upkeep on your chimney and fireplace, as keeping them clean and protected now will lead to a successful heating experience in the fall and winter.

Here’s your checklist of things to do with your chimney this summer:

• Clean the hearth

This one may seem like a no-brainer, but a lot of people forget to clean out the ash, sweep, and dust their hearth. You’re going to want to wear gloves and old clothes because this job gets dirty! Scoop out the ashes with an ash shovel. Use a small broom and dustpan to sweep out the rest. Next, you’re going to want to use your favorite gentle cleanser and scrubber to get the creosote up and give everything a final wipe off and vacuum.

• Close the damper tight

A lot of people who have fireplaces forget to close their dampers. This means there is essentially a hole in your house letting cool air out! Be sure to close the damper tight after you’re done using your fireplace for the season.

• Turn off pilot light (gas)

If you’re using a gas fireplace, you should know if you have a standing pilot light and make sure it’s out for the summer.

• Decorate your fireplace!

If that fireplace is just sitting there going unused for many months, you may as well use that space to decorate. For instance, you can place plants around the hearth to bring the green nature of summertime indoors. 

• Call Southern Chimneys to remove creosote

Before giving those hands and knees too much of a workout, you honestly probably won’t be able to get all that creosote out that’s been storing up all winter. Even if you do, you certainly won’t be able to get all up in it. That’s when you need to give a professional chimney service like Southern Chimneys a call.

• Call Southern Chimneys to check or install a chimney cap

It’s always a very wet summer in the southeast. Chimney caps keep out things like moisture and animals that can wind up in your chimney in the summertime.

• Consider making summertime the time for your yearly chimney inspection!
  It’s always smart to get a jump on things and schedule your chimney and fireplace work and inspections long before the weather cools down. 

 

Now’s the time to clean up, decorate, and get things inspected so you can enjoy your living room, clean and safe, all summer long.

 

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