Isn’t it wonderful to see the sunshine and get outside? As we begin our yard spring cleanup, we are very pleased to extend our new service offering to you to help you beautify, improve, and protect your home and yard. We are now offering Power Washing!

With Springs arrival it’s time to spruce up your home and yard. As you begin your spring-cleaning routine, remember the importance of power washing. Power washing is an essential task for homeowners that can significantly improve the appearance and health of their home and yard. Imaging your walkways, siding on your house, your roof, decks, and patios, looking like new?

This newsletter will explore why power washing is important to home and yards:

Power Washing helps to remove dirt, grime, and other unwanted debris from the exterior of your home. This debris can accumulate over time and make your home look unsightly. Power washing can quickly and effectively remove this buildup, revealing a clean surface.

Power Washing can prevent the growth of mold and mildew on your home’s exterior. Mold and mildew can quickly spread and cause damage to your home structure, leading to costly repairs. Power washing can remove these harmful substances, helping to protect your home’s structural integrity.

Power Washing can improve the safety of your yard by removing slippery substances such as algae and moss from your walkways, driveways, and decks. These substances can create hazardous conditions, especially when wet. Power washing can help to eliminate these safety hazards, providing a safer environment for your family and guests.

Power Washing can increase your home’s value by improving its overall appearance. A clean and well-maintained home is more attractive to potential buyers, and power washing can help your home stand out in the real estate market.

In conclusion, power washing is a crucial task for homeowners that can improve the appearance and health of your homes and yard. By removing dirt, grime, mold, and mildew, power washing can help to protect your home’s structural integrity, increase safety, and boost your home’s value.  Cheers to beginning your spring accomplished!

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your power washing options, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

We would be happy to help! Happy Spring Cleaning!

The post Protect and Beautify Your Home and Yard With Power Washing appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home’s interior — it’s also the perfect time to give your chimney some TLC.

Did you know that neglecting your chimney cleaning can actually put your home and family at risk? From increasing the risk of chimney fires to reducing energy efficiency, a dirty chimney can cause various problems. In this post, we’ll discuss five reasons why regular chimney cleanings can help protect your home and keep your family safe this spring.

Reason #1: Address Wear and Tear from Winter

Winter can cause a lot of wear and tear on your chimney. Snow and ice can damage the chimney structure and mortar joints, while the constant heating and cooling of the chimney during the winter months can cause cracks in the chimney lining. This wear and tear can cause problems with your chimney’s function and can even put your home at risk.

And this is why spring cleaning is the perfect time to address any wear and tear that happened during winter. You can hire a professional chimney cleaning company to inspect your chimney for any damage and then clean the chimney thoroughly to remove any debris that may have accumulated during winter. Doing so will help prevent further damage and ensure that your chimney is in good condition for the rest of the year.

Reason #2: Avoid Safety Hazards at Home

If you wish to avoid putting your family and home at risk, then you definitely need to clean your chimney this spring.

A dirty chimney can pose a severe risk to your home and property. Creosote buildup, debris, and other blockages that happened during the winter can cause smoke and toxic gases to back up into your home, harming your health. Also, a dirty chimney can increase the risk of chimney fires, leading to extensive damage to your home and putting your family at risk.

Cleaning your chimney will ensure its functioning properly and address any potential hazards before they become a bigger problem. By scheduling regular chimney cleanings, you can help prevent fires and ensure your home is safe from smoke and toxic gases.

Reason #3: Enhance the Life of Your Chimney

When you ignore cleaning your chimney after the winter, you’ll find yourself paying a lot for its repair or even end up replacing it for a whole new one.

Debris can build up inside your chimney, causing damage to your chimney liner, masonry, and other components of your chimney. Schedule regular inspections of your chimney. And regular cleaning can reduce this damage to your chimney.

A professional chimney cleaning company can identify potential issues and recommend the appropriate repairs or maintenance. During the cleaning process, they will use high-quality cleaning agents such as creosote remover to remove creosote buildup. These products break down and loosen creosote to easily remove it during cleaning. They’ll also replace your chimney liner to protect your chimney from the corrosive effects of creosote and other debris.

Reason #4: Prevent Unpleasant Odors

A dirty chimney can cause unpleasant odors to linger in your home. Creosote, soot, and other debris can create a musty or smoky smell that can be difficult to get rid of. Cleaning your chimney regularly can prevent these odors from developing and keep your home smelling fresh.

Reason #5: Improve Energy Efficiency

When you want to operate an energy-efficient home and avoid paying more for your electricity, then it’s time to clean out the chimney.

A dirty chimney can reduce the energy efficiency of your heating system. Over time, debris can build up in the chimney, which can restrict airflow and cause your heating system to work harder to maintain a consistent temperature. This can lead to higher energy bills and can also put additional wear and tear on your heating system.

Regular chimney cleanings can help improve the energy efficiency of your heating system and save you money on heating bills. During a cleaning, a professional cleaning company will remove any debris or creosote buildup in the chimney, improving the airflow, helping you save money on heating bills, and extending your heating system’s lifespan.

In addition to improving energy efficiency, regular cleanings can also prevent chimney fires and other safety hazards. So, not only will you save money on heating bills, but you’ll also have the peace of mind of knowing that your chimney is safe and functioning properly.

Wrapping Up

Your chimney is an essential part of your home’s heating system and deserves the same level of care and attention as any other appliance. By scheduling a chimney cleaning this spring, you’re not only protecting your home and family from potential hazards, but you’re also investing in the longevity and efficiency of your chimney. Plus, with the peace of mind that comes from knowing your chimney is clean and safe, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the spring weather without any worries.

So don’t wait – schedule your chimney cleaning today and start enjoying the benefits right away!

Call us at (678) 744-4046 to schedule your chimney cleaning this spring.

The post 5 Reasons to Clean Your Chimney in the Spring first appeared on Southern Chimneys.

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

Are you interested in working with us? We’re a full-service chimney company that’s been serving the Greater Boston area since 1989. Fill out the form to learn more.

The post We’re Now Hiring! appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Animals living in a chimney is a very common occurrence in Chicagoland. Animals, like humans, love warm, dark and quiet places to settle down and make their nests in. Chimneys are often times the perfect home! So, how do you know if there is an unwanted critter nesting inside your chimney? Let’s say it’s all quiet in your home, everyone’s asleep and the night just began. Listen closely to your chimney. If there are rustling, scratching, squeaking, pecking or noises that sound like movement, it’s likely you have an animal guest.

What Pesky Critters Can Live in a Chimney?

If you have an animal guest, what could it be? In Chicagoland, there’s a variety of animals that are known to live in chimneys. The 4 most common animals that tend to nest in chimneys are:

1. Birds/bats
2. Rats
3. Racoons
4. Squirrels

Birds, like the chimney swift, are a likely culprit of living in chimneys. Their name tells all. Chimney swifts have specially designed claws that attach to hard surfaces, making it easier to climb. As chimneys are made of hard material, chimney swifts with their long, sharp claws have no problem with latching on to the porous masonry and climbing up to build their nests.

Rats and squirrels are difficult to catch as they are excellent climbers. They are known for making their way into attics and small crawl spaces. They’re often found in dense nests inside chimneys. They do pose a danger though, as many of these pests carry diseases and insects, like ticks and fleas. If these insects drop down into your firebox, they can spread into your home.

Female raccoons are likely to take advantage of the warm nesting space inside your chimney to care of their young. Though cuddly looking, they pose a threat. They are often aggressive and will easily attack if disturbed.

Untouched Animal Nests

Why remove an animal home – after all, they need somewhere to live too? Most of these animals pose a health hazard by carrying serious diseases. You can remove an animal nest by hiring a Nationally Certified Chimney Professional. Do not start a fire to “smoke out” the animals yourself!. The disruption can cause aggression and potential harm to you. Additionally, an animal’s nest is likely to catch on fire the next time you light up the chimney, making it crucial to remove these nests as soon as possible.

Prevent Animal Nests

It’s possible to prevent animal nests from being built in the chimney. A Nationally Certified Chimney Professional will install a chimney cap. This is a small, stainless steel cap that’s placed over the exterior opening of a chimney, where the exhaust comes out of. This cap is designed to keep animals away from nesting in the chimney. There’s many great reasons to install a chimney cap!

Superior Chimney can Help

Our Nationally Certified Professionals will carefully remove any nests and animals, keeping your home safe and chimney clean. If you suspect an animal nest in your chimney, or want to check just to be sure, contact Superior Chimney today for an inspection at 877-244-6349.

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

Some people rarely use their chimneys and are in need of a chimney sweep non-user. Maybe they don’t know how to use it or prefer it to be more of an interior ornamental design than a functional part of the home. Many of us have seen the inside of someone’s house and observed some dead bugs, debris or spider webs inside the fireplace. Neglecting the cleanliness of the chimney often extends beyond the visible firebox, the part of the chimney that includes the wood and actual fire inside the home. That’s why at Superior Chimney, we recommend a chimney sweep non-user. But first, what is a chimney sweep? And why do you need it if you never use your chimney? Could the dust and spider webs really be that bad?

What is a Chimney Sweep?

A chimney sweep is a full cleaning of the chimney done by a Nationally Certified Chimney Professional. Often times, the chimney must be cleaned completely for safety purposes. Buildup of animal debris, smoke and natural debris form inside of the flue, the long passage connecting the firebox to the exit hole, and must be cleaned. Keep your home safe, and clean your chimney by following Superior Chimney’s brief guide of when to get your chimney sweep non-user:

1. Structural Damage: Whether you use the chimney or not, erosion and damage occurs on both the inside and outside of the chimney. The metal on the chimney may be rusted on the inside, or the masonry (bricks/mortar) on the outside may be cracked. In this case, it is crucial for the chimney to be repaired. Check out why repairs are crucial for the safety of your home: Tuckpointing Chimney Repair
2. Animals: Did you know animals love to make their nests inside chimneys? It makes sense as animals love tight and warm places to make their nests and raise their young. Unfortunately, if you light your chimney one day without knowing the nest is there, it will catch on fire! Some unwanted critters may have made their way inside your chimney without you knowing this winter. Check out our previous blog for more information about animal nesting in the chimney: Top 5 Reasons for a Spring Chimney Cleaning in illinois
3. Water Damage: This is one of the most common damages that occur to the chimney, especially in Illinois. A chimney in Chicagoland is exposed year round to humidity, rain and ice. Changes in temperature and moisture levels cause quick erosion to the exterior masonry. Water will drip down and into your chimney, causing moisture to enter your home. This can cause mold and unwanted humidity leaking into the home and can cause interior damage.
4. Creosote and extensive buildup: If you see a thick, black glaze slowly dripping from your chimney and into the home, the chimney is definitely long overdue for a chimney sweep. This is creosote, or buildup that is a natural result of combustion. This glaze is flammable and if you light up the fireplace, it may cause a chimney and house fire.

It is recommended that a chimney is serviced once per year, whether it’s a chimney sweep non-user or not. It’s for the safety of your home, and highly recommended to hire a chimney professional, as it’s necessary to use specialty tools/chemicals to clean it. Contact Superior Chimney today to ask about your annual chimney service at 877-244-6349.

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

Chimney cleaning not only leaves your chimney clean, it also eliminates the risk of chimney fires thus you have peace of mind as you know that your chimney is safe. For you to have a great time with the cleaning professionals you need to do a number of things:

Keep your chimney and home clean

Just as you wouldn’t want guests to find your house dirty, you shouldn’t let the cleaning professionals find your house and chimney dirty. While the professionals are coming to clean your unit, you should get rid of ash and other materials that might give the house a dirty look. In addition to giving a great impression with keeping your home clean, it also results in you paying a small fee for the cleaning work. Chimney contractors charge depending on the amount of work that they have to do. If your chimney is too dirty, you end up paying a large fee.

Ensure that your chimney is cool

To make the work easy for the chimney sweeping experts, you should ensure that the chimney is cool before contacting them. The best way of going about it is to avoid using the chimney 24 hours before the appointment. Doing this allows the chimney enough time to cool naturally thus when the sweeping professionals arrive at your home they start working immediately.

Hire the chimney cleaning professionals during the off-season

The off-season is during summer (April to September). During this time few homeowners are cleaning their chimneys; therefore, most of the cleaning professionals are idle. During this time it’s not only easy to schedule an appointment, you also get to have your chimney cleaned at a small fee. During winter, most of the professionals are responding to emergency services thus it’s difficult to find them. You are also more likely to pay high fees as the contractors are in high demand.

Watch what the cleaning professionals are doing

When the professionals are cleaning, it’s good that you work closely with them. In addition to showing them that you are keen on what they are doing, you also get to learn how to take good care of your fireplace. If there is an area that you would like the professionals to take a look, don’t be scared of asking the chimney company technicians to inspect. While it’s recommended that you work closely with the cleaning contractors, you shouldn’t stay in their way thus preventing them from doing their work.

The post Things To Do When Working With Chimney Cleaning Professionals first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

Have you ever looked at the homes throughout your neighborhood while out on an evening walk? If so, you probably noticed that some homes have chimneys and vents. Others only have vents. Do they serve the same purpose and the only difference is aesthetics? Let’s look at the difference between a chimney and a vent.

What is the role of both?

First, let’s talk about the role of both a chimney and a vent. They serve similar purposes, allowing gasses and fumes to exit your home. The difference between a chimney and a vent is the type of gasses they are moving out.

Vents often work with your HVAC and plumbing systems. A chimney is most associated with your fireplace system. However, physically there are other differences as well, mostly related to their respective functions. Those include height, power requirements, and masonry.

Chimney height considerations

When you burn a fire in your fireplace, the combustion process releases dangerous toxins and chemicals. These pollutants need to safely exit your home. However, to guarantee they do not reenter, a chimney needs to be taller than your roof.

Vent height considerations

However, vents also have height requirements. They need to be taller than any other part of your ventilation system. Much of this has to do with the way your various home systems work, such as airflow within your HVAC and plumbing network.

Do they need electricity?

Another difference between a chimney and a vent is whether or not the system requires electricity. A chimney will not, as the only moving part within it (your damper) is operated manually.

Vents can have electricity. A common example is within your attic. When a sensor detects a relative rise in temperature or humidity, the power kicks into the vent so that it opens and sometimes even activates an attic fan. When conditions return to normal, the vent will close.

When do you need masonry?

In virtually every scenario, you will only need masonry when you’re dealing with a fireplace. Your vents do not need it. Your Northeastern Chimney technician, when visiting your home, will also perform a safety inspection to ensure the masonry of your chimney is in working order.

The biggest difference between a chimney and a vent

As we mentioned, the difference between a chimney and a vent is the type of gasses they handle. Simply put, a vent does not require temperature protection to mitigate heat transfer. The gasses that exit your home via a vent will not start a fire.

A chimney will have some type of heat-resistant flue liner to protect the various parts of your home. This liner, whether tile or stainless steel, keeps your roof, ceiling, and drywall from the extremely high temperatures of burning a fire.

Which is best for your home?

Nearly every home will have at least one type of vent, though practically speaking they’ll likely have several. In addition, homes with a fireplace will need some method of venting smoke and gasses to the outside.

If you need help with this or other chimney-related projects, we’re here. Contact the team at Northeastern Chimney LLC by giving us a call at
860-233-5770 or send a quick message.

The post Difference Between a Chimney and a Vent appeared first on .

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

Aside from clean burning fuel and adjustable heat, one of the main reasons for the popularity of gas fireplaces and inserts is the convenience of starting a fire with the push of a button. Using a button loses some appeal when you must keep pushing that button to re-light the fireplace. Not to worry, it can be repaired. Here is how to fix a gas fireplace that keeps shutting off.

Why Won’t My Gas Fireplace Stay Lit?

There are numerous possibilities as to why your gas fireplace won’t stay lit. The reasons range from simple to complex. It could be clogged burners, the pilot light, damage to heating components, and thermocouple/thermopile issues that could be the culprit.

The Anatomy of a Gas Fireplace

A gas fireplace structure is basically the same as any other, with a few differences. Here are the components that belong to a gas fireplace.

Pilot Light – The pilot light is probably the best-known part of a gas fireplace. A pilot light is a minute blue flame that ignites at your command and, in turn, ignites the gas.

Gas Line –  The source that feeds gas into your fireplace.

Thermocouple – A sensor that controls how hot your fireplace gets.

Thermopile – A sensor that opens and shuts a gas valve when you turn the fireplace on.

Heating Elements – This is where the flame comes from, also called burner ports.

Oxygen Sensor – A sensor that determines if there is adequate oxygen in the room for the gas fireplace to operate.

How is the Problem with a Gas Fireplace Found?

Now that you know the components of a fireplace, you can better understand how they are inspected for any issues.

Heating Elements-

This is a simple fix; if the heating element’s ports are dirty, the fireplace simply won’t work, cleaning them will let them operate again.

Pilot Light-

Another simple fix; you may only need to reset it if it is out. As easy as that, but that is not always the case. If the flame on the pilot light isn’t blue but yellow or red, then it’s been contaminated, and the thermocouple may need to be replaced, or the gas line is compromised, or the pilot light itself is defective.

Thermocouple/Thermopile/Oxygen Sensor-

Each of these sensors should be checked to ensure they operate correctly. First to be checked is the thermopile to determine if the valve is allowing gas in. If it’s in working order, a multiuser is used to find problems with the thermocouple. Last, inspect the oxygen sensor to ensure it’s not automatically shutting down the system.

Use a Professional

As simple as it may seem, a gas fireplace is a complex appliance with more than one issue occurring at a time. The gas line can also be unstable and, therefore, dangerous. An amateur won’t be able to spot the same issues as a chimney sweep, and they are trained to deal with the various hazards a gas fireplace can present. You should hire a professional to repair your gas fireplace rather than try to do it yourself.

Northeastern Chimney Can Repair Your Gas Fireplace

Not only can we repair your gas fireplace or any other type, but we can also perform inspections to ensure your fireplace keeps working. Our chimney sweeps are certified and have the experience to solve fireplace problems right away. If you reside in Central Connecticut, we can help.

Our qualified chimney sweeps can take on any fireplace repair, inspect your chimney, and undertake any needed repairs. Call us today at 860-233-5770 or fill out our easy contact form.

One of our fireplace and chimney experts will be in touch to discuss what we can do for your chimney.

The post How To Fix A Gas Fireplace That Keeps Shutting Off appeared first on .

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

Chimney inspection is an important part of chimney maintenance. With time, it’s common for the chimney to get damaged by chemicals, high temperatures, lightning, wide loading, and excursions. By regularly inspecting the chimney you are able to pick the problems before they become a health or safety hazard. There are many types of inspections that you can undertake on your chimney. They include:

Visual chimney inspections

These are the very first inspections done by the chimney contractor. They are aimed at helping the contractor know the areas of the chimney that need attention. The inspections are of two types: class I and class II.  Class I inspections involve the chimney technician using binoculars from the ground and getting a close-up look of the chimney. To keep the chimney in great shape you should undertake these inspections at least once a year.

Class II inspections involve the chimney technician using ropes to get a closer look at both the inside and outside of the chimney. The professional will go up the chimney and if possible get inside the flue. With the current technology, the professional may use a camera to get a better and closer look of the chimney. During the inspection the professional makes detailed notes of the abnormalities, safety hazards and the types of chimney repair required.

Nondestructive chimney inspection

This is a type of inspection that is aimed at identifying the integrity of the chimney without affecting its performance and usefulness. The cool thing with this type of inspection is that it’s cost effective. There are many inspection methods that can be used using this method: laser surveys, ultrasonic testing, hot camera inspection, Schmidt hammer testing and many others. Since specialized tools are used, it’s wise that you hire an experienced professional to inspect your chimney.

Material sampling chimney inspection

If the initial inspection processes shows that the chimney has some defects, the inspection professional may undertake material sampling in order to get a better understanding of the condition of the chimney. The material sampling inspection involves a number of things including: inspection of the concrete sample, inspection of the fiberglass reinforced plastic and any other test that will give the inspection professional a better understanding of the nature of your chimney.

Conclusion

For your chimney to be in great shape for a long time you need to regularly inspect it. For ideal results, ensure that the inspection is done by a certified chimney company.

The post Taking A Look At The Differrent Types Of Chimney Inspection first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

Spring has officially sprung, and most people are thinking about summer vacations and spending time outdoors. However, there are some crucial household chores you should take care of, and getting your fireplace ready for warm weather is one of them. In this blog post, we’ll look at the steps to get your chimney and fireplace warm weather-ready and the benefits.

How to Prep Your Chimney & Fireplace Ready for Warm Weather

Schedule Professional Cleaning

The most important thing to do to get your chimney and fireplace ready for summer is to call a professional chimney sweep for a thorough cleaning and inspection. If you relied heavily on your fireplace during winter, you probably have a significant buildup of creosote in the flue. Creosote is flammable, corrosive, and can stink up your house when humid weather and rain arrive.

Besides creosote, if your chimney doesn’t have a cap, you could have critter nests in the flue. Birds, squirrels, rodents, and other animals love to make chimneys their homes during winter.

Inspect the Damper

The damper is the fireplace component that regulates airflow. And because it’s typically made from metal, you should check it for corrosion and that it’s operating correctly. If you can’t close the damper, you risk water getting in through the chimney when it rains.

Check for Chimney Damage

If you feel confident climbing on the roof, now is the time to check your chimney for damage. Things to look for are:

• Cracks
• Water damage like efflorescence
• Loose bricks
• Deteriorating mortar joints
• Gaps

If you notice any of these signs of damage, contact a chimney professional and schedule repairs as soon as possible.

Close the Flue

Once you’ve completed these steps, close the flue to prevent drafts and cold air.

Benefits of Prepping Your Fireplace & Chimney For Summer

Safety

Here’s something you probably didn’t know: A chimney fire can go unnoticed, causing unseen damage.  According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America,

If you have a slow-burning chimney fire, you may not know anything is happening. These types of chimney fires don’t get enough air or have enough fuel to be dramatic or visible. That’s why they often go undetected until a chimney inspection.

If you’ve neglected annual chimney cleaning and have significant creosote buildup, it’s possible you’ve had a small chimney fire and didn’t know. Prepping your chimney and fireplace with an inspection by a trained professional will alert you to safety hazards like this, so your chimney is safe to use next winter.

Longevity

The regular maintenance performed when preparing your chimney and fireplace for spring and summer can extend their lifespan by keeping them in good condition and taking care of minor repairs before they escalate.

Odor Reduction

As mentioned earlier, creosote buildup can emit a foul odor when humid weather arrives. When you open your home to the warm spring weather, you want your home to smell fresh and clean, not an ashtray. Prepping your chimney and fireplace for warm weather includes a thorough cleaning so to eliminate the chance of foul odors stinking up your house.

Efficiency

Another advantage of regular chimney and fireplace cleaning is to keep the system running efficiently, so you use less fuel and get the most heat output possible.

Aesthetics

Finally, a clean and well-maintained chimney and fireplace can enhance your home’s curb appeal and value.

Call the Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace for Warm Weather Prep

Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace is the chimney sweep Kansas City residents trust most. We’re known as the premium chimney and fireplace services company because the difference we provide is simple: training, certification, service, and satisfaction. This includes everything we do from the first call to the finished project until we know you’re 100% satisfied.

If you need to get your chimney and fireplace ready for the warm weather ahead or need dryer vent services, contact us today at 913-236-7141.

The post How to Prep Your Fireplace for Warm Weather appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.