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Stay Warm and Protected from All of Us at Best Chimney!

There’s something about brutal Massachusetts winters – when temperatures drop and the wind chill bites, your fireplace becomes more than ambiance. It’s your comfort, your warmth, your refuge from the cold. Whether you’re working from home, settling in for movie nights, or just trying to lower your heating bills, your fireplace becomes essential.

But here’s the thing: your fireplace isn’t the only thing using your chimney. Your heating appliance and water heater likely use a separate tunnel within the structure to vent flue gasses up and out. And guess what, it’s under constant stress when the temperature drops.

Nothing turns a cozy winter evening into a nightmare faster than a hazardous fireplace, a house that won’t stay warm, or worse – a chimney emergency that leaves you scrambling in the freezing cold. After nearly four decades of keeping families protected and warm through Massachusetts winters, we’ve seen it all. And trust us, you don’t want to be the homeowner whose chimney fails when you need it most.

The good news? A little preparation now means peace of mind all winter long.

The Winter Chimney Disasters We’ve Seen (So You Don’t Have To)

We’ve gotten emergency calls. The panicked homeowners. The freezing families waiting for repairs. The most common culprits?

Obstructions

The most common finding with our no-heat calls. Falling debris, animal nests and soot buildup are all common causes of obstructions for both heating and fireplaces flues.

Creosote buildup

That tar-like substance that accumulates in your chimney from burning wood. It’s highly flammable and can cause chimney fires. During winter when you’re using your fireplace constantly, the risk multiplies.

Damaged chimney caps or crowns

Fall weather takes a toll. Cracks and gaps let water in, which freezes, expands, and causes structural damage. New England weather is a perfect environment to expedite this cycle.

Poor draft issues

If your chimney hasn’t been used in months, draft problems can send smoke pouring into your home instead of outside.

What Smart Homeowners Do Before Winter’s Deep Freeze

The homeowners who stay warm all winter? They don’t leave things to chance.

They schedule their chimney inspection before they start relying heavily on it – before the brutal cold sets in, and before problems become emergencies. A professional inspection catches problems while there’s still time to fix them. We check for creosote buildup, blockages, and draft issues.

The National Fire Protection Association recommends annual inspections and sweepings as needed for good reasons.

Your Winter Chimney Safety Checklist

• Schedule your chimney inspection now – Winter is here, and the last thing you want is to discover problems when you desperately need heat.
• Get a professional cleaning – Even if your chimney “looks fine,” creosote and debris you can’t see can cause serious problems.
• Check your chimney cap – Make sure it’s intact and securely fastened. A missing or damaged cap is an open invitation to animals and weather damage.
• Inspect your firebox and damper – Look for cracks, loose bricks, or a damper that doesn’t close properly. These issues affect both safety and efficiency.
• Stock quality firewood – Keep it dry and covered. Store it at least 20 feet from your home to avoid pest problems.
• Install or test your carbon monoxide detectors – Fresh batteries in every detector, especially near sleeping areas.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby – Hope you never need it, but you’ll be grateful it’s there if you do.

The Real Cost of Skipping Chimney Maintenance

We get it. Everyone’s busy. Adding one more thing to your to-do list feels overwhelming.

But here’s what skipping maintenance costs:

A chimney fire can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage and insurance doesn’t always cover neglect. You’re left in the freezing cold while contractors rebuild and repair fire damage to your home.

Carbon monoxide poisoning sends people to the hospital. Smoke damage ruins furniture, carpets, and treasured belongings. The peace of mind alone is priceless.

Ready to Stay Protected and Warm This Winter?

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Schedule your chimney inspection and sweeping today. Our experienced team will make sure your chimney is ready to keep your family warm through the coldest months ahead.

Wishing you and yours a warm, safe winter season.

The post Why Winter is Actually the WORST Time to Skip Chimney Maintenance appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

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Ready, Set, Go! We are now in December. If you haven’t stopped to breathe, you may want to do that now. What are you forgetting about? Have you prepared for your fire to glow all season long? If you have not, today is the day to contact Northeastern Chimney to have your chimney inspected and cleaned.

Professionals like Northeastern Chimney recommend that you have your chimney inspected and swept annually. This will give you the peace of mind that you’ve done everything you needed to do to get your chimney ready for Santa.

What To Expect From An Inspection and Chimney Sweep?

• A thorough cleaning of your chimney. 
• Check for water damage. The naked eye cannot see the damage that water can cause. Our team uses cameras to see the length of your chimney.
• Identify any damage to mortar and masonry. 
• Caps, flashing, and a crown. We will view your chimney from top to bottom. If damage is identified, we will provide you with options for quick repairs. 
• Structural integrity. We will identify cracks, liner deterioration, and water damage that can be hazardous to the chimney structure.
• Identify creosote buildup. Creosote is a tar-like byproduct of burning wood in your fireplace. Creosote is flammable. It is essential to remove this from the chimney regularly to avoid chimney fires.
• Ensure proper ventilation to protect toxic carbon monoxide from entering your home.
• Your technician will also identify any debris in your chimney. Chimney obstructions can cause all kinds of trouble. From chimney fires to poor ventilation, which can cause inefficient fires. 

Advantages of Annual Inspection.

• Insurance Compliance. You may not realize it, but if you have a chimney fire and haven’t had an annual inspection, your insurance company may not cover the damage. Check with your policy to see if you are covered. 
• Peace of Mind. Knowing that your fireplace is safe will let you sleep at night without concern.
• Cost savings. If our technician informs you that they have found damage, it is advised to have it repaired. Any damage repaired early will surely save you money. The longer you leave the damage, the worse it will get and the more costly it will become.

Keep The Smoke At Bay

Don’t chase Santa away with a smoky fire. Of course, the fire will be cooled off, so the magic of Christmas Eve can happen. Santa will slide right down in his magical way. Here are some tips to keep your fire burning smoke-free.

• Burn only seasoned wood.
• Never throw garbage into the fire. This would include wrapping paper and cardboard.
• When choosing wood to burn, select hardwood such as hickory, oak, or maple.

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 Is Your Chimney Ready for Santa? A Last-Minute Safety Checklist appeared first on .

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

When it’s the holidays or just cold outside, the fireplace is going to be used with more frequency. As it should! Family and friends love to hang around the fireplace listening to the crackling sound of the fire. It just warms the room. But if you’re using it all the time, when should you clean the chimney, before heavy use or after?

When Should You Clean the Chimney, Before Heavy Use or After?

The best time to clean your chimney and fireplace is in the Spring and Summer months. What’s interesting, is that most homeowners get their chimney inspected in the Fall, right before heavy use. However, getting the chimney cleaned and inspected in the Spring and Summer ensures that it is clear of debris and creosote, and ready for the Fall.

What are the Benefits Getting It Cleaned and Checked?

Safety: Fireplaces are active fire areas whether it be for woodburning or gas. Keeping the area safe means that a certified professional will remove blockages such as debris or animal nests, and creosote which is a flammable material that builds up on the side of the chimney flue. This needs to be removed each year.

Quiet Time: Getting the chimney cleaned and checked in the quiet season is best because it will work towards your schedule of convenience.

Ready to Go: Preparing for the next time you’re going to use your fireplace is key. Getting it cleaned and checked will give you peace of mind that you can start it up whenever you want. For instance, who would have known that we would have snow in October. Wouldn’t that be great to know that you can use it?

It’s Not Just Us…

The National Fire Protection Association NFPA highly recommends at least an annual inspection be done regardless if you use it a little or a lot. Because your home uses the fireplace chimney stack as well, meaning the appliances in your home use the chimney for its own flue to rid your home of gasses. This is essential to keep your home healthy and those that live in it, safe.

Take the time to schedule your chimney clean and check and get our 14-point chimney inspection where we will take pictures of areas you can’t see, so you know first hand the health of your home. Our chimney technicians are all certified, taking care of your home to ensure it’s safe and sound.

Check out our credentials at CSIA and see for yourself the list of our certified chimney technicians. That should give you peace of mind that there is proof of what we do each day to keep your home clean and safe.

When should you clean the chimney, before heavy use or after? It’s before. Schedule it up today. Give us a call at 877-244-6349 to schedule your clean and check. Better safe today than have a worrisome tomorrow.

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

A chimney cap has a job to do. But has it ever stopped Santa Claus? According to holiday lore, nothing can stop Santa’s deliveries at holiday time. He simply uses a little Christmas magic to slip past the chimney cap. But what if the chimney cap is tight and secure (which it’s supposed to be…) Santa’s magic can give him access to the door, window, or other workarounds. No worries for you and the family. Your home stays protected year-round, and Santa still makes the delivery. With that very important information about Santa solved, then the question that needs to be answered is, what is the purpose of a chimney cap?

The Purpose of a Chimney Cap

As we all know and can see, the fire belongs in the fireplace whether it be a wood burning fire or gas enabled. The chimney flue, which you don’t see, is located directly above the fireplace so the rising smoke has a place to go and exit your home. However, don’t forget, that the chimney flue serves another purpose. Other appliances from your home can use the same chimney, different flue, to exit as your fireplace. These appliances can include gasses from the furnace, water heater, boiler or other fuel burning appliances.

The Function of the Chimney Cap

Let’s get down to the chimney cap itself. The chimney cap has numerous functions that help to protect your home.

• Protect from a downdraft – This is when air comes rushing down the chimney flue and into your home. If it’s winter, it definitely won’t be warm air.
• Protect from the weather elements – Rain, snow, and sleet seem to never just come straight down. We’re in the Chicagoland area, so wind always accompany rain, sleet and snow. That means it’s going to hit the chimney and chimney cap from various angles. This is where the elements are going to challenge the chimney cap, trying to find ways to getting past its guard. Keeping a tight and secure chimney cap to the chimney is vitally important for protection.
• Visitors such as animals – When the temperatures begin to change and even throughout the winter season, animals are searching for a nice, warm place for themselves and their family. You definitely do not want to start a fire or turn on the gas fireplace when critters are living in the chimney. The screen sides of the chimney cap keep the critters from crawling in – Raccoons, squirrels, birds and bats, to name just a few
• Protect from the collection of debris – When the leaves fall, wind blows, you can count on twigs, leaves and other items to blow through the air and land on the chimney. If there’s no chimney cap, magic (not necessarily Santa’s) directs the debris right down the chimney.
• Spark Arrestor – When sparks from your fire get carried by draft all the way up to the top of the chimney, just as they get carried pretty high up in the sky when you are at a bonfire, a quality professional chimney cap “arrests” or extinguishes these sparks before they land on your roof and such… Yeah, a big deal!

*Every chimney needs a cap for the same reasons, and more, that every home needs a roof!

Installing a Chimney Cap

Installing a chimney cap is simple, if you know what to do. It’s important to pick the right size and type as it sits directly on the chimney or flue opening. The bolts need to be snug and secure so it doesn’t move. The best way to ensure protection of your chimney flue and home is the have a Superior Chimney certified technician install a chimney cap. Contact us at 877-244-6349. Remember, a chimney cap will not affect Santa, be sure to let the kiddies know. And for you, now you know what the Purpose of a Chimney Cap in Winter is. Happy Holidays!

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

As we move into colder weather, families are starting to use their fireplaces and wood-burning stoves more often. With the added use of their fireplaces, the danger of creosote build-up becomes apparent. Creosote doesn’t just form soot; it forms crystals. When wood is burned in a fireplace, vapors form a hard, tar-like substance that clings to the flue walls. This creosote is highly flammable; even a small amount of accumulated creosote can ignite.

How To Protect Your Chimney Flue From Creosote Build-up?

There is no absolute solution to keep creosote from collecting in your chimney. However, there are things that you can do to help slow the build-up. Here are a few tips. 

• Burn only well-seasoned wood. When choosing wood, choose hardwoods such as hickory, maple, or oak. Do not burn trash in your fireplace or artificial logs, as they can create excessive soot and creosote. 
• Ensure proper airflow. Keep your damper fully open when burning a fire and allow sufficient airflow. If your fireplace has glass doors, open them to allow adequate air intake. 
• Warm the flue. Before you attempt to burn a fire, light a rolled-up piece of newspaper. Hold it near the damper to warm the flue. This will reverse the draft and prevent condensation. This condensation is a major contributor to creosote build-up.

Risks of Excessive Creosote.

• Chimney Fires. As mentioned, a minimal amount of creosote, about 1/8th inch, can easily ignite. Creosote burns extremely hot, posing a serious fire hazard. 
• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. Creosote can cause a blockage, leading to a carbon monoxide leak back into your living space.
• Smoke Damage. Billowing smoke can come into the home if there is a fire or a blockage in the chimney flue. Thick build-up narrows the opening, obstructing the natural flow of smoke. This may cause damage to upholstery, carpets, and decor.
• Costly Repairs. Structural chimney repairs can be expensive. If creosote build-up causes a fire, the damage can be severe. 
• Poor heating efficiency. Fires burn less efficiently due to a build-up of creosote. A clean flue improves efficiency. 

Prevention and Maintenance.

• What to expect with an inspection and chimney sweep?
  • Identify any blockage – creosote, debris, leaves, animal remains.
  • Remove creosote build-up.
  • Structural issues, if any, will be identified, including loose masonry, cracks, damage to flue tiles, and damage to chimney caps or crowns.  
  • Give you a clean bill of health for your fire to burn safely. 
• How often should I have my chimney inspected and swept?
  • Professions such as Northeastern Chimney Inc. suggest that homeowners have an annual chimney sweep and inspection.
• When is the best time to schedule my inspection and sweep?
  • If you haven’t had one in the past year, now is the best time to schedule one.
  • Some prefer to have their chimney swept before the burning season.
  • Others think that after the burning season, you are ready to pack away your chimney until next year.

Whichever time of year you decide is best, as long as you get one yearly.

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 The Hidden Danger of Creosote Build-Up During the Burning Season appeared first on .

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

What a wonderful time of year. Everyone is gearing up for the upcoming holidays. This is a busy time of the year. We have shopping, decorating, and planning for what is to come. 

Parties are scheduled. Your calendars are getting filled. Now is not the time to let down your guard regarding the maintenance and functionality of your fireplace. Northeastern Chimney Inc. is waiting for your call. Chimney professionals recommend having a chimney sweep and inspection once a year. This is a good time of year to tackle this, just before the burning season.

Benefits of having an Annual Chimney Sweep and Inspection.

• Prevent Chimney Fires – When our team performs a chimney sweep, we remove creosote, soot, and debris. This builds up naturally during the burning season. Creosote is highly flammable. With a mere ⅛ inch of buildup, it can ignite. A pre-holiday sweep will minimize the risk of a fire. 
• More efficient fireplace performance and proper draft. Smoke can back up into the home if you have an obstruction in the chimney. This will also cause poor airflow. Cleaning the chimney will allow smoke to escape. A clean fire also burns cleaner and hotter. Great for that holiday ambience.
• Check for damage before winter. On inspection, we will look for cracked flue tiles, water damage, loose brickwork and mortar, and animal nests. With the correct equipment, we can identify and address any issues early, preventing costly repairs. 
• Improved air quality. Obstructions can cause smoke and soot, and allow carbon monoxide into your home. Cleaning out the chimney now will help the air quality and airflow.
• Whether you have a gas or wood-burning fireplace, blockages, venting issues, or damper issues can occur. Our inspection will ensure your fireplace is venting properly, reducing the risk of carbon monoxide buildup.
• Improves heating efficiency. A clean fireplace burns much more effectively than one with grime and debris left inside. You will experience less wasted wood or gas, lower energy bills, and more heat output. 
• Insurance protection. Check your policy; many insurance companies require you to keep up with annual maintenance to validate any claim you may have. 
• Peace of mind. As you embark on the holiday season, lighting a fire is a cherished tradition year after year. But while the fun is exciting, it must be done safely. Our trained and experienced chimney inspectors and sweeps are here for you. We will make your holiday parties, family gatherings, and those cold winter nights spent cuddling up with a book more enjoyable.

Don’t hesitate. Give our team a call at Northeastern Chimney Inc. and set up your pre-holiday chimney sweep and inspection. 
Our technicians are experienced and well-trained. 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

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As Thanksgiving Day approaches, we all begin to think the menu: what to make or what to bring. I am reminded of one special year when a family member decided to host the holiday for the first time. Us ‘experienced’ ones know what kind of task it is to host 20+ people, so each of us offered to bring something in order to lighten the load. However, they wanted to make the turkey. Perfect! As we gathered on Thanksgiving Day, we all sat down at the long table for our special meal. The 18lb turkey looked perfectly browned as it was presented at the table. But someone asked, “Is it a smoked turkey?” “No,” was the reply. I looked over at the fireplace and wondered if it was a chimney smoke problem.

What is a Chimney Smoke Problem?

A chimney smoke problem is when the smoke from the fireplace ends up in your home instead of going up and out of the chimney. When the smoke backs up into the home and it smells like you have a campfire in your home, here are a few things to consider:

• Is the damper fully open?
• Does the firewood appear green in color or is it wet from rain or snow?
• Is your chimney dirty? When was the last time the chimney was cleaned by a certified professional?
• Is the chimney flue large enough for the firebox?
• Is the chimney located on an outside wall of your home?
• Is your home too tight or too loose?

Finding the Source of the Smell

If your home has a smokey smell to it or it just has a sour odor, then give Superior Chimney a call for a chimney cleaning or technically called a chimney sweep and our 14-point inspection with photos. Our technician will inspect the chimney to understand why the chimney smoke problem is occurring. We’ll share with you if it is an airflow pattern problem, a negative air pressure issue or if there’s something wrong with the construction of the fireplace and chimney. Once our certified technician identifies it, we will share the results of our inspection with you.

Once the source is found, it’s time to get the fresh air flowing again so you can use your fireplace safely.

What to do Next? That’s easy, celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends! And if you want smoked turkey for Thanksgiving Day, make sure it’s in a smoker! Happy Thanksgiving to you and enjoy the festival of good food and conversation. Call to set an appointment for a chimney cleaning and inspection at 877-244-6349.

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

If you’ve ever noticed stains or pieces of brick or stone around your chimney after the changing seasons? You’re not alone. Furthermore, did you know that water damage is one of the most common and costly chimney problems reported by homeowners? There is a way to safeguard the chimney from water damage.

Safeguard the Chimney from Water Damage

Water has a sneaky way of finding its path inside the home by seeping through mortar cracks, flashing that has come away from the chimney or roof, or even the chimney cap, especially if it’s loose.

Rain or Melting Snow: When it rains or snows, it hardly ever goes straight down. It usually has wind to accompany its travels. This means rain can look like it’s going sidewise and chances are, it’s beating on all four sides of the chimney searching out the smallest cracks or weak spot to make its way in. As a homeowner, get the chimney inspected once per year to ensure any cracks in the mortar or even the chimney crown are found and repaired.

Once repaired, the best next step is to get the chimney bricks, mortar and chimney crown waterproofed with Chimney Saver. This seals the porous materials and keeps it from deteriorating prematurely. The waterproofing solution lasts for as long as 10 years.

Chimney Cap: The chimney cap has multiple uses for the chimney. The chimney cap keeps the water, snow and any debris from entering the chimney. And in the Fall season, little critters are searching for a warm place to stay to weather the snowy and cold winter. It’s best to keep them out of the chimney and harm’s way.

As a homeowner, this needs to be checked annually as well. It will not be a good thing if the chimney cap is loose. Getting it checked to ensure it can stand up to animals, wind and other factors in order to keep your chimney protected.

Snow and Ice: Snow and ice can wreak havoc on your chimney. The chimney will be under more stress if the buildup of snow and ice persists in the winter. It will push the chimney and flashing to the brink as it will constantly be testing the chimney’s endurance.

What are the Signs of Water Damage?

Water Stains: Look for water stains inside of the home. Water can travel a good distance, so be sure to check all of your rooms, both the ceiling and walls.

Mold and Mildew: If you find mold or mildew around the exterior chimney, then you know you have had moisture build up for a long time. This problem has been long neglected.

Large and Small Cracks: Small and large cracks in the mortar or even in the chimney flue can mean bigger problems. Homeowners can’t always get to the flue and know what to look for. This is where a certified chimney technician can be of help. Be sure to contact us for the expertise needed to identify any issues.

Prevent Water Damage

Most of what we discussed with a yearly inspection will prevent water damage and other potential issues as well. We’ll go through our 14-point inspection and share our findings with you via photos taken on your roof. Remember, it’s not so easy getting up on a roof to the chimney. That’s why we’re here to help, and show you what exactly is going on.

Getting an annual inspection will keep your home safe from damages. Contact us today 877-244-6349 to schedule your sweep, check and inspection to ensure a safe winter season.

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