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The post Top 7 Reasons To Choose Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep for Chimney Sweeping in Cambridge, MA appeared first on Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep.

Fireplaces are still popular heating sources for many homeowners. While they may not be as efficient as a furnace or heat pump, they deliver a charm and atmosphere that you can’t get with any other system. There’s a lot to think about when owning a fireplace, but one thing that often gets overlooked is the chimney cap. Chimney caps are one of those little features that play a huge considerable role in protecting your chimney and your home.

Let’s break down what this device does, why it’s so important, and how to know if yours needs to be repaired or replaced.

Benefits of a Chimney Cap

Keeps Out Rain and Snow

Without a cap, your chimney is basically a wide-open hole on the roof. Rain and snow can drip straight down into your flue, soaking the masonry or even causing water damage inside your home. Over time, that moisture leads to cracking, rust, and mold. A cap acts like an umbrella, keeping the weather where it belongs—outside.

Stops Animals From Moving In

Birds, squirrels, raccoons, you name it, love the idea of building a nest in your nice, warm chimney. The problem? Those nests block airflow, create fire hazards, and sometimes trap animals themselves. A properly installed cap with a screen keeps the critters out while allowing smoke to escape.

Prevents Downdrafts

Ever had smoke blow back into your living room on a windy day? That’s a downdraft, and it’s no fun. A chimney cap helps block strong gusts from pushing air and smoke down your flue, keeping your fire burning cleanly and your living room smelling like a home instead of a campfire.

Protects Against Sparks and Embers

A cap with a spark guard keeps little embers from flying out of your chimney and landing on your roof or yard. That’s a huge safety boost, especially in dry conditions.

Increases Chimney Lifespan

By keeping out moisture, animals, and debris, a cap reduces wear and tear on your chimney’s structure. Think of it as inexpensive insurance that saves you from major repairs down the line.

Signs Your Chimney Cap Needs Replacing

Just like anything else exposed to the elements, chimney caps don’t last forever. Here are the most common signs that your chimney cap has overstayed its welcome.

Visible Rust or Corrosion

If your cap is made of metal, rust is usually the first sign it’s breaking down. Once corrosion starts, it spreads quickly and can leave holes that defeat the purpose of having a cap in the first place.

Bent or Broken Mesh

The wire screen is what keeps critters and debris out. If it’s bent, torn, or missing sections, animals will find a way in, and sparks may sneak out.

Loose or Missing Cap

High winds, storms, or even age can loosen the screws holding your cap in place. If you notice it looks tilted, rattles in the wind, or worse, has disappeared, it’s time to call a chimney professional.

Water or Debris in the Fireplace

If you see leaves, twigs, or puddles of water in the firebox, chances are your cap isn’t doing its job. That’s a clear sign that it’s damaged or gone.

Strange Noises

Hear scratching or chirping from your chimney? That often means your cap’s screen is damaged, and some furry (or feathery) squatters have moved in.

A chimney cap is one of those small, inexpensive features that saves you a ton of trouble and money in the long run. Replacing a cap costs far less than repairing water damage, removing animal nests, or fixing a smoke-stained living room. Plus, it gives you peace of mind knowing your fireplace system is working safely and efficiently.

Call Northeastern Chimney, Inc. today to schedule a professional chimney and cap inspection. We’re the number one choice for chimney and fireplace services across central Connecticut.

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

Let’s face it. Water is likely to enter your chimney. It comes in from the top; whether it is from rain or melting snow, it will find its way in. Our chimneys take a beating. The winters can be brutal with gusting winds, snow, and sleet. 

What Are The Causes of a Leaky Chimney?

• Cracked chimney crown. With age, the chimney crown can crack. The crown is made out of cement and is susceptible to cracks. 
• No Chimney cap. Without a chimney cap, water can drip into your chimney. Sometimes at large amounts. 
• Masonry and mortar deterioration. Over time, without proper sealant, masonry will deteriorate, causing cracks and spalling. Rain and snow seep into the cracks. During the winter, the freeze-thaw concept happens, causing cracks to increase. Those cracks let more water in.
• Wood siding. If your home has a wood chase with wood siding, knots in the wood, and cracks in the wood, it allows water to get in, causing leaks.  
• Leaking Flashing. Improperly installed or damaged chimney flashing will allow water to get in.

The summers are just as bad, with the summer heat and the occasional summer storm. Hurricanes can whip up quite a disaster.  

A leaky chimney is a different story. If your chimney crown has cracks, you do not have a chimney cap, or flashing is not installed correctly, water will get in and cause damage. These are the things that you can control. 

How will I know if I have A Leaky Chimney?

Here is what to look for.

• Water in the firebox. You should not have puddles of water in your firebox. 
• Discoloration on the exterior of your chimney. This is called efflorescence. It’s a white, chalky deposit that is derived from the salt in the bricks.
• A smell of mold and mildew. This musty smell is coming from water that has leaked into the chimney. It hasn’t had a chance to dry out, and mold has started to grow.
• You can see water damage on the ceiling or the walls near the chimney.

What Should I Do To Prevent a Leaky Chimney?

Along with your annual chimney sweep and inspection, consider applying a water sealant to your chimney. Our team at Northeastern Chimney is professionally trained to apply a quality sealant. Keeping up with the maintenance of your chimney is your best defense. 

Here is what you can do. 

• Water sealant.
• Annual Inspection.
• Annual Chimney Sweep.
• Watch for signs of water damage as noted above.

Scheduling with Northeastern Chimney is easy and quick. Let us help you manage the details of keeping your chimney dry and preventing damage. 

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). 

The post What Is A Leaky Chimney? appeared first on .

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

September 21^st is the first day of Fall. I know we don’t want to think about it yet, but it is good to prepare and get the chimney swept early. Why? According to the Farmer’s Almanac, they are predicting a colder and snowier Winter. But you say, “eh, I got a gas fireplace.” Better yet, “I don’t use my fireplace, so why should I sweep it, and clean it early?” Let’s discuss why all types of chimneys and fireplaces need to be swept.

Why Do All Types of Chimney’s and Fireplaces Need to Be Swept?

When we think of the fireplace, we picture the real wood burning fireplace with the sounds of crackling wood. With regular use of the wood-burning fireplaces, a byproduct called creosote forms and over time, lines the side of the chimney flue. This needs to be swept at least once per year as creosote is flammable. However, all chimney’s, regardless of whether it burns wood or utilizes gas, needs to be professionally inspected and swept annually.

Many homeowners mistakenly believe that a gas or unused chimney is immune to problems since it doesn’t produce a byproduct. However, these chimney systems face their own unique dangers. Gas fireplaces, especially those that are high-efficiency, can lead to the buildup of corrosive deposits. Over time, these deposits can degrade your chimney liner. Getting it inspected by a certified chimney technician will control this issue so it doesn’t turn into a problem.

4 Key Reasons to Prioritize Your Annual Chimney Inspection

The annual chimney inspection is more than just a sweep; it’s a comprehensive health check for your entire chimney system. We call it the 14 Point Inspection. A certified chimney technician will look for:

1. Fire Hazards: Again, for wood-burning chimneys, the removal of creosote is important to prevent a chimney fire. Gas fireplaces release corrosive deposits. If you don’t use the fireplace, you never know what debris may have settled in. If you want to use the fireplace, please be sure to have it professionally inspected and swept before use.
2. Obstructions: There’s a whole world outside of your home, and especially in the Fall, our little friends are searching for a warm place to stay. Your chimney looks pretty good. And, let’s not forget how the wind in the Chicagoland are does a great job of moving debris around that can get up and under the chimney cap or directly into the chimney if you don’t have a cap. These blockages need to be cleared for you and your home’s protection.
3. Structural Damage: A chimney technician will be able to spot cracks, water damage, or deterioration of the chimney and chimney liner that could compromise the system’s safety.
4. Ventilation Issues: Ventilation is key for your home to breathe. The certified chimney technician will ensure proper draft and airflow, which is the best way to get rid of toxic gases.

NFPA

Remember, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends an annual inspection for all chimney types. This simple, proactive maintenance can save you from costly repairs. Don’t wait for a problem to become obvious. Contact Superior Chimney today at 877-244-6349 to schedule a 14-Point Chimney inspection to ensure your home and family are protected.

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

As Fall of 2025 comes upon us, everything begins to change and prepare for the cold months ahead. The first signs of Fall are when the kids go back to school. Done. Next, both college and pro-football games begins. Done. The temperatures begin to fluctuate and decline. Done. The chimney needs to be checked and swept prior to using the chimney. Not done. And the chimney cap needs to be secure to ensure protection. Not done. Here is your 2025 Fall guide to capping your chimney.

2025 Fall Guide to Capping Your Chimney

As we begin to go through the Fall Guide to Capping Your Chimney, let’s first understand what a chimney cap is. A chimney cap is a cover that sits on top of the chimney opening, and many times it is tightly secured to the chimney flue or the slab of concrete that overhangs the chimney bricks, stone or siding. The chimney cap serves several important purposes. Every chimney needs a cap for the same reasons every home needs a roof!… Let’s take a look at the Guide to understand its importance.

Keep the Rain and Snow Out: Homes without a chimney cap experience deterioration and damage inside and outside quickly. The chimney cap acts as an umbrella, or a protectant to the chimney opening. By keeping the rain and snow out of the home, you’re not allowing water to fall into the interior of the home causing smells, and water damage to the ceiling and walls.

Adorable Little Creatures: Those adorable little creatures that scurry on our roof need to find a nice warm home for the Fall. That’s where you come in if you don’t have a chimney cap. Critters are searching for a safe, warm place to stay and your chimney is perfect…as long as you don’t use it. But the ugly truth is that they may/will have difficulty getting out of the chimney. Many remain and over time, you’ll know it by the foul smell of the critter. The chimney cap’s mesh along the sides prevents the critters from making their way inside the chimney.

Spark Deflector: Anytime there is a fire in the fireplace, sparks fly. What we need to be sure happens is that the sparks remain confined. Sparks can travel up your chimney and will attempt to make their way out of the home. If there is a chimney cap, the sparks will be stopped by the mesh and spark arrestor of the chimney cap. This is important because the sparks can land on the roof, pile of leaves or your neighbors house and cause a fire. Keeping sparks contained is vital to safety.

Downdrafts are Contained: We live in the Chicagoland area where wind can be an issue. Wind on the top of the roof can create a downdraft which can cause the smoke from the fire in the fireplace to back up into the home instead of going up the chimney and out of the home. The chimney cap can also prevent those cold drafts of air from going down the chimney and into your home.

Choose Basic to Decorative: Now for the fun part. There are numerous style chimney caps on the market today. You can choose from fancy designs made of steel, copper or clay. Whichever matches your home best, that’ll be your winner! Give Superior Chimney a call to sweep and inspect your chimney. During the 14-point inspection, we’ll be checking on the chimney cap. All inspections are documented along with pictures so you can see what’s going on up there!

Contact us today to get started at 877-244-6349.

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

We experience extreme weather living in the Northeast, from sweltering heat in the summer to cold and bitter in the winter. This has been an extremely hot and humid summer. Humid weather brings moisture into the air, which is not beneficial to your chimney. Humidity is the concentration of water vapor that is present in the air. You may not see the water, but you can sure feel it when the humidity hits high levels. 

You may experience an odor when the summer comes around and the days and evenings are humid. That moisture is getting into your chimney and creating mold spores.  Mold and mildew start to grow.  This adds to the smells that you are experiencing in the summer. During the course of the burning season, creosote builds up in the chimney and flue. 

What To Do?

• Regular Chimney Sweeps. Professional chimney experts suggest getting a cleaning or chimney sweep once a year. This will keep the smells at bay. Cleaning out the chimney of creosote, debris, small critters, and leaves will help prevent mold and mildew from growing.
• Chimney Cap. Check your chimney cap. A cap will help keep moisture out of the chimney. Keeping your chimney dry will deter any growth, especially on the hot, humid days. 
• Chimney Crown. The crown also plays a big part in keeping the chimney free from water. If the chimney crown is cracked, water will seep in. Once there is humidity in the air, mold and mildew will grow, causing smells to filter into your home.
• Install a Damper. Airflow is essential when you are burning a fire in your fireplace. It also keeps smells from getting into your home when not in use. 
• Use an air purifier. An air purifier can be beneficial in keeping your home free from humidity.
• Annual Chimney Inspections. You may not be aware of hairline cracks in the cap and crown, or if the flashing is letting water into your chimney. An annual chimney inspection by a reputable chimney company, such as Northeastern Chimney, will let you know if there are any issues that need to be addressed. 

When moisture from humidity combines with the creosote, odors are dispersed into the air.  So if you are smelling mold or see water in your firebox, it would be a good time to have our experts take a look at it. Rainy days will aggravate the smell as well.

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). Our professional team is trained and qualified in everything chimneys.

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.

The post Issues Humidity Brings To Your Chimney appeared first on .

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

Picture this: The first chilly October evening arrives, you’re ready for that perfect fireside moment, annnnnnnd… your fireplace won’t cooperate. Don’t let this happen to you!

Why Smart Homeowners Prep in Summer

While everyone else is scrambling when temperatures drop, you’ll be ahead of the game. Plus, you will have extra time to talk with our crews to answer any questions you may have (Your 8-Week Game Plan)

Right Now (August): The detective work starts with a quick look-around. Any obvious damage to your chimney? Is the chimney cap still attached? Critters making themselves at home? Damper opening and closing smoothly? Any cracks in the firebox?

Late August/Early September: Next, hire a professional for a comprehensive inspection – we’re equipped with specialized cameras and tools to detect hidden issues. A professional chimney inspection and sweeping will identify any potential dangers and removes built-up creosote (the stuff that causes chimney fires). Any needed repairs get handled while the weather’s still cooperating.

September: The final check; test your smoke detectors, clear the hearth area and any dangling décor. If you’re burning wood, make sure it’s properly seasoned.

Red Flags That Need Professional Help NOW:

• Weird smells from your fireplace
• White staining on your chimney exterior
• Water stains around your fireplace
• Your damper is being stubborn
• Any cracks or rust you can see

Here’s the Thing About DIY vs. Professional Help

You can handle the basic stuff – cleaning debris out of the fireplace, testing dampers, checking screens. But chimney work? That’s where experience (and proper equipment) really matters. We’ve seen too many “weekend warrior” repairs that created bigger problems.

Ready to Get Started?

Summer appointment slots are filling up fast! Although we try our best to accommodate, you don’t want to be the person calling in October asking if we can “squeeze you in”.

Call us today to schedule your fireplace prep. Your future cozy self will thank you.

Because a working fireplace isn’t just about comfort – it’s about keeping your family safe while you make those fall and winter memories.

The post Your Fireplace Misses You – Summer is the Perfect Time to Reconnect appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

The chimney crown is the chimney crown jewel for any system. It may be just a slab of concrete, but it serves an important purpose. Recently, standing in line at the grocery store, a couple was discussing their recent chimney inspection. The couple found that the chimney crown had multiple cracks. Some cracks were hairline cracks while others had more pronounced gaps. Whether small or large, these cracks can cause water and snow melt to enter the chimney system and make its way into the home where it can cause damage.

The Chimney Crown Jewel

Yes, this is a play on words but does explain the importance of the chimney crown. The chimney crown is a large slab of cement that covers the top of the chimney and extends beyond all four sides of the chimney structure beneath. The purpose of the chimney crown is to:

• Protect the chimney from outside elements: The chimney crown protects the entrance of the chimney covering the space between the flue liner and the walls. It directs rain, snow and ice away from getting into the chimney top. If we didn’t have the chimney crown, water would begin to deteriorate the chimney.
• Slows Down the Deterioration: That’s why we call it the chimney crown jewel! The freeze thaw cycle, or the temperature swings like we’re experiencing, can cause the bricks to crack and flake (spalling). The chimney crown is a barrier of protection.
• Maintain the Integrity of the Structure: By protecting the brick and mortar from deterioration and damage, the chimney crown helps maintain the overall integrity of the chimney.

Is there a Difference Between a Crown and a Cap?

Sometimes, there’s some misunderstanding between the chimney crown and a chimney cap. That’s because both are providing protection to the entryway of the chimney, but each in their own way.

The chimney cap is a metal cover that sits over the flue opening in order to keep rain, snow, animals and debris from entering the chimney flue. By maintaining the security of the opening, damage to the interior of the home and chimney can be avoided.

The chimney crown is a cement slab that extends over the bricks providing direction for rain and snow to land and drip away from the chimney structure. It also will help control some of the deterioration of the brick and mortar. The chimney cap usually sits on top of the flue that comes out of the chimney crown.

Is there a Way to Protect the Chimney Crown Jewel?

Once homeowners understand the importance of the chimney cap, most would like to protect it from failing. Superior Chimney offers a crown coat, which is specifically formulated to withstand the weather elements. By applying this material, the chimney crown will be protected from chimney leaks which reduces repairs.

Contact us today to learn more about your chimney crown and how to protect it for the long term.

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

It seems crazy to be talking about how chimney bricks expand and contract, but as we have experienced, we’ve gone from 90 degrees to 70 degrees in a 24 hour timeframe. Those type of swings in temperatures create stress on the brick or stone material causing it to slowly break away from the mortar.

Chimney Bricks Expand and Contract

The Chicagoland area is great for temperature swings regardless of season. As a result, the chimney needs to be inspected annually to ensure cracks don’t form from the expansion and contraction. These small or large cracks are perfect points for the weather elements to enter. Rain is one weather element that will enter any crack it can find. Once in between the mortar and the bricks or stone, the water begins making its way into the house.

If you begin to hear dripping sounds in or near the fireplace, you have waited too long and repairs are eminent. How can you avoid damage when chimney bricks expand and contract? An annual chimney inspection.

Annual Chimney Inspection

If you have a gas, wood burning fireplace or never use the fireplace, summer is the perfect time to get it swept and inspected without a wait. What are the levels of a chimney inspection and what do they mean?

Level 1: This is a basic chimney inspection and is a perfect choice for annual maintenance that has been serviced each year whether the fireplace was used or not. A certified technician from Superior Chimney will inspect the chimney’s interior and exterior including the flue to ensure the structure is sound and check for any obstructions or creosote, which is a flammable deposit left from using fireplaces.

Level 2: A level 2 inspection includes everything in Level 1 along with a more in-depth analysis. This type of inspection is required when you are selling a home, natural disaster or when making a change to the system such as installing a new flue liner or appliance.

Level 3: The most comprehensive inspection is a Level 3. It generally occurs if something is seriously wrong and it was identified in the Level 1 or Level 2 chimney inspection.  It may involve invasive steps such as removal of part of the chimney. However, keep in mind this level is only for serious issues.

Weather is Unpredictable

Ultimately, the unpredictable weather and dramatic temperature swings in the Chicagoland area can take a serious toll on your chimney. The constant cycle of expansion and contraction creates stress that leads to cracks, leaving your home vulnerable to water damage and other issues.

By scheduling an annual chimney inspection, you can proactively address and avoid any serious problems. Be sure to contact us today at 877-244-6349.

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

If you’ve got a fireplace, you’ve got a chimney. And if you’ve got a chimney, you should have a chimney crown. Problem is, most homeowners don’t know what that is or why it’s important. But here’s the deal: that concrete or stone slab sitting on top of the chimney isn’t just there for decoration. It’s one of the most critical parts of your chimney system, and without it, you could be looking at major repair bills down the road.

What is a Chimney Crown?

The chimney crown is like a lid for your chimney. It’s the cap that covers the top of the brick or stone structure (but not the flue opening) — that’s what the cap does. The crown’s job is to keep water, snow, and ice from getting into the masonry and causing damage. Think of the crown like an umbrella for the chimney. Without it, rain would pour straight into the masonry and the space between the flue and chimney walls. And if you know anything, water and masonry don’t mix.

A good chimney crown slopes slightly downward so water runs off the sides instead of pooling on the top. It also extends a little past the chimney’s edges, kind of like a baseball cap brim, to keep water from running straight down the masonry.

Why You Absolutely Need One

Chimneys are exposed to everything Mother Nature throws at them: blazing sun, freezing temps, pounding rain, snow, and wind. Over time, all that weather takes a toll. The crown acts as your chimney’s first line of defense. Without it, you’re inviting a long list of problems, including:

• Masonry deterioration
• Flue damage
• Interior leaks

In short, a chimney without a crown is like a roof without shingles—it’s a disaster waiting to happen.

Types of Crown Damage

Even if you have a chimney crown, it’s not a set-it-and-forget-it kind of thing. Crowns can take a beating over the years, and when they start to fail, you have to act fast. Here are the most common types of chimney crown damage.

• Cracks and Splits: Temperature changes cause expansion and contraction. Over time, this movement creates cracks in the crown, which let in moisture. Even small cracks can turn into big ones quickly.
• Erosion: Rain, wind, and snow can wear the crown’s surface away, making it rough, pitted, and less effective at shedding water.
• Poor Construction: Some older crowns were made with the wrong materials (like standard mortar instead of concrete), making them more prone to damage. Others weren’t built with the proper slope, so water just sits there and seeps in.
• Rust Stains or Metal Failure: If your crown includes metal flashing or reinforcement, it can rust over time, leading to staining and potential structural issues.

When to Call a Pro

A little bit of wear and tear is normal, but here’s the thing: chimney crown damage can go from “no big deal” to “huge repair bill” pretty quickly. You should call a chimney professional if you notice:

• Visible cracks, especially wider than hairline
• Water stains in the home, which could mean your crown is letting water in
• Chunks or missing pieces
• Rust on the chimney cap or flue
• Pooling water on the crown, which means it’s not sloped correctly and needs to be fixed

A professional chimney sweep can inspect the crown and let you know whether it needs sealing, resurfacing, or a full rebuild. The good news is that if you catch problems early, repairs are usually quick and affordable. Wait too long and you could be looking at a much bigger job, like rebuilding part of the chimney.

Do you know what’s going on with your chimney crown? Call the experts at Northeastern Chimney Inc. We’re the most trusted chimney and fireplace professionals in Central Connecticut. Whether you need a crown installation, repair, chimney cleaning, or anything else, our expert team can handle it. Plus, we offer a 5-star guarantee, ensuring you’re happy with the work. Contact us today!

The post Why A Chimney Crown is Important (Even Necessary) appeared first on .

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