There’s nothing like Fall in New England.  The beautiful colors of turning leaves and crisp cool nights by the fireplace.  Whether it’s gathering around with friends or family or finding some quiet time to read, fireplaces are used as a meeting spot to unwind.

There are two things you’ll need to bring this all together – a safe working fireplace and fuel!  We’re often asked which kind of wood is best to use and therefore this month we are providing you with all the information you need to choose the right fuel for your fireplace.

Identifying Types of Firewood

While it’s true that most wood will burn in a fireplace, choosing the right wood is important, not only to your enjoyment of your fire but the health of your fireplace and your environment. The best kind of wood to burn is one of the hardwoods, such as oak, hard maple, and birch because they release more heat and produce fewer creosote deposits.

Oak

Oak is considered the best wood to burn in a fireplace, by far. This type of wood produces a slow-burning fire that lasts longer and burns more evenly and hotter. Also, oak is plentiful and found in almost any area of the country. There is one requirement: to burn well, oak needs to be seasoned well, and that means it needs to be dried for at least a year after cutting, so the sap dries. Oak can also be a little harder to ignite, but you’ll be richly rewarded by the perfect fire once it gets going.

Maple 

Hard maple is found mainly in the northern United States and Canada. Like oak, it’s heavy and burns slowly, once seasoned properly. Different types of maple that can be used for firewood include red maple, sugar or hard maple, black maple, Norway maple, and silver maple.

Birch

Birch gives off a beautiful flame, but unlike oak or maple, it burns quickly, so you’ll need to have more on hand than either oak or maple. Because hardwoods burn more slowly and completely, you’ll have less to clean up once the fire is out and less chance of buildup in your chimney.

What About Softer Wood?

Softer woods, like pine and fir trees, season more quickly than hardwoods, are easier to split and is easier to start, but also burn faster and leave more ash residue. The fact that softer woods season more quickly isn’t necessarily a good thing; there are more chances of residual sap pockets, causing more sizzle and snap than well-seasoned hardwoods. Fir trees do result in less ash, and season well, with fewer leftover sap pockets.

Make sure you’re buying seasoned wood or have time to season it yourself. Seasoned wood produces more heat for your fires, burns more cleanly, and is easier to start. Seasoned wood takes on a grayish color and is relatively lightweight. Heavy wood can indicate that there’s still sap, which will burn quickly and not produce as much heat.

Do not burn painted or treated scraps from construction projects, as burning this type of wood can release harmful chemicals into your home.

Store your wood in a well-ventilated area outside, up off the ground, protected from the elements using a plastic tarp or covering.

Only bring in as much wood as you’re going to use at one time. Because wood attracts bugs, like termites, bringing more than you need to the house will encourage the bugs to stick around inside.

Many people also have questions about burning artificial logs. Convenience is their strong suit, and in general, they are fine when time is an issue, and you want a quick fire without all the muss and fuss of natural firewood. Usually, they should be burned only one at a time and only in an open fireplace. One should be careful about poking them and moving them around once they are burning since they may break up and the fire

And remember—regardless of the type of wood you’re using, schedule to have your chimney cleaned and inspected before you use your fireplace to make sure it is in good working order, safe and ready to go!

 

 

The post Best Wood For Fireplace? Let’s Discuss! appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

A fireplace serves as a focal point in your living room. Even fireplaces that are placed in areas such as bedrooms bring a big statement to the space.

These fireplace transformations are surprisingly easy to do for a DIY project. You can find the items that you need at major home improvement stores, including large selections of stone and glass.

1. Go Natural

If you enjoy rugged and masculine fireplace designs, consider combining white brick with timber serving as the mantle. A timber mantle is a classic design that provides a truly rustic look and feel, complementing many decor styles and adding a cozy feeling to your home.

Another beautiful and natural fireplace design option is stone. Stone comes in a variety of earthy hues, shapes, and sizes. You’ll find options such as stacked stone, river rock, cobblestone, and more. Take a look at the image below for more ideas on stone fireplaces:

This DIY video explains how you can install stone on your fireplace easily.

2. Add Enchantment with Brick

Brick is a classic material for a fireplace design. Just like stone, there is essentially no shortage of colors for a brick fireplace. With so many historic homes here in Massachusetts, you might be a lucky homeowner who has a wall of exposed brick and fireplace combination in your living room. If the color isn’t to your exact preference, remember that you can accessorize with bold accents such as paintings and bright flowers.

3. Go for Glass

Glass can make any fireplace look more modern and even expensive. You can use mosaic glass tiles that are intended for kitchen backsplashes. This is a smart choice since kitchen backsplashes are designed to withstand high amounts of heat since they are installed around ovens.

Here is another video for those who are looking on how to install mosaic tile around the fireplace.

4. Try Out Tile

Tile is another popular and modern choice for fireplace designs. Before making your selection for a tile fireplace, make sure that the specific tile is able to withstand high heat if you plan to use your fireplace. Generally, most wall tile can be used on your fireplace.

5. Marble Might Make Your Day

Lastly, marble is a clean and classic fireplace design that is bound to make guests look twice. This material is resistant to heat and fire and it’s easy to clean and maintain. With its versatility in color and style, marble is by far one of the most popular options for fireplace designs.

Get Ready for Your Annual Chimney Sweep and Inspection

Everyone loves the warm glow of a fireplace during the fall and winter, but you don’t want to forget about the importance of your annual chimney inspection. Contact us to keep your chimney and fireplace in tip-top shape, enjoying your fireplace for decades to come!

Remember, if you’re ever in doubt on the DIY approach to redesigning your fireplace, please seek the consult of a professional contractor!

The post 5 Fireplace Designs that Add Spark to Your Living Space appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

When it comes to chimneys, it is our personal and professional goal to make sure all of our customers are safe and comfortable this winter. We strive to further this goal by providing expert services to maintain and restore chimney systems to safety and efficiency. One of the most common services that older chimneys require at least once in their lifetime is a flue liner repair or replacement. At Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep, we trust HeatShield for liner repairs—big and small.

HeatShield Meets Industry and Environmental Standards

In over 20 years, HeatShield has revolutionized the chimney industry with products that protect and last. HeatShield Cerfractory technology is a specially formulated hybrid that combines ceramic and refractory materials to safeguard against heat, moisture, and corrosion in the chimney system. HeatShield Cerfractory Flue Sealant has stood up to lab testing, is rated “super-Duty” by the American Society for Testing and Materials, and surpasses all fire safety codes set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the International Residential Code (IRC). This product is approved for all fuel types, which means you won’t need to convert the liner if you convert fuel types in the future. On top of every other great benefit of using HeatShield products to fix your chimney, HeatShield is also considered eco-friendly, made from recycled and natural products at a lower cost than alternatives that are less “green”.

HeatShield Installers are Expert Installers

Independent HeatShield Installers are selected, trained, and certified as HeatShield installers. It is not a program you can pay your way into, but one you earn. Our technicians have factory training and tools designed specifically for HeatShield products. Armed with the right knowledge, experience, and tools to get the job done, we can repair your liner whether you have small joint damage or need a major relining.

HeatShield Repairs

Using HeatShield Cerfractory Flue Sealant, we are able to repair joints, missing mortar tiles, and more. We simply cut and place a custom foam applicator blade beneath the damaged portion of the flue, then attach the blade to a winch at the top of the flue opening. HeatShield product is then mixed from powder, placed into the blade, and deposited into the gaps and cracks as the blade is pulled upward. This process can be repeated for however much damage is present, however, if the damage is extensive, the flue may need to be completely resurfaced.

A resurfacing application uses the same process, but the applicator blade starts at the bottom of the flue and is pulled up to the top, surfacing the whole flue with HeatShield Cerfractory Flue Sealant. Once the entire flue is coated, we use cameras to verify the repairs are made properly.

CeCure Sleeve Relining

In serious cases of flue liner damage, or when no liner is present at all, we can reline the flue with a CeCure Sleeve: thin, ceramic insulation, reinforced with stainless steel fabric. The sleeve is sandwiched between two coats of HeatShield Cerfractory Sealant, creating a long-lasting liner, safe for all fuel types.

HeatShield is the easiest and most cost-effective solution for flue restoration. Professionals are so sure about HeatShield that it comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Really! Ask your chimney professional today.

You can have your liner repaired or relined today by calling Billy Sweet at 617-469-4528.

The post All About HeatShield appeared first on Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep.

When you opt to clean the chimney by yourself instead of hiring chimney cleaning services, you need cleaning brushes. There are many types of brushes you can go with. For you to buy the right ones, first inspect the chimney. Use a mirror or torch and look up the chimney. How much soot is deposited there? The harder the deposits, the more abrasive and harder the brush you need and vice versa. Some of the brushes you can go with include:

Perlon viper heads or brushes

Perlon is a soft material that is ideal for gas flues that have little or no soot deposited. You can also use it to remove cobwebs that stick to the brush.

Soft nylon brushes

They are a little bit harder than Perlon brushes; hence, you can use them to remove much harder soot that might have accumulated in the chimney. If you have a fireplace where you burn wood or coal, these are the best brushes to go for.

Mole brushes

They are the latest kids on the block. They are also very soft, and you can use them to clean the chimney using traditional and rotary methods.

The brushes come in different sizes, and it’s up to you to buy those that will effectively fit your flue. If you have a thatched property with a large flue, you should go for a large mole.

Wohler brushes

They are designed to be used in cleaning ceramic or rigid steel chimney systems. The brushes make use of the cutting action of soot from the flue walls making chimney cleaning easy and fun. To clean your chimney, you can use the viper, star, or rope cleaning methods.

If you have a stainless steel chimney only use stainless steel brushes. Don’t use mild steel brushes as you will make the chimney start rotting.

Stiff nylon brushes

Designed to clean harder wood, coal, and peat deposits, you need to use more effort for you to get rid of all the soot that might have been deposited in the chimney. If you inspect the chimney and find that you don’t need a lot of physical work to clean it, you don’t have to use the brushes. Replace them with a whip head instead.

Rotary flails

These excel at cleaning harder chimney deposits. Be cautious when using hem in some chimneys as they can damage them. If there are bird nests in your chimney, they are the best tools to use without getting calluses or sore hands.

The frails are highly effective at cleaning flaky or expanded creosote. They also come in handy at cleaning the hard deposits left behind when you are burning smokeless coals.

You should note that the frails are dangerous to use; therefore, before you start using them, undertake training and learn how to use them safely.

Rotary chains

They are the best option when you are removing creosote that is extremely hard to remove. They are also effective at getting rid of stubborn nests. Due to the amount of damage they can cause, you should be ultra-cautious when using them. As a rule of thumb, never use them if you have never used them before. To reduce the chances of damaging your chimney, first, take a course on how to properly use them.

Tips when using chimney brushes

The type of chimney brush you use determines the results you get and how fast you clean the chimney. If you have never used a brush before, ask a professional to guide you on choosing the right one.

You need to prepare the surfaces to prevent soot from spreading to all areas of the house. You do this by placing paper covers on the furniture. You also should remember to sheet up. This is placing old bedsheets against the fireplace opening. The sheet will prevent the dust from the chimney from spreading to the rest of the house.

If you have minimal soot, you have an easy time cleaning the chimney, but if your fireplace has a lot of soot, consider hiring a chimney sweep Columbia MD to help you with the cleaning. The contractor will most likely do a better job than you, giving you peace of mind that your chimney can’t develop chimney fires.

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

A chimney that’s in good repair is a chimney that does its job safely and efficiently. When damage or other problems develop within the chimney system, the best move is to arrange for a professional inspection and then chimney repair or chimney sweep services to restore soundness to the structure.

Here are four fairly common issues that chimney service techs see on a regular basis.

1. Leaky chimney

When addressing leaks in a chimney, the first step is to determine exactly where the leak is coming from. We know that water is getting into the system somewhere, and we need to know where. Many things can be responsible for a chimney leak including:

• A damaged or missing chimney cap
• Cracking in the chimney crown
• Warped flashing
• Spalling bricks
• Internal masonry damage due to a faulty chimney liner

If left unattended, a chimney leak can lead to widespread rot and decay within the chimney structure and the house itself.

2. Damaged chimney masonry

External damage to the bricks and mortar of a chimney is fairly easy to spot: cracks are obvious, bricks are loose, often there are patches of crumbling scattered around on the roof. Various approaches can be used to repair damaged masonry such as:

Tuckpointing: A strong, new compound is added to areas where bricks are missing.

Partial chimney rebuilding: Depending on where the masonry damage is and the extent of it, it may be necessary to rebuild sections of the chimney.

Complete chimney rebuilding: For chimneys with extensive damage that makes them unsafe to use or live around, a total chimney rebuild can restore safety to the home and your family.

Chimney waterproofing: In cases of minor cracking in the mortar, a waterproof sealant can be applied to the chimney to prevent damage caused by incoming water.

3. Efflorescence on exterior chimney bricks

Efflorescence is the white staining sometimes seen on the outside of chimneys. When this is present, it means that moisture is getting into the bricks and pushing out the naturally occurring salt within the bricks, leading to the unsightly stain.

If efflorescence is the only problem you have with your chimney, you’re fortunate. By scheduling a certified chimney inspection to assess the extent of the water-infiltration and then having the reason for the problem repaired, you can save a lot of money on expensive chimney restoration projects down the line.

4. Creosote/obstruction buildup in the flue

Wood-burning fireplaces cause the smoke byproduct creosote to form and build up on the inside of the chimney liner. Creosote is flammable and can easily ignite and start a chimney or house fire. Professional chimney sweeps certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America have the equipment and training to safely and thoroughly remove creosote and soot from your flue. Once-a-year cleaning is recommended.

If your chimney cap is severely damaged – or if you don’t have a cap at all – various debris can get into the flue and cause smoke-draft blockages. This debris includes leaves and twigs from nearby trees and small animals and their nests. One of a chimney sweep’s jobs is cleaning obstructions from your chimney to ensure smooth and efficient drafting of smoke and gasses.

When your chimney needs repair or proper cleaning, High’s Chimney Service of Gaithersburg, MD, is standing by to exceed your expectations. Whether it’s chimney sweep, chimney inspection, chimney repair or chimney rebuilding services, we’re ready to go to work. Call us at (301) 519-3500.

 

The post 4 Interior and Exterior Chimney Problems & How to Solve Them appeared first on Highs Chimney.

Chimneys can be confusing structures when something goes wrong with them. Questions arise such as “Why is this happening?” “Did I cause it?” and “How do I go about getting the problem fixed?”  Before you panic, keep two things in mind:

• Chimneys aren’t that complicated when you understand them
• There are certified professionals whose job it is to understand every feature and function of your chimney

Chimney smoke issues

One of the more common problems with chimneys involves the drafting of smoke. Or the lack thereof. Smoke backing up into the house is no fun for anybody – plus it can be very dangerous as it contains carbon monoxide, an invisible, odorless gas that’s potentially fatal to humans and pets.

Let’s look at some of the reasons for smoke issues with a chimney and what can be done about them.

 

1. Forgot to open the damper: This is an easy one. A closed damper keeps smoke out of the flue.

Solution: Open the damper (and make sure it’s in good shape and will stay open).

2. Damp wood: If you want to create so much smoke it can’t all rise into the chimney, burn damp (unseasoned) wood. The moisture in wet wood produces excess smoke and particulate matter, which is bad for your home and bad for your chimney flue as it causes a faster buildup of flammable creosote.

Solution: Burn only dry (seasoned) logs.

3. Chimney is the wrong height: If your smoke problems have been happening fairly consistently ever since you moved into the home or had a new fireplace installed, it may be that the chimney is too short. An efficient chimney will be 10 feet tall or taller and extend at least two feet beyond the roof. A shorter chimney won’t channel smoke properly.

Solution: Have your chimney modified by an experienced contractor, build a new chimney or install a new zero-clearance fireplace or fireplace insert, both of which come with their own vent pipes.

4. Chimney contains obstructions: Excess creosote buildup as well as tree debris, nests of small animals and the animals themselves when they die inside the chimney all can contribute to drafting problems and smoke backing up into the home.

 

 

Solution: Schedule certified chimney sweep services to safely and efficiently clean out your flue.

5. Flue is too narrow: Inexperienced chimney builders sometimes construct chimneys with flue openings that are too small for the size of the fireplace they’re connected to. It’s obvious why this is a problem – the chimney simply isn’t large enough to manage all the smoke the fireplace produces.

Solution: Arrange for structural modifications by a chimney expert or build a new chimney.

6. Home is too airtight: Newer homes built with economy in mind often are too airtight to allow sufficient air to be pulled into the fireplace during combustion. This can result in inefficient burns and smoke that doesn’t rise correctly into the flue.

Solution: Crack a window – or two.

When assessing problems with your chimney, the first step should always be a chimney inspection performed by a CSIA-certified technician. This individual can figure out exactly what’s happening and recommend the best course of action to remedy the problem. If you’re having trouble with your chimney, Northeastern Chimney of West Hartford, CT, is ready to get to work. We’re on call all year long to keep your chimney and fireplace running safely and at peak performance. Reach us at (860) 233-5770.

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

The safest fireplaces and chimneys are those that receive regular cleaning, repair and maintenance by certified technicians. If this service is neglected, it won’t take long for your chimney to experience a dangerous buildup of creosote and soot. Smoke-drafting obstructions, a common problem if you use your chimney without a chimney cap, also can lead to dangerous operating conditions.

Here are the primary reasons regular chimney sweep services are so important.

First, can you do the job yourself?

Some homeowners think they can clean their own chimneys, but rarely is this the case. Professional chimney sweeps have special tools like rotating brushes, hand brushes, vacuums, scrapers and powerful cleaning solvents that work together to rid your flue of flammable creosote and soot. It’s unlikely the average homeowner has this equipment or the skill and training to use it.

Creosote removal

Creosote is a byproduct of smoke and may appear as a flakey, sticky or solid substance. It’s the cause of the majority of chimney fires in the U.S. each year. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends annual chimney sweeping for chimneys connected to wood-burning appliances, because even less than an inch of this compound is enough to start a potentially fatal chimney fire.

Signs of a chimney fire

Not all chimney fires are obvious. Some are small and extinguish on their own. But even small fires can damage the chimney liner and the interior masonry, which leaves combustible materials of your home vulnerable.

Common signs of a chimney fire include:

• An unusually large amount of smoke pouring from the top of the chimney or flowing into the room
• A ticking or tapping sound
• The sound of rumbling, like a distant train

Removal of obstructions

In addition to removing creosote, chimney sweeps also remove obstructions in the flue caused by an accumulation of leaves, twigs, small-animal nests and the like. These obstructions will make smoke draft improperly and back up into the home, carrying with it deadly carbon monoxide.

You can keep all debris out of your flue by having a quality chimney cap installed. Chimney caps cover the flue opening to prevent water intrusion (and subsequent water damage), and the sides are made of a material that allows smoke to move through them while keeping outside junk outside where it belongs.

What you can do to ensure the safety of your chimney

Where creosote is concerned, the less smoke your fireplace produces, the less creosote buildup you’ll have to deal with. Here’s how to create less smoke:

• Burn only dry (seasoned) wood
• Don’t stack logs tightly together – they need space to gather oxygen
• Ensure sufficient air within the home is getting to the fireplace (crack a window, if necessary)
• Keep your flue clean so smoke can travel up it smoothly
• Make sure your flue opening isn’t too small for the fireplace
• Make sure your chimney is tall enough (minimum 10 feet high and extending at least two feet from the roof)

By you doing your part and letting a certified chimney sweep do his or her part, you can rest easy, knowing your chimney is clean, safe and working at peak performance.

High’s Chimney Service of Gaithersburg, MD, is ready to help with all your chimney cleaning, chimney inspection and chimney repair needs. We’re certified by the CSIA and guarantee workmanship and customer service that’s unmatched in our region. Call (301) 519-3500 today with questions or to schedule an appointment.

 

The post Fireplace Safety: Why Regular Chimney Cleaning Matters appeared first on Highs Chimney.

If you moved into a new home or decided to try the fireplace
that you haven’t used in a few years, it’s best to have it inspected and
cleaned. You shrug your shoulders, and tilt your head wondering, “why?”

Chimney Serves as a Ventilation System

To begin, your fireplace / chimney is an integral part of your home. The fireplace and chimney serve a purpose: ventilation. When you say, “I understand that, but I’m not using it, so it’s not circulating air in my home.” Even if you are not using your fireplace and chimney, your natural gas appliances are.

Furnaces, for instance, rely on your chimney for a breath of
fresh air. It takes by-products like carbon monoxide and carries it to the
outside. If you don’t inspect your
chimney every year, you won’t know if there’s a problem starting and to
what extent the issue has evolved.

Pets You Didn’t Know You Had

Birds, squirrels, raccoons are just some of the guests that frequent chimneys in search of shelter. They are going to build a nice comfortable nest in the chimney made from dirt, leaves, twigs and other flammable debris. Animals will also leave other ‘droppings’ behind that can create an unpleasant odor in the chimney and fireplace.

Musty, Unpleasant Smells in an Unused Fireplace

The musty smell coming from the fireplace can be a sign of a moisture problem in the chimney. If it smells like something has passed on, it probably has. It would be best to refrain from starting a fire or turning on the gas fireplace to “burn off” any debris or scare away any unwanted guests.

Fireplace has Never Been Used

Even if your fireplace has never been used, it still needs to be inspected. Past home owners, the environment and critter guests were/are still active even if your fireplace is not. The freeze thaw cycles of winter take their toll on your chimney the same as our streets which need regular upkeep and attention.

What’s Included in an Inspection?

Superior Chimney performs a 14-point written certified inspection. We’ve talked about it a few times, but it’s always worth mentioning as it’s a great way to know what a certified technician does. The part that our customers enjoy are the photos. You get to see what is happening up top, within the chimney, and the overall condition it’s in. The pictures of the chimney will tell you everything and serve as a basis for our conversation. Once our work is complete, you’ll receive your photos via email for your reference.

Let’s start the Fall season with a clean bill of health. Contact Superior Chimney today for a 14-point inspection by a certified technician. You’ll begin the Fall season burning bright…safely.

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

While it’s good to repair some parts of your home as you save money and get to understand them better, you shouldn’t clean your chimney by yourself. Instead, you should hire chimney cleaning services providers to help you out. Here are eight reasons you should leave chimney cleaning and maintenance to the professionals:

You save time

An average chimney can take a trained cleaning professional with all the right equipment a few hours to clean it. Imagine how long it will take you to clean a unit you are unfamiliar with. To save your precious time, hire a professional who will get the work done professionally.

Chimney cleaning is messy

Chimney cleaning is a dirty job. During the cleaning, large amounts of creosote come down from the chimney, and they can create a big mess if you don’t know how to handle it. Professionals know what to expect and prepare your home beforehand to minimize the mess. They cover the furniture, floor, and other areas of the house.

The professionals also have industrial-grade equipment to clean up the mess in the event it comes about.

Creosote not only messes up your home, breathing it also hurts your lungs. The professionals have all the safety gear that protects them from inhaling the harmful dust.

Climbing the roof is risky

During the chimney cleaning process, you have to get to the roof to clear out nests, twigs, leaves, and other debris that might be stuck there. It’s from the roof where you can identify chimney problems such as missing cap, crown, or any other issue.

If you have gone up the roof, you will agree with me that going up there is risky as you can easily slip and fall. For you to avoid the dangers of going up the roof, hire a chimney sweep with the right equipment and experience.

Most of the contractors are covered by insurance; therefore, when an accident happens, the insurance company covers it.

Professionals do a thorough job

Since they have the right tools for the job, chimney experts are able to diagnose chimney problems and fix them accurately. For example, they are able to tell whether you have first, second, or third-degree creosote in your chimney.

The right cleaning tools also allow the professionals to thoroughly clean the chimney leaving your home free of the risk of fire.

Experts save you from making expensive mistakes

When you decide to clean the chimney by yourself, you can easily leave behind large amounts of creosote. When you continue using the fireplace while dirty, you put the fireplace at the risk of catching fire.

Professionals inspect all areas of the chimney and properly clean it, ensuring that no dangers are lurking behind.

The Gurus give you peace of mind

When you clean the chimney by yourself, you aren’t sure whether you did an excellent job.  When you hire an experienced professional on the other hand, you have peace of mind that the work is done correctly.  As a result, you don’t have to worry about fire coming about in the middle of the night.

You protect your roof warranty

Most roofing manufacturers and installers offer warranties to cover their roofs and workmanship, but you can void the warranty if you work on top of the roof. When cleaning or repairing the chimney, most of the companies are sensitive to who handles the repairs and cleaning.

They will automatically void the warranty if an inexperienced or uncertified contractor does the work. To protect your warranty, hire an experienced and insured contractor. The trained professionals will handle the project safely without damaging the shingles or any other parts of the roof.

You meet your homeowner’s insurance policy requirements

Many homeowner insurance policies require that you undertake annual inspection and cleaning of your fireplace. Your insurance company will deny your claim if you don’t provide proof that you have met the requirements.

When you hire chimney contractors Bowie, they give you a receipt once they have completed their work. This serves as proof that you have done your part and experts did the job. Your insurance company can even check with the contractors to confirm that they have been cleaning and maintaining your chimney.

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

It’s still very hot outside as summer refuses to die. With record highs every day and your AC running, you’re not thinking about your chimney and fireplace. It’s just sitting there, going unused, not bothering anybody…

Now’s the time to use this quick checklist and get your chimney ready for burn season.

Summertime is an important time for the maintenance and upkeep on your chimney and fireplace, as keeping them clean and protected now will lead to a successful heating experience in the fall and winter.

Here’s your checklist of things to do with your chimney during these dog days of summer:

• Clean the hearth
  This one may seem like a no-brainer, but a lot of people forget to clean out the ash, sweep, and dust their hearth. You’re going to want to wear gloves and old clothes because this job gets dirty! Scoop out the ashes with an ash shovel. Use a small broom and dustpan to sweep out the rest. Next, you’re going to want to use your favorite gentle cleaner and scrubber to get the creosote up and give everything a final wipe off and vacuum.
• Close the damper tight
  A lot of people who have fireplaces forget to close their dampers. This means there is essentially a hole in your house letting cool air out! Be sure to close the damper tight after you’re done using your fireplace for the season.
• Turn off pilot light (gas)
  If you’re using a gas fireplace, you should know if you have a standing pilot light and make sure it’s out for the summer.
• Replace the decorations!
  If that fireplace was just sitting there going unused, you may have used that space to decorate. Move the plants from around the hearth and get ready for your chimney to host stockings and nutcrackers instead.
  
• Call Southern Chimneys to remove creosote
  Before giving those hands and knees too much of a workout, you honestly probably won’t be able to get all that creosote out that’s been storing up all winter. Even if you do, you certainly won’t be able to get aaaall up in it. That’s when you need to give a professional chimney service like Southern Chimneys a call.
• Call Southern Chimneys to check or install a chimney cap
  It’s always a very wet summer in the southeast. Chimney caps keep out things like moisture and animals that can wind up in your chimney at summertime.

Consider making end-of-summer the time for your yearly chimney inspection!

It’s always smart to get a jump on things and schedule your chimney and fireplace work and inspections long before the weather cools down. Now’s the time to clean up, decorate, and get things inspected so you can enjoy your living room, clean and safe, all year long.

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