We’ve received many questions about exterior chimney repair over the years from concerned homeowners trying to keep up on the maintenance of their chimney. This includes damage to mortar and any structural damage not involving the flue, fireplace, and so on. Here’s some of the most interesting questions that we’ve received, and our answers to them.

1. What type of chimney requires the most maintenance? 

All chimney types require similar amount of maintenance! Stone, concrete, brick and mortar…it doesn’t matter. Water will seep through the porous material and form cracks during the freeze thaw cycles of winter. Even if you have a chimney made of metal, exposure to the elements will cause rusting and natural deterioration. According to the CSIA, chimneys need checked once a year by means of  inspection, to make sure that there are no leaks, water damage, or harmful chemicals getting into your home – Especially in any areas that experience freeze & thaw cycles in winter months.  At Superior Chimney, our professionals can identify and fix any damages with various exterior chimney repair procedures!

2. What are some of the most common problems you see?

A chimney is like a machine: with or without constant use, it will eventually need attention and experience wear and tear. We consistently service chimneys with cracks in the chimney crown or chimney structure, damaged chimney cap or flashing. Chimneys can last a long time if properly cared for…even if it is ‘old’. Superior Chimney can ensure longevity of the chimney with proper inspection and maintenance. However, some chimneys are left untouched where it requires a partial rebuild or a full rebuild, meaning starting from scratch. 

3. How can I prevent serious external damage?

A chimney is a critical aspect to your home. Any serious damage to it will cause problems inside the home. As said before, keep up on the maintenance of your chimney with regular yearly inspections done by a certified professional. To extend the life of the chimney, Superior Chimney offers Chimney Saver, a waterproofing agent. It protects the porous bricks, stone and mortar from absorbing water, keeping your chimney dry through the freeze & thaw cycles of winter.

4. I don’t use my chimney. Do I really have to do all this maintenance?

The short answer is, yes. Whether or not you use it, the exterior of the chimney experiences harsh weather conditions. The more you avoid attention to the chimney, deterioration continues down its own path and is progressive. Keeping up on yearly inspections will save you the experience of water leaks, water damage and a deteriorating exterior chimney as well as deterioration in adjacent home construction materials from water leaking. We are in Chicagoland… Hot, humid, rainy, snowy then freezing. As hard as it is on our bodies it is similarly as damaging to the exterior of your chimney! 

If you recognize any exterior damages to your chimney, from small cracks bricks falling out, a rusty and damaged flashing, or no chimney cap, call Superior Chimney today at 877-244-6349. A professional will assist you on your next steps. 

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

How do you know if you need a chimney crown repair?  It’s not like you can see the top of it from standing on the ground. Or walking the dog and notice, “Wow, that house needs a new chimney crown.” It would be great as you’d be able to stop the leaks from occurring in your home. But that is a sure sign of a problem with the chimney crown.

Let’s Ask the Expert About a Chimney Crown Repair

To begin, Superior Chimney is highly experienced in chimney inspections and can help you answer this not so simple question. Firstly, a chimney crown is different from a chimney cap. A chimney cap is a small metal four-sided structure that fits over the open hole on top of the chimney to keep out animals, debris and rain / snow. The outside of the chimney is made of bricks and mortar, and the inside is an open hole called the flue. At the top, you may notice a concrete slab. This is called the chimney crown. The chimney crown is made of concrete, and as we all know, concrete is porous, meaning water can be absorbed. The chimney crown begins to crack due to the constant exposure to the freeze thaw cycles of winter. So, when should you get the chimney crown repaired, and how can you identify it yourself?

Chimney Crown: Do you need it?

Have you ever seen a chimney without a chimney crown? When traveling through Europe, it’s common to see a chimney without a chimney crown. No wonder it’s always deteriorated. If they had a chimney crown, it would protect the chimney from falling apart and water / snow from going straight down, directly into the seams or cracks of the chimney to the roofing system.

A chimney crown is necessary if you want to stop the deterioration of the chimney. It keeps moisture out of the flue. The chimney crown extends a bit further than the chimney structure so that rain water and snow are directed onto the roof, and does not settle in the porous brickwork and cause damage on top the chimney structure. In Chicagoland, your chimney goes through many freeze thaw cycles in winter and many other temperature changes. There are severe storms that are common in Spring and Fall and humid weather in the summer. The winter brings heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures. That’s a lot of changes your chimney goes through! It’s protected by the chimney crown, and it’s absolutely needed to keep the chimney structure sound. Every chimney needs a chimney crown for the same reasons every home needs a roof!

How To Identify Damage and Repair A Chimney Crown

If there are cracks (big or hairline in the cement slab, your chimney crown needs repair. The water damage of the cement is usually due to the “freeze-thaw” cycle. This is when water is absorbed into the cement structure, then freezes and thaws and repeats again. These solid to liquid changes cause cracks, resulting in a new entrance for water to cause chaos. Another cause for damages is the heat in the flue. In the winter time, when your fireplace is burning and making heat, the masonry may be very cold and the flue is very hot. Temperature changes like this also cause cracking.

How to Prevent a Problem from Starting?

Before the damage gets out of hand, your chimney should be inspected by a certified professional. Repairing a chimney crown should be left to the Superior Chimney certified professionals. During the inspection, the chimney professional will identify cracks, even the ones you can’t see, and take pictures so you can see for yourself what’s going on. If the chimney crown is in need of repair, we’ll discuss the repair process with you, or the Crown Coat  …a specially made sealer to protect the chimney crown from water damage. 

Next Steps?

If you are suspecting some water damage to your chimney crown and need a chimney crown repair, call Superior Chimney today at 877-224-6349. We can help prevent further damage and save your chimney from an unnecessary rebuild.

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

Fireplaces have a long tradition of providing warmth and value to homes nationwide. However, several myths about owning and operating a fireplace need to go away. In this post, we look at the most common fireplace myths and what the truth actually is.

Myth 1: If You Don’t Use Your Chimney, You Don’t Need Regular Inspections

One of the most common misconceptions about fireplaces is that you don’t have to worry about inspections or maintenance if you don’t use them regularly. However, this is far from the truth. Creosote accumulates in your chimney, even with limited fireplace usage. Creosote is highly flammable and doesn’t take much to pose a problem. Routine chimney inspections, maintenance, and cleaning are essential to address creosote buildup and ensure your chimney and fireplace are safe. Moreover, it’s common for birds and other critters to build nests in the chimney, causing a dangerous obstruction that could cause ventilation issues or put you at risk of a fire.

Myth 2: Cleaning the Chimney Yourself Can Save You Money

Do-it-yourself home repairs and maintenance are an excellent way to learn new skills and save a few bucks over hiring a professional. However, chimney cleaning is one task that’s best left to the experts, and here’s why. Professional chimney cleaners have the expertise and training to thoroughly remove dangerous creosote and other debris that pose a fire risk. Furthermore, certified chimney sweeps can detect underlying issues, like water damage, that may not be apparent to the untrained eye. Bricks and mortar absorb water like a sponge, causing cracks to form. Over time, the damage worsens, and you could pay thousands for major chimney repairs or a complete rebuild. So, as you can see, hiring a pro is safer and more economical in the long run.

Myth 3: Fireplaces are Only for Winter

It’s true that most people only use their fireplace to keep warm during winter, but there’s no rule that says you can’t use them in summer too. Many homeowners light a fire on cooler summer evenings or for the ambiance. And, if you have a gas fireplace, you can control the heat output so the room doesn’t get too hot.

Myth 4: You Can Keep Your Damper Closed All Summer

Logic says you should keep the damper closed all summer to prevent water from leaking and keep your HVAC system’s cold air from escaping the chimney. But keeping the damper closed all summer can trap humid air in the chimney, creating a musty odor and leading to mold or mildew growth. The truth is that it’s wise to keep the damper open slightly for adequate ventilation. If you’re worried about energy efficiency, consider installing a top-sealing damper.

Myth 5: There’s No Chance of a Chimney Fire in Summer

The risk of a chimney fire is significantly lower in summer because of decreased usage; however, it’s not non-existent. If your chimney hasn’t been cleaned and there’s creosote buildup, there’s always a fire risk, especially during storms with lightning. If your chimney is struck by lightning, wait to use your fireplace until you get an inspection by a trained professional. Lightning strikes can damage bricks and mortar, and it often takes a trained eye to spot an issue that could put you at risk.

Myth 6: Gas Fireplaces Don’t Need Maintenance or Inspections

More and more homeowners opt for gas fireplaces over wood-burning ones because they’re more efficient, easier to use, and require less maintenance. However, less maintenance doesn’t mean no maintenance. It’s true that gas fireplaces burn cleaner than wood, but there’s still a chance that corrosive residue can stick to the flue liner and other parts of the chimney system. Furthermore, gas is highly flammable and dangerous, so it’s vital to have your gas fireplace inspected regularly to check for leaks, clogged burner ports, and other problems that could pose a health risk.

Call the Fluesbrothers for Summer Chimney Inspection

Fluesbrothers Chimney and Fireplace is the premiere chimney and fireplace contractor in the Kansas City metro area and beyond. We have over a decade of experience, and our technicians are certified by the National Fireplace Institute and the Chimney Safety Institute of America. Summer is the perfect time to schedule chimney and fireplace cleaning and maintenance because it gives you the opportunity to complete any necessary repairs before cold weather arrives, and there’s a better chance of getting an appointment that fits your busy schedule before the winter rush. Call us today at 913-236-7141

The post 6 Summer Fireplace Myths Busted first appeared on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

The post 6 Summer Fireplace Myths Busted appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

As a homeowner, an annual chimney cleaning and inspection is important to avoid unwanted debris and risk of a housefire. But, do you know how to make it as smooth as possible for chimney professionals? There are actually a few things you can do to prep for an upcoming chimney inspection or sweep. Below are 5 things to consider before your chimney inspection and sweep.

No fires for 24 hours

Fire embers and ash can stay hot for quite some time. Our chimney professionals will be in and around your chimney and fireplace so it’s important that it isn’t hot. Our best practice is to advise homeowners to refrain from burning fires for at least 24 hours. This may seem excessive, but it ensures a safe and productive work environment for our team.

Ensure pets are enclosed away from the chimney

We love pets! But when our team is working on your chimney, it’s best for them to be in a crate, separate room, or outside. Not only is this safer for your dog or cat, it’s also safer for us as we’re invading their home.

Make sure paths are clear to the driveway and chimney

This is especially important in the winter. If there was a snowstorm, it’s important that we can arrive at your home and safely get inside. Also, we usually need our truck for equipment so it’s important that we have an easy path to carry our equipment inside. This may also include things inside, such as furniture or other household items. We’ll try our best to minimize mess, but it may benefit covering special things.

Clear out in and around your fireplace

We don’t mean soot or debris (that’s our job), but if you have excess logs inside your firebox, it’d be helpful to clear those out. Additionally, if you have any decorations on the mantle, hearth, or other areas near the fireplace, it’d be helpful to clear those out. Or, at least make sure fragile ones are put away. We try our best to be extra careful, but we don’t want to break anything special or make them dirty.

Compile any questions and concerns ahead of time

Lastly, if there are any concerns or issues you’ve notice with your fireplace, make sure to jot them down ahead of time so you don’t forget any. There’s a good chance we’ll find anything you may have noticed, but it’s always good to be safe.

Ready to schedule your inspection? Call Northeastern Chimney today

Northeastern Chimney LLC provides reliable services such as the most common fireplace repairs and annual inspections. Our team consists of certified chimney sweep technician, which means we can handle uncommon and most difficult problems that arise. Contact us to get just the help you need for your fireplace and chimney. We fix leaky chimneys, repair damaged masonry, install flue liners, clean chimneys, perform chimney inspections, and much more.

Call us at (860) 233-5770 or contact us online to schedule a consultation today.

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

The Role of Drone Technology in Ensuring Safety and Quality

Drone inspections have revolutionized the way chimney inspections are conducted, offering unparalleled efficiency and accuracy. In the realm of chimney inspections, drones serve as invaluable tools that can navigate tight spaces, reach elevated heights, and capture detailed imagery of hard-to-reach areas. This technology allows for a comprehensive assessment of chimney structures, detecting even the smallest cracks, crevices, or signs of deterioration that might be missed during a traditional visual inspection. By employing drones, chimney inspections become safer and more thorough, minimizing the need for risky manual climbing or costly equipment. The real-time visuals provided by the drones offer chimney inspectors and homeowners a detailed understanding of the chimney’s condition, enabling timely maintenance and preventing potential hazards. When it comes to chimney inspections, the integration of drone technology is an essential step forward in ensuring the safety and longevity of chimney structures.

Chimney inspections play a crucial role in maintaining the safety and functionality of residential and commercial properties. Traditionally, these inspections were conducted manually by trained technicians, which could be time-consuming and sometimes dangerous. However, with technological advancements, the use of drones has revolutionized the inspection process, offering unparalleled efficiency and accuracy. Let’s look at why using a drone for chimney inspection is the most efficient tool available and emphasize the importance of having a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) license for drone operation, a prerequisite skill that Best Chimney proudly upholds among its staff.

The Advantages of Drone Inspections

Enhanced Efficiency

Drone technology allows chimney inspectors to capture high-definition images and videos from various angles, giving them comprehensive insights into the chimney’s condition. Unlike traditional inspections, drones can complete an assessment in a fraction of the time, improving overall efficiency and saving valuable resources.

Access to Hard-to-Reach Areas

Chimneys located in tall buildings or inaccessible locations can be challenging to inspect manually. Drones, however, can easily maneuver through tight spaces, fly at different altitudes, and reach difficult-to-access areas, providing a complete view of the chimney’s interior and exterior without endangering human operators.

Detailed Data Collection

Drones equipped with advanced cameras and sensors can capture detailed information about the chimney’s structural integrity, identifying cracks, blockages, and other potential issues. This level of data collection ensures that inspectors can detect problems early on, preventing more significant and costly damage down the line.

Improved Safety

Traditional chimney inspections involve sending technicians onto rooftops or climbing ladders to access the chimney, which presents inherent risks. By utilizing drones, inspectors can conduct thorough assessments from the ground, minimizing the risk of falls and accidents, and ensuring the safety of both the technicians and the property owners.

FAA Licensing for Drone Operators

While drones offer numerous benefits in chimney inspections, it is essential to understand that operating these unmanned aircraft requires skill and adherence to regulations. In the United States, the FAA regulates the use of drones to ensure safe and responsible operation.

Under the FAA regulations, commercial drone operators must obtain a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. This certification demonstrates that the operator understands the rules and regulations governing drone flight and has passed the necessary knowledge test. Licensed drone operators are well-versed in airspace restrictions, flight safety procedures, and emergency protocols, ensuring that inspections are conducted responsibly and professionally.

Best Chimney’s Licensed Staff: A Commitment to Quality and Safety

At Best Chimney, we recognize the significance of adhering to the highest standards in the chimney inspection industry. As a responsible and reputable chimney service provider, our company prioritizes the safety and satisfaction of our clients.

Our expert chimney inspector holds an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, showcasing our proficiency in operating drones for commercial purposes. With a licensed staff, we ensure that all inspections are conducted meticulously, guaranteeing accurate results and actionable recommendations to address any chimney-related concerns.

Our commitment to excellence is evident, guaranteeing that our clients receive the highest quality and safest chimney inspection services available, by embracing drone technology and maintaining a skilled team.

We encourage you to schedule your chimney inspection now and avoid the Fall Rush

The post Taking Chimney Inspections to New Heights appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Winter is known for its low temperatures, and one of the ways to keep you and your family warm is by installing a chimney in the house.

To be certain that your chimney will provide you with the warmth you are after during the biting cold winter months, you must prepare it.

Some of the things you need to do to get your chimney ready for winter include:

Have it cleaned by a chimney sweep.

Soot, creosote, and other debris can accumulate in the chimney. These compounds are highly combustible and, if not removed, can cause chimney fires. Cleaning your chimney before winter lowers the risk of a potentially severe and destructive fire.

A clean chimney allows smoke and dangerous gases to vent correctly, keeping them out of your home. This improves indoor air quality, lowering the risk of respiratory disorders and other health conditions.

When it comes to chimney sweeping, it cannot be carried out by anyone. It should be done by a chimney cleaning professional c who knows what they are doing.

Don’t hire the first one you come across when hiring a chimney sweep. Many homeowners make the mistake of picking the first company they see on the search results. This is wrong.

After identifying three or more cleaning professionals, you should schedule interviews to ascertain their work performance.  

As always, don’t take their word. You should reach out to the other homeowners they have worked with before and find out whether the company delivered an excellent service.

You should always work with a company that has a proven record. You don’t want a service provider who will cause more problems than are already there.

Ensure all the devices are working.

The chimney should have a heat controller. From its name, the controller controls the amount of heat the chimney produces. It ensures that the heat isn’t too much to make the house uncomfortable or too little that you aren’t getting the intended warmth.

You should check the controller and ensure that it’s working properly.

You also should check the carbon monoxide sensors and ensure they are in top working condition. The last thing you want is for the carbon monoxide levels to rise, yet you can’t tell.

In most cases, the sensors drain their battery, so this is the first place to check. If the batteries are depleted, replace them with new ones.

If you installed the sensors long ago and aren’t working, it might be time to replace them.

Gather the right wood.

If you have a wood-burning fireplace, you need wood. For the best outcome, avoid burning wet, treated, polished, varnished, oiled wood or timber waste such as pallets, furniture, or fencing.

Hardwood species such as oak and mahogany will burn with the cleanest and brightest flame, so go for these.

Softwood trees such as pine and cypress tend to produce more smoke, so you should avoid it at all costs.

Always use well-seasoned firewood for the best results and safety. Wood that has been properly seasoned has been dried for at least six months to a year, lowering moisture content and enhancing combustion qualities.

You also should ensure that you go with dry wood. This is because dry wood burns faster, produces less smoke, and has more heat.

Keep your collected wood sheltered, well-ventilated to protect it from rain or snow.

Get rid of birds and other animals.

If you have gone for a long time without using your chimney, chances are that there are birds, mice, and other animals in the chimney.

As you can tell, these animals might block the smoke from leaving, and it comes back into the house. You don’t want this, do you?

Start with inspecting the chimney for any active bird nests. Disturbing active nests is banned in many countries because birds and their nests are protected under wildlife protection regulations.

If you have an active nest in your chimney, don’t disturb it. Instead, wait until the birds have fledged and left on their own before cleaning it.

You should plan your chimney cleaning during the off-season to prevent disturbing nesting birds. Since birds normally nest in many areas during the spring and early summer, scheduling cleaning in late summer or autumn may be a safer option.

If birds are present but have not nested in the chimney, employ humane ways to urge them to leave. You can use loud noises or bright lights to direct them to another site without risking their lives.

If you need help with the presence of birds or how to handle them, contact a professional chimney sweep. These professionals are used to dealing with such situations and will take the necessary precautions to ensure the birds are safe.

After removing the birds, consider adding a chimney cap to prevent birds from nesting in your chimney. A chimney cap fits over the top of the chimney, allowing smoke to escape while keeping birds and other animals out.

Make the final touches.

After cleaning the chimney, gathering the right wood, and storing it correctly, you should make the final touches.

One thing you can do is to enhance the look of your fireplace by decorating it. Decorating it gives it a fancy look and elevates the comfortability of someone using it.

When choosing the decorations, ensure they are warm and welcoming. This may be achieved by setting up some candles, adding soft blankets, and putting comfortable cushions in place.

You can also use ornaments and wall decors to spice the look around.

Parting shot

You should always correctly prepare your chimney before the onset of the winter season.

If you are a dab hand at DIY projects, you can do the preparations by yourself, but if you don’t like working with your hands or are strapped for time, you can hire chimney contractors Ellicott City to help you out.

As mentioned, always take your time when hiring contractors and ensure you hire the right ones.

The post 5 Things to Do to Get Your Chimney Ready for Winter first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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