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A lot of homeowners know about their chimney damper because it should be opened before you start a fire, but do not know to tell if the damper is closed or open.

The chimney damper is in the flue and they are placed there to control ventilation. Dampers also send away smoke. Imagine your home that fills up with smoke each time you are lighting a fire. Chimney dampers will also control the intensity of the fire. While your damper is adjusted, there is oxygen that flows through the fire.

You can call a chimney inspection service if you need to have it checked. Here are signs that your chimney is open or closed:

Inspect it Visually

When you perform a visual inspection, you are on the right path. The majority of dampers are in the chimney base’s interior, so you can crouch down and peer up inside your chimney. What are you really looking for? It is a type of metal that should be angled by using the knob or chain to control it to the open or closed position. In case it is too dark, you should use a flashlight or light on the phone. When you peek in, if you can see through the damper and past the interior of your chimney, the damper is open. If you will only see a metal plate, the damper is closed.

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By Creating a Small Fire

You should create a small fire with paper or a tinder at the fireplace. In case it is open, smoke is going to come out of your chimney without issues. However, if the flue is not open, the smoke will not go through a closed flue and go up the chimney. It will instead force its way into your home, which fills the room with smoke.

Check if There are Drafts

Maybe you cannot see the damper or are unsure if it is a little closed or opens all the way. Another way to know is to stick your hand close to the opening of your fireplace. If you feel a breeze, the damper is surely open. If you do not feel any draft, it is closed.

Look for a Damper Handle

In order to tell if the damper is closed or open, you should look for the damper controls. The traditional wood stove is normally a throat damper at the chimney flue’s base. You should look for a metal handle using a rotary-style screw or latch in the chimney throat. Aside from the flue, this handle might be located on the fireplace opening.

With chimney dampers, you should look for a chain inside the fireplace. Generally, chimney cap dampers are closed if the chain is hooked to the wall surrounding your fireplace. If it hangs freely, then the damper is closed.

You Can Feel a Breeze

When you try to feel the breeze, it is another method that you can use to find out if you have a closed or open flue. Look for your hand in the fireplace and wait to notice in case you can feel the airflow. When you have an open flue, the air is going to flow down the chimney.

You Hear Noises Coming from Outside

If you do not want to stick your head or hand in the fireplace, you can tell if the damper is open or closed by just listening. Outside noises are going to amplify when you have an open damper. If you are quiet and just listen, you will hear outside noises.

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

Call Us at 877-959-3534 for Chimney Service

Dear Superior Chimney,

I’m concerned about the fireplace smoke that came into my family room. With the cooler temperatures, I was excited to get started with the use of my fireplace. Why was the fireplace smoking? And how can I be sure it doesn’t happen again?

Answer:

These are great questions that many others can benefit from. So, let’s tackle the answer.

To begin, smoke, a byproduct and any tiny pieces from unburned wood is the result of a fireplace burn. A healthy fireplace and chimney work together to push the smoke, byproduct and unburned wood up the chimney flue and out of the home. At the same time… air is “pulled” into the fireplace to keep your fire burning. This critical cycle is called a chimney draft.

Indoor / Outdoor Temperatures

Fireplace smoke backing up in your home can occur when the indoor and outdoor temperatures are similar. When temperatures are approximately 20 degrees different, a strong draft develops, creating a healthy ‘push’ – ‘pull’ effect. When temperatures are too close together, the draft becomes weaker and greater the chance of smoke settling in your home.

Chimney Cap Installation

Chimney caps play an important role with fireplace smoke. If the chimney does not have a chimney cap, then water or snow can enter the chimney flue lowering the temperature at the base (or the fireplace), making it difficult for draft to occur. The chimney cap helps to keep a healthy flow of air going in the chimney. The chimney cap also serves as a deterrent for wind downdrafts, animals, debris, etc.

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Blocked Chimney Flue

You knew this was coming. If the chimney flue is blocked, it’s obvious to assume the fireplace smoke has no place to go…but come back inside. The critical importance of a chimney cap is keeping rain, snow, debris and animals from getting inside of the chimney flue.

In addition, if there’s creosote build up in the chimney flue, this can also be quite dangerous. Creosote is a highly flammable material. Creosote needs to be cleaned and removed from the chimney flue to keep the health of the chimney intact. For these types of issues, it’s best for a certified chimney technician to evaluate the situation.

Other Questions

There are other fireplace smoke questions you can ask yourself to ensure the fireplace smoke stays out of the home. Top 3 Questions include:

1. Is the chimney damper fully open? A partially closed damper can cause the smoke to stay indoors.
2. Is the firewood green or wet from rain or snow?
3. When was the last time the chimney was cleaned? Is it dirty?

If the answer is ‘yes’, you have all or maybe only part of the situation resolved. Again, if smoke is coming in your home, it’s best to have it checked by a certified chimney professional.

Summary

Now that you know what you need to do to keep the fireplace smoke from entering your home, keep your fireplace and chimney healthy with a chimney clean and check with our 14-point inspection. You’ll have peace of mind that you and your family and friends can enjoy a fire in the fireplace. Happy Fall!

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

Call Us at 877-959-3534 for Chimney Service

As simple as chimneys seem to be, they’re not what you’d call “simple” structures. A lot goes on with a chimney during and after fireplace use, and a lot can go wrong that will lead to dangerous operating conditions. Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace of Kansas City, KS, encourages all homeowners to err on the side of safety by scheduling annual chimney inspections.

Why your chimney must be inspected

The following are the four most important reasons to arrange for regular
chimney inspections:

1. Detect creosote buildup

Trained chimney inspectors are able to detect excess creosote inside your chimney flue. Creosote builds up every time a wood fire is burned, and it’s the leading cause of chimney fires each year in the U.S. It’s impossible for the average homeowner to gauge creosote levels in the flue. Let your inspector do this work, and follow his or her recommendation on having your chimney properly cleaned by an experienced chimney sweep.

2. Detect flue obstructions

If you operate your chimney without a chimney cap, it can become a nesting ground for squirrels, birds, racoons and other critters. The nests, as well as the bodies of animals who can’t escape and die in the flue, can create a major drafting problem. Leaves, twigs and other tree debris will only make the issue worse. When the flue is obstructed, smoke and deadly carbon monoxide can spill back into your home. Your inspector will recommend cleaning for an obstructed chimney and the installation of a chimney cap to prevent debris and animals from entering.

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3. Find early signs of damage and malfunction

A basic chimney inspection (Level 1 – see below) includes a look at the concrete chimney crown, chimney cap, chimney chase top (if you have a pre-built chimney), chimney flashing and, of course, the bricks and mortar of the masonry. Damage or malfunction to any of these components or areas can lead to unsafe operating conditions and large repair bills sooner or later. An inspection will tell you when it’s time to schedule repairs.

4. When you’re moving into a new home with a fireplace and chimney

Chimney real estate inspections (Level 2 – see below) are required when a home is being sold. These inspections go further than basic inspections with the addition of a video camera that lets the inspector see down into the chimney flue.

Chimney video inspections can determine if a chimney liner is damaged and could allow intense heat and dangerous gases to leak from the flue. With a proper Level 2 inspection, you’ll know the condition of the chimney before you move into your new home.

The different levels of chimney inspection

There are three levels of chimney inspection as sanctioned by the Chimney
Safety Institute of America (CSIA):

Level 1: The basic inspection.
Level 2: Performed when:

• A new heating appliance is being connected to the chimney or other alterations are being made
• A fire or other event may have caused damage to the chimney
• The home is being sold

Level 3: This inspection usually involves partial or complete dismantling of the chimney and is only performed when severe damage is known to exist.

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Just like a golden crown adorns the head of a royal, a chimney crown adorns the top of your chimney. However, unlike those worn by kings and queens, chimney crowns serve a vital purpose in the makeup and proper function of your chimney. If they are damaged in any way, this can lead to other issues that you want to get taken care of right away. So, is your chimney crown cracked or damaged? Let’s discuss the reasons why and how to repair any problems.

First, what is a crown?

As we previously stated, the crown is at the top of the chimney. Usually, it’s a concrete or metal piece that sits at the opening of your chimney to keep water from seeping into your masonry. It also has a slight overhang to direct water away from the structure instead of running straight down the brick, speeding up deterioration.

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How to tell if there is damage

Most often, damage to your chimney crown will not be visible from the ground. An inspection from a licensed technician is necessary to diagnose the problem and repair any issues. However, there are a few things you could experience that could indicate potential damage to your crown.

The appearance of rust

If you notice rust anywhere on the inside or outside of the chimney and fireplace structure, this is evidence of a leak somewhere in your chimney system. Rust on your firebox or damper means that moisture is getting through cracks somewhere in your chimney.

Visually apparent cracks

As weather and debris wear down the outside of your crown, cracks can form. Bricks and masonry can begin to crack and crumble. This action is known as spalling. This will require tuckpointing, the process of removing damaged mortar and replacing it with new, color-matched materials. While this can be done on your own, it can be tricky to get everything matched correctly, and is a job better left to the professionals.

Water damage

Water damage is a thought that puts fear in the minds of every homeowner. If undetected for a long time, the costs and labor involved in remediation of the damage can be big. This is one reason why a yearly chimney inspection is so important. Your Northeastern Chimney technician will diagnose any issues they see and work to get them fixed before damage sets in or gets worse.

“What if my crown is missing?”

A missing chimney crown needs to be replaced as soon as possible! The lack of a crown leaves your chimney exposed to the elements and allows moisture and other debris to cause even bigger problems.

If left uncorrected, water leaking in from a broken or cracked crown can weaken the structure of your chimney. Structural damage will be harder and more costly to repair if not treated right away. Don’t miss out on using your chimney this season because of damage!

The worst thing that could happen is for you to notice the damage right before you want to use your fireplace for the first time. Sure, you could go ahead and use it anyway but we don’t recommend that.

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

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Many homes have beautiful chimneys, creating an eye-catching exterior and adding a cozy feel to the interior. In order to ensure the chimney stays functional and tasteful, a homeowner needs to ensure the safety of their chimney and fireplace. You may now be asking yourself, “Do I need a chimney inspection?” and we are here to share when you may need a chimney inspection.

Do I Need a Chimney Inspection?

If you are unsure if you need a chimney inspection, there are a few questions to ask yourself:

• When was the last time you’ve had it inspected?
• Did you recently buy a new home with a chimney?
• Are you having any chimney issues?
• Have you replaced a connected device such as a water heater or boiler?

To safeguard your investment when purchasing a new home, you should have the chimney inspected. Additionally, a chimney inspection is a fantastic place to start if you’re experiencing any problems with your chimney. A replacement of a linked item also signals the need for an inspection. This indicates that updating your water heater or heating device will need a flue inspection to verify use. The chimney should be inspected even if you never use your fireplace. Inspecting your heating and hot water system will look for venting problems, protecting your family’s health and safety.

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If you are asking yourself “Do I need a chimney inspection?” it is more likely than not that you need one. It is vital for the safety of those living within your home that you get an annual chimney inspection. The Chimney Safety Institute of America agrees with the need for an annual chimney inspection and the National Fire Protection Association Standard 211 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.”

Call Best Chimney Services for Your Chimney Inspection Needs

If your chimney is in need of an inspection, be sure to get in touch with our team to book an appointment. An inspected and swept chimney will help keep your chimney safe and help you to avoid winter chimney problems, when the time comes to use your chimney. 

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The post Do I Need a Chimney Inspection? How to Know When an Inspection is Necessary appeared first on Boston’s Best Chimney.

The leaves are turning, and the nights are getting colder, which means it’s near time to light that first fire of the season. However, many people still don’t realize how crucial it is to use properly seasoned firewood. In this post, we’ll show you why it’s the case.

What Is Seasoned Firewood?

Seasoned firewood is wood that’s been thoroughly dried. If you cut firewood yourself, most experts agree that it’s best to store it in a place where it can dry out for a minimum of six months. If you need wood sooner, you could opt to dry it via a kiln. Kiln-dried firewood can be finished in as little as 75 minutes.

Why You Should Use Seasoned Firewood

The problem with fresh-cut wood is it contains a high level of moisture, which is more difficult to burn, produces more smoke, and is prone to popping. Popping firewood can cause embers and sparks to shoot into the house, putting you at risk of a fire.

Also, more smoke means faster creosote buildup on the inside walls of the chimney, which is a fire risk. Finally, fresh-cut firewood is more difficult to ignite and doesn’t burn as efficiently as seasoned wood, which means you use more wood to keep the fire going.

Seasoned Wood Versus Kiln-Dried

We mentioned that you could dry firewood by storing it in a dry place and letting it sit for approximately six months, or you could use a kiln. But is one method superior? First, if you purchase firewood, seasoned wood is typically cheaper; however, kiln-dried wood offers several advantages. First, when you season firewood, there’s still moisture left inside —how much depends on how long you let it sit out and the environment. Drying wood in a kiln can remove up to 20% more moisture versus letting it sit out.

Another advantage of using kiln-dried wood is that the logs burn hotter for longer, reducing fuel costs. Estimates vary, but typically, you can get the same heat output from one kiln-dried log as you can from three seasoned logs. If you’re worried about smoke and creosote, the fact that kiln-dried wood is drier means it produces less smoke, which means less buildup in your chimney and a reduced risk of a fire. Finally, kiln-drying wood removes pesticides, mold, and pests that you might find in traditional seasoned firewood.

How to Store Wood For Seasoning

If you’re committed to cutting your firewood and seasoning it yourself, the method you use to store it will make a difference in how hot and efficiently it burns. As mentioned, you must store firewood for a minimum of six months or season to season for best results. However, knowing how and where to stack the wood is crucial. It goes without saying, but store your firewood outside to prevent ants, spiders, and other pests that get stuck in the nooks and crannies from infesting your home. It’s best to stack the wood in rows with the bark side down to allow the moisture to evaporate more quickly.

Many people use a firewood rack they purchase or construct to make stacking more manageable and to keep the wood off the ground. Make sure to stack the logs neatly instead of tossing them in a pile for maximum ventilation and moisture evaporation. Finally, use a cover to protect the wood from rain and snow, but leave the front and back open to allow it to breathe. Wherever you choose to stack the wood, make sure it’s in a place that will enable proper airflow to allow it to dry.

About

We offer a full range of chimney and fireplace services, including:

– Chimney Cleaning
– Chimney Inspection
– Chimney Video Scans
– Furnace Flue Cleaning
– Masonry Repairs
– Flue Lining & Re-lining
– Tuckpointing
– Fireplace Insert Sales & Installation
– Wood Stove Sales & Installation
– Firebox Rebuilding
– And More

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If you see that your chimney bricks have begun to crumble and flake, then you should know that your chimney is already spalling. Which is a chimney condition more common in colder climates.

A chimney inspection and repair are one way to help prevent structural deterioration. If you see chips, cracks, or worn-out mortar, you should try getting it fixed immediately.

Small cracks will cause bigger ones that affect the structural integrity of a chimney and they can also compromise safe fireplace operation. Before you start looking for chimney repair companies, it will help you determine the important aspects of replacement and restoration.

In case you want to know what to do in case your chimney crumbles, read on.

Causes of Spalling Bricks

Several events cause bricks to start decaying like old age, water damage, house-setting, lightning strikes, house-setting, and cheap bricks and mortar.

The Danger Caused by Spalling Bricks

A crumbling chimney leads to all types of unpleasant scenarios. Normally, spalling bricks allow water into the chimney system which causes more compromise and possible chimney liner damage, adjacent and fireplace damper areas of your home like walls, beams, and ceilings.

It is common for a lot of water damage to become unnoticed until a serious safety or health risk happens. This is even more true with mold outbreaks in attics and behind walls that are normally shut. Beyond the structural damage, components, and the house, crumbling bricks can make your chimney collapse. When this occurs, roof parts and items in the yard beneath the chimney can get destroyed. People and pets can give you serious injuries when your chimney collapses.

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Crown Repair

Chimneys are normally capped using a mortar that keeps water from entering your house or building from behind the flue and bricks. Contraction cycles and normal expansion throughout the years can lead to cracks. Ignoring the issue results in a chimney damper, fireplace, and smoke damage. Replacing the mortar and applying a good elastomeric coating to seal the chimney crown will spare you from making unnecessary expenses, stress, and effort of doing major chimney crown repair. This will destroy your chimney so make sure to have it repaired in time.

Choose the Right Bricks to Place

Matching style and bricks are important if you want the chimney to look halfway decent after you are done with repairs. You should try your best to fix the mortar and try to look for bricks that look like the current ones.

Replace the Chimney Crown

If the chimney cap is badly damaged or cracked, it requires replacement. The replacement will extend the lifespan of the chimney. Aside from the visible cracks, you will also see falling flue tiles, a rusty firebox or damper, damaged interior walls, and spalling bricks are all signs that you need chimney crown replacement. It is a lot less when you compare it to fixing all problems that are caused by neglect.

Take Out the Spalled Bricks

This is when a cold chisel and club hammer should be used. The mortar around the brick must be scraped out first before the spalling brick so you can pull out everything. Use the drill if you have a hard time getting the mortar out.

Replace the Right Bricks

Style and matching bricks are important if your goal is to make your chimney look halfway decent after you have done the repairs. You must do your best to fix mortar similarly and try finding bricks that look like the ones you currently have.

You can talk to chimney contractors if you need your crumbling chimney fixed.  

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

Call Us at 877-959-3534 for Chimney Service

It can be tempting to start lighting your indoor fireplace now that colder weather is quickly approaching. But it’s crucial, first, to spend money on a comprehensive chimney inspection and sweeping first. According to experts, autumn is the ideal season to schedule a chimney sweep. This is because it enables you to identify any significant problems before winter, produces a cleaner burning experience, and may even enable you to save money on future repairs.

This is why professionals advise autumn chimney sweeps:

Increase Fireplace Longevity

The structure of your chimney, house, and fireplace may be harmed if fire by-products build up. You deserve to reap the rewards of your costly investment for many years to come. By getting a chimney sweep, you remove the by-product buildup and begin the season with a clean fireplace to optimize draft.

Prevent Chimney Fires

Your chimney functions as a passageway for dangerous gasses and other fireplace by-products to exit out of your home. As autumn weather cools down the by-product build-up from the previous season, condensation within the chimney can create a tar-like coating from creosote on the inside of the chimney. Starting a fire with this highly combustible coating on the walls of your chimney puts you at risk for a chimney fire. The easiest way to remove this build-up and prevent a chimney fire is to schedule your inspection and sweeping.

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Prevent Odors

One of the primary reasons homeowners install a fireplace is to add elegance and luxury to their home; regrettably, for homeowners who neglect to maintain their chimney clean, an unpleasant odor may start permeating from their fireplaces into their homes.  This is especially true once you start using it again after a period of time.  

No homeowner wants to smell the sour, burnt odor that might be released by a dirty chimney as a result of reactions caused by the heat and humidity of summer, and moisture. By having an autumn chimney sweep, you may reduce the prevalence of these unpleasant odors and maintain a clean and cozy home.

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The post Why Autumn Chimney Sweeps Are Important appeared first on Boston’s Best Chimney.

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Keeping a chimney safe and efficient requires periodic maintenance that includes sweeping, inspections and timely repairs. But even the best-maintained chimneys occasionally experience problems. Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace of Kansas City, KS, would like to outline five of the more common chimney problems and why they happen.

1. Chimney fires

Most chimney fires are started when creosote ignites inside the flue. Creosote is a byproduct of smoke condensation and can be solid, sticky or puffy in form. Big chimney fires are obvious, but smaller ones may not be.

Many chimney fires start and go out on their own, usually resulting in some level of interior flue damage. The first and best step toward reducing the chances of a chimney fire at your home is to have your flue professionally inspected and swept once a year.

2. Smoke backing up into the house

There are several possible causes of smoke backing up out of the fireplace.

• Your house is too airtight to allow enough air to reach the firebox and create an upward draft
• Exhaust fans, such as in the kitchen or bathroom, are running and drawing air away from the firebox
• The fireplace damper is closed or only partially open
• The air inside the flue is cold and heavy, which hinders the rise of warmer air
• The flue is obstructed

3. Animals and debris in the flue

Squirrels, birds, rodents, raccoons and other small animals like to get into chimneys for shelter and to give birth. Tree debris, such as leaves and twigs, also can find its way into a chimney. These obstructions narrow your flue and prevent smoke from drafting properly. In most cases, the reason for this problem is a severely damaged chimney cap or no chimney cap at all. A secure full-width cap will keep debris out of the chimney.

4. Chimney leaks

Chimney leaks can start in many places within the chimney system, including the chimney cap, chimney crown, flashing and masonry. Damage to any of these parts of a chimney can lead to ongoing water intrusion and widespread damage to other areas of the system as well as nearby home building materials.

Watch for these signs of a leaky chimney:

• Water in the firebox
• White staining, or “efflorescence,” on the exterior chimney bricks (this means water is penetrating the bricks)
• Rusty or squeaky fireplace damper
• Wet patches on the ceiling or walls near the fireplace
• Damp, musty odors coming from the fireplace

5. Smelly chimney

Excess moisture in the flue, which is usually the result of a chimney leak, can cause strong musty odors in the flue. The smell will be worse when moisture mixes with large amounts of soot, oily creosote and nesting materials. Dead animals can also cause an odor in a chimney. Certain species regularly become trapped inside flues and die, unable to get back out. You can prevent most smelly chimney problems with regular chimney sweeping and a quality chimney cap.

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The post Common Chimney Problems and Their Causes appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

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Let’s be very honest; a whole long year of winter could be irritating sometimes. Isn’t it? Colder seasons bring in more responsibilities for everyone out there who has a chimney on their rooftop. More winter means more snow, rain, and fog, ultimately increasing home and infrastructure costs.

This infrastructure includes a chimney, stove, fireplace, and duct. We all know already that nowadays, our houses need ultra-supervision in terms of maintenance, and you can’t skip that part!

As winters start approaching, a lot of people start freaking out about how to repair a chimney crown or how to install a fireplace. And if you are residing in the USA, you must know how difficult it is to repair a broken chimney crown or install a fireplace. It is super difficult to survive extreme weather conditions if you have zero maintenance of these things.

Are you worried about how much it costs to repair a chimney crown? If that’s the case, then you need to contact a trustworthy chimney repair service and let them do their job. But still, to help you out initially, here is the guide that will help you learn what a chimney crown is and how to get it repaired.

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What Is a Chimney & What Are Its Components?

Before sliding into the section on how to repair cracked chimney crowns, it is essential to learn what a chimney is and how chimney components work.
In very simple words, a chimney is a vertical structure usually fitted on the top of the roof and encloses the flues that further carry off smoke out of the house. Available in multiple sizes and materials, a chimney is one of the core components that you need right on the rooftop for smoke evacuation.

In winter, the demand for maintaining a chimney along with its components increases a bit as compared to other seasons. This is where you need to know how your chimney is working and what parts would need a proper repair service. Let’s have a quick look over the essential components of a chimney.

1. Bricks: Bricks are the foundation of your chimney, and if they are in poor condition, your safety may get compromised. Ensure to get your chimney bricks absolutely dry and get the service done from a high-quality chimney service provider.

2. Chimney flue: It is a vertical shoot that allows the combustion materials to exit your home. It is highly recommended by the law as well to line the flue.

3. Chimney liner: It acts as a barrier and prevents the fire from spreading through the home or duct. For this purpose, the best is to use clay tiles that are long-lasting and economical in choice.

4. Chimney cap: This component of the chimney prevents elements from the outdoors from getting into your house from the pathway of the chimney. If you ever find debris coming through the chimney cap, get a chimney cap repairs service near you.

5. Chimney crown: This component is also known as a chimney wash. It is a slab of cement that covers the whole top of the chimney and prevents water from entering it.

6. Chimney chase cover: It is a prefabricated cover used to cover the chimney’s opening. It is usually made up of copper, aluminum, and steel.

7. Chimney flashing: This component is made up of vinyl, copper, or steel and is placed where the chimney connects with the roof. It protects the chimney, roof, and rooms from moisture and leakages.

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What Is a Chimney Crown? What Is the Importance of Chimney Crown?

The chimney crown is an essential and the topmost part of the chimney. Its main function is to protect the chimney from water and other outer debris. There are multiple techniques used by different chimney companies to create crowns, and this can have an impact on their longevity and functions.

Some chimney repair companies like High’s chimney sweep use impregnate that extends crown life. Some chimney service companies with poor credit use inferior materials to save money, which puts security at an extreme risk. It is highly important to make the right decision about chimney crown repair because it impacts the lifetime of chimneys as well.

This large concrete slab covers the upper opening of the chimney and protects the brick-and-mortar chimney structure from water and moisture in extreme weather conditions. The chimney lining also becomes secure with the crown installation. The crowns are usually made of concrete but can also be made of metal or stone.

A crown should not be confused with a chimney cap, which is made of metal and primarily covers the chimney. So, in short, the last layer of brick at the top of the chimney is the chimney crown. It is usually about 3 to 4 inches thick and faces downwards.

There are several types of crowns.

1. On-site concrete: Suitable for large chimneys, made of concrete.

2. Finished product: Ideal for smaller chimneys and concrete chimneys

3. Floating crown: Built with an overhang about 2 inches above the chimney. This type of crown takes longer to install but usually lasts longer than other crowns.

How to Repair a Chimney Crown? What Are the Red Alerts to Get a Chimney Crown Repaired?

Now let’s talk about how to repair a crown on your chimney.

First of all, if you have been noticing some issues with your chimney, then schedule an annual chimney inspection every year. If your chimney crown doesn’t work properly, you will feel a smoke smell in the house, moisture and smelly fireplace, and extreme cracks in the chimney.

At this point, get in contact with specialists in the chimney and be sure to use a qualified, professional chimney service company with a good reputation and reviews. There are so many fake companies as well, so it’s better to pay attention to Google reviews.

If the chimney crown is in good shape but cracked, a crown sealant can be used. However, if the crown is already severely damaged, you must get the crown rebuilt.

Mind-Blowing Chimney Facts You May Never Knew

Now that you know when you should get your chimney crown repaired, let’s talk about a few very lesser-known facts related to chimneys.

1. Chimneys were constructed using wood and hay centuries ago. But a huge fire took place in London back in 1666. Then English Courts demanded to build chimneys with brick and mortar.

2. According to the EPA, there are 13 million chimneys and fireplaces in use each year.

3. Chimney fires can burn up to 2000 Farenhites. So, stay cautious.

The fire temperature of the chimney literally blew my mind! These lesser-known facts are really surprising, aren’t they?

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