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What Goes into a Chimney Tuckpointing Project?

What Goes into a Chimney Tuckpointing Project? by Superior Chimney, Lombard, IL

Chimney tuckpointing is a great way to protect your home while giving it a clean, beautiful appearance. Sooner than later…brick or stone chimneys will need joints repaired and gaps filled where mortar has deteriorated or weakened with cracks and/or holes. Getting the highest point of your home repaired and maintained is important in order to protect the interior of your home.

Chimney Tuckpointing

Chimney tuckpointing is a specialty that requires a skilled professional to complete the task. If it looks easy when he’s doing the job, don’t be fooled. There are a lot of people who thought it was easy, and you get something that looks like this. (see picture)

There are some DIY jobs around the house that are not recommended, and this is certainly one of them. If you’ve never attempted tuckpointing and if you’ve never tried matching the mortar colors, it’s best to leave it to a professional from Superior Chimney. Why? Because the joints need to be accurate and precise and the mortar needs to be prepared properly. Too many mistakes can be made without the expertise.

Size of the Chimney

Chimney’s come in all sizes and shapes. Chimney tuckpointing will go from the top of the chimney all the way down to the base. This means that the flashing may need special attention. You want to be sure that the weather elements remain in front of the flashing and not behind. Directing the elements away from the chimney is the best way to keep moisture from entering your home.

Repairing the Chimney

When Superior Chimney comes to your home to evaluate the chimney tuckpointing project, the technician will take pictures and explain the work that needs to be done. If the chimney has gone a long time and is in disrepair, the technician will show you why.

Remember, this is an important investment in your home. The chimney acts more than just a place for the smoke to leave your home, it may also be connected to your water and air heating appliances. The chimney is an important element to the infrastructure of your home.

Materials

Chimney tuckpointing requires materials to be used. As you begin the project, the technician will assess mortar color and finish. Most homeowners would like the mortar to match the rest of the home. Our staff works to get as close to the color to match the existing mortar as possible. Now if you want to have some fun, you certainly can choose another color and have your chimney be a focal point to your home. Your choice!

Let’s not forget the brick or stone. If needed, we’ll help you to learn how to match the new bricks to the current color bricks or stone on your home.

One material you definitely want on your restored chimney is Chimney Saver. It’s a great waterproofing material that seals the weather elements out and ensures the integrity of the repairs remain intact. The benefits far outweigh the investment. Chimney Saver will minimize the amount of deterioration on the bricks as well as the masonry work. It will prevent water absorbing into both the porous bricks and masonry. Finally, it’s a great way to stave off future chimney tuckpointing repair.

Let’s Get Your Chimney Checked Out Time to get started. Give us a call at 877-244-6349 to set up an appointment. We’re here to get your chimney evaluated so you can keep the inside of your home dry and safe.


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

Throat Dampers vs. Top-Mount Dampers

One of the most important components of your chimney is the damper. The damper is a flap that can open and close as needed. When you are using your fireplace, you can open the damper to let smoke and air out. When you are not using the fireplace, you can close the damper to keep warm air inside. Dampers also have the added benefit of keeping debris and wildlife out of your chimney.

There are two common types of dampers to be aware of – throat dampers and top-mount dampers. It’s important to understand what type of damper your chimney has and how it works. Let’s take a look at these two types of dampers and the pros and cons of each.

Chimney Services Granby, CTThroat Damper

Throat dampers are located at the base of the chimney where it meets the fireplace. These dampers are most common in older chimneys, but you can sometimes find them in new homes as well. The advantage of throat dampers is that they can keep your house very warm. This is because it keeps cold air from the chimney from the fireplace.

However, there are many downsides to using throat dampers that are important to be aware of. Throat dampers are very difficult to replace once they break. They can also be very expensive to keep in good condition, as they require frequent repairs. Although they do keep your house warm, they are not as energy-efficient as top-mount dampers. Additionally, throat dampers do not prevent debris or wildlife from getting into your chimney. Some newer throat dampers are inflatable, which also means that they are very easy to puncture.

Top-Mount Damper

The alternative to a throat damper is a top-mount damper. Top-mount dampers are located on top of the chimney rather than at the base near the fireplace. Many chimney professionals will install a top-mount damper as a replacement for an old throat damper. There are many advantages to installing a top-mount damper over a throat damper.

chimney cap install

The biggest advantage of using a top-mount damper is that they are very energy efficient. These dampers usually have an air-tight seal, which is very effective at keeping warm air in and cold air out. They can also function as a chimney cap if you don’t already have one, keeping excess water and debris out. They also make it much harder for birds and other wildlife to make their way inside. Top-mount dampers are more expensive up front than throat dampers, but they usually last longer and require fewer repairs.

As a homeowner, it’s important to understand what type of damper you have and how it works. Ideally, you should be scheduling chimney inspections at least once per year. These inspections can identify problems with your damper and other parts of your chimney and offer recommendations for appropriate repairs. If you need professional chimney services in Connecticut, Northeastern Chimney can help. Give us a call at (860)-233-5770 or contact us online to schedule an appointment today!

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

Signs of a Trustworthy Chimney Sweep

No matter who you have working on your house, they need to be reputable and trustworthy. The same is true for who you partner with for your chimney needs. Here are six signs you’ve partnered with a trustworthy chimney sweep company.

Hire a Chimney Sweep Canton, CTThey continually train their staff

Continuing education is vitally important to understanding how to sweep a chimney and repair any problems. All Northeastern Chimney team members receive ongoing training to ensure that we can provide our customers with solutions that meet their needs and the highest possible quality service. As technology changes in this industry, we believe it’s important that our technicians fully grasp how to use those new tools.

They have long-standing experience in the industry

Everyone has to start somewhere. When a new business owner launches a chimney sweep business, they should already have many years in the business prior to starting their company. Because fireplace repairs can have significant consequences for your home, technicians need to be both skilled and experienced. A fly-by-night startup firm may eventually prove themselves, though you will want to be extremely cautious before signing on the dotted line when they’re in the early stages of their business.

They present themselves professionally

When we say present themselves professionally, we’re not referring to suits and ties. After all, sweeping a chimney is a relatively dirty business. However, we expect all Northeastern Chimney employees to be kind, courteous, and respectful of every customer we serve.

External websites speak highly of their services

With digital marketing now more prevalent than traditional forms of advertising, customers can do their own research before making a purchase decision. Those in the trades, such as a chimney sweep firm, are no different. Google and Facebook are great places to read unfiltered and honest reviews from past customers. There you can also see how the company responds to criticism or any customer service complaints.

They’re fully insured against accidents

Business insurance protecting against liabilities and accidents is absolutely vital. If there are any unexpected issues, those insurance coverages will protect both you and the business. If they don’t have valid insurance, stay clear of them. However, if they have full coverage, it’s a sign you’ve partnered with a trustworthy chimney sweep.

They provide references without hesitation

Most companies who have been in business for a while can provide some kind of proof of prior services performed. They should be able to give you a couple of names that you can call for a reference. If they hesitate, it’s a red flag to take note of.

Chimney Sweep Services, New Britain, CTWe are Connecticut’s premier and trustworthy chimney sweep company

For nearly 30 years, we’ve been serving Connecticut with chimney-related services, ranging from repairs to sweeps to inspections and more. We embrace each of these characteristics, including the importance of ongoing training, professionalism, and treating each customer with the utmost respect. If it’s time to schedule your next Chimney sweep, contact the team here at Northeastern Chimney, LLC by phone, 860-233-5770, or via our website.

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

Benefits of Annual Chimney Inspections

It is the time of year when Overland Park, KS, families are enjoying the warmth of the glowing flames from their gas or wood-burning fireplace. However, many homeowners may not realize that creosote, small animals, debris, and undetected masonry & brick damage may be reducing the efficiency and safety of the chimney, which can be unknowingly putting them at risk. These five benefits of annual chimney inspections illustrate why they are so critical for homeowners throughout the Greater Kansas City region.

masonry damage chimney inspection, Olathe KS

Early Detection of Masonry Damage

While masonry chimneys are durable structures that can last for decades, their porous materials are susceptible to damage due to weather and environmental conditions. Since brick or stone chimneys typically deteriorate slowly, it is often difficult for homeowners to spot early signs of masonry damage until more severe problems like spalling brick, a rusted damper, or worn flashing cause noticeable damage. Also, masonry damage reduces the efficiency of your fireplace and increases the risk of fire and exposure to harmful contaminants like carbon monoxide. Ignoring it can also lead to a partial or complete structural collapse. With annual chimney inspections and routine maintenance, you can minimize repairs and prolong the lifespan of your chimney, fireplace, and other attached heating appliances.

Spot Obstructions Before It Becomes a Health Hazard

For your fireplace and chimney to operate safely, emissions from the burning of wood or gas fuels must be able to exit the flue at the top of the stack. However, leaves, small animals, creosote, and debris can block the duct, restricting the venting of harmful fumes. As the blockage becomes more severe, it becomes more dangerous. It can eventually cause a sudden backdraft that pushes smoke, dust, hot embers, and toxic carbon monoxide fumes out of the fireplace into your living room. In addition to having a messy cleanup, the burning embers can burn your skin. Also, the smoke and fumes can irritate your throat and lungs, making breathing more difficult and even causing respiratory issues in some individuals.

Minimizes Fire Risk from Creosote Build-Up

A Certified Chimney Professional® checks for creosote build-up in the chimney and fireplace during an annual chimney inspection. Creosote is a naturally produced byproduct of burning wood that builds up inside the chimney every time you light the fireplace. Without regular chimney sweeping, creosote hardens into a dark, crusty, and highly flammable material that is very difficult to remove without professional assistance. Creosote build-up in the chimney is the number one cause of chimney and house fires. Just recently, a Kansas City, MO family was awoken in the middle of the night in sub-freezing conditions when a fire started in the chimney. Fortunately, family members and pets evacuated safely, and the KCFD quickly brought the fire under control, preventing more structural damage to the home.

Checks the Condition of Your Flue Liner

The flue liner, which is typically clay tile, metal, or concrete, is designed to protect the masonry from the intense heat of the gas or wood-burning fireplace so it doesn’t spread to combustible building materials like the attic, roof, or framing. However, when the flue liner is not inspected annually, deterioration from normal wear and tear, water leaks, gas residue, and undetected chimney fires can reduce its effectiveness, which increases the risk of fire and exposure to harmful contaminants in your home.

Ensures Attached Heating Appliances Are Safe to Operate

An annual chimney inspection is a quick, efficient, and affordable way to ensure your chimney, vents, and attached heating appliances like your fireplace, heating stove, or furnace are safe to operate. The National Fireplace Protection Association (NFPA), the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), and fire safety experts recommend annual chimney inspections.

chimney fireplace inspection fluesbrothers, Overland Park KS

Chimney Inspections in Kansas City

The Certified Chimney Professionals at Fluesbrothers provide all three levels of chimney inspections in communities throughout the KCK/KCMO area. Call 913-236-7141 or contact us online to schedule your annual chimney inspection today!

The post Benefits of Annual Chimney Inspections appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

How To Increase Fireplace Efficiency

Not only can fireplaces look beautiful, but they can also be an excellent source of warmth during the winter. Whether you have a gas fireplace or a wood-burning fireplace – if you are using your fireplace for warmth – it’s important to make sure it’s running as efficiently as possible. Here are things you can do to prevent heat from escaping from your fireplace and keep it running efficiently.

use the right firewood to increase fireplace efficiency, West Hartford CT

Use The Right Firewood

If you have a traditional wood-burning fireplace, it’s important to be mindful of the type of wood you are using.

Dry wood burns much more efficiently than freshly cut wood because of its low moisture content. Seasoned wood that has been cut at least one year ago is going to give you the best possible burn.

Fresh wood, on the flipside, not only burns inefficiently, but it can also cause a lot of excess smoke. Dry, seasoned wood is your best option for burning.

Open The Bottom Damper or A Nearby Window

Wood-burning fireplaces tend to lose a lot of heat as the smoke flows up through the chimney. To combat this, you’ll need to find ways to pull air out through the room you are trying to heat so it doesn’t flow upward. Many fireplaces have a bottom damper that you can open to do this. Bottom dampers typically let air out through the base of the firebox.

If you don’t have a bottom damper, you can also crack a window in the room you are trying to heat while the fire is burning. Although this may seem counterintuitive, it actually pulls the warm air through the room. After the fire has finished burning and all of the smoke has escaped, be sure to close the flue and any open windows. This will keep the warmth in your space and prevent it from escaping.

Keep Gas Fireplaces Insulated

In most cases, gas fireplaces are going to be far more efficient than wood-burning fireplaces. If you have a gas fireplace, it’s important to make sure it is properly insulated. This helps prevent the heat from escaping through any structural weaknesses in your home. If you have tempered glass in your gas fireplace, consider swapping it out for a ceramic glass instead, as the material is inherently much more efficient.

Install A Fireplace Insert

Inserts are one of the most effective ways to increase your fireplace’s heat output. Fireplace inserts use a heat exchanger to push extra warmth out into your home. This delivers much more heat with each fire.

regular chimney inspections, West Hartford CTSchedule Regular Chimney Inspections

Regular chimney inspections are essential for keeping your fireplace working efficiently. Your chimney tech can identify potential problems that you might not have found on your own and suggest appropriate repairs.

If you’re due for a chimney inspection in Connecticut, Northeastern Chimney can help. Give us a call at (860)-233-5770 or contact us online to schedule an appointment today!

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

Common Spring Chimney Issues

Spring is finally here! Each year, residents of the Northeast cheer as the sun comes out, the snow melts for good and the weather begins to warm up. If you are a homeowner with a chimney, the spring can cause some challenges though.

Do you see signs that your chimney needs repair? Best Chimney Services provides repairs for chimney leaks, flashing, smoke chambers, fireboxes and more. Call us today to schedule an appointment!

Now, we’ll now go over some common spring chimney issues that people run into, along with solutions.

common spring chimney issuesRain Entering Your Chimney

Even though spring usually brings with it heavy rain, it is not normal for rain to come down your chimney! Rain leaking is often caused by cracked or damaged chimney crowns, chimney lining problems, masonry absorbing water, or flashing problems (as we’ll discuss in our next point). If there is rain entering your chimney, do not worry! A team of professionals will help you identify and tackle the issue and put preventative measures in place to avoid future problems.

Leaks Due to Flashing

Oftentimes, a chimney will leak because of issues with the flashing. People will notice moisture stains on their walls or condensations in their fireboxes. All of these are signs of flashing issues due to poor installation or the age of the flashing. In these cases, we recommend having your flashing repaired or replaced. A chimney company will help you determine which course of action is necessary.

Smells Coming from Your Chimney

Smells in your chimney may be caused by a dead animal decomposing inside, or the accumulation of animal droppings. The source of the smell may not be recent, but as the weather warms up, the smell is bound to begin permeating your home. Though your chimney can begin to smell during the winter, the smells often become apparent with the onset of warmer spring weather. It is best to address spring chimney smells promptly because summer fireplace smells are even stronger due to the hotter temperatures!  

common spring chimney issuesDamaged Masonry

If your chimney’s masonry is damaged after a long, cold winter, there are many solutions that chimney companies can implement to repair or replace your chimney and fortify it for the future. Some signs that you need chimney masonry repair include mortar that is missing, bricks and mortar that are crumbling, and white “efflorescence” on the bricks. After performing masonry repairs or replacement, it is important to waterproof your chimney. The bricks of a chimney absorb water, which leads to damage. Waterproofing is a great way to protect your chimney for the future.

Call Boston’s Best Chimney for Your Chimney Needs

If you are located in the Greater Boston, MA area, don’t hesitate to contact Boston’s Best Chimney with your chimney questions or concerns. We look forward to assisting you if you are experiencing some of these common spring chimney issues or need other chimney support!

The post Common Spring Chimney Issues appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Why Sweep Your Chimney in the Spring?

Springtime is the perfect season to clean your home and assess which work needs to be done around the house. This often begins with chimney maintenance. After all, a chimney needs to be cared for after being used throughout the cold winter.

At Best Chimney Services, we recommend having your chimney inspected annually and swept as needed. Many homeowners have their chimneys swept during the spring, and today we’ll explain why. If you’re looking for a chimney sweep in the Greater Boston, MA area, contact us!

sweeping chimney in the springWhy You Should Sweep Your Chimney in the Spring

Here are some of the many reasons why people have their chimneys swept in the spring.

Time to Address Problems

Oftentimes, chimney issues come to light when a professional is conducting a chimney sweep. Identifying any possible problems in the spring will give you at least five months to take care of any necessary repairs before it is time to use your chimney again.

Spend Now Rather Than Pre-Holidays

With so much gift buying and so many events in the late fall, it is more convenient to spend money on your chimney sweep and any needed repairs in the spring. After all, the last thing that you want to be worrying about during the fall is making room in your budget for your chimney. In addition, most chimney companies have more availability for sweeps and inspections in the spring, before the fall rush for winter preparation begins.

sweeping chimney in the springRemove Any Animals, Nesting or Pests

During the cold weather, animals may have begun nesting in your chimney. There may be active nests in your chimney now, pests, or even dead animals. It is best to allow professionals to check for any animal evidence now to avoid spring or summer chimney smells!

Get Repairs in Mild Weather

It is easiest for chimney companies to make repairs before the cold weather sets in again. Therefore, we recommend that you have your chimney swept in the spring so that if any issues are identified during the process, you can have them addressed during the spring, summer, or early fall.

Remove Winter Debris

After the late fall and early winter, debris will often collect in chimneys from the leaves of trees dying and the intense winter winds. It is best to clear all of this out of your chimney promptly with a spring chimney sweep.

Looking for a Boston, MA Area Spring Chimney Sweep?

Our team of CSIA certified chimney sweeps has been in business for over thirty years and is here to serve you! Check out our testimonials to read more about what our customers have to say about us. Don’t hesitate to click here or call us at (781) 893-6611 to book your spring chimney sweep.

The post Why Sweep Your Chimney in the Spring? appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

3 Chimney Repairs You May Need This Spring

During the cold winter months, there are some chimney repairs that are not convenient to have taken care of, and that are only completed when absolutely necessary. As the springtime comes, many homeowners take advantage of the warmer weather to do maintenance on their chimneys, however. After all, consistently maintaining your chimney with annual inspections, regular sweeps, and necessary repairs is the best way to keep your chimney in proper working order for the long run.

Do you have a chimney in the Greater Boston, MA area? Best Chimney Services is an all-service chimney company that has been serving the area since 1989. Call us at (781) 893-6611 to discuss your chimney repairs or other services!

chimney repairsNow, we’ll discuss three chimney repairs that you may need this spring!

Common Spring Chimney Repairs

Though our team receives many calls for different spring chimney repairs, the following are some of the most frequently needed repairs in New England.

chimney pointingPointing

When a chimney is starting to deteriorate, but the bricks still appear to be in good shape, chimney pointing may be your solution. Pointing is when the mortar joints between the bricks are partially ground out and filled back in with new mortar. The mortar in between the bricks can become soft and crumbly even though the bricks are still intact. Removing the old mortar and replacing it can add new life to the chimney, stop water leaks and save thousands in rebuilding costs.  After your chimney has been re-pointed, consider waterproofing to protect your investment.  Contact us to schedule an appointment!

chimney flashing repairsFlashing Repairs

Chimney flashing repairs are another common spring chimney repair. Chimney flashing plays a key role in keeping your home safe from water. It is located at the point where the roof and chimney meet, and it acts as a sealant to keep water from entering the chimney and roof.

After the cold and windy wintertime, flashing repairs are oftentimes necessary. Some signs that you may need chimney flashing repairs include condensation in your firebox, moisture stains on the walls near the chimney, a musty smell near your chimney, or water droplets in your chimney. Our team provides chimney flashing repair service and would be happy to assist you. Click here to contact us.

chimney rebuildingChimney Rebuilds

The winter can also take a toll on a chimney’s masonry, making springtime rebuilds necessary. Many clients ask us about the difference between chimney rebuilding and repointing. Chimney repointing suffices when the mortar between the bricks has worn away and can be reapplied to fill in the gaps. However, rebuilding is needed when the bricks are deteriorating as well.

With Boston’s Best Chimney’s chimney rebuilding service, we take down your existing structure and rebuild it after having discussed color and style options. A chimney rebuild will not only keep your chimney in working order, but it can also give your home a stylish boost! Contact us to book an estimate for a chimney rebuild.

Contact Us for Your Greater Boston, MA Area Spring Chimney Repairs

Spring is the perfect time to make sure that your chimney is working well after the long, cold winter. Call our team to discuss the repairs that your chimney needs. We look forward to assisting you!

The post 3 Chimney Repairs You May Need This Spring appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

The Best Tips for Off-Season Fireplace and Chimney Maintenance

There isn’t a lot of use for your fireplace in the summer, but you need to take some important steps in order to make sure that the chimney and fireplace are ready during the return of cold winter. In order to make sure that the fireplace and chimney are ready during the return of the cold weather, consider these safety issues. It is especially important to consider that a poorly maintained fireplace can be hazardous to everyone. Aside from a chimney sweep, you need to do your part in making sure that you are able to maintain the chimney all year round.

If you want to know more about the best maintenance tips during the off-season, read on.

Schedule an Inspection

A professional chimney sweep can check your fireplace, so they can look for signs of damage, wear and tear, inefficiency, moisture leaks, blockage, cracks, and more. It can be difficult to discover the damage inside the chimney flue without helping a professional. Being unable to detect even a tiny crack in the lining could lead to a house fire because of the intense heat from the fireplace that reaches combustible parts of the home.

Chimney Cleaning

As indicated, wood fire smoke leaves a bit of residue in the chimneys. A lot of the homeowners are surprised to find out how sticky creosote can get that it clings to the inner walls after only one season. Chimneys that have not been inspected for several years may have a build-up level of that, and it could cause a fire.

Aside from smoke residue, chimneys normally wind up with debris like leaves, bird nests, and twigs. The obstructions can cause a serious problem with the airflow and it provides fuel to fire If you do not take care of it.

Make Sure the Damper is Closed

If you own a wood-burning one, you have to make sure that the damper is closed when you are not using the fireplace. One of the things that a damper does is it seals of airflow between your home and the chimney. When a damper is unable to seal properly, the effect can be similar to having an open window inside your home all the time. Costs of energy are a lot higher when the summer air conditioning and winter heat escape through the chimney. A damper also prevents critters from going into your home through the chimney. If your fireplace uses gas, experts recommend that you should keep the damper open at all times so you can prevent gas buildup in case of a gas leak.

Replace or Install the Chimney Cap

You should incorporate a strong defense when it comes to fireplace maintenance, and that is a chimney cap. This reduces the damage caused by water to a chimney and wildlife. Snow and rain will enter an uncapped chimney and it will freeze and thaw, which causes damage and expansion. Small wildlife might nest in chimneys, which clogs them and it will potentially introduce ticks, worms, fleas, as well as other pests that cause diseases. A chimney cap that has a screen mesh is going to keep animals out while protecting your roof from sparks and embers.

You Need to Upgrade

Without needing to invest a lot, there are a lot of ways if you want to upgrade your fireplace’s efficiency. The fireplace liners and glass doors are only two of the best ways to get more out of it.

You can contact chimney inspection Upper Marlboro if you need professionals to come by and check your chimney and fireplace.

The post The Best Tips for Off-Season Fireplace and Chimney Maintenance first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

Spring Cleaning? Don’t Forget to Include the Dryer Vent

dryer vent sweep
Spring Cleaning? Don’t Forget to Include the Dryer Vent by Superior Chimney in Lombard, IL

The dryer vent. Who is thinking about cleaning the dryer vent when we clean them every time we do laundry, right? Let me share with you what I discovered this weekend. I spent some time outside this weekend trying to do two things at one time. 1. Enjoy some of the sunshine 2. Spring Clean.

Spring Cleaning

As Spring cleaning is well underway, it seems like the leaves never went away from the Fall. In every corner of the home, there’s a pile of leaves wet and stuck to the ground. However, on the back side of the home, the leaves made its way from one side to the other. I knew this was going to take a while.

As I reached the half way mark, I remembered that a family member was inside washing a load of laundry. I could hear the low sound of the dryer running. But wait…the flap is barely moving.

Dryer Vent Cleaning #1 Benefit

Let’s first discuss the #1 benefit of a dryer vent sweep. You get done with your laundry faster and your dryer unit lasts longer. If the dryer vent isn’t cleaned once per year, the hot moist air remains in the dryer and venting system. It takes longer for the dryer to complete its job. And…not very good for the life of your dryer unit either. Infrequent dryer vent service shortens the life of your dryer unit as it needs to work harder and longer to dry your clothes.  The moist air can also get trapped in your clothes and leave a musty smell. All that work, and you’re right back where you started.

Dryer Vent #1 Problem to Solve

The issue of dryer vents is a real one. According to the National Fire Protection Association, about 13,000 home dryer fires are reported each year. 34% of those fires are caused by lint. Now that’s not to say that you don’t clean your dryer vent. You do. But lint has a mind of its own. Some light and fluffy lint gets past the lint trap and accumulates in the duct that leads to the outside.

More Problems with Dryer Vents

Because we want you to be fully armed with information, here are some additional problematic signs that can cause a dryer vent fire.

  • Clothes are too hot to touch. Remember, there’s a cool down before you take the clothes out. When that’s still too hot, that’s a sign the dryer vent is clogged.
  • The room with the washer and dryer, it’s also too hot.
  • The dryer vent flap or slats outside isn’t working properly. If you also notice in the picture, lint and debris begin to make its way out of the slats or flap. That’s pretty full.
  •  Smell the dryer sheet. If you notice it doesn’t smell like the dryer sheet, there’s a clog.

What Can a Homeowner Do?

To begin, to check your dryer vent outside. Is it working properly? Is there anything overflowing outside? Next, throw in a load of laundry. Does it smell musty? A little or a lot? Is the dryer overly hot in the cool down?  Is it running longer than it used to?

If you get a slight yes to a full blown yes, then it’s time to get it cleaned by Superior Chimney. Give us a call at 877-244-6349 to schedule up your spring dryer vent cleaning. Smell like fresh spring!


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

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