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When buying a home, many buyers will get a home inspection before they seal the deal. It’s a smart move. Buyers want to know if the house has any defects or needs repairs that may affect its purchase price. However, many homebuyers don’t realize they need a qualified chimney inspector before they close on a home with a chimney and fireplace for the same reason.

Home Inspector Vs. Chimney Inspector

Typically, a general home inspection is not sufficient when you have a fireplace or heating stove. While a home inspector is familiar with the home’s major systems, they often lack the specialized training, knowledge, and certification necessary to fully understand the design and function of the chimney system and attached heating appliances. For instance, a home inspector will look at the fireplace and climb on the roof to see if they spot any visible damage. However, they usually don’t do a deep dive into the chimney to examine the flue liner’s condition and other internal components of the chimney. A damaged flue liner, excessive creosote, rusting damper, and other hidden defects can result in unexpected chimney repairs if not discovered before closing. It can also increase the risk of fire and exposure to harmful contaminants.

Real Estate Chimney Inspection

Before closing on a new home, it is vital to have a qualified chimney inspector conduct a real estate chimney inspection. A real estate chimney inspection is considered a level II inspection and is performed by qualified chimney professionals under the industry guidelines of the National Fireplace Protection Association (NFPA). It is a comprehensive visual examination of the entire chimney system and any attached heating appliances. The inspector will also use video equipment to scan the flue liner, looking for any cracks or flaws that require repair or replacement. Homebuyers are encouraged to be present for the chimney inspection to gain a better understanding of its condition.

Chimney Damage

Here is where the expertise of a chimney inspector is invaluable before closing on the property. Excessive creosote in the chimney is the primary cause of residential fires. Many homeowners are unaware they had a chimney fire until they have a chimney inspection. During the review, the inspector will determine if the fireplace and chimney have been cleaned regularly and if there are indications of a previous fire, flue obstructions, and any moisture or structural damage that needs repair.

Chimney Inspection Report

The chimney inspector will provide the buyer with a detailed inspection report. The report will list the inspection results, including any areas or components that need attention like cleaning, repair, or replacement. If chimney repairs are necessary, buyers can use the inspection report as a negotiating tool to ask the seller to make the recommended repairs or provide a credit at closing.

Protect Your Investment

Homes with a wood-burning or gas fireplace is one of the most sought-after features among buyers. Ordering a level II Real Estate Chimney Inspection before you close the deal will give you peace of mind knowing whether the chimney, fireplace, or heating stove is safe for use or needs expensive repairs.

The post Why Should You Get A Chimney Inspection Before You Close On A New Home appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

Have you ever wondered when to sweep your chimney? At Boston’s Best Chimney, we recommend getting your chimney inspected and  swept annually. Although you can get your chimney swept during any season, the summer is an especially good time to do so. Here are 5 reasons why:

1. Chimney companies have more availability during the warm weather months than in the fall and winter Most people begin thinking about cleaning their chimney in the early to mid fall, as the weather begins to cool. This makes it difficult to find a highly rated chimney company with availability in the fall and winter. Instead of waiting weeks to schedule an appointment in the fall, begin thinking about getting your chimney cleaned during the warm weather months, when chimney companies have more availability. This will ensure that you can choose a company with great reviews and schedule an appointment at a time that is convenient for you. At Boston’s Best Chimney, we are proud to be a one stop chimney company specializing in every aspect of chimney maintenance and repair. We encourage people to check out our customer testimonials to hear what our past customers have to say about us.

2. Odor issue arise during the summer If your chimney has been leaking because of heavy rain, then the mixture of water and creosote inside of your chimney will begin to smell when the heat hits. Getting your chimney swept each summer will help you reduce any odor issues in your chimney.

3. You can get rid of birds nests in your chimney and other summer pests During the warm weather seasons, it’s more likely that birds and bees will build nests in your chimney. Though having a chimney cap installed will help keep animals out of your chimney, having your chimney swept during the summer will detect any creatures in your chimney and allow them to be quickly removed from your chimney.

4. A professional will identify other chimney problems early on During chimney sweeps, professionals often identify issues that chimney owners were previously unaware of. One common problem that professionals find is debris that is stuck in a chimney and causing blockage, which can ultimately lead to carbon monoxide leaks in the home . Getting your chimney swept early on will give you time to get other potential issues addressed before the winter season begins.

5. Beat the Holiday rush Nowadays, the holiday season begins in mid-fall. October through December is not only the busiest time of the year, but it is also the most expensive time of the year. Avoid worrying about extra costs and to-dos as you prepare for the holidays by having your chimney cleaned while the weather is still warm. 

At Boston’s Best Chimney, we are available to sweep your chimney. Click here or call us at (781) 893-661 to set up a free estimate today. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The post When to Sweep Your Chimney appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

It’s the middle of the New England summer, and you probably have not thought much about your chimney. That is until you went to sit near your fireplace and noticed a musty, smoky odor.

Offensive odors permeating from the chimney can linger through the whole house. It is one of the biggest complaints that we hear from customers during the summer months. Installing air fresheners only masks the problem. And when it gets hot outside, closing the windows and turning on the air conditioning will intensify the smell. To eliminate the problem, it must be done from the source and usually includes a thorough chimney cleaning.

All chimneys produce a small odor. It’s not always noticeable due to a natural updraft which allows air to be pushed out through the chimney. This typically eliminates a foul aroma by moving the air outside. As energy efficient updates happen throughout the home,  draft issues can become a problem.  This will result in trapped or stagnant air within the chimney or even a draw back into the living space.   As heat and humidity rise, smells will intensify, making your living situation quite unbearable.  Here are some simple solutions to eliminate foul odors.

What to Do if your Fireplace Smells in the Summer

The easiest step is to hire a professional chimney technician to perform an annual chimney sweeping and safety inspection. During the sweeping process, creosote and debris will be removed, giving your chimney more draft space to allow the odor to escape. A chimney sweeping, however, is not always 100% effective.

If the foul odor remains, it could be that your home has negative air pressure. Try closing the damper when the fireplace is not in use. Another solution is installing glass fireplace doors that will help control air pressure. Glass fireproof doors will reduce the smell from permeating throughout the house.

Clean the fireplace itself. You don’t have to remove ashes after every fire but do shovel them out at the end of the season and place in a non-flammable container. Wear a disposable breathing mask to avoid inhaling particles.

Deodorize. Vinegar is excellent for removing a smoky smell, whether from cigarettes or fireplace residue. Spray the inside of the fireplace with a 1:1 blend of vinegar and water. For extra protection, set a few open bowls of vinegar around the room to freshen the atmosphere. Alternatively, place a bucket of charcoal or kitty litter in the fireplace to absorb the odor. Commercial fireplace deodorizers are also available.

Close the flue (the damper). This should be done whenever you are not actively using the fireplace to reduce odors and to keep cooled – or heated in winter – air inside your home. Ensure that damper has a tight seal and is top-mounted, with a chain to control its opening and closing.

Put a cap on the chimney to keep out precipitation. A benefit of this move is that it will stop birds and other creatures from turning your chimney into their nesting spot.

Summer is the best time to schedule your annual chimney cleaning and safety inspection. Chimney companies’ busiest seasons are during the fall and spring months, making appointments difficult to schedule on your time. During the off-season, schedules become more flexible with better appointment times that fit your calendar.

Contact Boston Best Chimney today to schedule your annual chimney cleaning and safety inspection!

The post Does Your Fireplace Smell in the Summer? Here is What to Do About It. appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

What’s the NCSG?

The National Chimney Sweep Guild’s mission is to inspire innovation, professionalism, and community among chimney and venting professionals through advocacy, industry-leading conferences and journalism for the success of our members and the growth of the chimney sweep industry.

We are the experts in the chimney industry and your best advocate.  The NCSG knows what it takes to build a successful chimney business, and they help and inspire us every step of the way.

“The National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) is a 501 (c) (6) non-profit trade association existing to promote the success of its members by providing progressive services, encouraging professionalism and ethical accountability, and advancing the chimney and venting industry through public awareness of the trade.

Members in each of NCSG’s six regions elect board members to represent their geographical region. In addition to regional directors, the membership elects two At-Large Directors from among its voting members and one Supplier Representative from among its Supplier members. Additionally, two At-Large Directors are nominated by the Governance Committee and confirmed by the board.

NCSG participates in the Great American Woodstove Changeout and is a member of the European Federation of Chimney Sweeps (ESCHFOE), the Chimney Sweeps Association of Ireland (CSAI) and the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association (HPBA). NCSG also actively participates in NFPA 211, NFPA 54, NFPA 31, and ICC committees.”

—NCSG website, 2020

The post Southern Chimneys is a proud member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild.  first appeared on Southern Chimneys.

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

If your home has a chimney, it is essential to keep up with its maintenance in order to keep it safe and working well. Though there are steps that you can take to keep up with your chimney’s maintenance on your own (check out our Homeowner’s Chimney Care Guide), it is important to involve a chimney professional as well. As a chimney owner, you should get your chimney inspected and swept by a professional each year. At Boston’s Best Chimney, we are a one-stop chimney service company. We not only perform residential and commercial chimney sweeps and inspections, but we also install chimney liners and caps, as well as rebuild chimneys, solve smoke problems and more. If you are in need of a chimney service, don’t hesitate to click here or call (781) 893-6611 to set up a free estimate.

Are you wondering how to find a chimney sweep and service company? It can be challenging to find a company that is trustworthy and qualified to meet your needs, especially if you do not know the ins and outs of chimney care and how a chimney works. That is why we are giving you a list of questions to consider as you research local chimney professionals.

Research The Following:

1. How are the Company’s Reviews? Looking into the reputation that a company has built can be an excellent indicator of their reliability, customer service, and the quality of their past work. Check sites such as Google Reviews, Angie’s List, and Facebook Reviews to learn more about a company.

Ask Chimney Professionals These Questions :

2. Do You Have Business Liability Insurance and Worker’s Compensation? This will protect your home and property in the event of an accident. You should ask the chimney company that you are speaking with to have their insurance company directly send you a Certificate of Insurance to ensure that the chimney company’s insurance is valid and up-to-date

3. Will the Person Working at My Home Be a Certified Technician? The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) works to prevent chimney-related fires and gives education and training to industry professionals. It is an industry standard for all chimney professionals to be CSIA or CCP certified. You should request that professionals working at your home provide their certification numberfore they begin work on your chimney.

4. What Types of Inspections Do You Offer? As we mentioned, you should have your chimney inspected and swept by a professional annually to keep your home safe. Chimney inspections are also important when you are selling or transferring property, if you are replacing your heating equipment, or if there was an operating malfunction. There are several types of chimney inspections and a legitimate and experienced professional should walk you through the different types of inspections and explain which type of inspection is right for you.

5. How Long Has Your Company Been in Business? The more experience a company has, the better. Experts with years of knowledge will have the ability to accurately assess your chimney and handle any complications or unexpected situations that may come up.

At Boston’s Best Chimney, we have been in business since 1989. With years of experience and satisfied customers, we are ready to use our knowledge to help you. Click here or call us at (781) 893-6611 to schedule a free estimate or an inspection.

 

The post How to Find a Chimney Sweep and Service Company: 5 Questions to Ask appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Unsightly reddish stains on your chimney are often caused by a rusted chimney cap. The moisture that caused your galvanized steel or aluminum chimney cap to rust could also be wreaking havoc in the chimney masonry. It’s important to have annual chimney inspections to keep up with all of the potential problems that can arise due to the vulnerability of masonry to the elements. Read on to learn about the particular issue of rust stains and their removal, the importance of chimney caps, and the various types of materials chimney caps are made with.

How to Remove Rust Stains

Removing stains from a chimney is important because the oxidized material can accelerate deterioration of the masonry. Rust removal is tricky, however. A power washer, for instance, is not recommended because a power spray can easily damage bricks and destroy mortar.

It’s best to call on chimney professionals for rust stain removal if for no other reason than avoiding the danger of climbing onto and working on a roof. 

It is important not to use a cleaning material with strong acid on bricks because chemical substances could destroy the brick face. Products made specifically for removal of rust stains from chimney masonry are available and are used by chimney professionals. The trusted products that remove creosote stains, mildew, algae, mortar splatter, and rust stains are an improvement over former options.

In previous times, muriatic acid was a go-to product for removing rust stains, but it has serious drawbacks.  First, it is a dangerous substance. Note: Protective gloves and eyewear should be worn when applying any type of masonry cleaner. Secondly, muriatic acid is the type that eats away the bricks.

Replacement of Your Chimney Cap

You may have a chimney cap or a chimney chase cover, and either can rust. Once oxidation, or rusting, begins to occur, it is important to replace the essential appliance. With a new cap or chase top, you can continue to have the benefits the covers provide, including the following:

• Chimney chase tops and chimney caps help to keep rain, snow, and sleet from entering your chimney. Keeping moisture out is important because of the destruction it causes.
• When a flue topper or chase top has mesh, it will keep out debris such as leaves and tree limbs. The mesh also keeps animals out of your chimney. The types of animals known to go into chimneys include raccoons, snakes, birds, bats, and squirrels. If an animal ever gets trapped in your chimney, dead or alive, call a chimney professional immediately. Animals sometimes carry disease, and the process can be dangerous.
• The mesh on a chimney cap also serves as a spark guard that will help to prevent hot embers from escaping the chimney and possibly igniting the roof or other nearby combustible materials.

Types of Chimney Cap Materials

You can avoid having to deal with rust stains in the future by purchasing a chimney cap made of stainless-steel or copper. Both materials are exceptionally durable and will never rust. Galvanized steel and aluminum chimney caps may be far less expensive, but they typically only last a few years before they begin rusting.

Contact the Area’s Certified Chimney Sweeps

Northeastern Chimney is located in West Hartford, Connecticut, and serves the entire surrounding area. All of our chimney sweeps are CSIA-certified and proficient at removing chimney rust stains, installing new chimney caps, performing chimney inspections, and more. We’ve provided reliable chimney services since 1984, and Northeastern Chimney offers a 5-star guarantee. Call us today at 860-233-5770 to schedule an appointment.

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

Did we mention we’re certified?

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) is a nonprofit organization governed by a volunteer board of directors dedicated to the education, training, and certification of chimney and industry-related professionals. Since 1983, CSIA has been the industry leader in chimney and venting education.

The nationally recognized Certified Chimney Sweep credential earned through the Chimney Safety Institute of America is the measure of a chimney sweep’s knowledge about the evaluation and maintenance of chimney and venting systems.

Southern Chimneys is proud to be certified and part of the more than 1,800 top chimney professionals in the United States and Canada! Certified Chimney Sweeps like Southern Chimneys can be found via the “find a CSIA Certified Professional” search tool on the CSIA’s website.

Everyone knows being certified assures potential clients of one’s knowledge, experience and continuance to develop new skills and techniques. It is a declaration of professional competence and ability. Southern Chimneys several employees who earn their CSIA credential did it for three reasons:

1. It gives us an edge in advertising our services, as certification promotes trust in the minds of clients and consumers.
2. It is a way to justify the price of services offered by Atlanta’s best chimney sweeps.
3. The work required to earn the certification signals to the world that you truly care about your craft.

Come see what Southern Chimneys is all about and you’ll be impressed by our certified, professional chimney inspection and cleanings.

The post What does being certified by the CSIA mean? first appeared on Southern Chimneys.

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

Since our last article, “Top 3 Reasons to Sweep Your Chimney & Fireplace in July”, we’ve had several questions regarding chimney liners. What are chimney liners? What is the function of a chimney liner? How to identify if the chimney liner needs replacing?

If you have a gas fireplace or a wood burning fireplace, our answers will apply to both situations.

What are chimney liners?

A chimney liner is a piece of metal that sits inside the chimney flue located right above the firebox. A chimney liner is a single, continuous piece of metal, typically made of aluminum or stainless steel. Superior Chimney installs a stainless steel chimney liner as it provides the best fire protection, it is highly durable and corrosion resistant. It also comes with a lifetime warranty.

What is the function of a chimney liner?

Chimney liners serve 5 main purposes for protecting you and your home.

1. Chimney liners direct smoke from the fireplace to the outside.
2. If the smoke doesn’t go outside, it increases the risk of a chimney fire.
3. Chimney liners reduce the amount of creosote that can form on the chimney walls.
4. Chimney liners also direct carbon monoxide, released by the fire in your fireplace, to go directly outside as well.
5. Chimney liners protect the chimney bricks and mortar from deterioration and damage.

How to identify if the chimney liner needs replacing?

This is a bit tricky. There are no obvious signs that the liner needs replacing. However, if you notice pieces of brick or mortar or a build up of condensation in the chimney, there’s a problem with the chimney liner that needs to be addressed. 

You’ll need a certified technician to help you get this answer: Do you have a chimney liner? If you do, is it sized properly for your chimney? If the chimney liner is too small for the space, condensation can build up along with poor release of smoke from your home. Too large and creosote can build up quickly.

Information is Key

The best way to know more information about your chimney and chimney liner is to have a certified chimney technician from Superior Chimney inspect and clean the chimney and fireplace.

If it’s been a while since your chimney was inspected…even with little to no use, get the inspection and cleaning done today. This can help reduce repair costs like a chimney rebuild or tuckpointing.

Now that you’re armed with great information, contact Superior Chimney today at 877-244-6349 to set up an appointment and get the answers you need about the health of your chimney.

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

A well-built chimney in good condition works right without you having to give it a second thought. A chimney that’s showing signs of damage many not keep working right for long. When it comes to cracking in the chimney’s masonry, a lot of homeowners aren’t sure if they should be concerned. Here are some guidelines.

Chimney cracks let in water

As long as the cracks in your chimney are small and not zigzagging throughout the structure, there’s little danger of your chimney collapsing. There is, however, a danger of water infiltration that could lead to enough damage to cause serious problems. When water gets into chimney cracks, it begins a cycle of deterioration. When the air temperature freezes, the water freezes and expands, pushing against the bricks and mortar.

If the resulting damage eventually allows water to access the inside of the chimney, a lot of damage can happen without you even knowing it. For this reason, even minor chimney cracks should be repaired.

The causes of cracks in a chimney

Many things can cause cracks in chimney masonry. Here’s a partial list.

• Earthquakes
• Lightning strikes
• Settling of the house
• Violent hail storms/high winds
• Faulty chimney footing
• Low-quality masonry materials
• Intense hot and cold weather
• Old age

Nothing can be done to prevent the above events and circumstances. But plenty can be done to repair any cracking or other problems they cause.

Spotting & diagnosing chimney crack issues

If you notice signs of cracking in your chimney – or signs of a chimney leak – your first step should be to bring out a certified chimney inspector to look over the structure to gauge the level of damage and determine what caused it.

Signs to look for on your own include:

• Obvious cracks
• Loose bricks
• Patches of crumbled mortar on the roof
• Water in the firebox
• Damp sections on the interior ceiling and walls
• Strong, musty odors coming from the fireplace
• White stains on the exterior of the chimney

Chimney repair strategies

Minor cracks often can be sealed with a waterproof coating to keep water from getting into the spaces.

Larger cracking that may be causing loose bricks (spalling) and crumbled mortar often requires a process called tuckpointing, which replaces areas of missing mortar. Some amount of brick replacement may also be recommended.

If significant damage is noted during a chimney inspection, you may be advised to have sections of your chimney rebuilt in order to keep it safe and working efficiently.

In cases where chimney cracks have been ignored for years and allowed to progress on their own, you may be looking at a chimney that leans dangerously to one side or, in the worst-case scenario, collapses entirely. A complete chimney rebuild may be necessary.

Important note: Only a professional chimney inspector and a qualified chimney repair technician should be allowed to assess damage to your chimney and initiate repair work.

It’s impossible to use a chimney year after year without it suffering some type of damage. The trick is to get on top of that damage fast and see to the necessary repairs. By doing this, you’ll save big money on extensive and expensive chimney repair projects down the line.

If your chimney is showing signs of cracking, it’s time to call the chimney experts at Northeastern Chimney of West Hartford, CT. We know how to address all chimney crack issues and all other repairs your chimney needs. Schedule an appointment or get your questions answered by calling (860) 233-5770.

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

If your chimney is starting to appear dull and old, there are some cosmetic solutions that will give it the perfect summer facelift and have it looking good when winter rolls around. Not all unsightly chimneys, however, can be fixed with cosmetics alone. Let’s take a look at a few common chimney conditions and what you can do about them.

Remove chimney stains

If the exterior of your chimney is showing stains, here’s what you need to know.

White: This is caused by salt leaching out of water on or in the bricks. A spray sealant may prevent this problem. TSP is a good cleaner to remove white water stains. An inspection should be performed to determine if there is a leak issue.

 

 

Black: These stains usually are from soot exiting the chimney, building up at the top and then washing down the sides in the rain. Add a chimney cap if you don’t have one to reduce this problem. Keep your flue clean with annual chimney sweep services to drastically reduce the soot and creosote buildup. Once the problem is solved, clean the bricks with a good scrub brush and detergent.

Dark green: Algae growth on bricks will present a dark-green stain. Algae may need to be washed off periodically to keep the chimney looking clean and new.

Speak with a certified chimney professional to further address these and other types of chimney stains.

Paint your chimney

If the natural look of your bricks no longer excites you, consider painting them. A coat of quality latex primer followed by one or two coats of the latex paint color of your choice should do a good job. It’s important that you fix any issues with your chimney’s masonry before painting so you don’t have to redo parts of it if repairs are necessary.

Have a lovely chimney cap installed

A custom full-width chimney cap will do wonders for your chimney’s appearance. Available in various styles and colors, these components look like a little roof on top of your chimney – plus they provide solid protection against outside debris getting into the flue and water damage to the chimney crown that surrounds the flue pipe(s).

Add an encasement

As long as your chimney is in good shape and no repairs are needed, you can surround it with your choice of materials such as wood, stone or stucco to give it an entirely new look. If you’re handy, you can do the work yourself; if not, hire a carpenter or contractor. This isn’t a complicated job, and it will make a noticeable difference to the appearance of your chimney and your home.

Dealing with brick damage

If your chimney looks bad due to damaged bricks, the only facelift you might need is some brick repair. But beyond aesthetics, damaged bricks mean other problems may have started or will soon.

Loose or spalling bricks allow water into the openings, where it will freeze and expand and do considerable damage. The same goes for crumbling mortar joints. Your chimney masonry should be air-tight, so if you have brick issues, have them repaired to preserve the life of your chimney and make it safe. Added cosmetic appeal is just a side benefit.

Northeastern Chimney of West Hartford, CT, is ready to help with professional certified chimney sweep services, chimney masonry repair, chimney rebuilding and all levels of chimney inspection. We want your chimney to look good and be safe and efficient. Call us today at (860) 233-5770.

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