Does anyone really think about the hard-working chimney cap that sits silently on the uppermost point of the house? Of course not. It just sits there keeping watch ensuring the inside of your chimney stays dry and empty.

What is a Chimney Cap?

The chimney cap is a piece of steel that looks like a cage with a roof that extends beyond the cage. It sits on top of the chimney opening allowing just the right amount of air to enter and smoke to exit from the fireplace. Its steel structure is meant to last, enduring the brutal four seasons that Chicago experiences each year. What else can endure 20 below temperatures in the winter to 120 above temperatures in the summer? The chimney cap.

Searching for a Warm Place

As the Fall season continues, our critter friends that play in our yards and on our roof are settling in preparing for the cold temperatures. Because they’ve enjoyed the comforts of your yard and roof, why not stay for the winter! They begin their search trying to stay away from predators. What better and safer place than the roof. As they begin to explore, that hole looks very tempting. No wind, nice and cozy. But wait! The chimney cap does its quiet job of saying ‘no’ it’s not safe for you in here. Without it, the poor little critters would be heading for possible danger: the lit fireplace!

The Roof on the Chimney Cap

Unlike the B52’s song, this roof won’t rust. Instead, the chimney cap protects the inside of the home from rain and snow. This Fall, we’ve certainly had plenty of rain. It’s had a hard workout ensuring each of those raindrops fall to the side, on the roof and down the gutters and away from the home. Because of its tough construction, the chimney cap is confident nothing is going to get past its steel lid.

Cold Drafts Stay Out!

There’s nothing more unpleasant than a cold draft that comes through the fireplace and into your home. Why is it happening? Simple. The chimney cap may be missing. With its grated sides and solid roof knows how to break the wind and send it in a different direction. No need for that cold wind to make its way inside the home. It knows what you want, and helps to keep the cold where it belongs.

Embers & Sparks

This is a hot one. The highly protective chimney cap does not want your house to get damaged or burned. It won’t have a place to work. It keeps working especially when you start your fireplace. Any sparks, or floating embers will stay where they belong. Any of those hot little pieces leave your home can be dangerous to the exterior of your home. It’s steel walls and steel roof once again come to the rescue and help to contain/extinguish any embers and sparks from leaving the chimney. It’s a hot job, but it can take it.

Do You Have a Chimney Cap?

Now’s the time to check the condition of the chimney cap and be sure that you have one installed. Ask Superior Chimney to help, and we’ll be sure the forgotten hero is on top of the job! Contact us today at 877-244-6349. Remember to Like us on Facebook!

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

A wood-burning fireplace creates creosote build-up, making the attached chimney is a key concern when it comes to safety and performance. Chimneys have a lot more issues than fireplaces and therefore need a lot more attention. An annual chimney inspection is the first step of that attention. Here are three benefits.

Benefit #1. You’ll keep creosote at a minimum in your chimney flue

Creosote is a flammable substance that forms in the flue when smoke condenses during fireplace use. Creosote can be sticky, flakey, puffy or solid and is the cause of most chimney fires each year.

In addition to fire, creosote can damage internal components and areas of your chimney due to its highly acidic nature. Finally, large creosote buildups will narrow the flue passage and impede drafting, possibly sending smoke and dangerous carbon monoxide into your home.

A chimney inspector will assess the level of creosote in your flue and recommend proper cleaning, if necessary.

Benefit #2. You’ll know about early signs of damage and malfunction

You can spot obvious signs of problems with your chimney and its components – deteriorated bricks, warped chimney flashing, etc. – but a licensed chimney inspection will look at more than just the obvious.

An experienced chimney inspector will assess your chimney structure, all its components, its ability to draft properly and many other elements that are important in keeping your chimney safe. If a problem is found, the inspector will explain it to you and go over the right way to address it with you.

In most cases, chimney inspectors can handle necessary repair work and/or chimney cleaning.

Benefit #3. You’ll know if your flue is full of outside debris

If you run your chimney without a chimney cap, you may have an issue with debris coming in from the outside. Common debris includes leaves, twigs and falling fruit from nearby trees as well as the nesting materials of small animals and the animals themselves.

As with excess creosote, a buildup of debris materials can significantly narrow your chimney flue and cause smoke backups and possibly carbon monoxide poisoning to you and your family and pets. Debris also serves as fuel should a chimney fire start.

An inspection will tell you if you need to have debris cleaned out. If your chimney has no cap, your inspector will recommend having one installed to prevent debris issues in the future.

Your chimney inspector is there to help

The chimney inspection benefits we listed above are important. But possibly the best benefit of scheduling annual chimney inspections is the peace of mind you’ll have knowing that your chimney has been checked out, repaired if needed and properly cleaned so that it runs with optimal safety and performance.

When looking for a local chimney inspector, the place to start is with chimney sweeps or chimney service companies, most of whom provide chimney inspections. Confirm that the company or individual is licensed and fully insured.

Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace of Kansas City, KS, provides expert chimney cleaning, chimney leak repair, chimney rebuilding and, of course, licensed chimney inspections.

Put our team on your side for your next chimney inspection or chimney project. Call (913) 236-7141 to make an appointment or to get more information about our business and services.

The post 3 Big Benefits of Annual Chimney Inspections appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

Now that the weather is turning cooler and folks in Independence, MO, and around the Kansas City Metro area are enjoying the fall colors, many are starting to prepare their fireplace for the winter season ahead. While you probably haven’t given much thought about your chimney lately, it is essential to have a chimney inspection to see if it has any of these seven common chimney problems that can lead to extensive damage and expensive repairs.

Missing/Damaged Chimney Cap

One of the most common chimney problems is a damaged or missing chimney cap. With its location at the top of the chimney, the chimney cap takes the brunt of the weather, protecting the exposed flue from rainwater, small animals, and debris that can damage the chimney. However, continued exposure to seasonal weather conditions like high winds, freezing rain, snow, and hail can damage the chimney cap and even cause it to fall off the chimney. In addition, it exposes the flue to external elements that can lead to more extensive chimney problems and repairs.

Flue Obstruction/Small Animals

A flue obstruction is another common problem. It occurs when leaves, twigs, and debris clog the flue vent restricting the release of smoke and fumes. Also, small animals, including birds, squirrels, and other wildlife, have been known to build nests inside chimneys that can cause a flue obstruction. Also, creosote build-up in the narrow passageway of the smoke chamber and other parts of the chimney can obstruct the flue. A flue obstruction is dangerous because it can cause a backdraft, which essentially reverses the chimney draft, forcing smoke, soot, and debris out of the fireplace and into the living space exposing you to toxic carbon monoxide gas and other harmful materials.

Masonry Damage

Masonry chimneys are porous materials, and the constant exposure to freezing rain and ice can eventually cause bricks to spall and mortar to decay. As the masonry damage worsens, you may notice crumbling or missing bricks and gaps in the mortar joints. These cracks in the masonry continue to expand ultimately affecting the structure’s integrity. It also exposes the chimney to moisture intrusion that can cause severe damage to the interior masonry, flue liner, and other internal components. It also increases the fire risk, making it unsafe to use the fireplace until the masonry damage is repaired.

Creosote Build-up

Creosote build-up is a common problem that can occur without regular chimney sweeping. It is the primary cause of heating-related residential structure fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Creosote is a tar-like material that is created during the combustion of wood and other fuels. At first, creosote is a white, powdery substance that is easily removed. However, it hardens into a dark, tarry, and highly flammable material that is extremely difficult to remove without regular sweeping. The high temperature of the fireplace or a hot ember can ignite the creosote and cause a chimney fire. Since many chimney fires are small, many homeowners don’t realize it occurred until a chimney inspection reveals evidence of a previous chimney fire.

Flue Liner Cracks

Flue liner cracks are common, especially if the liner is more than 15 to 20 years old. The flue liner protects the masonry and prevents the high heat in the chimney from transferring to nearby combustible building materials. However, normal wear and tear, moisture, high temperatures, and corrosive gas residue can damage the flue liner causing the clay tiles to burst or break. Therefore, it is vital to repair or replace damaged liners to meet current building codes and reduce fire risk.

Cracks in the Chimney Crown

Cracks in the chimney crown are a common source of water leaks. The chimney crown is the cement surface that tops masonry chimneys. Cracks typically occur due to age, environmental conditions, and settling. When moisture seeps through these cracks, it can cause widespread damage to the interior masonry. Replacing a damaged chimney cap or chase cover can help protect the chimney crown.

Deteriorating Flashing

The chimney flashing is a metal component that creates a water-tight seal where the chimney and roof meet. However, frequent rains, hail, snow, and improper installation can weaken the flashing making it prone to warping or corrosion. When this occurs, moisture can leak inside the chimney resulting in water stains on the ceiling and walls near the fireplace.

Annual Chimney Inspection and Cleaning in KC

The best way to avoid these and other common chimney problems is with annual chimney inspections and professional cleaning when necessary. It can also help save you thousands of dollars in chimney repairs that unresolved chimney problems can cause. Our experienced chimney technicians serve the entire KC/MO metro area. Call Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace to schedule your annual chimney inspection today!

The post Do you have any of these 7 Common Chimney Problems? appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

When constructing a house it’s always recommended that you install a chimney. This is because it comes with many benefits that include:

The chimney provides you with a cozy fireplace

Whether you have a fireplace insert, wood stove, open hearth or any other type of fireplace, a chimney provides you with a cozy environment to enjoy the warmth while watching the fire dancing. The fireplace provides you and your family a place to gather and have a good time. Chimney inspection professionals recommend that you maintain a safe distance from the chimney so that you don’t injure yourself.

The chimney provides you with fire for cooking

You no longer have to limit your cooking to the kitchen only. You can also cook in the living room in your chimney. If you are planning on cooking in your chimney, you should install a wood burning stove that not only provides you with enough heat to prepare your meals, but it’s also affordable.

The chimney is beautiful to look at

Have you visited a house without a chimney? It looks weird, right? When you install a chimney you improve the look of your house. The cool thing is that chimneys come in different designs thus you have many options to choose from. All you have to do is ensure that the unit is installed by a professional chimney contractor.

Taking care of your chimney

For you to continue enjoying the benefits of having a chimney in your home you need to take good care of it. If you have a wood burning fireplace you should watch the type of wood that you burn. To limit the amount of creosote that gets deposited watch the type of wood that you burn. To be on the safe side always burn seasoned wood. This is wood that has been left outside to dry on its own for a period of at least six months. If possible, burn hardwood instead of softwood.

Another thing that you should do is regularly undertake chimney cleaning.  You should hire a chimney company to clean the chimney and fix any problems that it might be having. One of the major problems with chimneys is chimney fires. Regular chimney sweeping removes the dangerous creosote thus keeping your fireplace safe.

Conclusion

A chimney is great to have as it comes with many benefits. For it to last for long and continue working effectively you have to take good care of it.

The post Blog first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

Fall is before winter and then the temperature reaches below zero. Even if not all places will experience low temperatures in the next months, a lot of people leverage their chimneys in keeping their home livable despite cold temperatures.

If you are considering having chimney cleaning services, you should know that you need them especially during winter. Even if a lot of people are into using chimneys, not everyone maintains them well. This is a proposition if you neglect your chimney, it will become detrimental to health and safety concerns.

A chimney sweep inspects your chimney and they clean it to make sure that it is properly functioning.

Read more about this kind of service now:

Keeps Your Family and Home Safe

Keeping your home and family away from harm while sitting in front of a fireplace or woos stove during the colder months. Chimneys are important for ventilation that lets toxins, smokes and dangerous to exit your home. if you have a clean chimney, you will have a safer fireplace that is more fireplace and heating appliance for your home.

When it comes to appliances that burn fossil fuels, certain residue from creosote and soot stick to the masonry and flue that is inside the chimney. The burning embers produced by the fire is usually the one that sparks a fire inside the chimney, regular chimney maintenance prevents a lot of house fires if they are regularly hired.

Your Air is Cleaner

When you keep your chimney working properly, you will do a great job of sucking out smoke from your home.  If there is soot and gunk in your chimney, it cannot properly filter smoke. This causes the family room to look hazy and an unsafe breathing environment.

A chimney sweep will make it operate smoothly on all cylinders, which is why you do not have to worry if there will be smoke and backup issues.

Home Heating Becomes More Efficient

The efficiency of your fireplace decreases when there is more aerosol in the chimney. The added cooler circulation of the air reduces the efficiency of energy that requires you to burn wood and other fossil fuels, mostly to stay warm. That is why chimney inspection should be done regularly to make sure that you stay warm during the cooler months.

In addition, rodents, insects and small birds clog the flue which prevents toxic fumes from escaping. Since these fumes are unable to escape because of the clogged chimney, there is a higher risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, which is a silent killer.

Prevents Fire

It is dangerous to have a blocked chimney because there is increased smoke and carbon monoxide poisoning and a backed up chimney causes fires.

Thousands of fires happen every year because of clogged chimneys. The fire costs you money and your life if you get trapped.

Costly Repairs Prevention

A fireplace that burns wood can reach 1100F or even more. This will create wood bits, ash, soot and other kinds of particles that are because of the combustion process that covers the flue liner, damper, smoke shelf, grime contaminant, and dirt. A professional cleaning service helps in reducing wear and tear so you can stop costly repairs from happening. Aside from that, this type of cleaning helps to uncover minor problems in masonry.

You should prevent chimney problems, and you can do this by hiring professionals to inspect and clean it regularly. Call up chimney cleaning services Upper Marlboro.

The post Blog first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

If you have a wood burning chimney, your chimney contractor might have told you that you need to burn seasoned wood in order to prevent creosote deposition. Seasoned wood is wood that has been cut into logs, stacked and allowed to dry for at least 6 months. The aim of seasoning wood is to remove as much moisture from the wood as possible. When the wood is cut for the first time, it has a water content of between 40% and 50%. After seasoning only 10-20% moisture is left. Removal of moisture allows the wood to burn fast, hotter and produce less smoke.

How to tell that wood has been properly seasoned

If you have trees growing in your homestead you can cut them and season the wood but if you don’t have trees you should buy the wood from your local home improvement store. To make easy money, it’s common for some business people to try to sell you unseasoned wood. To be on the safe side you should take your time to find out if the wood is seasoned. Here are the features that you should look out for:

Weight: Since the moisture would have evaporated, you should expect the wood to be much lighter than freshly cut wood. If the wood that you have is heavy, it’s most definitely unseasoned thus you should stay away from it.

Appearance: How does the wood look like? According to chimney inspection professionals, seasoned wood has darker, split, and cracked ends. This is because the moisture would have evaporated. You should stay away from wood with solid ends.

Sound: This is probably the easiest way of knowing whether the wood is seasoned. If it is seasoned, it will give a hollow “clunk” but if it isn’t, it will make a hard “thud.”

Tips to consider when burning seasoned wood

Seasoned wood is great as it burns hotter and results to minimal creosote deposition. When burning the wood, be cautious of the amount of wood that you use. As rule of thumb, avoid using too much wood that will block air flow thus resulting in a lot of smoke. When there is a lot of smoke, more creosote is deposited thus you are forced to regularly undertake chimney cleaning.

Another thing that you should do is avoid burning painted, pretreated, or prefabricated wood as it contains protectants and sealants that release toxic chemicals into the air thus putting your health and that of your loved ones at risk.

The post Blog first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

Newly constructed chimneys today are required by law to have a flue liner. They’re not, however, required to also have a chimney cap to protect the chimney. Many chimneys are operated without any kind of covering over the top of the flue, and in every case, trouble is sure to come around sooner or later.

What is a chimney cap?

There are actually two types of components that cover a chimney flue: chimney caps and flue covers. Either type will protect the flue, but a proper full-width chimney cap also covers and protects the vulnerable chimney crown.

Both caps and covers have solid tops and open (usually mesh) sides to allow smoke to leave the chimney. Because chimney caps are the more protective of the two components, It’s important to understand their purpose

6 ways chimney caps protect chimneys

Keep out rain and snow

Without a covering, your chimney flue is open to however much rain and snow is in the air. Moisture inside the flue can damage the chimney liner and fireplace damper through rusting and erosion. Additionally, flue moisture is a common cause of mold outbreaks, which can be dangerous to people and pets.

Prevent animal infestation

Small animals such as squirrels, birds, rodents and raccoons often seek shelter inside chimneys. With no chimney cap, it’s like putting out a welcome mat for them. The nests some of these animals build can cause a drafting obstruction and serve as fuel for a chimney fire. Animals that die inside the flue cause these same problems along with unpleasant odors that will drift into your home.

Block debris

Depending on where your chimney is situated, it may be in the line of falling leaves, twigs, fruit and nuts from nearby trees. This debris, as with nesting materials, will cause a dangerous drafting obstruction. A narrowed flue passage can send smoke and deadly carbon monoxide into your home and put the health of people and pets at risk.

Help to prevent downdrafts

A secure chimney cap is an excellent wind block and helps to prevent wind-based downdrafts that can blow smoke, ash and fiery embers and sparks into your home.

Contain ascending sparks and embers

If there’s no contrary airflow, sparks and embers will rise into the flue during a fire. Depending on their velocity, these particles can exit the flue opening and land on the roof or in the yard. A chimney cap is the best way to keep this from happening.

Protect concrete chimney crowns

A full-width chimney cap keeps water away from the chimney crown. Rain and melting snow can easily get into the small cracks often found in chimney crowns and cause serious problems. Once the crown is broken open, water can move into interior spaces within the flue and inflict system-wide damage.

Have a chimney cap installed

If you’ve been running your fireplace/chimney system without a cap, now is the time to have one installed. The relatively small investment can pay for itself many times over by preventing chimney damage, smoke backups and fires.

Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace of Kansas City, KS, is here to help you keep your chimney safe and fully functional. We install custom full-width chimney caps that protect your chimney and look great while doing it.

Get your questions answered or schedule an appointment by calling (913) 236-7141.

 

The post Why Does Your Chimney Need a Chimney Cap? appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.