If you have a flower or vegetable garden, you’ve been spending extra time watering the plants. I’ve had to water twice per day as the heat created extra stress on my growing meals. While outside, it became increasingly annoying with the wasps. I’m sure there has to be a wasp nest nearby as I keep getting pelted in the head, arms and legs.

I’m amazed how much damage these one-inch creatures can do. I decided to look further into their nesting situation. I found one at a back door by the hose. They somehow chewed their way into an entry point, which I thought was just at the door. It wasn’t. It was inside of the brick. I used caulk to close up the hole. Being absolutely resourceful, the wasps made a new exit under the concrete stair.

As I made my way to the vegetables, which I leave in pots due to wild critters harvesting the vegetables before I do, I started to get bombarded again with wasps. I followed the wasps. This time, they chewed through the caulk on the window sill and began to nest. Not just one window, three.

I decided the entire house needed inspection. I looked high and low and so far, so good. However, I didn’t look high enough. I noticed the wasps were flying higher than I was looking. Here we go again. This time a wasp nest in the chimney. As I climbed to get a closer look, the vision become clear…there was a good size nest in my chimney.

Wasps do die off at the end of summer, with the exception of the queen, but they do leave the house behind. The wasp nest is made from chewed wood that is paper thin. Wasp nests are also flammable. When it’s time to turn on your fireplace, a fire can start. If you’ve seen plenty of wasps hanging around your home, it’s best to have a chimney inspection to clear it of any obstructions.      

Wasps that are nesting in a fireplace vent, a popular location, most likely will find their way down the flue and into the fireplace. If your fireplace doors are closed, maybe they’ll stay out, but expect them to find a tiny hole to squeeze through.

It is not recommended to try to burn the wasp nest yourself. Even though they may have ‘moved out’, the wasp nest is lightly attached to the wall of the chimney. By opening a flame or heat to a flammable paper product (the nest), there’s a chance that you or your property can get burned. On the chance that a few have remained behind in the nest, they can often turn violent and come right after you.

Let’s keep your house and family wasp free by getting a chimney inspection now. Then when you want to turn on or fire up the fireplace, you’re good to go. Contact us for an inspection at 877.244.6349.

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

Chimney Inspecting and Chimney Cleaning in Atlanta 

You might be wondering how exactly your chimney is important this September. While you might be in shorts and flip-flops, your chimney is still working…always ready to keep your home comfortable and protected. It might not currently be blowing smoke, but it’s definitely storing some residue and it may even be housing some neighborhood birds. 

Getting your chimney inspected while it’s still summer will have you ready for winter before anyone else. Chimney companies like Southern Chimneys start getting really busy around September. 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 before Fall begins:

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. 

The post 6 Reasons to get your chimney inspected BEFORE fall begins! first appeared on Southern Chimneys.

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

The soot and creosote inside a chimney flue have the potential to make a big mess during chimney cleaning. To avoid any kind of worst-case scenario, hire a professional chimney sweep company with a record of positive customer reviews. CSIA-certified chimney sweeps have the training, experience, and equipment to perform chimney cleaning in a way that protects your home interior and leaves it as clean and neat as when they arrived.

How to Prepare for Chimney Sweeping Services

The entire chimney sweeping process can take between 20 minutes to about an hour. Homeowners are asked to prepare the area before chimney professionals arrive. When prep has been done, chimney sweeping services go more quickly. 

The following are some of the ways to ensure that your fireplace is easily accessible and none of your belongings are accidentally damaged as the work is being performed:

• Move décor from the fireplace area
• Remove breakable items from the fireplace mantel and hearth area, as a precaution
• Pull furniture away from the vicinity around the fireplace
• Cover the furniture, just in case
• Provide clear access from the entryway to the fireplace and chimney

How Does a Chimney Sweep Control the Mess?

Chimney professionals use plastic, a drop cloth, and an industrial-strength vacuum designed for chimney sweeping to help prevent the messy work to be performed from affecting your home interior. Between the soot, ashes, burned logs, and creosote being removed from the flue, it is a dirty job.

Chimney Sweeping is a Vital Service

Chimney cleaning helps to keep your home and family safe, especially when you have a wood-burning fireplace or stove. Creosote is a tar-like, highly flammable combustion by-product that sticks to the chimney flue every time you light a fire. Chances of a chimney fire igniting increases as creosote in your chimney builds up, layer after layer. 

 

 

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends that homeowners schedule chimney sweeping services when at least 1/8” of creosote is in the flue. With nearly that amount of creosote at the beginning of winter, however, waiting for chimney cleaning could mean wintertime chimney sweeping is needed. This is fine, though it may require a brief interruption in the use of your heating appliance when you need it most. Because chimney professionals are often more in demand in wintertime, chimney sweeping services can be difficult to schedule at a time most convenient for the customer.

The fire safety experts at the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommend that homeowners schedule annual chimney sweeping—regardless of the amount or complete lack of creosote buildup. It makes good sense to schedule both chimney cleaning and the recommended annual chimney inspection in spring or summer. Chimney professionals have less hectic schedules in warmer months and if chimney repairs are needed, there is time to complete them before cold weather returns.

If you live in Connecticut, Northeastern Chimney LLC is the place to call for reliable chimney sweep services and has been since 1984. Our CSIA-certified chimney sweeps at Northeastern Chimney provide quality chimney cleaning, chimney inspections, chimney repairs, masonry rebuilds, and all of the chimney services you might need—all with a 5-star guarantee. Schedule an appointment with us today by calling 860-233-5770.

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

This is a very valid question, one that a lot of homeowners are wondering about. You don’t have to be a chimney professional to know that all the dust, ash, soot and other remnants inside a fireplace and chimney could wreak havoc on your carpeting and furniture. Fortunately, certified chimney sweeps know this, too, and they know how to keep it from happening.

Chimney cleaning 101

In brief, chimney sweeps are the technicians who perform chimney cleaning. The best among them hold certifications through the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and have undergone extensive training.

The reason chimney flues need cleaning on an annual basis is two-fold:

1. Remove flammable creosote: This substance is added to the flue every time a wood fire burns. Creosote is responsible for most chimney fires in the U.S. each year.
2. Remove drafting obstructions: Debris such as leaves, twigs and the nests of small animals will narrow the flue and prevent smoke and carbon monoxide from drafting properly.

To thoroughly clean the inside of a chimney, the professional chimney sweep uses specialized tools such as electric rods and scrapers, hand-held brushes and scrubbers, cleaning solvents and heavy-duty commercial vacuums. All these tools and the sweep’s experience ensure that the job will be done correctly and cleanly.

Preventing a mess during chimney sweeping

While this work can be pretty messy, chimney technicians have a system to protect areas of your home adjacent to the work area. Coverings are laid down on the carpet area outside the chimney. Furnishings are covered as are any other items near the fireplace while work is in progress.

The spread of dust and ash is greatly minimized by the use of the chimney sweep’s vacuum, which is powerful enough to pull in the majority particles that could become airborne and mar carpets, rugs, draperies, furniture and other items.

A good chimney cleaning technician is very aware of the importance of protecting the work environment. He or she is committed to performing an outstanding job in every way from the moment the equipment is brought into the house until the sweep leaves for the next job.

How you can help the chimney cleaning process

Your chimney sweep will take every precaution to keep your home mess-free while cleaning your chimney. You can help the process by making sure the area around the fireplace is free of furniture and other obstacles, giving the sweep plenty of room to work.

If you have friendly (or non-friendly!) dogs, put them in the yard or in a secure room until your technician is finished. Finally, keep an eye on your children and let them know to not bother the chimney sweep or play with any of the “curious” tools laid out around the fireplace.

As with all chimney services including chimney inspection and chimney repair work, chimney sweeping should be a painless process that leaves no sign behind that anybody was even there.

Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace of Kansas City, KS, is committed to providing outstanding results and solutions for your chimney and fireplace, and this includes keeping your home clean and safe during a chimney sweep. Get to know more about our complete list of chimney and fireplace services by calling (913) 236-7141.

The post Will a Chimney Sweep Make a Mess when Cleaning My Chimney? appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

When the cool days of fall roll around, you want to be able to crank up your fireplace with peace of mind. This will happen if you know your fireplace and chimney are clean and in great shape. The best way to enjoy this peace of mind is to schedule an annual chimney cleaning and inspection during the warm months before professional hearth service companies get extremely busy.

There are reasons why you should get necessary chimney work done before temperatures start dropping:

Chimney sweeps often have more scheduling flexibility during spring, summer, and early fall. When the cold weather hits, it seems like everybody jumps on the bandwagon at once to schedule cleanings and inspections. It’s a lot easier and safer for chimney technicians to perform outside repair work during nice weather. Chimney repairs that involve mortar compounds (tuckpointing, smoke chamber parging, crown rebuilding, etc.) can be done better and faster before the cold of winter sets in.

For jobs such as chimney sweeping, firebox repair, damper replacement, and fireplace insert installation, crews will need to access the interior of your home. It’s easier for you to have people moving in and out of your house when the weather is nice as opposed to during a snow storm.

Key chimney maintenance tasks

Annual chimney maintenance centers around three primary objectives.

Remove flammable creosote and drafting obstructions from the flue

Creosote builds up in your flue every time you burn a fire. It can be sticky, flakey, or solid, but it is highly flammable in all forms. Annual chimney sweep service safely removes creosote with the aid of a variety of specialized brushes, scrubbers, solvents, and vacuums.

Chimney sweeping also removes drafting obstructions such as the nests of small animals and tree debris that may have entered your flue. The smoke that drafts inefficiently can back up into your home and carry with it deadly carbon monoxide. (If your flue contains obstructions from the world outside, a quality chimney cap will prevent future problems.)

Perform a basic chimney safety inspection

Certified chimney technicians perform all CSIA-recognized levels of chimney inspections. The basic inspection you should schedule once a year includes an examination of all visible areas of the chimney/fireplace system including the structural masonry, chimney cap/chase cover, chimney crown, roof flashing, firebox and more. Annual chimney inspections let you get on top of early signs of damage or malfunction and have them fixed before extensive – and expensive – repair work is needed.

Repair damage or address issues uncovered during the inspection

Your chimney inspector will alert you to any issues found during the inspection. Whether these problems are simple or complex, it’s important that they are addressed right away in order to keep your chimney running safely and smoothly.

All this work is best done during the warmer months so there will be plenty of time to engage in repairs and adjustments before firing up your fireplace for another season.

Northeastern Chimney of West Hartford, CT, provides CSIA-certified chimney cleaning, chimney inspections, and chimney repair services. Count on our expert team to help you ensure the safety and efficiency of your chimney every year. Reach us to schedule an appointment or get your questions answered at (860) 233-5770.

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

Getting your fireplace and chimney ready for another winter season involves making sure it’s clean and that the structure and components are all in good shape. For chimneys connected to wood-burning fireplaces and inserts, chimney sweeping is a necessary maintenance task that’s just as important as seeing to any minor repairs that might be needed.

Here are four reasons to schedule chimney cleaning and maintenance before the fall rush

Things are slower in the spring and summer

Chimney sweeps tend to get busy once the cold weather hits. For some reason, that’s the time most people start thinking about what they need to do to get their chimney ready for winter. By scheduling your annual chimney cleaning visit before the weather turns, you have a much better chance of getting your technician to your home at a time that’s convenient for you.

Milder weather is better for certain chimney repairs

Chimney repair work that involves a mortar mixture will be more effective before outside temperatures get seriously cold. This work includes tuckpointing, chimney crown rebuilding, smoke chamber parging, and other select tasks.

Traffic inside your house

Chimney cleaning, damper replacement, fireplace insert installations, firebox repair, and certain other jobs require the technician to access the interior of your home. This foot traffic is less problematic during mild weather than during sloppy, snowy weather.

Safer for the technician

Finally, nice weather makes the outside jobs of repair, component installation, and inspection simpler and safer for your chimney technician.

Why your chimney should be swept once a year

No matter when you’re able to arrange for service, your chimney flue should be professionally cleaned once a year to prevent chimney fires and drafting problems.

CSIA-certified chimney sweeps perform two primary jobs:

Creosote removal: Excess creosote is a chimney fire waiting to happen. Creosote is highly flammable and increases in amount every time you burn wood in your fireplace.

Most fire-safety agencies and chimney-safety organizations in the United States recommend annual chimney sweeping for chimneys that vent wood-burning appliances. The majority of chimney fires are started by creosote, so a yearly visit from a trained chimney sweep is the best way to prevent one of these destructive events.

Obstruction removal: Debris such as falling leaves and twigs as well as the nests of small animals like squirrels and birds can cause drafting obstructions in chimneys. When airflow is restricted, smoke can back up into your home.

Worse than smoke, however, is the carbon monoxide it contains. This gas is invisible and odorless, but it has been shown to be poisonous and potentially fatal to humans and animals. (Note that if your chimney has no chimney cap or flue cover, installing one of these devices will keep debris out of your chimney.)

The best recipe for a safe and reliable chimney

Keeping your chimney running safely and optimally isn’t hard when you remember to schedule your chimney sweep visits, inspections, and repair work early before winter really digs in. By hiring a company that holds certifications through the Chimney Safety Institute of America, you know the work will be done by highly trained and experienced technicians who care about you and your home.

Is it time to get your chimney cleaned and inspected? High’s Chimney Service of Gaithersburg, MD, provides certified chimney sweep, chimney inspection, and chimney repair services that you can count on. Reach us at (301) 519-3500 with questions or to schedule an appointment.

 

The post Schedule A Chimney Sweep Before The Fall Rush appeared first on Highs Chimney.

Fireplace backdrafting is often a problem on all levels of new homes, especially basement fireplaces. The common issue with newer construction is that homes are far more airtight than they were in former times. Our homes, in effect, breathe, as though living things, and fresh air is exchanged for stagnant, stale air. Negative pressure often results from appliances that push air from the home, as well, including stove exhausts, clothes dryers, and bathroom fans. In the meantime, fireplaces need a supply of air to function properly, and basement fireplaces need air most desperately because of something called the “stack effect.”

What is the Stack Effect?

The stack effect is created in homes due to differences in air pressure, and it has to do with the way air moves into and out of homes. Warm air moves upward, reducing the air pressure in airtight building envelopes unless there is some type of ventilation. The stack effect is more pronounced in summer and winter when indoor-outdoor temperature differences are greatest. Shorter homes have less of a stack effect than taller homes. 

 

Being located at the lowest point, basements are most vulnerable to problems caused by the stack effect. Chimney drafts tend to be weak, which means maintaining an efficient basement fire can be challenging. Instead of air naturally traveling up the chimney, as it is supposed to, basement chimneys often act as the outdoor air supply for the home. Reversing the airflow to enjoy fires from a basement fireplace can be a battle. Fortunately, chimney professionals can help homeowners find solutions to get hearth appliances operating efficiently.

Two Fireplaces, One Chimney Chase

When a basement fireplace shares a chimney chase or exterior chimney with a fireplace on another floor, issues tend to arise. When the upper-level wood-burning fireplace is burned, the smoke will usually exit through the chimney and then get pulled back into the home through the basement fireplace flue.

If smoke is crossing from one flue into the other without having to first go outside, it means there is flue damage and the toxic fumes are escaping into places where they don’t belong. A chimney professional should be called without delay in this case because toxic gases could leak into living areas of the home. Occupants can be exposed to deadly carbon monoxide. 

Stinky Basement Fireplaces

When the basement fireplace becomes the air supply for the home, it means that the unpleasant odors in the flue can create strong basement odors and perhaps spread to other parts of the home, too. The smell can worsen in the following conditions:

• Toxic, highly flammable creosote is a material that gets deposited inside flue linings with every wood fire. The more of the smelly creosote there is in your chimney, the stronger the stinky odor you may smell from your basement fireplace.
• Humid, damp air makes bad smells even worse.

Contact Northeastern Chimney Today

For CSIA-certified chimney sweeps in West Harford, CT, and the surrounding area, contact Northeastern Chimney. We can help by solving drafting problems as well as providing all of the reliable chimney services you may need. Our professional technicians perform chimney inspections, chimney sweeping, masonry repair, chimney cap installation, and much more. Schedule an appointment by calling  860-233-5770 today.

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

The wind and rain storm was a short burst, but it left quite a mess in its path. At first glance, tree branches were everywhere. The entire front and back yards, including the sidewalk and driveway were littered with tree branches and leaves of all sizes.

The next day, I decided to go for a walk around the neighborhood. Partly for exercise, but I was mostly curious as to the extent of the damage caused by the high winds. Here’s a few of the houses with chimney damage on my route:

• Chimney Caps: With 70+ mph winds, chimney caps ended up in the neighbor’s yard…3 houses down. A few homeowners were reluctant to install a new chimney cap. It is definitely worth the time and effort. Here’s why:
  • The chimney cap will keep the critters out – Raccoons, squirrels, birds, bats, etc.  Cool weather is just around the corner and they will be looking for a cozy place to sleep. Your house seems nice with no cap!
  • Debris from trees, dust, or whatever the wind can swirl up will come down and find that perfect spot to land…right in your chimney.
  • Chimney caps keep moisture out. A chimney cap can act like a tent or an umbrella keeping rain, snow and hail from entering your home. If moisture gets in, it can corrode the chimney liner, and create mold and mildew. All those smells. Yum?
  • Wind…and we have some…can create a downdraft. If a strong wind blows into your chimney you can have a smoke-filled room. The chimney cap can present wind from blowing into your home.
• Chimney Fell Over: It’s amazing what a little wind can do. A pile of bricks or stone lay on the rooftop and on the ground. The homeowners didn’t realize the chimney mortar had deteriorated allowing the wind to finish the job. When a chimney falls over, this may lead to a total chimney rebuild. A chimney rebuild is when the outer layer of brick needs to be replaced including the chimney crown. Most times, the firebox, smoke chamber and hearth remain intact.
• Water Leak(s): Water leaks happen when you don’t have a chimney cap or when the mortar has deteriorated.  

There are other factors as well such as flashing. Flashing is the protectant between the chimney and roofing system. Flashing keeps the water from entering any weak points where the chimney and roof meet.

Another factor is the chimney crown. If the concrete chimney crown is cracked, water will find its way in. A crack becomes larger over time when we change seasons…hot to cold, freeze thaw cycles. This is when the concrete expands and contracts the most.

When my walk around the neighborhood was over, it was clear that the storm created a huge mess. We’ve already heard from many of you, but not all. Give us a call and let’s get your chimney back into great condition. While we’re at your home, let us complete an inspection on your fireplace too. This way, you’ll be good to go for the next year. Call us at 877-244-6349.

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

Many people have questions on chimney caps. You may be wondering “Do I need a chimney cap?” or “How tall should a chimney cap be?” We will walk you through the most important facts you should know about chimney caps by answering commonly asked chimney cap questions.

At Boston’s Best Chimney, we are a full service chimney company specializing in every aspect of chimney maintenance and repair. If you would like a chimney cap installed or repaired, click here or call (781) 893-6611 to schedule a free estimate.

Here are our answers to some popular chimney cap inquiries: 

What is a Chimney Cap?

A chimney cap sits on top of the chimney and protects your flues from debris, rain, and snow. It covers the chimney like a hat and usually has mesh around it to keep animals out of your chimney.
Chimney caps sit on the uppermost part of the chimney, the crown, and is the first line of defense against the elements. The chimney crown also works to keep water out of the chimney, but the cap has the mesh sides to allow for venting

Do I Need a Chimney Cap?

We highly recommend having a chimney cap installed. Not only does it significantly reduce the amount of water that enters your home, but it also works as a spark arrestor, preventing sparks from existing the chimney onto your roof or nearby trees. Having a chimney cap can also prevent animals from entering and potentially dying inside of your chimney, which can cause health issues. Read more about why we think chimney caps are essential. 

How Tall Should A Chimney Cap Be?

Your chimney cap should be at least eight inches above the top of the flue tiles that it’s covering, though it is ideal for it to be more than eight inches above. This will ensure that the chimney cap doesn’t interfere with your chimney’s draft, which controls how well smoke is pulled up and out of your chimney. 

What is a Chimney Cap Made Of?

Chimney caps are most often made of stainless steel or copper and come with a lifetime warranties against defects and corrosion. Caps made or lesser quality steel often rust and can stain the chimney and surrounding roof.  

Can I Install My Chimney Cap Myself?

We recommend hiring a professional to install your chimney cap. Installation of a chimney cap will require you to climb onto your roof, which is a job best left to professionals. Also, installing a chimney cap can be complicated, especially if your chimney is old. Experienced professionals will know the size and type of chimney cap that is right for you. 

A well-made and properly fitting chimney cap will make your chimney look finished and beautify your home. If you have a chimney without a chimney cap, or if your chimney cap is old or damaged, we are here to assist you. Click here or call (781) 893-6611 to schedule an estimate. 

The post The Ultimate Chimney Cap Guide appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

A safe chimney means a safe home. When issues arise with your chimney, it’s best to have them addressed and fixed right away, rather than waiting. Here are three chimney problems that should never be ignored.

Leaky chimney

A chimney system that’s in perfect shape will not leak. If yours is leaking, it means there’s a compromise somewhere.

It’s not always easy to know exactly what’s causing a leaky chimney. Brick damage is a common reason for water getting into the chimney; another reason is damage to components such as the

Chimney leaks don’t resolve themselves. They keep getting worse until more and more of the structure is damaged and at risk of collapsing.

Signs of a chimney leak and problems that could lead to one include:

Crumbling mortar/loose or cracked bricks

Water in the firebox

Efflorescence (white staining) on the exterior chimney masonry

Dislodged flashing that seals the gap between the roof and the chimney

Damp patches on interior walls or ceiling near the fireplace/chimney

Strong odors coming from the fireplace

Masonry damage

Damage to a chimney’s masonry can lead to a chimney leak, and it also can lead to serious structural issues and a chimney fire.

Only a professional inspection by a CSIA-certified technician can tell you exactly why your chimney is damaged and the extent of the problem. If internal bricks and mortar are compromised, vulnerable areas of the home can be at risk of fire. Cracks and decomposition throughout the structure can lead to a leaning chimney or a total collapse.

Aside from infiltrating water, chimney masonry can be damaged by:

Lightning strikes

Earthquakes

Gale-force winds

Powerful hail storms

Intense heat and cold year after year

Shifting of the home or the chimney footing

These and other causes, if poor-quality materials were used to build the chimney

Flue obstructions and creosote

When operated without a chimney cap or with a cap that is damaged, various debris can get into the flue and cause a drafting obstruction.

The nests of small animals and the animals themselves who have died inside the flue along with tree debris such as leaves, twigs, and fruit all can block the smoke passage and send deadly carbon

Creosote, created through smoke licensed chimney sweep with certification through the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA).

The value of annual chimney inspections

The best way to keep your chimney safe and avoid problems is to schedule annual professional chimney inspections. By doing so, you’ll keep abreast of the condition of your chimney and its components and be able to get issues fixed before they turn into serious and expensive chimney repair projects.

Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace of Kansas City, KS, is on call year-round to help with all your chimney needs. We provide certified chimney sweep services, chimney repairs, and rebuilding and complete chimney inspections. Keep your chimney in great condition by calling the experts at (913) 236-7141.

The post 3 Common Chimney Problems You Don’t Want to Ignore appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.