Month: October 2024

As Fall takes hold, Superior Chimney is on temperature watch. As the Fall months’ progress, and temperatures get to the freezing mark, the season for chimney tuckpointing comes to an end. So, while the temperatures hold out, be sure to get those chimney repairs done now. Why am I so adamant about it? It’s what we’ve seen.

For instance…

We went out to a home that was experiencing a dripping sound, not in…but next to the fireplace. They thought that since the water wasn’t dripping IN the fireplace, it must be something different. They first called a handyman to find and fix the leak in the ‘roof’. When the handyman saw that the leak was really coming from the chimney, he told them he couldn’t help.

The homeowner heard birds and scratching sounds coming from the direction of the fireplace. They didn’t know what to do, so they called an exterminator who told them to call animal control. After animal control visited the home and removed the birds and squirrel from the chimney, they suggested that they call a chimney expert to get the situation looked at.

On the first floor of the home, the homeowner noticed a buildup of mold on one of their walls. The owner used some bleach to kill the mold, but it eventually came back. The homeowner tried to find where the mold was coming from, and had a few ‘experts’ in. Finally, a neighbor asked about the chimney. Since the homeowner forgot about that, he called to have it checked.

These are the stories that come in each day to Superior Chimney. It’s because the chimney is an afterthought for homeowners. If you don’t see your chimney, you don’t think anything can go wrong. And we know! You’re not the only one. 

What to do Next…

When a certified technician comes to your home, we will inspect the firebox, chimney flue all the way up to the chimney outside. We have a specific 14-point checklist for chimney inspections which include the chimney exterior. This is a thorough inspection ensuring the health of your home.

Because we’re talking about chimney tuckpointing, let’s talk about the areas that need special attention.

Chimney Bricks / Stone and Mortar: During an inspection, we’re searching for hairline cracks, missing mortar and loose bricks or stone. These are critical areas for water to make its way into your home. The damage it can cause can be anywhere from stains on the ceiling to chipped paint and mold growth. Of course, the sound of dripping water is a dead giveaway.

Chimney Crown: This is the slab of concrete above the bricks or stone. It deters the outside elements from entering your home or breaking down the bricks or stone faster than necessary. However, the chimney crown can also cracks and will allow water in. Either way, we all know water can find a way into the smallest of areas.

Chimney Cap: The chimney cap is what sits on top of the chimney allowing smoke and toxins to escape. The chimney cap should be secured to the chimney so debris, water, and critters stay out and keep the chimney clear.

Chimney Flashing: This is the point where the roof and the chimney meet. The flashing acts as a barrier and directs the water and debris away from the chimney. If the flashing comes away from the chimney, water can enter and begin to find an entrance to your home. Keeping this area tight is key to avoiding water leaks.

Bottom line…

Getting the chimney tuckpointing done now will ensure a dry home. They key areas can be inspected by you…if you want to climb on the roof. However, the expert training and hands-on experience make it easy for us to quickly identify problems (if there is any) before they start.

The best part is that we take pictures and show you what it looks like up there and explain any issues or potential problems that may come up. We believe it’s important to educate you on the chimney so you can keep the inside of your home safe and dry.

Contact us today 877-244-6349

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

Sunday, September 22 was the first day of Fall. As summer is a popular season in Chicagoland, the Fall season flirts with being the favorite season. That’s because it’s not too hot, not too cold, the beautiful colors begin to change and we begin to notice our fireplace again. Those chilly nights do make us think of a crackling fire. What we’re not prepared for is the cold draft in the chimney. When that happens, that’s when there’s a problem with the chimney.

What is a Cold Draft in the Chimney?

Cold draft in the chimney is basically caused when the chimney liner is full of cold air and doesn’t let the smoke rise through the chimney liner so it can go out of the home. As we all know, hot air rises, but that also is resisted by cold air that pushes down. Same thing here, the cold air continues to push down toward the fireplace, allowing you to feel the cold air.

Another cause for a cold draft in the chimney is negative air pressure. For the smoke from the fireplace to flow up and out of the chimney, there has to be enough air flowing through, otherwise the smoke and cold air will leak into your home.

Finally, a cold draft in the chimney can be caused by an obstruction. An obstruction can be debris caught in the chimney cap, or a bird’s nest, other critter nest or creosote buildup. The chimney cap plays a critical role, which is why making sure you have one is vital to the health of your chimney.

How to Fix a Fireplace Cold Draft?

One thing that you can do quickly on your own is to check if you have a chimney cap on top of your chimney outside. The chimney cap is what covers the hole outside and guards against rain, snow, debris and critters from entering your home. Now you may say, “Yes, of course I have one.” And you may be right…but not anymore. It may actually be missing. This happens, especially in Chicagoland when those winds kick up. If the chimney cap is loose, it may blow off, or become tilted on an angle or end up on its side. If that looks ‘pretty good’, then the next step is to get a certified chimney technician to inspect the problem.

Chimney Inspection by a Certified Technician

The best way to fix a cold draft in the fireplace is with a certified chimney technician. They are trained by the CSIA, the Chimney Safety Institute of America, and receives years of hands on training with a lead partner before venturing out on their own.

Why is it important?

A certified chimney technician understands the importance of safety and to ensure compliance with Residential Codes. Our certified technicians are trained to identify potential hazards in your chimney and fireplace such as creosote and toxic gasses. Creosote is flammable and can start a fire in your home. The toxic gasses, well we’ll leave that to your imagination.

Contact us today to ensure a safe and healthy home.

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