Here’s What To Do

It is challenging to discuss heating season when we are in the midst of broiling heat conditions in New England, but as you know, time flies and the weather changes happen quickly.

It is important never to use a chimney that is not in good working condition due to the safety risks involved, so as the kids get ready to go back to school, preparing your home for the change of season is a must. Here is a list of 5 things you can do to get your chimney ready for use.

Remove Last Year’s Ash

We’re all guilty of it from time to time, putting off a task when there’s no steadfast due date – procrastination at its finest. Well, you’ve walked by that fireplace full of soot enough, now’s the time. Ash is much easier to move and dispose when it’s fully cooled and dry. You can even remove the old ash and sprinkle it in your garden for soil fertility. Into arts and crafts? Some ash contains enough potassium to create lye to use in homemade soaps!

Schedule your Routine Sweeping

Annual inspections and sweepings are important to the health of your chimney system, and waiting until the first cold night to call the chimney sweep, is not the best plan. We hear about it all the time, the proverbial turn on the heat and cross your fingers maneuver at the first temperature dip. Fall availability fills up early and quickly. Getting in the scheduling queue before colder weather sets in is a scheduling win.

Touch up Masonry

Not everyone knows that there’s a masonry season. Mortar and concrete need curing temperatures consistently above 40° to set, and although you can set up tarps and heaters in a pinch, it is not preferred or recommended.

If you can see deteriorated brick and mortar on the outside, chances are the masonry on the inside is even worse from flue gas exposure. Severely gone chimneys run the risk of falling on adjacent yards, decks, or cars – or even worse, collapsing-in causing an obstruction in the heating flue, potentially creating carbon monoxide to come back into the home. As of late, these passing thunderstorms are bringing with them damaging rain and winds that can aggravate a compromised chimney.

Apply Waterproofing

The freeze-thaw winter cycle absolutely destroys masonry in the Northeast, and not all waterproofing agents are the same. Most waterproofing agents in big box stores are acrylic or silicone, forming a film on the surface and trapping water vapors that can exacerbate chimney deterioration. Applying a commercial grade vapor permeable waterproofing before the winter can save you thousands down the line.

Install a Chimney Cap

Birds and squirrels love to make unused chimneys into their home. If you don’t have a chimney cap, it is possible that an animal or debris has gained entry over the last few months. Checking the chimney for houseguests and installing a properly fitting chimney cap is always a good idea. Already have a cap? Great! Be sure to check the cap to make sure it’s secure and not damaged during your annual inspection. This will prevent first-use headaches when the time comes.

The post End of Summer Chimney Checklist appeared first on Boston’s Best Chimney.

There are several manners in which chimneys become damaged. Some undergo wear and tear over the years, especially when they are not adequately maintained. Others are damaged by natural disasters, such as fires, being struck by lightning, or by having a tree fall on them during a storm. Our team often receives calls requesting chimney repairs. Many clients ask if homeowners insurance covers chimney repairs. Today, we’ll answer that question and give advice on how to avoid chimney damage.

Now, we’ll discuss whether or not homeowners insurance covers chimney repairs.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Chimney Repairs?

The answer to this question is, “it depends!” The best source of information is your homeowner insurance company, so we recommend starting by making that phone call.

Generally, homeowners insurance covers chimney damage if it is caused by a natural disaster that is outside of your control, or even an accident such as a fire. Again, the best source of information for your insurance questions is your insurance company.

Homeowners insurance usually does not cover chimney damage resulting in wear and tear, however. The good news is that damage caused by natural wear and tear is preventable if you maintain your chimney.

How to Prevent Damaged Caused by Wear and Tear

Here are some short term steps that you can take to avoid costly damage down the road.

Get Your Chimney Inspected Annually

An annual chimney inspection will help you to avoid serious dangers, such as chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning by making sure that your chimney is up to code. Chimney inspectors often identify problem areas during their inspections that help homeowners to make necessary repairs before conditions worsen. We recommend hiring a CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) sweep to do the job!

Have Your Chimney Swept Annually, or As Needed

Chimney sweeps are crucial in removing built up creosote from your chimney. We recommend having your chimney swept each year, or as needed.

If you are wondering “Should I waterproof my chimney?,” the answer is “yes!” This will protect it from the harsh New England elements, keeping the masonry strong over the years. In addition, it will prevent those unattractive white streaks (called “efflorescence”) from showing up.

Make Sure That You Have a Chimney Cap

Chimney caps are an easy win that will keep precipitation, debris, and animals out of your chimney. If your chimney does not yet have one, consider having a chimney cap installed as soon as possible. Check out our chimney cap guide for answers to all of your chimney cap questions!

Though this list of chimney damage prevention tips is by no means exhaustive, we hope that it gives you some easy steps to take to avoid expensive damage down the road.

The post Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Chimney Repairs? appeared first on Boston’s Best Chimney.

Many homeowners have chimneys that are in disrepair and that they no longer wish to use. Our team frequently receives calls from people asking, “Should you seal an unused chimney flue?” Today, we’ll address that question.

What’s Going On with Your Unused Chimney?

If you have an unused chimney with an unsealed flue, it is most likely wasting energy, whether it is leaking your home’s heat during the winter or its air conditioner during the summer. It is also an access point for debris and animals to enter into.

Should You Seal an Unused Chimney Flue?

Yes! For the reasons described above, we highly recommend sealing your unused chimney flue.

Ways to Seal Your Unused Chimney Flue

Our team takes one of the three following approaches when sealing unused chimney flue, based on the situation and our clients’ wishes:

1. Sealing from the peak of the chimney
2. Sealing from the base of the chimney
3. Sealing from the fireplace using brick and mortar.

When a chimney is sealed from the peak or base, this is easily reversible, making it easier to change your mind in the future, should you later desire to use your chimney.

In cases when chimneys are sealed from the fireplace using brick and mortar, this can still be reversed, but it is more complicated. This type of project would require some demolition and a high level of precision to reverse, making this kind of sealing a larger decision.

Are You Interested in Sealing Your Chimney Flue?

We do not recommend undertaking this as a DIY project. A team of professionals will do the job most efficiently and effectively, without any guess work.

The post Should You Seal an Unused Chimney Flue? appeared first on Boston’s Best Chimney.

Wood-Burning Fireplace

It’s not a good idea to leave the burnt wood, ash, creosote, and acidic combustion gas residues lingering in the fireplace all summer. So, the first step is to clean the fireplace. Don’t worry; it’s not that hard to do, and it usually takes less than an hour.

Gather your cleaning supplies: Gloves, mask, goggles, firebrick cleaner, stiff brush, broom, vacuum, newspaper, paper towels or a clean lint-free cloth, and a metal container. If you need help locating cleaning supplies for your fireplace, call us, and one of our certified technicians will be happy to assist. After your fireplace cools for 24 hours, follow these ten (10) simple steps to prepare your fireplace for winter:

1. Put on your gloves, mask, and goggles to avoid breathing in irritating dust and harmful contaminants that may be present.
2. Take the grate and gridirons out of the fireplace and set them on some newspaper on the patio.
3. Sweep the ash into a metal container (reserve about a 1-inch layer for later).
4. Using a broom or vacuum, remove any remaining debris on the floor.
5. Spray the firebox walls with fireplace cleaner as directed on the label and scrub the firebox clean with a stiff brush. You may need some elbow grease to remove soot, hardened creosote, and baked-on stains covering the firebricks.
6. Give the grate and gridirons a thorough cleaning and remove soot, creosote, and residue.
7. Place a thin one-inch layer of ash on the floor of the fireplace. It will help start your next fire. You can recycle the rest in your garden.
8. When clean and dry, put the grate and gridirons back in the fireplace.
9. Use a glass cleaner to remove stains on the glass fireplace doors carefully.
10. The only thing left to do is to schedule your annual chimney inspection.

Gas Fireplace

Yes, your gas fireplace needs to be prepared for winter too! Although a gas fireplace is a cleaner burning appliance and doesn’t require the deep cleaning of a wood-burning fireplace, it still needs routine care and maintenance to prevent premature failure, prolonging its useful life.

1. Turn off the standing pilot light.
2. Turn the gas key valve inside the fireplace to the OFF position.
3. Remove the front facing to the fireplace.
4. Use a portable vacuum or damp lint-free cloth to carefully clean any soot, pet hair, dust mites, and other debris inside the fireplace, including the gas logs and other components.
5. Inspect the gas logs. Replace when there are signs of cracking or other damage.
6. Clean the burner to remove any clogged ports.
7. Schedule an annual safety inspection.

Chimney Sweeps

Did you know that summer is the best time for a chimney and fireplace inspection? So, when you need to have your chimney and fireplace inspected, cleaned, or repaired, the certified chimney sweeps at Fluesbrothers will get the job done safely and efficiently.

The post How Do I Prepare My Fireplace for the Winter? appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

Whether it’s a new roof, new siding, or fresh paint, your home needs a refresh from time to time. Homes across the country are of varying ages with 11% of US homes being built before 1950. If your home has a chimney and was built before 1960, then it’s highly likely that it is not up to code. In addition, its age means that it could be in need of a visual facelift. Today, we want to share some tips to give your chimney new life.

Chimney liner

Metal chimney liners are necessary for keeping your home safe. A liner prevents dangerous gases from entering your home. It also protects the interior structure from receiving too much heat. The liner will also allow for easier removal of creosote, a by-product of burning wood. Older homes often have ceramic or less durable liners. Updating yours with a metal replacement can help increase safety as well as your home’s value.

Weather

The exterior of your chimney receives endless wear and tear. Rain, snow, sun, and temperature extremes can all cause various forms of damage to your masonry.

As a basic example, mortar starts to break down as it ages. This allows water to penetrate your chimney causing further deterioration. Over time, this will lead to loose bricks and potentially the collapse of the entire structure. A Northeastern Chimney technician can inspect your chimney and look for any of these issues. And if they find damage, they can repair or replace the affected area.

Settling

Houses settle. As the ground shifts around the foundation, cracks and other damage can start to appear on your chimney’s brick and mortar, cap, and crown. These holes, while sometimes tiny, can allow water, insects, debris, and other issues to enter your chimney. Once they’re in, they can cause any number of problems. Once again, an inspection is critical to discovering these potential problems early on and getting the necessary repairs taken care of before they escalate to larger issues.

Waterproofing

We’ve mentioned water damage a few times today. Water is essential to life, but not your chimney’s safe operation. The freeze and thaw cycle can play havoc with your chimney leading to quite a few headaches. To prevent this, a waterproof sealant should be applied to the chimney’s surface to keep moisture at bay.

New paint, mantle, whitewash

Giving your chimney new life can be as simple as giving it a facelift! You can easily repaint your hearth to update your room’s aesthetic. You can also add updated elements, maybe a piece of reclaimed wood as a new mantle or an antique surround to the hearth indoors. Outside, a coat of whitewash can update the look to match your desired exterior design.

The first step to giving your chimney new life is to schedule a cleaning and inspection.

Regular maintenance can catch issues while they are still small and correct them before they turn into a more dangerous and expensive problem.

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

Chimneys are responsible for a number of bad odors that enter your home, and normally, these are not pleasant smells.

Therefore, if men, women, or children will pick up on something that you cannot smell, so you should not discount them. Instead, you should consider the role of your chimney that plays a role in everything.

In case you smell something suspicious, you should not ignore it. Instead, you should talk to chimney repair experts to check out your chimney today.

Burning wood is not always the only odor that could come from your fireplace. Chimneys can have all kinds of things that could go wrong with them and it often takes time to clean them out.

Read on to find out more.

Buildup of Creosote

In general, if the smell of your chimney is like asphalt or tar, it probably comes from creosote buildup on your chimney walls. This is one of the most common causes of chimney odors, and any smells related to creosote, normally worsen during the summer because people open their air conditioning to fight high humidity levels.

If you want a solution, you should call a chimney expert to clear out the accumulated creosote. If there are any issues that can trigger foul smells, you can check those as well.

Branches and Leaves

Is there a rotting or decomposition smell from your chimney? Then maybe you have leaves and other things such as branches, moss, and whatnot. Most of the time, it comes from animal nests, and leaves can enter the area if there is a storm.

A lot of leaves are able to accumulate on the chimney while creating a blockage, making it smell like it is rotting the entire year. But it could get even more dangerous because it can cause a fire.

Moisture

In case there is water inside the chimney, it causes an unpleasant odor. The best way you can eliminate moisture in the chimney is when you install a chimney cap. If there is no cap, rainwater will naturally enter the chimney. Aside from causing an odor, moisture causes the damper to fail and rust so it can operate properly. If moisture mixes with creosote, the flue lining can get damaged, which results in the need for necessary but costly repairs.

Negative Air Pressure

Another reason for bad odors is the negative air pressure inside your home. Normally, modern homes are sealed tightly. Even if a lot of people consider this to be a good thing, it also has negative side effects that cause drafts to reverse inside the chimney. That means outside air will get drawn in, which sends drafts and bad odors into your home.

A short-term and easy solution to this is to open a window. This will entice some make-up air in, while ensuring that there is a balance of air that comes in and out is not thrown off. However, unless you want to keep your windows open, you should take further action. This can mean something simple such as installing a top-seal damper, or it could be that you need more extensive repairs.

Accumulation of Debris

You should not think that twigs and leaves that enter the chimney can lead to unpleasant smells, but this is a common issue people encounter. Since odor debris gets trapped inside the chimney, it is going to start decomposing through time and it will leave behind a rotting and unpleasant smell. This is another reason why you need a chimney cap.

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

A seeping chimney is a slow, gradual way of water entering into the home and causing damage slowly, steadily and over time. The seeping chimney damage can range from a minor repair to something far more extensive. However, when it comes to water, it certainly doesn’t play nice with the materials your home is made from, including your chimney.

Let’s take a look at some of the various damage that can occur when your chimney leaks and makes its way to the various part of your home.

Wall Damage

One of the most obvious telltale signs of a water leak from the seeping chimney is wall damage. When it reaches your walls, the paint can peel, the wall can little bubbles or even the drywall can begin to chip away. No different if you have crown molding, wood paneling or other decorative aspects to your walls. Water can make the varnish peel and cause discoloration.

When your chimney isn’t inspected each year by a certified technician, these damages can be very expensive to repair.

Mold Growth

Many of us have experienced mold in the bathroom. Why? Because it is a perfect place for mold to grow. You have the perfect main ingredient. Moisture. If a seeping chimney allows for moisture to enter your home, it can create a perfect scenario for mold to grow. Mold can be harmful to your heath, especially if you have health issues such as asthma, allergies or emphysema to name a few.

By maintaining a healthy chimney equipped with a chimney crown, chimney cap and a waterproofing solution called Chimney Saver, you can keep moisture out and your health in good shape.

Soft Wood, Walls & More

When water gets at wood or walls, and it drips over time, the wood and wall material turn soft and falls apart. This rotting makes the wood or walls flaky to the touch and can cause structural damage. There’s another issue that comes with rotting wood or water-logged walls…bugs and pests. This is the perfect vacation spot for bugs and pests. Keeping them out of your home is a top priority.

Keep unwanted visitors out of your home by having an inspection on the chimney, the flue and down to the fireplace completed.

What You Can’t See Can Hurt You

One way to ensure wall damage, mold spores and deteriorating wood and walls don’t happen is to get a yearly inspection on the chimney. Whether you have a gas or woodburning fireplace, use it all the time or not, rain water is still active trying to find its way into your home. Don’t give it that chance. Keep on top of it with a yearly inspection

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

If you’re like a lot of homeowners, you don’t do much with it. That’s so boring! Your fireplace may not be needed to heat your home during the summer months, but it can be quite an attractive amenity if you get creative.

Step 1: Clean it

Before you can do anything with your fireplace besides burning a fire, you need to clean it. Vacuum out the firebox and wipe down all the surfaces with a good cleaner and sponge. While you’re at it, have your chimney cleaned by a licensed chimney sweep. This service will remove smelly creosote and soot as well as odor-causing debris that may have gotten into your flue over the winter and spring. Most importantly, it will make your chimney safe and ready to rock next winter.

Step 2: Bring new life to your firebox

A big, open firebox is pretty dull if it’s just sitting there. Make yours un-dull by using the space for decorative pieces. Consider adding:

• Fancy, colorful lighting
• Candle arrangements
• Unique art pieces
• Kids’ drawings and paintings
• Floral bouquets

Come up with your own artistic ideas and make your firebox a center of attention all summer long.

Step 3: Use your mantel to the fullest

Like your firebox, your fireplace mantel is a perfect place to celebrate the summer season with decorative additions. Don’t let your mantel collect dust; rather let it magnify your entire hearth area with attractive decorations. If you don’t have a mantel, you should know there’s a huge range of styles, sizes and colors available for you to choose from. When properly installed, a handsome mantel truly “finishes” a fireplace.

Step 4: Enhance the wall surrounding your fireplace

If the wall surrounding your fireplace isn’t very exciting, then spruce it up. There’s no reason to have a boring wall around your fireplace. Modern fireplace surrounds, either pre-made or custom-made, will add a great deal of pizazz to your fireplace area. Surrounds can be built to closely hug your fireplace and chimney, or they can take up the entire wall into which the fireplace is set. Surrounds can include a variety of stone, brick, wood, marble and other beautiful materials. They can have shelving and fancy recessed areas. Shop around, and you’ll easily find the perfect fireplace surround for your home.

Help for your fireplace and chimney all year long

Fireplaces can be wonderful decorative and functional features of a home. To keep your fireplace – and your chimney – safe and running optimally, you need a little help from the professionals at Fluesbrothers. We provide a full menu of chimney services, including chimney sweeping, chimney inspections, chimney repairs and fireplace and stove installations. You see to the beauty and excitement of your fireplace, and we’ll see to the proper maintenance and safety of your fireplace and chimney.

The post Ways to Use Your Fireplace in the Summer appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

Now that summer is in full swing, you probably have a lot on your to-do list, including household chores, yard work, routine maintenance, and of course, getting in some much-needed relaxation. And while there’s likely no shortage of things you can do around the house, one chore that’s perhaps not on your radar is chimney cleaning, maintenance, and repair, but here’s why it should be.

Deal With Winter Damage Early

Winter is especially hard on virtually every component of your chimney. Most of your chimney’s parts are made from porous materials like concrete, mortar, and brick, which absorb water. When water seeps into the masonry materials during winter, it freezes and expands, causing tiny cracks to form.

If left alone for too many seasons, these cracks grow larger, allowing more water to seep in; the cycle repeats until you have loose bricks, mortar joints, and cracked chimney caps. Summer is the perfect time for professional chimney contractors to identify problem areas early and repair them before the next season and mitigate the damage, staving off expensive repairs down the road.

Easier Repairs

Another reason summer is an excellent time for chimney repairs is that mortar and other masonry materials require a specific temperature for effective repairs, and summer provides the ideal conditions. If you wait until late fall or early winter to schedule a chimney inspection, you may find significant issues that must wait until next year before you can get them resolved, and by then, they may be worse and more expensive to deal with. Or, you may find that if you wait until late fall or early winter to do your repairs, the weather may not cooperate, and it may cause significant delays in getting the repairs finished in time before the winter season arrives.

More Effective Inspection

Getting your chimney inspected every year is crucial to its safe operation and summer makes it easier for your chimney professionals to detect minor issues and effect repairs before they escalate. The warm weather and longer daylight allow them ample time to give you a thorough safety and performance inspection without having to rush.

Perfect Time For Waterproofing

Remember how we said that winter weather is extremely harsh on your chimney and how the wet weather wreaks havoc? Well, there’s something you can do to guard against that and it’s waterproofing. There are various water sealants on the market to protect your chimney from water and weather damage, and summer is the best time to apply them.

Easier Scheduling

If we’re being honest, most homeowners with a fireplace and chimney put off cleaning, inspection, and maintenance until the last minute, which is typically right when winter starts, and they’re ready to begin using their fireplaces to heat their homes. This means that chimney service companies become inundated with appointments, so it can be difficult to schedule service when you need it. It’s not unheard of for chimney contractors to become booked solid as fall turns to winter, so getting your work done and out of the way during summer allows you to beat the rush.

Peace of Mind

Finally, getting your chimney cleaning, inspection, and repair out of the way in summer allows you to check one chore off your list and gives you peace of mind knowing that your fireplace is ready and safe to operate once the temperatures drop.

Best Chimney Service in Kansas

If you’re looking for the best company in Kansas for chimney repair, maintenance, and inspection, look no further than Flues Brothers Chimney and Fireplace. What sets us apart from other service providers is our commitment to training and certification. Many businesses in this industry don’t take the time to get certified and undergo the required training for safety, but we do.

The post Why Summer is The Best Time For Chimney Repairs appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

Whether you are thinking about putting a new gas fireplace into your current home, or you are considering converting from wood to gas, you may be wondering “Does a gas fireplace need a chimney?” At Best Chimney Services, we often receive this question. Today, we’ll dive into the way gas fireplaces need to be set up to answer your chimney questions.

Why People Are Choosing Gas Over Wood

Gas fireplaces are making a comeback! There are a variety of reasons why more and more people are choosing gas. For one thing, although you can heat with firewood or gas, gas insert fireplaces are more efficient. They burn 75%-99% of fuel energy into heat. Wood, on the other hand, only converts 10%-30% of fuel energy into heat. In addition, gas fireplaces are easier than wood to start, use and maintain and you can control their heat output. Check out the blog that we wrote for people who are thinking of converting from wood to gas for more reasons why people are choosing gas over wood.

Does A Gas Fireplace Need a Chimney?

The answer is, “it depends.” In most cases, gas fireplaces need a chimney, but there are certain types of units that are directly vented out the side of the house instead of vertically up the chimney.

When Do Gas Fireplaces Need a Chimney

If you choose a log set, an open prefabricated gas fireplace or certain gas inserts, they will require a chimney vent.  These units are either installed into your existing masonry fireplace with a sleeve installed in the flue for venting or a new steel chimney stack can be installed for venting, which is normally done for new builds or additions and framed out during the construction process.

With any of these options, gas lines will need to be run in advance and possibly electrical for the blower.

When Gas Fireplaces Do Not Need a Chimney

Some gas inserts and most stand alone enclosed gas fireplaces do not need a chimney.  These fireplaces will still need a vent for exhaust and fresh air intake similar to a chimney vented unit, but will be vented horizontally and out the side of the home instead of the chimney.  This is a great option for those without usable flue space.

Additionally, there are vent-free (or ventless) fireplace options available that do not require the chimney for venting. Some of these units have safety measures that will automatically shut down the unit if the oxygen levels in the room fall below a safe level. Despite this, these types of fireplaces have been banned in some areas of the United States because of safety concerns.

The post Does A Gas Fireplace Need A Chimney? appeared first on Boston’s Best Chimney.