Month: January 2024

Now that the new year has begun, the freezing cold months loom ahead, and your chimney is in need of a fireplace sweep. Maybe Santa Claus made a mess of soot when he came down the chimney, or there’s a few unnoticed cookie crumbs in the hearth! Humor aside, the daunting days of below 0 temperatures are coming up quickly, and you’ll find yourself huddling close to the warm hearth of the fireplace. January and February in Chicagoland are the notoriously coldest months of the year. Here’s how to prepare your gas or woodburning fireplace for the upcoming subzero temperatures. 

The Modern Fireplace Sweep

When you think of a fireplace sweep, it might take you back to the 1940s. Maybe you think of Mary Poppins. The fireplace cleaner, covered in soot and dancing on the roof tops. Today, we don’t make nearly as much soot and smoke as back then, and it might seem like your chimney doesn’t need to be swept as often. This may be true but is only based on utilization frequency. Regardless of gas or wood fuel, chimneys need swept and inspected for worthiness assurance on an annual basis due to the winters freeze / thaw cycles which can wreak havoc on all chimney types.  It’s also very important to keep up on your regular fireplace sweep to ensure no blockages that can eventually pose as a danger to your home. 

What’s a Fireplace Sweep?

A fireplace sweep is a professional service that includes the thorough cleaning of your fireplace and chimney. This process removes any soot, creosote, and debris that has built up over time. The primary intent of a fireplace sweep is to test the integrity of the firewalls within to ensure it is worthy of use.  Additionally, obstruction free assurance is the third element.  By regularly sweeping your fireplace, you can benefit in the following ways:

1. Improved safety: Soot and creosote accumulation in your chimney can pose a serious fire hazard. A professional fireplace sweep ensures that these substances are removed, reducing the risk of chimney fires.
2. Better air quality: When a fireplace is not properly swept, it can release harmful pollutants and allergens into your home. Regular sweeping helps maintain good indoor air quality and prevents the buildup of harmful particles.
3. More efficiency: A clean fireplace and chimney allow for better air flow, which improves the efficiency of your fireplace. This means you can enjoy a warmer and more consistent heat output.

Gas Burning vs Wood Burning Fireplace Sweep

Is there a difference between a gas burning and wood burning fireplace sweep? Well, both need to be swept by a certified professional regularly, meaning one to two times per year, especially if you plan to be using it often. It is NOT true that a gas fireplace doesn’t need to be swept as often as a wood burning fireplace. A chimney sweep is primarily for checking firewall integrity purposes, then cleaning and then obstruction-free assurance.

Call Us for a Fireplace Sweep! Superior Chimney certified professionals are here to help. Get our 14-point inspection to ensure a safe and warm rest of the winter. Call Superior Chimney at 877-244-6349.

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

A fireplace is like a family pet — you love it, but sometimes, it stinks. This post shows you what causes your fireplace and chimney to smell and how to solve the problem.

What Causes Chimney and Fireplace Odor

Creosote Buildup

One of the leading causes of chimney odors is creosote accumulation. Creosote is a byproduct of burning wood and starts as a flaky powder that sticks to the chimney’s interior walls. As it accumulates, it becomes a thick, sticky tar-like substance. At that stage, it’s highly flammable and the source of the strong, smoky odor you smell, particularly during heavy rain or high humidity. 

Moisture Problems

Moisture can enter the chimney through cracks or having a damaged or no chimney cap. Dampness leads to musty odors and can spur mold growth, worsening the smell. Moreover, breathing mold spores can increase allergic reactions and breathing difficulties. 

Animal Debris

Birds, squirrels, raccoons, and other critters seek shelter in chimneys during winter for warmth. They often leave droppings and sometimes die in the chimney, leading to unpleasant odors.

Negative Air Pressure

Modern homes are tightly sealed, leading to negative air pressure inside. This can cause downdrafts in the chimney, pulling in outside air and any foul odors from the chimney into your house. 

How to Fix a Smelly Chimney

Fortunately, most chimney odors can be prevented by following these simple tips.

Regular Cleaning and Inspection

The most effective way to keep your chimney and fireplace from stinking up your home is by hiring a professional chimney sweep for annual cleaning and inspection. Professionals have the proper tools to remove creosote and the training to spot cracks and other issues that could lead to moisture getting in, leading to odors or damage. 

Stay On Top of Repairs and Maintenance

It’s important to repair minor structural damage as soon as you notice the problem. Letting these things go leads to bigger issues that are more expensive to fix down the road. 

The most common forms of chimney damage are cracks in the flue, brickwork issues, cracked crowns, and obstructions. Again, a professional chimney sweep will spot these issues during routine inspections and alert you so you can schedule repairs before they worsen.

Improve Ventilation

Here are a few tips to combat negative air pressure and make your fire burn more efficiently.

• Use a fireplace grate to allow more air movement through the wood.
• Warm the flue before lighting the fire.
• Open a window or door for a few minutes to give the fire fresh air.
• Consult your local chimney specialist about other ways to improve ventilation. 

Install a Chimney Liner

Chimney liners are required for new home constructions, but if you have an older home, you should invest in a flue liner. Flue liners improve energy efficiency, reduce the chance of a chimney fire, and allow smoke and toxic gases to flow out of the home more easily. 

Cap Your Chimney

A good quality chimney cap will prevent moisture and debris from falling in, which can lead to odors and blockages. 

Burn Seasoned Firewood

The more smoke the wood produces when it burns, the faster creosote develops. That’s why it’s crucial to burn dry, seasoned firewood. Greenwood has too much moisture, burns less efficiently, and makes more smoke, leading to creosote. 

Waterproof Your Chimney

Moisture wreaks havoc on a chimney, especially in areas with a freeze-thaw cycle. You can prevent cracks and other damage by investing in applying a waterproofing product. Weatherproofing is cost-effective, lasts for years, and can extend the lifespan of your chimney. 

Call Northeastern Chimney

Northeastern Chimney LLC is the best choice for chimney, fireplace, and stove needs in central Connecticut. We’re fully licensed, insured, and certified.

Whether you need chimney cleaning, liner installation, inspections, masonry repairs, cap installation, waterproofing, flashing repair, firebox rebuilding, or anything in between, you can count on our certified experts to do the job right the first time. 

Contact us today at 860-233-5770. 

The post Smelly Chimney & Fireplace Solved! appeared first on .

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

Few things make a home homier than a warm, crackling fire. And if there’s anything that can ruin that experience, it’s a smelly fireplace. Let’s look at why your fireplace might make your home smell like an ashtray and how to prevent it.

What Causes Fireplace Odors?

Because foul odors come from the fireplace, it’s natural to think that’s the cause, but it’s more likely the chimney, and here’s why.

Creosote Buildup

The main cause of odors is creosote, a byproduct of burning wood. This sticky, tar-like substance produces a strong, smoky smell and is a significant fire hazard.

Moisture and Mold

Chimneys are susceptible to moisture, especially in areas that undergo a freeze/thaw cycle, causing bricks and mortar joints to crack and allowing water to seep in. Moreover, if you don’t have a chimney cap, it’s easy for water, snow, and ice to get in. Excessive moisture leads to mold growth and musty odors.

Animals

Birds, squirrels, raccoons, rats, and other small critters find refuge in warm chimneys during winter. They build nests, leave droppings, and sometimes die, leading to unpleasant odors and an unhealthy home environment.

Negative Air Pressure

New homes are tightly sealed, which is excellent for energy efficiency but bad for your fireplace because it causes negative air pressure. Negative air pressure can lead to chimney odors drawing down the chimney and into the home. Negative air pressure also makes it more difficult to maintain a healthy fire because it can’t get enough oxygen.

Ash and Soot

Allowing ash and soot to accumulate in your fireplace can result in odors.

How to Prevent and Eliminate Fireplace Odors

Regular Cleaning and Inspections

Because creosote is the leading cause of chimney and fireplace odors, hire a professional chimney sweep to clean and inspect the chimney at least once a year. Certified chimney sweeps are trained to detect issues like mortar or brick damage that allow water to enter, leading to mold and musty odors, and issues that could be a fire hazard.

Install a Chimney Cap

Many people confuse chimney caps with crowns or chase covers, but they’re different. A cap is a metal component that covers the opening atop the chimney. Caps are vital for stopping rain, debris, and animals from getting in and protecting your chimney from blockages and damage. Keeping water out is key to preventing odors and can extend your chimney’s lifespan.

Balance Indoor Air Pressure

To counteract negative air pressure, open a window slightly in the room with the fireplace or install vents to get better circulation and improve the draft. This can prevent odors from flowing back into your home and make your fire burn more efficiently.

Clean the Hearth

Regularly clean the hearth by removing ashes to prevent odors.

Use Deodorant

You can find fireplace and chimney deodorant products at your hardware store or big box retailer. These products don’t replace annual professional cleaning but can keep it smelling fresh between appointments.

Make an Appointment With Us!

If you need professional chimney cleaning, you’ve come to the right place. Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace is the number one chimney and fireplace company in Kansas City. Our technicians are certified by the National Fireplace Institute and the Chimney Safety Institute of America.

And if you need something beyond cleaning, we’ve got you covered because we do everything from repairs, inspections, rebuilds, installations, and more.

Schedule your chimney cleaning today by calling 913-236-7141.

The post Why Does My Fireplace Smell? appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.