The manufacturer that made your gas fireplace likely provided some kind of owner’s manual or operator’s guide, either on paper or online. That manual will tell you what you need to know about the safe operation of the unit. Here are some key principles you should keep in mind.

Gas fireplaces should burn gas, nothing else

Just because there’s a flame in the firebox doesn’t mean you can throw all kinds of stuff in there to build a fire. Only gas should burn in a gas fireplace. That means no wood, furniture, magazines, newspapers, plastics, metals or anything else. These other materials could release dangerous toxic gases and cause major problems for your fireplace/venting system.

Have a working carbon monoxide monitor in place

Carbon monoxide monitors are designed to alert you to the presence of this deadly gas in your air. It’s widely understood that carbon monoxide is potentially fatal to humans and animals when inhaled. You need a monitor, because you can’t smell or see carbon monoxide. Follow the directions in installing and maintaining the monitor.

Teach children about fireplace safety

If you have children, they need to understand that the fireplace is not a play area. For older kids, you can set a five-foot radius around the appliance that’s off limits. Younger children and pets need to be watched. Never leave young children alone in the room when a fire is burning.

Schedule annual gas fireplace inspections

While gas fireplaces require minimal maintenance, they do require a yearly safety inspection by a licensed, experienced technician. Your inspector will check the gas lines, the burner, the pilot light and other components. If damage or malfunction is spotted, you can get it fixed before it becomes a serious problem.

If you smell gas

Don’t rely only on your carbon monoxide monitor to detect a gas leak. Your nose is also a good monitor. If you smell gas in the vicinity of the fireplace:

• If the fireplace is running, shut if off if safe to do so
• Open several windows
• If shutting off the unit doesn’t stop the gas odor, call 911 and leave the house
• If shutting off does stop it, don’t use the fireplace again until it’s been inspected

Don’t place candles or other flames near the fireplace

Any flame close to your fireplace could cause an explosion should your fireplace begin leaking gas. Find other places for candles, lanterns, kerosene lamps and even incense.

Get to know your owner’s manual

When a chimney professional installs your gas fireplace, they will give you the manufacturer’s fireplace manual. Several common “problems” you may be experiencing can easily be solved by you instead of paying a fireplace technician. (But never hesitate to call a professional if there’s something you can’t fix or prevent.)  If you don’t have an owner’s manual, you probably can find one online. If not, contact the manufacturer to acquire this document.

Keep your gas fireplace safe and working at its best

Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace of Kansas City, KS, is here to help you with all your gas fireplace needs. We provide licensed fireplace inspection, vent system cleaning, fireplace repair, replacement of damaged components and more.

When in doubt, check it out with an expert. Call us today at (913) 236-7141.

The post Tips on the Safe Operation of Your Gas Fireplace appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

If you want to own a chimney relining business, you can do it anytime. There is low competition here compared to other industries and since chimneys must be cleaned once a year, there is a recurring demand from the homeowners. You can combine this with a low startup cost, and the possibility of making healthy profits. In addition, your market is a niche.

However, there are still proper procedures before you can start this kind of business. You must be licensed and your staff should be properly trained before working on a house.

You will have a new career or another way to make a profit from your existing job. When you read this article, you will know how to start a chimney cleaning business the proper way. Read more about it now.

Have a Business Plan

Before you start a new venture, you must write a business plan to show the trajectory of your company. Successful companies thrive since their owners have a vision and are prepared for any industry changes, tax season, and market forces. Most of the time, it is considered the most important part of opening a business. It should have an executive summary that covers the basics of your chimney cleaning business venture. There should be a projection and business strategy section. A business plan that is well-written helps you obtain loans or attract investors to get involved in your business.

Get Certified and Gain Experience

Based on the law, you are not required to be licensed in order to operate chimney sweep business. You can get a general business license.

However, if there are any damages that result from your chimney cleaning service, you are going to be liable for them.

You can prevent this by getting certified, so your knowledge about the job improves. In addition, being certified makes your business more attractive to high-payers.

The certification stamp shows credibility telling homeowners you put safety first and then do an excellent job.

Have Strong Characteristics

All jobs have certain characteristics that help the job to become more natural for any person. If you want to become a chimney cleaner, you need stamina, strength, fine motor skills, ability, and critical thinking skills. If you do not work in construction or even complete a DIY project at home, you are aware that no project goes as planned so you must be adaptable and flexible. You also need strong customer service, so you can effectively communicate with business owners and homeowners. Having strong communication skills also lets you interact well with co-workers and bosses.

Online Exposure

If you want to find a new customer online for your chimney cleaning services, you must consider having a compelling website. You will be able to build one on your own through platforms, or you can pay for a web designer to create something unique from scratch. Features such as online booking is convenient and gives you an advantage over other companies. Do no forget to talk about the services you offer in detail and show your certifications, as well positive reviews to make your customers assured of your skills.

Choose a Great Business Name and Logo

You should give a lot of thought to your business name and choose the ones that is professional and practical. After that, your name will be seen on your invoices and quotes, uniforms, marketing materials. And even your van.

They should both go hand-in-hand and the logo should be easily recognizable.

You can become of the top chimney contractors Columbia MD if you follow the proper ways of opening a business in this industry.

The post Blog first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

“Should I get a chimney inspection?” You may be wondering this as the weather gets cool and the heat is being turned on for the season. Fireplace safety should be at the forefront of any chimney owner’s mind, which includes an annual chimney inspection.

Do you have a home in the Greater Boston, Massachusetts area? Best Chimney Services has been the community’s all-service chimney company since 1989, and we’re ready to serve you with a chimney inspection, chimney sweep, or other chimney service. Click here or call (781) 893-6611 to get in touch.

When To Get a Chimney Inspection

At Best Chimney, we recommend getting an annual chimney inspection. The Chimney Safety Institute of America agrees, and quotes the National Fire Protection Association Standard 211 saying,”Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary.”

Besides an annual inspection, there are several other times to have your chimney inspected. If you are buying a new house, you should have the chimney inspected to protect your investment. In addition, if you’re having any chimney issues, an inspection is a good starting point to diagnose any issues. Also, if a connected device is replaced, it is time for an inspection. This means that upgrading your heating appliance or water heater will require a flue inspection to confirm use.  Finally, even if you do not use your fireplace, you should have the chimney inspected. An inspection will check for venting issues with your heat and hot water ensuring the health and safety of those in your household.

Boston’s Best Chimney Inspections

We offer Level I, Level II, and Level III chimney inspections, and our team will help you determine the appropriate type of inspection for your situation. Each inspection type involves different tasks, but no matter which level of chimney inspection you choose, our team members are certified. This means that you can rely on having a highly trained and ethical chimney technician inspecting your chimney. Click here to learn the details of the different chimney inspections that we offer.

Call Best Chimney Services for Your Chimney Inspection Needs

If your chimney is in need of an inspection, be sure to get in touch with our team to book an appointment. An inspected and swept chimney will help keep your chimney safe and help you to avoid winter chimney problems, when the time comes to use your chimney. Click here or call (781) 893-6611 to contact us with questions.

The post Should I Get a Chimney Inspection? How to Know If Your Chimney Needs to be Inspected appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Hiring a trustworthy chimney company can be difficult. After all, getting your chimney inspected and swept regularly is essential to the safety of your home and family. Therefore, choosing a trustworthy company is important and often challenging to navigate. Besides asking friends and neighbors for recommendations and checking out companies’ reviews online, we recommend checking to see if the company employs CSIA certified chimney sweeps.

Today, we’ll explain what a CSIA certified chimney sweep is and why this certification is a good indicator of a chimney company’s competence and trustworthiness. Are you seeking a chimney company that you can trust in the Boston, MA area? Best Chimney Services is a CSIA certified chimney sweep company and has been serving the community since 1989. Click here or call (781) 893-6611 to book a chimney sweep or to ask your chimney-related questions.

What is a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep

CSIA, or the Chimney Safety Institute of America, makes it “easier for homeowners to find reliable, experienced, highly-trained chimney and venting professionals.” This nonprofit organization has been in business for over thirty years, and has “created a standard of excellence in the industry by providing expert-led education and training to industry professionals.”

More specifically, a CSIA Certified chimney sweep is a credential that chimney professionals earn through this institute. It ensures that a specific chimney technician has a high level of knowledge regarding the “evaluation and maintenance of chimney and venting systems.” Chimney technicians need to prepare for and pass a challenging and detailed exam in order to gain this credential. After companies earn this credential, homeowners can easily find local certified chimney sweeps through CSIA’s certified provider search tool. Click here to learn more about this certification.

Why You Should Hire a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep

Keep Your Home and Family Safe

CSIA certified chimney technicians are not only highly trained and made to pass a difficult exam, but they also sign a code of ethics, stating that they will follow all outlined safety standards. By hiring a chimney sweep to ensure that your chimney is clean and safe, you are placing your trust in someone. There is nobody better than a highly trained, ethical technician.

Avoid Expensive Chimney Issues

Chimney issues can be expensive. By ensuring that your chimney is properly maintained, you can avoid a host of dangerous or expensive issues such as creosote build up, especially glazed creosote, and animals nesting in your chimney.

Peace of Mind

If your chimney is swept by someone who is trustworthy, you can relax and enjoy your fireplace during the cold months without having to worry about the state of your chimney. Get the assurance that you deserve by hiring a CSIA certified chimney sweep.

How CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps Can Keep Your Family Safe

As the CSIA describes in this video, a safe chimney is the last thing that you should be taking the time to worry about. Leave the care of your chimney to a certified professional.

Are You Looking for a Boston, MA Area Chimney Sweep?

If you’re looking for a certified Chimney sweep, look no further than Best Chimney Services. Not only does Best Chimney offer chimney sweeps, but we also offer chimney repairs, masonry work, chimney installations, and commercial chimney work.  Click here or call (781) 893-6611 to get in touch today!

The post Why You Should Hire a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Every homeowner with a chimney should have a chimney cap! Chimney caps come in a variety of styles, colors and materials which can lead to confusion on which type of chimney cap to choose. Today, we’ll share our recommendations on the best materials for chimney caps.

Do you need a chimney cap installed or replaced on your chimney? At Best Chimney Services, we are a full-service chimney company serving the Greater Boston, MA area. Whether you need a chimney cap or another chimney service, we will use our more than thirty years of experience to serve you. Click here or call (781) 893-6611 to contact our team with questions or to schedule a service.

The Best Materials for Chimney Caps

Though there are many options out there, our team typically installs either copper or stainless steel chimney caps. Quality copper or stainless steel chimney caps are ideal for New England chimneys, and they usually come with lifetime warranties.

Copper Chimney Caps

Copper chimney caps are long lasting and durable, especially throughout Massachusetts’ fluctuating seasons. Instead of rusting, copper will oxidize and develop a blue-green layer of patina adding a classic, European look to homes, making them an aesthetically pleasing favorite.

 Stainless Steel Chimney Caps

Stainless steel chimney caps are our most popular.  This material is long lasting, and strong and gives your chimney a polished, shiny look, even after time has passed.  It will not rust, which will prevent the issue of a rusting chimney cap staining your chimney and roof. Also, since stainless steel chimney caps are a popular option, there are many sizes and shapes available. This will make it easier to find the right fit for your chimney.

If you’d like to replace or install a chimney cap, we always recommend calling a professional to help you choose the proper size and to perform the installation. After all, your chimney cap will not be effective if it does not fit properly, or if it is not installed correctly.

 Why You Need a Chimney Cap

There are many benefits to having a chimney cap on your chimney. First, chimney caps drastically reduce the amount of water that enters your home through your chimney. They also keep critters from nesting in your chimney. Since animal nests can cause obstructions in your chimney leading to carbon monoxide leaks, this is no small benefit. In addition, chimney caps can act as spark arrestors on your roof, preventing sparks from leaving your chimney and falling on your roof or nearby trees. If you’re interested in learning more about chimney caps, check out our ultimate chimney cap guide for more information.

Interested in a Chimney Cap? Get in Touch with Boston’s Best Chimney!

Chimney caps will make your chimney safer, and can even add a touch of style. Remember, though we recommend copper or stainless steel chimney caps, it is best to contact a professional to help you choose the best size and shape.

The post What is the Best Material for a Chimney Cap? appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Just as people prepare for winter, fireplaces and chimneys also need some preparation. The difference is, a fireplace can’t prep itself, so it’s up to you. Here’s a simple guide you can follow.

Check the firebox

Before you start using your fireplace regularly, clean the soot and any leftover ashes out of the firebox and take a close look. Does anything look damaged? Are there issues with any of the bricks?

Check the damper

The fireplace damper serves the critical purpose of opening during a fire to provide a thorough draft and closing after a fire to prevent the exchange of air between the home and outside. Does the damper squeak? Is it hard to open and close? It could be rusted or damaged.

Visually inspect your chimney

When you’re looking over your chimney, pay attention to these areas:

Chimney Masonry Condition

Are bricks cracked, is mortar crumbling? Is the chimney tilting or leaning to one side?

Chimney Brick Staining

Do you see white stains on the masonry? Could be the bricks are absorbing a lot of water. What about dark, smoky stains near the top of the stack? This could indicate that chimney fires have happened.

Chimney Cap

Do you have a chimney cap at the top of the chimney? If not, have one installed. If there is a cap, is it damaged, loose, torn or warped?

Chimney Crown

Look at the concrete chimney crown for signs of cracking and deterioration. Crowns (and caps) keep water and snow out of vulnerable areas of the chimney system.

Chimney Flashing

Is the flashing that blocks water from getting into the gap between the chimney and the roof warped or loose? Are sections of it missing?

Have your chimney professionally cleaned

Flammable creosote builds up inside your chimney flue every time you burn a wood fire. Over time, there can be enough creosote accumulation to start a dangerous chimney fire. A professional chimney sweep uses a variety of industry-grade tools to safely remove both creosote and drafting obstructions such as outside debris and small-animal nests.

Watch for signs of a leaky chimney

Chimneys can leak for many reasons and often leave clear signs including:

• Water in the firebox
• Damp sections of walls and the ceiling near the fireplace
• Strong, musty odors coming from the firebox, attic or crawlspaces
• Squeaky fireplace damper (rust)
• White stains on exterior chimney (as noted above)

Schedule a chimney inspection

While you can spot certain problems with your chimney and fireplace, only a licensed inspector can give the system a clean bill of health, which gives you peace of mind. Chimney inspections can cover a full range of structural and functional issues such as:

• Drafting efficiency
• Damage to the firebox and damper
• Cracks in the bricks and mortar of the exterior chimney
• Damage to the chimney liner
• Problems with the chimney cap, crown and flashing
• Chimney leaks
• Damage caused by chimney fires

It’s best to schedule chimney inspections along with chimney cleaning once a year. But in between service, if you spot any of the issues we’ve talked about here or anything else that seems “unusual,” contact your chimney services provider right away.

Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace of Kansas City, KS, is ready to help with all your winter fireplace and chimney preparation. We provide licensed chimney inspections, chimney cleaning, chimney repairs and chimney rebuilding services. Call your local experts today at (913) 236-7141.

The post Is Your Fireplace Ready for Winter? Here’s how to Find Out. appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

It looks like Old Man Winter may be arriving sooner than expected in the Kansas City region. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, it will be a colder winter in the Midwest, and our area could start to see some snow showers around the Thanksgiving holiday. However, with the early arrival of colder weather, now is an excellent time to remind our neighbors of four important reasons to ensure your chimney system has been properly maintained

Fire Prevention

Fire prevention is the most significant reason for maintaining your chimney & fireplace in good working condition. Creosote is a naturally occurring material produced during the wood-burning process. The volatile organic compound (VOC) sticks to the damper, smoke chamber, chimney liner, and other components as smoke and gases vent up the chimney. The longer that creosote lingers in the flue, the more harmful this volatile organic compound becomes. It eventually hardens into a dark, tar-like substance that is extremely difficult to remove and is highly flammable. As a result, chimney creosote build-up is the leading cause of heating-related house fires, which areis entirely preventable with routine chimney maintenance.

Avoid Exposure to Harmful Fumes

Another important reason to not neglect chimney maintenance is to avoid exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) gas and other harmful fumes. Animal nests, creosote build-up, and debris that clog the flue due to a damaged or missing chimney cap can restrict the venting of dangerous fumes. The restricted airflow can ultimately cause the draft to reverse, known as a backdraft, that forces soot, creosote, and smokey debris into your living room. Also, masonry damage like masonry cracks or missing bricks and gaps in the mortar joints can cause carbon monoxide to leak into your home. Carbon monoxide is often referred to as the “silent killer” because the odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas can quickly reduce oxygen levels that can cause sudden headaches, nausea, vomiting, and even death. To avoid exposure to carbon monoxide, be sure to have working CO detectors on every level of your home when using gas or wood-burning heating appliances. Also, be sure to do regular chimney sweeping and timely masonry repairs to keep your chimney and fireplace in safe working order.

Prevent Water Damage

Although a masonry chimney is a tall, heavy, and durable structure, water is its arch enemy. As water invades the masonry, it accelerates its deterioration causing bricks to spall or chip, crack, crumble, with gaps in the mortar joints. If left unresolved, entire bricks can loosen and separate from the chimney leaving large holes in the structure that can ultimately cause a partial or complete chimney collapse. Water can leak through these gaps and cause foul odors, corrosion, and extensive damage to the interior masonry and components. In addition to water damage, there is an increased risk of fire and exposure to carbon monoxide fumes, making it unsafe to operate your fireplace.

Improve Heating Efficiency

Keeping your chimney and fireplace in good working order with regular inspections and cleaning will also increase its heating efficiency, which means you’ll stay warmer with lower fuel costs. That’s because the soot, creosote, dirt, and debris can reduce the chimney draft. A proper draft is essential to optimum heating efficiency; otherwise, it will result in incomplete combustion. Not only does this result in higher fuel costs, but it also produces more smoke and creosote that will require more frequent chimney sweeping.

 

 

Chimney & Fireplace Inspection and Cleaning in Kansas City

Scheduling your annual chimney inspection and cleaning today will ensure your chimney and fireplace are in good working order. It will also help keep your home and family safe while enjoying the warmth of the fireplace. Our certified and licensed professionals serve Lawrence, KS, Blue Springs, MO, and communities throughout the Greater Kansas City area.

The post Keep Your Chimney & Fireplace in Good Working Order appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

As we move into the winter months and the season of thankfulness, we want to express how grateful we are to you, our customers, and colleagues. Our wish is for you to enjoy your time, friends, and family and feel warm and safe in the comfort of your home.

We are also pleased to announce that we have hired Reggie King, former owner of King and Son Masonry. Having Reggie join, our company expands our expertise in the masonry division and our services to you, including basement brick and stone repairs. Our expertise includes chimney maintenance, fireplace restoration, basement repair, and venting.  Check out our full list other residential and commercial chimney and basement services on our website.

We are also very existed to announce that come January, we will begin offering building outdoor fireplaces and firepits! Your outdoor patio can be an extension of gathering space year-round. Give us a call and queue up smores for some winter outdoor fun.

Our intention in these newsletters is to help you remain educated consumers and to understand the latest offerings pertaining to chimneys and basements and our services. An educated consumer is our best customer. Please read this list of terms and updates:

Chimneys are the highest point on our home or business property and are needed to push flue gases and smoke away from the building. However, that also means they are more exposed to the elements and will get hit the hardest by the weather. While they are designed to take a beating from mother nature, they do not last forever. Traditional chimneys are built from mortar, brick, and similar materials that can deteriorate over time. The damage will start at the cap and work its way downwards, so chances are if the upper part of your chimney is worsening, the lower half may be as well.

Repair

Rebuild

When the mortar AND brick have crumbled, a chimney rebuild is needed. Our chimney rebuilds include tearing down the existing structure and debris disposal of the old, decayed brick. The chimney will then be built up using new brick and mortar and finished with crown/wash.  Brick color, mortar color, and decorative corbel style options can all be discussed to give your chimney a fresh new designer look.

Pointing

When a chimney starts to deteriorate, but the bricks still appear to be in good shape, chimney pointing may be your solution. Pointing is when the mortar joints between the bricks are partially ground out and filled back in with new mortar. The mortar in between the bricks can become soft and crumbly even though the bricks are still intact. Removing the old mortar and replacing it can add new life to the chimney, stop water leaks and save thousands in rebuilding costs.  After your chimney has been re-pointed, consider waterproofing to protect your investment.

Skim Coat

Skim coating is a great way to make chimneys and basement walls strong again. Skim coat is a thin layer of polymer-modified Portland based blend also known as fiberglass surface bonding cement. You can do a skim coat to smooth out damaged load and non-load bearing walls, patio walls and retaining walls.

Cement Crown rebuilding (partial or complete teardown and rebuilding)

Cement chimney crowns are built to form a protective layer over the top of the chimney (minus the flue opening) can become cracked and eventually fall apart. Our chimney rebuilding team will reconstruct your deteriorated crown to prevent further system damage and water leaks.

Liners

A chimney liner is, in fact, a lining that goes in the flue of the chimney. The flue is a tunnel or passageway located within the chimney structure.  A flue lining is made of clay, ceramic, or metal conduit. It is intended to contain the burning products and direct them to the outside atmosphere while protecting the chimney walls from heat and corrosion (similar to exhaust for a car).

Caps

A Chimney Cap sits on top of the chimney and has several functions. The first is to keep debris, leaves, branches, and most animals from entering the chimney, potentially causing the flue to become blocked.  A blocked chimney will keep by-products of combustion from properly exiting the flue and, should they enter the home, can be harmful.

Chimney caps can also significantly reduce the amount of rain that enters the chimney through the peak. Therefore, slow down the rate of deterioration compared to a chimney unsheltered to water.

A chimney cap also acts like a spark arrestor helping keep sparks from leaving your chimney and ending up on your roof.

A well-made and properly sized chimney cap gives a great finish to your chimney and adds beauty to your home.

Updates

Gas Inserts and Gas Log Sets

Gas fireplaces are making a major comeback. Let’s consider a fire that needs no tending, requires minimal cleanup, and provides heat for your home. That’s what you get with today’s gas fireplaces. Modern versions are very realistic. They have glowing red embers and tall orange-yellow flames that dance and flicker around ceramic-fiber logs molded from the real thing.

Gas inserts are fuel-efficient

Both gas insert and gas logs burn natural gas or liquid propane depending on the source which is available in your home.  Gas inserts are installed using a sealed system with a glass door on the front of the fireplace, sealing up cold air from drafting into your home and allowing the fireplace to burn more efficiently.  Because of the sealed system, your gas insert will burn at about 70% fuel efficiency – compared to only 10 to 20% of a traditional wood burning fireplace.

Wood Stoves

A wood-burning stove is a heating appliance capable of burning wood fuel and wood-derived biomass fuel, such as sawdust bricks. Generally, the appliance consists of a solid metal closed firebox, often lined by fire brick, and one or more air controls. We can install one almost anywhere.

Stone Veneer

Many people choose stone veneer installation and stone veneer siding for their residential and commercial projects. Stone veneer siding is known to be highly preferred.

Stone veneer is a very easy material to use, and it can cover any other material. Using stone veneer can add a lot of beauty and value to the environment of your property.

Basements

Most people assume that the most important part of their home is the roof. While your roof is very important, it’s not the only one that keeps you safe. The basement is the foundation to any home, and it’s inevitable that this area will decay over time. Most basements house the home utilities; heating and hot water equipment, breaker panel, washer and dryer. These appliances are costly to replace and need to be protected from drafts, rodents and moisture. Stopping leaks and cracks before they become costly structural issues is important to prolonging the life to your foundation.

Pointing of Motar Joints

Mortar joints are the spaces between bricks, concrete blocks, or stone filled with mortar or grout. Mortar joints can be finished in a variety of different techniques, but the most common ones are raked, concave, V, struck, flush, weathered, and beaded.

In order to produce a mortar joint, the mason must use one of several types of jointers (slickers), rakes, or beaders. These tools are run through the grout between the building material before the grout is cured to create the desired outcome.

Stone Foundation Pointing

Pointing of stone foundations is a unique service we now offer, and the type of repair is contingent on many factors. Similar to brick, the mortar in-between the stone is usually the first to decay.  Grinding out and filling back in will re-secure these weak points.

Seal Gaps

When the weather starts getting cold, rodents will seek shelter through gaps and openings in the basement.  In the US alone, it is estimated that rodents cause about 20 billion of damage to homes and business annually.  They will chew on just about anything, wood, paper, cloth, books, electrical, etc. Being proactive is key because you likely won’t know right away that you have rodent occupancy and may not notice until the damage is done.

Now is the time to check the chimney and basement for signs of wear and tear or damage by storms and high winds.

We offer chimney and basement inspections and invite you to schedule here!

Happy Thanksgiving!

The post From Top to Bottom; The Importance of Your Chimney appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Most of the time, a fireplace in your home or business’ centerpiece. However, you want to enjoy it while being safe. You have to make sure that the chimney inspection service you will hire knows what they are doing. Your fireplace should be functioning well because all chimneys have to be inspected every year. Your fireplace has controlled fire, which is why you must have it inspected and cleaned by professionals to make sure that it is safe. The important question is who will you call? Since that is a crucial decision to make.

How will you decide? Here are the important factors you must consider before choosing the right chimney service.

Does the Company Have Insurance?

Among the main things you must consider when you choose the right chimney sweeper is if they are insured and certified. There are many companies today that say they have many accolades and certifications, but sometimes that is false. Find a company with the right credentials so you are aware that you are using a trusted professional service to clean your chimney and do an excellent job.

Most of the time, the best service for this has insurance and work with certified and trained employees.

Experience and Expertise

Another factor to consider when choosing a cleaning service is their experience. A good thing to remember when you hire a chimney company is you need to check how many years they have been around. Those with 15 years of experience are good considerations.

Price

Their price is normally a concern and who does not want a good deal? However, a price that is too low is a sign that something should be checked. The quality cost is a simple truth, so you need to check if their pricing is competitive. After that, you must check all other factors on your list. If all factors are equal, this is of great importance.

How Do They Retain Customers?

The right chimney service will always have their customers come back for their good service. Since many of the chimney inspection is done based on routine, you want a company that consistently provides excellent service. Chimney contractors definitely have a great service trying to find another company for different projects. It is important to have convenience.

Their Attitude

When you are talking to chimney inspection service, you should feel comfortable talking to them. If they are rude, that is not the company you want to deal with. Since your family and home are at stake, you should know that the company you pick really cares about your home and you.

Provides Thorough Inspection

The chimney cleaning service’s high quality is always going to inspect your chimney before doing anything or make assumptions on what might be wrong. If you hire them and they say that after that you will need to have more work done but they did not look thoroughly, that is a bad sign.

Feedback

You might want to ask their previous customers about their experience with the company. The right chimney cleaning service has reviews that they can readily show anyone who goes to their site.

If you do not see any reviews, that is not a good thing. You can also ask around about their company. Talk to your family, friends, or other people and ask for recommendations.

Take these factors into consideration when looking for a chimney sweep Bowie service.

 

The post Blog first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

Every homeowner with a chimney should know that chimney inspections are important. It is helpful for homeowners to understand what is involved in a chimney inspection in order to understand just how important inspections are for use. Today, we’ll be describing the process of a chimney inspection and why you should have your chimney inspected.

Have you had your chimney inspected yet this year? Our team serves the Greater Boston, MA area and we’re ready to help you! At Best Chimney Services, we’re a full-service chimney company offering everything from chimney inspections and sweeps to other residential and commercial chimney services. Click here or call (781) 893-6611 to get in touch with us.

When to Have Your Chimney Inspected

Chimney inspections are recommended annually, when you are selling or transferring your property, if there has been an operating malfunction, or if you are replacing a chimney vented appliance. Our team of technicians are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America and follow strict guidelines to ensure that chimneys are worthy of use.

Process of a Chimney Inspection

There are three different chimney inspections available.

Level I Chimney Inspection

Section 14.2 of NFPA 211 requires that level I inspections take place annually. Level I chimney inspections are also performed prior to a routine sweeping of the chimney flue, or when chimney vented appliances are replaced. A level 1 inspection will not certify that the flue is ready for use.

During a Level I chimney inspection, we visually examine portions of the chimney and venting system that are readily accessible. Some of the issues that we look for include obstructions or combustible deposits in the flue, appliance installation and connection, signs of water penetration, and the integrity of the chimney’s masonry.

Level II Chimney Inspection

Level II inspections are a more in depth inspection than a level I. They are necessary when you’d like to know if the flue is worthy of use, when property is being sold or transferred, or after an operating malfunction that has most likely damaged your chimney. A level II inspection does include all aspects of a level I inspection, but also includes a camera scope of the flue in its entirety with pictures of condition. We look out for obstructions or combustible deposits in the flue and make sure the lining is intact and in good condition. We also focus on ensuring that there are proper clearances from combustibles in locations that are accessible and that the flues of chimney vented appliances are the proper size. For more details, check out our guide to Level II chimney inspections.

 Level III Chimney Inspection

These inspections are only necessary in very specific circumstances. During level III inspections, we access both internal and external portions of the chimney, remove parts of the building or chimney, only as needed to access areas that are necessary to inspect. These types of inspection aren’t typically needed on routine stops and all aspects of the other two inspections must be performed first.

Click here for more details on the three types of chimney inspections we offer.

 Hire Our Boston, MA Area Team to Inspect Your Chimney

You should have your chimney inspected once a year, when you’re selling your home, or if there has been a malfunction of some kind. If your chimney is in need of an inspection, be sure to get in touch with our team of professionals. Click here or call (781) 893-6611 to schedule an appointment or ask questions.

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