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Spring is here and it’s trying really hard to bring in the warm weather. As the temperatures steadily climb, it’s a perfect time to think about sweeping the chimney and fireplace. Most people have the tendency to push it off until the Fall, right before fireplace season begins again. But there are good reasons for getting the chimney and fireplace, gas fireplaces too, swept now, ahead of the Fall cool temperatures.

#1  Outside Chimney: Part of the chimney inspection is for the certified technician to go on the rooftop and inspect the chimney up close. A few of the items he’s inspecting are:

• Mortar: this is the cement in between the bricks. It’s important that the mortar is free from hairline cracks to large cracks as well as deterioration. These cracks and deterioration are perfect places for rain to enter and make its way into your home.
• Chimney crown: this is the slab on top of the bricks and under the metal chimney cap. This slab of concrete has similar issues as the mortar with deterioration and cracks. Once this occurs, water can begin to find creative ways to enter your chimney & home.
• Chimney flashing: flashing is located where the chimney and the roofline meet. This is a critical piece of protection as the outside elements can make their way nside and cause plenty of damage.

#2  Fireplace Can Cause Irritation: We never really think about what happens once we turn the fireplace off. Dust, creosote (for woodburning lovers) and debris sit in the fireplace waiting for it to be removed sometime between now and the Fall. Doors on the fireplace can certainly help, but if you only have a decorative gate or nothing in front of the fireplace, sneezing, coughing and eye irritation can occur. Removing the dust, creosote and any leaves or debris will help keep allergies or any irritation at bay.

#3  Discover Water Leaks Before They Find Your Walls & Ceiling: Water seems to have it’s own agenda. Water never goes straight down…it curves and winds around corners until it decides to make its way down tens of feet from its original intrusion point. That’s why it’s best to have the outside and inside checked and inspected.

These are 3 great reasons for scheduling a fireplace inspection done today. Give us a call to schedule your appointment at 877-244-6349.

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

Chimney cleaning is a commonly misunderstood necessity. As a result, many homeowners make costly mistakes, putting both home and family at risk. Chimney safety is important enough that fire safety experts recommend annual chimney inspections. When you avoid making chimney cleaning mistakes, you are safer and, in the long run, you save money. Have you made any of the following common chimney cleaning mistakes?

Bad Timing

You may have figured out already that hiring a certified chimney sweep to clean your chimney is essential, but your timing may have been off. The reality is that homeowners typically procrastinate and wait until cold weather is on the doorstep before calling chimney sweeps. This being a popular concept, qualified chimney sweeps’ schedules get very tight and services come at a premium. The best deals for chimney cleaning services are usually available in spring and summer.

Hiring the Wrong Chimney Sweep

The chimney sweep industry is unregulated. Scammers are aware of this and take advantage of homeowners who simply want to cut home maintenance costs. Saving money is smart but cutting corners on an issue as important as chimney safety can be highly dangerous. To avoid spending money for chimney cleaning services and repairs not rendered or for services provided by unqualified individuals, hire a chimney sweep only after doing some research. Check for evidence of longevity in the community, real reviews of customers, and CSIA-certification, which is obtained from the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA).

Making Wrong Assumptions

Many facts get muddled when it comes to the need for chimney sweep services, especially chimney cleaning. One of those facts is that seasoned hardwoods and softwoods create less creosote than burning unseasoned wood. No matter what your wood fuel is, the fires leave creosote deposits every time. Cleaning is needed routinely. Otherwise, the chimney flue can even become obstructed because of layer upon layer of creosote. Chimney fires are much greater risks when the creosote buildup is excessive. In addition, an obstructed chimney is a danger to occupants of the home because toxic gases are unable to escape to the out-of-doors. Deadly carbon monoxide fumes are among the gases released by wood fires.

Trying Ineffective DIY Methods

In the spirit of saving money, countless homeowners try to avoid the costs of chimney cleaning services from qualified chimney sweeps. Those costs, by the way, are reasonable, especially considering the impact on home safety provided by qualified chimney technicians. Among the DIY methods popular with frugal homeowners is to burn creosote logs aka chimney sweep logs. Experts all agree that the logs, bottom line, cannot take the place of chimney cleaning performed by chimney sweeps that have the right equipment for the job.

A homeowner using his own chimney sweep brush is also usually a mistake. First, it is dangerous for anyone to climb on a roof and work from that height. Chimney sweeps have training and experience for that, but that’s only one part of it. A simple chimney sweep brush in the hands of a homeowner will not necessarily clear out the creosote because there are three forms of creosote. Only the easy-to-remove variety will come off with a chimney brush. The other two are far more difficult to remove and require the use of special equipment that only a chimney sweep company would typically own.

Contact Chimney Sweep Experts at Fluesbrothers

At Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace in Kansas City, KS, all of our chimney sweeps are CSIA-certified. We care about your safety. For chimney cleaning services from experienced professionals you can trust and to avoid making common chimney cleaning mistakes, call us at (913) 236-7141 today.

The post Common Chimney Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

Wood and gas fireplaces are the most common fireplaces in most homes. To retain them in good working condition and protect your home from fire you need to clean them regularly. Here are tips on how to clean them:

Wood burning fireplace

The major problem with wood burning fireplaces is creosote buildup. You can clean the creosote on your own by hiring or buying cleaning brushes. Even if you undertake chimney cleaning on your own its highly recommended that you hire a chimney contractor once a year to inspect the fireplace and repair it if need be.

To reduce the frequency at which you clean the chimney you should reduce creosote buildup by being choosy of the wood you burn. As rule of thumb you should only burn seasoned hardwood. If you have to burn softwood, you should ensure that it’s fully dry.

Ashes: since you will be using wood, you will definitely have ash remains that you have to clean. To remove the ashes from the firebox you need to have a shovel or similar device. To avoid causing fire, you shouldn’t dump the ashes directly into the trash—you should wait about 72 hours after which you should now dump it in the trash can.

Surrounding: if the chimney is clogged or the damper isn’t open you will have a buildup of soot and smoke on the surrounding areas. It’s recommended that you hire a chimney cleaning contractor to do the cleaning and also unblock the chimney if blocked.

Gas fireplace

Although, you won’t be burning wood in a gas fireplace, you have to clean it regularly. A gas fireplace doesn’t have as much debris as a wood burning fireplace, but you should clean it. To clean the debris you should vacuum the firebox while paying close attention to the area surrounding the heat exchanger.

Maintenance: in addition to removing the debris you also need to undertake general chimney maintenance. You should check the pilot light and ensure that it’s burning correctly. If the light sputters or doesn’t burn, it’s a sign of a clog. You should contact a fireplace repair professional to come and take a look at it.

You should take a look at the gas logs and ensure that they are stacked correctly in a way that they give a good impression and at the same time allow efficient heating.

Conclusion

These are tips on how to clean two of the most popular fireplaces: wood and gas. For ideal results always ensure that chimney cleaning company you hire is certified and insured.

The post Blog first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

Many homeowners often wonder if chimney cleaning is always necessary. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), a build-up of 1/8″ or more of creosote is dangerous and should be removed. Since it can be difficult to discern how much creosote is actually present in the chimney, an annual chimney inspection is always necessary.

Chimney Inspection

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends homeowners with solid fuel and liquid fuel appliances have an annual chimney inspection even if the chimney doesn’t need cleaning. A comprehensive interior and exterior visual inspection of the chimney, fireplace, and vents are the best way to determine whether the chimney and attached heating appliances are safe to operate. During the inspection, the chimney technician checks for creosote, obstructions, damages, and structural issues. After the inspection is complete, the technician will provide a full written assessment that will include recommended repairs and replacements to ensure the safe operation of your heating appliances. The technician will also advise if chimney cleaning is necessary.

Chimney Fires

Creosote is a natural by-product of combustion, and it sticks to the interior walls and components as smoke and gases are venting up the chimney. Creosote becomes increasingly flammable the longer it lingers in the chimney. Each year, fire departments across the country respond to nearly 50,000 residential structural fires involving home heating equipment resulting in over 500 deaths, 1,300 injuries, and more than $1.1B in property damage.

Failure to clean the chimney was the primary cause in most incidents. However, most chimney fires are small and go unnoticed by the homeowner until the resulting damage is discovered during a chimney inspection.

Although masonry chimneys and fireplaces are built to withstand a gas or wood-burning fireplace’s temperature, the intense heat of a chimney fire can exceed its limits. Even a small chimney fire can cause the clay tiles lining the flue to crack or burst under pressure. It can also damage the masonry and other internal components, increasing the risk of fire spreading to combustible building materials.

Chimney Cleaning

Chimney cleaning is the best way to prevent a chimney fire and reduce the risk of exposure to dangerous carbon monoxide fumes.  A certified chimney tech will thoroughly clean the chimney removing any creosote, soot, ash, and corrosive residues. The technician will also remove any small animals, nests, and debris that may be obstructing the flue vent. Many professional chimney sweeps will perform a chimney inspection and cleaning during the same appointment.

Gas Fireplaces

Although gas fireplaces are cleaner burning appliances, they still require annual safety inspections and periodic cleaning to reduce the risk of fire, explosion, or exposure to carbon monoxide gas. The technician will inspect the appliance, vents, fittings, burner, and ceramic logs for signs of wear or damage. The technician will also perform any necessary cleaning of the fireplace and chimney.

The post Is Chimney Cleaning Always Necessary? appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

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This post first appeared on https://southernchimneys.com

Neglecting chimney maintenance can result in exasperation and a call to trusted chimney sweeps, crying, “Help! We have chimney leaks!” A good way to avoid water spots on your ceilings and walls, peeling wallpaper, roof damage, and leaks on your floors is to schedule annual chimney inspections. Chimney leaks have various causes that can be difficult to pinpoint. The following are reasons chimney leaks could have you screaming, “Ahhh!”

Damaged Chimney Crown

The white part at the very top of the chimney is the chimney crown, and it is constantly exposed to the elements. Homes built between the 1970s and 1990s were often rushed construction projects. Many times, leftover mortar for bricks was used to construct chimney crowns. Unfortunately, the material is softer than the appropriate material, which is a harder type of concrete that more reliably helps keep moisture out of the chimney system.

Although the chimney crowns built with mortar materials are even more vulnerable, correctly constructed chimney crowns also tend to crack and deteriorate. If moisture gets into the chimney crown, it can work its way throughout the chimney system. The real trouble comes during winter when freezing and thawing cycles cause the moisture to expand and contract. The movement opens up even bigger pathways for moisture to travel and causes the destruction of bricks.

Deteriorating Mortar

The chimney crown is not the only place where mortar can result in a chimney leak. Brick chimneys can last a century or more, but the mortar between the bricks lasts only up to about 25 years. If the mortar wears away, moisture gets into the masonry system and can ultimately leak into your home. The best solution for deteriorating mortar is to catch the problem early and schedule tuckpointing. Instead of having to rebuild your chimney because of moisture intrusion, tuckpointing is a procedure whereby old mortar is removed and replaced with new mortar. The process is far less expensive than a chimney rebuild and, yet, results in a like-new chimney structure.

No Chimney Cap

If there is not a chimney cap at the top of the chimney flue, the natural result is that rain, snow, sleet, and debris will go directly into your chimney. Although chimney caps are referred to as accessories, they are essential. You can have a standard flue cap installed or opt for an outside-mount custom chimney cap that will also provide additional protection to the chimney crown. Outside-mount chimney caps are more aesthetically pleasing and protect the entire top of the chimney from moisture.

Condensation from Gas Furnaces

If your gas furnace is attached to your masonry chimney, you can end up with a chimney leak caused by excess condensation. Low-temperature gas fumes contain a lot of moisture. If there is no chimney flue, if the flue liner is too large, and/or if the chimney is too cold, the moisture can result in a chimney leak. This issue is usually resolved with the installation of a correctly sized chimney liner.

Chimney Flashing Leaks

The number one cause of chimney leaks is the chimney flashing. The metal portion of the chimney is there to create a watertight seal between the chimney and the roof. It is difficult to install flashing correctly. A fairly large gap is often left between the bricks and the roof, resulting in significant water leaks that cause roof damage. If the flashing does not seal properly against the bricks, water intrusion into the chimney system can also occur. These types of leaks can go on for some time before they are detected. Scheduling annual chimney inspections, as recommended by fire safety experts, can help you avoid costly chimney and roof leaks caused by leaky flashing.

Contact Northeastern Chimney Today

At Northeastern Chimney, we care about our customers and helping them avoid chimney leaks, not to mention addressing issues related to the safety of home and family. If you need to schedule a chimney inspection, chimney cleaning, chimney repairs, masonry repairs, a masonry rebuild, or any other chimney services, give us a call today at 860-233-5770. Have a chimney leak? We offer friendly customer service and specialize in fixing chimney leaks, too, even the kind that might have you crying, “Ahhh!”

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

What is Creosote?

Creosote is a combination of wood particles and vapors that have dried to become semi-solid. It forms in chimneys as a result of incomplete combustion or because of too much moisture in the wood used for burning.

Creosote is dangerous to breathe in and can cause chimney fires. If you begin to smell a campfire-like smell in your home, this is a sign that there is creosote in your chimney. Other signs include  black soot staining around your fireplace, poor draft, or dark smoke exiting your chimney.

If you suspect that there is creosote build up in your fireplace, call a professional immediately. We are a full service chimney company that has been serving the Boston and Greater Boston area since 1989. Click here to schedule an appointment with us today!

About Level 3 Creosote

There are three levels of creosote. The first two levels of creosote are easier to remove than level 3 creosote. As the phases progress, creosote becomes a more serious problem. Check out our creosote buildup guide for more details on each of the phases of creosote.

Level 3 creosote, also called glazed creosote, is an extremely dense and sometimes sticky layer that is similar to tar. It is made up of layers of creosote that have formed and hardened over one another. It is considered a serious fire hazard and is challenging to remove.

How to Remove Glazed Creosote from Your Chimney

Though level 1 creosote can be removed using a chimney brush, it is essential to call a professional to remove level 3 creosote from your chimney.

At Boston’s Best Chimney, we spray an industrial grade creosote remover into the flue saturating the area. This product remains in the chimney for 3-5 days to allow the chemical reaction to happen  breaking down the creosote compound into a flaky and brushable substance.

Prevent Creosote Build Up

There are several steps that you can take to prevent creosote buildup. The most important step is to have your chimney inspected and swept annually.  First you must find a chimney sweep and service company that you can trust with your home’s safety. At Boston’s Best chimney, all of our technicians are trained and certified.   We recommend ensuring that whichever chimney company that you go with has a certification and are local.

Boston Area Creosote Removal

If you live in the Boston or Greater Boston area and would like help with your creosote problem, or are looking for another chimney service, we are here to serve you! Click here or call us at (781) 893-6611 to schedule a free estimate or an inspection.

The post How to Remove Glazed Creosote from Your Chimney appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

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