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While most homeowners think about protecting their homes from water damage, the roof, gutters, and foundation are usually at the top of their list. However, one area that is often overlooked is the chimney. It’s assumed that because the chimney is made of bricks or stones, it’s naturally durable and waterproof, but that’s not the case, and it’s one of the most common (and costly) myths in home maintenance.

Here we debunk some of the biggest myths about chimney waterproofing and tell you why it’s one of the smartest and most cost-effective preventive steps you can take to protect your home.

Myth 1: Brick and Mortar Don’t Let Water In

This is the big one, the most common myth about bricks and mortar is that they’re impervious to water. After all, they’re strong and heavy, so how could moisture possibly get in? Simple. Masonry materials are porous by nature.

Brick and mortar absorb water like a sponge, especially when exposed to rain, snow, and the freeze-thaw cycle year after year. Over time, that moisture seeps deeper into the structure, leading to problems like:

• Efflorescence, a white, powdery salt deposit.
• Crumbling mortar joints.
• Spalling bricks.
• Mold and mildew growth inside the chimney.

Even a tiny amount of trapped moisture can wreak havoc in the chimney and lead to costly repairs as it breaks the mortar away from the inside out. Waterproofing the chimney helps seal the pores and prevents water from entering in the first place.

Myth 2: A Chimney Cap is Enough Protection

Chimney caps are essential for keeping rain, debris, and animals from getting in. But they’re not a complete waterproofing solution. Caps do shield the top of the flue, but they don’t protect the exterior masonry or the mortar between the bricks.

Think of the cap as an umbrella. It blocks direct rain from entering but doesn’t stop moisture from soaking into the chimney’s sides during heavy storms and driving winds, or when snow piles up against it. For maximum protection, you need a breathable waterproofing product applied to the structure, not just a metal cover at the top.

Myth 3: Waterproofing Traps Moisture

You’d be surprised by how many homeowners don’t want to waterproof their chimneys because they think water will get trapped inside and make things worse. That can happen if the wrong kind of product is used.

A proper chimney waterproofing treatment uses a vapor-permeable sealant. This means it repels liquid water from the outside while allowing water vapor from inside the chimney to escape. Think of it like a breathable raincoat. It prevents moisture from entering without sealing in condensation.

Using the wrong kind of coating, such as paint or non-breathable sealer, can indeed lock in moisture and accelerate deterioration. That’s why chimney waterproofing should always be done by a trained professional who uses products designed explicitly for masonry chimneys.

Myth 4: Waterproofing is Only for Damaged or Old Chimneys

Another common belief is that only older chimneys need waterproofing. In reality, every chimney, regardless of how old it is, can benefit from water protection.

New chimneys are just as vulnerable to water absorption as older ones, and sometimes even more because modern mortar can be softer and more porous than older mixtures. Waterproofing is a preventive measure that can significantly extend your chimney’s lifespan.

Myth 5: Waterproofing Isn’t Worth the Cost

Many homeowners believe that waterproofing is an unnecessary expense or a marketing ploy by chimney companies to increase profits. But, compared to the cost of major chimney repairs, it’s one of the most affordable things you can do.

Repairing water-damaged brickwork, rebuilding a chimney crown, or addressing leaks that spread to your interior walls can cost thousands of dollars. And if you develop mold as a result? That’s another costly headache. Modern waterproofing is relatively expensive and typically lasts up to 10 years before you need to reapply.

Stop Moisture and Save Your Chimney!

Contact Northeastern Chimney today to ask about our chimney waterproofing or other chimney services. We proudly service customers throughout Central CT, and all of Hartford, Tolland, and Litchfield Counties.

The post Top 5 Myths About Chimney Waterproofing appeared first on .

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

Many of us are sorry to see the summer go. Although living in New England, we look forward to the changing seasons; each has its own special details. As you pack away your swim toys and get your garden ready for the winter, don’t forget about your chimney. Professionals suggest that an annual Chimney sweep and inspection be conducted. 

When a problem arises, the best plan is to tackle it as soon as possible. Taking care of any repairs early will cost you much less than waiting until the damage increases. 

What Can I Do To Get My Fireplace Ready For The Upcoming Season?

• Clean out the firebox – Carefully sweep out the accumulated ash. This task should be done after every couple of fires. When cleaning out the firebox, use a metal bucket and shovel.Wait 24 hours before attempting to clean it out to ensure the ash has cooled. Bring the bucket outside, away from any buildings. Use the ash in your garden.
• Go outside, take a look at your chimney from the outside. Note any signs of wear. A professional should address cracks or missing masonry. 
• Clear any overhanging trees or shrubs around your fireplace. Check near the crown as well. Wind can cause damage if trees are left too close to the chimney.
• Check for obstructions. During the summer months, small animals, debris, leaves, and twigs can get caught up in your chimney. This can cause a chimney fire.
• Observe the chimney cap, flashing, and crown. It may be difficult to see completely, but if something looks cracked, missing, or dislodged, note this and bring it to the attention of our technician.
• Check the batteries on carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors. It is advisable to change the batteries when you turn the clocks back in the fall.

Not everyone is handy, and cleaning the fireplace is a messy job. That is why Northeastern Chimney is here for you. We hire qualified technicians, so you don’t have to worry about the yearly maintenance. 

Chimney Inspection and Sweep – What to expect.

• Sweep – You can expect our professionals to clean out the firebox. Any leftover ash or spent wood would be taken away. We will use a vacuum to clean this area. Removing the ash will eliminate any smells that come with any moisture in the air. Our technicians will use a brush to brush away any creosote that has collected along the chimney liner as well. 
• Inspection – When our team arrives, we will inspect the inside and outside of your chimney. We are looking for cracks and missing masonry. We will check for any water damage. Once our inspection is complete, our technician will give you a comprehensive evaluation and any suggestions regarding any repairs if needed.
• Schedule your inspection or cleaning soon by calling Northeastern Chimney. We service all of Hartford, Tolland, and Litchfield Counties. All our chimney technicians are trained and qualified.

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

Welcome to the Chicagoland area, the perfect weather conditions for the Freeze-Thaw cycles on your chimney. The Freeze-Thaw cycles put constant stress on the chimney with the expansion and contraction of the bricks and mortar. But why is Superior Chimney talking about it now? To get you ready for the changing and fluctuating temperatures, the exterior chimney needs to be checked now. Depending on how the weather holds up, you may only have until mid-late November where any repairs can be done before it gets too cold.

Getting Ready for the Cold, Dry and Wet Weather

We live in a wet, humid, cold and hot place. It’s inevitable that we’re going to experience the Freeze-Thaw cycle on your chimney. How does it work? When moisture makes its way into the smallest cracks or hairline cracks in the mortar joints, it can just sit there…and nothing will happen. Until the temperatures begin to drop below freezing or 32 degrees. That trapped water turns to ice.

Water expands when it freezes. This means that when it does, it will push the mortar and brick creating and widening cracks. When the weather begins to warm up, the ice will melt exposing the cracks and loosening of the bricks from the mortar. If repairs are not made at this time, the Freeze-Thaw cycle will repeat again causing the bricks and mortar to continue its separation and additional damage such as flaking or crumbling will begin. This will cause the structural integrity of the exterior of the chimney to weaken.

What Happens if the Chimney Weakens?

If the chimney weakens you can be sure that the mortar joints deteriorate, the bricks or stones will begin to shift, which means they will become loose. Most importantly, it will continue to get worse as water will make its way inside of the chimney and even your home. Tuckpointing not only makes the chimney look nice, it is serving a very important purpose. It is protecting your home from damages. By keeping the mortar sealed and weatherproofed before winter makes its way into Chicagoland, you can prevent costly repairs down the road.

Waterproof the Chimney

Waterproofing the chimney extends the life of the exterior chimney. Once your chimney has been swept and inspected by a Superior Chimney certified masonry expert, get any recommended repairs completed (if any). Next, we will apply a waterproofing agent directly onto the bricks and mortar to help prevent the bricks from flaking and mortar from absorbing water. Once completed, the waterproofing formula will last for 8 to 10 years. Now your chimney will be protected when the Freeze-Thaw cycle on your chimney begins this winter.

Contact Superior Chimney today to get the chimney swept, inspected and waterproofed for a safe and dry winter. Contact us at 877-244-6349.

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

As the weather begins to cool, Superior Chimney has received calls asking if tuckpointing the chimney should be done now, or if it can wait until Spring. That’s a great question. If this a homeowner is asking, then there are other homeowners that are unsure as well. So, let’s address tuckpointing the chimney and the importance of the mortar between the bricks or stone.

What is Tuckpointing the Chimney?

Tuckpointing the chimney is a skilled process of removing mortar that has deteriorated or fallen out from between the bricks and replace it with new mortar in order to restore the strength and endurance of the structure while preventing further damage to the chimney.

Seems like an easy DIY project? Not so fast. The job is more than just filling in cracks or missing spaces. Because these workers are highly skilled, they can easily spot underlying issues that are the cause or contributing cause to the problem. In addition, simply mixing the mortar is like being a master chef. The consistency needs to be perfect. If not, you’ve just added to your problem.

Why is Waiting Until Spring a Costly Choice?

Furthering the damage. Tuckpointing the chimney saves the structure from increased damage. What are those damages? Let’s take a further look.

• Water leaks: This is where DIY isn’t so DIY. Skilled masonry professionals are looking not just for the obvious cracks where visible space is apparent, they are also searching for hairline cracks in certain areas and bond breaks. You may look at it and say, “eh, it should be fine.” When in reality, any imperfections are a weak area for water to get inside of the structure, compromise the integrity of the structure and begin finding its way down and into your home. You won’t notice that single drip. But you will sure notice when that single drip turns into a real sound in your home. That means it has had plenty of time to mature.
• Chimney collapse! Seems a bit dramatic. When something such as a chimney is high up on the home, how often do you make it a point to view its condition. Exactly. Occasionally to never. And that’s okay, that is what Superior Chimney is here for. Do the things that are not so top of mind and obvious.

When mortar begins to weaken, cracks will form and pieces of the mortar will begin to fall out. Every deterioration will act a bit differently. It may be where the mortar separates from the bricks and a good storm later, the chimney leans to the side, some of the bricks may fall out or it can crumble all together. But because we know you’re not that type of homeowner, (or you wouldn’t be reading the article) it shouldn’t get that far.

• Mold and Odors: We all know that black stuff that appears in our bathroom and shower. That’s mold. It occurs when moisture is constant and it gets trapped. Same thing with old food in containers in the refrigerator. It’s no different for the chimney.

Mold will grow in the chimney because of lots of moisture from water leaks, high humidity often found in the Chicagoland area, and condensation buildup. Now mix that with dust and debris from the outdoors, and you have a wonderful mix of mold and nose aversion smells.

Next Steps to a Healthy Home and Dry Seasons What to do to Avoid the damages done to the chimney? Be sure to contact Superior Chimney today in order to get your exterior chimney inspected. At the same time, we can sweep and inspect the interior chimney as well as the chimney flue to ensure it maintains a healthy fire-worthy condition. Call 877-244-6349 to make an appointment with a certified, highly skilled technician.

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

From October 5 to 11, the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) will celebrate National Fire Prevention Week. This has been annually observed for over 100 years. The first weekly celebration was in 1922. Officially proclaimed a national observance by President Calvin Coolidge in 1925. This celebration has continued yearly since that time. 

This year’s theme is “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” NFPA is providing important education to everyone regarding the purchase, charging, and recycling of Lithium-Ion batteries. You can find educational materials on their website to help with a successful campaign. The focus is on preventing fires caused by these batteries. There are three steps that NFPA is focusing on this year. 

Charge into Fire Safety:

• Buy products only from the manufacturer. When buying products that use Lithium-Ion batteries, look for those safety certification markings such as UL, ETL, or CSA. If you see these markings, you know that they meet important safety standards.

• Safely charge your devices. Your product will usually come with cords. Always use the cords that came with your product. When new cords or chargers are needed, always purchase directly from the manufacturer or one that is approved by the manufacturer. Charge on a hard surface. Avoid charging on blankets or under pillows; allow air to flow around your device when charging. Don’t overcharge. When fully charged, remove from the charger. Don’t keep your charger on your device overnight.
• Recycle batteries properly. Lithium-ion batteries should not go in the regular trash or recycling bins. Check with your local town as to where to dispose of Lithium-ion batteries. They can usually give you information on this. Visit call2recycling.org if your town doesn’t offer recycling options for Lithium-Ion batteries.

Community Involvement

Local fire departments and schools are participating in this year’s National Fire Prevention Week. Fire departments will hold open houses, educational seminars, and materials for kids and parents. Locations will display how to use a fire extinguisher. 

Schools will discuss the importance of knowing how to charge and recycle their Lithium-Ion batteries. Children will have the opportunity to print out color and activity pages to work on and learn. Schools can go to the website for additional school-age materials.

Community groups will hold educational sessions along with fire departments to bring all this information to different community groups.

Join the National Fire Prevention Association in this wonderful celebration of education. Help them by continuing this very beneficial program by making this year’s event a success.

Professionals suggest that an annual Chimney sweep and inspection be conducted. When a problem arises, the best plan is to tackle it as soon as possible. This will cost you much less than if you let the damage to the fireplace and bricks go on too long.

Schedule your inspection or cleaning soon by calling Northeastern Chimney. We service all of Hartford, Tolland, and Litchfield Counties. All our chimney technicians are trained and qualified. We are active in the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG). 

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

Between rising costs and a potentially harsh New England winter on the horizon, many families are tightening their belts and looking for ways to make the most of what they have. From grocery bills that make you wince to heating costs that keep climbing, everything is getting more expensive! But here’s the silver lining that smart homeowners are discovering: your home isn’t just shelter – it’s your sanctuary, your biggest investment, and right now, your best refuge from an uncertain world. While you can’t control inflation or the weather forecast, you can absolutely control how safe, comfortable, and enjoyable your home becomes.

When Going Out Gets Expensive, Staying In Gets Precious

Let’s be honest – a family dinner out that used to cost $60 now easily runs $100 or more. Movie tickets, concerts, even a simple coffee shop visit all feel like major budget decisions these days. But what if we told you this economic shift could actually be a blessing in disguise for your family?

Across New England, families are rediscovering the lost art of truly enjoying their homes. That fireplace that maybe got used a few times last winter – it’s becoming the centerpiece of family game nights, romantic evenings, and cozy weekend mornings with coffee and a good book. A crackling fire provides something no expensive restaurant can offer – genuine warmth, both literally and figuratively, that brings families together.

Think about it: for the cost of one evening out, you can have your chimney professionally inspected and swept, ensuring dozens of memorable nights by the fire all winter long. Your living room transforms from just another room into your family’s favorite gathering spot. The kids put down their devices, couples reconnect by the fireplace, and grandparents have that perfect spot to read stories to little ones. When staying in becomes your new entertainment strategy, you want that experience to be impeccable.

Protect What Matters Most

In today’s economic climate, every financial decision feels magnified. That’s exactly why smart homeowners are shifting their thinking from reactive to proactive when it comes to home maintenance. Consider this sobering reality: while you’re worrying about your monthly budget, a small chimney problem that could be fixed today for a few hundred dollars could easily become a multi thousand-dollar nightmare by spring.

We’ve seen it countless times – families who skip their annual chimney maintenance to save money, only to face emergency repairs when water damage from winter storms compromises their chimney structure.

But here’s what’s encouraging: your home is likely one of the few stable investments you have right now. While your 401k fluctuates and gas prices swing wildly, maintaining your home’s value is something relatively within your control. Every dollar spent on proper maintenance doesn’t just prevent problems – it actively protects and often increases your home’s value. A well-maintained chimney and fireplace can add thousands to your home’s worth, while a damaged or unsafe one can be a major red flag for potential buyers if you ever decide to sell.

New England Weather Waits for No One

Living in New England means you’re no stranger to Mother Nature’s mood swings. One day it’s 70 degrees, the next you’re scraping ice off your windshield. But this year feels different, doesn’t it? Weather patterns seem more intense, storms more unpredictable, and temperature swings more dramatic. Your chimney and masonry work harder than ever to protect your home from these extremes.

Those beautiful brick chimneys that give New England homes their character. They’re taking a beating from freeze-thaw cycles that can crack mortar, shift bricks, and create pathways for water damage. Ice dams that form on roofs can back water up into chimney areas, causing damage that might not show up until months later. And those picturesque nor’easters we see in holiday movies? They’re driving wind and moisture into even the smallest chimney openings, creating conditions for structural problems.

The Smart Investment Strategy for Uncertain Times

Here’s what savvy New England homeowners are figuring out: in times of economic uncertainty, the best investment strategy isn’t complicated – it’s taking care of what you already own.

Professional chimney maintenance isn’t an expense – it’s an insurance policy that pays dividends in safety, comfort, and peace of mind. It’s the difference between confidently firing up your heat or fireplace on the first cold night and wondering if that strange smell means you have a problem. It’s the difference between enjoying your home as a warm refuge and constantly worrying about potential dangers lurking in systems you can’t see.

At Best Chimney, we’ve been serving New England families since 1989, through economic ups and downs, brutal winters, and everything in between. We understand that every dollar counts right now, and that’s exactly why we’re so passionate about helping you make smart decisions about your home. Because when times are tough, when the weather gets harsh, and when the world feels uncertain, there’s nothing more valuable than a warm, safe, secure place to call home – a place where your family can thrive no matter what’s happening outside your door.

Let us help you turn your house into the sanctuary your family deserves

The post Weathering New England: Why Your Home is Your Best Investment Right Now appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Welcome to September where you’re not sure if you should wear a jacket or a pair of shorts. The seasons are beginning to transition and the warm Fall breeze will soon lose its strength and submit to cooler weather. Simply take sitting on the couch, near the fireplace. Regardless if its wood burning or gas, cool air makes its way down the chimney and into the fireplace, which ultimately comes into the home. It gives you that chilly feeling and you start to wonder why is cold air coming from the chimney. Let’s take a closer look.

Cold Air Coming from the Chimney

Cold air coming from the chimney can be an unpleasant experience, especially when it’s right after the summer heat. We’re just never ready to go back to the cold. But when that cold breeze hits, the first thing you wonder is ‘where is the cold air coming from. The chimney?” It can be something quite simple to fix, or it can be something more.

1. Chimney Damper

Did you forget to close the chimney damper? This first needs to be addressed as it is the most common issue. So, check that first! If you forgot to close the chimney damper, your problem may be solved. But if you still feel a cold breeze…

Call Superior Chimney at 877-244-6349. We’ll check the condition of the chimney damper. Sometimes the chimney damper can be stuck or no longer sealing properly. If the chimney damper needs to be replaced, our chimney technicians will show you pictures of the chimney damper, confirm the issue and recommend a solution.

2. Chimney Cap

Another reason for cold air coming in the chimney is either a missing chimney cap or a damaged chimney cap. As we know, when a chimney cap has problems, everything suffers. The chimney cap does the job of protecting the chimney opening or the flue from downdrafts. If you stand outside and look up at the chimney, make sure there is a chimney cap. If the chimney cap is not on straight, then it may need to be repaired or replaced. If the chimney cap is non-existent, then a new chimney cap needs to be installed.

3. Chimney Flue Liner

A chimney flue liner is a great way to control backdrafts, or reduce / eliminate cold air coming into your home. Some homes still have clay tiles. Although it helped back in the day, clay tiles do deteriorate over time. If you don’t have a chimney flue liner, it is best to get one. Here’s a quick list of benefits to a chimney flue liner:

Now that you know the 3 Ways you can control the cold air coming into your home, have a chimney technician come check it out to ensure you’ll have a warm and safe Fall and Winter season. Contact us today at 877-244-6349 to schedule your appointment.

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

Many young homeowners either have been told or believe that since I have a gas fireplace, there’s no need to sweep it. That is a false. Plain and simple. There are many ways you can hurt yourself, family and home by not following the recommendation of the National Fire Protection Association and the Chimney Safety Institute of America. What do they say? Whether you use or never use a wood burning or gas fireplace, it must be swept once per year. Why? Let’s discover the risk factors together.

Risk #1 Blockages and Poor Ventilation

It may seem like there’s nothing going on in the fireplace, but there’s a lot of activity that you won’t see. The volatility of wind in Chicago is undeniable. This causes leaves and debris to fly around landing in the chimney. Next, with Fall upon us, raccoons squirrels birds bats and other critters are finding a warmer place to camp for the Winter, and your chimney looks pretty good. Blocked by the wind and cold, the fireplace is a good place to sleep for the season.

Not only are these blockages dangerous, but carbon monoxide (CO) can back up into your home instead to going up the chimney and outside of your home.

Risk #2 Carbon Monoxide

Did you know that gas fireplaces produce carbon monoxide? Without a clean and clear vent, carbon monoxide continues to build up inside of your home. What are the side effects? This can lead to dizziness, headaches and feeling sick to the stomach. This can be a serious problem if not caught in time.

Risk #3 Damages!

If the fireplace and chimney goes for extended periods of time without servicing, moisture can build up inside of the chimney causing damage and a big repair job. But let’s not forget that without good ventilation, the airflow again gets restricted. Now you’ll be stuck with your gas fireplace shutting down or even overheating.

Risk #4 Potential for Fire

Most times when you purchase a home, someone else lived in it. We don’t ask their habits, we just hope everything works. Before you start that fireplace, do you know if it was used? Do you know if it was a wood burning or gas fireplace? Was it always used in that way? If you don’t know the answers to these questions, it’s time for a fireplace sweep & inspection.

Here are some warning signs that you have a potential problem:

• The smell of gas
• A hint of burning smells
• Moisture on the glass fireplace doors
• Smoky smell
• Headaches, dizziness
• Carbon Monoxide detector goes off
• The discovery of debris
• Efflorescence or white color staining
• Having trouble keeping the fireplace lit
• Sooting or irregular flames

Contact Superior Chimney today at 877-244-6349. So, when you hear someone say, I have a gas fireplace, no need to sweep it, you now know what you need to tell them.

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

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