Chimney Inspecting and Chimney Cleaning in Atlanta is Best in Summer!

Your chimney is at its ultimate state of rest right now. What better time to get it inspected and ready for you to use this fall? Have Southern Chimneys come out and take a look at what all your chimney stored from the past year, whether that be residue or neighborhood birds.

Our busy season really kicks off around September. Getting your chimney inspected this summer will have you ready for winter before anyone else. The summer months are reserved for smart, proactive homeowners who know to call and take care of things before bookings start to fill up.

6 Reasons to get your chimney serviced in the summer:

1. Easier Appointment – get peace of mind knowing you’re handling things before it’s too late.
2. Keep the Critters Out – no, really. You’d be surprised who likes to hang out in an unused chimney.
3. Safety – keeping things clean protects you from fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.
4. Catch problems early – proactive people don’t have to worry about the extra cost that comes with putting things off.
5. Remove the funk (and smoke damage) – believe it or not, that built up residue inside your chimney will produce a smell over time and the more you clean, the less it builds up.
6. It’s a mess – You do not want to do this yourself.

Hurry up and call Southern Chimneys! Remember, by September winter bookings start to fill up. Let us get you ready for winter this summer.

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

Safe chimneys are ones where the structure is sturdy and all components function as they should. A damaged chimney not only won’t perform correctly, it also could become dangerous. Let’s look at chimney damage and chimney fires and how to address these issues.

Chimney Fires

A lot of internal damage to chimneys happens because of chimney fires. Not all fires are big and obvious – many start, burn for a short time and go out on their own. But no matter how big or lengthy, a chimney fire can begin a cycle of damage that must be resolved sooner rather than later.

Chimney fires, most often started when built-up creosote ignites in the flue, can harm the chimney liner and the chimney’s interior masonry. When this happens, bricks and mortar can loosen and crack, allowing in water that will eventually cause extensive damage. Chimney fires that destroy liners also may put at risk adjacent home materials like walls and insulation the next time there’s a fire.

Faulty Chimney Construction

An improperly built chimney can lead to many types of damage over the years. Common signs of a poorly constructed chimney include:

• Footing that’s too narrow or shallow
• Soil that’s too loose beneath the footing
• Wrong flue size/height for the fireplace the chimney is connected to
• Low-quality bricks and mortar that are prone to cracking and dislodging
• Improperly installed chimney liner
• Unparged (unfinished) smoke chamber

Leaky Chimney

Of course, a chimney leak is itself a form of chimney damage, but a small leak can wind up causing large-scale damage throughout the chimney system. Many chimneys that lean or collapse began with a leak issue in the masonry, chimney crown or other components.

Water is corrosive – it will eventually destroy bricks, and it can lead to major mold and rotting issues within nearby home building materials. The best time to address a leaky chimney is early. Here are some signs that indicate a leak is present or will be soon:

• Cracked chimney crown
• Water in the firebox
• Musty odors coming from the firebox
• Damp sections of walls and ceiling near the fireplace
• White stains on the exterior bricks
• Crumbling on the roof around the chimney
• Compromised chimney cap (or no cap in place)
• Flashing that is warped or dislodged

Weather and Natural Events

Chimneys can suffer damage because of relentless, heavy winds, pounding hail, lightning strikes, earthquakes, normal house-settling and other events. Much of this can’t be prevented, but it can be addressed immediately after it happens.

If you experience a major weather or natural event and know or believe your chimney has been damaged, don’t delay in arranging for a chimney services technician to take a look.

Addressing Chimney Damage

Step one in addressing known or suspected chimney damage or as a follow-up after a chimney fire is an inspection by a CSIA-certified chimney professional. After a thorough assessment, the technician can recommend the exact type of repair work necessary to restore your chimney to health and keep it running safely and efficiently.

Northeastern Chimney of West Hartford, CT, provides our customers with certified chimney inspections, chimney cleaning, chimney repair and chimney rebuilding services. We’re licensed and insured and know how to fix any chimney problem fast and correctly. Call (860) 233-5770 with questions or to arrange an appointment.

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

Chimneys are needed for not only fireplaces, but also for anything that burns coal, oil, wood, or gas. A chimney’s purpose is to remove carbon dioxide and other byproduct gases from the air. Having a chimney that properly works is essential to your safety. The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends having your chimney, fireplace, and vents inspected at least once a year. If you suspect that your chimney has issues, or if you have not had it inspected in the past year, contact us here or call us at (781) 893-6611. 

Why Understanding Your Chimney Matters

Knowing about the different parts of your chimney and their functions will help you to identify problems and be more aware of potential safety hazards. It’s essential to have your chimney inspected by an expert on a yearly basis, however, as professionals have the expertise and equipment to fully inspect your chimney which will help keep your home safe and efficient. To understand how a chimney works, it’s helpful to look at each part of a chimney and its function.

Anatomy of a Chimney

The Bricks

Having your chimney’s bricks in good condition ensures the structural integrity and efficiency of the whole chimney. Also, if the bricks are in poor condition, it is likely that moisture will seep through, which can cause mold or mildew growth and overall damage.

Chimney Cap

Essentially, a chimney cap is a hat that covers a chimney to protect it against precipitation and debris such as leaves and branches. Chimney caps often have mesh around them which prevents animals such as birds and squirrels from entering your chimney. This mesh can also help protect your home from fires because it functions like a spark guard. 

Chimney Crown 

A chimney crown is the concrete that covers the top of the chimney and prevents water from getting into the chimney system. It is often confused with the chimney cap. A chimney crown covers the majority of the chimney, while the chimney cap shelters the flues that remain open  for venting. 

Chimney Flue

The chimney flue is the tunnel that allows  smoke and exhaust to exit your home. It is important to have your chimney flue lined. Are you wondering how to clean a chimney flue? Since soot  is a fire hazard, it is important to have it inspected yearly and  swept  by professionals when deemed necessary. 

Chimney Damper

Chimney dampers are located just above the firebox and they help control ventilation. They also keep the chimney sealed when it is not in use, which keeps cold air from entering.  The chimney damper should be open when the fireplace is in use and can be closed when it is not. 

Chimney Liner

At Boston’s Best Chimney, we install aluminum, stainless steel, and polypropylene (PVC) chimney liners. Flue liners not only protect from heat transfer from your fireplace, they contain the flue gasses given off by your heating equipment and carry them up and out.. When there are cracks in your liner, it is essential to have your chimney liner replaced right away before using your  chimney again.

Smoke Chamber

Before smoke enters the chimney flue, it goes through the smoke chamber. This area has slanted walls to make it easier for smoke to get to the flue. The smoke chamber also has a smoke shelf which serves to gather moisture and debris that can enter from outside. 

Chimney Flashing 

Chimney flashing is found at the point where the chimney meets the roof. It can be made of aluminum, copper, steel, or  lead. It is important that chimney flashing is in good condition, because it protects your chimney, roof, and the rooms below it from moisture.

The Fireplace

Most importantly, the hearth and the firebox are the parts of your fireplace where a fire is created. The hearth is the floor of the fireplace, while the firebox is where the fire burns.

Understanding how your chimney works will help you to keep up with regular inspections and maintain a safe, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing chimney in your home. If you suspect that your chimney has an issue or if you have not had it inspected within the last year, give us a call at (781) 893-6611 or click here to get in touch.

The post How Does a Chimney Work? appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Chimneys should stand straight up and tall, never pitching to one side. If you’re noticing that your chimney is leaning, it may mean that there’s damage to the chimney itself or the footing beneath it.

Because it’s not always easy to tell just by looking that a chimney is leaning slightly, here are some signs to look for.

Signs Your Chimney Is Tilting

Leaky chimney: A chimney that leans could also be leaking through cracks in the bricks or mortar. Often a leak is the first clue.

Loose bricks: Bricks that are loose or decaying along with deteriorated mortar joints and crumbling around the base of the chimney are all signs that your chimney may have started to lean or soon will.

Caulking in the gaps: If there is caulking filling spaces between the exterior walls of the home and the chimney, the previous owner may have been trying to address the gaps caused by a leaning chimney. (You may also notice unfilled, open gaps.)

Flashing issues: If the flashing strips that seal the gap between the roof and the chimney are dislodged, it may mean that the chimney has moved.

These and any other signs of a leaning chimney should be evaluated by an experienced chimney sweep/chimney inspector.

Why chimneys lean

The key to solving any chimney problem is discovering what’s causing it. Chimney inspectors can determine the cause of a leaning chimney and recommend the best solution. Here are five

House-settling

Depending on the severity, normal house-settling and foundation-settling can cause a chimney to lean.

Lack of proper footing

Chimneys at older homes sometimes were built without a solid concrete footing, which can lead to a leaning chimney.

Footing not reinforced

If your chimney’s footing wasn’t properly reinforced, it may start to crack and cause the chimney to lean.

Footing too small

The footing should extend at least six inches beyond every side of the chimney structure. Additionally, a footing that was built too shallow is prone to cracking and shifting under the chimney. (Note that any footing built of inferior concrete is much more likely to crack over time.)

Soil problems

When the soil beneath the footing is too loose to bear the weight, shifting can result in a tilting chimney.

Aside from the issues mentioned above, earthquakes, major damage from a chimney fire and an improperly built chimney can lead to a leaning chimney.

Certified chimney inspections

If you know or believe that your chimney is damaged, your first action should be to call out a CSIA-certified chimney inspector. Only through a proper inspection will you be able to spot early signs of damage and address the issue before a costly and dangerous problem arises.

Inspectors who carry certifications through the Chimney Safety Institute of America will examine the entire chimney structure and its components. If damage within the flue is suspected, they will use video imaging technology to allow them to see exactly what’s going on and suggest the best chimney repair work to fix it as quickly as possible.

Are you living with a leaning chimney or other forms of chimney damage? High’s Chimney Service of Gaithersburg, MD, provides expert chimney inspection, chimney repair and full-service chimney sweeping. We’ll help you keep your chimney safe and efficient all year long. Call (301) 519-3500 to get problems solved fast.

 

The post What it Means When Your Chimney Leans appeared first on Highs Chimney.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy has been leaning for about 840 years–since 1173. But if you see your chimney leaning, do not get the idea it’s perfectly safe to worry about it in the distant future! A tilting chimney is an urgent situation, and repair is needed right away. Read on for clues as to whether to contact chimney masonry specialists or a foundation repair company.

Is Your Chimney Damaged by Moisture?

Chimney maintenance is essential because measures must be taken to keep moisture out of the masonry system. The problem all boils down to one thing: Moisture destroys the masonry. The process of destruction isn’t immediate but neither does it take exceptionally long.

Once moisture gets into the masonry, the freezing and thawing cycles of winter cause the water inside to expand and contract. This creates movement that tears down the integrity of the bricks. If you notice bits of debris around your chimney, it is a sign of spalling. Due to moisture in the masonry, the brick face eventually begins to pop and flake off, which is the basic definition of spalling. As the masonry gradually deteriorates, the chimney eventually begins to lean. Continued neglect of chimney maintenance will also lead to a total chimney collapse, which is obviously dangerous and destructive.

CSIA-Certified Chimney Sweeps can provide chimney masonry repairs as well as chimney masonry rebuilds.

Is Your Tilting Chimney Caused by a Foundation Problem?

The problem with your tilting chimney could be a foundation failure. The following are clues that foundation repair is likely needed:

• There is a gap between the exterior chimney built on an exterior wall and the home siding.
• Foam insulation, caulk, or mortar may have been used by previous owners to fill the gap, which only masks the issue.
• Metal straps are being used to hold the chimney in place.
• The metal flashing on the chimney stack has become dislodged.

Masonry chimneys weigh tons! There is supposed to be a chimney pad or chimney footing underneath the chimney to prevent the weight from causing that area of the foundation to sink. If the foundation has shifted, the following are among the causes:

• The soil underneath the foundation is loose and unable to bear the heavy load of the chimney.
• The footing is undersized. There are specific requirements for chimney footings, to ensure that they can withstand the weight. For instance, they should be a minimum of one foot thick and should project six inches beyond all sides of the chimney.
• If poor quality concrete was used to create the footing, it could crack as a result of the same moisture and freeze-thaw cycles that can destroy the chimney masonry.

If it appears that a foundation shift has caused the chimney to tilt, reach out to foundation experts without delay!

Contact the Chimney Masonry Experts at Northeastern Chimney

Each of the chimney sweeps at Northeastern Chimney LLC in West Hartford CT is CSIA-certified. For chimney masonry repair for a tilting chimney as well as for chimney inspections, chimney cleaning, chimney maintenance, and chimney repairs, give us a call. We are the trusted chimney experts throughout the area. Contact us by calling Northeastern Chimney at 860-233-5770 today.

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

This Spring and soon to be Summer season have been all about the rain. Now again, we’re getting remnants of tropical storm Cristobal (not the college football coach) merging with yet another storm. How much more of a beating can the chimney handle?

We’ve talked about tuckpointing or repairing the masonry between the bricks, stone or blocks. We also discussed installing a chimney cap and checking the flashing that connects the chimney to your roofing system. This time I want to share with you the question we get most often…”What else can I do?”

To prevent future chimney repairs, we recommend ChimneySaver. ChimneySaver is our solution for waterproofing your chimney. Chimney Saver is applied directly to the brick, stone or blocks as well as the mortar. ChimneySaver water repellent not only repels the water, it also allows the brick to ‘breathe’ meaning, it allows water vapor to escape. What good will this do?

• Minimize deterioration of the masonry
• Preserve the bricks, stone or blocks
• Minimize future chimney repairs

ChimneySaver is applied to 3 main areas for total protection: chimney crown, masonry and flashing. By protecting these core areas, you’ll no longer need to worry when bad storms come our way.

Give us a call today 877-244-6349.

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

If you’re in the market for a new fireplace, heating stove or fireplace insert, you might be tempted to “make it easy on yourself” by purchasing your appliance online. While many top brands with attractive prices are available on websites and e-shopping portals, there are a few things you should think about when deciding whether or not to go this route.

Local retailers of hearth products usually carry or can order any home-heating appliance you find online. But more important – these experts can guide you through the buying process, make sure you end up with the best unit for your needs, and provide professional installation so your appliance runs safely and efficiently. Let’s look at each of these considerations.

Buying a new fireplace, stove or insert

As simple as these appliances appear to be when in use, there are many differences from one brand to the next and among the different heat-delivery methods and fuel types. If you’re not well-versed on all these differences, a local hearth pro can help.

The three most popular heating appliances are:

Zero-clearance fireplaces: Run on gas or wood, ZC fireplaces install in a wall within your home and have their own vent system.

Heating stoves: Modern stoves are stand-alone appliances that run on gas or wood and can be installed just about anywhere in the home.

Fireplace inserts: These are gas or wood units that are pre-built to fit into your existing masonry fireplace’s firebox and come with their own vent pipe.

Each type of appliance delivers unique performance levels and has unique requirements for cleaning and maintenance. These are things you should be familiar with before purchasing a new heating unit.

Meeting your heating needs

As noted, every model of home-heating appliance provides specific heat outputs, BTUs and room-size coverages. Modern fireplaces, stoves and inserts all follow strict EPA guidelines for combustion and safety, but there’s more to it than that.

Each appliance is designed to heat a certain-size room. Each unit also has a heat-efficiency rating, which tells you how much of the heat produced will be used as heat for your home. Some models cost less to run than others, and some require more maintenance and cleaning. Your local hearth/fireplace expert can cover all this with you as you shop for the perfect appliance.

Heating unit installation

Installing a new fireplace, stove or fireplace insert is not a DIY project. Only trained, certified installers know all the ins and outs of appliance installation to ensure the unit is set up properly and will run safely.

Many hearth retailers have field divisions staffed with professional installers who know their products well. Fireplace and chimney services companies who don’t have an actual showroom can still consult with you on the ideal appliance for your needs, order it for you and then professionally install it.

If you’re one of those people who would love a new home-heating appliance but aren’t really familiar with all the choices, buying locally instead of through a faceless online portal will bring you the most long-term satisfaction.

Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace of Kansas City, KS, is ready to help you shop for and select the ultimate new zero-clearance fireplace, heating stove or fireplace insert. We’ll make sure your decision is one that will bring you warmth and happiness for years to come. Call us today at (913) 236-7141.

The post Online or Hearth Store: Which Is the Best Place to Buy Your Next Fireplace? appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

The weather has finally turned warmer and we are busy grooming the outside of our homes. Most people do not think about their chimney during the summer months, but summer is a critical time to get needed maintenance issues out of the way before cool fall weather arrives.

The truth is that masonry repairs should ideally be completed in warm weather so that the mortar sets properly.  Small repairs can be made using an accelerant mixed in the mortar during winter months, but larger repairs such as major pointing,  brick replacement, crown rebuilding, or a partial to complete teardown and rebuilding must be done in warmer weather. Now is the time to check the chimney for signs of wear and tear or damage by storms and high winds.

We encourage you to look for missing bricks or chimney cap, and deteriorating mortar. Many chimneys are built with soft bricks due to their lower price point, however, soft style bricks absorb moisture, and in the long run, fail as part of all the chimney will need to be rebuilt. The height of the chimney also plays a role in the rate of deterioration. Being at the highest peak,  the chimney is exposed to more wind-driven rain which penetrates this area more easily – we’ve certainly have had our share of that the past few weeks!

It is important to hire a qualified mason to do this work, not only for aesthetic reasons but for structural reasons too. Using the wrong type of product or mortar for even the smallest masonry repair can lead to major issues down the road.  Don’t wait until most of the mortar is missing from in between the brick either!  You may qualify for a less expensive repair that will prolong the life of the masonry for years to come.

Flues (the tunnels within the chimney structure) that lack the needed lining systems for venting should also be addressed.  Chimneys have required flue liners since the 1920s, however, many homes had flue liners as far back as the 1870s because the masons knew that liners keep the external temperature of the chimney down and prevent leakage of toxic gasses through the chimney chase.  If having masonry repair completed and the flue needs a liner, having this done at the same time makes the most sense.

Delaying chimney maintenance could impact your fireplace’s readiness for those early chilly nights and in New England, who knows when that can be?

A spring/summer cleaning and inspection ensures your chimney will be ready for when you need it most.

When you schedule an appointment with Boston Best Chimney, our Certified professionals will take special care to clean, inspect, and repair your chimney; keeping your family safe and your system in peak condition.

The post Is The Warm Weather Chimney Season? appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

NOT SURE HOW TO CARE FOR A NEW CHIMNEY? HERE ARE A FEW SIMPLE STEPS TO GET YOU GOING

If you’ve just moved into a house with a fireplace and you’re not sure where to start, you’ve come to the right place. Before you light your first fire, it’s essential to thoroughly understand fireplace and chimney safety. Following a few simple guidelines can help keep your home and family safe and warm this winter.

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Call for an Inspection (and Cleaning, if Necessary)

Even if the previous owners had a fireplace inspection as part of the sale process, it’s important for you to hire a company of your own, that works on your behalf, to inspect thoroughly again. Inspections can catch serious and potentially dangerous issues that may lead to fires and carbon monoxide buildup, so if you are dealing with your first fireplace, this should be at the top of your list. In most cases, if the fireplace and chimney need to be cleaned, you can have this done at the time of your inspection.

Learn How to Use a Fireplace

Fireplace operation is relatively simple, but if you’ve never used one before, you should take the time to brush up before jumping in. Start with dry seasoned wood that is specifically for woodstoves and fireplaces – never use green or unseasoned wood. Make sure the damper position is properly set to “open” to allow smoke and combustion gases to escape, and when your fireplace is no longer in use, and the fire is completely out, close the damper. The use of fire safe doors on your fireplace can also prevent drafts.

Get Frequent Cleanings

Frequent cleanings are important for preventing the buildup of a flammable substance called creosote. Many homeowners schedule an annual cleaning. However, if you plan to use your fireplace often, you may need more frequent sweeps. The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends cleaning your chimney once every 36 fires, and in the Chicagoland area, you may light quite a few when the coldest months hit! Keep track and be sure that you’re cleaning your chimney frequently enough to keep you safe.

Do Your Own Quick Inspections Regularly

Once you’ve had a professional inspection and cleaning, and learned how to safely use your fireplace, regular spot checks and upkeep are important. Take the time to look around every now and again to catch any potential or emerging problems. Check to make sure soot and creosote buildup is never more than a quarter-inch thick, check your damper to be sure it operates properly, and if it is safe to do so yourself, inspect the part of your chimney that rises from the roof for things like a loose cap or cracked masonry. Check the area around the chimney inside your home, too, for signs of water damage, which may indicate faulty flashing.

Caring for your new fireplace and chimney doesn’t have to be difficult, but in order to ensure your home and family’s safety, it must be done right, and often. Lindemann Chimney & Fireplace | Heating & Cooling Professional Chimney Sweep team is the best in the Chicagoland area – and our services include the most thorough level 2 NFPA Inspection – providing complete and thorough care that you and your fireplace deserve.

Lightning bolts are more than just a little zap. Just one bolt can carry with it nearly 100 million volts of electricity. That is a lot for your chimney to handle! The most common damage a chimney will experience is to its mortar and brick. The bolts cause the mortar to crumble and break apart leaving huge gaps in the chimney itself. Bricks are often found covering the ground below.

Lightning can also be harmful to the inner liner. Although more difficult to diagnose, the chimneys inner liner can become damaged during these powerful lightning strikes. This can even lead to a fire within the flue.

If you suspect lightning has struck your chimney, follow these steps to keep your home and family safe:

• If you suspect that lightning has just hit your home the most immediate concern is the threat of fire. Contact the fire department if your home suffers a direct hit.
• Keep in mind, fires may not be immediately evident especially when hidden in the attic or chimney.
• Be careful of falling brickwork from a damaged chimney. Steer clear of the area until it is safe.
• Have your chimney inspected before using it. Keep in mind that damage to the chimney liner may be hidden and hard to diagnose. A certified chimney sweep should be enlisted to assess the health of the structure.
• Complete any relining or repair work as needed. Some insurance policies cover this type of damage so make sure to look over the details of yours.

When it comes the safety of your chimney following a lightning strike trust the team at Lindemann to be there when you need them. We can thoroughly and accurately assess your chimney for any damage that a lightning bolt may have left behind. If structural damage is apparent, our team of certified sweeps can complete the work and get you back to using your fireplace safely once again.