Here we are again, on the cusp of Pumpkin Spice season with cooler mornings leading to warm afternoons. As we move through this summer season, we’ve noticed a recurring trend of advanced chemical cleanings needed more frequently rather than your standard sweepings.

Many of our customers, even those who have kept up with their annual chimney sweepings, are experiencing unprecedented creosote buildup.

This alarming trend highlights the need for greater awareness of how creosote forms and why regular chimney maintenance is essential—even if you’re not a heavy fireplace user.

How Creosote is Formed

Creosote accumulates in your chimney due to a combination of three key factors: time, temperature, and turbulence (the Three Ts).

Time

This year, the warmer winter has played a significant role in how creosote is formed.  An updraft is created by the temperature differential between cold outside air and warm flue temperature.  When the temperature difference is marginal, the draft is negatively affected.   The slow draw increases the residence time of the smoke, leading to more creosote deposits forming on the internal flue walls.

Temperature

Long burn smoldering fires produce a lot of creosote, while small hot fires result in the most efficient burn.  In the past, slow burn fires were common with the method referred to “dampering down”.  This has since been refuted and is no longer viewed as an acceptable practice due to the increased risk in chimney fires.

Turbulence

The more offsets or bends a venting system has, the more resistance to flow there is.  Friction will always exist between moving flue gases and the passageway, but the more obstacles there are to maneuver, the longer the residence time.

Why Sweepings Are Crucial

Because there are so many factors that contribute to creosote buildup, even if you don’t use your fireplace frequently, you can still develop enough creosote to pose a serious fire hazard. Regular inspections and sweepings help mitigate the risk and ensures your chimney operates safely and efficiently.

Addressing Moisture Concerns in Firewood

When we find excessive creosote, one of the first concerns we address with homeowners is the moisture content of their firewood. Ideally, firewood should have a moisture reading of 15% or lower. However, many people are unaware that moisture readings taken from the surface of the wood can be misleading. It’s crucial to split the wood and measure the internal moisture, as we’ve found that even firewood advertised as “low moisture” can have internal readings of 25% or more.

By staying informed and proactive, you can keep your chimney safe and your home warm and cozy throughout the year. If you haven’t scheduled your annual sweeping or are concerned about creosote buildup, now is the time to act.

The post Don’t Ignore This Summer Chimney Warning: The Surprising Cause of Creosote Buildup appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

As the seasons change and the chill of autumn approaches, many homeowners start to think about preparing their homes for the colder months. One crucial aspect of this preparation is ensuring that your fireplace and chimney are in good working order. Scheduling a cleaning and inspection during the spring or summer months is a strategic choice that can set you up for a safe and cozy winter. Here’s why this timing is optimal, how often you should have your fireplace and chimney serviced, and the importance of hiring a certified chimney professional.

Why Spring to Fall is the Best Time

The primary advantage of scheduling your fireplace and chimney maintenance between spring and fall is preparation. By addressing any potential issues during these warmer months, you ensure that your fireplace is ready for use when the first cold snap arrives. Waiting until winter to schedule a service can be risky—if your fireplace or chimney needs repairs or a thorough cleaning, you might face delays and uncomfortable waiting times. By proactively scheduling in the off-season, you avoid the winter rush and guarantee that everything will be in top shape for the colder weather.

Additionally, chimney companies experience lower demand in the spring and summer. Many homeowners neglect to schedule maintenance until they need to use their fireplace, creating a peak season for chimney services in the fall and early winter. By booking your appointment in the spring or summer, you benefit from more flexible scheduling options and less waiting time. This ensures you have ample opportunity to address any issues thoroughly and at your convenience.

How Often Should You Have Your Fireplace and Chimney Inspected and Cleaned?

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), it is essential to have your fireplace and chimney inspected and cleaned at least once a year. This annual inspection and cleaning is crucial for identifying any potential hazards, such as creosote buildup, blockages, leaks (water or even gas) or structural issues that could pose safety risks. Creosote, a byproduct of burning wood, can accumulate on the interior walls of the chimney and is highly flammable. Regular inspections help prevent dangerous chimney fires by ensuring that any dangerous buildup is removed.

The NFPA also recommends that chimneys be cleaned if there is a buildup of more than 1/8 inch of creosote or if the inspection reveals a significant amount of debris. This is especially important if you use your fireplace frequently or burn unseasoned wood, which can lead to increased creosote accumulation.

The Importance of Hiring a Certified Chimney Sweep

When it comes to maintaining your fireplace and chimney, it’s crucial to hire a certified professional. Certified chimney sweeps have undergone rigorous training and have the expertise needed to conduct thorough inspections and cleanings. They are knowledgeable about the latest safety standards and best practices, ensuring that your chimney is serviced correctly.

Certifications from organizations such as the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) or the National Fireplace Institute (NFI) are indicators of a professional’s credibility and skill. A certified chimney sweep will not only perform a detailed inspection and cleaning but also provide valuable advice on how to maintain your fireplace throughout the year.

In conclusion, scheduling your fireplace and chimney maintenance from spring to fall is a proactive way to ensure you’re prepared for the colder months. By taking advantage of the off-season for scheduling, you avoid the winter rush and have ample time to address any issues. Remember to adhere to the NFPA’s recommendations for annual inspections and cleanings, and always hire a certified professional to ensure the safety and efficiency of your fireplace. Preparing ahead of time will help you enjoy a safe, warm, and cozy winter season.

The post Beat the Winter Rush: Tips on When to Schedule Your Fireplace and Chimney Cleaning first appeared on Southern Chimneys.

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

Maintaining the safety and efficiency of your commercial property is crucial. One component that is often overlooked, but is no less critical, is the condition of your chimney. A well-maintained chimney that is swept regularly is essential to preventing potential hazards and ensuring compliance with local regulations. But how often should you book your commercial chimney maintenance?

At Best Chimney Services, your commercial chimney’s condition is our top priority. Our team of chimney technicians is dedicated to offering knowledgeable, tailored commercial chimney services that’ll fit your chimney’s needs. If you can’t remember the last time you got a commercial chimney inspected, then it’s most likely time to book one. Schedule an evaluation with us today, or learn about how often you should book one, below.

Understanding the Importance of Regular Chimney Maintenance

Commercial chimneys experience more frequent use compared to residential ones, especially if your business involves cooking, heating, or industrial processes. Regular maintenance is crucial to remove creosote buildup, soot, and debris that can lead to dangerous venting issues and inefficient operation. A maintained stack ensures better airflow, reduces the risk of carbon monoxide and gas leakage, and prolongs the lifespan of your chimney and associated systems.

How Often Should You Book a Commercial Chimney Inspection?

Well, it depends… At a minimum, a commercial chimney should be inspected at least once a year. However, if the chimney is being used frequently because it’s helping to operate a restaurant, cafe, or manufacturing facility, for instance, then it’ll require sweeping every 3-6 months to manage excessive use. It is also possible that there are local regulations in your town/city required by your fire department or building codes. Make sure to check those regulations in case they differ from your equipment manufacturer.

Signs that Your Chimney Needs Service Before its Annual Appointment

There are some evident signs to look out for that will let you know you need a commercial chimney sweeping as soon as possible, including:

Increased Smoke back into Building

If you begin to notice smoke backing up into your commercial building or surrounding areas, it could be a sign that there is something obstructing or partially blocking the chimney. Book a commercial evaluation to check for blockages within the structure.

Dark Smoke Exiting the Stack

When the steam or smoke changes from light to dark, it is a clear and obvious sign of a venting issue.  During an evaluation, our chimney technicians will be checking for creosote buildup, animal intrusions and the integrity of the interior flue walls within the chimney structure and corresponding areas.  A chimney inspection is imperative to help reduce puff backs, carbon monoxide spillage and heat/hot water shut downs in the future.  

Heating Equipment Problems

Having an issue with heating equipment within a boiler room?  It’s not necessarily a boiler malfunction, but could be a venting issue.  It doesn’t matter if the heating equipment is new or old, venting issues cause interruptions with providing heat/hot water, and overfiring creating costly fuel consumption. 

Find a Professional 

To ensure your chimney stack is compliant with industry standards, it’s best to hire a certified chimney technician. Look for professionals with industry certifications and good reviews. Schedule regular inspections in advance so that you don’t risk the chance of forgetting.

Call Best Chimney Services for Your Commercial Chimney Sweeping 

Investing in regular chimney maintenance is vital to keeping your chimney, and your building, in safe working condition. Booking regular inspections, at least once a year, will help you maintain its condition and avoid unsafe, costly problems. If you’re unsure how well your chimney is operating and how much creosote could be building up, give us a call today and we’ll make sure you’re getting the regular maintenance it deserves.

The post How Often Should You Book Your Commercial Chimney Inspected? appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

A chimney chase cover is a vital component of your chimney system that often goes unnoticed, despite playing a critical role in the safety of your home. Understanding what a chimney chase cover does and how to ensure it’s in proper condition can help you avoid costly and dangerous problems.

At Best Chimney Services, we are dedicated to keeping our customers’ chimneys in the best condition possible. We offer a range of residential and commercial chimney services in the Boston area to provide clients with knowledgeable and reliable services they can consistently count on. Schedule an appointment with us today if you need a chase cover installed. In the meantime, learn about the importance of your chimney chase.

Let’s Start at the Basics – What is a Chimney Chase?

A chimney chase is a framed structure that encloses a chimney stack, which is typically made from metal. It serves as a protective surrounding for the stack, shielding it from the outside elements like branches and bird nests, while also enhancing the appearance of your home. Chimney chases are often constructed from materials like wood, vinyl, or metal, and they can be designed to match the exterior of your home, making them an integral part of your house’s design.

The Importance of a Chimney Chase Cover

Protects from Outside Elements

The chase cover sits on top of a chimney chase and is designed to protect the chase from outside elements.   Without a chase cover, rain, snow, and debris can easily enter the chimney, leading to moisture buildup, rust, and deterioration. Over time, this can compromise the structural integrity of the chimney stack(s) and pose safety risks. This way, you can also extend the life of your chimney by preventing any damage.

Prevention of Water Damage

Water damage is the number one enemy of chimneys that you want to avoid. A properly installed cover acts as a shield, preventing water from seeping into the chimney and causing issues like mold growth, rot, and even cracks in the building materials. This not only protects the chimney but also prevents potential water damage to the interior of your home.

Adds Curb Appeal

Surprisingly a chimney chase cover also adds to the curb appeal of your home. It attractively transitions the chimney chase to the chimney stack(s) while offering support for the structures.  Modern chase covers are custom made in stainless steel so no more rusting or unsightly gaps between the structure and the cover.  They can also be customized to any color to complement the design of your home’s exterior and enhance the overall look of your property.

When Does Your Chimney Chase Cover Need to be Replaced?

Older chimney chases were made of subpar materials and can deteriorate over time, especially being exposed to New England weather. Some of the signs of needed replacement to look out for are if your chimney chase is rusting or corroding, there are water stains on walls near the chimney, there are loose or missing parts on the structure or cracks in the cover. Make sure to promptly replace your chimney cover to avoid these problems from growing. 

Call Best Chimney Services to Replace Your Chimney Chase

By understanding the importance of maintaining the components of your chimney, you can avoid costly repairs and extend the life of your chimney. If you’re unsure if your chase cover needs to be replaced, don’t hesitate to give us a call, we’d love to help!

The post What is a Chimney Chase Cover and Why is it Important? appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Chimney liners are an investment. No doubt. And most homeowners are willing to forego using their fireplace so they don’t need to pay for a new chimney liner. It’s a bit more complicated than that. Let’s talk about what a chimney liner is, how to know if you need one and what are some of the necessary benefits that a proper chimney liner offers. Ready?

What is a Chimney Liner?

A chimney liner is your firewall.  The chimney liner goes inside of the chimney flue which is the passageway from your fireplace to the outside. The chimney liner allows the smoke and other gasses to travel safely through the chimney and release to the outside. The chimney liner also protects the walls of the chimney and other parts of the chimney.

How Do I Know if I Need a New Chimney Liner?

One of the basic ways to know if you need a chimney liner is if you don’t have one! Amazingly, many of the old homes in the Chicago and Chicagoland area did not come built with a chimney liner like the new homes do today. The unlined chimney’s break down the mortar causing the mortar and brick pieces to fall into the firebox. If you see pieces of brick and/or mortar, then you definitely need to call Superior Chimney professionals to inspect what is going on.

In addition, an unlined chimney can release carbon monoxide into the home causing harm to you and your family’s health. As we discussed in the previous paragraph, missing mortar can be dangerous. If the mortar is missing and continues to deteriorate, the fire can quickly spread to your home.

Let’s also remember that appliances in your home also uses a chimney flue to allow gasses to escape. This critical path allows the gasses to be removed from your home safely. If not, you can expect your carbon monoxide alarm to sound and people in your home to not feel so good.

Are there Benefits to a Chimney Liner?

There are numerous benefits that a chimney liner provides to your home.

• Embers – A chimney liner prevents hot embers from entering open spots in the masonry and combusting. In other words, starting a fire.
• Carbon Monoxide – As we discussed above, the smoke & carbon monoxide is pulled from your fireplace, travels up through the firewall/liner and out of the home.
• Fireplace Can Get too Hot! – You would never think a fireplace can get too hot. It can. The chimney liner works to draft properly and keep the heat under control, otherwise it can overheat causing other serious issues.
• Chemicals – Chimney liners prevent chemicals/byproducts that are generated from the fire in the fireplace from absorbing into the masonry chimney construction –This keeps your fire from harming you and your family.

Chimney Inspection

As part of your 14-point chimney inspection by Superior Chimney, your chimney liner will be fully inspected by a certified technician. Every aspect of the firebox, the chimney flue to the exterior of the chimney is fully checked for any issues that can cause your home any harm. Because it’s either tight or difficult to reach / see, we take plenty of pictures to show you what is going on in and around your chimney. We believe that understanding what it means to have a healthy chimney, helps to keep your home safe and secure. Contact us today at 877-244-6349

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

As bad rains continue throughout the Chicagoland area, we are always wondering what is going to flood next. We think about our basement (if you have one) and what may be affected by the seeping water. We constantly check that and other points in our home that we can readily see. But what about the parts that are not visible from the ground? Like the chimney. We may be able to see the bricks from the ground, meaning the four sides of the chimney. But what about the top of the chimney or what sits on top of the bricks? Let’s talk about each one of those and what can go on without you knowing it.

What is a Chimney Crown?

A chimney crown is the slab of concrete that sits on top of the bricks or stone. It can take on various shapes such as a flat rectangle or even an angled slope that can average many inches. The use of the chimney crown is to cover the chimney and protect the bricks or stone from the weather elements. It also works to divert water away from the chimney. With this big job of being constantly battered by the weather elements and debris hitting it, it does face issues of its own.

Chimney crowns are generally made of concrete. Some can be crafted from metal or stone. All of these materials can and do deteriorate over time. Concrete is a porous material, and over time, cracks will form. These cracks start small like hairline cracks and grow in size. The bigger the size crack, the more water or bugs can enter. But don’t be fooled. Hairline cracks can let water in as well causing as much trouble in the house as bigger cracks. They are just easier to find on the chimney crown.

The best remedy for a chimney crown to maintain its effectiveness is to use a crown coat by Superior Chimney. The crown coat seals the cement including any cracks in the chimney crown to slow down further deterioration. Now you really don’t need to think about the chimney crown if you have this sealed and waterproofed. One thing off the worry list.

Chimney Cap

We’ve discussed plenty about chimney caps. However, why do so many homes still not have a chimney cap. This simple steel structure sits on top of the chimney crown protecting from the entry of debris, weather and animals looking for shelter. Some are simple in design; some are more ornate in nature.

Chimney caps can be made from galvanized steel, aluminum, stainless steel, and even copper. But remember, copper doesn’t always remain with the original copper look. It changes color from the outside elements.

Chimney caps are a necessity for the chimney top. First, it must be tightly secured to the chimney. Standing up there with the wind, rain and branches sometimes brushing up against it, it must stay in place all the time. What happens if it does not? Yes, it can fall off, animals can then crawl in, debris will get in and rain / snow will be able to enter as well. As all are important to keep out, damage is done by all of those who enter.

Chimney Inspection Solves All the Problems

It’s best to get a chimney inspection by Superior Chimney as everything is checked to ensure nothing comes in to your home. Our 14 point inspection of the inside and outside of the chimney will ensure everything is safe and in working order. Contact us today at 877-244-6349

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

We are coming to an end of summer. This is when our weather begins to change and our focus turns to a nice fire in the fireplace. Did you know that most tuckpointing repairs are done during warm weather? Meaning spring, summer and fall. This is important as the mortar needs to fully dry and winter or cold weather isn’t supportive of drying mortar during a chimney repair.

Why is this a Good Picture of Tuckpointing Bricks on the Chimney?

When you take a look at the picture, you can visibly see solid bricks with mortar and no spaces or gaps in between. This means that bugs, water, snow or anything else small cannot get in between the bricks and help the deterioration process go faster. Sometimes when we want to do this ourselves, the result isn’t nearly as pretty as when professionally done. Many individuals look at this picture and says, “yes, I can do this!” But when you do try it…and you only get one try…it doesn’t come out as nice.

Professional chimney repair specialists make the job look easy. That’s because they are trained and experienced in doing this many many times which makes them like an artist. Only a specialist can mix mortar to a perfect consistency, place it between two bricks and make it look like this! It is a talent, so just use a professional from Superior Chimney. Remember, bricks are heavy. Bricks (or even stone) are placed one on top of the other with mortar mixture creating a suction bond in between them.

Let’s Talk Tuckpointing and Bricks

There’s a good reason why masonry is an art. You’ve got to know your bricks, mortar and the tools used to make the art of brick and mortar come alive.

• Mortar at the local hardware store is a more modern, heavier mortar. That’s because the bricks that are produced today are much harder thus needing a more modern mortar. If you have an older home, the bricks are much lighter. A do it yourself project can damage your old bricks and cause them to crack making additional repairs and cost of brick replacement and possibly water leaks.
• It is also critical that before the mortar repair project begins on your chimney, that the situation be fully checked to ensure the problem will be solved. Is there other loose mortar? Are there potential leaks anywhere else on the chimney? Are any of the bricks chipping, spalling, pieces falling off? These are key areas that need to be addressed prior to the repair starting.

Chimney Saver

One way to keep this good look of tuckpointing bricks on the chimney is by waterproofing it. Superior Chimney uses Chimney Saver, a waterproofing agent that seeps deep into the porous brick and mortar. This keeps the weather elements out and protects the home. The Chimney Saver solution works for a period of 8 to 10 years. What you are seeing in this picture is the result of the first 8 years. A new application has been placed on the brick and mortar again to maintain the good work of Superior Chimney from 8 years prior.

Contact us today at 877-244-6349 to get tuckpointing bricks on the chimney done on your home.

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

When you take a look at this picture, you can clearly see that mortar fell out from in between the bricks and additional cracks and loose mortar are next to the empty spot. This is an open invitation for water to continue to break down the mortar and water to make its way into the home. But it is such a small area. Can it really do that much damage? Let’s take a closer look.

Here are the Top 3 Ways Leaks Start in the Chimney

1. Water that flows in from the top of the chimney. Meaning there is no chimney cap or the chimney cap is damaged in some way that allows the water to enter into the chimney.
2. Damaged or Missing seals of the Roof Flashing. Flashing can be very tricky. If there’s one little spot open, water will find its way in. Once it finds the weak spot, it quickly begins to erode away at it until it makes it way into the home.
3. Cracks in the bricks and Mortar. That’s our picture for today. Not only are there cracks but also missing mortar.

Flowing from the Top

You may think it’s unbelievable that a chimney doesn’t have a chimney cap, but you would be surprised how many are out there constantly exposed to the elements of the weather. The chimney cap serves a very important task of keeping water, snow, debris and animals out of the chimney. Some homeowners may think that the hole is too small and the small animals can’t make their way to the top. But they can and do. This is why a chimney cap is an important part of protecting your home.

The chimney cap covers the open hole where gases and smoke from the woodburning fireplace and gas fireplace escapes. It’s protecting it from rain, snow, leaves and animals from coming in. Rain and snow can damage the chimney from top to bottom. The leaves can get set on fire and cause a fire in your home. Animals…well do you want a burning animal in your home? Me neither.

Damage or Missing Seals from the Flashing

This is a tricky one. Flashing is placed where the roof meets the chimney. Because this is a place where water can settle and make its way into the home, flashing acts as a barrier. One of the primary weak spots with flashing is the breakdown of the seals. Once the seals dry up and begin to crack and flake, water can make its way into your home. Inspection each year during your fireplace service is key to keeping the elements where they belong…outside.

Cracks in the Bricks and Mortar

Cracks in the bricks and mortar is a perfect way for leaks to start in the chimney. The small hairline cracks can’t be seen from the ground as they can be small or very thin. This makes it difficult for homeowners to keep on top of repairs, which is why having a certified chimney inspection done can save you from unnecessary repairs on the inside ceiling, walls, wood and more. By ensuring holes or cracks are regularly inspected and repaired, you will have significantly reduced the amount of issues that can plague your home.

Call 877-244-6349 for a chimney inspection along with a fireplace inspection today!

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

As much as the chimney is a highly functional unit that keeps the house warm and increases its value, many homeowners make plenty of cleaning mistakes that put their homes and families at significant risk. What are these mistakes? Here they are:

Using chimney logs to avoid chimney sweeping

Chimney sweeping logs can help lessen creosote buildup but can’t eliminate it. In fact, they may cause large “sheets” of creosote to come loose and land on your smoke shelf, where they may pile up and start a chimney fire.

This means that the notion that you can replace chimney sweeping with chimney logs won’t work.

If you are keen, you should note that creosote-destroying logs or chemical instructions make it clear that they should not be used in place of expert chimney cleaning services. So you should still sweep your chimney.

Additionally, you should never use a chimney sweeping log in a wood-burning stove since this could harm the appliance permanently.

Failing to clean the chimney because you are burning hardwood

Some homeowners have this argument because they assume that seasoned hardwoods don’t release creosote since they burn cleaner than softwoods. This is a myth that is widely held. Its foundation is the observation that seasoned hardwoods emit fewer smoke and creosote particles than softwoods.

Burning seasoned hardwoods will result in less creosote in your chimney than burning unseasoned or softwoods, but you still need to sweep your chimney.

Remember that a lethal chimney fire can be caused by creosote buildup as little as 1/8 of an inch.

Creosote deposits are always left behind by fires, regardless of the type of wood fuel you use. This means you need regular chimney cleaning, irrespective of the wood you burn. In the absence of this, layer upon layer of creosote may potentially clog the chimney flue.

A large amount of creosote buildup increases the risk of chimney fires. In addition, there might be an obstruction, which means harmful gases cannot escape outside the house.

This obstruction in the chimney poses a risk to the people living there. Burning wood releases various chemicals, including deadly carbon monoxide fumes, which can harm your family.

Hiring any cleaning contractor

The industry for chimney sweepers is unregulated. Knowing this, con artists prey on homeowners who want to reduce their maintenance expenses.

While saving costs is wise, doing so at the expense of something as crucial as chimney safety may be risky.

The right way to do it is to hire a chimney sweep only after conducting research. Before you hire a contractor, contact three or more clients that have worked with the contractor. You should ask them about their experience and whether they do well.

You also should ask as many questions as possible from the contactor. During the questioning, you will tell whether the contractor is experienced. As a rule of thumb, you should hire the most experienced. While they might be a little expensive, they will be worth it.

Hiring the right professional will prevent you from wasting money on unneeded repairs and cleaning services for your chimney and services from unqualified personnel.

During your research, look for signs of community longevity, authentic customer testimonials, and certification from the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA).

Cleaning the chimney at the wrong time

It’s possible that you already know how important it is to have a certified chimney sweep clean your chimney, but you may have chosen the wrong time to do it.

The truth is that most homeowners put off hiring chimney sweepers until the onset of cold weather. Because of the popularity of this idea, scheduling for certified chimney sweeps gets extremely tight, and services are more expensive.

The best time to clean your chimney is in spring when you are done using it. Soot possesses corrosive qualities; any corrosive materials will eat away at your chimney. When it gets humid in the summer, the chimney will smell bad, and you might have to put off getting a complete cleaning until you need it. This often leads to problems later down the line.

You won’t have to wait as long for an appointment in the spring because it’s less crowded, and if an issue is found during the inspection, you have plenty of time to address it.

Every year, or ideally in the spring, you should clean the pellet systems because residual pellets might expand and explode due to summer humidity, limiting the appliance’s lifespan. Professional service and repair are necessary for all pellet makers at least once a year.

Cleaning the chimney by yourself

To save money, some homeowners have the impression that all they need is a sweep brush and they will sweep the chimney by themselves. To begin with, climbing onto a roof and working from that height is perilous for anyone who is not experienced enough.

In addition, there are three types of creosote, and an average homeowner using a basic chimney sweep brush may not be able to remove all of the buildup. As you can tell, this puts the chimney at risk of catching fire.

The only layers that a chimney brush can remove are the simple ones. The other two are much harder to remove and call for specialized tools, usually only owned by chimney contractors Columbia MD.

This means that if you don’t want to put your chimney at risk of catching fire or putting yourself at risk of falling and getting hurt or breaking your bones, you should hire a professional to help with the cleaning.

As mentioned above, ensure that the cleaning professional you hire is experienced and knows what they are doing. The last thing you want is to hire a professional who causes more problems than were there.

The post Chimney Cleaning Mistakes That You Don’t Want to Make first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

When you hire chimney contractors, you expect them to do a good job. Well, this is not always the case. Sometimes, they do a horrendous job that you have to redo. As you can guess, you have to spend more money on it.

To help you out, here are signs that your contractors didn’t do a good job, and how to hire the right professional for the task:

Signs of poor chimney workmanship

• For water to effectively shed off chimney crowns—the top part made of concrete, stone, or mortar— the part should be properly built to slope. When you hire the wrong contractors, they don’t do this right, and the area does not slope from the center to the edge. This means the water doesn’t drain as well as you would want.
• Inadequate caulking of the chimney’s sides or flashing where it meets the outer wall
• The chimney being rebuilt or replaced with the incorrect kind of brick, and the brick or stone being improperly patched, stained, or both.
• Mortar splattered on the brick, mortar joints failing to match the existing color and finish, and/or clear indications that the wrong mortar was used during the repointing.
• The chimney rain cap is too small or not firmly fastened.
• In the mortar joints and/or masonry units (brick, stone, block), including stucco, are minute fractures that can be seen.
• Paint peeling and scaling and failing to adhere effectively.
• The chimney appears unfinished and unclean due to inadequate cleaning.
• The chimney is adequately sealed or covered with a high-quality commercial water repellant.
• When a fracture in a mortar joint is sealed with clear silicone, the result is a terrible aesthetic and an almost instantaneous failure.

Due to the problems that can arise from hiring the wrong contractor, it is not a good idea to take the chimney repair job lightly. If chimneys are not correctly fixed, they may eventually leak, cause internal water damage, and possibly even cause structural damage to the house or roof.

Understanding chimney repairs

Since most homes have a chimney, chimney repair work is extremely common. The good thing is that most chimneys are still constructed using masonry; the most popular materials for chimney construction are brick, stone, or stucco.

While some repair contractors concentrate exclusively on outside chimney repairs, others clean or “sweep” the internal firebox, replace the chimney’s lining with more modern metal or traditional clay tile flues, and/or do interior firebox maintenance.

The owner has the option of choosing which chimney repair firm to work with, but generally speaking, the organizations that offer a one-stop shop have limited expertise when it comes to masonry repairs on the exterior of the chimney.

It’s easy to understand why. The highly competent masonry repair professionals in their industries are the best talent these “Do it all” chimney companies cannot attract with greater salaries and perks to remain competitive.

They are thus forced to “Do it All” with the help of less experienced personnel.

A “Do it All” technician (a handyman with limited masonry experience) will notice the difference in craftsmanship between a chimney completed by an expert and one done by a layperson. The quality and longevity of masonry and chimney repairs can vary greatly.

How do you hire the right contractor for your project?

For you to get the results in your project you should only hire highly experienced contractors. While the cost difference may reach up to 50%, the repair work will save you significant money over time since there won’t be any need for rework anytime soon. It will look fantastic for many years.

You should look for a reputable contractor or specialist in masonry and chimney restoration. A reputable provider will offer a prompt and equitable quote and a full craftsmanship warranty lasting at least two to three years.

Occasionally, a contractor of this kind will even promise that there won’t be any leaks during the warranty period—unless there’s a natural or artificial disaster, like a tree falling on the chimney, etc.

This skilled masonry contractor will be able to deliver a finished result that will prevent your chimney from leaking for years. They will also know how to make long-lasting upgrades and repairs to your chimney and that water is terrible for masonry.

Compared to the “Do It All” kind, they will provide superior protection against the weather for your chimney and valuable belongings.

Hiring a chimney sweep service is fine if you want your flues or chimney liner cleaned, but don’t be penny-wise and pound-foolish when it comes to the brick structure of your cherished home’s outside chimney.

Where can you locate the specialists in chimney repairs and masonry restoration? By checking with the Better Business Bureau, look for A+ accredited masonry restoration or repair firms. Next, look up A-rated businesses on Angie’s List by cross-referencing it, visiting Google+ pages, etc.

Finding out who is a current member of trade associations like IREM (International Real Estate Management), IFMA (International Facilities Management Association), and/or BOMA (Building Owners and Managers Association) could be beneficial.

A contractor member of a professional body will most likely provide a better service as they are concerned about losing their accreditation.

Parting shot

As you have read, it’s paramount that you know the chimney repair Columbia MD that you hire. As a rule of thumb, take your time to research and find a reputable one that will give you the great experience that you are after.

As mentioned, only work with a reputable contractor, preferably one accredited by a professional body. This way, you will be sure they will give you a great experience as they will be cautious about losing their accreditation if they provide poor artistry.

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