Fireplaces and chimneys are like the proverbial “two-edged sword”: they can be extremely dangerous, and they can be completely safe. Of course, you want the completely safe kind, so here are some ways to accomplish that.

What kinds of dangers can a fireplace or chimney create?

There are four main safety concerns with these structures:

• Chimney/house fire
• Collapsed chimney
• Water damage that leads to damage of home building materials
• Drafting issues that send deadly toxins into the house

Let’s look at each one and how to prevent it.

Chimney or house fire

A primary cause of chimney fires each year in the United States is creosote buildup in the flue. Creosote forms when wood burns.

It is highly flammable in any of its forms: sticky, puffy or solid. Annual chimney sweep service from a certified chimney professional is the best way to keep creosote at a minimum and also to check the chimney for other problems during a chimney inspection.

Chimney sweeps use a variety of specialized tools and equipment to clean your chimney. Chimney cleaning is not a job for a novice without certification from the Chimney Safety Institute of America and the necessary years of hands-on experience.

Major chimney structural damage

Over time, the bricks and mortar that make up a chimney can begin to fail. Early signs include small cracks and crumbling. If left unattended, water will get into these breaches and start a cycle of decay and destruction. Severe masonry damage can cause a chimney to begin to lean to one side and eventually collapse. Various processes that can prevent this include masonry waterproofing, crack repair, tuckpointing to replace missing sections of masonry and full or partial chimney rebuilding.

Water damage

Water from rain and melting snow is the enemy of chimneys, fireplaces and their components. We saw how water can destroy the bricks of a chimney, but it also can seriously damage various components including the chimney liner, chimney cap, chimney crown and fireplace damper. Water will eventually rust metal parts and cause decay to other materials. Of particular concern is a chimney leak that allows water to spread to vulnerable materials of the home such as wall boards, ceilings, insulation and beams near the chimney/fireplace.

The first signs of leaks should be addressed right away. A certified inspection is called for when unseen damage is suspected.

Flue obstructions & drafting issues

Chimney flues can become obstructed two ways: excess buildup of creosote, and outside debris that has gotten into the flue. We talked about creosote earlier, so let’s focus on drafting problems due to obstructions. If your chimney has no chimney cap or has one that’s damaged, all manner of obstructions can enter the flue. These include leaves, twigs and other falling tree debris as well as small animals that build nests inside chimneys. Obstructions will hamper the drafting of smoke, which carries with it deadly carbon monoxide. Keeping these toxins out of your home is accomplished with annual chimney sweep and chimney inspection services.

As you can see, chimneys can be safe or dangerous. Northeastern Chimney of West Hartford, CT, prefers safe chimneys, and that’s why we offer certified chimney cleaning, inspection, repair and rebuilding services. Get more information or schedule an appointment by calling (860) 233-5770.

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

Fireplaces provides additional heating alternative for your home and creates a relaxing environment. The chimney thus removes smoke from the fireplace and vents it outside but still you can end up with smoke wafting through house. The smoke becomes worsen on a windy day and could be troublesome if you inhale over a longer period of time. This makes it important to hire a chimney contractor to maintain them.

It’s a good old-fashioned way to get heat by wood burning. The smoke travels up a chimney to escapes into the air. However, the chimney helps to escape heat and many fireplace designers use variety of enhancements that increases the heat output of your fireplace.

Wood Fuel

Hard woods are the best type of wood to burn in the fireplace. Such type of woods burn hotter than conventional wood because they do not have moisture responsible for loss of heat. It also reduces the cost of fireplace repair due to water evaporation.

Air Vents

Some of the heat produced by fire escapes through chimney but air vents prevents this procedure. The air vents allow outside air to prevent chimney burning and thus chimney repair.

Dampers

Fireplaces also need dampers to minimize the wastage of energy and allow heat to travel up when the fire isn’t burning. There are two types of damper like top sealing damper or a throat damper. The throat is made up of a metal and reduces the draft in the fireplace. It also creates an air-tight seal to prevent heat leakage. However, dampers do not remain air-tight forever and heat makes the dampers to warp and give escape to heat. Property-owners are recommended to use a top-sealing damper that rests on the chimney top. It comes with a rubber seal and prevents loss of heat.

Fireplace Doors

Fireplace doors make the fireplace hotter because the fireplace uses the outside air to burn instead of burning inside air, which destroys some of the heat and thus prevents heat loss when you are not using the fireplace. Seek help from a chimney company to find out the best alternative.

Forced Air Blowers

Forced air blowers move the heat created by the fireplace into another room. This is great to have more heat than the rest of the house.

Fireplace Grates

Fireplace grates increase how much heat radiates into the home. These grates work the best for open fireplaces. The grates allow air to enter underneath the fire and help to increase the intensity at which fire can burn.
To make your fireplace safe and efficient, use gas fireplace inserts. A fireplace insert is basically a woodstove that fits into a masonry fireplace. Depending on the type of fireplace, it may actually leads to more wastage.

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

Yup, we’re talking about weeds and other growing plants and
undesirable plants growing directly out of and on the chimney. What are they?
And is it a good idea to have decorative plants on the chimney? Here are a couple
of questions we’ve received over the past couple of years. With spring coming
soon, (especially since the groundhog didn’t see his shadow) you might want to
keep a look out.

Q: We have an old home. I thought I was seeing things,
but after I took out my binoculars, it looks like moss growing on my chimney!

A: It is true that algae, moss or any other plant like
organisms can grow when there’s a presence of moisture and plenty of shade.
Besides its undesirable appearance, it’s certainly encouraging the deterioration
of the brick and mortar of your chimney.

The appearance of moss is also giving you visual clues that water
has made its way into the chimney’s brick and mortar. Water is either
making its way into your home, or is already there. You’ll be able to tell by
looking at your ceilings, walls or floors.

In this instance, it needs the attention of a certified chimney
technician that knows what to look for and how to correct the situation.

Q: We just bought a new house, and the previous owners
have vines on the side of the house and the chimney is connected. The vines are
mature and have made their way around the entire chimney. Is that a problem?

A: Many homeowners like the character vines brings to the
home’s exterior. However, vines can cause more damage than you think. To begin,
the tendrils and roots need to hang onto something in order to expand and grow.
As it grows on the chimney, it forces its way into to masonry causing
cracks, holes and chips to occur. If this is left unattended, it can cause the chimney structure
to become unstable. If its been there a long time, its best to have the flue
liner checked as it can cause the flue
liner to crack.

In addition, moisture can easily become trapped with a thick
layer of leaves allowing the moisture to deteriorate the bricks and mortar. But
don’t forget about the bugs. Nice thick vines are home to numerous types of
bugs and insects. They will find those very tiny places where they can make their
way into your home.

A certified chimney technician will need to inspect your
chimney and communicate to you the extent of the damage.

Contact Superior Chimney to inspect, clean and check your chimney. Call 877-244-6349

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

If you’re attracted to the allure of an old-fashioned wood stove, you might be thinking of using it to keep your home warm in the winter. Living in New England, many old and historic homes contain one of these gems. However, you want to consider your safety before you light a match.

These are the 4 safety tips to keep in mind when it comes to using a wood stove.

Safety Tip #1: Proper Installation

Whether your wood stove is from another era or it’s relatively new, you’ll want to ensure that it’s properly installed. This is key to making sure the stove is working properly and doesn’t pose any safety threats.

For example, if there are more than six inches of ventilation space between the stove and the base, the stove must be installed on a non-combustible floor surface such as brick. The floor must also be at least 2 inches thick.

Safety Tip #2: Keep a Safe Distance

Where you place your wood stove matters. Many safety codes require that the wood stove stays at least three feet away from surrounding furniture and rugs. You don’t want to chance any surrounding objects catching fire.

Safety Tip #3: Chimney Safety

Overall chimney safety is another area of concern for a wood-burning stove. You don’t want to connect the stove to more than one flue. This is because gases from the flue can pass from one opening to another. This may result in unsatisfactory performance with your wood stove.

Furthermore, you’ll also want to make sure that there are no missing flue tiles or cracked masonry. These issues go beyond cosmetics. A crack in the masonry is a sign of a structural issue that can lead to larger problems down the road.

Safety Tip #4: Sweep Your Chimney

If you haven’t had an annual chimney sweep and inspection, take this step before you begin using your wood stove. An inspection and sweep will help with:

• Finding creosote buildup inside the chimney, which can be dangerous and flammable
• Making sure smoke can properly exit your home
• Ensuring the chimney is lined and capable of exhausting flue gases
• Looking for signs of animals living inside the chimney
• Check functionality of the stove components

If you have any doubts about using your wood-burning stove, please contact us at Best Chimney. We can help you determine if the wood stove is correctly installed along with sweeping and inspecting the chimney. Contact us today to learn more by calling (781) 893-6611.

The post 4 Safety Tips for Using a Wood Stove appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

The process of sweeping a chimney seems to be simple but it involves more than just shoving a long handled brush up a chimney to remove the debris and soot. The chimney sweeping enhances the safety as it removes the soot clogging that can easily catch fire. A blocked chimney also prevents the smoke to escape and increases the chances of unpleasant odors and smoky rooms. All the residents must maintain their chimneys to prevent any type of major or minor accidents. With rise in the prices of natural gas and propane prices, some people want to buy old fireplace to reduce home-heating bills. So, check out the given below safety tips and follow them:

Hire a chimney sweep:

The National Fire Protection Association recommends that all types of chimney sweeping must be done at least once in a year to dislodge debris and soot. Make sure to hire a certified sweep in your area.

Inspection:

The first step of chimney sweeping is fireplace and chimney inspection. If the sweep notices any damage then he usually quotes a price for repairs by looking inside the chimney. Also, ensure that your chimney sweep inspect the entire structure to trace any loose bricks, missing mortar or cracks.

Cap the chimney:

Make sure to cap the chimney. The use of a cap fitted with wire-mesh sides covers the chimney top and prevents birds and debris to enter. Replace or repair a damaged or missing cap as soon as possible as it helps to save cost of chimney repair .

Preparation:

Chimney sweeping produces soot and dust. To protect your home, make sure to use large drop cloths over all the floor and furnishings in the room. The sweep sets up a high power industrial vacuum cleaner and inserts the vacuum hose under the fireplace cover. This vacuum sucks up debris and soot with sweep brush. The chimney contractor sweeps uses all types of protective gear including goggles and dust mask.

Sweeping:

To sweep the chimney itself, sweep inserts a brush into the fireplace. This brush comes in flexible sections and the sweep adds more section when required to push the brush head up and down the chimney and this helps to remove all types of debris and soot. During the process, the sweep cleans all the fireplace and chimney parts. The complete chimney cleaning process takes 45 minutes to one hour time.

Tests:

After chimney sweeping, the sweep carry out a smoke test by lighting a small fire in the fireplace and this helps to verify that chimney has been cleaned properly. Make sure to maintain a chimney cleaning record and ask the sweep to sign on it each time the chimney is swept for regular and timely maintenance.

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

There are many issues that can arise during the winter months—things that affect the bills you pay and the safety of your home. The problems that affect your home this winter are not always caused by your fire appliance, your heater, or even neglect. Many problems arise because of weather, storms, damage, or other things entirely out of our control. In order for our customers to have the safest home possible this winter and every winter, we recommend these tips.

Gutters and Drains

Gutters and outside drains are great assets during freezing winters and wet springs. However, if they aren’t properly maintained, they can become a hazard. Leaves and debris left inside gutters and drains can cause a clog, allow your water flow to stall and freeze, and even lead to leaks and water damage outside the gutter system. A gutter problem doesn’t just affect the roof, eaves, and house. An overflowing or damaged gutter can lead to washout and damage to your landscaping and direct rainwater to your basement and foundation instead of designated drainage areas.

Weatherizing Windows

The only windows that do not need to be weatherized are those that are double-pane storm windows. There are specific models and brands of windows that will insulate your home despite the outside weather and temperature, but these windows are expensive and not usually in older homes. If you have a standard single-pane window, it should be properly winterized in order to save you money and prevent damage.

Screen Removal – If your windows have an outer screen, the screen should be removed during winter prep. Leaving the screens in the window can allow water to pass through the screen and then freeze against the window and the window sill. This not only leads to a temperature drop but also can ruin a wooden window frame and sill. Remove the screen and store upright in a storage closet, basement, or attic.

Storm Window Panes – If your single-pane windows have a screen, look around the basement and attic for replacement storm windows. These panes slip right into the space where the screen is removed. If your windows do not have storm window panes, remove the screen and plastic over your windows for insulation.

Window Insulation – Whether you have storm windows or simple single-pane windows, you can still add clear plastic insulation to your windows to help keep the cold out and keep your warm air in. You can hire someone to winterize your windows or purchase a window insulation kit at your local home improvement store to improve your home’s heat efficiency.

Lawn Maintenance

By the end of summer, we are excited to be finished with lawn care. We’re excited for the leaves to begin falling and celebrate as we put that weed trimmer and lawnmower in the shed for the winter. While we as homeowners are understandably finished with lawn care when autumn arrives, it’s important to trim your lawn before winter is in full force. Oftentimes, the grass stops growing, so we fail to cut it one last time. This makes raking more difficult when necessary and can hide hazards beneath high grass and then snow as fall turns to winter and winter to spring. Cutting your grass before winter arrives will mean a seamless transition back to spring and summer and will mean a healthier lawn and healthier microorganisms that help cultivate healthy soil.

Air Duct and Dryer Vent Maintenance

During winter months, we use air ducts and dryer vents more often than other times of the year. You may not even realize it, but you are likely spending more time than ever indoors, breathing recycled air that has been moving through your HVAC system over and over. You are also likely using the clothes dryer more often than in warmer months if you use a clothesline during the warmer months.

Whatever the reason, these systems are being used, and are oftentimes neglected. In order for a more efficient and safer central air and heating system, make sure you have your air ducts cleaned and sanitized as needed. When the system is maintained properly it will use less energy, will cycle and filter the air in your home better, and will last longer. Similarly, the clothes dryer vent will work better when it is cleaned annually. Not only will a clean dryer vent keep your family safe this winter, but it will help your dryer work better, work safely, use less energy, and last longer. Running your dryer multiple times for one load of clothes is a sign that there is a problem—and it’s a sign that costs you money! Schedule dryer maintenance now and see how much it saves you.

Chimney and Fireplace Maintenance

Homes that have a fireplace and chimney system are safer when they are maintained properly. Don’t take our word for it! The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) both agree that the safest and most efficient chimney systems are those that are cleaned regularly and inspected annually. Ideally, a homeowner would schedule these important services before the burn season, but it isn’t too late.

Residents in Boston, North Shore, and Portland area can call and schedule a sweep or inspection with Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep anytime, year-round. Our aim is to make safe homes and warm hearths. Dial 617-469-4528 or contact us online.

The post Winter Maintenance Tips for Your Home appeared first on Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep.

Every so often lately, the sun peeks out from behind those winter clouds and the rain lets up for an afternoon and you start to feel it…spring is right around the corner. As the temperature starts to climb into the 60s and the days become thankfully longer, you can be super-prepared for spring and get a jump on protecting your home this year.

Is your 2020 chimney inspection scheduled?

Oh yeah…your chimney. If you think about it, 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. 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 spring cleaning impulse and boost your chimney and fireplace performance by getting yours inspected now!

But why spring? Here’s why now’s the time!

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 had over the winter, 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 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.

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

A wood stove is a reliable, affordable, and efficient source of home heating. Your wood stove will provide years of warmth, but like any other heating appliance, they will eventually need to be repaired or replaced. Deciding whether to repair or replace the wood stove will depend on the availability of parts, cost, and condition of the stove. Here are three warning signs that it’s time to replace or repair your wood stove.

Warping

Warping is a tell-tale sign to replace a wood-burning stove. The gases created during combustion and the high temperatures in the stove can eventually cause the iron or steel frame to warp. You may notice warping along the sides and bottom of the stove as well as around the edges of the door. Warping is a serious issue because it’s an indication that the wood stove is weakening.  Warping will only get worse. As the stove weakens further, the metal components will start to crack and split apart, allowing oxygen and moisture to get inside, which will reduce its ability to keep your home warm. Warping is a structural issue that cannot be repaired. Your best option is to replace the wood stove. 

Door Won’t Close

The wood stove door must be completely closed for optimum efficiency. When it doesn’t close all the way, it not only reduces heating efficiency, it degrades indoor air quality and increases the risk of carbon monoxide exposure. There is a rubber gasket attached to the stove door. It forms an airtight seal when the stove door is closed. When the stove door gasket is warped or cracked, it creates gaps around the door, allowing air to enter. Replacing the door gasket is usually an easy repair if the part is readily available. There could also be other issues or damages that may require the door to be repaired or replaced. It often makes more economic sense to replace the wood stove than continually making repairs to an old stove.

Excessive Creosote

Creosote is a natural by-product of combustion. It adheres to the interior of the wood stove. If the stove is not cleaned regularly, the creosote will get progressively worse. In its first stage, the creosote is a powdery substance like dust and is removed with minimal effort. As the creosote progresses into the second stage, it turns into tarry flakes. Your chimney sweep may need to use special tools and equipment to clean the wood stove thoroughly. In its final stage, the creosote is a thick and tarry material that is extremely difficult to remove. It is also highly flammable, and there is an increased risk of a fire. A raging fire in a wood stove can cause warping and corrosion, not to mention the risk of spreading to other parts of your home. When excessive creosote cannot be removed entirely, it is time to replace the wood stove.

Contact us today to learn more about how to care for your home’s Wood Stove!

Northeastern Chimney, Inc.
37 Cody Street, West Hartford, CT 06110
Phone: 860-233-5770

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

A properly installed chimney cap is a must to prevent headaches down the road (and little critters running through your home). A chimney cap will prevent animals from entering your home, keep excess moisture out, and protect the roof from burning embers that could potentially start a house fire.

Even though a chimney cap is a minor and relatively inexpensive installation, many homeowners question whether it is necessary or not. The truth is that this small amount of metal protecting your chimney can prevent numerous mishaps from taking place and save a homeowner thousands of dollars in unnecessary chimney repair or damage expenses.

Keeps the Animals Away

During the cooler months, animals walking along your roof will feel the warmth around the chimney from the fire below. For this reason, they will make their nests close or inside the small and comforting space of the chimney flue. It doesn’t take long for an unwelcome family of critters to move into your chimney. Squirrels can create a 4-foot deep nest in less than 24 hours! Installing a simple chimney cap with mesh siding will prevent these animals from homesteading within your residence.

Bird and squirrel nests built in the open space of a flue will create obstructions blocking the path of smoke and flue gasses exhausting through the chimney. With large animal nests in the way, though, these harmful gases will end up backing up into the rooms of your home. This backup can cause smoke and soot damage and even carbon monoxide poisoning.

What Are the Effects of Moisture?

Rain, snow, and ice all create problems for your chimney if they are allowed in the chimney flue. Moisture causes deterioration problems within the structure, and when mixed with certain types of soot, it can become even more harmful to the inside structure of your chimney. The freezing and melting of ice and snow are especially hard on the masonry chimney walls, chimney crown, and chimney liner. This freeze and thaw cycle can cause severe problems, such as cracks in the structure during the winter months, which often leads to costly repairs. Therefore, it is best not to allow the excess moisture into the chimney in the first place by diverting the elements away from the chimney with a chimney cap that is properly sized for your chimney.

Why Protect Against Embers

Along with smoke, burning embers from the fire below can pass through the flue before they are extinguished. These burning ashes escape out of the top of the chimney and can start a fire on your roof. These problems are entirely avoidable with the addition of a chimney cap with spark guard to prevent the burning particles from escaping.

Please schedule your chimney inspection and get your chimney cap installed today!

The post Do I Really Need A Chimney Cap? appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Having a fireplace for those cold winter months can really cut back on heat costs and provide a nice centerpiece to any home. Keeping your fireplace cleaned and maintained is very important, though. If your chimney isn’t properly inspected and cleaned, it can be a danger to you and your family. The NFPA says heating elements are the second leading cause of house fires. Build-up of soot in the chimney makes for an easy way to start a fire and not to mention bad news for your lungs.

Chimney Inspection

Hiring a chimney contractor to come do a thorough sweep of your chimney is required if you want to make regular use of your chimney, without the dangers mentioned previously. You can stay on top of things with regular inspections, which prevent having to pay for costly cleaning fees when the soot is really built up. These inspections should be done annually, at the very least. If your chimney is well-maintained, all that is required is a visual inspection with a regular sweep.

Chimney Maintenance

If your chimney fails the initial flashlight test and the chimney company determines that the soot build-up is high enough to need more than a simple brush from below, it’s going to cost a bit more for a thorough cleaning, requiring access from the roof. Also, during any cleaning, you will need to schedule a time where the family is outside of the house, as the fumes from loose soot are hazardous to your health. Inspection of the chimney and roof are given before and after cleaning, to determine any structural damage that may need repair.

If it is determine that the structural integrity of your chimney is compromised, then your chimney contractor may advise rebuilding the walls of the chimney. This is typically something that only happens if your house has experienced an earthquake or chimney fire. The costs aren’t quite as high, usually, than, for example, a major roof repair job. Unless, of course, your roof was also affected.

Paying for regular maintenance of your chimney may just seem like yet another fee or bill to pay as a homeowner, but the values of having a chimney can far outweigh the costs. The time it takes to inspect and to do a quick cleaning is only a few hours, which saves you even more time from needing an emergency chimney cleaning after years of neglect.

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