Any chimney owner knows that it is necessary to maintain a chimney to keep it in proper working order. Many want to know, however,  what that entails to ensure that their chimney is getting the attention and care that it needs.

Now, we’ll discuss when you should sweep your chimney, how the chimney cleaning process works, and whether or not you should clean your own chimney.

When Can My Chimney Be Cleaned

You can have your chimney cleaned during any time of the year. Certain problems are more likely to arise during each season, but whether it is the spring, fall, winter, or summer, getting a chimney sweep is possible. We recommend having your chimney inspected annually to see if it needs sweeping, so if you suspect an issue with your chimney or if it has been more than one year, be sure to schedule an appointment.

How to Clean a Chimney

Below are the steps that our team of professionals take when cleaning chimneys.

1. Set up drop cloths and an industrial vacuum to keep your house clean
2. Visually inspect the chimney with a light to assess for sweeping
3. Attach the appropriate sized brush head to rod and insert into flue; adding rods as needed to reach the peak.
4. Hand brush the smoke chamber and firebox

Keep in mind, chimney sweeps are highly trained and have the proper tools to clean chimneys to keep them in safe, working order.

Should You Clean Your Own Chimney?

It is always best to leave chimney cleaning to a professional. In between chimney sweeps, soot and creosote builds up within your chimney. A professional will know how to clean even challenging places and potentially identify other problem areas during the process. If you hire a CSIA Certified chimney sweep, you can have the peace of mind that they are highly trained, have passed a difficult exam to become certified, and follow a strict code of ethics. Without a chimney cleaning or with an incomplete cleaning, your home will be at higher risk for chimney fires and soot and smoke can enter your home.

The post How to Clean a Chimney appeared first on Boston’s Best Chimney.

Having a gas fireplace turns your ho-hum living area into a warm and inviting space, even on chilly nights. In comparison to the wood-burning fireplaces, the gas-powered ones are easy and convenient to use. You do not require logs and kindling light. You just have to press a button or flip the switch so you can start getting cozy in front of the fire. When you want to finally extinguish the fire, you just have to turn it off.

Like any other appliances in your home that reduces heat, there are some safety considerations to remember when you are using a gas fireplace. Aside from talking to a chimney inspection service, here are tips you can follow to make sure that you are safe.

You Should Never Leave the Fireplace Unsupervised

You are going to get the most use and enjoyment of the fireplace of your home while you are in the same room. Gas fireplaces and the glass protecting them can feel hot when you touch it. That means you or an adult should help in keeping pets or kids away from the fireplace so that they will not burn themselves. You also want to make sure that nothing flammable like books, toys, or blankets are left too close to the fireplace.

If your fireplace is in the bedroom or you use the living room as the guest room sometimes, consider if it is safe to sleep while the fireplace is on? In general, you should turn the fireplace off while you sleep.

Have the Fireplace and Chimney Inspected

Ask a professional to clean and inspect your fireplace, as well as your chimney every year before you start using it during the season. If you use a wood or gas fireplace, you should open the chimney flue before starting the fire to allow fresh air to feed into the flames and allow the smoke to escape. You can close the flue after the fire pit has been put out.

You should keep the surrounding area of the fireplace free from all flammable objects. You should be extra cautious during the holidays. Keep decorations and stockings at a safe distance so that they will not catch fire and you should not use your fireplace to burn anything. Paper and pine burn intensely and they can lead to a chimney or roof fire.

Detectors of Carbon Monoxide

Do you have detectors for carbon monoxide that are installed in your entire home? If not, you must install them before you use the fireplace again. Carbon monoxide does not have any odor, it is tasteless, and scentless which can kill you if you inhale it. This is released by gas-powered fireplaces and appliances, but it should normally get dispersed outside. If your chimney has an obstruction, carbon monoxide can accumulate in your home.

Keep Children Away from it

You should teach your kids fireplace safety as early as possible. While they are young, you should already talk to your children regarding the risks of fire and explain the importance of why they should keep their distance. If you are unsure about how to tell your child about burns and injuries a fire could cause, talk to your family pediatrician. They will be able to give you pointers on how you can communicate how serious the situation is without causing trauma or excessive fear.

Make it a rule at home that children should not be in the same room as a burning fire unless there is an adult to supervise them.

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

We all know what tuckpointing is all about. You can check your brick or stone home at anytime searching for missing mortar. That’s fairly easy. However, how often do you check the chimney, the highest point on your home? With the chimney braving all of the Chicago elements such as rain, high wind, hail, snow, heat, frigid temperatures, are you aware of the condition of the chimney tuckpointing? No worries, most homeowners are not.

What is the Art of Chimney Tuckpointing?

Tuckpointing is replacing mortar that has deteriorated, cracked, or fallen out leaving gaps between bricks, blocks or stone. The mortar is a porous material that binds the bricks or stones together, filling in areas for a solid surface.

Why Do We Call it the Art of Chimney Tuckpointing? 

A picture can tell it all, and here it does. Do you see how the mortar is messy, spilling over the bricks? This doesn’t make it better or more durable and stable to stuff the bricks with mortar. The key is to ensure the right amount of mortar is in between the brick for a smooth and consistent mortar.

However, this is what happens many times when the homeowner tries the chimney tuckpointing project. It looks easy. Any sport or construction trade that looks easy is because that person has the talent for the task at hand.

We’ve had homeowner’s comment to us on how easy the technician makes it looks. It’s always the right mix, right amount of mortar and the lines are always perfect. Not to mention, how fast they can build the chimney!

How do You Know if Your Chimney Needs Tuckpointing?

Let’s take a look at a the top 3 indicators for a chimney tuckpointing project.

1. Cracking: As the mortar begins the weaken, cracks begin to show up. It usually means that the integrity of the structure is beginning to fail or failing. If you find cracks at the top or bottom of the brick or stone, or if the brick is separating from the mortar, attention to the chimney is needed.
2. Flaking: Flaking is when small pieces of the mortar break off and fall to the ground. This is a true sign that the chimney is unsafe to be used and be around. Remember, it is the mortar that holds it all together. If pieces are flaking off, the entire chimney is unstable and needs to be repaired right away.
3. Discoloration: If you notice some of the mortar is one color, and another area is another, this can be a sign of deterioration/saturation. If you know that someone wasn’t up there patching it up with a different color mortar, then you can safely say the cause of the discoloration is from deterioration.

Benefits of Chimney Tuckpointing

As mortar and bricks wear out over time, it’s important to remember that your chimney is working hard for you up on the rooftop. By taking care of the chimney, it will take good care of you. With a chimney repair by Superior Chimney, you’ll experience the following benefits:

• Save on Future Repairs: By keeping the mortar intact, you’ll be able to keep water from leaking into the home and creating chaos. You’ll also prevent corrosion or weathering which means you’ll be saving on major renovations.
• Stability of the Chimney: By keeping the mortar strong, the stone or bricks won’t get the leaners. Have you ever passed a home and you notice that the chimney is leaning to one side? It’s only a matter of time before the chimney falls. Let’s hope nobody is at the receiving end of it below.

Chimney tuckpointing keeps the structure stable and secure, which is exactly what you want…and need when you use your fireplace. Some of your appliances may be using the chimney as well. Keep it in good condition.

• Chimney Saver: this is a very important product to install once your chimney has been repaired. This is a water resistant or waterproofing application that is strayed directly onto the bricks / stone and mortar. It helps prevent flaking, slows down deterioration and prevents water from absorbing into the mortar and bricks.

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

Atlanta’s housing market boasts countless historic homes with unrivaled southern charm. Most of these homes are located in Atlanta’s most popular and fastest-growing neighborhoods. Most hopeful buyers know that purchasing a historic home has unique obstacles and is often filled with the unexpected. Owning a historic home can be incredibly rewarding if you are willing to take on the challenges. It is most common to first look at the home’s interior and consider what to expect, so let’s take it outside and look at what to expect from a historic chimney.

No Chimney Flue Liner

Chimney flue liners are an extremely important component of the chimney as they keep toxic gas, heat, and creosote inside the flue and outside of your home. Flue liners were not required by code until 1927, so most homes built prior to the requirement do not have chimney flue liners. Since flue liners are so important, this is something that must be addressed by a professional early on with a historic chimney. There are various factors involved in determining the correct type of flue liner to use and how to install, so it is definitely a project to leave to the professionals.

Structural Damages

The structure of historic chimneys is composed of old weathered brick and mortar, which usually cracks and decays over time. There are often loose and deteriorated bricks which are called “spalling.” Spalling causes the chimney to lean and possibly collapse. Few historic homeowners realize the extent their chimney might need restoration and how time-sensitive it might be to complete. Structural repairs are the most important, but there is often a lot of work required to bring a chimney up to current codes as well as cosmetic issues to address. It is important to have a professional inspection completed to address the structural problems, code adherence, and cosmetic issues. A professional chimney inspection can help you get ahead of masonry damage and avoid a full rebuild.

Excess Creosote

Creosote forms every time you use your fireplace, and if not consistently cleaned, buildup occurs, causing a fire hazard. This solid, flakey, or sticky substance naturally builds up in your flue over time. Historic chimneys often host excessive creosote buildup due to the age of the structure and lack of a chimney flue. It is not a simple task to carefully remove the excess buildup and not harm the historic integrity of the chimney. The process is detailed and tedious to remove the buildup and maintain the chimney structure.

Decorative Structural Interior Pieces

Historic homes often have built-in wooden bookshelves, cabinetry, or wood trim next to the chimney. These features might be beautiful, but they are a fire hazard and against current code. It is understandable that homeowners want to preserve the historic decorative elements of the home without compromising their safety, but it is a challenging task to do so. However, adjustments can be made to the chimney structure to accommodate for these historic decorative elements and allow them to remain in place. It is truly a rewarding project for our professionals to make your chimney safe while maintaining the characteristics provided by the decorative structural interior pieces.

Historic chimneys require a lot of detailed work but are one of our favorite projects. We would love to get yours up to current code while maintaining its unique character. Give us a call today to schedule a visit from one of our professionals.

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

The kitchen is the heart of every home, and regardless if you set up a new kitchen or have a loved one, a great factor a person should overlook is to include and choose the best kitchen chimney.

Especially today, since health and safety are of extreme importance, a chimney is now absolutely necessary. Cooking has now evolved from being fun to the creation of several kitchen appliances that are helpful in making cooking more enjoyable and efficient. Today, kitchen appliances are not only tools for cooking but they are necessary for all tasks in the kitchen.

Do not worry because there are now kitchen contractors that you can call every time you need a chimney sweep.

Your Home Stays Smoke-free Since it Absorbs all the Fumes

The most important and basic function of a chimney continues to suck the smoke and fumes that arise while cooking. This will prevent the smoke from escaping and going into a sitting room and choke the people around subsequently. This is one of the main features of an affordable kitchen chimney and an advanced kitchen chimney as well.

No More Unpleasant Smell

In case the modular kitchen is linked to your living area. You should put it inside the kitchen to make sure that the food scent will not disturb your guests. Chimney will help in eliminating air odors present in the air and make sure that the smell of food cooked and vegetables do not spread outside your kitchen.

Cooking Becomes More Comfortable

The most crucial benefit of using your kitchen hood is that it sucks heat in or steam that will come out of cooking utensils, which prevents them from going onto your face. This does not only make cooking comfortable as well.

Aside from that, a kitchen chimney will suck in the aroma and food vapor of food being cooked, which prevents coughing, and sneezing, and keeps the house free from odors.

Keeps Your Kitchen Safe and Protected

It keeps your kitchen tiles safe and protected. Today kitchen chimneys are demanded, because of their certain advantage, which is offered to owners. An electric chimney is going to protect your kitchen tiles or granite, and everything else that is present in your kitchen from grease and fumes that come out while you cook. People who do not have this kitchen appliance is going to agree to the fact that the fumes will stick to the kitchen walls and tiles, making them sticky and making it darkened if you do not take proper precaution. Even a kitchen that is newly furnished is going to start looking dingy and old if you do not install a chimney in your kitchen right away.

The Walls are Kept Oil-Free

Many cooking recipes are normally oily and involve a lot of frying. Are you aware that the fumes arising from the cooking will also contain oil particles that lead to grime formation? A chimney normally sucks in all the oil and prevents it from going to the walls, so it maintains décor longevity and cleanliness. This also means lesser kitchen cleaning.

Aesthetic Appeal

Aside from the advantages given about the kitchen Chimneys, they will also make your kitchen look beautiful and appealing to your aesthetic preferences. Your kitchen’s look and feel of your kitchen are going to drastically change after the modular kitchen chimney installation.

Adds Style Quotient

When you spend a lot of money to keep your home looking good, you should never compromise with your kitchen. A kitchen chimney is good-looking, adding style.

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

The mention of a chimney sweep probably brings to mind one very specific image for most people familiar with pop culture. We’d venture a guess that you’re likely picturing Dick Van Dyke in his role as Bert in Mary Poppins. Fun imagery aside, a chimney cleaning by a professional technician from Northeastern Chimney is imperative to its proper care and operation. The four signs you need a chimney sweep are odors, changing seasons, the quality of your fire, and visual clues.

First, let’s talk about odors

If you notice a smell coming from your chimney, it’s a sure sign that it’s time to schedule a chimney sweep. Odor can be caused by creosote, a sticky tar-like substance that can be extremely dangerous when allowed to build up. If the smell is acidic or bitter, a layer of creosote buildup may be to blame.

Another cause of odor is trapped debris or the presence of animals or insects. When you don’t have a chimney cap installed (or it is damaged), things can find their way into your chimney. They then decompose, make their nest, or block the exit of smoke and gases. These can all lead to pungent odors as well. A chimney sweep is the best way to remove the source of the odor.

The four seasons

If everything seems fine from the outside and it hasn’t been used for a while, then you can probably skip your chimney cleaning, right? Wrong! Ideally, you should schedule a chimney sweep once or twice a year, depending on how frequently you’ve used it.

When your chimney goes unused for a season or two, animals can take up residence inside (as we mentioned in the previous section). Other things, like leaves and debris, can be blown in and get stuck, forming a block that you wouldn’t discover until your next fire.

Additionally, if you’ve recently bought your home and don’t know when it was last swept, schedule an appointment for cleaning. Proactive maintenance is a necessary step and scheduling a regular chimney sweep will help ensure you catch potential problems early.

Changes in fire quality

Occasionally, you might notice a change in the quality of your burn. Your fires may burn less efficiently, or you may notice a larger amount of smoke. This can be due to a problem with your damper (the piece of your chimney that regulates airflow). Dampers should be open when you’re using your fireplace and closed otherwise. If your damper won’t fully open or fully close, it can lead to a significant decrease in fire quality.

A chimney sweep will be able to identify the source of this problem.

Visual clues

Changes in fire quality can also be caused by too much creosote buildup inside the flue. Creosote is dangerous, both leading to blockages and potential fires. If you’re able to visually see creosote buildup forming, it needs to be removed before continued use of your fireplace.

Schedule a sweep as soon as possible!

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

Schedule your maintenance and upgrades now

Most homeowners don’t use or even think about their fireplaces during the summer, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore your chimney. In fact, this is the best time to invest in chimney maintenance and upgrades and ensure your system is ready for cooler weather.

We encourage you to book your fireplace, chimney, and masonry work now. When you wait until Fall, there is a 6-8 week wait to get an appointment.

Now IS the time to think about safety and upgrades!

The following guide offers a few tips for taking care of your chimney and utilizing new trends this summer.

1. Schedule an Inspection

Over the winter, creosote can build up on the chimney walls. This by-product of combustion is highly flammable and can start fires with just a spark. Squirrels, birds, and other critters may also see your chimney as a safe nesting spot. A professional inspector can identify these potential issues, clean out obstructions and hazardous materials, and ensure the damper works correctly.

3. Keep the Damper Closed

The damper closes off the opening to the flue, essentially operating as a seal to access to the outside. Keeping it closed when the fireplace isn’t in use will prevent cool air from escaping through the chimney. As a result, this tactic will help lower your summer cooling costs.

4. Have the Fireplace Cleaned

The fireplace can hold onto the smell of soot and smoke, especially during the middle of the summer when humidity is high. The firebox interior may also harbor creosote, which poses a hazard when you start using the fireplace again. If you notice excessive ash and dust, it’s best to reach out to the professionals for chimney cleaning service.

4. Check the Chimney Cap

The chimney cap is a crucial component that keeps out wildlife and prevents floating embers from landing on your roof. During a chimney maintenance inspection, have the technician check the cap for signs of damage. If your chimney isn’t capped, have a professional install one before the fall.

5. Schedule your masonry now in the off season to ensure your repairs are completed in time

The freeze/thaw cycle on exterior masonry can wreak havoc on your chimney, but did you know you cannot do the repairs needed year-round?  Temperatures need to be consistently above freezing for curing – this includes overnight temps, as well.  Early summer is the best time to get your project in queue before fall and cooler weather rolls around.

Interesting in upgrades?

There’s no denying that fireplaces add that extra something to a space – but what’s trending for the upcoming season that can enhance your space and efficiency?

1. Facade and Fireplace Surround Stone Replacement
2. New venting for higher efficiency boilers
3. Fireplace Inserts for lower heating costs and heat circulation

We are able to address your chimney, fireplace and masonry needs!

The post How Can You Maintain a Chimney Over the Summer? appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Your fireplace and chimney probably sit idle during the summer months, so that means there’s nothing to worry about, right? Well, not quite. You see, it’s not uncommon for your chimney to suffer issues during the off-season that can affect its performance and your safety once winter arrives. In this article, we look at what can happen to your chimney during summer, so you can fix it and be safe when you fire it up on that first cold day.

Material Damage

Significant chimney damage is easy to spot but often expensive to repair, so it’s in your best interest to address minor issues before they escalate. Early signs of chimney damage include cracks in the brick or mortar, which allow water to seep in, freeze and expand during winter, and cause the damage to worsen. Summer gives you an excellent opportunity to call a professional for a chimney inspection, so you can identify potential problems and fix them before winter.

Foul Odors

Another issue many homeowners encounter is foul odors coming from the chimney. Once summer arrives and the temperatures heat up, it causes odors to flow more freely into the house. If your chimney has excessive soot and creosote buildup, or perhaps a rodent has gotten stuck inside and died, you might notice a significant stink coming from your chimney.

Excessive Creosote

People who rely heavily on their fireplaces during winter must deal with the byproducts of burning wood, one of the most dangerous is creosote. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, “Creosote is formed when volatile gases given off in the burning process combine and condense on their way out of the chimney. Creosote hardens inside chimneys and if it builds up, can clog up.” What makes creosote so dangerous is that it’s highly flammable, and most chimney fires are caused by dirty chimneys.

Storm Damage

One never knows what Mother Nature has in store; sometimes, she likes to remind us who’s boss, sending extreme weather with high winds, lightning, and rain. These weather conditions can wreak havoc on your chimney, not only damaging the bricks and mortar joints, but the flashing, cap, and other vital components. Damaged chimney components allow water to get into the structure, leading to deterioration that may require expensive repairs or a chimney rebuild.

Schedule Chimney Cleaning & Inspection Early

Most homeowners schedule their chimney cleaning, maintenance, and inspection during the fall. However, we recommend doing it in the spring or early summer because chimney sweeps are in high demand just before winter, so it can be a challenge to schedule an appointment.

Another reason to schedule maintenance and cleaning as early as possible is so you have ample time to repair any damage or address any issues found before winter. If your chimney service detects a major problem, you can more easily schedule repairs before they get booked up  during the fall and early winter. Everyone is busy during summer with vacations and shuffling the kids from one activity to another, so it’s easy to put off chimney cleaning until it’s too late and you’re ready to light that fire on that first chilly fall evening.

The post Common Chimney Issues During Summer appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

Winter is not the same if you do not have a warm fire where you can gather around on cold nights, which is the reason why homeowners want to have a fireplace. While the fireplace can be the centerpiece of your home, there is a huge possibility that you do not spend a lot of time contemplating your chimney. If you do not give it regular maintenance and care, a chimney that is hazardous and damaged might be hovering above your fireplace. You should be able to increase your chimney’s lifespan.

Aside from a chimney sweep, there are other ways you can increase the lifespan of your chimney. You can read this article until the end to find out more.

Use Hardwoods

Since prepared woods such as maple, oak, birch, and debris produce less sap compared to milder woods, they are going to consume a high temperature for a longer period because they are thick. Other good hardwoods to look for include Boxwood, Iron bark, and Brown Peppermint wood.

Regular Maintenance

Similar to a lot of other expensive parts of your life and homes, such as your roof, your vehicle, and your furnace, chimneys last longer and work best when you give them regular maintenance. Preventive maintenance removes the build-up of creosote over time, and it can identify repairs that you need to make before any serious damage can happen. Some issues have the possibility to make the chimney unusable in case they are not fixed in a timely manner.

Waterproof Your Chimney

Among the biggest culprits of chimney damage and failure come water damage. If water gets into the masonry, mortar, or bricks, it will degrade the material and the chimney’s structural integrity. Chimney caps can be a way to prevent water from going inside the chimney structure, but waterproofing also protects the exterior. If you waterproof your chimney, it can stop water from penetrating any bricks and deflects water from the exterior of your chimney.

Routine Glass Cleaning

If your chimney is cutting edge, it can have an air wash framework that will clean the glass. However, in case you have a more seasoned oven, you might have to clean to routinely clean the glass. You can buy expert cleaning liquids or you can take the old course and use paper that has been splashed with malt vinegar.

Chimney Cap

A chimney cap installation is among the most effective ways to preserve your chimney. This is helpful in keeping animals out, as well as water and debris. It is also a great idea to pay for a stainless-steel cap to prevent any rusting. When you prevent things from getting into your chimney, you can prolong the lifespan of your chimney.

Chimney Liner Replacement

Chimney flue liner cracks cause carbon monoxide leaks inside your home and it can cause a lot of bad health issues. A lot of older chimneys are not built-in with chimney liners, which can increase the risk even more. If your chimney does not have a liner, or yours is damaged and old, you must replace it to add more years to your chimney’s lifespan.

Daily Ashpan Cleaning

If you allow debris to develop in the ashpan, it can cause distortion and harm to the mesh so you can try to clear the debris each time after you light the fire.

Stack Cleaning

It would be smart to clear your stack once a year to clean any creosote or ash development. Having a messy pile can ignite a smokestack fire, which causes hazards.

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

A chimney’s flashing is an important component to the chimney system.  When it fails, leaks can happen causing water damage to the structure below.  In the event that your chimney flashing needs to be repaired or replaced, it is best to hire a professional to take care of the job.

What Is Chimney Flashing?

It bridges the roof with the bricks of the chimney. It is usually made of steel, lead, aluminum, or copper. The job of flashing is to prevent water from entering your chimney, roof and home. For that reason, it is usually apparent that chimney flashing needs to be repaired or replaced when water issues occur. Some common warning signs include water droplets inside of the chimney, condensation within the firebox, musty smells coming from the chimney, and water stains on the walls near your chimney. Check out our blog on chimney flashing repairs and replacements to learn more!

Why Hire a Professional to Flash Your Chimney

When you are experiencing chimney flashing warning signs, do not resort to DIY. Call a professional! A professional will confidently diagnose what is going on. Though moisture issues are often due to flashing problems, there are a suite of other chimney problems that can cause water issues. Also, if flashing is the issue, a team of professionals will be able to evaluate the extent of the damage to determine if it needs to be repaired or replaced.

When it comes to chimney flashing installation, there is no room for uncertainty. If you are trying to take care of this job without professional training, you are bound to make mistakes, which can lead to leakage in the future. Plus, why not leave climbing on your roof, a potentially dangerous endeavor, to professionals?

Signs Your Flashing Needs Repair

1. There are water stains on the walls or ceiling near the chimney
2. Water observed on chimney in attic
3. Musty smell coming from the fireplace
4. The chimney in attic is crumbling

Though the basic steps appear straightforward, perfect measurements and installation by a professional are essential to the effectiveness of your chimney flashing!

The post Why Chimney Flashing is Important appeared first on Boston’s Best Chimney.