Month: August 2020

When buying a home, many buyers will get a home inspection before they seal the deal. It’s a smart move. Buyers want to know if the house has any defects or needs repairs that may affect its purchase price. However, many homebuyers don’t realize they need a qualified chimney inspector before they close on a home with a chimney and fireplace for the same reason.

Home Inspector Vs. Chimney Inspector

Typically, a general home inspection is not sufficient when you have a fireplace or heating stove. While a home inspector is familiar with the home’s major systems, they often lack the specialized training, knowledge, and certification necessary to fully understand the design and function of the chimney system and attached heating appliances. For instance, a home inspector will look at the fireplace and climb on the roof to see if they spot any visible damage. However, they usually don’t do a deep dive into the chimney to examine the flue liner’s condition and other internal components of the chimney. A damaged flue liner, excessive creosote, rusting damper, and other hidden defects can result in unexpected chimney repairs if not discovered before closing. It can also increase the risk of fire and exposure to harmful contaminants.

Real Estate Chimney Inspection

Before closing on a new home, it is vital to have a qualified chimney inspector conduct a real estate chimney inspection. A real estate chimney inspection is considered a level II inspection and is performed by qualified chimney professionals under the industry guidelines of the National Fireplace Protection Association (NFPA). It is a comprehensive visual examination of the entire chimney system and any attached heating appliances. The inspector will also use video equipment to scan the flue liner, looking for any cracks or flaws that require repair or replacement. Homebuyers are encouraged to be present for the chimney inspection to gain a better understanding of its condition.

Chimney Damage

Here is where the expertise of a chimney inspector is invaluable before closing on the property. Excessive creosote in the chimney is the primary cause of residential fires. Many homeowners are unaware they had a chimney fire until they have a chimney inspection. During the review, the inspector will determine if the fireplace and chimney have been cleaned regularly and if there are indications of a previous fire, flue obstructions, and any moisture or structural damage that needs repair.

Chimney Inspection Report

The chimney inspector will provide the buyer with a detailed inspection report. The report will list the inspection results, including any areas or components that need attention like cleaning, repair, or replacement. If chimney repairs are necessary, buyers can use the inspection report as a negotiating tool to ask the seller to make the recommended repairs or provide a credit at closing.

Protect Your Investment

Homes with a wood-burning or gas fireplace is one of the most sought-after features among buyers. Ordering a level II Real Estate Chimney Inspection before you close the deal will give you peace of mind knowing whether the chimney, fireplace, or heating stove is safe for use or needs expensive repairs.

The post Why Should You Get A Chimney Inspection Before You Close On A New Home appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

Have you ever wondered when to sweep your chimney? At Boston’s Best Chimney, we recommend getting your chimney inspected and  swept annually. Although you can get your chimney swept during any season, the summer is an especially good time to do so. Here are 5 reasons why:

1. Chimney companies have more availability during the warm weather months than in the fall and winter Most people begin thinking about cleaning their chimney in the early to mid fall, as the weather begins to cool. This makes it difficult to find a highly rated chimney company with availability in the fall and winter. Instead of waiting weeks to schedule an appointment in the fall, begin thinking about getting your chimney cleaned during the warm weather months, when chimney companies have more availability. This will ensure that you can choose a company with great reviews and schedule an appointment at a time that is convenient for you. At Boston’s Best Chimney, we are proud to be a one stop chimney company specializing in every aspect of chimney maintenance and repair. We encourage people to check out our customer testimonials to hear what our past customers have to say about us.

2. Odor issue arise during the summer If your chimney has been leaking because of heavy rain, then the mixture of water and creosote inside of your chimney will begin to smell when the heat hits. Getting your chimney swept each summer will help you reduce any odor issues in your chimney.

3. You can get rid of birds nests in your chimney and other summer pests During the warm weather seasons, it’s more likely that birds and bees will build nests in your chimney. Though having a chimney cap installed will help keep animals out of your chimney, having your chimney swept during the summer will detect any creatures in your chimney and allow them to be quickly removed from your chimney.

4. A professional will identify other chimney problems early on During chimney sweeps, professionals often identify issues that chimney owners were previously unaware of. One common problem that professionals find is debris that is stuck in a chimney and causing blockage, which can ultimately lead to carbon monoxide leaks in the home . Getting your chimney swept early on will give you time to get other potential issues addressed before the winter season begins.

5. Beat the Holiday rush Nowadays, the holiday season begins in mid-fall. October through December is not only the busiest time of the year, but it is also the most expensive time of the year. Avoid worrying about extra costs and to-dos as you prepare for the holidays by having your chimney cleaned while the weather is still warm. 

At Boston’s Best Chimney, we are available to sweep your chimney. Click here or call us at (781) 893-661 to set up a free estimate today. 

The post When to Sweep Your Chimney appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

It’s the middle of the New England summer, and you probably have not thought much about your chimney. That is until you went to sit near your fireplace and noticed a musty, smoky odor.

Offensive odors permeating from the chimney can linger through the whole house. It is one of the biggest complaints that we hear from customers during the summer months. Installing air fresheners only masks the problem. And when it gets hot outside, closing the windows and turning on the air conditioning will intensify the smell. To eliminate the problem, it must be done from the source and usually includes a thorough chimney cleaning.

All chimneys produce a small odor. It’s not always noticeable due to a natural updraft which allows air to be pushed out through the chimney. This typically eliminates a foul aroma by moving the air outside. As energy efficient updates happen throughout the home,  draft issues can become a problem.  This will result in trapped or stagnant air within the chimney or even a draw back into the living space.   As heat and humidity rise, smells will intensify, making your living situation quite unbearable.  Here are some simple solutions to eliminate foul odors.

What to Do if your Fireplace Smells in the Summer

The easiest step is to hire a professional chimney technician to perform an annual chimney sweeping and safety inspection. During the sweeping process, creosote and debris will be removed, giving your chimney more draft space to allow the odor to escape. A chimney sweeping, however, is not always 100% effective.

If the foul odor remains, it could be that your home has negative air pressure. Try closing the damper when the fireplace is not in use. Another solution is installing glass fireplace doors that will help control air pressure. Glass fireproof doors will reduce the smell from permeating throughout the house.

Clean the fireplace itself. You don’t have to remove ashes after every fire but do shovel them out at the end of the season and place in a non-flammable container. Wear a disposable breathing mask to avoid inhaling particles.

Deodorize. Vinegar is excellent for removing a smoky smell, whether from cigarettes or fireplace residue. Spray the inside of the fireplace with a 1:1 blend of vinegar and water. For extra protection, set a few open bowls of vinegar around the room to freshen the atmosphere. Alternatively, place a bucket of charcoal or kitty litter in the fireplace to absorb the odor. Commercial fireplace deodorizers are also available.

Close the flue (the damper). This should be done whenever you are not actively using the fireplace to reduce odors and to keep cooled – or heated in winter – air inside your home. Ensure that damper has a tight seal and is top-mounted, with a chain to control its opening and closing.

Put a cap on the chimney to keep out precipitation. A benefit of this move is that it will stop birds and other creatures from turning your chimney into their nesting spot.

Summer is the best time to schedule your annual chimney cleaning and safety inspection. Chimney companies’ busiest seasons are during the fall and spring months, making appointments difficult to schedule on your time. During the off-season, schedules become more flexible with better appointment times that fit your calendar.

Contact Boston Best Chimney today to schedule your annual chimney cleaning and safety inspection!

The post Does Your Fireplace Smell in the Summer? Here is What to Do About It. appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

What’s the NCSG?

The National Chimney Sweep Guild’s mission is to inspire innovation, professionalism, and community among chimney and venting professionals through advocacy, industry-leading conferences and journalism for the success of our members and the growth of the chimney sweep industry.

We are the experts in the chimney industry and your best advocate.  The NCSG knows what it takes to build a successful chimney business, and they help and inspire us every step of the way.

“The National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) is a 501 (c) (6) non-profit trade association existing to promote the success of its members by providing progressive services, encouraging professionalism and ethical accountability, and advancing the chimney and venting industry through public awareness of the trade.

Members in each of NCSG’s six regions elect board members to represent their geographical region. In addition to regional directors, the membership elects two At-Large Directors from among its voting members and one Supplier Representative from among its Supplier members. Additionally, two At-Large Directors are nominated by the Governance Committee and confirmed by the board.

NCSG participates in the Great American Woodstove Changeout and is a member of the European Federation of Chimney Sweeps (ESCHFOE), the Chimney Sweeps Association of Ireland (CSAI) and the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association (HPBA). NCSG also actively participates in NFPA 211, NFPA 54, NFPA 31, and ICC committees.”

—NCSG website, 2020

The post Southern Chimneys is a proud member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild.  first appeared on Southern Chimneys.

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