Month: December 2023

The warmth and atmosphere from a roaring, crackling fireplace are tough to beat. However, while you’re enjoying the coziness, there’s a hidden danger you may not be aware of — creosote. In this post, we look at creosote, the risks, and how to protect your home and family. 

What is Creosote?

Creosote is a natural byproduct of burning wood, particularly from incomplete combustion. It forms when volatile gases, water vapor, and other particles in the wood’s smoke combine and cool as they rise through the chimney. These particles condense along the chimney’s walls, eventually building into a sticky, highly flammable substance called creosote. 

Creosote develops in three distinct stages, each with varying danger levels. 

Stage One

Creosote’s first stage is loose and sooty or powdery. This form is easy to remove and poses little risk.

Stage Two

As it accumulates, the creosote becomes denser and becomes a flaky texture. It’s more difficult to remove at this stage and presents a moderate fire hazard.

Stage Three

Stage three creosote is the most dangerous. In this stage, it hardens into a thick, tar-like substance that requires a professional to remove. It’s highly flammable and can gradually obstruct airflow as it thickens. 

Why Creosote is Dangerous for Your Chimney

Fire Hazard

The number one risk from creosote buildup is a chimney fire. The Chimney Safety Institute of America says that chimney obstructions are the chief causes of chimney fires, and creosote buildup is a significant factor. Moreover, many chimney fires go unnoticed initially, but the constant high temperatures will eventually cause an ignition that could spread to your house. 

Reduced Efficiency

If allowed to grow, creosote will thicken to where it restricts airflow through the chimney, much like cholesterol restricting blood flow in an artery. Poor airflow reduces your fire’s efficiency, causing you to burn more fuel or resort to using your furnace more, which can increase your heating costs. 

Health Risks

Besides fire, creosote can release harmful chemicals and pollutants into the home that, if breathed in, can irritate your lungs, and cause other health issues. 

Chimney Damage

Finally, creosote is highly corrosive. Over time, the chemicals can damage the flue liner or the chimney’s masonry materials, resulting in costly repairs or rebuilds. 

Minimizing Creosote’s Risks

The good news is that it’s easy to minimize these risks and have confidence that your fireplace is safe to use year after year. Here are the steps you can take. 

Schedule Regular Inspections and Cleanings

The most important thing you can do to battle creosote buildup and keep your family safe is to schedule annual cleaning and inspections by a certified chimney professional. These experts have the proper tools to thoroughly remove creosote in all its forms and check for evidence of prior fires that could lead to disaster down the road. 

Burn the Right Firewood

When it comes to their fireplaces, many homeowners think any wood will do, but nothing could be further from the truth. 

For safety and efficiency, experts recommend burning dry, seasoned firewood. Dry wood produces more heat with less smoke. Green wood contains a high moisture content, which produces more smoke, leading to faster creosote buildup. 

Furthermore, stick to hardwoods like ash, oak, maple, and cherry, and avoid softwoods like pine and cedar. 

Ensure Good Airflow

Open the damper fully when using your fireplace to create a strong draft and good airflow. Good airflow and ventilation aid combustion, resulting in less smoke and creosote buildup. 

Call Northeastern Chimney LLC

There’s no better time to schedule a chimney cleaning and inspection than now, and Northeastern Chimney is the company you can trust. We’ve proudly served customers throughout Farmington, Newington, Avon, West Hartford, Simsbury, Bloomfield, and Central Connecticut since 1984. 

Our technicians are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America, and we’re proud members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild, so you can trust us to do the job right the first time.

Schedule an appointment today at 860–233–6770.

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

Temperatures are dropping and winter storms are brewing. What does this mean for your home? Special care should be taken for several aspects of your home in the winter, and your chimney is no different. As snow falls and water freezes, you’re going to want to make sure your chimney is ready to brave the temperatures. 

Things to Look Out For

With wear and tear your chimney is bound to start showing signs of age. However, there are several early signs of damage you can act on to prevent further damage. 

One of the most damaging things that can occur is called spalling. This occurs when there are entryways into your chimney or components of a chimney, and water finds its way in there. When there, if the temperatures drop, the water freezes and expands. Then, if the water thaws, it causes mortar and other components to contract. This can lead to cracks and further damage. If neglected, this can even lead to full collapse. To avoid this, below are some crucial signs to look out for. 

Cracks & Chips

Small cracks or chips in the mortar or your chimney’s stone can be the beginning stages of deterioration. Your chimney is at a huge risk of spalling, however. Cracks caught early can be filled in and prevent further deterioration. Therefore annual inspections and cleanings are crucial for the longevity of your structure.

Deteriorating Mortar or Brick/Stone

As time goes on, and your chimney is exposed to several seasons of harsh weather, mortar can start to break down. This is natural but can be treated to prevent further deterioration. If brick or stone starts to break down towards the top of your chimney, you may benefit from rebuilding specific parts. 

Chilly Critters Looking for Shelter

If we’re cold, other animals are too! This means they may seek shelter in your cozy chimney. While cute, it can be dangerous for animals — especially if they choose to make a nest in your chimney. Make sure all your chimney parts are free of damage.

Damaged Parts

Another important thing to keep up with is your chimney parts. Make sure your chimney crown isn’t cracked, your chimney cap is present and free of damage, and that your chimney flashing has a waterproof seal. All of these pieces help to keep animals, debris, and water out which contributes to a structurally sound chimney.

Call Fluesbrothers

Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace is known for its reliable and efficient chimney services in the Kansas City area. We’re known and trusted as the premium chimney and fireplace services company. Our expert team boasts extensive training, certifications, and consistent customer satisfaction. Everything we do from the first call to the finished project; we make sure you are 100% satisfied.

If you need your chimney liner replaced or repaired, contact us today at 913-236-7141.

The post Winter Weather’s Impact on Chimney Liners appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

Now that we are in the beginning months of fireplace usage, it’s time to bring awareness to your chimney. If you see any signs of water, you need to contact Northeast Chimney. Water is nothing to laugh at. With the frigid temperatures around the corner, you don’t want water in or around your chimney.

What Can Happen If Water Is Not Addressed?

Freeze-thaw Cycle:

When the temperature goes below freezing, the moisture that is in your chimney can freeze. The expansion of ice causes cracking in the bricks. As this process continues with the freezing and thawing the damage continues. Gaps in the mortar as the moisture erodes leaving gaps.

Interior Wall Damage:

Water seeping into the chimney not only damages the chimney. Water is devastating when it seeps into your home. Water can start by coming into the house near the base of the chimney. If the flashing is loose or damaged, water can come in. Water starting in the roof can also trail down to the ceiling and the walls. It is important to find the source of the water. Where is it coming in? And stop it where it starts. The damage can be large and very costly. The way to avoid this type of damage would be to book an inspection every year. The best time of year is after your fire-burning season. 

Mold:

Mold can cause health problems. If you or someone in your home has allergies or asthma this can be detrimental to their health. Water left in your home and not dried up will cause mold to grow. This is another reason why you want to contact us as soon as you find that there is moisture in your chimney.

Structural Damage:

You may not think that water can cause so much trouble. This water not only damages the roof, ceiling, and walls.  If water soaks into the wood in the structure of your home, rot, and warping may occur.  Imagine the instability this can cause to your home. 

Warning Signs

Moisture in your firebox.

Water dripped from the chimney.

Walls and ceiling showing signs of water damage.

Contact us at Northeastern Chimney

There is no time to delay. As the seasons change, the cold weather will be upon us soon. Take the time now to address these concerns. We will be available to inspect your chimney and give you the best solution for you and your family.

If your chimney has seen better days, call the experts that Central Connecticut residents trust most. Our technicians are certified with the Chimney Safety Institute of America, and we’re active members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild. You can be confident our work is accurate, and your chimney is safe. Best of all, regardless of what service we provide, we won’t be finished until you’re 100% satisfied. Book your appointment today by calling 860–233–5770. 

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