If you’re the type of person who likes to celebrate and decorate, don’t forget Halloween and other fall themes for your fireplace. Sprucing up and decorating the fireplace is quite a trend these days, with endless ideas on how to bring more life, color and energy to the seasons. Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace of Kansas City, KS, would like to share some fall fireplace spruce-up tips that will literally transform your hearth area.

Start with the mantel

If you don’t have a fireplace mantel, this fall might be a good time to consider adding one. Mantels come in various widths and depths and can hold all sorts of unique and colorful items.

For the fall months, Halloween is always a popular theme. So are apple baskets, harvest vegetables and anything with earthy shades of orange and brown. You can fill your mantel with vases, candles, pumpkins, pre-bought seasonal decorations and more.

Beside the fireplace

The space around the fireplace is perfect for pumpkin and winter squash displays. Baskets with fall flowers make a lovely accent to your hearth area. Think about adding a fall-themed hearth rug, which will look great during the post-summer season and all year long.

If you have young children, enlist their help for Halloween decorating ideas. They may want to supply some spooky artwork that can flank the fireplace and add zest to the room.

Put the wall to good use

Whether the wall around your fireplace is small or large, you can make good use of it for a fall fireplace spruce-up. Posters, hanging tapestries, candle racks, leaf arrangements and the like will make the wall come alive.

For more allure, consider adding a gorgeous fireplace surround, which borders the firebox and stretches out as far as you’d like. Surrounds can be bought pre-built and ready to install with a wide range of materials, colors and features.

They key to a fabulous fall visual

These are just some ideas to get you started with your fall fireplace decorating. The best ideas are the ones that you come up with and that truly express what the fall season means to you. Be bold, be creative, be adventurous. You never know what you might end up with.

Schedule an inspection and cleaning before winter sets in

Another thing you’ll want to see to before winter arrives is a thorough inspection and cleaning of your chimney. An inspection will let you move into the holiday season with peace of mind, knowing your chimney is ready to warm and delight you during the cold weather.

Chimney cleaning involves removing flammable creosote buildups and any debris that might be narrowing your flue. Hire only experienced chimney sweeps for this task.

The post How to Spruce up Your Fireplace for Fall appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

Chimney efficiency, in Illinois, is critical to keeping the house warm…after the fire has gone away. Many have asked why the room gets so cold after a warm cozy fire. Sure, part may be that you enjoy sitting close to the fireplace and you have the warmth of the fire surrounding you, and when it’s done, brr. But that’s not the whole story. Cold air may be coming into your home for other reasons. We’re going to take a look what we can do as homeowners to practice better chimney efficiency. Not only will you be happier, but so will your energy bill.

What is Chimney Efficiency?

Chimney efficiency are ways to keep the warm air inside once the fire has completed the burning process. The purpose is to maximize the heat inside of the home without using the furnace in order to conserve on energy.

Efficiency Tip #1: Fireplace Damper

Once you are done with the fireplace, close the fireplace damper. Regardless if you are using a wood burning fireplace, or a gas fireplace, always keep the fireplace damper open when in use. However, to keep that nice warm air inside of the home, close the fireplace damper to avoid heat loss in the rest of the home. Be sure to make it a practice to open the fireplace damper before the fire begins, and close it when done.

Efficiency Tip #2: Chimney Liner

Chimney liners are especially needed for woodburning fireplaces. Creosote builds up during the burning process. This can decrease the chimney efficiency. Chimney lines are great as they provide maximum efficiency for your fireplace and chimney while protecting the masonry from the creosote, the byproduct of the burning process.

Efficiency Tip #3: Flue Damper Seals

Seals weaken over time and if the seals are not tight, you can easily be losing heat in your house through the chimney. Don’t want to check, or not sure if you’re checking it right? No problem…go on to Efficiency Tip #4.

Efficiency Tip #4: Certified Chimney Sweep or Cleaning

According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, if you use your fireplace a little or not at all, if it’s woodburning or gas, the fireplace and chimney are to be cleaned and checked each year by a certified chimney technician… Especially, in areas like ours, where there are repeated freeze and thaw cycles through the winter months. This is the best and most efficient way to keep your fireplace and chimney working at peak performance while keeping everyone in the home safe.

Summary

These four tips will help keep your home cozy and warm this winter while saving on your energy bills and conserving on energy.

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

Fireplaces can generate plenty of heat while you are standing in front of it. Otherwise, these fireplaces suck all the heat from a room and you can send it up the chimney producing a lot of smoke. However, you do not have to suffer from that.

Aside from paying for a chimney sweep, you should do other things as well. The fireplace is seasonal, but you should still clean up to snuff despite not using it regularly. No matter what kind you have, you should use the best tips to make sure that your fireplace is always ready and efficient.

If you want to make your fireplace more efficient, you can read this article until the end to get tips.

Use the Right Wood

At the center of the fire is fuel. If you get this wrong and the fire will not be efficient, nor is it going to generate the heat you are capable of.

Therefore, before anything else, you will need a pile of suitable wood.

When it comes to ‘suitable wood’, it is something more than just dry and suitable wood.

If you burn wood green, wet, and moldy wood, or which has been treated or painted, you will either fail to light the fire or you will end up using a fire that burns poorly and give you a lot of smoke and particulates.

Keep the Dampers Closed

The damper is made of metal, and it keeps the moisture, air, and debris from your firebox when no one is using the fireplace. Forgetting to close the damper after turning off the fire is similar to keeping a window open.

All the heat generated will go out through the chimney. You need to keep the fireplace damper closed once the fire is totally extinguished, and it will retain the heat in the firebox and you should continue to warm the living space for many hours.

Install Fireplace Doors

This is going to retain more heat, especially if you are careful in keeping the closed when no one is using the fireplace. However, the majority of doors do not close tightly enough to prevent anything from leaking. In case you install them on the fireplace, make sure that they are sealed around it so no drafts will be able to go through. You should close the doors and damper. The fireplace requires a metal mesh screen that you can pull close while the fireplace is burning. The screen contains logs and any sparks or embers that shoot out from your fire, but it will still allow heat to get through.

Add a Gasket

In case you do not have a fireplace gasket, you should get one.

A fire gasket provides you with a way to build fire, and it will also hold everything in place, preventing logs from rolling out from the opening of the fireplace. The important thing is that a fire basket makes your fire burn efficiently even more.

Reverse Ceiling Fan Circulation

Some ceiling fans come with a switch that is going to reverse the operation in clockwise. Reversing the ceiling fan circulation creates an updraft and it spreads the heat more efficiently throughout the living space.  It will save you up to 15% when it comes to heating costs. However, operating ceiling fans in the standard clockwise direction is going to have the opposite effect and it cools down the living space. This way, you will also become more comfortable in your place.

The post How to Make Your Chimney More Efficient first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

Another winter approaches, and many homeowners prepare to battle the cold weather by getting their preferred heating system ready, whether it’s a gas furnace or electric heater. However, you might consider adding a wood-burning fireplace to augment or replace your heating system, and here are a few reasons why.

Timeless Aesthetic

If fireplace owners are honest, they’d tell you that using a fireplace is more about the atmosphere and the feelings a roaring fire provides. Humans have spent hundreds of years gathered around crackling fires not only for warmth but for swapping stories and building bonds. Fireplaces and campfires are in our DNA. And although wood-burning fireplaces aren’t always the most efficient heat sources, nothing can beat their authentic old-world charm.

Inexpensive, Environmentally Friendly & Renewable Fuel Source

One of the main advantages of installing a wood-burning fireplace is that it uses a cheap, renewable fuel source that can significantly cut down your energy expenses if you’re relying on gas or electricity. Purchasing seasoned firewood is less expensive than paying for gas or electricity. If you’re not afraid of a little effort, you can save even more by cutting and seasoning the firewood yourself. Furthermore, wood-burning fireplaces are more environmentally friendly than using fossil fuels. Wood is renewable, sustainable, and more cost-effective than drilling for natural gas or burning coal for electricity. Finally, when wood burns, it doesn’t release nearly the amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere as gas or other fossil fuels. Another thing to consider is how renewable wood is as a fuel source. Companies that provide wood for sale are committed to planting new trees for each one they cut down, so there’s no worry of running out.

It Doesn’t Require Electricity

Losing heat during winter isn’t just uncomfortable; it can be dangerous if you have vulnerable family members living at home, like young children or older adults. Unfortunately, it’s common for winter storms to wreak havoc with power grids, causing downed lines and outages that can last for days. Living through a power outage can be a nightmare if you rely on an electric heating system. However, if you have a wood-burning fireplace, you never have to worry about being without heat. Even if the fireplace doesn’t heat the entire house, it’s better to cozy up in a warm living room or den and be comfortable than shivering and waiting for the electricity to come back on.

Lower Energy Bills

The price of everything is going up, and there’s no end in sight. So, it’s prudent to reduce expenses wherever you can to keep more money in your pocket. If you add a wood-burning fireplace to your home, you can reduce your reliance on your furnace or electric heater, reducing your energy bills.

Boost Home Value

Depending on the location and market, a fireplace can add value to your home if you decide to sell it down the road. For example, suppose your home is in a region that experiences long, harsh winters. In that case, a fireplace may be a must-have for a homebuyer; However, for a home on the Florida coast, not so much. However, remember that many people like fireplaces for the atmosphere more than the heat.

Strong Focal Point

Another advantage to having a fireplace in your home is that it provides a beautiful, natural focal point and can be the center of attention when you have guests over. Moreover, a fireplace with a mantle gives you countless opportunities for decorating, or you can even integrate a TV into the design to make it more eye-catching.

Cheaper Than Gas

People who use fireplaces fueled by natural gas would argue that gas fireplaces are easier to use, safer, and require less maintenance, which is mostly true. However, they fail to mention that gas is still more expensive than wood despite having dropped in price in recent years. If getting the most bang for your energy buck is essential,
you can’t beat a wood-burning fireplace.

The post Reasons to Consider A Wood-Burning Fireplace appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

As the weather gets colder, many homeowners begin to think about their to-do lists for the winter. One item that is often overlooked is masonry maintenance. However, putting off masonry projects can lead to bigger problems down the road. Here are some benefits of getting masonry projects done now:

1. Prevent further damage.

Small cracks in your chimney or walkway may not seem like a big deal, but they can quickly turn into larger problems. By getting these projects done now, you can prevent further damage.

2. Save money in the long run.

Masonry projects may seem like a costly investment upfront, but they will save you money in the long run. Ignoring small problems will only lead to bigger, more expensive problems down the road.

3. Improve your home’s curb appeal.

Whether you’re planning on selling your home or not, it’s always important to maintain its curb appeal. well-maintained masonry will make your home look its best and improve its value.

4. Increase your safety.

Chimneys and walkways that are in disrepair can be dangerous. By getting these projects done now, you can rest assured knowing that your family is safe from potential injury.

• Chimney Rebuild
• Chimney Pointing
• Brick Replacement
• Chimney Waterproofing
• Walkways

Conclusion:

Don’t wait until it’s too late to finish your masonry projects. By taking care of them now, you’ll be preventing further damage, saving money, improving your home’s curb appeal, and increasing your family’s safety—all reasons to consider getting masonry projects done now rather than later!

The post October News – Last Call for Masonry appeared first on Boston’s Best Chimney.

The cooler weather is on its way as Fall arrives. It’s time to gather at your fireplace feeling safe and relaxed. The best way to do so is by avoiding chimney safety issues in your old home. Excessive heat breaks down the chimney over time, and it’s important to keep your family safe and warm around the fireplace. If you own an old home, let’s take a look at six safety issues to avoid with your C – H – I – M – N – E – Y.

C – Cracks in the Cap, Crown, or Flue  

Most old chimneys have cement crowns to keep out the moisture and rain. This barrier easily cracks and deteriorates over time from environmental pressures. Newer chimneys have caps instead of crowns because they are more efficient at deterring animals, leaves, debris, and moisture.

H – Hindrance Obstructing Chimney   

Older chimneys, especially if not properly maintained, are at an elevated risk of chimney obstructions. Creosote, debris, and even animals can create obstructions and hinder proper ventilation. The blockages reduce airflow and cause multiple safety concerns. Creosote build-up is another common chimney obstruction in older homes. If not properly cleaned and inspected over time, the creosote builds up and leads to chimney fires.

I – Incineration of Build-up   

Pyrolysis is one of the most common issues in old homes. When the chimney is exposed to high temperatures over a long period of time, the wood behind it dries out and incinerates. Materials can spontaneously burst into flames due to the pressure and dryness without being directly exposed to a fire. The chimney liner helps with build-up and minimizes the risk of pyrolysis.

M – Masonry & Mortar Damage  

With old homes, your bricks might be of higher quality than ones manufactured today. However, they are still susceptible to mortar damage and deterioration. We use a process called tuckpointing to remove and replace damaged mortar, extending the life of your chimney. Block chimneys are also common in older homes and are less ideal because they tend to leak, crack, and lean more than brick chimneys. Surrounding all four sides of your block chimney with brick is a way to make the chimney safer and also more beautiful.

N- No Chimney Liner  

Chimney liners are now standard in homes but were not deemed necessary until the 1940s. This means most homes built earlier lack what is arguably the most important chimney component. The lack of a chimney liner causes pyrolysis, flue damage, and carbon monoxide leaks. If you have an older home, you should schedule a chimney inspection to ensure your liner is installed and intact before you use your chimney.

E – Exhaust Vent BackUp   

Inadequate venting is one of the most common causes of fires in old homes. If the fireplace does not have proper ventilation, the exhaust vents backup and dangerous gasses and fumes come back into the home. The exhaust backup can also cause damage to the structural integrity of the chimney and cause the liner to fail or creosote to build up.

Y – Yearly Chimney Inspections  

An annual chimney inspection performed by a professional is the best way to avoid these common chimney problems in older homes. Let us help keep your beautiful older chimney safe and in service to you! Give us a call today to schedule a visit from one of our professionals.

The post Avoid These Chimney Safety Issues if You Own an Old Home first appeared on Southern Chimneys.

This post first appeared on https://southernchimneys.com

Winter is on our doorstep here in Central Connecticut. As the summer heat gave way to crisp breezes and falling leaves, there are some home upkeep tasks to keep in mind. These range from winterizing your camper to cleaning out your gutters. And of course, your fireplace system will have several pre-season maintenance tasks before we’re all drinking pumpkin spice lattes in front of a cozy, warm fire. So today, let’s take a look at the four things to do with your chimney before the start of winter.

Schedule an inspection

Most importantly, you should schedule a chimney inspection. A licensed technician will inspect the internal and external components of your system looking for signs of damage, leaks, and creosote build-up. Failing to take this step before using your fireplace for the first time in a season can lead to costly repairs and even cause a house fire. Why?

Because blockages such as leaves and other debris, as well as the aforementioned creosote, could catch fire, follow the updraft out of your flue, and cause a house fire on your roof. An inspection will identify any issues and help you make informed decisions on how to fix those problems before you use your fireplace this fall.

Perform any necessary waterproofing

If an inspection uncovers any leaks or water damage, taking care of it proactively will be essential to extending the life of your chimney. Your technician can repair damaged brick and mortar with a process called tuckpointing, which allows them to remove the affected pieces and replace them with new, color-matched masonry. After that, they can professionally apply a waterproof sealant to the chimney to protect it even further.

Repairing the damaged and replacing missing parts

Repairing damage when it is found is vital. The longer damage is left untreated, the more repairs will cost. Not only that, the damage will have likely spread beyond the initial spot and will result in a longer repair time as well as the added cost. During the inspection, your technician will look for missing pieces in addition to damaged areas. If parts are missing, replacing them will be essential to ensuring the efficient operation of your fireplace and chimney this fall and winter. A missing cap can allow debris and critters looking for a safe, warm bed to take up residence in your chimney causing an obvious safety issue when it’s time to use your fireplace.

Updating your firebox

An outdated or damaged firebox can cause issues when you try to burn a fire. Fall is the perfect time to repair and or replace this component of your fireplace as it’s likely not in use.

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

A leaning chimney not only looks ominous but can also be very dangerous. If you notice your chimney leaning, it’s likely an indication of more serious structural problem. In order to get your chimney in safe condition again, you’ll need help from a chimney professional. Here are some of the causes of leaning chimneys as well as what you need to know about chimney repair.

Signs Your Chimney is Leaning

Many people don’t notice their chimney is leaning until it is at a very sharp angle and is too late to fix. Visible tilting is the most obvious sign of your chimney leaning, but there are other, more subtle signs to watch out for as well. If you notice that your brick and mortar is starting to decay or that your roof is starting to leak more often, it’s likely time for a chimney inspection.

What causes chimneys to lean?

There are a variety of factors that can cause chimneys to lean over time. One of the most common is damage to the brick and mortar. When the mortar starts to pull away from the brick, the entire chimney can start to shift.

There are a variety of reasons why this happens, with the most common being water damage and seismic activity. Another common cause of a leaning chimney is poor initial construction. In particular, many leaning chimneys either don’t have a footing or have a very poorly constructed footing.

The footing is a concrete slab that supports the structure of the chimney. When the footing is too small or prone to cracks, it can cause the entire chimney to lean. It’s also normal for the structure of your house to change as it settles over time. However, loose, shifting soil can speed up this process, causing your chimney to lean. Homes with poor drainage may also experience this as water pools in the soil around your home.

Why are leaning chimneys dangerous?

It’s important to address your leaning chimney as soon as you notice an issue. While it may not seem like a big deal at first, a leaning chimney can actually result in a host of safety issues. As the chimney continues to lean, it can negatively affect the structure of the rest of your house, resulting in a variety of other safety issues. Additionally, brick and mortar can start to fall off the side of your chimney, posing a huge safety risk for anyone standing in your yard. On top of that, leaning chimneys are more likely to result in leaks. Debris and pests may also fall in through the gap between your chimney and your roof. When you do use your fireplace, a leaning chimney may not ventilate properly, causing a fire hazard.

What should I do if I notice my chimney is leaning?

If you notice your chimney is leaning, don’t wait to call a professional. Have your chimney inspected as soon as possible and avoid using your fireplace until it has been repaired. A chimney professional will be able to perform a thorough inspection and recommend the appropriate repairs for your space.

The post What to Do If Your Chimney Is Leaning? appeared first on .

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