Month: June 2020

Is it hard for you to keep or start a fire in your fireplace? Do you find that your fires don’t burn as hot or efficient as they could? If so, you could be experiencing backdraft problems within the chimney. The proper functioning of a chimney relies on hot air rising up and out of the stack. The hotter your fire the faster this hot air will rise resulting in a more sustainable and efficient burn. When this air begins to move in the opposite direction you are experiencing what is known as a back-draft. When the chimney suffers from backdraft problems harmful gases and irritating smoke is pushed back into the living space.

CHIMNEY BACK-DRAFT SOLUTIONS

There are many reasons why your home could be experiencing a back-draft. Read on to learn more about the common problems that lead to backdrafts and what you can do about them.

Negative air pressure.
Every home has different “zones” or areas of pressure. Warm air collects in the higher zones of pressure. This pressure pushes the air out through the chimney. When the chimney is in a negative pressure (or lower pressure) zone, the flow of air is reversed. Rather than rising like it should it is pushed back into the home. Simply opening a window in the fireplace room can help neutralize this pressure.

Obstructions at the chimney.
Creosote buildup, animals’ nests and other blockages within the flue can prevent the air from escaping. With nowhere to go, the smoke and other fire byproducts get sent back into the living space. To help prevent excessive buildup schedule an annual chimney cleaning. During the visit, the technician will also typically complete an inspection looking for blockages such as nests within the flue and, if present, remove them.

Too much wind.
Those living in a windy location may experience frequent backdraft problems. Installing a chimney cap on top of the chimney crown can easily remedy this problem. Caps can also be helpful at preventing critters from taking refuge in your flue and causing further blockages.

The chimney, like any other part of the home, can have problems and defects which make it less efficient and safe to use.  One of the most common chimney ailments homeowners run into are cracked flue tiles.  When left untreated, this issue can wreak havoc on the home’s chimney system.  Cracked tiles can lead to dangerous gas leakage allowing carbon monoxide to seep into the home’s interior.  It can also allow deadly heat transfer to combustible materials in the surrounding areas increasing the risk of home fire.

Why It Happens
Cracked tiles often occur when heat is not evenly disbursed throughout the chimney.  This leads to unequal expansion of the tiles causing them to buckle, crack, or split.  Clay tiles are most prone to this problem because the material is unable to quickly absorb the heat.

How to Fix It 
When cracked tiles are found, the best way to remedy the situation is by lining or relining the chimney itself.  A stainless steel chimney liner is the preferred option among homeowners as it often comes with a lifetime warranty and typically never needs to be replaced.  Single clay flue tiles can also be installed to replace broken ones but will often crack again creating another safety hazard within the flue.  If damage is minimal, a product such as HeatShield® Cerfactory Flue Sealant can be used to fill the cracks.  A new liner though will offer the best protection while providing a more permanent solution.

Regardless of how you choose to address a cracked tile problem, hiring a professional sweep to do the work is important.   They have the expertise and knowledge to complete the often complex lining process while also ensuring the chimney is compliant with local fire codes.  For Chicago area homeowners, Lindemann Chimney Service is the trusted partner they turn to for all of their chimney needs.  Since 1969, they have been offering their customers quality chimney and fireplace installations and repairs.

Peace of mind comes from finding peace at home, and one of the best ways to ensure this is finding trustworthy service providers to keep your home running smoothly. But sometimes, it can be difficult determining just what to look for when choosing a source or contractor for homes services. When dealing with your fireplace and chimney, your homes’ safety is also at hand.  Don’t be scammed by disreputable providers begging for your business – keep on the lookout for these warning signs.

AVOID DOOR-TO-DOOR OFFERS AND UNSOLICITED PHONE CALLS

This is a prevalent scam tactic in many areas, where potential hustlers will canvass specific areas and neighborhoods, either on-foot or over the phone. Generally, they will provide special, immediate pricing deals, or present a catastrophic condition that needs an immediate, costly repair to your chimney.

Don’t hire these contractors, and certainly don’t provide them with a potential deposit for work, until you have secured their official business name and verified their legitimacy through a third-party source, such as Angie’s List or the Better Business Bureau.

LOOK FOR THE CERTIFICATION

Similar to many other trades, professional chimney sweeps and technicians can gain accreditation and certification — in this case, through the CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America). Earning certification through the CSIA ensures t the business you are working has met the CSIA’s national safety standards, as well as abides by their established Code of Ethics. This is re-enforced by the CSIA’s non-profit status, meaning the institute does not issue certifications for direct payments, but rather, requires rigorous education and testing to earn a certification.

If a contractor does not have certification with the CSIA, proceed with caution.

BE WARY OF HIGH-STAKES SALES TACTICS

If a contractor is pressuring you into completing work immediately, consider pumping the breaks. Scare tactics and high-pressure sales techniques are generally avoided by professionals who have your best interests in mind. Much like a medical diagnosis, consider getting a second opinion from another reputable business before moving forward with repairs.

CHECK THE REFERENCES

Similar to the above, ensure the company does not have any outstanding complaints lodged against them with professional oversight groups, such as the BBB. Additionally, word of mouth still holds a high amount of clout in today’s business world. If you have a trusted friend, co-worker, family member, or neighbor who has worked with the company before, get their opinion.

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

There are a number of research tools available to consumers today. Conducting a thorough search online for company details is invaluable before committing to hiring one company over another. If you feel like a company is sending out the wrong message for whatever reason — you’ve never heard of the business name before, the contractors appear without uniforms or branded vehicles, or if they’re being overly pushy about beginning work — cross-reference their name in an online search. If you’re unable to find a reputable resource listing their name, their contact information, and their licensing information, be wary about allowing them into your home.

It you are looking for a trusted, certified, professional chimney service provide to conduct an annual chimney cleaning, safety inspection or make repairs, Lindemann Chimney & Fireplace | Heating & Cooling is a premiere provider on Chicago’s Northshore. Schedule your appointment today!