There’s nothing like sitting around your fireplace in the winter, feeling warm and cozy. But then it crosses your mind, when was the last time you’ve had the chimney inspected and swept?  The chimney needs to be cleaned out periodically to get the most out of your fireplace, but most importantly, safe operation.

Well, what happens if you don’t sweep your chimney?

If you don’t get routine inspections and sweepings for your chimney, you are putting yourself at risk of chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. The build-up of soot, creosote, and tar can block fumes from escaping and can ignite a fire.

HERE ARE OUR TOP 8 SIGNS THAT YOUR CHIMNEY NEEDS TO BE CLEANED:

1. Oily Spots on the Walls of Your Fireplace

The black, oily spots on the walls of your fireplace are a tar-like substance called creosote. This substance can build up all the way to the top of your chimney and can cause restricted airflow. Poor airflow increases the amount of time smoke and flue gasses remain in the flue accelerating build-up.

2. Poorly Burning Fires

If you have difficulty starting fires in your fireplace, it could be because the chimney is clogged or there is a malfunction with the fireplace damper. These issues can keep a fire from getting a sufficient supply of oxygen to burn properly.

3. Odors Coming from the Fireplace

Creosote has a campfire-like odor and can permeate around the house. In addition to the smell being a nuisance, it is also an indicator that the soot in your chimney has built-up to an unsafe level.

4. Animals Inside the Chimney

Animal nests can both block the airflow in your chimney and catch fire while burning wood in your fireplace. Bird nests are mostly found at the very top of your chimney, covering the vents. Squirrels are also known to make nests in chimneys.

5. Smoke Doesn’t Rise Up the Chimney

If you notice that smoke doesn’t rise up the chimney like it used to, it may be time to clean your chimney. There should be airflow up the chimney, but a layer of creosote can stop up the works.

6. Fires are Difficult to Maintain

Fires need oxygen, but a dirty chimney can make it hard for your wood to get the air it needs to get going.

7. Chimney Soot is Falling from the Chimney

If you have chunks of chimney soot or creosote falling on your wood from the chimney, then that’s a good sign that you have creosote build-up problem, and the chimney needs to be cleaned.

8. The Chimney Damper has Black Creosote Buildup

If you notice that your hand turns black when you open the damper, then it’s time to have your chimney swept.

These signs are relatively easy to spot but taking steps to ensure your home is safe from the risk of fire damage is the next step.

Please schedule your chimney inspection and cleaning now to beat the spring rush!

The post How to Tell if Your Chimney Needs to be Swept appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

The frigid days of winter are here and you’re feeling cold air blow down your chimney. As you worry about your energy bills skyrocketing, I’m sure the first question is, what can I do to prevent this? Today, we will guide you through what to do when there is cold air blowing down your chimney and why this might be happening.

Best Chimney Services is an all-service chimney company serving the Greater Boston, MA area. We offer everything from chimney inspections and sweeps to masonry work, installations, basement work, fireplace restoration and more. Click here or call (781) 893-6611 to get in touch with us.

Now, we’ll talk about what to do when there is cold air blowing down your chimney and why this might be happening.

What to Do When There is Cold Air Blowing Down Your Chimney

There are various possible causes of cold air blowing down your chimney. Here are some possible solutions:

Consider Providing Makeup Air to Your Home

Nowadays, many homes are tightly sealed, often as a result of window replacements or newly insulated attics. These energy efficient home improvements decrease internal air pressure, causing higher pressure cold air from outside to come inside through an open fireplace. Consulting an HVAC company about providing makeup air to your home is one potential solution to this issue. Read our blog about how energy efficient home improvements can impact your fireplace to learn more.

Have a Flue Liner Installed

The job of a flue liner is to keep your fireplace insulated and protect the chimney’s bricks from heat. If you have an older chimney that does not have a flue liner, we highly recommend having one installed. Not having a flue liner or having an obstructed flue are two possible causes of cold air blowing down your chimney. Flue liners are low maintenance and prevent cold drafts from occurring, whether or not a fire is burning.

Make Sure Your Chimney Has Been Recently Swept

Has your chimney been swept lately? We recommend hiring a CSIA Certified chimney sweep to clean your chimney once a year or as needed. If you neglect this basic chimney maintenance, heavy creosote buildup can occur, putting your family in danger. This will also coat the chimney damper, preventing it from opening and closing properly and causing drafts to move down your fireplace.

Have a Top-Sealing Damper Installed

We recommend installing a new, top-sealing damper to prevent air from traveling down your chimney. Many older dampers let air down your chimney, so if you’re experiencing cold air blowing down your chimney, your chimney’s throat damper may be the cause.

Call a Professional Chimney Inspector

The first step in diagnosing this issue should be to call a chimney inspector. A professional chimney company will help you figure out what is going on by performing an in depth inspection. Boston’s Best Chimney serves the Greater Boston, MA area with a wide range of chimney services. If you’re looking for assistance with your chimney, don’t hesitate to click here or call (781) 893-6611 to contact our team.

The post What to Do When There is Cold Air Blowing Down Your Chimney appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

In the past four decades of our business operation, we’ve handled a wide variety of chimney-related issues. Many of our service calls are simple annual inspections and chimney sweeps. Other calls are more complex repair issues, such as when a homeowner discovers they have a leaning chimney. There are four main reasons for a chimney to start leaning, ranging from construction-related issues to weathering.

Masonry deterioration

Another common cause of a leaning chimney is problems with your masonry. This is one of the more common repairs Northeastern Chimney, LLC technicians perform. The freeze and thaw cycle can lead to cracks in the mortar and holes in your bricks. In addition, sulfur damage isn’t unheard of in homes where appliance vents tie into the chimney system. The oils and water that escape through this process don’t mix well with brick and mortar, eventually leading to the deterioration of the system — and a leaning chimney. A flue liner can help mitigate this issue and is something we recommend all chimneys have anyway.

Construction issues

Just like the walls of your house, your chimney needs a solid foundation (or footing). This is a layer of concrete at the base of your chimney that bears the weight of it all. Quite literally, there are thousands of pounds worth of materials pressing down on the foundation. It needs to be strong and supportive. And, as with your home, if the foundation begins to fail it will cause problems with the entire structure. Another construction issue is with older homes. Back then, installers didn’t utilize foundations. The chimney started at the ground, with the bottom bricks acting as the support. Even newer homes with a foundation often run into a problem where the installer made the footing too narrow or shallow. It should always be big enough to fully support the weight of the bricks, mortar, cap, and crown.

Improper drainage

Water damage is one of the most common issues a homeowner will face. This can include leaky roofs, overflowing gutters and downspouts, and of course the aforementioned freeze-thaw issue common to the spring and fall here in Connecticut. How do they tie into a leaning chimney? Improper drainage. As water pools in different places around the home, whether due to roof issues or insufficient downspouts, it can cause cracks in both the foundation and masonry of your chimney. Eventually, the system will start to lean as a result of improper water drainage.

House-related shifts

Over time, your house shifts. Those random creaks you hear, seemingly out of nowhere, are a natural part of the aging process. This is completely normal, however, depending on where the house shifts it can potentially cause a problem with your chimney. This is uncommon, but a possibility to be aware of. In addition, loose soil under the foundation can lead to shifts with the chimney. Like house shifts, this isn’t a common cause of a leaning chimney. Nevertheless, if all of the above have been ruled out it’s something that your Northeastern Chimney technician will look into for you.

A leaning chimney is a cause for concern

If you discover your chimney has started to lean, immediately stop using it. You should have the system inspected as soon as possible to prevent additional damage to it as well as your home.

Contact any one of our Northeastern Chimney, LLC team members today by calling 860-233-5770 or by reaching out to us on our website.

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

In the colder seasons, fireplaces will start to light up in a lot of homes. Fireplaces can be a great source of comfort and warmth when the breeze becomes cold. A lot of people find fireplaces beautiful.

Aside from a chimney inspection, you should know that wood smoke has tinny particles and pollutants that are toxic to people. Those pollutants include formaldehyde, benzene, and polyclinic aromatic hydrocarbons. These harmful particles cause heart or respiratory disease, especially in babies, young children, and pregnant women. In addition, the smoke can cause headache, throat and nose irritation, acute bronchitis, and nausea. People with allergies are more prone to these irritations.

Find out how you can prevent chimney smoke now.

Good Insulation

Unlike a drafty home, an air-tight house may not be able to give enough supply of outside air to the fire and this produces negative pressure inside your home. homes with good insulation benefit from outside air vents installed to satisfy what the fire needs. A lot of times, it is easy for an experienced mason to install a vent in the fireplace. You can try keeping a window open where the fireplace is while it is burning. In case the fireplace draws better from this, this is most likely the issue.

Burn the Firewood that is Dry and has Low Moisture Content

If you want to prevent smoke from coming out of the fireplace, it is important to consider the facts that cause the fire smoke, to begin with.

A fire normally produces smoke when the wood is not going through proper combustion. One of the primary reasons why wood is not properly burnt is because the wood is wet.

Maintain Your Fireplace or Burner

You must regularly remove ashes from the burner or fireplace and ask a chimney service to check if your wood burner is releasing too much smoke. In addition to that, ask the chimney cleaners to sweep your chimney annually. You should repair the wood burner because this is dangerous. If your burner is over 10 years old, you should upgrade an authorized wood burner, flued gas, pellet fire, or heat pump.

Exhaust Fans

A bathroom or kitchen exhaust fan can cause fireplace smoke. Another culprit could be the blower fan of a hot air heating system, especially when the furnace return vent is in the same room. These kinds of fans can create a powerful negative pressure easily, which hinders the fireplace from getting correctly drafted if you are making sure that all these kinds of fans are turned off while it is burning, and the smoke problem can go away.

The Damper Should be Open Before Each Fire

A fire may not be enough to combust wood properly and it will end up producing more smoke if there is a lack of enough airflow.

If you want to make sure that the draft works efficiently so that the air can flow to the fire, and open the damper fully in the fireplace before every fire.

If there is a fireplace damper, it will normally be located in the top area of your fireplace. The dampers might be closed between the fires to stop heat loss from your home, but they should be opened before each fire to make sure that waste gases and smoke can be vented safely from your home.

You can open and close a damper with the cable made of stainless steel that goes down the chimney to a handle in the fireplace.

If you need your fireplace cleaned, you can contact chimney contractors Columbia MD anytime.

The post Blog first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

A functional fireplace is essential to safety. No one wants to have a chimney fire, and there are some easy ways to ensure your house never has one. It starts with an annual inspection from Northeastern Chimney, LLC and ends with one of our technicians properly mitigating any issues they discover. So, what are those potential problems exactly? With any wood-burning fireplace, there are six common fireplace problems that affect its functionality.

Creosote build-up in the flue

The first is excessive creosote build-up in the flue. An annual chimney sweep is the best way to mitigate creosote build-up. Virtually all wood-burning fireplace systems will need to be swept each year to prevent this from becoming a safety hazard.

Debris or other blockages

If your chimney is missing its cap, most likely you’ll eventually see debris build-up within the flue. Not only is this a fire hazard, but excessive blockages at the top (such as a bird’s nest) will also lead to carbon monoxide backing up into your home.

Physical damage to the masonry

The freeze-thaw effect common to our part of the country means that it’s highly likely your masonry will need to be repaired from time to time. Otherwise, water can (and will) enter any crack in the masonry, freeze, expand, and then when it melts leave an even bigger hole. Eventually, your entire masonry can collapse from this.

Birds and other animals

We’ve already mentioned bird nests, but it’s worth repeating. During the cold Connecticut winters, animals will always look for someplace to get warm. A fireplace offers them exactly what they’re looking for. It’s important to keep them out lest they create another potential obstruction in your flue.

Issues with your damper

If there is a fire in your firebox, the damper should always be open. It should also remain open until the last ember is fully extinguished. A broken damper, or one that won’t open, can again cause dangerous toxic gases to back up into your home.

Low-quality firewood

Seasoned firewood — which means it has roughly a 20% moisture rating — is the best kind to burn. Too much or too little moisture leads to excessive smoke and extra creosote build-up in your flue.

Gas fireplace specific issues

In addition, natural gas-powered fireplaces have problems unique to them. As with wood-burning fireplaces, you will need to have these components inspected each season.

• Pilot lights: These are usually pretty easy to relight. If your gas fireplace won’t light, it’s usually an issue with the pilot light.
• A broken thermocouple: This is a set of special metal rods common to older gas fireplaces. It helps to regulate the automatic on/off functionality of your fireplace. If it lights, then turns off quickly, there’s usually an issue with the thermocouple.
• Malfunctioning thermopile: Likewise, newer constructions often have a thermopile instead of a thermocouple. The distinction isn’t significant, but the end result is the same. A problem with the thermopile will lead to your fireplace turning off before it’s supposed to.

Preventing common fireplace problems

No one wants to deal with fireplace problems. Yet, as we’ve covered today, there are quite a few to be aware of that can affect its functionality.

An annual inspection of your complete fireplace system is the best way to minimize any chimney downtime and to keep your family safe during the winter months. It’s easy to contact a Northeastern Chimney, LLC tech — just call us at 860-233-5770 or send us a message requesting a repair estimate on our website.

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

Have you heard about the chimney freeze thaw cycle? Many homeowners have; however, we still get plenty of confused looks. If your chimney is made from bricks, which most of them are, then this article is a must read.

What is the Chimney Freeze Thaw Cycle?

According to the CSIA, the chimney freeze thaw cycle is when moisture penetrates the exterior chimney bricks and mortar joints then contracts when the moisture freezes and expands when the moisture thaws with warmer temperatures. As we slowly begin to make our way into Spring, the freeze thaw cycle can happen many times.

How It Works

Naturally, bricks and mortar joints are naturally porous. Even though the material looks solid, it contains tiny pockets of emptiness or space where water and moisture can settle in. When the moisture or water is happily living in the space, and it gets at or below 32 degrees, it’s going to freeze inside of the bricks. Once the temperatures start climbing above 32 degrees, the frozen water begins to melt. The chimney freeze thaw cycle causes the materials, both the bricks and mortar, to deteriorate over time.

As you notice our temperatures, you’ll get the report from the weather expert that today’s high is 18 degrees then in a few days the high will be 50 degrees. Of course, those are just the high temperature for the day. Let’s not forget we have evenings as well. This is a perfect example of what the Chicago temperatures can do to the chimney.

How Do I Know What’s Happening?

Most homeowners don’t go climbing on the ladder to inspect the chimney. It’s probably not the best idea at any height or season. This is where certified chimney technicians are important. They are trained professionals and understand the science behind the living, breathing chimney as well as safety.

The Superior Chimney certified technicians practice proven procedures during a chimney inspection. Part of the chimney inspection is to evaluate the condition of the exterior chimney. If the chimney is healthy or needs repair, the technician will take pictures so you can see for yourself the health of the chimney.

What is the Chimney Technician Looking for?

Here are a few areas that your Superior Chimney technician is inspecting while on your roof.

1. Chimney Cap. The technician will inspect the chimney cap to ensure that you have one, that the chimney cap is directing the water away from the bricks and it is properly sealed to the chimney.
2. Flashing. Flashing protects the bottom of the chimney. This is the space where the chimney meets the roofing system. If the flashing is missing, water can get into your home creating lots of problems.
3. Bricks & Mortar. The technician will evaluate the condition of the bricks and mortar. The technician is searching for spalling, missing mortar, deterioration and more. Any issues found will be repaired.

What Can Be Done to Avoid Future Chimney Repairs?

To protect the chimney, waterproof it with Chimney Saver. The chimney repellant is sprayed directly onto the bricks and mortar. The Chimney Saver is absorbed into the brick and mortar filling in the empty spaces and coating the brick and mortar. The product repels water, directing it to go down and away from the chimney.

Schedule your chimney inspection today. Contact us at… 877-CHIM-FIX (877-244-6349)

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

Your fireplace and chimney are designed to withstand years of extreme temperatures and weather conditions. However, nothing lasts forever, and no matter how well-built your fireplace is, eventually, time takes its toll.

The firebox is where the fire burns, and because it undergoes a constant heating/cooling cycle and extreme temperatures, it’s prone to wearing out more quickly than other parts of the system.

Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace examines the causes of firebox damage and what you can do to repair it.

Causes of Firebox Cracks & Damage

Builders use firebricks and refractory mortar to construct modern fireboxes because these materials withstand extreme temperatures better than standard bricks or stone.

Despite the durability of these materials, they’re still prone to damage.

The leading causes of firebox damage include:

Water

Brick, stone, and mortar are porous and absorb water like a sponge, so even a tiny amount of water can get in, causing the material to swell and eventually crack.

Wear & Tear

Although firebricks and refractory mortar resist heat, the constant exposure to high temperatures takes their toll, causing these materials to wear out over time.

Also, weather and foundation movement can cause your chimney to tilt or lean, putting stress on the entire system leading to cracks in the mortar joints and loose bricks.

Faulty Construction

The quality of a chimney and fireplace depends not only on the materials used but also on the builders. If the contractors that built your fireplace lacked skills or used inferior materials, the fireplace will wear out more quickly than it should.

The problem with firebox damage is that it happens slowly, and many people don’t notice the damage until it’s too late, and rebuilding is the only option. The best way to protect yourself from expensive repairs is to hire a professional chimney repair service for annual inspection and maintenance to fix minor problems before they get out of hand.

How Serious is Firebox Damage?

A well-constructed fireplace and chimney have fire-resistant layers and a flue liner to protect the combustible materials around the firebox and behind the fireplace from catching fire.

Ignoring firebox damage puts your home and family at risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Also, if the cracks are large enough, burning embers can come through and contact the wall behind it.

Another concern over cracks in the firebox is the chance that gases and carbon monoxide can leak out into your home.

Besides the risk to your home, there’s a financial risk resulting from ignoring firebox repair. You can repair most cracks if caught early by sealing or chiseling away the damaged areas and repointing.

However, if you wait too long, you run the risk of needing a complete rebuild of your firebox, which is time-consuming and expensive.

The Fluesbrothers are masonry fireplace experts. Our masonry repair includes firebox rebuilding and repointing, mortar crown repair, and damper repair.

What About Prefabricated Fireboxes?

Many builders prefer manufactured fireplaces in new home construction because they’re more cost-effective than masonry fireplaces.

Like their masonry counterparts, manufactured fireplaces use refractory materials to reduce heat transfer from the firebox to the combustible materials around it.

However, like masonry fireboxes, prefab fireplaces and their refractory panels are also prone to cracking caused by excessive heat.

Hairline cracks are expected, and you can still use your fireplace safely; however, this is a problem you want to keep your eye on if it worsens because of the risk of fire.

According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, you should replace a cracked fireplace refractory panel if the crack is 1/16 of an inch wide or if you can fit a nickel into the space.

The bottom line is that while you can safely operate your fireplace with minor cracks in the firebox, you must call a professional chimney repair service as soon as you notice damage to protect your family and home.

Repairing Firebox Cracks

It’s understandable to want to save money on home repairs, but professionals should perform some fixes, and that includes firebox repair.

Depending on the damage, a professional chimney repair contractor may fill in the gaps with refractory caulk to seal them.

Some repairs require tuckpointing or replacing loose bricks, which technicians with the training and experience should handle to do these repairs accurately.

Also, professionals are certified and insured, which means you get peace of mind knowing the repairs are safe and will last.

About Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace

We’re a full-service chimney service company serving residents throughout the Kansas City metro area for over a decade.

We’re members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild and are fully certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America and the National Fireplace Institute.

Here’s what you can expect when you hire us.

• Over a decade’s worth of experience
• Fully certified, licensed, and insured technicians
• 100% satisfaction guarantee
• Full-service chimney cleaning, inspection, and repairs
• Dryer vent inspection and cleaning
• Accurate diagnostics
• Free estimates
• Financing options

Whether you need firebox repair, chimney sweeping, inspection, or fireplace repair, you can count on Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace Services in the Kansas City metro area. Please book your appointment now by calling 913-236-7141 or via our online form.

The post What Causes a Cracked Firebox & How Can I Fix It? appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

The chimney is an important part of your kitchen and it makes many things a lot easier. Getting rid of the smoke and oil residue in the kitchen becomes faster. There are many other benefits, but it only becomes possible when you choose the right kitchen chimney.

You can hire chimney cleaning services if it gets dirty and that will make the maintenance easier. You must know that not all chimneys are perfect for kitchens. It is important to know if a kitchen chimney is useful before purchasing one.

Before you go out and spend money, you should know what considerations to make before making a decision. Read this article to find out more.

Size

Choose a chimney according to your stove and kitchen’s size. The dimensions of a chimney should be a little bigger compared to the stove size so that it can absorb the smoke effectively. The majority of chimneys come in 2 standard sizes – 60 cm and 90 cm. If you have 2 burners, you can choose the 60 cm wide chimney. The 90-cm chimney is for 3 burners.

Suction Capacity

Kitchen chimneys come in different suction capacities ranging from 700 m3/hr to 1600 m/hr. The suction power can be chosen based on your style of cooking. If you prefer less oily food, you can choose one with a suction power from 800 to 1000. Non-vegetarians should but a suction that is below 1100 in power. If you like deep-fried foods more, you should choose a suction power of more than 1200.

Mounting Style

There are 3 mounting styles that you will be able to choose from, but it depends on your kitchen’s construction and available space. The 3 kinds are island, built-in, and wall-mounted. Based on the name, wall-mounted chimneys are installed on the wall and it is ideal for kitchens where the stove is placed against the wall. The island chimney is better for modern homes where the stove is found in the middle. This one built-in kitchen is for small ones, which is compact and fixed against the wall, within the kitchen’s woodwork so that it does not consume more space.

Quality

You should not compromise your kitchen chimney’s quality. It should be made with top-quality materials so that it lasts longer, giving you the result you want. Each part inside the chimney should be made with high-quality so that you will not be disappointed if you need to use it.

Installation Kit in the Box

The majority of chimney sellers do not consider including the aluminum duct, installation, and end cap in the box and they must be bought separately. Some chimneys include in the package. You must check for these details before purchasing.

Ducting

Regardless of whether you choose a ducted or ductless chimney, if you use oil a lot, the ducted hoods are a lot better. They absorb smoke, moisture, and heat better than the ductless chimney. The only disadvantage is that a ducted one should be installed where the duct pipe is can be released from the kitchen. In contrast to this, a ductless chimney does not need external pipes and it is sleeker.

After-Sales Service

Even if the product is good, bad after-sales service takes off its appeal. You should check with the manufacturer if they provide installation service in your area before ordering the product. in addition, ask about the warranty and what it covers. A company with good after-sales service is where you should buy from.

You can check for chimney sweep Ellicott City if you need your kitchen chimney cleaned and for proper maintenance.   

 

The post Blog first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

Not only does your fireplace add value to your home, but it is also an eye-catching focal point that can reflect the personality of your house. Since winter is the prime time to relax by your fireplace, we wanted to share some of our favorite winter fireplace decor ideas. These winter fireplace mantel ideas will help you to make the most of the cold winter months.

Before we dive into our favorite winter decorating ideas, have you had your chimney swept and inspected this year? These services are essential to keeping your chimney in safe, working order. Best Chimney is an all-service chimney company that has been serving the Greater Boston, MA area for over thirty years. Click here or call (781) 893-6611 to get in touch with us.

Now, here are some great winter fireplace decor ideas to try out this season.

Vintage Winter

This inspiration is from @thevintagebreadbox. If you have a classic style home with an antique flair, then this is the perfect fireplace inspiration for you! Start by finding an old fashioned sled and some seasoned ice skates. These are items that your parents may even have tucked away in their attic. If not, then visit some thrift or antique shops near you – you’ll be surprised at what you find! Next, incorporate some garland, pine cones, and other vintage elements to come up with a compelling fireplace that reminds you of days gone by. Just remember to move them away from the fireplace opening before lighting a fire.

Winter in the Farmhouse

If you have a farmhouse style home, then let this beautiful design from the Worthing Court blog inspire you. This simple decor speaks of winter in a subtle way that won’t grow old after the holiday season is over. The mix of light wooden elements with evergreen branches and simple galvanized village houses will give the room a relaxed, wintry feel.

Simple and Seasonal

This design idea from Modern Glam gives you permission to keep it simple! As you’re taking down your holiday decorations in the new year, keep a few, plain decorations that are wintry, rather than holiday specific. Add some garland (gold, silver, or green) and then keep a plain element in the background to center your fireplace, such as the elegant mirror pictured. This will allow you to use decor that you likely already have in a new way, and for the duration of winter.

There are endless winter fireplace decor ideas, so don’t be afraid to get creative! Use winter fireplace decor that you already have and head out to local antique shops or craft stores to find fun new elements to then come up with your own winter fireplace mantel ideas.

Are You Located in the Greater Boston, MA Area?

Best Chimney is an all-service chimney company serving the Greater Boston, MA area for both residential and commercial chimney needs. Here are some of the many chimney services that we offer:

• Chimney inspections
• Chimney sweeps
• Chimney repairs
• Chimney masonry work
• Chimney installations
• Basement Repair

We have been serving the community since 1989 and are ready to use our experience to assist you. Click here or call (781) 893-6611 to get in touch with us.

The post Winter Fireplace Decor Ideas appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Many clients ask us if creosote sweeping logs are safe to burn and if they’re an acceptable substitute for having your chimney swept in lieu of a professional sweeping. At Best Chimney, chimney safety is our number one priority, so we wanted to share our knowledge on this important topic.

Do you need a chimney sweep, inspection, or other residential or commercial chimney service in the Greater Boston, MA area? Our team has over thirty years of experience and is ready to serve you. Click here or call (781) 893-6611 to get in touch with us.

Now, we’ll share what you need to know about creosote removing logs.

What Are Creosote Sweeping Logs?

Creosote sweeping logs are designed to loosen and reduce creosote that has built up in your chimney. They are usually successful in reducing stage one creosote build up, but nothing heavier. Check out our blog on how creosote build up works if you are interested in learning more about how creosote can impact your chimney.

Essentially, the chemicals that these logs contain loosen up deposits and can allow your chimney to burn more efficiently.

Are Creosote Sweeping Logs Safe?

Under certain conditions, creosote removing logs are generally safe to use.  It is recommended that the logs are burned every 50-60 fires to help chemically transform the creosote to light fly ash.  Some of this ash then falls to the base where you can clean it out.  This can get tricky if there is an offset in the flue where the ash can collect and actually cause a blockage.  Ash can also fall on top of the damper frame preventing the mechanism from opening and closing.   It is therefore essential to follow instructions closely and use caution.

Can You Replace Chimney Sweeps with Creosote Sweeping Logs?

One of the dangers of using creosote sweeping logs is that people believe that they are a substitute for regular chimney sweepings, and this is simply not the case. The National Fire Protection Association states that “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.”

In short, there is no substitute for regular inspections and sweepings.  If you are diligent about having these services performed, you should not need to use creosote removing logs at all!

What to Burn to Clean Your Chimney?

As we mentioned, if you have regular inspections and sweeps, you should not need to burn creosote removing logs in between. That being said, there are guidelines on what to burn to avoid creosote build up to begin with. We recommend oak, maple, and several other options (check out our blog on the best woods for firewood to learn more). By burning the correct type of wood in your chimney, you can greatly decrease the amount of creosote produced in between inspections and sweeps and eliminate the need to even consider creosote removing logs.

Call Best Chimney for Your Chimney Needs

Have you had your chimney inspected and swept yet this year? If not, the team at Best Chimney is ready to assist you. Click here or call (781) 893-6611 to get in touch with our team for more information. Remember, by following basic chimney care tips, you can avoid creosote buildup and most importantly, keep your family and home safe.

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