Just when we start to feel the relief of winter being behind us, we are faced with often rainy Springs. Many New Englanders love the change of season, and each one does bring its own set of joys and challenges.

If you’ve been hearing a dripping sound coming from your chimney after a heavy rain or noticed moisture and stains on the wall near your fireplace, you likely have an issue, and it should explored further.

It is very common for chimney systems to have leaks, and it is imperative to stay on top of this. If a suspected leak is not addressed, it can lead to much more significant damage.

Further, if your home was built before 1970, and you haven’t had any preventative maintenance on your chimney’s masonry yet, it’s probably time to think about it. Chimney leaks that go unnoticed lead to potential hazards and costly repairs if not addressed early on.

The chimney is a much more complicated structure than most people realize. For this reason, pinpointing the exact source of the leak can be challenging.

How Does Water get Into My Chimney and What Are the Dangers of It?

Water is the mortal enemy of a chimney. If rainwater penetrates the chimney, the materials that make up the structure can deteriorate rapidly. Chimneys are regularly exposed to severe, changing weather conditions like heavy rain, wind, and snow. Over time, these elements can create cracks in the system, leaving the chimney more susceptible to damage from water and moisture.

A leaky chimney can lead to moisture damage, and left untreated, cause bricks to collapse into the chimney resulting in an obstruction.

If your chimney becomes clogged, you may experience airflow problems that affect the heat and hot water in your system. An even bigger concern is that a clogged chimney can cause dangerous carbon monoxide leaks in your home that put you and your family at risk.

How Does Rain Get Into the Chimney?

There are several issues that may cause leaks in your chimney system, including:

• Cracked or damaged chimney crown
• Faults throughout the chimney lining
• Excess water absorption through brick
• Flashing separations

Cracked or Damaged Chimney Crown

The chimney crown is the first line of defense from harsh weather conditions. It covers the top of the chimney and slopes downward to accommodate water runoff. The chimney crown also keeps water from getting into the flue, while preventing the masonry from experiencing further damage due to deterioration.  A chimney that has a damaged or missing crown is vulnerable to damage from the water issues that arise from storms and heavy rainfall.

Relining the Chimney

Chimney relining helps reenforce the structure of your chimney and deters water from entering through holes and cracks. The chimney relining process involves inserting a stainless-steel sleeve or coating the interior portion of the chimney cavity with Cerfractory sealant.

Excess Water Absorption

Constant exposure to the weather elements affects the chimney’s ability to prevent water penetration.   Hey, it happens to the best of us as we age.  A waterproofing application is a less expensive yet effective way to prolong the life of the chimney structure.

Flashing Separations

Gaps between the roof and chimney are a standard culprit for water leaks.  Applying an elastomeric sealant or replacing the lead flashing rules out this entry point

What Should You Do If You Suspect a Leaky Chimney?

A leaky chimney should be evaluated and repaired. Because there could be multiple areas of the chimney that have been damaged by rainwater, an inspection or water test may be needed to try to determine the entry location.

Schedule your chimney inspection today or call us at 781-893-6611 to discuss your concerns.

The post With Spring Comes April Showers: Is It Normal for Rain to Come Down My Chimney? appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Many of our clients contact us with the question “Can you repoint a chimney during the winter?” Today, we’ll explain what chimney repointing is, in which circumstances it is a good option, and whether or not it can be done in the winter.

Are you looking for chimney masonry services for your Boston, MA area chimney? Best Chimney Services offers chimney pointing, chimney rebuilds, chimney waterproofing, flashing repairs, firebox repairs, basement work and fireplace work. Click here or call (781) 893-6611 to contact us for more information!

Now, we’ll discuss basic info on chimney pointing and whether or not you can repoint a chimney during the winter.

What is Chimney Pointing?

Chimney pointing renews mortar joints that are worn out by partially removing mortar and filling them back in with new mortar.

When Do You Need Your Chimney Repointed?

Oftentimes, the bricks of a chimney are in good condition but the mortar is worn out. In those cases, chimney repointing is a practical option. After repointing, our team always recommends waterproofing your chimney to protect the bricks and mortar from normal wear and tear and to help them last longer. Read our blog on signs that you need chimney masonry repair to learn more!

What is the Difference Between Chimney Pointing and Rebuilding?

Chimney repointing is a great option when a chimney’s bricks are still in good condition because it greatly improves the chimney’s appearance and fortifies its structure. In addition, it prevents additional moisture from absorbing into the bricks.

Chimney rebuilding, on the other hand, is what our team recommends when a chimney is beyond repair (usually after years without proper care). In these circumstances, a chimney’s bricks are in bad shape and the chimney is unsafe. Rebuilds range from partial to complete rebuilds, and a professional chimney company will help you assess what is necessary for your chimney.

For more information, check out our blog on the difference between chimney repointing and rebuilding.

Can You Repoint Your Chimney During the Winter?

It is important to never use a chimney that is not in good condition due to the safety risks involved. Chimney companies will repoint your chimney during the winter and complete other chimney repair services if it is necessary. The use of tarps and heaters make it possible to make repairs, even in weather that is below 40º F.  It is preferable to repoint a chimney during the spring, fall, or summer however, to avoid the harsh winter weather and make the repairs go more smoothly.

Call Boston’s Best Chimney for Your Boston, MA Area Chimney Repointing!

If you are in need of a chimney repoint or other chimney masonry repair services, don’t hesitate to contact our team! We have over 30 years of experience serving the Greater Boston area and we look forward to meeting your chimney needs.

The post Can You Repoint a Chimney During the Winter? appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

We love our fireplaces. The warmth of the fireplace during the Fall, Winter and into part of Spring is nice and cozy. However, when the temperatures begin to rise, we’re ready to open the windows and enjoy the warmth of the outdoors. However, we get so excited that sometimes we forget to clean up the fireplace and chimney.

Chimney Smells and Fireplace Smells

We need to say both chimney smells and fireplace smells because some homeowners think they are two separate issues. But they are the same. The smells are coming from both.

As Spring continues to slowly make its way, we get our Spring storms. When they start, now we’re worried about backyard flooding and seepage and water in the basement. You think the fireplace will be top of mind? Nope. But what will happen is unpleasant.

Creosote & Debris

For wood burning fireplaces, you know creosote build up occurs. It’s natural and expected. However, that needs to be cleaned and removed as it is highly flammable. That’s especially important in the Fall before you turn on the fireplace. However, creosote is also very stinky. Mix in humidity (which we get plenty of) with creosote and now you have a foul smell. That’s why it’s best to get the fireplace cleaned in the Spring.

Now, let’s also remember that debris and dust makes its way down and settles in the chimney too. So we think, no big deal, it’s just a little dust and small leaf particles right? Well, you can do a little experiment. Mix some dry dirt, a few leaves with water. Let it sit. Be sure to periodically water it. What happens? Yup, it begins to develop an odor. So, is it good to let the chimney build up with debris? No, it’s best to clean that out before you need to turn on the air conditioner. The air conditioning system and fans are a great way to spread the smell. If you don’t want to wake up smelling decomposing debris and creosote, then let’s avoid it by getting a chimney inspection done now.

What if You Don’t Use Your Fireplace?

Even after all these years, we still get the same comment, “we don’t use our fireplace.” The fireplace continues to be more than a luxury item in your home. It’s an integral part of your house’s ventilation system. When you are not using your fireplace, your natural gas heating appliances are regularly using it. This is why it’s important to keep the fireplace and chimney in good working order.

Certified Chimney Sweep Now that you have the facts, it’s time to understand the importance of a certified technician performing the chimney sweep. A certified chimney technician receives initial training, on the road training with another experienced certified technician and on-going training for the duration of their career. They are working with critical elements in your home and need to be fully trained. So you know, all technicians at Superior Chimney are certified with the CSIA Chimney Safety Institute of America. Contact us at 877-244-6349.

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

When you are thinking of a design scheme for your living room, you must consider the installation. A fireplace can include any interior space that has a coy feeling. During the installation, you would have to consider different factors. For instance, fireplace doors and mantels can be bought in different shapes, sizes, and colors. Aside from that, you would have to decide whether the gas logs are going to be great for your home or not.

The installation of a fireplace is an exciting project because you can have a lot of options, and you can always ask the chimney cleaning services to help you with maintenance. If you want to know how to choose a fireplace for you, read this article now.

What is its Main Purpose?

Ask yourself if it is heat-efficient, aesthetically pleasing, or if it combines both. When you communicate this information to the proper fireplace salesperson, the options you have will narrow down your selection process, and choosing becomes easier.

Environmental Impact

One of the best things to consider when you are choosing a chimney is the carbon footprint you will produce. You would want to choose a fireplace with the least environmental impact. The majority of wood fireplaces are phased out, based on the change-out program of the state. The reason behind this is that they use unsustainable fuel. Gas fireplaces will have natural gas, which is not renewable and does it cleanly. An electric fireplace will still have some impact on the environment through the usage of energy.

It Should Heat More than One Room

Attempting to save on heating costs results in an overheated room, which forces you to keep the fireplace off for most of the time. Make sure that the fireplace is an area where it can heat more than one room so there is an equal distribution of heat in all rooms.

Source of Fuel

You might want to consider the hassle and cost of your fuel source. A wood fireplace requires that you buy, stack, cut, and transport wood to get fuel. A gas fireplace requires that you must install a gas line to the fireplace’s location, which can be expensive as well. If you have an electric fireplace, you need to install an outlet that costs you the smallest amount of money and time every month. For a lot of people, that is a gas fireplace.

Research the Trim Options

After you have decided on a certain fireplace insert, ask a salesperson to go over the available trim designs. Most of the time, the brochure features options that cannot be seen in the showroom, and you will find something that seamlessly blends with the new decorating style.

Ventilation Space

Some fireplaces need a chimney or fuel system to let the carbon monoxide and combustion products safely flow out from your home. In case ventilation is not proper, the harmful contaminants will affect the indoor air quality of your home. In order to accommodate a fireplace, you might have to consider if you have space for your chimney or vent system. The bioethanol and electric fireplaces do not need additional components, so it is advisable to opt for one of the best options if your space is limited.

Do You Have Enough Time to Maintain it?

Think about the free time you have in order to care for the fireplace before you decide on which one to get. Like other fireplaces, you must remove any debris buildup and then clean it so you can have a clean and safe home environment for a fireplace.

You can contact chimney sweep Bowie for your fireplace maintenance.

The post Blog first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

Here at Northeastern Chimney, LLC, we live and breathe all things chimney. This includes smaller chimney repairs and larger projects up to and including a complete reconstruction of your chimney system. We always encourage annual inspections, and biannual if necessary, to help mitigate costlier problems down the road.

Wondering why we encourage this? Look no further: here’s what you should know about chimney repair costs.

Reputation

We pride ourselves on our reputation in the West Hartford community. In addition, as we’ve grown our business over the years, we’ve likewise expanded outwards to neighboring communities.

Whoever works on your chimney system should be reputable and trustworthy. They should be backed by various online reviews that speak to their skillset and work ethic.

They should also be able to tackle anything related to your chimney, from sealing a leak to a full teardown and rebuilding.

Cheaper versus more expensive estimates

As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. This is not to advocate higher price tags. Rather, if an estimate seems especially low, it should raise at least a red flag in your mind. On the other hand, if an estimate seems particularly high, this, too, could be a cause for concern.

There’s a balance here. Looping back to reputation, always read online reviews when evaluating whether a bid is too low or too high. Safety should always be the top priority with estimates.

Timelines

Chimney repair costs will often be reflective of the project timeline. Simpler fixes, such as repointing or tuckpointing usually take less than a day. Larger projects, such as replacing a flue will take longer. Weather can also factor into repair timelines, extending them longer than originally expected.

Homeowners insurance

No two insurance policies are alike, so you’ll want to consult with your agent for a final answer. In our experience, however, homeowners insurance usually doesn’t cover chimney repair. The exception is if there is a recorded incident necessitating repair. General wear and tear and a lack of maintenance are rarely grounds for a homeowner insurance claim.

The average chimney repair cost

Depending on the state of your chimney, repairs cost anywhere between $300 up to $7000 (and possibly beyond). As a couple of quick examples:

• Leaks: Sealant and new flashing are usually in the ballpark of $350 for materials alone.
• Crown: Repairing a crown will run at least several hundred dollars. Replacing a crown can be upwards of over $2,000.Flue: Simple fixes will again be cheaper. Replacing a flue can be upwards of $7,000 and beyond.

Annual inspections can help save costs

Generally speaking, our technicians can only quote a labor project by visiting your property, reviewing the damage, and providing you with an estimate. The above costs are merely an example, but they all point to one clear conclusion: Annual chimney inspections can catch smaller issues before they snowball into larger and costlier problems.

With an annual inspection, our technicians can help mitigate any smaller problems today and save you more money in the long run. If you’d like to schedule your next inspection, contact Northeastern Chimney, LLC at 860-233-5770 or visit our website and fill out our contact form here.

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

Having a fireplace requires maintenance, but there is more. You need to know the responsibilities and safety precautions if you have kids around. The fireplace is not dangerous when you use it correctly, but it has the potential to cause hazards and death. You need to hire a chimney inspection service for yearly maintenance, and this helps prevent the majority of fireplace issues and accidents, but there is more you can do. If you want your home safe for yourself and your family, there are fireplace safety tips you can follow.

Keep in mind that these tips will keep your fireplace safe for everyone in your home. In this article, you will know what they are so read on.

Set Boundaries

Fireplace fires will not chase after your children and burn them on purpose. Instead, kids who wander too close to their fireplace end up getting hurt. You can prevent accidents by seeing to it that your children can understand that the fireplace is not an area where they can get too close and play.

Depending on how your child is, a simple instruction is to stay at least 5 feet away from a fireplace, and this might be enough. Younger children might have a better response if you use games. You can make an imaginary line, then let your kids know that they should never cross it no matter what the circumstances are.

Have Glass Doors Installed

If there is an open masonry fireplace in your home, you can install glass doors that can keep children safe. While the doors should be open while you are using the fireplace, you should make sure that kids understand when the door is closed, they cannot touch the fireplace. Glass doors are helpful when it comes to protecting them from stumbling into or touching hot ash and logs after a fire is burned. Glass also gets hot, so tell them to avoid getting too close or touching this accessory while it is closed.

Add a Safety Screen

Fireplace screens are beautiful and ornamental – and they are also great safeguards against sparks and embers that are shooting out of the fireplaces while causing kids and pets to be injured. Even if you have a good screen, you must still tell your kids that there is a restrictive perimeter that surrounds your fireplace.

Let Your House Air Out

This is a simple way to get rid of indoor air pollution and have better air quality. Using your fireplace or woodstove regularly can cause the air to try in your home while causing stale air and dust. On a day with bright and clear skies, open the blinds and windows and allow the air to blow inside your house for 1 or 2 hours. This should be a habit all year round, even in the warmer months when you are not using the fireplace so you can detox your space from other pollutants produced by cooking, cleaning products, etc.

You Should be a Good Example

Kids are popular for following the example of adults they are surrounded with. Therefore, if you are poking around and playing with fire, they will most likely follow your example. That is why you must be a good example and practice the safety precautions you enforce. For instance, if you use starter fluids for a fireplace, you need to make sure they are used properly and wisely. You should never overuse the fluid, and it should be far from the fireplace if you are not using it.

You can contact chimney cleaning services Upper Marlboro for their services to keep your fireplace properly maintained and safe.

The post Blog first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

Winter can take a toll on chimneys, especially chimneys that have not been thoroughly prepared for the harsh weather. There are many common winter chimney problems that homeowners experience, but one that we are often asked about is how freeze/thaw cycles affect chimneys. Today, we’ll explain what freeze/thaw cycles can do to your chimney and actions that you can take to prevent issues.

Are you a homeowner located in the Greater Boston, MA area? Best Chimney Services is an all-service chimney company with technicians certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America. If you have questions or are in need of chimney service, feel free to click here or call (781) 893-6611 to speak with our team.

Now, we’ll begin by explaining how freeze/thaw cycles work!

What is a Freeze/Thaw Cycle

During New England winters, temperatures frequently jump between below freezing and above freezing. This is especially prevalent in March, when the weather slowly begins transitioning between winter and spring. When you hear of pipes bursting in homes, it is often not only because of an increase in pressure due to ice freezing, but it is also often caused by the ice inside of the pipes thawing.

Freeze/thaw cycles have a similar effect on chimneys. The pores of the chimney can absorb water and then, when that water freezes, it expands and begins deteriorating the chimneys’ masonry.

How Freeze/Thaw Cycles Can Negatively Affect Chimneys

Freeze/thaw cycles can have a host of negative impacts on chimneys. Here are some of the issues that chimneys experience:

• Chimney leaks
• Masonry damage
• Chimney crown damage
• Firebox or damper rust

Ways that Best Chimney Services Combats Freeze/Thaw Cycles

Annual Chimney Inspections

A chimney inspection before the cold winter months will detect any chimney issues that you may have and give you the time to address those issues before your chimney is subject to the cold weather. We recommend hiring a CSIA certified chimney sweep to inspect your chimney, so that you are assured that the chimney company is skilled and ethical.

Chimney Masonry Work

Freeze/thaw cycles make existing masonry issues even worse. That’s why proactively getting chimney masonry work done can make a world of difference once winter comes around.

Waterproofing

One of the most effective chimney masonry services that will prepare your chimney for the winter is waterproofing. Since bricks absorb water like sponges, they need waterproofing to prevent water absorption. The product that Best Chimney puts on is 100% vapor permeable. This allows the water vapors to escape instead of being trapped. Check out our blog on the importance of waterproofing your chimney to learn more.

Contact Us for Your Boston, MA Area Chimney Needs

No matter the season, Best Chimney Services is here to service your chimney. Click here or call (781) 893-6611 to get in touch with us!

The post How Freeze/Thaw Cycles Affect Chimneys appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Proper fireplace use is essential to keeping your chimney in proper working order. Many people ask us how to start a fire in a fireplace since this is not completely obvious, especially to new chimney owners. Today, we’ll go over how to start a fireplace fire, along with other fire safety tips.

Are you a homeowner located in the Greater Boston, MA area?  Best Chimney Services would love to serve you! We’re a full-service chimney company that does everything from chimney inspections and sweeps to chimney masonry work, installations, and repairs. Click here or call (781) 893-6611 to get in touch with our team.

Now, we’ll dive into how to start a fireplace fire and other chimney fire tips.

How to Start a Fire in a Fireplace

First, open your fireplace damper all of the way. This important step will keep large amounts of smoke from entering your home.

Crumple and stuff newspaper below the grate – being careful not to over stuff and overload.

Now it’s time to stack your wood in two rows.  Stack criss-cross style with the largest logs on the bottom and leaving space between each log.

Next, add a handful of kindling on top of your newly formed stack.

Lastly, prime the chimney flue. Do this by lighting a newspaper and holding it above the damper area for a bit. If you skip this step, cold air in the flue could flow into your house due to negative pressure.  Once you’re seeing that the draft has reversed, you can start your fire light the newspaper located below the grate and voila!

We recommend keeping your fire small and hot for optimal combustion.

Other Fireplace Fire Tips

Choose the Right Wood

Before you even begin your fire, you should be sure that you have the correct wood. We recommend avoiding softer woods such as pine and fir because they burn quickly and leave large amounts of dirty ash residue. Seasoned wood is also the best choice because it burns more cleanly and is easier to start fires with. Oak is by far the best wood for burning, and maple and birch are also acceptable options. Remember to never burn treated wood, since it will release chemicals into your home.

Also, only bring as much wood into your home as you’ll use in one sitting to avoid inviting bugs to reside in your house! For more tips on wood burning, check out our blog on which types of wood to burn in your fireplace.

Avoid Chimney Cleaning Logs

Another fireplace fire safety tip is to avoid chimney cleaning logs! Creosote sweeping logs are meant to loosen up creosote build up in your chimney, but their use tends to lead people to neglect their annual chimney sweep. So, although chimney cleaning logs are generally safe to use, if you are getting your chimney swept by a professional regularly, they should not be necessary. Plus, they contain chemicals that it would be better to avoid touching altogether. If you’d like to learn more, be sure to read our thoughts on the safety of chimney cleaning logs.

Keep Safety in Mind

If you have not had your chimney inspected and swept in the past year, hold off on starting a fireplace fire. If your chimney is dirty or has other issues, you could be putting your home and family in danger by lighting a fire. Call a Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) certified chimney sweep to have an inspection and sweep completed before lighting a fire.

In addition, make sure that your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors have batteries and are working right. Remember, they should be kept in every room of your home except for your kitchen.

Call Best Chimney Services

Are you considering starting the first fire in a long time? Do you have questions on how to start a fire in your fireplace? Don’t hesitate to click here or call (781) 893-6611 to get in touch with us!

The post How to Start a Fire in a Fireplace & How to Do So Safely appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

This year the Kansas City Metro area is experiencing a wild winter season as we are being inundated with severe thunderstorms that are having a significant impact across the Midwest. Our area typically averages just 14.5 inches of snowfall annually, 50 percent less than the U.S. national average. However, local meteorologists say that a lot of snow is on the way with many portions of Kansas City, KS/MO expecting 4 to 8 inches of snow this week. There is also a greater than 20 percent chance of more than a foot of snow forecasted for the region. Fortunately, snow doesn’t stick around too long and begins to melt as temperatures climb above freezing during the day. However, when temperatures drop below freezing at night, it turns into ice. The compound effect of freezing rain, snow, and ice can cause damage like a leaky chimney.

Heavy Snow Can Damage Flashing

While the light, fluffy snow may look relatively harmless, appearances can be deceiving. When snow compacts on your roof and chimney, it adds a lot of extra weight, about 15 to 20 pounds or more per cubic foot. The additional weight can damage the flashing, the metal sheets that seal the seam where the chimney meets the roof. In addition, water from melting snow can leak through gaps in the flashing. The moisture can cause wood rot and damage to the attic, roof deck, ceiling, and walls. If it’s not repaired, warmer humid temperatures will create conditions for mold and mildew to grow in the chimney that can spread throughout your home. The moisture also attracts pests like termites. One of the signs of potential flashing damage is noticing a water stain on the ceiling or walls surrounding the fireplace. Another sign is moisture in the attic. Quickly repairing flashing damage will protect your chimney and preserve your roof.

Snow and Ice Accelerates Masonry Damage

Have you noticed white stains, cracks, flaking, or gaps in your masonry or brick chimney? Those are all signs that your brick-and-mortar chimney is absorbing water. While brick and mortar are highly durable, they are still porous materials. That’s why water is the chimney’s worst enemy. You can tell that the masonry absorbs water when a white stain called efflorescence appears after the surface dries. The white stain is the salts in the brick material drawn to the surface by moisture. When the snow-covered chimney melts during the day, the masonry absorbs the moisture like a sponge. When it freezes at night, the ice crystals inside the bricks expand, causing them to crack. It also causes the mortar to decay. The freeze-thaw cycle repeats throughout the winter, gradually chipping away at the brick and mortar, causing them to eventually spall or crumble, loosen, and even fall off the chimney, exposing significant holes in the mortar joints. It can also cause cracks in the chimney crown, the upper-most portion of the chimney, especially when the chimney cap is damaged or missing. Extensive masonry damage can also cause your chimney to collapse, resulting in extensive property damage.

Winter Chimney Repairs

If your chimney has signs of water, snow, or ice damage, call the certified chimney technicians at Fluesbrothers at (913) 236-7141 or contact us online to schedule an appointment today! We’ll inspect your chimney, perform masonry repairs, and waterproof your chimney to prevent future water damage. We serve Olathe, Independence, Lee’s Summit, and the entire KCK/KCMO metropolitan area.

The post Does Snow Cause Damage to Chimneys? appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

During the colder months, there are a couple of things that homeowners like to do such as sitting in front of the fireplace for warmth in the evening. It is good to have a wood-burning or gas fireplace in any home, but there are a couple of things you must not do to ensure that your fireplace and chimney can be used.

You need to hire the right chimney cleaning services because you want a safe home. Taking care of your chimney fireplace is not just about hiring a chimney sweep company when needed, but there are small things you can do on your own. Before the colder months, you should follow the tips mentioned here:

Dust Your Fireplace

You can lessen the professional chimney care visits by cleaning the inside of your fireplace on a regular basis. There are big soot and ash build-ups that become the main cause of chimney problems, but dusting it regularly prevents it from forming in your fireplace. The frequency of dusting depends on how much you use your fireplace. If you do that every day, you should try cleaning up weekly. If you will only light it up once weekly, you can do the cleaning session monthly.

Make sure that your fireplace already cooled down by giving at least 36 hours before you start the cleaning process. After that, lay down a tarp in order to gather all the debris and wear heavy-duty gloves, then use a shovel to scrape all the ashes from the base and put it in a metal bucket.

Leave Some Ash

Even if it is recommended that you remove ash from the firebox, it is a good idea to leave at least an inch of ash inside. By doing this, the coal coming from the fresh fires is going to retain more heat. After you scoop the rest, you should be very careful in setting them outside: ashes remain hot even long after the fire has been put out.

Test the Damper

Your damper must easily close and open. If the damper is stuck or difficult to open and close could be a sign of rust, which indicates there is moisture. This can be a sign of issues that require inspection.

Depending on the damper you have, you might want to visually check the fireplace damper if you can see it easily closing and opening. Are you able to feel or hear air when you close the damper? This is an indication that the seal works improperly. If the damper refuses to close properly, it can become warped or there is debris that prevents it from properly closing.

Watch Out for Brick Cracks

Cracked brick mortar leads to water damage and leaks, so it is more costly and time-consuming to fix, especially if you wait longer to do that. Generally, it is great to recruit a chimney sweep expert for something like this since you need special tools and equipment that you are unable to use.

Look for Evidence Indicating Moisture or Water Damage

Check if there is any moisture or water damage because that is important in fireplace maintenance. You might hear water dripping, without seeing any water. There is a musty smell that comes from the fireplace, which indicates mold or mildew, and it indicates unnecessary moisture. Other signs are cracks in the masonry or water stains in the firebox. You should inspect for water damage after heavy rain. Address any signs of damages right away.

Contact chimney inspection Ellicott City to get the best cleaning service to maintain your fireplace, especially during the colder months.

The post Blog first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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