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Chimney and chimney cleaning are popular topics and just like other popular discussions, they are marred by many myths. Here are some of the most common chimney myths:

Pine and other soft woods cause excess creosote

Although, softwood may result to more creosote buildup than hardwood, it doesn’t mean that softwood is the main cause of excess creosote buildup in the chimney. Studies have shown that the main cause of the buildup is burning wood (softwood or hardwood) before its ready for burning.

Chimney contractors recommend that you should ensure that the wood that you burn is dry and seasoned. This way the wood will burn effectively and with less creosote regardless of whether it’s hardwood or softwood.

You don’t need to inspect the chimney if you haven’t been using it

While many people may feel that their chimney is in perfect condition and doesn’t require inspection as they haven’t been using it for a long time, this is wrong—you need to undertake regular chimney inspection whether you have been using the chimney or not.

Even if you haven’t been using it, animals may build nests, the chimney liner may develop cracks, and water may damage the chimney. To be on the safe side you should contact a chimney expert to take a look at the chimney and have a look at it.

You can easily clean the chimney by yourself

While the internet has many valuable videos and tutorials on how to clean the chimney, it’s not as easy as you read or see it in the videos. You need to ensure that you use the right tools to achieve ideal results. You also need to be cautious and keep your house clean throughout the cleaning process. To achieve a clean chimney you need to rent or buy the right chimney cleaning tools. You also need to put in a lot of time and energy into the work.

To avoid this trouble, you should seek professional chimney cleaning services. The chimney cleaner will not only clean the chimney, he/she will also repair chimney defects that might be present.

Conclusion

There are many more myths surrounding chimneys and chimney cleaning that can derail you. Always remember that you should inspect and clean your chimney regardless of whether you have been using it or not. To achieve ideal results, always hire an experienced chimney cleaning company to do the cleaning work for you.

The post Blog first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

If you live in a home that was built without a fireplace, there are many practical reasons to install one in your home. Fireplaces are like individual works of art that not only add character to a living space all year long but provide much-needed warmth and comfort during the winter. Fireplaces have also improved considerably and are now more energy-efficient than ever before.  There are energy-efficient wood, pellet, gas, and electric fireplaces. There are also zero-clearance and ventless fireplaces for living spaces that are too small for a traditional fireplace. With energy costs on the rise, a fireplace can reduce your home heating costs when you need it the most. Here are a few more reasons to install a fireplace in your home.

Ambiance

Fireplaces are a charming focal point of the room that naturally draws people into its warm and inviting atmosphere. They are available in a wide assortment of shapes, sizes, styles, and even colors, allowing homeowners to create the perfect ambiance in their home. Whether it’s a traditional wood-burning fireplace, modern gas or pellet fireplace, or a sleek electric fireplace, they are an architectural element that will add character to any living space.

Lower Heating Costs

According to a recent study, Kansas has the 23rd highest utility rates in the country. Installing an energy-efficient fireplace can reduce heating costs and dependency on the utility during the winter. Fireplaces can also be used for zone heating. Instead of heating the entire home with a central heating system, fireplaces warm the occupied rooms. Depending on the model, a fireplace can heat up to 1,000 square feet or more of living space.

Affordability

Fireplaces are more affordable than many people may realize. Just like any other home improvement project, the cost can vary depending on a variety of factors such as location, whether a chimney or vent is required, and type of fuel, for example. While a traditional masonry fireplace is often the most expensive option, pre-fab fireplaces and fireplace inserts are lower-cost alternatives making the addition affordable for any budget.

Increases Home Value

A fireplace is a desirable feature that may even increase your home’s value. A 2016 Angie’s List survey of real estate agents found that a fireplace can increase a home’s value from $1,000 to $4,999.  In a recent home buyers survey, the National Association of Realtors stated that heating and cooling costs were the most important environmental feature. Also, The National Association of Home Builders found that 51% of home buyers consider a gas or wood-burning fireplace to be a desirable home feature.

Stay Warm During a Power Outage

Winter storms and power outages seem to go hand-in-hand. If your home relies on central heating, your ability to stay warm goes out until the power is restored. On the other hand, gas and wood-burning fireplace don’t require electricity and will keep your space warm and cozy and give some light to the room during a power outage.

The post Reasons to Install A Fireplace appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

Chicago weather… You never know what to expect. One minute we get reminded what sunshine looks like, and the next, 4-foot snow drifts up against the garage door.

We spoke with a couple of our certified technicians as to what to look out for with all of the recent snow, sleet, freezing temperatures and the little bit of sunshine.

Q: What does the winter freeze-thaw cycle mean? Why is that important for a chimney?

A:  According to the CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America), the freeze thaw cycles is most damaging when water absorbs into the brick and mortar joints, freezes then expands. Then the freeze-thaw cycle happens again and again until cracks form causing the bricks and mortar joints to chip, spall or crumble into small pieces.

Q: Wow, is there a way to stop it, or slow it down? We get a lot of the freeze-thaw cycles here in Chicago.

A: Yes, waterproofing a chimney with a high-quality product will help to protect the chimney from the freeze thaw cycle. Superior Chimney uses a Chimney Saver solution that prevents water from penetrating the bricks and mortar but still allows them to “breathe”.

Q: We get so few days of sunshine it seems. But when we do, the snow begins to melt. What do homeowners need to watch for with melting snow?

A: Leaks are important to identify and repair quickly. One of the most common areas where leaks occur is at the flashing. Flashing is the metal that covers the gap where the chimney protrudes through your roof. If snow/water gets behind the flashing, the water can go directly into your home.

Another area for concern is the chimney crown. The chimney crown is the cement slab right on top of the chimney. When there’s even just a hairline crack, water can make its way into the home.

Q: What are the signs of a water leak in the chimney?

A: If water begins to penetrate the chimney system, you’ll notice signs such as:

• Water dripping into the firebox
• Stains on your interior walls
• Bad odor or a damp smell coming from the fireplace
• Broken pieces of the flue tiles
• Or the white powdery substance called efflorescence outside on the chimney’s bricks.

Q: Can masonry repairs be done in the winter?

A: Some cannot, however, there are many preventative measures that can be implemented until more ideal weather/temperature arrives… these can help to prevent further deterioration and escalated repair costs through the remaining winter months. There are times when chimney repairs cannot be avoided such as large cracks where moisture is easily flowing through the chimney and into your home, or if the chimney is at risk of falling.

The best way to avoid all of these problems is to get an inspection on your chimney annually as advised by CSIA (the Chimney Safety Institute of America), NCSG (the National Chimney Sweep Guild), NFPA (the National Fire Protection Association) and IRC (International Residential Code) due to our geographic freeze and thaw cycles of winter and regardless of gas, wood or frequency of use.

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

One of the most effective ways of maintaining your chimney is sweeping it. Sweeping gets rid of all the carbon and other waste products that might have accumulated in your chimney putting your home at the risk of fire.

Chimney sweep professionals recommend that you should sweep your chimney at the beginning of autumn. This is a great time as the soot has had time to dry during summer and is hard and brittle. Hard soot is easy to remove.

Hiring a professional chimney sweep

While you can sweep your chimney, there are many benefits that come with hiring a professional chimney sweep. These benefits include:

Professional cleaning: chimney cleaners are highly trained and know how to not only clean the chimney, but also how to professionally sweep it. This means that you don’t have to worry when you hire a chimney sweeping technician as you are ensured of the best service.

Chimney repair: in addition to cleaning your chimney, the technicians are also able to identify any faults that might be on your chimney. For example, if there are any cracks in your brick chimney the technicians will identify and repair them at just a small extra charge.

If your chimney is old, they will help you in installing a chimney liner that will prevent your chimney from collapsing. There are many types of liners in the market that you can go with. The most common are:

Concrete: here the chimney professional will install an inflatable template within the full height of the chimney stack and then pours concrete around it. Once the concrete hardens, the technician removes the template leaving a smaller concrete flue that can’t collapse.

Ceramic and clay: it’s expensive to install the ceramic or clay liner as you have to remove sections of the old chimney to install the liner. While the liner is expensive, it’s long lasting.

Stainless steel: here the chimney repair technician installs the liner by dropping it down the existing chimney and capping it off at the top and bottom. To assist with the pull of smoke from the fire and keep the liner in place, the technician insulates around the liner. While this option is cost effective, it’s temporary as you have to reinstall the liner after 10-20 years.

Conclusion

Chimney sweeping is very important for your home. To ensure that it’s done properly you should hire a certified and experienced chimney cleaning expert.

The post Blog first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

A chimney damper is a unit that seals off the chimney when it’s not in use. This ensures that the cool or warm air remains in the house. Chimney dampers come in different designs and you can install them just above the fireplace or at the top of the chimney using a chimney damper cap.

In addition to conserving energy, chimney dampers also serve other functions. For example, they also aid in keeping birds, animals and debris from getting into your home through the chimney flue.

If you install the damper at the top of your chimney, the damper will prevent large animals such as raccoons from accessing your home.

According to chimney technicians, dampers also aid in preventing rainwater from getting into your house.

Guide on how to clean your chimney damper

Just like any other part of your house, the damper gets dirty from ash and other debris. To maintain the damper in good working condition you should clean it as part of your regular routine.

You should start by sweeping out the fireplace using a small broom. You should remove all the ashes and any debris that might be there.

You should then line the floor of the fireplace with old newspapers and then remove the chimney damper plate. You should note that there are many ways of installing chimney damper; therefore, you should be keen when removing it.

If your damper is connected to its support using screws or cotter pins, you should carefully remove the screws and then slowly pull the damper out of the chimney. If there are any ashes you should remove them from the plate and damp them in the trash.

Once you are done you should hold the damper over the newspapers and scrape it with a wire brush in order to remove the large chunks of soot. You should clean the inside and outside of the damper to remove all the soot. Once clean you should rinse it with clean water and replace it back into the chimney.

Conclusion

To conserve energy, it’s wise that you consider undertaking chimney damper installation. For it to give you the right results you should ensure that it’s installed by a professional. For it to last for a long time, you should regularly maintain it by cleaning. It’s also wise that you hire a chimney repair professional to take a look at your chimney at least once a year.

The post Blog first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

In the right scenario – which we’ll look at below – a fireplace can be an excellent supplemental heating appliance. A good fireplace can do a great job at heating the room it’s in and even some other areas proximal to the room.

Here are five things to consider if you’re thinking of buying a new fireplace or hoping to get more out of the one you have.

1. Not all fireplaces are the same

What we call a “fireplace” can actually be three different appliances:

•  Traditional open masonry fireplace
• Gas or wood-burning fireplace insert
• Gas or wood factory-built fireplace

Each type of unit functions differently and brings different levels of cost-efficiency.

2. Heat-efficiency ratings

In simple terms, heat-efficiency ratings are given to heating appliances to show how much heat they’ll produce in your home versus how much heat is lost in the combustion process.

For example, traditional masonry fireplaces often are rated at 10% to 20% efficiency, which means 80% or 90% of their heat never enters your home. Modern zero-clearance (ZC) fireplaces and fireplace inserts (which are self-contained units that fit into an existing firebox) come with efficiency ratings of 60% and as high as 90%.

If you’re after cost-efficient heating, you’ll get the most “bang for your buck” with a ZC fireplace or fireplace insert.

3. The size of your home

Fireplaces if built well and working properly should be able to bring warmth to the room they’re in. But no single fireplace will effectively heat a large home.

If you have multiple rooms within your home, you might consider adding a second or third fireplace for zone heating. Zero-clearance fireplaces come in many sizes and BTU outputs and can be safely installed in bedrooms, dens, kitchens and even bathrooms.

4. Condition of the fireplace and vent system

For any kind of fireplace to work in a cost-effective manner, it’s critical that it is kept maintained and that its vent system (especially for wood-burning units) is clean and in good repair.

Even a standard masonry fireplace will perform better when the chimney is clean and free of drafting obstructions such as built-up creosote and outside debris like leaves, twigs and small-animal nests.

Gas and wood zero-clearance fireplaces and inserts should be inspected annually by a certified chimney or fireplace technician to ensure that they’re working as they should. All venting systems for wood-burning appliances should be swept (cleaned) once a year to prevent fires and to keep the smoke path open and clear.

5. The condition of your home

If you home has small areas where cold air is coming through, the efficiency of your fireplace will be reduced. During these frigid winters we have in Connecticut, even keeping doors open too long while entering and exiting can allow large amounts of cold air into the home that will have to be warmed.

Obviously, you can’t avoid opening doors, but you can caulk around window frames, install double-pane windows, make sure the attic is well-insulated and perform other tasks to conserve energy and heat.

So the answer to the question – is a fireplace a cost-effective way to heat your home? – is yes, if you have the right kind of fireplace, don’t expect it to do more than it’s capable of doing and keep it in top shape through chimney cleaning, inspection and repair.

Northeastern Chimney of West Hartford, CT, can help you choose the ideal new fireplace for your home and install it safely and correctly. We also offer complete chimney sweep services, chimney and fireplace inspections and all types of appliance and vent system repairs.

Speak with a certified hearth expert today at (860) 233-5770.

 

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

Our cold Maryland winters affect not only us, but they also affect our chimneys. Let’s look at some of the issues that cold weather can cause with chimneys and how to solve or prevent these chimney problems.

Backdrafts

Smoke backing up into your home is no fun. Less fun is what the smoke carries: deadly carbon monoxide, which can’t be seen or smelled. During the winter, your chimney flue absorbs the outside temperature, adding a block of cold, heavy air that impedes the lighter, warmer air (i.e., smoke) from moving up and out of the chimney.

If this is the only reason you’re experiencing backdrafts, the solution often is as simple as holding some kindling or a lit rolled-up newspaper past the damper for a few minutes to warm the flue before starting and enjoying your fire.

Drafting obstructions

When it’s cold outside, we like to stay inside. So do critters like squirrels and raccoons. Since they can’t walk through your front door, they go for the next best choice: your chimney.

Many different kinds of small animals including certain birds like to hang out in chimneys during the winter – and they build nests in their new homes to birth their offspring later on. Nesting material along with any animals who unfortunately have died inside the chimney will impede smoke from drafting properly from your fireplace, or worse yet, lead to fires.

 

The solution is two-fold: 1. Have your chimney professionally cleaned, and 2. Install a full-width chimney cap to keep animals as well as tree debris out of your chimney.

Chimney leaks

A leaky chimney is nothing to take lightly or overlook. If there’s a leak, that means some area of the structure has been compromised and will continue to get worse.

Masonry damage during the winter is the cause of many chimney leaks. Small cracks in the bricks and mortar allow water from rain or melting snow to get inside. When the temperature drops below freezing, the moisture expands, then thaws and creates internal decay.

Fixing this problem begins with a chimney inspection by a technician certified through the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). Once the area of damage is located, it can be fixed either through brick replacement, tuckpointing (replacement of crumbling mortar), partial chimney rebuilding or, in minor cases, a water-sealant application.

Damage to chimney components

Chimney flashing, concrete chimney crowns and chimney caps can all be damaged during our brutal winters and during other times of the year. Weather such as high winds, freezing temperatures, pounding hail, lightning strikes and other events are common causes of chimney damage.

When any component of your chimney isn’t working correctly and safely, larger problems are likely to occur down the line. This is why it’s always recommended that you schedule an annual chimney inspection, preferably not during the dead of winter, to discover small problems and get them solved before they become big, expensive and dangerous.

Inspections along with regular chimney sweeping and required repair work will allow you to use your chimney and fireplace safely and with peace of mind during the cold winter days and nights.

High’s Chimney Service of Gaithersburg, MD, provides everything you need to keep your chimney going strong all winter long. Call us for certified chimney sweep services, chimney inspections, chimney repairs and chimney rebuilding. Talk with an expert about what you want to accomplish by calling
(301) 519-3500.

 

The post Harmful Effects Cold Winter Weather Has on Your Chimney appeared first on Highs Chimney.

Having your chimney swept and inspected annually is an important measure to take if you are a homeowner. Though it can be easy to ignore what you do not see, basic chimney care is essential to keeping your home safe and your chimney in working order.

Do you live in the Boston area and does your chimney need to be swept or inspected? Boston’s Best Chimney is a family owned one stop chimney service company that has been serving the community since 1989. Click here or call (781) 893-6611 to get in touch with us about your chimney needs.

Today we will discuss how chimney cleanings work and some of the potential consequences of ignoring this basic form of chimney care.

How Does a Chimney Sweeping Work? 

At Boston’s Best Chimney, we follow guidelines from the Chimney Safety Institute of America and the National Fire Protection Association to perform chimney sweeps. First, we inspect the flue to determine if a chimney needs to be swept and if so, which type of brush is best to use. Creosote has several phases, so this step is important in order to see if the situation calls for a basic sweep or if more aggressive tactics are necessary. Check out our blog on the different phases of creosote to learn more. Then, we prepare the work site with a drop cloth, vacuum, and additional dust control if necessary. After that, we attach the brush to a rod and insert it past the damper area until it reaches the peak of the chimney.

Why Do You Need Chimney Cleaning? 

Check for the Dangers of Carbon Monoxide

Preventing carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the biggest reasons why we do what we do. Soot buildup and condensation from heating equipment creates a perfect environment for decay.  Problems arise when soot is allowed to build up inside of the chimney or deteriorating falling sections of the internal chimney system fall, creating blockages that allow fumes into vent into homes. Structural issues or animal nesting can also impact airflow, which is why it is important to have your chimney both cleaned and inspected by a professional annually.

Prevent Exposure to Creosote

Creosote buildup happens as a result of incomplete combustion or the usage of wood with a high amount of moisture. High exposure to creosote can cause several health problems including respiratory issues and eye and skin irritation. Although creosote poisoning is rare, getting your chimney swept once a year or as needed will keep creosote from building up and reduce risk.

Contact Us for your Boston Area Chimney Care Needs 

Would you like to have your chimney cleaned or inspected by a professional? As we have discussed, there are many reasons why you need a chimney cleaning and inspection each year. Click here or call (781) 893-6611 to get in touch for an appointment.

The post Why You Need a Chimney Cleaning appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

A full-width chimney cap – a relatively simple and inexpensive chimney component – can literally save your chimney and keep you safe. We’ll show you exactly how this is accomplished, but first, let’s differentiate between chimney caps and flue covers.

Chimney cap vs. flue cover

A flue cover is a device that covers the flue openings at the top of your chimney. A proper chimney cap covers not only the flue openings but also the entire top area of your chimney including the concrete chimney crown, which is prone to cracking due to water damage and other events.

To preserve your chimney, you’re best off going with a custom-fitted, full-width chimney cap.

Here are four things a good chimney cap will do for you. (Flue covers will do most of these things but won’t protect the entire top of your chimney.)

 

1. Prevent debris obstructions

Your chimney cap provides the perfect block to prevent leaves, twigs and other tree debris as well as small animals and their nesting material from getting into your flue.

All this debris can cause smoke to draft sluggishly and eventually begin backing up into your home. Smoke in the house is a problem, but a greater problem is the carbon monoxide contained within the smoke.

Carbon monoxide is invisible and odorless – and it is known to be potentially fatal to humans and animals living inside your home.

2. Reduce the severity of downdrafts

Air blowing into the top of an open flue with no cap can sail down the chimney and blow cold into your room if your fireplace damper isn’t fully closed.

When the fireplace is in use, downdrafts (or backdrafts) can push smoke, carbon monoxide, sparks, embers and soot into your room. A proper chimney cap will make a significant positive difference in the severity of downdrafts.

3. Block rain and snow

An open flue top is an invitation for water and snow to move right in and start a cycle of damage. Internal flue moisture can lead to chimney liner damage. If there are cracks in the chimney crown, water can seep down and affect the chimney masonry beneath it. (Remember: a proper cap will help to protect damaged crowns; a basic flue cover will not.)

Moisture in the chimney also can cause strong, unpleasant odors and lead to the growth of harmful mold. A quality chimney cap is your best defense against incoming water and a great way to extend the life
of your chimney.

4. Keep sparks in the flue

During a fireplace fire, red-hot sparks and embers can rise with the smoke draft, jump out the top of your flue and land on the roof or in the yard. Leaf piles can be set on fire, and lawn furniture and other objects can be damaged. Roofing shingles also can be damaged, depending on how many sparks escape the flue.

If your chimney has no cap or the one you have is damaged, Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace of Kansas City, KS, is here to help. We’ll install a custom, full-width chimney cap that will protect your chimney, many of its components and your home and family all year long.

Arrange an appointment or get your questions answered by calling (913) 236-7141.

 

The post 4 Reasons Your Chimney Needs a Good Chimney Cap appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

Your chimney is an essential safety apparatus that vents smoke and exhaust when using the fireplace or heating stove to keep your family warm and comfy. Many chimneys lack a chimney cap, which means they have an open flue exposing the chimney to rain, wind, pests, and debris that can damage the interior masonry, reduce the heating efficiency, and increase the likelihood of dangerous downdrafts.

What is a Chimney Cap?

A chimney cap is an accessory  on top of the chimney. It covers the flue opening while allowing the exhaust to vent into the atmosphere. There are numerous benefits to installing a chimney cap.

Prevents Water Intrusion

One of the biggest reasons for installing a chimney cap is to prevent water intrusion. Water is incredibly destructive to chimneys and can cause extensive damage to interior masonry walls, flue liner, damper, and other components. Water damage can make your fireplace or heating stove unsafe to operate, resulting in expensive repairs. It can also promote mold and bacteria growth, which can be potentially harmful to your health.

Keep Out Pests and Debris

The chimney is often the highest point of a home. High winds can blow leaves, twigs, and debris from nearby trees into an exposed flue. Small animals and pests can also climb a chimney as easily as climbing a tree where they can curiously enter the flue. Once inside, they often perish, unable to climb out. Decaying organic matter can cause foul odors and attract pests. It is also a health hazard because when the flue is partially or entirely clogged, it restricts the venting of dangerous gases. Instead of exiting the chimney, smoke and fumes may be forced down the vent, causing smoke, soot, and hot ashes to be pushed out of the fireplace.

Protects Chimney Liner

A chimney cap also plays an integral role in protecting the chimney liner and extending its useful life. Moisture and debris that get in the chimney through an exposed flue can damage the liner requiring more frequent repairs and early replacement. A damaged chimney liner also increases the risk of fire and exposure to toxic carbon monoxide fumes.

Fire Prevention

A roaring wood-burning fireplace fire is a stunning sight, but sparks from hot embers flying around the flue can be a fire hazard if it flies out the chimney and lands on the roof or nearby brush. A chimney cap with a spark arrestor will prevent sparks from escaping the chimney, reducing fire risk.

Reduces Downdrafts

Windy days can be a severe problem for chimneys without a chimney cap. A gust of wind can blow cold air down the chimney causing a dangerous downdraft that forces smoke and exhaust into your living space. Installing a chimney cap will help prevent this and improve the chimney draft for more efficient heating.

Chimney caps are available in a wide variety of styles, sizes, and materials. Since a chimney cap that is the wrong size or incorrectly installed will defeat its purpose, always contact a chimney professional to help you select and install the right chimney cap for your chimney.

The post The Benefits of Installing a Chimney Cap appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.