Chimneys should stand straight up and tall, never pitching to one side. If you’re noticing that your chimney is leaning, it may mean that there’s damage to the chimney itself or the footing beneath it.

Because it’s not always easy to tell just by looking that a chimney is leaning slightly, here are some signs to look for.

Signs Your Chimney Is Tilting

Leaky chimney: A chimney that leans could also be leaking through cracks in the bricks or mortar. Often a leak is the first clue.

Loose bricks: Bricks that are loose or decaying along with deteriorated mortar joints and crumbling around the base of the chimney are all signs that your chimney may have started to lean or soon will.

Caulking in the gaps: If there is caulking filling spaces between the exterior walls of the home and the chimney, the previous owner may have been trying to address the gaps caused by a leaning chimney. (You may also notice unfilled, open gaps.)

Flashing issues: If the flashing strips that seal the gap between the roof and the chimney are dislodged, it may mean that the chimney has moved.

These and any other signs of a leaning chimney should be evaluated by an experienced chimney sweep/chimney inspector.

Why chimneys lean

The key to solving any chimney problem is discovering what’s causing it. Chimney inspectors can determine the cause of a leaning chimney and recommend the best solution. Here are five

House-settling

Depending on the severity, normal house-settling and foundation-settling can cause a chimney to lean.

Lack of proper footing

Chimneys at older homes sometimes were built without a solid concrete footing, which can lead to a leaning chimney.

Footing not reinforced

If your chimney’s footing wasn’t properly reinforced, it may start to crack and cause the chimney to lean.

Footing too small

The footing should extend at least six inches beyond every side of the chimney structure. Additionally, a footing that was built too shallow is prone to cracking and shifting under the chimney. (Note that any footing built of inferior concrete is much more likely to crack over time.)

Soil problems

When the soil beneath the footing is too loose to bear the weight, shifting can result in a tilting chimney.

Aside from the issues mentioned above, earthquakes, major damage from a chimney fire and an improperly built chimney can lead to a leaning chimney.

Certified chimney inspections

If you know or believe that your chimney is damaged, your first action should be to call out a CSIA-certified chimney inspector. Only through a proper inspection will you be able to spot early signs of damage and address the issue before a costly and dangerous problem arises.

Inspectors who carry certifications through the Chimney Safety Institute of America will examine the entire chimney structure and its components. If damage within the flue is suspected, they will use video imaging technology to allow them to see exactly what’s going on and suggest the best chimney repair work to fix it as quickly as possible.

Are you living with a leaning chimney or other forms of chimney damage? High’s Chimney Service of Gaithersburg, MD, provides expert chimney inspection, chimney repair and full-service chimney sweeping. We’ll help you keep your chimney safe and efficient all year long. Call (301) 519-3500 to get problems solved fast.

 

The post What it Means When Your Chimney Leans appeared first on Highs Chimney.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy has been leaning for about 840 years–since 1173. But if you see your chimney leaning, do not get the idea it’s perfectly safe to worry about it in the distant future! A tilting chimney is an urgent situation, and repair is needed right away. Read on for clues as to whether to contact chimney masonry specialists or a foundation repair company.

Is Your Chimney Damaged by Moisture?

Chimney maintenance is essential because measures must be taken to keep moisture out of the masonry system. The problem all boils down to one thing: Moisture destroys the masonry. The process of destruction isn’t immediate but neither does it take exceptionally long.

Once moisture gets into the masonry, the freezing and thawing cycles of winter cause the water inside to expand and contract. This creates movement that tears down the integrity of the bricks. If you notice bits of debris around your chimney, it is a sign of spalling. Due to moisture in the masonry, the brick face eventually begins to pop and flake off, which is the basic definition of spalling. As the masonry gradually deteriorates, the chimney eventually begins to lean. Continued neglect of chimney maintenance will also lead to a total chimney collapse, which is obviously dangerous and destructive.

CSIA-Certified Chimney Sweeps can provide chimney masonry repairs as well as chimney masonry rebuilds.

Is Your Tilting Chimney Caused by a Foundation Problem?

The problem with your tilting chimney could be a foundation failure. The following are clues that foundation repair is likely needed:

• There is a gap between the exterior chimney built on an exterior wall and the home siding.
• Foam insulation, caulk, or mortar may have been used by previous owners to fill the gap, which only masks the issue.
• Metal straps are being used to hold the chimney in place.
• The metal flashing on the chimney stack has become dislodged.

Masonry chimneys weigh tons! There is supposed to be a chimney pad or chimney footing underneath the chimney to prevent the weight from causing that area of the foundation to sink. If the foundation has shifted, the following are among the causes:

• The soil underneath the foundation is loose and unable to bear the heavy load of the chimney.
• The footing is undersized. There are specific requirements for chimney footings, to ensure that they can withstand the weight. For instance, they should be a minimum of one foot thick and should project six inches beyond all sides of the chimney.
• If poor quality concrete was used to create the footing, it could crack as a result of the same moisture and freeze-thaw cycles that can destroy the chimney masonry.

If it appears that a foundation shift has caused the chimney to tilt, reach out to foundation experts without delay!

Contact the Chimney Masonry Experts at Northeastern Chimney

Each of the chimney sweeps at Northeastern Chimney LLC in West Hartford CT is CSIA-certified. For chimney masonry repair for a tilting chimney as well as for chimney inspections, chimney cleaning, chimney maintenance, and chimney repairs, give us a call. We are the trusted chimney experts throughout the area. Contact us by calling Northeastern Chimney at 860-233-5770 today.

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

This Spring and soon to be Summer season have been all about the rain. Now again, we’re getting remnants of tropical storm Cristobal (not the college football coach) merging with yet another storm. How much more of a beating can the chimney handle?

We’ve talked about tuckpointing or repairing the masonry between the bricks, stone or blocks. We also discussed installing a chimney cap and checking the flashing that connects the chimney to your roofing system. This time I want to share with you the question we get most often…”What else can I do?”

To prevent future chimney repairs, we recommend ChimneySaver. ChimneySaver is our solution for waterproofing your chimney. Chimney Saver is applied directly to the brick, stone or blocks as well as the mortar. ChimneySaver water repellent not only repels the water, it also allows the brick to ‘breathe’ meaning, it allows water vapor to escape. What good will this do?

• Minimize deterioration of the masonry
• Preserve the bricks, stone or blocks
• Minimize future chimney repairs

ChimneySaver is applied to 3 main areas for total protection: chimney crown, masonry and flashing. By protecting these core areas, you’ll no longer need to worry when bad storms come our way.

Give us a call today 877-244-6349.

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

If you’re in the market for a new fireplace, heating stove or fireplace insert, you might be tempted to “make it easy on yourself” by purchasing your appliance online. While many top brands with attractive prices are available on websites and e-shopping portals, there are a few things you should think about when deciding whether or not to go this route.

Local retailers of hearth products usually carry or can order any home-heating appliance you find online. But more important – these experts can guide you through the buying process, make sure you end up with the best unit for your needs, and provide professional installation so your appliance runs safely and efficiently. Let’s look at each of these considerations.

Buying a new fireplace, stove or insert

As simple as these appliances appear to be when in use, there are many differences from one brand to the next and among the different heat-delivery methods and fuel types. If you’re not well-versed on all these differences, a local hearth pro can help.

The three most popular heating appliances are:

Zero-clearance fireplaces: Run on gas or wood, ZC fireplaces install in a wall within your home and have their own vent system.

Heating stoves: Modern stoves are stand-alone appliances that run on gas or wood and can be installed just about anywhere in the home.

Fireplace inserts: These are gas or wood units that are pre-built to fit into your existing masonry fireplace’s firebox and come with their own vent pipe.

Each type of appliance delivers unique performance levels and has unique requirements for cleaning and maintenance. These are things you should be familiar with before purchasing a new heating unit.

Meeting your heating needs

As noted, every model of home-heating appliance provides specific heat outputs, BTUs and room-size coverages. Modern fireplaces, stoves and inserts all follow strict EPA guidelines for combustion and safety, but there’s more to it than that.

Each appliance is designed to heat a certain-size room. Each unit also has a heat-efficiency rating, which tells you how much of the heat produced will be used as heat for your home. Some models cost less to run than others, and some require more maintenance and cleaning. Your local hearth/fireplace expert can cover all this with you as you shop for the perfect appliance.

Heating unit installation

Installing a new fireplace, stove or fireplace insert is not a DIY project. Only trained, certified installers know all the ins and outs of appliance installation to ensure the unit is set up properly and will run safely.

Many hearth retailers have field divisions staffed with professional installers who know their products well. Fireplace and chimney services companies who don’t have an actual showroom can still consult with you on the ideal appliance for your needs, order it for you and then professionally install it.

If you’re one of those people who would love a new home-heating appliance but aren’t really familiar with all the choices, buying locally instead of through a faceless online portal will bring you the most long-term satisfaction.

Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace of Kansas City, KS, is ready to help you shop for and select the ultimate new zero-clearance fireplace, heating stove or fireplace insert. We’ll make sure your decision is one that will bring you warmth and happiness for years to come. Call us today at (913) 236-7141.

The post Online or Hearth Store: Which Is the Best Place to Buy Your Next Fireplace? appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

The weather has finally turned warmer and we are busy grooming the outside of our homes. Most people do not think about their chimney during the summer months, but summer is a critical time to get needed maintenance issues out of the way before cool fall weather arrives.

The truth is that masonry repairs should ideally be completed in warm weather so that the mortar sets properly.  Small repairs can be made using an accelerant mixed in the mortar during winter months, but larger repairs such as major pointing,  brick replacement, crown rebuilding, or a partial to complete teardown and rebuilding must be done in warmer weather. Now is the time to check the chimney for signs of wear and tear or damage by storms and high winds.

We encourage you to look for missing bricks or chimney cap, and deteriorating mortar. Many chimneys are built with soft bricks due to their lower price point, however, soft style bricks absorb moisture, and in the long run, fail as part of all the chimney will need to be rebuilt. The height of the chimney also plays a role in the rate of deterioration. Being at the highest peak,  the chimney is exposed to more wind-driven rain which penetrates this area more easily – we’ve certainly have had our share of that the past few weeks!

It is important to hire a qualified mason to do this work, not only for aesthetic reasons but for structural reasons too. Using the wrong type of product or mortar for even the smallest masonry repair can lead to major issues down the road.  Don’t wait until most of the mortar is missing from in between the brick either!  You may qualify for a less expensive repair that will prolong the life of the masonry for years to come.

Flues (the tunnels within the chimney structure) that lack the needed lining systems for venting should also be addressed.  Chimneys have required flue liners since the 1920s, however, many homes had flue liners as far back as the 1870s because the masons knew that liners keep the external temperature of the chimney down and prevent leakage of toxic gasses through the chimney chase.  If having masonry repair completed and the flue needs a liner, having this done at the same time makes the most sense.

Delaying chimney maintenance could impact your fireplace’s readiness for those early chilly nights and in New England, who knows when that can be?

A spring/summer cleaning and inspection ensures your chimney will be ready for when you need it most.

When you schedule an appointment with Boston Best Chimney, our Certified professionals will take special care to clean, inspect, and repair your chimney; keeping your family safe and your system in peak condition.

The post Is The Warm Weather Chimney Season? appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

NOT SURE HOW TO CARE FOR A NEW CHIMNEY? HERE ARE A FEW SIMPLE STEPS TO GET YOU GOING

If you’ve just moved into a house with a fireplace and you’re not sure where to start, you’ve come to the right place. Before you light your first fire, it’s essential to thoroughly understand fireplace and chimney safety. Following a few simple guidelines can help keep your home and family safe and warm this winter.

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Call for an Inspection (and Cleaning, if Necessary)

Even if the previous owners had a fireplace inspection as part of the sale process, it’s important for you to hire a company of your own, that works on your behalf, to inspect thoroughly again. Inspections can catch serious and potentially dangerous issues that may lead to fires and carbon monoxide buildup, so if you are dealing with your first fireplace, this should be at the top of your list. In most cases, if the fireplace and chimney need to be cleaned, you can have this done at the time of your inspection.

Learn How to Use a Fireplace

Fireplace operation is relatively simple, but if you’ve never used one before, you should take the time to brush up before jumping in. Start with dry seasoned wood that is specifically for woodstoves and fireplaces – never use green or unseasoned wood. Make sure the damper position is properly set to “open” to allow smoke and combustion gases to escape, and when your fireplace is no longer in use, and the fire is completely out, close the damper. The use of fire safe doors on your fireplace can also prevent drafts.

Get Frequent Cleanings

Frequent cleanings are important for preventing the buildup of a flammable substance called creosote. Many homeowners schedule an annual cleaning. However, if you plan to use your fireplace often, you may need more frequent sweeps. The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends cleaning your chimney once every 36 fires, and in the Chicagoland area, you may light quite a few when the coldest months hit! Keep track and be sure that you’re cleaning your chimney frequently enough to keep you safe.

Do Your Own Quick Inspections Regularly

Once you’ve had a professional inspection and cleaning, and learned how to safely use your fireplace, regular spot checks and upkeep are important. Take the time to look around every now and again to catch any potential or emerging problems. Check to make sure soot and creosote buildup is never more than a quarter-inch thick, check your damper to be sure it operates properly, and if it is safe to do so yourself, inspect the part of your chimney that rises from the roof for things like a loose cap or cracked masonry. Check the area around the chimney inside your home, too, for signs of water damage, which may indicate faulty flashing.

Caring for your new fireplace and chimney doesn’t have to be difficult, but in order to ensure your home and family’s safety, it must be done right, and often. Lindemann Chimney & Fireplace | Heating & Cooling Professional Chimney Sweep team is the best in the Chicagoland area – and our services include the most thorough level 2 NFPA Inspection – providing complete and thorough care that you and your fireplace deserve.

Lightning bolts are more than just a little zap. Just one bolt can carry with it nearly 100 million volts of electricity. That is a lot for your chimney to handle! The most common damage a chimney will experience is to its mortar and brick. The bolts cause the mortar to crumble and break apart leaving huge gaps in the chimney itself. Bricks are often found covering the ground below.

Lightning can also be harmful to the inner liner. Although more difficult to diagnose, the chimneys inner liner can become damaged during these powerful lightning strikes. This can even lead to a fire within the flue.

If you suspect lightning has struck your chimney, follow these steps to keep your home and family safe:

• If you suspect that lightning has just hit your home the most immediate concern is the threat of fire. Contact the fire department if your home suffers a direct hit.
• Keep in mind, fires may not be immediately evident especially when hidden in the attic or chimney.
• Be careful of falling brickwork from a damaged chimney. Steer clear of the area until it is safe.
• Have your chimney inspected before using it. Keep in mind that damage to the chimney liner may be hidden and hard to diagnose. A certified chimney sweep should be enlisted to assess the health of the structure.
• Complete any relining or repair work as needed. Some insurance policies cover this type of damage so make sure to look over the details of yours.

When it comes the safety of your chimney following a lightning strike trust the team at Lindemann to be there when you need them. We can thoroughly and accurately assess your chimney for any damage that a lightning bolt may have left behind. If structural damage is apparent, our team of certified sweeps can complete the work and get you back to using your fireplace safely once again.

 

At Lindemann Chimney & Fireplace | Heating & Cooling we get many questions about the usability of stovepipe and chimney systems in the Northern Chicago area. Before we can give you a definitive answer we will need to inspect it. However, here are some tips on why it’s so important to maintain the pipe.

Black stovepipe can last from as little as a year to almost a decade. It depends on the thickness of pipe, the use of the woodstove and what is burned in the stove. Burning materials like driftwood, treated wood, trash – essentially anything other than wood can lead to deterioration of your stovepipe. These materials often contain acids and other chemicals that can deteriorate the pipe from the inside out.

Keeping your chimney and stovepipe clean can prolong the life of both. Back in Grandmother’s Day wood ashes were combined with water in a specific way to make lye for old-fashioned lye soap. This is why wet wood ashes can be corrosive to metals.

Lack of a chimney cap, leaking flashing or caulking missing around the storm collar allows rain to run down into or on the outside of the stovepipe. This can lead to rusting of the pipe.

It’s important to keep your stovepipe secure, sound and clean. In the case of a chimney fire, the entire venting system, including the stovepipe, takes on a lot of stress. Damaged or weakened stovepipe may fail.

If you burn your stove really hot and the pipe has a whitish cast to it the pipe may have been over heated. This can shorten the length of the stovepipe as well as affecting it’s structural integrity.

SIMPLE SOLUTIONS FOR THE MOST COMMON GAS FIREPLACE PROBLEMS

Although often easier to use and maintain than a standard wood unit, gas fireplaces can still raise cause for concern when they aren’t working properly. In fact, there are many common problems that homeowners with gas fireplace may come across. While these issues may be troublesome in the short-term, there are many simple solutions to alleviate the problems.

Here are 5 of the most common gas fireplace ailments and how to solve them:

• Burner Issues – If burner issues are plaguing your gas fireplace, check that your thermostat is set properly. A dirty pilot light or burner jet could also be the culprits. Have them cleaned by a service technician. The circuitry can also be tested for low voltage or the thermocouple may need to be replaced.
• Unfamiliar Odors – If you begin to notice off-putting smells permeating from the hearth, your chimney may be in need of a good cleaning. Schedule one with a certified sweep to remove the buildup causing the odors. If a gas odor is suspected, turn off the fireplace immediately, leave the home, and contact a professional.
• Pilot Light Failure – Pilot light failure can occur for a number of reasons. Someone could accidentally turn it off or a strong draft can even blow it out. If the pilot light fails to stay on, try to relight it. The vent cap can also be replaced to protect against those stronger gusts. If neither of these two solutions alleviates the problem then there may be damage to the pilot light’s wiring or thermopile. This is a quick fix for any knowledgeable service person.
• Excessive Amounts of Soot – Excessive amounts of soot typically indicate an oxygen problem within the flue. Adjust the airflow to increase the amount of oxygen and decrease the amount of gas. Refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for the optimal setting. Excessive soot buildup could also be a sign of flue blockages. Schedule an inspection to check for bird’s nests or other animal infestations that may be obstructing the flue.

If you are experiencing any of these common gas fireplace problems, contact our service team at Lindemann Chimney Service. Our technicians use the latest technology and industry know-how to quickly diagnose the problem and advise on the best solution based on your unique needs. With a dedication to excellence in the field, each of our service team members have received their CSIA certification, one of the industry’s leading accreditation programs.

A chimney is designed to safely and effectively remove the dangerous fire byproducts produced within the fireplace out of the home. When it becomes clogged, it can no longer perform this important role. While the initial inconveniences resulting from a blocked chimney may seem minor, when left unaddressed, it can lead to many more dangerous problems including fire, carbon monoxide poisoning and toxic fumes. If you suspect your chimney is blocked, it is worth the effort to have it checked out by a professional.

Why It Happens
Blocked chimneys occur for a number of reasons. Often the culprit is a bird or other critter that enters the chimney. They bring with them nesting material that amasses inside the flue. A hefty buildup of creosote – a natural byproduct of the burning process – can also accumulate and fill the flue. Lastly, large amounts of leaves, twigs and other debris can enter the flue and get stuck inside.

Warning Signs of a Blocked Chimney
A blocked chimney may be hard to diagnose on your own but there are some telltale signs to watch for. These warning signs include:

• A smoky smell when burning a fire
• Falling debris inside the hearth
• Water streaks inside the flue
• Excessive soot
• White residue on the flue walls

How to Fix It
Clearing a blocked chimney is a job best left for a professional. They have the tools necessary to reach and remove the debris clogging the flue. How quickly and easily the chimney is cleared will depend on how compact the blockage is. To prevent clogs in the future, an annual chimney cleaning is recommended. Regular cleanings will keep your flue clear while also warning you of any potential problems before they turn into costly repairs. Installing a chimney cap onto the flue can also help limit the number of clogs your chimney experiences. Stopping debris from entering the system in the first place, caps can provide a proactive approach to chimney maintenance.

If you suspect a blocked chimney, contact the team at Lindemann for assistance. We diagnose and treat common chimney ailments both large and small. From an annual cleaning to a complete chimney rebuild, our technicians have the right tools and experience to get your system back into proper working order.