Chimney Maintenance may seem daunting. Though having a properly working chimney is important, it does not need to be intimidating. By taking care of some tasks on your own and leaving others, such as chimney sweeps and inspections, to professionals, you can feel confident that your chimney is secure and in working order. At Boston’s Best Chimney, we perform inspections, chimney sweeps, and more. Give us a call at (781) 893-6611 or click here if you have concerns about your chimney or would like to set up an appointment with us.

Here is our guide to staying ahead of important fireplace and chimney maintenance:

Clean The Fireplace Interior 

Remove ashes from your fireplace so that there is never more than two inches of ash inside. Wood ashes can draw moisture. Since wood ashes are acidic, the combination of ashes and water can damage the fireplace’s masonry. After each winter, be sure to do a deeper cleaning to remove all ashes from your fireplace. When completely cool, you can use a shovel to scoop up ashes and you can place them in a bag to dispose of. Wood ashes are also compostable. You can gather the remaining bits of ash using a vacuum cleaner.

Get Rid of Soot and Fire Stains

Removing stains from your fireplace will keep it looking fresh and new. All you need is a solution of soap and water and a wire brush. Spray the surface and let it sit for about 45 minutes. Then scrub off the softened residue with the wire brush. 

Implement Fireplace Safety Measures

According to firstalert.com, you should put at least one smoke detector in every level of your home and a CO detector in every bedroom of your home and outside each sleeping area. There should be both a smoke detector and CO detector in the same area as your fireplace. It is important to check your smoke detector and CO detector every six months to make sure they are working correctly and have fresh batteries. A great way to remember is when it’s time to change the clocks, change the batteries in the smoke detector and co detectors.

In addition, you should have a fire extinguisher near your fireplace (and in your kitchen and garage) in order to keep your home safe. Check out our fireplace safety checklist for more tips on avoiding home fires.

Do An At Home Check-Up

Having your chimney inspected and swept by a professional at least once a year is essential to keeping it safe and well-maintained. That being said, the more aware that you are of what is going on with your chimney, the better. Besides knowing how your chimney works, there are a few things that you can check on your own in between inspections to make sure that everything looks fine. If you are comfortable getting on a ladder, you can take a look at your chimney cap to make sure that it is not clogged by debris and that it is in good condition. You can also make sure that the chimney flashing (the sealant at the point where the chimney meets the roof) is not damaged. 

Finally, take a look at the chimney’s bricks to make sure that the mortar is not cracked. Gaps and cracks in the masonry will allow water to enter these areas and potentially grow mold.We would recommend taking a look at your chimney every spring during your spring cleaning.

Don’t Forget Your Annual Professional Inspection

Our most important chimney maintenance tip is to get your chimney inspected and swept by a professional annually. Having your chimney needs taken care of by a professional ensures that they’ll have the right tools on hand, and find any problems that would be otherwise hidden. 

Boston’s Best Chimney is your one stop chimney company and we specialize in every aspect of chimney maintenance and repair. Contact us here or give us a call at (781) 893-6611 to set up an appointment. 

The post Chimney Care Guide: How to Stay Ahead of Your Fireplace and Chimney Maintenance appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Yes, I know it’s summer. I wash my clothes early in the morning so the heat from the clothes dryer doesn’t cause the air conditioner to turn on or overwork. I also wash clothes early so I’m not interrupted with kids searching the kitchen for something easy to eat.

Last week I washed and dried the clothes like all other weeks, except this time the mud room, where the washer and dryer are kept, along with the kitchen were heating up. It was not 90 degrees outside, and it was 6:00 a.m.

I checked behind the clothes dryer to ensure it was hooked up properly. It was. I checked the lint trap, and it was clean. However, when I looked inside where the lint trap is located, I noticed a build up of lint. Seeing the build up of lint in the dryer reminded me that I haven’t had my dryer vent cleaned in a long while.

As we spend more time working from home, situations like this are becoming more noticeable.

Lint accumulation, whether it be electric or gas, can shorten the life of your clothes dryer, make drying your clothes longer and in some situations, can cause a dryer fire. It’s amazing how many fires are caused in the home each year due to lint build up. Did you know on average, there are over 15,000 fires caused by lint in the dryer vent each year? Lint is highly flammable; your dryer can get quite hot. Then add on carbon monoxide from a gas dryer, and now you have more problems for the entire family.

Take advantage of your work from home situation, and get these things taken care of. It’ll help you save money on energy costs and time to dry the clothes. If you’re like me, we don’t have time to waste. Give us a call today to get that dryer vent cleaned… 877-244-6349.

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

There’s no reason you should live with a fireplace that’s boring and does little or nothing to accent the décor of your home. A fireplace makeover – large-scale or small-scale – can make a stunning difference in the aesthetics of your room and give you yet another reason to enjoy your fireplace.

What is a fireplace makeover?

We’re not talking here about making any changes to the actual fireplace but rather to everything around it. A fireplace makeover or redesign can include adding a new fireplace surround, mantel, glass doors, decorative safety screen, tool set and more. Let’s look at some ideas that might be perfect for your summer makeover project.

Fireplace surrounds

A fireplace surround is a custom-built or pre-made wall treatment that borders your fireplace. Surrounds can be fashioned of real or faux stone, brick, wood, tile and many other attractive materials. Simple surrounds extend just a foot or two from the outside edges of the fireplace. More elaborate surrounds can take up the entire wall and include recessed shelving areas to add your own tasteful touches. Fireplace surrounds can be built or installed around masonry fireplaces or factory-built zero clearance fireplaces.

Mantels

If your fireplace doesn’t have a mantel above it, this one makeover project alone can add significant elegance and beauty to your hearth area. Mantels serve not only as aesthetic pieces but also as shelving for books, portraits, antiques, flowers, kids’ artwork and anything else that enhances your hearth area.

Glass fireplace doors

Sophisticated glass fireplace doors are a perfect finishing touch to any fireplace makeover or refacing project. Along with looking gorgeous, they provide solid protection against drafts and fireplace debris as well as a barrier for young children and pets. Glass doors are available in many shapes, sizes, finishes and design styles, making it easy to find a set that delights you.

Fireplace screens

Another way to raise the aesthetic quality of your fireplace area is with a protective fireplace screen. While a screen won’t control air drafts, it is an excellent way to keep popping embers from getting on carpet, flooring or nearby furniture. Fireplace screens also serve as protection for kids and pets when the fireplace is in use. Lots of styles and colors are available.

Tool sets

What fireplace could be complete without a handsome tool set at the side of the firebox? Tool sets typically include a broom, tongs, a poker and a shovel that add beauty and help you tend your fire.

More fireplace-area remodel/makeover ideas

Add even more luster and charm to your hearth area with:

• A lovely hearth rug
• A sturdy log storage rack
• Stylish matches and a match decanter
• Logbarrow for great looks and convenience in hauling logs
• A designer hearth pad

Summer is the perfect time to plan and execute the fireplace makeover you’ve been dreaming about. High’s Chimney Service of Gaithersburg, MD, can help you find all the items you need and perform all necessary installation or customization work to totally renovate your hearth area. Find out more about a summer fireplace makeover by calling (301) 519-3500.

 

The post Summer Is the Perfect Time for an Exciting Fireplace Makeover appeared first on Highs Chimney.

A leaning or tilting chimney is an unsafe chimney. This problem can be caused by many different things, but no matter what’s causing it, you should address the issue sooner rather than later. Chimney repair and rebuilding services performed right after you notice a shifting can remedy the problem, restore your chimney to safety and save you a lot of money.

Why do chimneys lean?

A chimney can start to lean for a variety of reasons, some of which can be prevented, some of which can’t and simply need to be repaired by a professional chimney services technician.

Badly built chimney: If a chimney is not constructed properly by professional masons or if inferior bricks and mortar are used, there’s a good chance it will begin to lean at one point and possibly suffer other types of damage.

Masonry damage: Age-worn and decayed bricks or missing sections of bricks and mortar can unbalance a chimney and result in the upper portion of it leaning.

No footing: Older home construction often didn’t include a cement chimney footing. Without a footing, chimneys are prone to begin tilting at one point in their lives.

Insufficient or inferior footing: If the chimney footing is too narrow or shallow, it may crack under the weight of the chimney. Footings built with inferior materials also are more prone to cracks. A cracked footing is a common reason for a tilting chimney.

No footing reinforcement: A footing that wasn’t built with proper reinforcement can begin to crack and cause the chimney to angle to one side.

Soil issues: Loose soil under the footing will shift over time, taking the chimney with it.

Normal house-settling: The normal shifting and settling of the house through the years can lead to a leaning chimney, although this is not the most common cause.

4 signs your chimney is tilting or may tilt soon

If you notice any of these signs, contact a local chimney service expert for an inspection and necessary repairs.

Leaky chimney that presents with water in the firebox, damp patches on walls and ceiling or white staining on the exterior chimney bricks.

Decaying mortar that leaves crumbling and chunks around the base of the exterior chimney or causes bricks to loosen.

Caulking in the gaps between the chimney structure and the outside walls of the house – this likely means the chimney was already leaning when the previous owner lived there.

Warped flashing means water can begin causing damage to areas of the external chimney within the house. It also may mean that the chimney has pulled away from the flashing.

Certified chimney inspections

Annual chimney inspections are designed to spot early signs of trouble that could lead to a leaning chimney. Repairs can then be initiated quickly to prevent further damage. Inspections from a CSIA-certified technician also should be scheduled any time you know or suspect there are problems with your chimney structure or its components.

Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace of Kansas City, KS, provides certified chimney repair, chimney inspection, chimney cleaning and chimney rebuilding services year-round. Before your chimney begins to lean, put us to work on it and let us restore safety and top performance to the entire system. To arrange an appointment or to get your questions answered, give us a call at (913) 236-7141.

The post Here’s What You Need to Know if Your Chimney Is Leaning appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

It is like finding hidden treasure when a concealed original fireplace is discovered in an old home. Homeowners seek to restore the historical architecture or put the fireplace back into use with a more updated remodel. Either way, restoring old fireplaces that have long been out of commission is a welcome opportunity for renovators and designers alike. Chimney experts also have an important role in reviving old fireplaces. Read on to learn more.

Why Were Old Fireplaces Enclosed?

Fireplaces were once essential heat sources. When central heating came along in the late 1950s, many fireplaces were put out of commission and sealed behind walls. The alternative was to waste the space with an undesirable relic. Who knew such fireplaces would one day be considered hot commodities?

Chimneys and Structural Issues

If the wall that covered your old fireplace was a complete rebuild, it could be important to consult an expert on structural soundness. If, for instance, the lintel is cracked or missing, knocking through the wall could potentially cause its entire collapse.

The chimney may have been removed, as was a common practice when sealing off fireplaces. Look in the attic or loft for evidence of a chimney or former chimney. It is essential to have a proper chimney and flue in good condition before using a fireplace. If a chimney rebuild is needed, be sure to contact expert chimney masons.

Fireplace Openings Range in Size

The original style and design of an old home often dictates the size of the fireplace opening or “builder’s opening.” In early America, from the 1600s through 1700s, fireplaces were typically walk-ins with a deep, wide, open recess. The openings in pre-Georgian homes were not as big but still quite large. Builder’s openings were as small as a modest three square feet in humble Victorian homes, and even smaller fireplace openings can be found in some houses. In the popular Bungalow style homes built starting in the 1900s, large fireplaces with built-in shelves, benches, or cabinetry were common.

Rumford Fireplaces

A breakthrough in fireplaces came with the invention of the Rumford fireplace. Benjamin Thompson, born in 1753 in Massachusetts, introduced the Rumford in a lengthy essay published under the moniker Count Rumford. The purpose of the fireplace was, essentially, to reduce the amount of smoke in homes while also providing more heat. His invention fulfilled its purpose! Rumford fireplaces took off quickly in popularity, perhaps thanks largely to Thomas Jefferson. He had eight Rumford fireplaces installed in Monticello, his incredible estate that continues to be a popular destination for history lovers.

If there is a Rumford fireplace in your old home, you are in possession of a style currently in revival. Although Rumford fireplaces are quite shallow, they are being recreated or restored in many homes throughout the U.S., where building codes allow. More modern fireplaces are deeper than the Rumford because it is safer to have more space for firewood to roll from a fire without escaping onto the hearth floor.

Call Northeastern Chimney LLC to Put Safety First

At Northeastern Chimney LLC in West Hartford CT, we care about our customers. Contact us for a chimney inspection before using your restored fireplace and chimney system. Each of our chimney sweeps is a CSIA-certified expert in chimneys, including chimney masonry. Give us a call for a chimney rebuild, whether for your restored fireplace or a more contemporary chimney system. We also provide reliable chimney cleaning, chimney maintenance, and chimney repairs. Because we are dedicated to providing the best in chimney services, homeowners throughout the area entrust the safety of their old and new chimney systems to us. Contact us at Northeastern Chimney today by calling 860-233-5770.

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

When the chilly air fills the winter sky, millions of homeowners are stacking wood logs and lighting the fireplace to keep their home warm and cozy.  However, homeowners may be unaware of the chemicals that may be lurking in their chimney. Burning wood produces many chemicals and particulates.  Most of the smoke-filled contaminants vent up the chimney, but some of the residues stick to the interior walls and components. These chemicals include carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur, nitrogen dioxide, nitric oxide, and hydrocarbons like creosote and soot. Let’s take a closer look at some of the more toxic chemicals and how to get rid of them.

Carbon Monoxide

Burning wood and gas creates carbon monoxide (CO), a tasteless, colorless, and odorless gas that can have deadly consequences if the fumes back up into your living space.  A flue obstruction, closed damper, cracks in the flue liner, and masonry damage can cause ventilation issues in the chimney and increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Symptoms of exposure include headache, nausea, and dizziness. Homeowners using wood or gas fireplaces and heating stoves should install a CO detector on every level of their home. Test your CO detectors once a month and replace the batteries twice per year. Having an annual chimney inspection will help uncover ventilation and drafting issues and other chimney problems that will need to be corrected to reduce the risk of exposure to carbon monoxide and other contaminants.

Creosote

Creosote is a volatile organic compound that is derived from burning wood. Creosote also contains phenols. Phenol is an aromatic and acidic compound that will burn the skin on contact. It crystallizes into a white powdery substance, so creosote is easily removed in its initial stage. However, when the creosote remains in the chimney, it becomes progressively more volatile. In the final step, it is a thick, tarry, and flammable material that is extremely difficult to remove.  Excessive creosote in the chimney is the primary cause of residential structure fires damaging more than 25,000 homes annually. The majority of chimney fires can be avoided by scheduling a professional chimney sweep to clean the chimney annually. Many homeowners also use creosote sweeping logs in between professional cleanings.

Creosote Sweeping Logs

There are several creosote removers for consumer use on the market, including popular creosote sweeping logs. Creosote removal products contain chemical compounds that adhere to the creosote reducing it to a powdery or flaky material that  Homeowners need to know that these products contain toxic chemicals and should only be used according to manufacturer instructions. Also, using creosote removal products, including sweeping logs, are not a substitute for professional chimney cleaning. Homeowners should hire a qualified chimney sweep to clean the chimney at least once per year.

The post  These Chemicals May Be Lurking in Your Chimney   appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

According to a National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) survey, 48% of homes in New England have at least one fireplace. Do fireplaces increase a home’s value, though? In an Angie’s List study over 70% of real estate agents said that they see a home value increase in houses containing fireplaces. Whether you are thinking of selling your home soon or in the distant future, having a fireplace can increase its value. If you have a fireplace that has not been inspected or swept within the past year, contact us here or give us a call at (781) 893-6611 so that we can make sure that your fireplace and chimney are safe and properly working. Here are some of the reasons why having a fireplace in your home can increase its value:

Aesthetic Value

Fireplaces add aesthetic value to your home. Having a cozy space for your family to gather, especially during the many months of chilly New England weather, is an asset. Though many home trends come and go, fireplaces add a unique design element that is timeless. Real Estate agents say that even buyers that are not necessarily looking for a home with a fireplace are usually excited to find a home with a fireplace and tend to make it the focal point of their new space.

Warmth in the Cold Months 

Properly working fireplaces will add heat to your home during the cold winter months in an energy efficient manner. This is a huge selling point for home buyers looking to save money during the long winters. We recommend gas inserts over logs to optimize heat efficiency. If you sense that your home is losing heat from your chimney during the winter, it is a sign that your chimney should be inspected. Call us at (781) 893-6611or click here if you would like your chimney checked to ensure that it provides the benefit of energy efficient heat in the winter.

Environmental Appeal

Today, people are more environmentally conscious than ever. Therefore, the environmental benefits of fireplaces are important to highlight when explaining the value of a home with a fireplace. Efficient fireplaces allow you to use less fossil fuel than regular home heating systems, making this a desirable perk of a home with a fireplace.

If your home has a fireplace, you can be sure that it will be a valued feature when you are ready to sell. Buyers will want to be sure that your chimney and fireplace are maintained and safe, however. Have you had your chimney inspected within the past year? Best Chimney is your one stop chimney service company and we are here to serve you.  If you have not had your chimney checked lately, or if you suspect issues with your chimney contact us here or give us a call at (781) 893-6611.

 

 

The post Does a Fireplace Add Value to a Home? appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Chimney Inspecting and Chimney Cleaning in Atlanta is Best in Summer!

Your chimney is at its ultimate state of rest right now. What better time to get it inspected and ready for you to use this fall? Have Southern Chimneys come out and take a look at what all your chimney stored from the past year, whether that be residue or neighborhood birds.

Our busy season really kicks off around September. Getting your chimney inspected this summer will have you ready for winter before anyone else. The summer months are reserved for smart, proactive homeowners who know to call and take care of things before bookings start to fill up.

6 Reasons to get your chimney serviced in the summer:

1. Easier Appointment – get peace of mind knowing you’re handling things before it’s too late.
2. Keep the Critters Out – no, really. You’d be surprised who likes to hang out in an unused chimney.
3. Safety – keeping things clean protects you from fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.
4. Catch problems early – proactive people don’t have to worry about the extra cost that comes with putting things off.
5. Remove the funk (and smoke damage) – believe it or not, that built up residue inside your chimney will produce a smell over time and the more you clean, the less it builds up.
6. It’s a mess – You do not want to do this yourself.

Hurry up and call Southern Chimneys! Remember, by September winter bookings start to fill up. Let us get you ready for winter this summer.

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

Safe chimneys are ones where the structure is sturdy and all components function as they should. A damaged chimney not only won’t perform correctly, it also could become dangerous. Let’s look at chimney damage and chimney fires and how to address these issues.

Chimney Fires

A lot of internal damage to chimneys happens because of chimney fires. Not all fires are big and obvious – many start, burn for a short time and go out on their own. But no matter how big or lengthy, a chimney fire can begin a cycle of damage that must be resolved sooner rather than later.

Chimney fires, most often started when built-up creosote ignites in the flue, can harm the chimney liner and the chimney’s interior masonry. When this happens, bricks and mortar can loosen and crack, allowing in water that will eventually cause extensive damage. Chimney fires that destroy liners also may put at risk adjacent home materials like walls and insulation the next time there’s a fire.

Faulty Chimney Construction

An improperly built chimney can lead to many types of damage over the years. Common signs of a poorly constructed chimney include:

• Footing that’s too narrow or shallow
• Soil that’s too loose beneath the footing
• Wrong flue size/height for the fireplace the chimney is connected to
• Low-quality bricks and mortar that are prone to cracking and dislodging
• Improperly installed chimney liner
• Unparged (unfinished) smoke chamber

Leaky Chimney

Of course, a chimney leak is itself a form of chimney damage, but a small leak can wind up causing large-scale damage throughout the chimney system. Many chimneys that lean or collapse began with a leak issue in the masonry, chimney crown or other components.

Water is corrosive – it will eventually destroy bricks, and it can lead to major mold and rotting issues within nearby home building materials. The best time to address a leaky chimney is early. Here are some signs that indicate a leak is present or will be soon:

• Cracked chimney crown
• Water in the firebox
• Musty odors coming from the firebox
• Damp sections of walls and ceiling near the fireplace
• White stains on the exterior bricks
• Crumbling on the roof around the chimney
• Compromised chimney cap (or no cap in place)
• Flashing that is warped or dislodged

Weather and Natural Events

Chimneys can suffer damage because of relentless, heavy winds, pounding hail, lightning strikes, earthquakes, normal house-settling and other events. Much of this can’t be prevented, but it can be addressed immediately after it happens.

If you experience a major weather or natural event and know or believe your chimney has been damaged, don’t delay in arranging for a chimney services technician to take a look.

Addressing Chimney Damage

Step one in addressing known or suspected chimney damage or as a follow-up after a chimney fire is an inspection by a CSIA-certified chimney professional. After a thorough assessment, the technician can recommend the exact type of repair work necessary to restore your chimney to health and keep it running safely and efficiently.

Northeastern Chimney of West Hartford, CT, provides our customers with certified chimney inspections, chimney cleaning, chimney repair and chimney rebuilding services. We’re licensed and insured and know how to fix any chimney problem fast and correctly. Call (860) 233-5770 with questions or to arrange an appointment.

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

Chimneys are needed for not only fireplaces, but also for anything that burns coal, oil, wood, or gas. A chimney’s purpose is to remove carbon dioxide and other byproduct gases from the air. Having a chimney that properly works is essential to your safety. The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends having your chimney, fireplace, and vents inspected at least once a year. If you suspect that your chimney has issues, or if you have not had it inspected in the past year, contact us here or call us at (781) 893-6611. 

Why Understanding Your Chimney Matters

Knowing about the different parts of your chimney and their functions will help you to identify problems and be more aware of potential safety hazards. It’s essential to have your chimney inspected by an expert on a yearly basis, however, as professionals have the expertise and equipment to fully inspect your chimney which will help keep your home safe and efficient. To understand how a chimney works, it’s helpful to look at each part of a chimney and its function.

Anatomy of a Chimney

The Bricks

Having your chimney’s bricks in good condition ensures the structural integrity and efficiency of the whole chimney. Also, if the bricks are in poor condition, it is likely that moisture will seep through, which can cause mold or mildew growth and overall damage.

Chimney Cap

Essentially, a chimney cap is a hat that covers a chimney to protect it against precipitation and debris such as leaves and branches. Chimney caps often have mesh around them which prevents animals such as birds and squirrels from entering your chimney. This mesh can also help protect your home from fires because it functions like a spark guard. 

Chimney Crown 

A chimney crown is the concrete that covers the top of the chimney and prevents water from getting into the chimney system. It is often confused with the chimney cap. A chimney crown covers the majority of the chimney, while the chimney cap shelters the flues that remain open  for venting. 

Chimney Flue

The chimney flue is the tunnel that allows  smoke and exhaust to exit your home. It is important to have your chimney flue lined. Are you wondering how to clean a chimney flue? Since soot  is a fire hazard, it is important to have it inspected yearly and  swept  by professionals when deemed necessary. 

Chimney Damper

Chimney dampers are located just above the firebox and they help control ventilation. They also keep the chimney sealed when it is not in use, which keeps cold air from entering.  The chimney damper should be open when the fireplace is in use and can be closed when it is not. 

Chimney Liner

At Boston’s Best Chimney, we install aluminum, stainless steel, and polypropylene (PVC) chimney liners. Flue liners not only protect from heat transfer from your fireplace, they contain the flue gasses given off by your heating equipment and carry them up and out.. When there are cracks in your liner, it is essential to have your chimney liner replaced right away before using your  chimney again.

Smoke Chamber

Before smoke enters the chimney flue, it goes through the smoke chamber. This area has slanted walls to make it easier for smoke to get to the flue. The smoke chamber also has a smoke shelf which serves to gather moisture and debris that can enter from outside. 

Chimney Flashing 

Chimney flashing is found at the point where the chimney meets the roof. It can be made of aluminum, copper, steel, or  lead. It is important that chimney flashing is in good condition, because it protects your chimney, roof, and the rooms below it from moisture.

The Fireplace

Most importantly, the hearth and the firebox are the parts of your fireplace where a fire is created. The hearth is the floor of the fireplace, while the firebox is where the fire burns.

Understanding how your chimney works will help you to keep up with regular inspections and maintain a safe, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing chimney in your home. If you suspect that your chimney has an issue or if you have not had it inspected within the last year, give us a call at (781) 893-6611 or click here to get in touch.

The post How Does a Chimney Work? appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.