Welcome to 2021. We hope this new year brings great health, and harmony to your homes.

Our dedication is to provide you with fireplace, chimney, and masonry knowledge as well as the highest integrity service. The intent of our monthly newsletter is to keep you up to date with the most current information. Our team is constantly undergoing training and we are observing all the regulations pertaining to COVID-19.

Let’s talk about chimney liners:

A chimney liner is, in fact, a lining that goes in the flue of the chimney. The flue is a tunnel or passageway located within the chimney structure.  A flue lining is made of clay, ceramic, or metal conduit and is intended to contain the burning products, and direct them to the outside atmosphere while protecting the chimney walls from heat and corrosion (similar to an exhaust for a car). Do you really need on? YES, YOU DO! (read why)

Do you really need a chimney liner?

Chimney liners create a clear and direct path for smoke to exit your home safely and efficiently. Without one, the chimney walls will eventually deteriorate, and smoke will be able to seep through any cracks. When your chimney cannot effectively release smoke outside, it greatly increases the risk of a chimney fire. The chimney liner is one of many chimney components that keeps your chimney working safely and smoothly. Check out our guide on How a Chimney Works to learn about the different parts of the chimney.

Are you interested in getting a chimney liner installed? Boston’s Best Chimney has been the community’s one stop chimney service company specializing in every aspect of chimney maintenance and repair since 1989. Click here or call (781) 893-6611 to get in touch with us.

How would I know if my chimney needs a new liner?

Unlined Flue

In the 1920s chimneys began to be built with clay tile liners.  Most chimneys we encounter before this period are unlined and consist of just brick and mortar.  This is not only concerning for carbon monoxide transmission, but also for heat transfer to neighboring construction materials.  If your chimney is unlined, it should be lined for use.

Clay tile lined flue

Most chimneys built in this area after the 1920s are clay tile lined.  Clay tiles are usually square or rectangular and in two-foot lengths.  These sections are mortared together within the flue walls to create a barrier to the exposed brick and mortar.   Over time, these sections, as well as the mortar between them, break down.  This is mainly due to soot accumulation (high acid content) or moisture.  Moisture can penetrate the brick (porous), come in from above (the flue opening) or from within with poor wood or gas fueled appliances.  When there is a break or breach in the lining, the flue should be lined for use.

Chimney Liner Benefits

The most significant benefit of having a chimney liner is that it increases your home and family’s safety. When you use your heat, exhaust and carbon monoxide gets released so ensuring that the by-products of combustion are removed at all costs.  Similarly, heat and smoke from your fireplace can enter the home during an improperly venting fire.  This increases the residence time the smoke spends within the walls and creates soot buildup.  Excess soot buildup is flammable and is how a chimney fire is formed.

There are various types of chimney liners on the market and most depend on how you are going to use your fireplace or heating flue.  Whether you go from gas to wood burning or vice versa, you must install a new chimney liner appropriate for that type of fuel and use. The same rule applies to heating and hot water equipment because different materials are more suited for different types of fuel.

Of course, if you are unsure about your chimney liner’s status, get a chimney inspection as soon as possible. Click here or call (781) 893-6611  to contact us.  Our trained staff can talk you through the differences and options for your specific needs.  Please also note our special offers for the rest of January and February 2021.

The post What is a Chimney Liner? Do I Need a Chimney Liner? appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Chimney waterproofing is the act of treating your chimney so that no water gets inside it. There are many benefits that come with this practice. These benefits include:

Erosion

When you waterproof your chimney you don’t have to worry of erosion. The waterproofing materials seal even minor chimney crevices thus preventing water from finding its water into the crevices. You should note that when water gets into the crevices, it stays there. When it gets cold, the water freezes and expands. This pushes the bricks apart causing large cracks where water can leak through.

Rotting

Even if you live in an area where freezing doesn’t take place, stagnant water comes with a number of challenges. One of the major challenges being rotting. When water stands inside the chimney crevices, it attracts mold which can cause serious damage and discoloration to the chimney.

If the mold stays on the chimney for a long time, it will eventually spread to other which results to weakening of the chimney and eventually it might break apart.

Guide on how to waterproof the chimney

You should start by measuring the surface area of the chimney. This is to enable you to know the amount of waterproofing material that you need.

If the chimney has mold, dirt, creosote, efflorescence, or rust, you should undertake chimney cleaning. To clean the chimney thoroughly, you should use a cleaner. You can clean the chimney on your own; however, if you don’t have time or skills, you should hire a chimney cleaning professional to help you out.

If your chimney has any defects, you should repair it. For ideal results you should hire a chimney repair contractor to do the work for you.

Once you are through, you should protect the non-target areas. This is to prevent the overspray from getting to the shingles thus causing discoloration. For ideal results, you should use a canvas drop cloth or an absorbent material. You should avoid using plastic drop cloths as they get slippery thus the overspray can easily get into the room even with the protective material being present.

Once everything is in place you should apply the water repellant. You should start from the bottom of the chimney and slowly work your way to the top. For ideal results, you should apply a flood coat that is heavy enough so that it runs about 6”-8” from the area that you are spraying. For optimum results you should apply two coats of the chimney waterproofing product.

The post Blog first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

Whenever we think of a cold winter’s day, our minds drift to a warm fireplace. There’s nothing like sitting in an oversized chair with my favorite ‘drink’ while I close my eyes to enjoy the warmth and crackling sound of the fire. The fireplace can certainly serve as a place of solace and relaxation. Clearly, we don’t want anything to mess that up.

What’s that Chill?

There’s always something to challenge ‘me’ time. In this instance, it was a cold draft. When the fire is out in your woodburning or gas fireplace there’s an opportunity for cool or cold air to enter into your home. That’s because the fireplace and chimney are another opening or entry to the outside, similar to a window or door.

Air Pressure

We all know that warm air rises and cold air sinks – Heated air has lower density than cold air, so the warm buoyant air in your house wants to rise and leak out of your home through any gaps or inefficiencies… and through the roof.  There are pathways in the upper levels & roof elements which allow the warm rising room-air to escape out of your house.  All the while, cold heavy outside air comes in through lower gaps and inefficiencies (like the fireplace). Warm air rises up and leaks out of your house while cold replacement air, from outside, will flow in through lower pathways in the lower levels.  

What can cause the air pressure to change?

• Wind: and we have plenty of it
• Temperature: what is the temperature outside vs inside the home
• Structure Thermal Envelope: meaning how airtight is the home in regards to windows, doors, insulation, etc.
• Height of the chimney

Damper

The modern damper is located outside of the home and on top of the chimney. It helps to seal in heat, minimizes any wind downdrafts, and seals out rain, snow. If you have a damper, check if it is closed. If it is, then the seal is not tight and the damper needs to be checked. If you notice that it’s open, close it right away. Then check if cold air continues to make its way inside.

Getting Too Complicated!

It’s cold. There’s a draft. Air pressure isn’t helping. Got it.

What can be done to fix the problem? First, contact Superior Chimney at 877.244.6349. Certified Technicians confront this issue all the time. They will be able to evaluate and diagnose the problem and put a stop to the cold air from entering your home.

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

Chimney flue is the vertical passageway in a chimney through which smoke, toxic gases and other by-products of the burning fuel pass and expelled into the open air. Are you constructing a house and wondering the best chimney flue to install? Here are the different types that you should consider:

Clay

Clay flues are the most common and preferred by many people as they are both beautiful and inexpensive. When you maintain them properly, the flues have the ability of lasting up to 75 years.

While these flues are great to have, they are susceptible to cracking in the event of chimney fire. The flues are also not ideal for gas fireplaces due to their inability to contain the combustion byproducts produced by gas fires.

Concrete

Also known as cast-in-place flues, you make them by placing a tube down the center of the original chimney walls and then pouring concrete around the chimney walls and allowing it to dry.

The cool thing with these flues is that they are resilient and very long lasting. Their main flaw is that they are expensive. You should note that once you install them you can’t remove them without replacing the entire chimney.

Metal

Most of the metal chimney flues are made from stainless steel; however, there are some that are made from copper and aluminum. The flues are thin and made in the form of a cylindrical tube which you can easily shift around when necessary.

Due to their thinness, you should insulate them to enhance performance and increase safety. Stainless steel chimney flues are ideal for different fireplaces which include: gas, oil and wood. Aluminum fireplaces are less sturdy thus recommended for gas fireplaces.

Although, metal chimney flues are great, you should be cautious when using them in open fireplaces. The flues are usually too small to properly vent the fireplaces.

Multi flues

They consist of more than one flue that travels up the same chimney. These flues are recommended for homes that have more than one fireplace. The flues are made from different materials such as metal, clay and concrete.

Conclusion

These are some of the most popular chimney flues that you can go for. For ideal results you should ensure that the chimney flue installation is done by a certified chimney contractor.

The post Blog first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

While much of the economy shut down over the last year, Southern Chimneys kept providing excellent service to the Atlanta community.

Well, 2020 was…quite a year, huh? By April, all Georgia residents were ordered to stay at home and this meant the closing of all nonessential businesses. This only lasted a few weeks, but things still haven’t gone back to normal as the virus continues to rage on and people continue to mostly stay put. Luckily for us, Southern Chimneys, LLC falls within the definition of essential business as defined in the Executive Order, and we remained open all year.

At Southern Chimneys we pride ourselves on maintaining the highest safety standards even during the best times, so we will continue to practice safety as long as the COVID-19 pandemic remains. We’ll perform our chimney and fireplace inspections, cleanings, and repairs while maintaining social distancing and safety protocols. 

With the number of Coronavirus cases in the area growing rapidly, it’s best that all non-essential employees stay home and stay healthy to stop the spread. Now that a vaccine is on the horizon, hopefully, we can get our economy back to “roaring” as it was just a year ago. Remember, wearing a mask in public, washing your hands regularly, and covering your face when you sneeze or cough is the best way to prevent spreading the disease. 

For any questions, give our office a call from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday, at 678-744-4046. 

The post Take on 2021 with Southern Chimneys first appeared on Southern Chimneys. This post first appeared on https://southernchimneys.com

Wood burning fireplace inserts are made from plate steel or cast iron. The cool thing with them is that they come with glass doors that allow you to view the fire while it’s burning. There are some inserts that sit flush with the fireplace while others protrude onto the hearth.

To increase efficiency, there are some inserts that come with built in blowers. These blowers increase efficiency by increasing circulation of heat throughout the room. You can mount the blowers at the front or sides of the insert. Depending on the model that you have bought, you can go for an insert that is manually or automatically controlled.

Factors to consider when making the purchase

There are many factors that you should consider when buying fireplace inserts. These factors include:

Amount of heat needed: the amount of heat that you need is of great importance. If you need a lot of heat you should go for a large unit. The same thing applies when you need just small amount of heat. It’s usually challenging to know the right size of wood inserts that you should go for. Heat output is usually measured in BTUs (British thermal units) per hour.

To avoid making mistakes you should work with an insert expert who will not only recommend the right size of inserts to go for, but also the right type to buy.

Venting system: the other factor that you should consider is whether you want to install a venting system. If you will install the system, you should ensure that the insert you buy is compatible with the venting system.

Design: the fireplace insert becomes part of your house once you install it; therefore, you should ensure that you install an insert that compliments the look of your home.

How to install a wood burning fireplace insert

The installation process requires expert skills; therefore, you shouldn’t attempt installing the insert if you don’t have the right skills. For ideal results you should ensure that the work is done by a qualified wood burning fireplace insert professional.

During installation you should ensure that the insert is connected to the chimney liner that runs from the stove to the top of the chimney. This is to ensure that no smoke goes up the chimney directly. Doing so also minimizes combustible deposits that end up condensing in the fireplace.

The post Blog first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

At Boston’s Best Chimney, our priority is to keep our customers safe by ensuring that their chimneys are in working order. Do you need roof snow removal, chimney repairs, or a chimney inspection? Click here or call (781) 893-6611 to contact us today.

Now, we’ll discuss ice dams, why they are dangerous and ice dam prevention tips.

What Are Ice Dams?

Ice dams are a build up of ice on sloped roofs. They occur when snow that’s under a snowpack melts and then refreezes – usually caused by warm attic air. This creates a layer of ice that can wreak havoc on the roof and chimney system.

Why Ice Dams are Dangerous

Damage to Your Chimney

There are multiple reasons why ice dams are dangerous for your home. First, they can cause damage to your chimney. If your chimney is on the ridge of your home, it will most likely be safe from ice dams. Chimneys that are located on other parts of a roof can actually cause ice dams to form, however.  Be on the lookout for ice dams if your chimney is located on one of the corners of your roof or on a sloped section of your roof.  Ice dams can also damage the masonry or flashing of your chimney, causing it to pull away and crack.

Damage to Your Roof and Gutters

In addition to damaging your chimney, ice dams can cause roofing and gutter issues. They often cause roof flashing to bend, which can allow water to penetrate your attic. Ice dams can also warp  your gutters as the ice expands and contracts. Sometimes gutters even fall off of homes because of this!

What to Do if You Have Ice Dams

If you see an ice dam on your roof, it is best to address the issue right away. We recommend calling snow removal professionals to get rid of any snow that might stay throughout the winter. Our team of experts does snow removal every winter. Click here or call (781) 893-6611 if you would like to take advantage of our snow removal service!

Ice Dam Prevention

There are some steps that you can take to avoid ice dams. First you can have a chimney professional check the flashing that is around your chimney. If there are cracks in your chimney flashing, it can separate from your chimney structure and allow water to enter your home.

We also recommend adding more insulation to your attic floor to keep warm air inside of your home and out of your attic, which should be the same temperature as outside.

Get Your Boston Area Chimney Inspected

During a chimney inspection, we can assess the state of your chimney’s masonry, flashing, and more to assess if it has been damaged by ice dams or if it is vulnerable to being damaged by ice dams or winter weather in the future. Boston’s Best Chimney has been serving the Boston area since 1989 and we look forward to helping to make sure that your chimney is equipped to take on New England winter weather. Click here or call (781) 893-6611 to get in touch for an estimate or inspection.

The post Why Ice Dams are Dangerous for Your Chimney appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

As 2020 comes to a close, we wanted to thank all the fans of the fireplace for keeping your chimney and fireplace clean, safe and fun with Superior Chimney.

We appreciate your comments and responses to our numerous articles including:

Being positive in 2020 was certainly a challenge. But these fantastic customers kept their chins high and commented on our technicians and service received.

• 92 on Facebook
• 54 on Houzz

“I had a chimney cleaning and a rebuilt on a 60+ year old house just recently. The chimney was not properly maintained by previous owners. Used this company in the past for a cleaning and inspection and they impressed me. Hired them again without hesitation. The guys who came out at every phase were very nice and they took the time to explain everything. The did a great job with the rebuild and left my roof clean. You can’t go wrong”. Facebook May 17

“Chris and Nick were amazing! They had a cancelation and I was fortunate enough to have them come out in one day. They kept me well informed the whole Way and we’re very professional! Thanks so much. great company!” Houzz December 5

“We recently purchased a new home and it had a fireplace (which we have never had before) and it needed a good cleaning. The service guys were great, professional, and willing to take the time to not only service the fireplace/chimney, but also to explain to us how to use it and what options there were for gas and wood. They provided info on future service recommendations, as well. They seemed trustworthy and did a great job with the initial cleaning. We will use again!” Facebook June 3

“Our experience with Superior was very positive. Lexi who scheduled our appt was very pleasant. We were given a 8 to noon window and received a call at 8 letting us know fhey would arrive about 8:30. Upon arrival Chris and Mike introduced themselves and verified what they were doing. They took before pictures, showed them to us, and explained what repairs were needed. After the work was complete, we were shown pictures of the completed job. Highly recommend this company.” Facebook Aug 12

“My husband and I just bought a house and wanted to ensure our fireplace and chimney were usable and water tight for the winter. We called this company and they took great care of us. Both employees were super friendly, helpful, and courteous. We are planning to schedule them again for the summer. Would definitely recommend!” Houzz October 16

We can’t forget about those who continuously follow us on other social media.

• 500+ Connections on LinkedIn
• 99,732 Tweet Impressions

From all of us at Superior Chimney, thank you for a great 2020 and happy times around the Fireplace with family and friends. 877.244.6349

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

Chimney re-pointing is the process of removing old mortar and applying a new ones. The process is necessary when your mortar joints crumble, crack or fail. The major factors that bring about the cracks are aging and exposure of the chimney to freeze-thaw weather patterns.

How to re-point the chimney

You should start by determining the type of mortar that you need for your work. There are two main types of mortar that you can go with: lime-based and Portland. If you aren’t sure of the right one to go for, you should send a small portion of the mortar to a reputable chimney contractor who will tell you the exact mix that you need. He/she will also recommend for you the right sand that you should go for.

You should remove the old mortar using a hand-held power masonry grinder. For ideal results you should set the blade to a depth of ¾ inch. You should move it along the mortar joints and begin on the damaged or loose joints.

You should remove the debris using a stiff-bristled brush and use a garden hose to wet the area that you will be working on. For the mortar to cure at the right speed you should allow the water to soak into the bricks overnight.

The following morning you should mix the mortar according to the given instructions. You should ensure that you achieve a consistency of peanut butter and should cling to the trowel. Once you achieve the consistency that you want you should let the mortar set for about 15 minutes or until it gets skin on it. You should stir it one more time and it will be ready for use.

When ready you should put the mortar on a tuck point trowel and insert it into the horizontal joints that you are repairing. You should keep adding mortar until all the joints are full. To have ideal results you should scrape the excess mortar off the brick.

For the mortar to stick you should mist the wall daily for three days. To prevent the mortar from drying too quickly you should cover it with a tarp.

Conclusion

These are tips on how to re-point the chimney. If you have chimney masonry skills you can go ahead and re-point your chimney; however, if you don’t have the skills you should hire the services of a chimney masonry expert to do the work for you.

The post Blog first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

Is My Chimney Cap Still There and Why Do I Need It?

Our New England weather and Nor’easters seem to be bringing high winds lately, so much so, that we have been receiving many calls about blown off chimney caps!  The chimney cap’s job is to keep moisture, debris, and animals from entering the flue. Chimney caps also provide spark prevention that helps to contain burning particles or embers, which could otherwise land on your roof and cause a fire. A properly fitted chimney cap will slow down the wear and tear on your chimney and lining, potentially saving you from large repair costs later.  It is important to check that your chimney cap is secured properly and that it is still there! It is also important to understand the need for chimney caps.

Chimney Caps Keep Out Water & Moisture

Moisture is the number one enemy of a healthy fireplace and chimney flue. Metal fireboxes, liners, and dampers can all suffer from rust and deterioration due to this commonly overlooked chimney problem. Chimney liners, flue tiles and mortar can crumble & crack, leading to serious structural damage to the chimney. A chimney cap deflects most rain and helps keep moisture out of your chimney system. Water will wear down mortar; soak into the porous bricks, causing the masonry surface to break off (known as spalling); causes deterioration of the chimney liner, chimney damper, and metal fireboxes; and more.

Chimney Caps Keep Out Animals & Debris

Blockages can cause fire hazards and smoke back, drafting into the home. Even just falling leaves can build up without a proper chimney cap in place. Chimney caps with a wire mesh surround can prevent animals’ from getting into your chimney. Raccoons, squirrels, bats, and birds are common animals that regularly attempt to make their way into chimneys that do not have a chimney cap. The problems associated with animals & debris in your chimney are not only frustrating, but they are dangerous, too. Chimney Caps also prevent bird & wildlife nesting that carries airborne fungal diseases and can cause a blockage, quickly turning into smelly hazard.  Blockages can also send smoke and toxic fumes, i.e., Carbon Monoxide drafting back into your living space instead of exiting out the top of your chimney.

Chimney Caps Offer Other Benefits

Spark guards prevent hot, burning particles from escaping out of your chimney and possibly landing on your roof or nearby flammable objects. When it’s especially windy outside, chimney caps will also prevent downdrafts by blocking the crosswinds from entering your chimney.  Some chimney tops even facilitate an improved updraft function of your chimney, keeping smoke and soot out of your living space.

Contact us today at 1-781-893-6611 if you would like to schedule a cleaning or inspection to help determine the condition of your chimney cap or if you need one!

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