Month: December 2020

Chimney re-pointing is the process of removing old mortar and applying a new ones. The process is necessary when your mortar joints crumble, crack or fail. The major factors that bring about the cracks are aging and exposure of the chimney to freeze-thaw weather patterns.

How to re-point the chimney

You should start by determining the type of mortar that you need for your work. There are two main types of mortar that you can go with: lime-based and Portland. If you aren’t sure of the right one to go for, you should send a small portion of the mortar to a reputable chimney contractor who will tell you the exact mix that you need. He/she will also recommend for you the right sand that you should go for.

You should remove the old mortar using a hand-held power masonry grinder. For ideal results you should set the blade to a depth of ¾ inch. You should move it along the mortar joints and begin on the damaged or loose joints.

You should remove the debris using a stiff-bristled brush and use a garden hose to wet the area that you will be working on. For the mortar to cure at the right speed you should allow the water to soak into the bricks overnight.

The following morning you should mix the mortar according to the given instructions. You should ensure that you achieve a consistency of peanut butter and should cling to the trowel. Once you achieve the consistency that you want you should let the mortar set for about 15 minutes or until it gets skin on it. You should stir it one more time and it will be ready for use.

When ready you should put the mortar on a tuck point trowel and insert it into the horizontal joints that you are repairing. You should keep adding mortar until all the joints are full. To have ideal results you should scrape the excess mortar off the brick.

For the mortar to stick you should mist the wall daily for three days. To prevent the mortar from drying too quickly you should cover it with a tarp.

Conclusion

These are tips on how to re-point the chimney. If you have chimney masonry skills you can go ahead and re-point your chimney; however, if you don’t have the skills you should hire the services of a chimney masonry expert to do the work for you.

The post Blog first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

Is My Chimney Cap Still There and Why Do I Need It?

Our New England weather and Nor’easters seem to be bringing high winds lately, so much so, that we have been receiving many calls about blown off chimney caps!  The chimney cap’s job is to keep moisture, debris, and animals from entering the flue. Chimney caps also provide spark prevention that helps to contain burning particles or embers, which could otherwise land on your roof and cause a fire. A properly fitted chimney cap will slow down the wear and tear on your chimney and lining, potentially saving you from large repair costs later.  It is important to check that your chimney cap is secured properly and that it is still there! It is also important to understand the need for chimney caps.

Chimney Caps Keep Out Water & Moisture

Moisture is the number one enemy of a healthy fireplace and chimney flue. Metal fireboxes, liners, and dampers can all suffer from rust and deterioration due to this commonly overlooked chimney problem. Chimney liners, flue tiles and mortar can crumble & crack, leading to serious structural damage to the chimney. A chimney cap deflects most rain and helps keep moisture out of your chimney system. Water will wear down mortar; soak into the porous bricks, causing the masonry surface to break off (known as spalling); causes deterioration of the chimney liner, chimney damper, and metal fireboxes; and more.

Chimney Caps Keep Out Animals & Debris

Blockages can cause fire hazards and smoke back, drafting into the home. Even just falling leaves can build up without a proper chimney cap in place. Chimney caps with a wire mesh surround can prevent animals’ from getting into your chimney. Raccoons, squirrels, bats, and birds are common animals that regularly attempt to make their way into chimneys that do not have a chimney cap. The problems associated with animals & debris in your chimney are not only frustrating, but they are dangerous, too. Chimney Caps also prevent bird & wildlife nesting that carries airborne fungal diseases and can cause a blockage, quickly turning into smelly hazard.  Blockages can also send smoke and toxic fumes, i.e., Carbon Monoxide drafting back into your living space instead of exiting out the top of your chimney.

Chimney Caps Offer Other Benefits

Spark guards prevent hot, burning particles from escaping out of your chimney and possibly landing on your roof or nearby flammable objects. When it’s especially windy outside, chimney caps will also prevent downdrafts by blocking the crosswinds from entering your chimney.  Some chimney tops even facilitate an improved updraft function of your chimney, keeping smoke and soot out of your living space.

Contact us today at 1-781-893-6611 if you would like to schedule a cleaning or inspection to help determine the condition of your chimney cap or if you need one!

The post Season’s Greetings appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Does your chimney smell bad? During the winter, we all want our fireplaces to be warm and cozy gathering places. The last thing that anyone wants is to smell a bad odor when gathering around their fireplace. Today, we’ll explore reasons that chimneys begin to smell during the winter and solutions.

Boston’s Best Chimney is a full-service chimney company serving the Greater Boston area. If you need your chimney inspected, cleaned, or serviced, click here or call (781) 893-6611 to get in touch with us.

Causes of Chimney Smells During the Winter

Though many chimney smell issues arise during the summer, there are some issues that are as common or even more common in the winter.

During the winter, there is an abundance of precipitation due to snow and rain. Often, snow will mix with the creosote that is in your chimney, which will create an odor. Creosote consists mostly of tar and is a byproduct of wood combustion. We recommend having your chimney cleaned at least once a year to remove creosote, which can also cause safety issues. Getting your chimney cleaned annually will help prevent odors during the winter.

Another common cause of chimney odors during the winter is negative air pressure.  Negative pressure is such a common problem and is becoming more difficult to solve as our homes become more energy efficient.  Negative pressure in a fireplace occurs when the home doesn’t have sufficient air within the space and therefore draws it down the fireplace flue.  Unless your chimney has never been used, it will also pull down odor from the residue inside.  We now also have other mechanical influences to contend with.  A big fancy kitchen range hood sounds like a great idea, but you might be in for a smokey surprise if you run it when you’re having a fire.  This also happens to fireplaces that may never have had an issue with draft before.  It’s usually a combination of upgrades throughout the home that can contribute to a reverse draft. Luckily, there are solutions available for those who experience this pesky problem.

Finally, if your chimney is smelling during the winter, it may be due to critters being inside of your chimney. As animals search for places to hibernate during the winter, many will find shelter in open chimneys. You may also be smelling dead animals that entered your chimney during the fall or summer. Chimney caps are also helpful in preventing animals from entering your chimney. If you suspect that there are already animals in your chimney, contact Boston’s Best Chimney. We will be happy to address this issue for you.

This winter we will all be spending more time at home than ever. Our goal is for you to be able to enjoy using your fireplace. If your fireplace smells, or if you have any other chimney concerns, do not hesitate to contact us. With over thirty years of experience, we are committed to excellence and personalized service. Click here or call (781) 893-6611 to contact us about your chimney needs.

The post Does Your Chimney Smell? Winter Chimney Odor Issues. appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Harsh New England winters are known to take a toll on chimneys. As you gear up for the rain, snow, and below freezing temperatures that the winter months will bring, take some time to learn about common winter chimney problems. From cold air coming in through your fireplace to animal intruders, there are a host of issues that you should be prepared for, should they occur.

Boston’s Best Chimney is a full service chimney company serving Boston and the Greater Boston area. With over thirty years of experience, our team of knowledgeable service technicians are committed to keeping your chimney safe and properly functioning. If you are looking to have your chimney inspected or serviced, click here or call (781) 893-6611 to get in touch with us.

We will now explain some common winter chimney problems to help you to recognize if your chimney has these issues now or in the future.

Cold Air Coming Through a Fireplace

This is a common complaint that we hear during the winter. Cold air entering a fireplace can drive up your energy bills and make your home drafty. Moreover, cold air entering your home through the fireplace defeats the purpose of having a fireplace. This issue is often related to the chimney’s damper not working properly. The damper is designed to close tightly and prevent air from entering from above. If a chimney has not been recently cleaned, creosote build up can keep it from closing all of the way. Dampers can also be prevented from closing if they have become warped or rusty over time. Check out our blog post on causes of losing heat from your fireplace to learn more about this issue.

Smoke Transfer

Do you see or smell smoke in other parts of your home when you’re having a fire? This might be caused by openings or gaps within the flue.  Gaps in or in between the tiles allow smoke to seep out of the flue instead of up and out into the atmosphere.  Not only is this a nuisance, but it is also dangerous because sparks can also transfer and ignite nearby combustibles.  An often overlooked indicator of gaps present is poor draft. It is difficult to establish an updraft when there is outside air entering the flue.  Think of it like a straw with a hole in it – it’s tough!

Water Damage and Leaks

The freeze-thaw cycle can cause problems for your chimney system. Your chimney’s bricks and mortar have pores that absorb precipitation throughout the year. This can become an issue in the winter, when snow and rain are absorbed by the pores and then cause the pores to expand within the bricks and mortar when the temperature is cold enough for the water to freeze. The continual expansion of these pores over time can cause structural damage to your chimney.  Luckily, chimney leaks often don’t occur during the winter months but usually pick right back up again when the weather warms.  If you suspect that your chimney has structural damage or if you have noticed leaks inside of your home near your fireplace, click here or call (781) 893-6611 to get in touch with us. Calling now can get you in queue with an early Spring repair as soon as the weather allows.

Animal Intruders

Though animals can enter your home at any point throughout the year, many animals seek warmth and a place to sleep during the long winter months. At Boston’s Best Chimney, we recommend installing a chimney cap on your chimney to help keep critters out. If you see signs of nesting in your chimney from your home’s exterior or if you hear noises and/or scratching from inside of your home, contact us and we can come to assess the situation.

Get Prepared for this Winter

At Boston’s Best Chimney, we are here to serve our customers in the Boston and Greater Boston area by taking care of all of your chimney needs. If you suspect that your chimney has an issue this winter, click here or call (781) 893-6611 to contact us. It is important to address chimney problems as soon as they are detected, so do not hesitate to get in touch. We wish you a safe and cozy winter!

The post Common Winter Chimney Problems appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Chimneys are known to last for long periods of time. When they develop problems, they pose great health risk to the people living in the house. To avert any danger you should undertake chimney repair as soon as possible. There are two main chimney repair options that you can go with:

Rebuilding

Rebuilding depends on the extent of the damage. If the outer brick facade is faulty you should remove the bricks and replace them while leaving the chimney liner in place. In some cases you may need to tuck the outer bricks and repair the crumbling mortar.

When doing the rebuilding work you should ensure that you follow the local building codes. You should also ensure that the work is done by a qualified chimney repair professional.

To be sure that you are doing the right thing, you should ensure that chimney inspection is done on every step. For example, you should ensure that the inspection is done when you demolish the old chimney, when the chimney is ready for framing and bracing, and when the entire project is complete. As rule of thumb you should ensure that the inspection is done by a certified chimney inspector.

Relining

Liners prevent gases from leaking from the chimney into the living space. Although, liners are durable, they are susceptible to leaking and dangerous cracking. One of the ways of relining the chimney is replacing the tiles and resealing them.

Another way is relining the chimney with heatproof concrete. Here you should ensure that the original tiles remain in place. You should apply a layer of concrete on them in order to seal them. You should note that relining with concrete requires special handling; therefore, you should ensure that the chimney contractor you hire is experienced enough.

Stainless steel chimney liner is one of the most popular liners used in relining a faulty chimney. You should note that the steel liner isn’t designed to reinforce a broken chimney as the metal is too thin. You should only use stainless steel liners when your structure is in good shape. If the flue has any jogs, you should install flexible liners.

After installing the steel liners you should rebuild the chimney with stucco or brick finish. To add extra warmth, you should pour heatproof concrete between the stainless steel liner and the outer brick facade.

Conclusion

These are the chimney repair options that you should go with. As mentioned above, you should ensure that the chimney repair work is handled by an experienced chimney repair professional.

The post Blog first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

It’s always best to avoid making chimney repairs in winter, and that’s not just because it means your fireplace won’t be usable for part of the wintry season. The nature of masonry materials is the primary reason winter chimney repairs are not recommended. Actually, in the past, masonry repairs were only doable with temperatures above 40ºF. Although there are now ways to get around this limitation, chimney repairs in winter are still far from ideal.

How are Wintertime Masonry Repairs Possible?

Cold, wet weather is the worst environment for making chimney masonry repairs. The repairs can still be done, however, because new masonry materials are now available that can be used in frigid temperatures. Also, experienced chimney sweeps have the supplies and know-how to use tarps effectively and keep the masonry materials warmer as well as drier. Heaters are used to provide necessary warmth for curing of the masonry materials. The results are not as long-lasting as performing chimney repairs in summer, but winter repairs on a chimney can work in a pinch.

When Masonry Repairs Should Not be Delayed

If you have large cracks in your chimney or it is leaning, putting off repairs is worse than making winter repairs. Whenever possible, it is always important to prevent moisture from getting into the chimney system. If water gets into the masonry, a destructive process begins. During each freeze-and-thaw cycle of winter, the water inside the masonry expands and contracts. This movement also creates shifting of the masonry, causing irreversible deterioration over time.

Another reason to avoid allowing rain, sleet, and snow to pour directly into your home through a damaged chimney system is because your home interior can also suffer damage. Also, of course, until this type of damage is repaired, the fireplace should not be used. This may mean that you spend a winter without your favorite part–warm, glowing fires on icy winter days. If you have a modern, efficient fireplace, putting the fireplace out of commission also means higher winter utility bills.

How to Avoid Chimney Repairs in Winter

If you have chimney inspections in spring or early summer, you’re able to schedule needed repairs at the best possible time of year. This will give you the pleasure of being prepared with your favorite heating appliance before winter arrives.

Scheduling your chimney inspections and repairs in warm months also allows you to beat the rush. Year after year, qualified chimney sweeps stay quite busy from fall through the end of winter. Emergency repairs are difficult to squeeze into already busy work schedules. However, just as qualified chimney sweeps can make winter masonry repairs work when necessary, they can also find ways to meet their customers’ needs in busy times.

Call Northeastern Chimney LLC

Our chimney sweeps at Northeastern Chimney LLC are all CSIA-certified, which means they have the training, knowledge, and experience to provide top-notch chimney services as well as peace of mind. Whether you need chimney repairs in winter, chimney cleaning, installation of a new fireplace or stove, or any other chimney services, give us a call! We’re here for you year-round, and we’ve served the central Connecticut area since 1987. Call Northeastern Chimney LLC today at 860-233-5770.

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

Installing a new factory-built fireplace to bring better heating to your home than a current open masonry fireplace is a smart move. But like with all fire-based appliances, there are some potential dangers you should be aware of beforehand.

Today’s pre-made fireplaces are built much safer than those in past decades. As to efficiency, the EPA makes sure they adhere to the highest standards. What follows are some of the ways that factory-built fireplaces still may present a danger in your home.

Faulty installation

Fireplace safety can be compromised when the unit is improperly installed. This usually happens when the work is done by someone who lacks the necessary knowledge and tools.

Both gas and wood fireplaces have various components that must be checked during installation to ensure they’re working properly. This is especially true where venting systems are concerned. A typical “handyman” or someone even less experienced may not know how to perform necessary safety checks.

Installed too close to combustible materials

Beyond making sure every part of the new factory-built fireplace is in good working order, the location of the installation must be chosen wisely. Modern fireplaces made by top manufacturers are built to be safe in “close proximity” to sheetrock, beams, insulation and other materials of the home – but “close proximity” can mean different things.

Fireplace manufacturers specify how close to combustible materials their units can safely be installed. It’s the responsibility of the installation technician to know these specs and place the appliance accordingly. Ignoring this step can result in damage to the home and possibly a devastating house fire.

Not cleaned and inspected regularly

Any fireplace can become a danger to a home and the people living in it when it isn’t inspected, cleaned and maintained on a regular basis. For a gas pre-built fireplace, you should schedule an annual safety inspection by a certified professional and have any needed repairs taken care of promptly. Gas fireplace maintenance includes basic cleaning according to
the manufacturer’s instructions.

For wood fireplaces, flammable creosote needs to be removed from the venting system at least once a year. Only a CSIA-certified chimney technician should do this job. Wood pre-built fireplaces also require annual inspections to check for signs of malfunction and component damage so repairs can be made.

A neglected fireplace can quickly become a dangerous fireplace, because many of the issues that may arise are ones the homeowner normally won’t be aware of until a serious problem exists. This is why regular inspections are so important.

Real estate fireplace inspections

Finally, if you’re moving into a new home that has an existing factory-built fireplace, you’ll want to make sure it has had a Level 2 inspection. This inspection is standard when a home is being sold and is often referred to as a real estate inspection or video chimney inspection. A Level 2 chimney inspection should always be performed by a certified fireplace technician, not a general home inspector.

By being aware of the guidelines above, you’ll be taking all the right steps to get the most enjoyment and longest life out of your gas or wood factory-built fireplace.

Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace of Kansas City, KS, is available year-round to help with all your fireplace and vent system needs. We provide CSIA-certified chimney and vent cleaning, fireplace and chimney repairs and complete inspections for all types of factory-built and other heating appliances. Speak with an expert today at (913) 236-7141.

The post Factory-Built Fireplace Dangers You Should Be Aware Of appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

What is Chimney Repointing?

When a chimney is beginning to deteriorate but the bricks are still in good condition, chimney repointing may be the best solution. Chimney repointing is when we partially grind out the mortar joints between the bricks of a chimney and fill them in again with new mortar. Since the brick is still in great shape, replacing the mortar can give a chimney new life. Some people confuse chimney repointing with chimney rebuilding. Read our blog on chimney rebuilding versus repointing to understand the difference between these two services!

Benefits of Chimney Repointing

Chimney repointing can prevent water leaks and save you the thousands that it would cost to rebuild your chimney! It will make your chimney look fresh and new while also making it stronger, safer, and more structurally stable. If repointing is a possibility for your chimney, it is certainly a beneficial route to consider.

Chimney Repointing Services in Boston, MA

Are you interested in having your chimney repointed? Boston’s Best Chimney is a full service chimney company that serves the Boston and Greater Boston area. We have over thirty years of experience in chimney repointing and more. To learn more about having your chimney repointed, click here or call (781) 893-6611.

Now, we’ll discuss some signs that your chimney may need to be repointed.

Signs That Your Chimney Needs to be Repointed

Cracks

Whether large or small, a crack can allow water to enter your chimney, which will cause damage. Cracks can also threaten the structure of your chimney, no matter how small they may be. Chimney cracks may mean that your chimney needs to be repointed. We recommend scheduling an inspection if you see cracks in your chimney. This will allow our team of professionals to assess the state of your chimney and recommend the next best steps to take.

Discolored Mortar

When mortar is deteriorating or has become weathered, it may change color. If you notice that some or all of your chimney’s mortar is a different color than it used to be, this is cause for concern. A chimney inspector will evaluate the chimney’s bricks and mortar to determine whether or not repointing is the best response.

Flaking Mortar

Flaking occurs when pieces of mortar begin to fall off as a result of being weak and old. This means that the mortar can’t stay together anymore and that it should no longer be trusted to hold the pieces of your chimney together.

Rusty Firebox or Damper

Fireboxes and dampers often rust because of an excess in moisture. Often in these situations, water is being let into a chimney because of cracks in the mortar. If you notice rust on your firebox or damper, schedule a chimney inspection so that a professional can look further into this issue.

Damaged Wallpaper

Excess moisture in your chimney can also cause the surrounding wallpaper to be yellowed or damaged. Moisture in this type of situation may be caused by cracks in your chimney’s mortar and call for your chimney to be repointed. A chimney professional can help you to determine the direct cause of any moisture near your chimney.

At Boston’s Best Chimney, we recommend that homeowners have their chimney inspected annually, or if they suspect any issues. If you have seen any of the warning signs above in your chimney or if you think that your chimney might have other problems, click here or call (781) 893-6611 to schedule a chimney inspection.

The post When Do I Need Chimney Repointing Services? appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

It’s always interesting to learn what’s been on everyone’s priority list. Interesting to find out that projects around the house has been the #1 task. I guess if we’re stuck inside, best to make our time useful. The #1 task for this past week? Outdoor holiday lights.

Saturday’s are the day to make the round of Zoom calls. The Pandemic has given me reason to connect with family and friends that live far away and out of State. I’ve enjoyed it, I must admit, keeping in touch more than just the annual holiday card.

Of course, there was a chimney or a fireplace story amongst the callers. A friend, located in the Chicagoland area, spent time Saturday decorating the tree with the kids. They made it special by listening to Christmas music and attempting to sing along to the words. As the rain came down, and the music played, he realized there was another rhythm playing in the background. A steady rhythm too. Because it was a consistent beat, he didn’t think anything of it…until they were done decorating and turned off the music.

As he usually does on a Saturday night, he went to the fireplace to start a cozy warm fire. Eh…maybe not today. He found his fireplace with a puddle of water.

Ah. The extra rhythm.

So how did it get into his fireplace? Water is a very intelligent form of nature. It finds the smallest of places, sneaks inside, and decides which path on the indoor maze it should take. Let’s take the obvious.

Chimney Flashing

There is a purpose for chimney flashing. It keeps water from entering where the chimney meets the roof. Because it isn’t seamless from the chimney to the roof, the flashing needs to act as that sealant. However, flashing adheres to the brick with caulk. As we know with our kitchen and bath, caulk doesn’t last forever. That’s one of the reasons to have your chimney checked each year.

Chimney Crown

The chimney crown is a cement slab on top of the chimney. This helps keep rain and snow from entering your home. Just like a sidewalk or driveway, cement cracks. When it does, water knows how to take advantage and find its way in.

Chimney Cap

It’s the most obvious, especially if you’ve read a few of our articles. A chimney cap not only keeps rain and snow, but critters, leaves and debris.

Mortar Cracked or Missing

This is one that is not so obvious looking from the ground up… Mortar, or the filling in between bricks, can crack and pieces of the mortar can fall out. When this happens, water will find its way in.

Save the Chimney with Chimney Saver

One way to help preserve the chimney and slow down the deterioration of the brick and mortar is with Superior Chimney’s Chimney Saver. It seals or waterproofs the chimney, repelling water and snow.

Schedule an appointment for a chimney inspection and sweep so you’re ready when the big snow comes…or even more rain. Call today at 877-244-6349.

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

Rental property landlords need to regularly maintain and update their properties to remain competitive and maximize rental income. Like wood flooring and stainless-steel appliances, fireplaces are also a very desirable and sought-after home feature that can increase property value. A 2017 survey by Angie’s List found that a fireplace adds about $5,000 to the property value. In addition to an increase in property value, properties with a fireplace rent at a premium, thus increasing rental income as well. However, there are some liability and safety issues to consider before investing in a fireplace for your rental property.

Consider Installing a Fireplace Insert

Fireplace inserts are self-contained heating appliances that offer a traditional fireplace ambiance at a fraction of the cost, making them an excellent choice for rental properties.  Fireplace inserts are available in several different fuel types, including wood, pellets, gas, and electric. Zero clearance fireplaces are an excellent fit for homes, condos, and townhomes that don’t have space for a traditional fireplace. Fireplace inserts are also cleaner, safer, and easier for tenants to operate and maintain.

HOA Regulations

Condominium and Homeowner’s Associations may have rules and regulations that limit or restrict the size and types of fireplaces and other heating appliances that could be installed in your rental property. For instance, they may prohibit installing a chimney but may allow landlords to install a vented or ventless fireplace insert. Landlords also need to check if COA/HOA approval is required before installing a heating appliance.

Liability Insurance

Landlords should also consult with their insurance carrier before installing a fireplace or heating appliance in a rental property. An insurance rider may be necessary to protect the landlord from liability in the event of accidental injury or property damage while using the appliance. Otherwise, the landlord may be held personally liable for property damage or injuries caused by the tenant. Also, it’s a good idea to require tenants to obtain a Renter’s Insurance policy to cover their possessions in the event of a fire.

Rental Agreement

Accidental injury and property damage can occur when a tenant doesn’t know how to use or maintain an appliance properly. Landlords should consider updating the Rental Agreement to include safety precautions and instructions on using the fireplace. Make sure the tenant understands their responsibilities for safely operating, maintaining, and caring for the appliance.  Tenants also need to know who to call if there is a problem with the fireplace.

Annual Maintenance and Inspection

Whether you’re installing a wood or gas masonry or prefab fireplace or an electric fireplace insert, landlords should have a certified fireplace technician inspect and clean the fireplace at least once per year. The fireplace should also be inspected before a new tenant moves into the property. Annual maintenance and inspections are essential to ensuring the appliance is safe to operate. It will also enable the landlord to uncover damage that may have been caused to the unit due to tenant misuse or neglect before any deposits are refunded.

The post Fireplace Considerations for Landlords, Property Managers & HOA’s appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.