Month: July 2020

If your home has a chimney, it is essential to keep up with its maintenance in order to keep it safe and working well. Though there are steps that you can take to keep up with your chimney’s maintenance on your own (check out our Homeowner’s Chimney Care Guide), it is important to involve a chimney professional as well. As a chimney owner, you should get your chimney inspected and swept by a professional each year. At Boston’s Best Chimney, we are a one-stop chimney service company. We not only perform residential and commercial chimney sweeps and inspections, but we also install chimney liners and caps, as well as rebuild chimneys, solve smoke problems and more. If you are in need of a chimney service, don’t hesitate to click here or call (781) 893-6611 to set up a free estimate.

Are you wondering how to find a chimney sweep and service company? It can be challenging to find a company that is trustworthy and qualified to meet your needs, especially if you do not know the ins and outs of chimney care and how a chimney works. That is why we are giving you a list of questions to consider as you research local chimney professionals.

Research The Following:

1. How are the Company’s Reviews? Looking into the reputation that a company has built can be an excellent indicator of their reliability, customer service, and the quality of their past work. Check sites such as Google Reviews, Angie’s List, and Facebook Reviews to learn more about a company.

Ask Chimney Professionals These Questions :

2. Do You Have Business Liability Insurance and Worker’s Compensation? This will protect your home and property in the event of an accident. You should ask the chimney company that you are speaking with to have their insurance company directly send you a Certificate of Insurance to ensure that the chimney company’s insurance is valid and up-to-date

3. Will the Person Working at My Home Be a Certified Technician? The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) works to prevent chimney-related fires and gives education and training to industry professionals. It is an industry standard for all chimney professionals to be CSIA or CCP certified. You should request that professionals working at your home provide their certification numberfore they begin work on your chimney.

4. What Types of Inspections Do You Offer? As we mentioned, you should have your chimney inspected and swept by a professional annually to keep your home safe. Chimney inspections are also important when you are selling or transferring property, if you are replacing your heating equipment, or if there was an operating malfunction. There are several types of chimney inspections and a legitimate and experienced professional should walk you through the different types of inspections and explain which type of inspection is right for you.

5. How Long Has Your Company Been in Business? The more experience a company has, the better. Experts with years of knowledge will have the ability to accurately assess your chimney and handle any complications or unexpected situations that may come up.

At Boston’s Best Chimney, we have been in business since 1989. With years of experience and satisfied customers, we are ready to use our knowledge to help you. Click here or call us at (781) 893-6611 to schedule a free estimate or an inspection.

 

The post How to Find a Chimney Sweep and Service Company: 5 Questions to Ask appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Unsightly reddish stains on your chimney are often caused by a rusted chimney cap. The moisture that caused your galvanized steel or aluminum chimney cap to rust could also be wreaking havoc in the chimney masonry. It’s important to have annual chimney inspections to keep up with all of the potential problems that can arise due to the vulnerability of masonry to the elements. Read on to learn about the particular issue of rust stains and their removal, the importance of chimney caps, and the various types of materials chimney caps are made with.

How to Remove Rust Stains

Removing stains from a chimney is important because the oxidized material can accelerate deterioration of the masonry. Rust removal is tricky, however. A power washer, for instance, is not recommended because a power spray can easily damage bricks and destroy mortar.

It’s best to call on chimney professionals for rust stain removal if for no other reason than avoiding the danger of climbing onto and working on a roof. 

It is important not to use a cleaning material with strong acid on bricks because chemical substances could destroy the brick face. Products made specifically for removal of rust stains from chimney masonry are available and are used by chimney professionals. The trusted products that remove creosote stains, mildew, algae, mortar splatter, and rust stains are an improvement over former options.

In previous times, muriatic acid was a go-to product for removing rust stains, but it has serious drawbacks.  First, it is a dangerous substance. Note: Protective gloves and eyewear should be worn when applying any type of masonry cleaner. Secondly, muriatic acid is the type that eats away the bricks.

Replacement of Your Chimney Cap

You may have a chimney cap or a chimney chase cover, and either can rust. Once oxidation, or rusting, begins to occur, it is important to replace the essential appliance. With a new cap or chase top, you can continue to have the benefits the covers provide, including the following:

• Chimney chase tops and chimney caps help to keep rain, snow, and sleet from entering your chimney. Keeping moisture out is important because of the destruction it causes.
• When a flue topper or chase top has mesh, it will keep out debris such as leaves and tree limbs. The mesh also keeps animals out of your chimney. The types of animals known to go into chimneys include raccoons, snakes, birds, bats, and squirrels. If an animal ever gets trapped in your chimney, dead or alive, call a chimney professional immediately. Animals sometimes carry disease, and the process can be dangerous.
• The mesh on a chimney cap also serves as a spark guard that will help to prevent hot embers from escaping the chimney and possibly igniting the roof or other nearby combustible materials.

Types of Chimney Cap Materials

You can avoid having to deal with rust stains in the future by purchasing a chimney cap made of stainless-steel or copper. Both materials are exceptionally durable and will never rust. Galvanized steel and aluminum chimney caps may be far less expensive, but they typically only last a few years before they begin rusting.

Contact the Area’s Certified Chimney Sweeps

Northeastern Chimney is located in West Hartford, Connecticut, and serves the entire surrounding area. All of our chimney sweeps are CSIA-certified and proficient at removing chimney rust stains, installing new chimney caps, performing chimney inspections, and more. We’ve provided reliable chimney services since 1984, and Northeastern Chimney offers a 5-star guarantee. Call us today at 860-233-5770 to schedule an appointment.

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

Did we mention we’re certified?

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) is a nonprofit organization governed by a volunteer board of directors dedicated to the education, training, and certification of chimney and industry-related professionals. Since 1983, CSIA has been the industry leader in chimney and venting education.

The nationally recognized Certified Chimney Sweep credential earned through the Chimney Safety Institute of America is the measure of a chimney sweep’s knowledge about the evaluation and maintenance of chimney and venting systems.

Southern Chimneys is proud to be certified and part of the more than 1,800 top chimney professionals in the United States and Canada! Certified Chimney Sweeps like Southern Chimneys can be found via the “find a CSIA Certified Professional” search tool on the CSIA’s website.

Everyone knows being certified assures potential clients of one’s knowledge, experience and continuance to develop new skills and techniques. It is a declaration of professional competence and ability. Southern Chimneys several employees who earn their CSIA credential did it for three reasons:

1. It gives us an edge in advertising our services, as certification promotes trust in the minds of clients and consumers.
2. It is a way to justify the price of services offered by Atlanta’s best chimney sweeps.
3. The work required to earn the certification signals to the world that you truly care about your craft.

Come see what Southern Chimneys is all about and you’ll be impressed by our certified, professional chimney inspection and cleanings.

The post What does being certified by the CSIA mean? first appeared on Southern Chimneys.

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

Since our last article, “Top 3 Reasons to Sweep Your Chimney & Fireplace in July”, we’ve had several questions regarding chimney liners. What are chimney liners? What is the function of a chimney liner? How to identify if the chimney liner needs replacing?

If you have a gas fireplace or a wood burning fireplace, our answers will apply to both situations.

What are chimney liners?

A chimney liner is a piece of metal that sits inside the chimney flue located right above the firebox. A chimney liner is a single, continuous piece of metal, typically made of aluminum or stainless steel. Superior Chimney installs a stainless steel chimney liner as it provides the best fire protection, it is highly durable and corrosion resistant. It also comes with a lifetime warranty.

What is the function of a chimney liner?

Chimney liners serve 5 main purposes for protecting you and your home.

1. Chimney liners direct smoke from the fireplace to the outside.
2. If the smoke doesn’t go outside, it increases the risk of a chimney fire.
3. Chimney liners reduce the amount of creosote that can form on the chimney walls.
4. Chimney liners also direct carbon monoxide, released by the fire in your fireplace, to go directly outside as well.
5. Chimney liners protect the chimney bricks and mortar from deterioration and damage.

How to identify if the chimney liner needs replacing?

This is a bit tricky. There are no obvious signs that the liner needs replacing. However, if you notice pieces of brick or mortar or a build up of condensation in the chimney, there’s a problem with the chimney liner that needs to be addressed. 

You’ll need a certified technician to help you get this answer: Do you have a chimney liner? If you do, is it sized properly for your chimney? If the chimney liner is too small for the space, condensation can build up along with poor release of smoke from your home. Too large and creosote can build up quickly.

Information is Key

The best way to know more information about your chimney and chimney liner is to have a certified chimney technician from Superior Chimney inspect and clean the chimney and fireplace.

If it’s been a while since your chimney was inspected…even with little to no use, get the inspection and cleaning done today. This can help reduce repair costs like a chimney rebuild or tuckpointing.

Now that you’re armed with great information, contact Superior Chimney today at 877-244-6349 to set up an appointment and get the answers you need about the health of your chimney.

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

A well-built chimney in good condition works right without you having to give it a second thought. A chimney that’s showing signs of damage many not keep working right for long. When it comes to cracking in the chimney’s masonry, a lot of homeowners aren’t sure if they should be concerned. Here are some guidelines.

Chimney cracks let in water

As long as the cracks in your chimney are small and not zigzagging throughout the structure, there’s little danger of your chimney collapsing. There is, however, a danger of water infiltration that could lead to enough damage to cause serious problems. When water gets into chimney cracks, it begins a cycle of deterioration. When the air temperature freezes, the water freezes and expands, pushing against the bricks and mortar.

If the resulting damage eventually allows water to access the inside of the chimney, a lot of damage can happen without you even knowing it. For this reason, even minor chimney cracks should be repaired.

The causes of cracks in a chimney

Many things can cause cracks in chimney masonry. Here’s a partial list.

• Earthquakes
• Lightning strikes
• Settling of the house
• Violent hail storms/high winds
• Faulty chimney footing
• Low-quality masonry materials
• Intense hot and cold weather
• Old age

Nothing can be done to prevent the above events and circumstances. But plenty can be done to repair any cracking or other problems they cause.

Spotting & diagnosing chimney crack issues

If you notice signs of cracking in your chimney – or signs of a chimney leak – your first step should be to bring out a certified chimney inspector to look over the structure to gauge the level of damage and determine what caused it.

Signs to look for on your own include:

• Obvious cracks
• Loose bricks
• Patches of crumbled mortar on the roof
• Water in the firebox
• Damp sections on the interior ceiling and walls
• Strong, musty odors coming from the fireplace
• White stains on the exterior of the chimney

Chimney repair strategies

Minor cracks often can be sealed with a waterproof coating to keep water from getting into the spaces.

Larger cracking that may be causing loose bricks (spalling) and crumbled mortar often requires a process called tuckpointing, which replaces areas of missing mortar. Some amount of brick replacement may also be recommended.

If significant damage is noted during a chimney inspection, you may be advised to have sections of your chimney rebuilt in order to keep it safe and working efficiently.

In cases where chimney cracks have been ignored for years and allowed to progress on their own, you may be looking at a chimney that leans dangerously to one side or, in the worst-case scenario, collapses entirely. A complete chimney rebuild may be necessary.

Important note: Only a professional chimney inspector and a qualified chimney repair technician should be allowed to assess damage to your chimney and initiate repair work.

It’s impossible to use a chimney year after year without it suffering some type of damage. The trick is to get on top of that damage fast and see to the necessary repairs. By doing this, you’ll save big money on extensive and expensive chimney repair projects down the line.

If your chimney is showing signs of cracking, it’s time to call the chimney experts at Northeastern Chimney of West Hartford, CT. We know how to address all chimney crack issues and all other repairs your chimney needs. Schedule an appointment or get your questions answered by calling (860) 233-5770.

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

If your chimney is starting to appear dull and old, there are some cosmetic solutions that will give it the perfect summer facelift and have it looking good when winter rolls around. Not all unsightly chimneys, however, can be fixed with cosmetics alone. Let’s take a look at a few common chimney conditions and what you can do about them.

Remove chimney stains

If the exterior of your chimney is showing stains, here’s what you need to know.

White: This is caused by salt leaching out of water on or in the bricks. A spray sealant may prevent this problem. TSP is a good cleaner to remove white water stains. An inspection should be performed to determine if there is a leak issue.

 

 

Black: These stains usually are from soot exiting the chimney, building up at the top and then washing down the sides in the rain. Add a chimney cap if you don’t have one to reduce this problem. Keep your flue clean with annual chimney sweep services to drastically reduce the soot and creosote buildup. Once the problem is solved, clean the bricks with a good scrub brush and detergent.

Dark green: Algae growth on bricks will present a dark-green stain. Algae may need to be washed off periodically to keep the chimney looking clean and new.

Speak with a certified chimney professional to further address these and other types of chimney stains.

Paint your chimney

If the natural look of your bricks no longer excites you, consider painting them. A coat of quality latex primer followed by one or two coats of the latex paint color of your choice should do a good job. It’s important that you fix any issues with your chimney’s masonry before painting so you don’t have to redo parts of it if repairs are necessary.

Have a lovely chimney cap installed

A custom full-width chimney cap will do wonders for your chimney’s appearance. Available in various styles and colors, these components look like a little roof on top of your chimney – plus they provide solid protection against outside debris getting into the flue and water damage to the chimney crown that surrounds the flue pipe(s).

Add an encasement

As long as your chimney is in good shape and no repairs are needed, you can surround it with your choice of materials such as wood, stone or stucco to give it an entirely new look. If you’re handy, you can do the work yourself; if not, hire a carpenter or contractor. This isn’t a complicated job, and it will make a noticeable difference to the appearance of your chimney and your home.

Dealing with brick damage

If your chimney looks bad due to damaged bricks, the only facelift you might need is some brick repair. But beyond aesthetics, damaged bricks mean other problems may have started or will soon.

Loose or spalling bricks allow water into the openings, where it will freeze and expand and do considerable damage. The same goes for crumbling mortar joints. Your chimney masonry should be air-tight, so if you have brick issues, have them repaired to preserve the life of your chimney and make it safe. Added cosmetic appeal is just a side benefit.

Northeastern Chimney of West Hartford, CT, is ready to help with professional certified chimney sweep services, chimney masonry repair, chimney rebuilding and all levels of chimney inspection. We want your chimney to look good and be safe and efficient. Call us today at (860) 233-5770.

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

This week is going to be hot and dry. Two perfect reasons to not think about your fireplace and chimney. Since there is low humidity, the smells coming from the fireplace will be minimal…of course until later this week when humidity levels rise again. It’s been dry, and again a low chance for rain this week, you won’t find a water leak. It’s a perfect fireplace and chimney week.

This past holiday weekend was fairly similar to past years. I play it more low key, enjoying the night air while sitting outside with a couple friends and neighbors. They were wondering why I was more relaxed than usual. I explained just what I said above. What I wasn’t expecting was their response.

“What do you mean?” said my neighbor from across the street. “That’s exactly why I should get my fireplace and chimney swept now.” I didn’t really think of that.

Getting the Fireplace Swept & Checked Now, Means Beating the Fall Rush

Every year in September, we get a cool day, enough to create a little chill. That chill prompts fireplace users, both gas and woodburning, to get their fireplace swept. However, that same chill reminds everyone else to get their fireplace sweep done too. By getting a jump on it now, you’ll be ready to use it way ahead of everyone else.

Work from Home – You’ll Use It More Use

If you’ve been told that you’ll be working from home through the end of the year, (or?) there’s a good chance you’ll be starting up the fireplace more often, and maybe even sooner than what you would normally do. If you work near the fireplace and everyone else will be gone to school or possibly work, then there’s no reason to heat up the entire house. Just heating up the room you’re in will be cozy and affordable. Another great reason to get the fireplace swept and checked…now.

Rid of Any Smells or Smells that have been Building

Fireplaces are a source of ‘interesting’ smells. By the end of the week when humidity strikes, you may smell rotting eggs, musty smell or like something died. That’s from your fireplace. By sweeping it now, this may minimize the smells or help rid the home of foul smells entering the home.

So now’s your chance to get a jump on Fall with sweeping your fireplace and chimney. Contact us at 877-244-6349

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

Greetings,

We hope you had a great holiday weekend! As there is not much use for a fireplace in the summer, we are sure you were not thinking about your fireplace or chimney. There are, however, some important steps that we recommend ensuring that you are ready when cold weather returns. Since we know that about 40% of all home heating fires come from fireplaces and chimneys, now is a great time to get this done. As always, feel free to click here or call us at (781) 893-6611 to contact us about your chimney needs.

Here are six summer chimney maintenance tips that are the most important to consider:

1 – Schedule a Chimney Inspection

A professional chimney sweep is qualified to check your fireplace and chimney, looking for signs of wear and tear, damage, moisture leaks, inefficiencies, blockages, cracks, and more. It can be challenging to discover the damage in the chimney flue without the help of a professional. Failing to detect even the smallest crack in the chimney lining can mean a possible house fire caused by intense heat from the fireplace reaching combustible parts of your home.

2 – Schedule a Chimney Sweeping

A chimney sweeping is not always necessary as they are usually needed with moderate use of a fireplace that burns wood; however, because creosote is deposited in the flue every time, it is essential to have it inspected and swept, if needed annually. Sooty, tar-like creosote is highly flammable; it can catch fire and cause a dangerous chimney fire if not addressed. Additionally, extreme buildup of creosote can cause an obstruction that hinders the draft. Rather than going up and out of the chimney, toxic fumes can enter the home due the obstruction.

3 – Close the Damper

If you have a wood-burning fireplace, be sure the damper is closed when the fireplace is not in use, this is especially important in the summertime. One purpose of the damper is to hinder the flow of air between the chimney and the home. When a damper does not close properly, the effect is similar to having a window open in the house at all times. Energy costs are significantly higher when summer air conditioning and winter heat escape through the chimney. The damper can also help to prevent critters from entering your home through the chimney. The exception would be if you have a gas fireplace – experts recommend that you keep the damper open at all times to prevent gas from building up in your home in the event of a gas leak.

4 – Install a Chimney Cap

A chimney cap is a device that should top every chimney. This affordable essential topper, when complete with mesh, keeps moisture out, animals and birds out, prevents debris from entering the chimney, and serves as a spark guard, so that hot embers won’t catch the roof and other combustible materials on fire.  Although the function remains the same, chimney caps can come in a variety of colors and metals and can add curb-appeal to your home. Learn more about why chimney caps are essential.

5 – Clean out the Ashes

If you leave ash and soot in the fireplace during the off season, you may be lowering your air quality and exposing your home to foul odors. This is especially important if you or a family member has breathing issues like asthma or bronchitis.  Also, your fireplace will simply look much better with the ashes cleaned out.

 

6 – Upgrade your Aesthetic Appeal

Without having to make a major investment, there are ways to aesthetically upgrade your fireplace during the off season.  A new mantel or fresh coat of paint are just two of numerous ways to make your fireplace more attractive and the focal point of any room.

Follow our summer chimney maintenance tips by proactively taking action while in the off-season. Contact our office at 1-781-893-6611 or click here to choose a fireplace or wood stove, schedule a chimney inspection or sweeping, or for whatever you may need, related to solid-fuel appliances.

The post Off-Season Fireplace and Chimney Maintenance and Use: Six Important Steps appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

If you’re currently finding yourself with a LOT more time on your hands, cleaning your house and taking stock of what needs repairs, be sure to remember there’s a giant, important part of your home that you probably haven’t even thought to clean. 

It’s your chimney!

Oh yeah…your chimney. Boost your chimney and fireplace performance by getting yours inspected now!

Four reasons now’s the time!

1. Keep your home smelling fresh.
   Ever heard of creosote? It’s the buildup that comes from wood fires and turns into dark, cruddy deposits in your chimney. Creosote sitting there in your chimney and it’s going to create a terrible odor that will spread all throughout your house. 
2. Make sure your home’s safe…
   …from critters. Chimneys are also common entry points for a variety of unwanted pests, ranging from squirrels to birds. A properly installed and inspected chimney cap, pan, or shroud will prevent these pesky critters from entering your property and causing problems.
3. Don’t let the water in.
   All of that rainy weather can cause water damage from the buildup of moisture in your chimney. In fact, water might already be puddling up in there. Your chimney can collect debris and water just like your gutters do. Make sure they’re as clean as can be before things get even worse.
4. Get ahead of things.
   Be prepared for upcoming service needs and long-term maintenance. If you get your chimney inspected now and find that there’s damage that needs repairing by fall/winter, you now have a little more time to act. Prevent chronic issues and costly repairs by spotting and fixing problems early.

Feel as fresh, clean, and smart as possible. Give Southern Chimneys a call today. Our technicians will complete an inside and out 18-point inspection and complete a consultation to address and discuss any issues or concerns. 

 

The post 4 Reasons July is Your Month for a Chimney Inspection first appeared on Southern Chimneys.

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