Chimney repair. Out of sight, out of mind. That’s what happens with the poor chimney. It stands up there, straight and tall, each day taking a beating from the sun, wind, rain, snow and freeze/thaw cycles of winter. Yet, we rely on the chimney each day to take away the smoke and gasses from the fireplace, furnace and water heater appliances.

What can we do as homeowners to ensure it continues to do its job without fail? Who wants a chimney repair?

Sweep & Check the Chimney and Fireplace

A Certified Technician performs chimney sweep and/or inspection of nearly/over a thousand chimneys annually.  You may be familiar with the 14-point certified chimney inspection accompanied by photo documentation – I’ve shown you this graphic before, but it sure is a good one. It gives you the “what and where” of the overall condition of your chimney(s). If you have any questions, you can point to the picture and the certified technician can elaborate on the relative chimney inspection-point results.

Exterior Chimney Repair

Part of the inspection, as you will see in the picture, is to inspect the exterior of the chimney. The Certified Chimney Technician will inspect the full chimney including the chimney flashing, bricks and mortar joints, chimney crown and cap. Let’s take a look at each chimney repair.

Chimney Flashing

Chimney flashing plays a vital role to the protection of your home. It’s the piece of material that protects where chimney protrude out of the roof. To prevent water leaks and damage, the technician will inspect for any loose, missing, cracked or damaged flashing.

Brick & Mortar Joints

This is key. To prevent any type of major repairs, take care of minor repairs now. The technician will check for loose, cracked or spalling (chipped) bricks. If there are loose bricks and numerous cracks and chips, we’ll inspect further for any type of water leaks or water damage problems.

Chimney Crown

The concrete slab on top of the chimney is the chimney crown. It serves a very important purpose. The concrete slab acts like your chimney’s own personal roof. The technician will check if there are cracks, loose or missing pieces from the crown.

Chimney Cap

Chimney caps are also a critical component of the chimney – Every chimney needs a chimney cap for the same reasons every home needs a roof! It covers the opening of the flue. It prevents animals, debris and water from entering the chimney. The material of a chimney cap is usually made of stainless steel, as it will not rust.

Overall If you’ve put-off getting the chimney repaired and inspected for some time, it’s best to get it checked. We’ve had some challenging weather this summer, and winter is not too far off. Take the time to give us a call and we’ll come out to give you a complete 14-point inspection with supporting photo documentation. If you don’t have a problem, fantastic, you’re ready for winter! If not, get the chimney repairs done now so you don’t experience further damage to the interior or exterior of your home during the high-use months of winter. Give us a call today at 877-CHIM-FIX  (877-244-6349)

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

Neglected masonry chimneys present a lot of problems for homeowners. They can become unsafe to use, pose a fire risk, cause damage to adjacent home building materials and send dangerous gases into your home while the fireplace is in use.

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent all these problems. Here are three tasks that will help keep your masonry chimney safe and efficient all year long.

Task #1: Have your chimney inspected once a year

Chimney systems may not look complicated, but a lot can go wrong with them that the average homeowner might not notice. A licensed chimney inspector knows your system inside and out and knows how to spot early signs of damage and malfunction.

Basic annual chimney inspections cover all visible areas of the chimney and its components such as the chimney crown, cap and flashing. More involved inspections use video imaging to see deep into the flue and sometimes require removal of parts of the chimney structure to zero in on damage.

 

Your chimney inspector will give you a report telling you exactly what has been found and the recommended course of action to solve the problem.

Task #2: Schedule annual chimney sweep services

If you use a wood-burning fireplace, it’s very important that your chimney flue be professionally swept (cleaned) once a year. Chimney cleaning focuses on the removal of creosote and obstructions.

Creosote

This substance is created when logs burn. It adheres to the walls of your chimney liner and is highly flammable. Licensed chimney sweep companies use a variety of tools and equipment to safely remove creosote buildups and greatly reduced the chances of a chimney fire.

Obstructions

If your chimney has no chimney cap or has one that’s damaged, debris can enter your flue and cause a drafting obstruction. Leaves, twigs, small-animal nests and dead small animals can block the flow of smoke and send deadly carbon monoxide and other combustion gases into your home. Chimney cleaning technicians will clean out this debris – and they’ll install a chimney cap if you don’t have one.

Task #3: Have repair work done when it’s needed

Damage to chimneys and their components doesn’t get better on its own. Rather, it progresses to the point that the chimney is no longer safe to use or live around.

Repair projects chimney technicians regularly undertake include:

• Leaky chimney repair
• Chimney liner repair/installation
• Brick replacement and mortar tuckpointing
• Resolution of drafting/venting issues
• Chimney crown repair/rebuilding
• Chimney cap repair/installation
• Chimney flashing repair/replacement
• Fireplace damper repair/installation
• Firebox repair
• Smoke chamber parging (surface-smoothing)

As you can see, a chimney system has quite a few areas where trouble can start. By having repairs made to these areas as soon as damage is uncovered, you’ll keep the problems from becoming serious or dangerous, and requiring expensive chimney repairs.

Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace of Kansas City, KS, encourages homeowners with fireplace chimney systems to follow the guidelines presented here for safe and efficient operation.

We’re on call year-round to help with chimney inspections, CSIA-certified chimney sweeping and all types of chimney and fireplace repairs. We take pride in our work, and your safety and comfort are our most important objectives.

Get your questions answered or schedule an appointment by calling (913) 236-7141.

The post 3 Tasks for Keeping Your Masonry Chimney Safe & Functional appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

There is plenty of information telling you how to install and take care of your fireplace but there is little information on how to baby proof your fireplace. If you have babies, you can’t supervise them the day long. To ensure their safety you need to baby proof your fireplace. To help you out, here are ideas recommended by chimney repair professionals on how to go about it:

Install a fireplace switch lock

If you have a gas or electric fireplace, you definitely have a switch that you use to put on the fire. Due to their curiosity, children can accidentally switch on these switches. There are some switches that have features that allow you to switch them off when not in use. If yours has this feature you should use it. If it doesn’t you should install a switch lock that prevents the kids from switching on the fire.

Install heat-resistant glass doors

One of the easiest ways of keeping children away from the fire and preventing hot sparks from flying into the room is by installing glass doors. Most of the doors in the market aren’t heat-resistant; therefore, they get hot over some time. This can be dangerous to the child when he/she touches it. To protect your loved ones install heat-resistant glass doors. These are units that don’t get hot even when exposed to the high temperatures. In addition to the doors also consider installing a lock or latch that prevents your child from opening and closing the doors thus putting the delicate fingers at the risk of getting pinched.

Install a fireplace screen

A fireplace screen is a unit that you place on the floor of the firebox in order to prevent the children from reaching into the fire. When installing the unit ensure that it’s firmly installed to stand on its own in such a way that it can’t tip over when pulled or leaned on by the child. Another unit that you should consider installing is a hearth gate. This is a unit that resembles a fence and surrounds the perimeter of the fireplace and hearth. While the gate keeps the child out, it allows you to easily get in and start the fire or add more wood. For stability and security, mount the gate to your walls. Also, ensure that it’s installed by an experienced chimney company.

Conclusion

These are ideas on how to childproof your fireplace. You should consult your chimney masonry repair professional and find out the best unit to install in your home.

The post Blog first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

Out of sight, out of mind. That’s what happens with the poor chimney. It stands up there, straight and tall, each day taking a beating from the sun, wind, rain, snow and freeze/thaw cycles of winter. Yet, we rely on the chimney each day to take away the smoke and gasses from the fireplace, furnace and water heater appliances.

What can we do as homeowners to ensure it continues to do its job without fail?

Sweep & Check the Chimney and Fireplace

A Certified Technician performs sweep and/or inspection of nearly/over a thousand chimneys annually.  You may be familiar with the 14-point certified chimney inspection accompanied by photo documentation – I’ve shown you this graphic before, but it sure is a good one. It gives you the “what and where” of the overall condition of your chimney(s). If you have any questions, you can point to the picture and the certified technician can elaborate on the relative chimney inspection-point results.

Exterior Chimney

Part of the inspection, as you will see in the picture, is to inspect the exterior of the chimney. The Certified Chimney Technician will inspect the full chimney including the chimney flashing, bricks and mortar joints, chimney crown and cap. Let’s take a look at each one.

Chimney Flashing

Chimney flashing plays a vital role to the protection of your home. It’s the piece of material that protects where chimney protrude out of the roof. To prevent water leaks and damage, the technician will inspect for any loose, missing, cracked or damaged flashing.

Brick & Mortar Joints

This is key. To prevent any type of major repairs, take care of minor repairs now. The technician will check for loose, cracked or spalling (chipped) bricks. If there are loose bricks and numerous cracks and chips, we’ll inspect further for any type of water leaks or water damage problems.

Chimney Crown

The concrete slab on top of the chimney is the chimney crown. It serves a very important purpose. The concrete slab acts like your chimney’s own personal roof. The technician will check if there are cracks, loose or missing pieces from the crown.

Chimney Cap

Chimney caps are also a critical component of the chimney – Every chimney needs a chimney cap for the same reasons every home needs a roof! It covers the opening of the flue. It prevents animals, debris and water from entering the chimney. The material of a chimney cap is usually made of stainless steel, as it will not rust.

Overall

If you’ve put-off getting the chimney inspected for some time, it’s best to get it checked. We’ve had some challenging weather this summer, and winter is not too far off. Take the time to give us a call and we’ll come out to give you a complete 14-point inspection with supporting photo documentation. If you don’t have a problem, fantastic, you’re ready for winter! If not, get the repairs done now so you don’t experience further damage to the interior or exterior of your home during the high-use months of winter. Give us a call today at 877-CHIM-FIX  (877-244-6349)

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

Gas fireplaces have become increasingly popular in homes throughout the Kansas City KS/MO area. It’s not just a feature found in newer homes. Many homeowners residing in older homes have converted to gas fireplaces for their cleaner-burning, energy-efficiency, and lower maintenance features. Although a gas fireplace will provide many years of use, they require routine cleaning and maintenance for optimal performance, like other home heating appliances.

If you’re experiencing problems with your gas fireplace, try these troubleshooting tips before calling your gas fireplace repair technician:

My Gas Fireplace Won’t Turn On

Gas fireplaces use gas and electricity to operate. As the gas is delivered to the pilot light in the fireplace, an internal electronic ignition system lights the flames. So, if your gas fireplace won’t turn on, it typically indicates an interruption in the fuel supply or electrical system.

Check the pilot light: One of the most common reasons a gas fireplace won’t turn on is often an extinguished pilot light. A strong downdraft, an interruption in the fuel line, or a build-up of soot and dust can cause the pilot light to flame out. If the pilot light is off, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for lighting the pilot in your gas fireplace.

Check the circuit breaker:  Gas fireplaces have a fuse for the electronic ignition system, and a power surge may have tripped the circuit breaker preventing your gas fireplace from igniting. If the circuit breaker is off, flip it to the on position.

Is the fireplace gas valve turned on? There is a gas valve in the fireplace. Turning it off stops the flow of gas into the fireplace. First, check to ensure that the gas valve is OPEN and that it is in the ON position.

Check your propane tank or natural gas line: Ensure the propane tank valve is also open and there is sufficient gas in the tank. If you have a natural gas line, verify that the main shutoff valve is also Open. If the main gas line is open but isn’t delivering gas, contact your local gas utility to determine if there is an interruption in your gas service.

Check the thermocouple or thermopile: The thermocouple is an electrical sensor between the gas valve and the pilot light. It measures the temperature to determine when to ignite the fireplace based on your thermostat setting automatically. Newer gas fireplaces have a thermopile that performs the same functions as a thermocouple in older units. Since the thermocouple and thermopile are temperature sensors, sometimes the fix is as simple as adjusting the thermostat setting for your gas fireplace. First, try raising the temperature setting to see if your fireplace ignites. If it still doesn’t ignite, the thermocouple may need to be tightened or readjusted. Make sure it is screwed on tight and in the proper position. If the fireplace still won’t go on or the pilot light keeps going out, the thermocouple or thermopile may need to be replaced.

Gas Fireplace Igniter Isn’t Sparking

If your pilot is lit and the fireplace isn’t igniting when you push the button or flip the switch, the igniter may be dirty or defective. Clear away any dirt or debris that may be in the way between the igniter and thermocouple or thermopile.

The Gas Flame is Low

A clogged or faulty burner can cause performance issues resulting in a low gas flame. In addition, carbon build-up, gas residue, and debris can inhibit the burner’s ability to function correctly, leading to premature failure. If cleaning the burner doesn’t solve the problem, it may need to be replaced.

Strange Odor Coming from the Gas Fireplace

It is perfectly normal for a gas fireplace to emit a slight odor. When you have a new gas fireplace installed, you may smell the factory chemicals and paint burning off when you first light the fireplace. It is temporary and will dissipate. However, if you smell a rotten egg odor, your fireplace may have a gas leak. Immediately evacuate your home and contact your local gas utility for emergency service.

Small animals, soot, debris, and vent or chimney moisture can cause a foul or musty odor in the fireplace. Your gas fireplace can also pick up other scents like pet dander, cigarette smoke, and household cleaning products, for instance.

Gas Fireplace Service and Repair

Whether you have a vented or ventless gas fireplace, annual inspection, cleaning, and maintenance can prevent premature failure and prolong its useful life. If the above troubleshooting tips didn’t resolve the issue, schedule a service call with a qualified gas fireplace repair technician like Fluesbrothers.

The post Gas Fireplace Troubleshooting Tips appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

If you are constructing a new house or replacing the old chimney, you need to install it properly for it to be effective and last for a long time. For ideal results, consider these tips recommended by chimney repair professionals:

Install the chimney indoors

When installing the chimney, install it inside the house. In addition to protecting it from outdoor elements, installing the chimney indoors also gets rid of the stack effect. This is an effect that prevents the chimney from having the needed draft to pull smoke up and out of your home. When you install the chimney on the outside and you stay for long without lighting fire in it, the chimney starts pulling cold, odorous air into your home.

To avoid this problem, install the chimney indoors. Air and smoke flow effectively out of the house thus keeping your house smelling fresh. This also eliminates the need for regular chimney cleaning as plenty of the smoke is eliminated.

Ensure that the chimney meets building safety codes

The chimney that you are installing should not only be able to get rid of smoke, it also should be safe. For your safety and that of your loved ones visit the government offices in your area and understand the safety codes that you should adhere to. Liners are of great importance when it comes to your unit’s safety. Consult your chimney technician and confirm the best liners that you should install in your home.

Remember to insulate your chimney

In addition to the insulation material adding to the appeal of your chimney, it also ensures that your fireplace is highly efficient. There are many insulation materials in the market that you can go for. When making the purchase, remember that different materials are ideal for different locations and different types of chimneys. To buy the right material, get the advice of a professional chimney expert.

Offer proper care to your chimney

For the chimney to last for long and maintain its efficiency you need to take proper care of it. One of the things that you need to do is hire a chimney company to undertake annual chimney inspections. During the inspection, the professionals will be able to pick the problems and fix them before they get worse. In addition to inspecting the chimney, he/she should also be able to properly undertake chimney sweeping.

The post Blog first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

Making yourself aware of chimney and fireplace parts is the first step to understanding just how a chimney system works. Some are thinking, ‘What do I need to know about fireplace jargon?  Pile up kindling and logs and toss in a match and enjoy the fire. Right?’

If someone knew nothing about a car, asking them to put gasoline in the tank would leave them scratching their head.

The same goes for a chimney.  The homeowner needs to understand the inner and outer workings to keep the occupants safe and the chimney itself operating correctly.

Chimney Glossary of Terms

The cap of the chimney.  This is a hat or covering to a chimney.  Along with some wire mesh, the cap keeps rain, debris, and animals out of the flue.

The crown of the chimney.  The crown is the cement border protecting the opening of the flue.  As rainwater falls from the cap, it lands on the crown.  The crown, in turn, directs the water away from the chimney masonry, preserving the structure.

The flue is the shaft that draws the smoke away from home.  The flue is where a chimney sweep will concentrate during their visits.  The flue is where creosote builds up and causes significant damage, and even spark chimney fires.

The flue liner is a thin sheet of metal protecting the masonry of the chimney.  It promotes the quick exit of smoke and ash from the firebox outside rather than inside the home.

The damper is a metal plate at the top of the firebox that stops the smoke and ash from being pulled back into the home.  The damper is essential because it keeps animals and debris out when the fireplace is not in use.

The firebox is the unsung hero of the entire chimney setup.  It is where the fire burns to keep the flames in the box.  It is probably the most critical safety feature of a chimney.  Unfortunately, it gets the least attention during maintenance and care.

The hearth sits on the floor, allowing easy access to the firebox.  Some are simple, and some are ornate but, all provide a welcoming feeling into the home.

The ash dump is an opening in the bottom of the firebox allowing ash to be pushed out of the firebox.  There is another door opening where ash gathers, allowing for easy cleaning.

The smoke chamber. Just above the firebox but below the flue entrance, there is a space where the smoke mingles with heat to raise the flue on the draft created by the fire. The smoke chamber features a shelf (called the smoke shelf) that prevents the smoke from falling back into the fireplace and might push into the home. The chamber is shaped like an inverted funneling, directing the smoke up the flue once mixed and heated.

Northeastern Chimney, LLC is a full-service and customer-focused chimney care company.  Call us for cleaning and chimney inspection.

Northeastern Chimney, LLC

37 Cody Street

 West Hartford, Connecticut 06110

 Phone: 860-233-5770

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

Tuckpointing is a process that removes deteriorated mortar between the bricks of a chimney and replaces it with a strong new mortar compound. While tuckpointing isn’t something that’s needed on a regular basis, it will almost surely be needed at certain times throughout the life of a chimney.

Why tuckpointing is so important

When we think of severely damaged chimneys, we usually think of cracked, loose or missing bricks. But the mortar joints are just as critical as the bricks to the soundness of a chimney.

Mortar often begins to crack and crumble after several decades, simply due to old age. This is a normal occurrence. The deterioration of mortar can be sped up if small cracks start happening. These cracks will allow water to seep in, where it will freeze and expand and start doing significant damage.

 

 

Even if there’s no freezing/expanding, water itself deteriorates mortar over time.

If a chimney with clear signs of mortar issues is ignored, you can eventually be looking at a chimney that leans to one side or partially or completely collapses.

How to tell if your chimney’s mortar needs attention

Here’s a simple checklist you can use to decide if the mortar in your chimney structure needs a professional inspection and possibly tuckpointing.

• Crumbling mortar on the roof near the chimney
• Obviously missing mortar between bricks
• Discolored mortar – do some strips of mortar look different from others?
• Bricks that are loose to the touch
• Cracks in either the mortar or the bricks of the chimney

The next four are signals that there’s a chimney leak. Chimneys often leak due to compromised mortar joints, and often you’ll be aware of the leak before you see the mortar damage.

• Damp sections on the ceiling or walls near the fireplace/chimney
• Strong musty odors coming from the fireplace
• Rusted fireplace damper that squeaks and/or won’t fully open and close
• Water in the firebox

Who should perform tuckpointing services?

Only a licensed and preferably CSIA-certified company should undertake tuckpointing on your chimney. As simple as the job may sound, a variety of things can go wrong during the process and in the years that follow if the worker is unskilled.

A chimney that has been “repaired” incorrectly can become unsafe to operate and unsafe for the people and pets living in its vicinity.

Another very important reason to have tuckpointing work done by credentialed chimney professionals is insurance. Your homeowner’s policy most likely will not cover future chimney damage caused by or associated with a faulty repair job.

When seeking a qualified chimney repair company for tuckpointing or any other chimney service including cleaning, inspection, general repair and chimney rebuilding, keep these five points in mind.

1. Confirm that the company you choose is licensed and fully insured.
2. Look at the company’s website. Do they talk about tuckpointing and brick repair? Not all chimney companies offer all chimney services.
3. Ask for references of local people the company has worked for. Follow up on the references.
4. Look at online reviews, if there are any.
5. Talk with the owner of the company or a representative and get a feel for what it would be like working with this individual. Does he/she have quick and clear answers to your questions? Is he/she more interested in quality than in getting your money?

Fluesbrothers Is Ready to Help Year-Round

Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace of Kansas City, KS, provides complete tuckpointing service as well as all other chimney repair work. We’re licensed, fully insured and hold certification through the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA).

When it has to be done right the first time, call Fluesbrothers at (913) 236-7141.

The post What Is Chimney Tuckpointing & When Is it Needed? appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

It is a widely accepted fact, even the best-maintained homes will have problems.  It matters not, new or old, ranch or colonial homes will give owners trouble.  Unfortunately, one part of the home that is continually overlooked and is the chimney and its components.

A few signs inside the home to look for

If the homeowner starts looking for problems inside the home, a few issues are considered problematic.

Faded, moldy, or peeling wallpaper around the chimney is the first sign of trouble.  This indicates there is moisture seeping from the inside of the chimney.  The moisture is the reason for the mold from rainwater.

Another inside problem would be rust on the firebox as well as on the damper.  In the same scenario, moisture is the reason for the rust, and the culprit is rain.

Many significant signs will be on the chimney itself.

If the homeowner has a head for heights, take the initiative, get up on the roof, and take a good look at the condition of bricks and mortar.  What condition are the bricks in?  Do the bricks seem to be flaking or cracking?  If so, chimney techs call this spalling.  Bricks are porous, and if your area is prone to weather or temperature extremes, this flaking or cracking is inevitable.  These temperature fluctuations cause expanding and contracting bricks and mortar.  Look at the crown of the chimney (the very top of the brickwork).  Is it cracked or even broken?  The very same applies here.

The flashing of the chimney is the metal sheet that adds extra protection from weather wear and tear.  If the flashing is loose-fitting, that alone can be the cause of any damage to your chimney, especially from rainwater.

The chimney cap is another vital part of the chimney.  If the cap is cracked or bent, trouble is brewing.  Animals can get into your chimney and start damaging the flue.  The cap also protects the elements from ruining the entire chimney by letting in debris, rain, and wind.

The worst part of the damage can happen if any one of these issues is present.  A damaged flue or flue liner can wreak havoc on both the house and the chimney.  If there is a crack or split in the flue, many other problems are just a matter of time.  Sparks and/or smoke can find their way back into the home causing smoke damage, fire, or carbon monoxide poisoning.

Northeastern Chimney, LLC has been in business for almost 40 years.  Our focus has always been to provide the best chimney cleaning, chimney and fireplace repairs, and masonry rebuilding throughout central Connecticut.

Our staff has continuing education in the most up-to-date methods and products along with the best equipment for all our chimney cleaning and maintenance.  Our service staff is punctual, polite and we leave the area as clean or cleaner than we found it.

We would encourage all our potential customers to read our customer reviews.  We will be happy to answer all questions in person or over the phone.  Call us today.

 

Northeastern Chimney, LLC

37 Cody Street

 West Hartford, Connecticut 06110

 Phone: 860-233-5770

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

With cold weather expected to arrive in the Kansas City KS/MO and Southern Plains region earlier than usual, many residents are scheduling their annual chimney inspection and cleaning to make sure their fireplace will be safe to operate. However, depending on how often you light the fireplace, it may need additional cleanings. Here are five things you can do to keep your fireplace clean and safe between professional cleanings.

Make Sure Your Chimney Cap is Secure

The chimney cap is an essential device that helps keep rain and snow from dripping into the fireplace. It also helps to prevent downdrafts that can send smoke and carbon monoxide into your home. The chimney cap should also have a mesh screen to prevent leaves, debris, and small animals from entering and obstructing the flue. However, normal wear and tear and exposure to extreme weather conditions can result in chimney cap damage. In some cases, strong gusty winds can dislodge the chimney cap or blow it off the structure, exposing your chimney and fireplace to external elements.   Therefore, it’s a good idea to check to make sure your chimney cap is secure to help keep your fireplace clean and safe between cleanings.

Trim Nearby Trees

Trees with branches overhanging near or against the chimney are a fire and safety hazard. Any leaves or debris that block the flue can increase exposure to smoke and harmful fumes. Also, the heat from the vent or a hot ember that flies out can ignite overhanging limbs and cause a house fire. Tree limbs and leaves should be at least 15 feet away from the top of the chimney, according to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA).

Remove Excess Ashes

Before lighting the first fire of the season, a one-inch layer of ash in the bottom of the fireplace will help start the fire. However, too much ash in the fireplace can have the opposite effect and diminish your fires. When you notice the ash pile is getting high enough to reach the grate, it’s time to remove the excess ashes.  First, allow the fireplace to cool for at least 12 hours. Then, remove the grate and set it aside. When the coals are no longer warm, it is safe to scoop the ashes into a metal container. Finally, sweep or vacuum any remaining debris in the fireplace.

Clean the Firebox and Grate

The combustion gases created when burning wood are corrosive, and you may need to clean the firebox between professional cleanings weekly if you use the fireplace daily. Wear a face mask and eye goggles when cleaning the fireplace so you don’t breathe in the soot and ashes. After removing the ashes and sweeping or vacuuming debris in the fireplace, you can use an all-purpose household cleaner and a medium-bristle brush to remove the soot, stains, and residues that are sticking to the interior masonry walls of the firebox. Then wash the walls with water to rinse any remaining cleaner residue. You can also clean the andirons and grate with the same household cleaner but do it outside to avoid staining your flooring. Before replacing the grate in the fireplace, spread a one-inch layer of ash on the floor of the firebox to make your fires more productive.

Burn Seasoned Wood

Burning only seasoned wood will also help keep your fireplace clean and safe in between professional chimney cleanings. Fresh or “green” lumber has a very high moisture content, usually 60% or more, which creates a lot of smoke and creosote. On the other hand, wood that has been seasoned or dried for at least six months has a much lower moisture content, about 20% or less, resulting in a fire that burns cleaner with less smoke and creosote.

The post Keep a Fireplace Clean & Safe Between Cleanings appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.