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Weather changes play a huge role in the destruction of your chimney. When it rains, the water is absorbed in the brick and mortar. When the sun shines and temperature rises the water expands and contracts. The thermal expansion and contraction weakens the brick and mortar thus weakening and damaging your chimney.

Signs that your chimney is damaged

If you undertake regular chimney inspection it’s easy to know when your brick chimney is damaged. A clear sign of damage is failing or missing mortar joints between the bricks. To confirm that the damage is extensive you should undertake a probing test where you use a small knife. You should dig using a knife and confirm if the mortar is loose and falls out easily.

Another clear sign of a damaged brick chimney is leaking. Is water leaking into the house? You should hire a chimney contractor to identify the area where the water is leaking from.

Other signs of damage include: peeling wallpaper near the chimney, wet brick inside the house, outdated flashing, and cracks in the chimney crown.

Guide on how to repair the brick chimney

There are many ways in which you can repair the chimney. The method to use largely depends on the condition of the chimney and extent of damage. To know the right option to go with you should hire a brick chimney repair professional who will analyze the chimney and come up with the best solution.

Sometimes the repair may involve removal of the loose mortar and replacement of it with new and lime-based mortar. If the bricks have been damaged you will have to remove and replace them with new ones. In severe cases, the chimney repair professional may be forced to replace the entire chimney.

Tips on how to prevent the damage

The key to preventing chimney damage is regular inspection of the chimney. You can inspect the chimney on your own or hire a professional to do the work for you. Experts recommend that you should inspect the chimney once a year; however, if your chimney is in constant use you should inspect it more often (at least twice a year).

To avoid expensive repairs in the future, you should make minor repairs whenever you notice them. For example, if you notice even a small crack you should fix it as soon as possible. The initial condition of the bricks greatly determines their lifespan. For your chimney to last for a long time you should ensure that it’s installed by a certified brick chimney contractor.

The post Blog first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

Spring is, allergies aside, the greatest season. At least, that’s what Southern Chimneys thinks. What better time to be up on a roof and outdoors than on sunny, blue-sky days that are the perfect temperature?

If you want to take advantage of our favorite season and have your chimney serviced or inspected, now is the time! Don’t wait, as our schedules fill up fast this time of year.

Your chimney was working its hardest over the last few months. Now is the perfect time to see what –if any– damage all the cold weather and rain did to things over the winter. A springtime chimney inspection and a possible chimney sweep can prevent disasters that will affect your home all the way into next winter. Take advantage of your desire for spring cleaning and boost your chimney and fireplace performance by getting yours inspected now!

Five reasons spring’s the right time for a chimney inspection!

1. Keep your home smelling fresh.Ever heard of creosote? It’s the buildup that comes from wood fires and turns into dark, cruddy deposits in your chimney. Creosote sitting there in your chimney and, as the weather warms up, it’s going to create a terrible odor that will spread all throughout your house.    
2. Make sure your home’s safe……from critters. Chimneys are also common entry points for a variety of unwanted pests, ranging from squirrels to birds. A properly installed and inspected chimney cap, pan, or shroud will prevent these pesky critters from entering your property and causing problems.    
3. Don’t let the water in.All of that rainy weather can cause water damage from the buildup of moisture in your chimney. In fact, with the record rainfall we’ve had recently, water might already be puddling up in there. Your chimney can collect debris and water just like your gutters do. Make sure they’re as clean as can be before things get even worse.    
4. Take advantage of the off-season schedule.Honestly, the smartest customers take advantage of a spring chimney inspection because they’re also taking advantage of it being our “off-season”. It’s a less-busy time for chimney services than say, early fall when everyone suddenly starts remembering they have chimneys. It’s easier to schedule around your own schedule if you call us now.    
5. Get ahead of things.Be prepared for upcoming service needs and long-term maintenance. If you get your chimney inspected now and find that there’s damage that needs repairing by fall/winter, you now have a little more time to act. Prevent chronic issues and costly repairs by spotting and fixing problems early.    

Feel as fresh, clean, and smart as possible this spring. Give Southern Chimneys a call today. Our technicians will complete an inside and out 18-point inspection and complete a consultation to address and discuss any issues or concerns.

The post Chimney Inspections & Spring: Made for Each Other! first appeared on Southern Chimneys. This post first appeared on https://southernchimneys.com

According to the consumer product safety commission, over 30,000 chimney fires and 30 deaths occur every year. The commission goes ahead and reports that over $150 million is lost every year.  This data is staggering and you need to take good care of your chimney to avoid the fires and carbon dioxide poisoning. To help you out, here are tips on how to take care of your chimney:

Regular inspection

The sole purpose of chimney inspection is to determine if the chimney needs cleaning or any repairs. You can inspect it on your own or hire a professional. For ideal results you should hire a professional as he/she is well trained to handle the work.

As rule of thumb you should ensure that the professional inspects both the inside and outside of the chimney. He/she should also undertake minor chimney repairs that might be necessary.

Clear the chimney area

It’s common for trees to handle over your house near the chimney. In addition to making your roof dirty, these trees can also easily catch fire thus putting your house at the risk of fire. To be safe you should get rid of the trees and braches and ensure that they are at least 15 feet away from the house.

Burn small amounts of wood

While you will get a lot of heat when you burn more wood, you will be damaging your chimney. Studies have shown that by burning too much wood you risk cracking the chimney thus forcing you to undertake regular chimney repair. Creosote also tends to build up fast when you burn a lot of wood. To be on the safe side you should burn wood that is only enough for the fireplace.

To reduce the amount of creosote and gases produced you should only burn seasoned hardwood. For ideal results you should ensure that the hardwood has been split for a period of 6 months to one year. You should avoid burning pine as it creates more creosote. You should also avoid burning wrapping boxes, papers as you risk causing big fires.

Cap the chimney

A chimney cap is a top that has wire mesh along the sides and it aids in keeping rain, snow, birds and other items from getting into the chimney. During chimney inspection you should ask the chimney contractor to take a look at it and ensure that it’s in perfect condition.

Conclusion

A well maintained chimney is not only safe to leave in, it’s also easy to clean thus when it comes to cleaning you don’t pay premium amounts. To have an easy time maintaining your chimney you should work closely with a certified chimney company.

The post Blog first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

The Danger of a Blocked Chimney

The purpose of your chimney is to rid your heating appliances or fireplace of harmful byproducts of burned fuel. If a chimney is blocked and unable to perform that duty, danger ensues. A blocked chimney is a threat to your safety because it can cause harmful gases to be pushed back into your home. It can lead to chimney fires as well. Having your chimney inspected annually and swept annually or as needed can prevent chimney fires.

Would you like your Boston area chimney cleaned or inspected? Click here or call (781) 893-6611 to get in touch with Boston’s Best Chimney.

How Do I Know If My Chimney is Blocked?  

Do you suspect that your chimney is blocked? If your carbon monoxide detector is issuing a warning, that is a signal that harmful fumes may be entering your home as a result of an obstructed chimney. If smoke from your fireplace is coming back into the room instead of being drawn up and out, this is another warning sign. Most boilers and furnaces vent through the chimney, so if you do not have heat or hot water, it is possible that a blocked chimney is causing the issue. Finally, if you are noticing exhaust or an odd smell when your heat is turning on, your chimney may be obstructed. It is essential to be alert when you notice these types of changes in your home and to call a chimney professional to help you solve.

What Can Cause an Obstruction 

Obstructions within the flue can be caused by many different things.  There are blockages caused by external influences like an animal’s nest, sticks and debris caused by neighboring trees and construction debris (yup, we’ve found it).  There are also internal factors that cause obstructions so even if you have a cap on top you’re not necessarily in the clear.  Soot and creosote accumulation (lack of maintenance) or even falling brick or flue tile within the system can cause major issues.

Why You Should Call a Professional for Chimney Concerns 

It is best to call a professional to address your blocked chimney right away if you notice that your chimney is exhibiting any of the warning signs that we have discussed. As with most chimney issues, the sooner you have the chimney addressed, the less damage it will cause and the more money you will be able to save on repairs. Professionals will use their experience, tools, and expertise to assess the exact cause of your chimney issue. Boston’s Best Chimney is a full-service chimney company serving the Greater Boston area. If you are noticing chimney blockage warning signs, click here or call (781) 893-6611 to contact our team.

The post How Do I Know if my Chimney is Blocked? appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

It is true that the most popular times to schedule a chimney cleaning and inspection is either in the Fall or in the Spring, after a long cold winter. However, this winter has been extra special.

According the NBC Chicago, from October through January 26, we only received 8.6” of snow. As we all enjoyed normal temperatures and less snow, that would all change quickly. In the past 22 days, we’ve seen 36.2 inches of snow. Clearly evident as we’re now shoveling and throwing snow way over our heads. Now add on the polar vortex of days of single digit frigid temperatures, and clearly it has wreaked havoc on just about…everything.

As you read in our last post, the freeze-thaw cycle and water leaks can cause plenty of damage to the exterior chimney, fireplace and the inside of your home. As we’ve had some serious weather conditions, getting a chimney inspection may not be such a bad idea.

A chimney inspection will alert you to any physical problems found in the firebox, flue, creosote build up or the possibility of blockages. In addition, a chimney inspection can also identify any leaks, cracks or if the chimney is unstable in any way. We take the inspection further with a full 14-point inspection.

Let’s take a closer look at the chimney inspection.

The Integrity of the Chimney

The technician begins by visually inspecting the chimney. The technician will take note of any possible areas for concern. The next test of integrity comes during the chimney sweep itself. As the technician uses their rods and brushes to clean the fireplace and chimney system, the technician will be monitoring what falls down.

The technician is looking for pieces of clay tiles, the clay tile joints or any part of the bricks. This is a sure sign that issues have developed in the chimney flue, or the exterior chimney.

Cleaning of the Fireplace

Every woodburning fireplace lover knows that the fireplace will build up on creosote. It’s only natural as creosote is a byproduct of burning wood. But is it necessary to clean a gas or unused fireplace? Absolutely yes. In addition to cleaning the fireplace, our certified technicians are also inspecting the flue liner, smoke chamber, smoke shelf, damper and the firebox. You may say, “Eh, I used it so little, those things are probably fine.” Well, not so fast. Our Chicago weather does a great job of encouraging problems to have. The inspection and cleaning will help identify deterioration, cracks, leaks and more all caused by weather…even when you don’t use the fireplace.

Obstructions

It is true that snow has been one of our main obstructions, especially if you have a low chimney. With high snow, our little animal friends need to go to higher ground to get out of the snow too…and the freezing temperatures. Your chimney looks pretty good. I bet a nice comfy nest would make our critter friends very happy right now. As much as we enjoy our critter friends, we certainly don’t want to see them hurt. That’s why it’s important for us to check for any obstructions.

Obstructions can be more than just critters. It can also be left over leaves, debris droppings from the trees, or anything else that may blow up to the top of the home especially when our winds kick in.

14-Point Inspection with Photo Documentation

The Superior Chimney certified technicians can see what’s going on, we want you to know as well. Along with written documentation with our 14-point inspection, you’ll also get to ‘see’ for yourself what’s going on. That’s why we email you all the photos. Now you have all the information you need to make a good decision for any current or future repairs. You know what it looks like today.

With our crazy winter weather, it certainly would be a good idea to get your chimney and fireplace clean and inspected today. Take care of your chimney, so the warmth of the fireplace can take care of you.

Call us at 877-244-6349 to set up an appointment.

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

Chimney leaks are very common chimney problems that you can prevent with proper chimney maintenance. Here are some of the things that you need to do to prevent the leaks:

Install a cover

The chimney cover prevents rain from falling straight into the house. The cover also keeps birds, debris and animals from getting into the house. When installing the cover you shouldn’t cover it entirely—you should leave some spaces to protect your family from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Fix the chimney crown

The chimney crown located at the top of the chimney and it prevents rain from getting into the house. Since it’s made of cement, it’s prone to cracking. To prevent water from leaking you should identify the cracks as soon as possible and fix them.

The crown is very sensitive; therefore, making the wrong move will result to the problem getting worse than it already is. To avoid this you should ask a chimney repair professional to fix the problem.

Fix the water seal

It’s mandatory for all chimneys to have a water seal to prevent water from getting into the house. With time the seal degrades thus allowing water to leak. If there is no apparent reason why your chimney is leaking you should check the seal.

The best way of doing it is wetting the chimney with a hose or bucket. If you wet the area and the water is quickly absorbed and the area turns dark too quickly, chances are that the seal needs replacement. The best way of going about it is water proofing the chimney with water repellant.

Replace the flashing

The flashing prevents water from getting into the area where the brick comes through the roof. The flashing is usually made of aluminum and it goes through the bricks sealing the faulty spots. As the chimney ages, so does the flashing. If you notice that the flashing has come off you should hire a chimney contractor to replace it.

Inspect the joints

Brick and mortar joints tend to get loose, cracked or chipped. As a consequence they leak. You should ask a professional to undertake chimney inspection in order to identify any fault lines that might be there. If the bricks have become loose you should ask the masonry repair professional to fix them.

Conclusion

Proper chimney maintenance is the solution to chimney leaks. To have an easy time, you should work closely with an experienced chimney repair company.

The post Blog first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

Old homes that reflect the architecture and charm of designs from the past have tremendous appeal, but it is critical to address issues that come with an old chimney. In aging and historic homes, chimney problems are inevitable. Read on to learn some of the most common problems associated with the chimneys in old and historic homes.

Dangers of Having No Chimney Liner

Since at least the 1940s, the
absence of a liner in a chimney has been recognized as an imminent danger. Fire safety experts continue to share a quote from that time period in which it was said that not having a chimney liner is hazardous at a near-criminal level.

Chimney liners became mandatory in the U.S. in the 1950s. Historic homes from the 1940s and earlier were usually built with no chimney liner. The following are the primary dangers associated with using a chimney that doesn’t have the protection of a flue liner.

The Threat of a House Fire Due to Pyrolysis

Protecting combustible parts of the home is one of the essential functions of a chimney liner. When a fireplace is used without a flue liner or with a damaged liner, the exposed combustion materials go through a gradual process known as pyrolysis. As a result of pyrolysis, the structures are altered so that they combust at a much lower temperature. With no warning, a house fire will ignite and spread rapidly throughout the home.

Exposure to Carbon Monoxide

Chimney liners also keep the toxic combustion gases from fires contained in the chimney until they escape to the outdoors. Those same gases enter the home in the absence of a flue liner. Carbon monoxide is one of the byproducts of fires. Carbon Monoxide is known as a silent killer because it is odorless, tasteless, invisible, and symptomless and escape from the deadly fumes is often impossible.

Highly Combustible Creosote

Wood fires produce creosote, a highly flammable tar-like substance that is deposited into a chimney every time a fire is lit. If a burning ember floats up the chimney, it can cause the creosote to ignite. Chimney fires are always dangerous but especially when a chimney is not lined because virtually any chimney fire could easily spread throughout the home.

Masonry Damage

Bricks are durable, lasting a century or more if undamaged. Mortar, on the other hand, lasts only about 25 years at best. The mortar should be replaced whenever it begins to deteriorate because one of its primary functions is to protect the masonry system from moisture. If moisture intrusion occurs, winter cycles of freezing and thawing create movement in the bricks that break them down. A chimney will begin to lean and could even collapse when this occurs, though moisture can get in through other avenues besides damaged mortar as well.

Spalling is evidence of masonry damage. Spalling is when the brick face flakes and pops off, and piles of debris around the chimney or the ground below provide evidence that the destructive process is occurring.

Settling

Normal settling of a house doesn’t necessarily cause foundation damage. With older homes, there is a greater chance of damage caused by a shifting foundation. Cracked masonry is one of the symptoms of settling, and it is also one of the reasons to call a chimney sweep specialist to provide masonry repair.

Contact Northeastern Chimney Today

Connecticut has four centuries of homes, and the CSIA-certified chimney sweeps at Northeastern Chimney have the skill and experience to provide top-quality chimney services for old and historic homes. Schedule a chimney inspection, chimney liner installation, chimney cleaning, and all other chimney services by calling 860-233-5770 today.

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

How can we have both?

Here we are in March.  We have been using our chimney and fireplace for months, and we still have a month or two of use ahead of us.  While we are amid high usage, it is imperative to keep in mind that our warm, cozy fireplaces must be kept clean and safe. Please find our top tips for maintaining safety.

• Fireplaces should not be used for heating purposes. Use a fireplace for a short-duration fire — no longer than five hours.
• Keep the glass open to allow air to be drawn in to fuel the fire, but keep the screen closed to prevent sparks from jumping onto the flooring.
• Never leave a fire unattended when children are in the house. Adults, even if near, should not allow children to play near or with fire tools and equipment.
• Open a window if your fireplace becomes smoky. The air coming in from the window will go up the chimney.
• Before making a fire, open the glass doors, pull aside the screen curtains, and place the kindling, newspaper, and logs inside. Next, open the damper to access the flue. You can check to make sure the smoke will go up the chimney properly by rolling up newspaper, lighting the end on fire  and holding in the damper frame area.   Watch to see if the smoke goes up and out.  You can also hold here for a few minutes to create an updraft before lighting.  It’s called warming (or priming) the flue.
• If you do not have a hearth extension, keep a nonflammable rug or hearth pad (available at fireplace-supply stores) in front of the fireplace so that sparks will not melt or otherwise damage your floors.
• Use a chimney cap to prevent water damage, keep animals from nesting, and keep debris from blocking the chimney and causing carbon monoxide to flow into the house.
• Glass doors may develop tough stains from flames and heat. To clean them with common household items, make sure the glass doors are cool, then scrape off any thick gunk deposits with a razor blade. Add a squirt of liquid dishwashing detergent or a cup of vinegar to a gallon of warm water. Spray or sponge the cleaner on, and then wipe it away with newspaper.
• Fireplace coals can remain hot enough to start a fire for up to three days, so always wait at least that long before removing the ashes. At that point, close the damper to prevent cold air in the flue from stirring up excess dust while you are removing the ashes. Be sure to wear a dust mask and open a window in the same room as the fireplace to prevent negative air pressure. Use a shovel to scoop the ashes into a metal container. Store the container far from combustible materials and surfaces, and wood floors.
• Clean the firebox (the area where the logs burn) at least once a week during the months you use it when ash builds up, but it is wise to leave about an inch of ash because it acts as insulation, allowing the coals to heat faster and retain the heat easier. Keep the firebox completely clean during the months when the fireplace is not in use.
• To clean an exterior slate hearth, wash, dry, and coat it with olive or lemon oil every six weeks to make it shine. For cleaning exterior brick hearths, you can find concentrated brick cleaner at a fireplace shop or hardware store.

Have a certified chimney sweep inspect and clean the chimney regularly.  Ask us about operation and how you can check it yourself in between servicing, too. The chimney should be professionally inspected at least once a year or after about 80 fires. Feel free to call Boston Best at 1- 781 -996- 5400 or even schedule your appointment here!

The post Fireplace Warmth and Safety appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

To avoid fire and maintain your chimney in great shape you should regularly clean it. While the process is easy and straight forward, many homeowners tend to make a number of chimney cleaning mistakes. Here are some of the most common:

If you can’t see it, it’s fine

If creosote levels aren’t too high, you most likely won’t notice it. While this is the case, it doesn’t mean that the creosote levels aren’t dangerous to you and your family. Remember that even a small creosote coating has the potential of causing fire.

To avoid the danger that comes with it, you should hire a professional chimney contractor who will inspect the chimney and determine whether it should be cleaned. The cool thing with working with the contractor is that the professional will also sweep and repair the chimney if it’s in a dreadful state.

Going for the cheaper option

People are attracted to cheaper products and services. There are many chimney cleaning professionals who take advantage of this and distribute flyers advertising their cheap services. While there are many homeowners who are caught in the trap of cheap chimney services, you shouldn’t.

Remember that you get what you pay for; therefore, if you pay cheap, you will get cheap service. A common feature is the inability of the cheap contractor to properly inspect, clean and repair the chimney thus putting you at the danger of fire and chimney collapse. Most of the cheap chimney cleaning professionals don’t offer insured services; therefore, when something goes wrong, you are left on your own.

Before you enter into an agreement with the cheap professional you should ask yourself whether money is more important that your life and that of the people that you love.

Ignoring the contractor credentials

Studies have shown that many homeowners don’t check the credentials of the contractors that they hire. This means that the chimney repair professionals can easily lie to the homeowners and get away with it.

To be on the safe side you should be strict when hiring. As rule of thumb you should ask the professional to give you all the documents that prove that he/she is certified, insured and allowed to work in the area. To know how the contractor handles his/her work you should ask him/her to give you a list of the homeowners that he/she has worked with.

To protect your property, your life and that of your loved ones you should never work with a chimney professional who doesn’t have the necessary credentials.

The post Blog first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

Did you even wonder which chimney articles were fan favorites? Okay, I was wondering what everyone thought. I reviewed articles from the past few years and here’s the most popular. Everyone loves a bit of humor. We had plenty of those. Take a look at the Top 7.

1. The One that Got Away…with Encouragement Plenty of chuckles on this article. How often can you get a picture of a critter in mid-flight?

2. Crates as a Chimney Cap? Love the creativity of homeowners.

3. Have You Ever Experienced Rain in 4D?

4. The Simple Science of Lint Balls & the Dryer Vent Our technician has been a real trouper as we reused this lovely picture of him a couple of times.

5. Chimney Sweep for the Non-Chimney User

6. If the Musty Smell Isn’t Socks…What Is It?

7. A Chimney Holiday – For and From the Kids – The Holiday Favorite.

Now that we’ve all enjoyed a good laugh, keep us in mind when you need a chimney sweep, water leak repair or the dryer vent cleaned.

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