While it’s good to repair some parts of your home as you save money and get to understand them better, you shouldn’t clean your chimney by yourself. Instead, you should hire chimney cleaning services providers to help you out. Here are eight reasons you should leave chimney cleaning and maintenance to the professionals:

You save time

An average chimney can take a trained cleaning professional with all the right equipment a few hours to clean it. Imagine how long it will take you to clean a unit you are unfamiliar with. To save your precious time, hire a professional who will get the work done professionally.

Chimney cleaning is messy

Chimney cleaning is a dirty job. During the cleaning, large amounts of creosote come down from the chimney, and they can create a big mess if you don’t know how to handle it. Professionals know what to expect and prepare your home beforehand to minimize the mess. They cover the furniture, floor, and other areas of the house.

The professionals also have industrial-grade equipment to clean up the mess in the event it comes about.

Creosote not only messes up your home, breathing it also hurts your lungs. The professionals have all the safety gear that protects them from inhaling the harmful dust.

Climbing the roof is risky

During the chimney cleaning process, you have to get to the roof to clear out nests, twigs, leaves, and other debris that might be stuck there. It’s from the roof where you can identify chimney problems such as missing cap, crown, or any other issue.

If you have gone up the roof, you will agree with me that going up there is risky as you can easily slip and fall. For you to avoid the dangers of going up the roof, hire a chimney sweep with the right equipment and experience.

Most of the contractors are covered by insurance; therefore, when an accident happens, the insurance company covers it.

Professionals do a thorough job

Since they have the right tools for the job, chimney experts are able to diagnose chimney problems and fix them accurately. For example, they are able to tell whether you have first, second, or third-degree creosote in your chimney.

The right cleaning tools also allow the professionals to thoroughly clean the chimney leaving your home free of the risk of fire.

Experts save you from making expensive mistakes

When you decide to clean the chimney by yourself, you can easily leave behind large amounts of creosote. When you continue using the fireplace while dirty, you put the fireplace at the risk of catching fire.

Professionals inspect all areas of the chimney and properly clean it, ensuring that no dangers are lurking behind.

The Gurus give you peace of mind

When you clean the chimney by yourself, you aren’t sure whether you did an excellent job.  When you hire an experienced professional on the other hand, you have peace of mind that the work is done correctly.  As a result, you don’t have to worry about fire coming about in the middle of the night.

You protect your roof warranty

Most roofing manufacturers and installers offer warranties to cover their roofs and workmanship, but you can void the warranty if you work on top of the roof. When cleaning or repairing the chimney, most of the companies are sensitive to who handles the repairs and cleaning.

They will automatically void the warranty if an inexperienced or uncertified contractor does the work. To protect your warranty, hire an experienced and insured contractor. The trained professionals will handle the project safely without damaging the shingles or any other parts of the roof.

You meet your homeowner’s insurance policy requirements

Many homeowner insurance policies require that you undertake annual inspection and cleaning of your fireplace. Your insurance company will deny your claim if you don’t provide proof that you have met the requirements.

When you hire chimney contractors Bowie, they give you a receipt once they have completed their work. This serves as proof that you have done your part and experts did the job. Your insurance company can even check with the contractors to confirm that they have been cleaning and maintaining your chimney.

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

It’s still very hot outside as summer refuses to die. With record highs every day and your AC running, you’re not thinking about your chimney and fireplace. It’s just sitting there, going unused, not bothering anybody…

Now’s the time to use this quick checklist and get your chimney ready for burn season.

Summertime is an important time for the maintenance and upkeep on your chimney and fireplace, as keeping them clean and protected now will lead to a successful heating experience in the fall and winter.

Here’s your checklist of things to do with your chimney during these dog days of summer:

• Clean the hearth
  This one may seem like a no-brainer, but a lot of people forget to clean out the ash, sweep, and dust their hearth. You’re going to want to wear gloves and old clothes because this job gets dirty! Scoop out the ashes with an ash shovel. Use a small broom and dustpan to sweep out the rest. Next, you’re going to want to use your favorite gentle cleaner and scrubber to get the creosote up and give everything a final wipe off and vacuum.
• Close the damper tight
  A lot of people who have fireplaces forget to close their dampers. This means there is essentially a hole in your house letting cool air out! Be sure to close the damper tight after you’re done using your fireplace for the season.
• Turn off pilot light (gas)
  If you’re using a gas fireplace, you should know if you have a standing pilot light and make sure it’s out for the summer.
• Replace the decorations!
  If that fireplace was just sitting there going unused, you may have used that space to decorate. Move the plants from around the hearth and get ready for your chimney to host stockings and nutcrackers instead.
  
• Call Southern Chimneys to remove creosote
  Before giving those hands and knees too much of a workout, you honestly probably won’t be able to get all that creosote out that’s been storing up all winter. Even if you do, you certainly won’t be able to get aaaall up in it. That’s when you need to give a professional chimney service like Southern Chimneys a call.
• Call Southern Chimneys to check or install a chimney cap
  It’s always a very wet summer in the southeast. Chimney caps keep out things like moisture and animals that can wind up in your chimney at summertime.

Consider making end-of-summer the time for your yearly chimney inspection!

It’s always smart to get a jump on things and schedule your chimney and fireplace work and inspections long before the weather cools down. Now’s the time to clean up, decorate, and get things inspected so you can enjoy your living room, clean and safe, all year long.

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

Homeowners often spend the spring season completing maintenance and cleaning. However, if you didn’t include your chimney in your spring cleaning, it needs to be done before fall. Your chimney has been working for you, now you can return the favor by hiring a certified professional for the job. Don’t settle for an amateur. Schedule chimney services with a certified chimney sweep now, and your system will be ready for fires again this fall.

Hiring the Best

The chimney industry has been largely under-regulated for many years, but that doesn’t mean you have to hire just anyone for the job. When you’re looking to hire an expert who will come into your home and complete a service, it’s best to look only for professionals who have undergone training and testing that identifies them as exceptional. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) has an extensive process that involves classroom or online education, in-person testing over federal standards and fire safety, recertification every three years, a stringent Code of ethics, and an impressive network of professionals. When you’re looking for the best, look no further than CSIA certified chimney sweeps.

Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep

At Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep our sweeps are CSIA certified. That means we pledge to put safety first. We strive to offer honest services at a fair price. We comply with all applicable building codes and are familiar with all the municipal codes in the communities we serve. We educate consumers about safe chimney and venting practices. Our sweeps continue education in order to stay on top of the ever-changing industry and technologies. These things and more are included in the CSIA code of ethics, which if found in violation, can lead to revocation of membership.

30 Years of Experience Serving New England

For over 30 years, Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep has been servicing chimneys in New England. We provide the highest level of customer service and care to our customers in Boston, North Shore, and Scarborough. If you reside in the area and are looking to schedule chimney services, don’t settle for less than the best. Our record speaks for itself, but our customers speak up as well with online reviews and continued service. We are proud to serve our communities year after year, and we feel our community involvement helps make us the best providers in the area.

Scheduling Now Before Fall

If you schedule now, you can have your chimney sweep completed before fall. When you’re looking for a chimney professional, look no further than a Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep. We offer chimney sweeps and inspections year-round, but especially necessary in the fall. If you schedule your inspection or sweep now, there is still time to make necessary repairs before fall. If you wait, you may find yourself in the cold, unable to light a fire when temperatures drop.

Call Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep to schedule your chimney services now. Dial 617-469-4528 or schedule online.

The post Hire a Safe Sweep This Fall appeared first on Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep.

The weather here in the Washington DC metro area can change quickly. Mild autumn temperatures can turn bitterly cold overnight and then back to normal. During the winter, the temperature often rises above freezing. These big temperature shifts are hard on your home’s chimney. The freezing and thawing cycle they cause can weaken its structural integrity. There are steps that you can take to prevent your chimney from being damaged by the wear-and-tear of our winter weather.

Why Freezing and Thawing Damages Chimneys

Bricks and mortar are naturally porous. They absorb moisture—from rain and melting snow—much like a sponge. When temperatures dip below freezing, the water that’s seeped into the masonry expands as it freezes. When the temperatures rise, the masonry contracts as the water thaws. This process of expanding and contracting weakens the bricks and mortar causing it to crack, splinter or break. If failing bricks aren’t replaced and broke mortar isn’t repaired, your chimney can begin to tilt or lean. It could, eventually, collapse if too much of the masonry is weak and damaged.

How to Prevent Weather Damage

There are three ways that you can prevent your chimney from being damaged by the freezing and thawing cycle.

1. Invest in a Chimney Cap

A chimney cap is an affordable investment in your chimney that you’ll benefit from for years. The primary purpose of a chimney cap is to prevent rain, sleet, and snow from falling down the chimney. It acts like an umbrella, covering the chimney’s opening. It prevents water from running down the chimney and seeping into the masonry from the inside. An added benefit is that it has metal mesh around the sides. The mesh barrier prevents stray sparks from landing on the chimney and animals from flying in or making a nest inside.  

2. Have the Masonry Waterproofed

Treating the exterior of the chimney with a waterproofing sealant prevents water from seeping into the masonry from the outside. It’s important to choose a waterproofing sealant that’s designed for chimneys. It should be 100% vapor permeable so that condensation produced by the fire can pass through the masonry instead of accumulating inside the chimney.

3. Schedule Annual Chimney Inspections

The National Fire Protection Association recommends a professional inspection of the chimney every year to prevent a house fire and carbon monoxide exposure. Another benefit of a chimney inspection is that a certified chimney technician will look for signs of water intrusion and water damage. During their inspection, they will notice cracked bricks or broken mortar that have been damaged by the freeze-thaw cycle. They will determine how the water go in. After the inspection, they will recommend the best solution to repair the damage and prevent future water damage. The sooner water damage is discovered, and future damage is prevented, the more money you will save.

Repairing a crumbling chimney is expensive. You can avoid that cost by taking these steps to protect your chimney from our erratic weather. The CSIA- and CCP-certified chimney technicians on our team are experts at chimney maintenance and repair. We are trusted by residents throughout Washington, DC, Virginia, and Maryland.

The post Effects Temperature Changes Can Have On Your chimney appeared first on Highs Chimney.

The national fire protection association recommends that you hire a chimney sweep at least once a year to inspect and clean the fireplace. While this is the case, you don’t have to wait for a whole year to do it. Hire a professional if you notice an issue with your fireplace. The instances when you should hire the expert include:

When there are animals and birds in your chimney

If there are flapping, fluttering, squeaking, scratching, or scurrying noises inside the walls of your chimney, you might be hosting animals in your unit.

Birds are the most common to find in the chimney especially if you have gone for a long time without cleaning it. Birds nest in the chimney as it’s warmer. Chimneys also provide protection from predators.

Chimney swifts, the most common birds in fireplaces, build nests inside the flue liners. Other birds nest on top of the damper. Regardless of the type of birds in your fireplace, their nests limit the flow of gases which can lead to chimney fires.

The limited flow of gases also puts you and your family at the risk of intoxication.

To get rid of the birds, contact the animal prevention department in your area. After removing the birds, the chimney contractor should then install a chimney cap or cover to prevent other birds from getting in.

When creosote has buildup in the chimney

Creosote is what remains after the wood has burned. It looks like harmless grease but when you allow it to accumulate over several months, it can be a serious fire hazard. There are three stages of creosote buildup:

1^st degree: It forms when you have relatively good burning wood or high gas temperatures in the flue. Since the creosote deposition isn’t extensive, you can easily remove it using a chimney brush. If you have the skills you can remove it by yourself, but for peace of mind, have it removed by an expert.

2^nd Degree: This one looks like shiny black flakes and it’s often larger than the soot in the first degree. Since it’s thicker and harder to scrub, it’s always recommended that you hire a professional to help you get rid of it.

3^rd Degree: This is full-blown creosote accumulation. It results when your chimney isn’t allowing complete combustion. Creosote at this stage resembles tar coating. Since the creosote is extremely concentrated and hard to remove, don’t try to remove it by yourself as you won’t remove it as well as you should.

Hire an experienced expert who has handled similar creosote problems in the past.

When your chimney is smoking

It’s normal for the chimney to smoke, but the smoke shouldn’t get back into the house; therefore, if your chimney is returning smoke into the house, you have a problem that should be addressed by a chimney expert.

Smoke can return into the house due to many reasons:

Chimney blockage: If your chimney has blocked due to bird’s nests, creosote build-up, or debris and twigs, hire a certified chimney cleaning services provider to inspect the chimney and safely get rid of the blockage.

For you to avoid dangerous smoke buildup and prevent chimney fires, make a habit of undertaking annual chimney cleanups.

Poorly designed chimney: When you hire an inexperienced chimney contractor, he/she is bound to improperly design the chimney. The chimney will have smoking problems if it’s too short. An experienced chimney expert will be able to tell when the chimney is poorly designed and come up with a way of fixing it.

Experienced chimney contractors can make modifications to the chimney. If the damage is extensive, they may simply have to bring down the chimney.

Burning the wrong wood: Finally, your chimney will smoke if you are burning wet, unseasoned wood. In addition to the wood producing a lot of smoke, it’s also frustrating to light.

Verdict

For you to reduce the amount of smoke produced by the wood, only burn seasoned hardwood. The wood should have airdried for at least six months. In addition to the wood reducing the amount of smoke in your chimney, it also reduces the amount of creosote that forms in the chimney. It has also been shown to reduce the need for chimney repair Annapolis.

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

Efflorescence is a white powder that shows up on the bricks
or stone chimney when moisture moves through and out of the masonry. As the
moisture makes it way through the brick and mortar, it brings minerals to the
surface which turns into a white powdery substance. The efflorescence, or white
powdery mix does not cause any harm to the chimney, but it’s more of a clue or
warning sign that something more may be going on.

So, What’s Happening?

When you see a build up of efflorescence on the chimney
bricks or stone, more than a small amount, here’s what Superior Chimney’s
certified technicians will be looking for:

1. Rain absorbing into the brick
2. Condensation forming on the inside of the chimney from the warm, moist air from the home
3. Cracks in the chimney liner which allows a path for the furnace and water heater gases to leak

If you see any signs of efflorescence on your stone or brick chimney, get it checked out. The longer it’s allowed to deteriorate, the bigger the issue. When everything is back in great shape, be sure to get the Chimney Saver installed. This will help prevent moisture from absorbing into the bricks and mortar of your chimney. With Fall rapidly approaching, get your chimney inspected so you can have a safe and warm rest of the year.

Contact us today!

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

Chimney Inspecting and Chimney Cleaning in Atlanta 

We’re having record high heats as you read this so you might be wondering how exactly your chimney is important this September. While you might be in shorts and flip-flops, your chimney is still working…always ready to keep your home comfortable and protected. It might now be blowing smoke, but it’s definitely storing some residue and it may even be housing some neighborhood birds. 

Getting your chimney inspected this summer will have you ready for winter before anyone else since companies like Southern Chimneys start getting really busy around September. 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 before Fall begins:

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

Of all the things that can shorten the life of a perfectly good chimney, water is the worst. Not only does water wreak havoc on masonry—the very substance your chimney is made of—but it is everywhere. Water comes in different forms all year round. When temperatures fall, water in the chimney is even worse. Fortunately for our customers with masonry chimneys, there is something we can do to prevent water damage during all seasons, and year after year.

Water and Your Chimney

Because of the materials that make up masonry, water is best avoided. The porous nature of masonry is perfect for venting your fires, allowing smoke, gas, and heat to release through the brick and mortar. This also allows water in through the masonry—unless it’s prevented. At Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep, we recommend preventing chimney leaks before damage occurs.
Your chimney leak can lead to:

• Rusted parts and assemblies
• Tilted/collapsed/settled chimney
• Cracked/damaged flue liner
• Deteriorated central heat
• Clogged clean-out system
• Rotting adjacent wood/wall coverings
• Water stained bricks/walls

In addition to physical damage, your leaky chimney may also result in a drop in efficiency. A drop in efficiency means a rise in fire risk, putting your home and your family at risk.

Prevent Leaks From the Top Down

In order for your chimney to be truly waterproof, it must have all the necessary parts installed and in proper working order. The first thing we check when we get a call about a leaky chimney is the flashing. It is often improperly installed and a common point of water entry. The chimney must also have a chimney cap and crown to shed water from the top of the chimney.

Once all these components are in place, we can take it one step further by waterproofing the masonry itself. Our waterproofing agent is vapor-permeable which means the heat and gas produced by your fire will still be able to escape but water molecules will not be allowed in. This barrier penetrates deeply into the masonry so even cracks and gaps are protected from water penetration—and this protection lasts ten years!

When to Schedule Waterproofing

If you have never had your chimney masonry waterproofed or it has been more than a decade, it’s time to schedule this important appointment. Other water repellants and sealants from your local hardware store are not enough. In fact, most of them do more harm than good. Most sealants and repellants may keep water out, but also seal gases and moisture IN. This leads to a host of other problems. Let our team at Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep do the job, and get it right the first time.

We also install chimney caps, repair and install flashing, replace throat dampers with new, top-sealing dampers with an airtight seal, and repair and seal damaged crowns.

Don’t wait. Have your chimney waterproofed now, and you won’t have to worry about the water freezing in your masonry this winter. Worry about the rest of your summer, and leave the chimney up to us!

Call our Boston, North Shore, or Portland location today.

The post Why Waterproof Your Chimney appeared first on Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep.

Time to get ready for Fall!

We hope you have enjoyed the summer and the beautiful weather we are having now!

According to virtually every fire-safety agency in the United States, chimneys connected to wood-burning fireplaces need to be professionally inspected and cleaned, if necessary, on an annual basis. This work is necessary to keep the system safe as well as to ensure efficient operation – but you probably already knew that.

What you may not know is that early Fall is the ideal time to have your chimney cleaned and inspected. By having cleaning work done sooner rather than later means your fireplace will be ready to go when the cooler days of late September begin. Scheduling now is also advisable as we are already booking 2-3 weeks out!

You can schedule your annual chimney inspection and cleaning or feel free to call us at (781) 893-6611.

When you arrange for chimney cleaning and inspection and get your system ready for fall and winter, you’ll enjoy the following benefits.

Reduce Fire Hazard

Burning wood creates creosote, a sticky and highly flammable substance that clings to the inside of chimneys. Excess creosote buildup that ignites is a leading cause of house fires in America every year.

Find Chimney Problems Early

A professional chimney inspector can spot problems in their early stages and initiate solutions before the problems become very expensive to fix. From leaking bricks and mortar to damaged chimney liners, an inspector will find and resolve issues quickly.

Remove Obstructions

A chimney check can determine if there are any obstructions throughout the chimney system. Soot build-up, leaves, twigs and other debris to animal nests and sometimes the animals themselves can block the passageway. With obstructions gone, your chimney will draft heating exhaust and smoke efficiently and safely.

Add Necessary Components

Chimneys operated without chimney caps are open doors for all the obstructions mentioned above. A quality chimney cap prevents debris and animals from entering your chimney. Your chimney inspector likely will recommend installing a cap if you don’t have one.

Safeguard Against Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Burning wood and gas create carbon monoxide, an odorless, invisible gas that is poisonous to humans and animals. This gas can easily infiltrate your home if your chimney is obstructed. A clean chimney means smoke and gasses are exhausted into the outside air.

Eliminate Chimney Smells

If water is getting into your chimney, it will mix with ash and create offensive odors that find their way into your home. Dead birds, mice, raccoons, squirrels, and other animals also produce unwanted smells. A clean chimney can alleviate odor problems.

Peace of Mind

All the benefits we listed here are important, and so is your peace of mind. When you have a professional, certified chimney sweep perform a thorough cleaning and inspection of your chimney and fireplace, you’ll be able to rest easy, knowing everything is in order to see you through the upcoming winter.

We want your system to work right and be a wonderful comfort in your home. You can schedule an appointment here or feel to give us a call at 1-781-996-5400.

The post Here’s Why Now is Prime Chimney Sweep Time! appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Chimney inspection is one of the preventative measures you can take to keep your family safe and at the same time avoid expensive chimney repairs.

Why should you inspect your chimney?

When you inspect your chimney you protect your family from toxic gases and harmful animals. Heating devices release toxic gases through the chimney. If you have gone for a long time without cleaning the unit, debris is bound to clog the unit and the toxic fumes don’t leave the house. This puts you and your family at risk.

During the inspection, you are able to identify whether your chimney is clogged and you unclog it. This not only keeps your family safe, it also gives you peace of mind that nothing bad will happen to them.

Inspecting the chimney also helps you identify chimney problems while they are in their early stages. This eliminates the chances of the chimney developing larger problems which would be expensive to fix later on.

Types of chimney inspections

There are three types of chimney inspections: level 1 through to level 3.

Level 1 chimney inspection: You should undertake level 1 inspection at least once a year. The purpose of the inspection is to ensure that the chimney is free of obstructions and any other form of damage.

During the inspection, the chimney technician will examine the interior and exterior of the chimney for airflow problems, leaks, obstructions, and any other forms of damage.

The contractor will also determine whether the chimney is ripe for cleaning. The chimney will be ready for cleaning when there is a lot of debris blocking the air ducts or a lot of creosote has built up in the unit.

If there are birds and squirrels stuck in the chimney, the professional will clean the appliance. The contractor will also clean it if there is leaf clumps stuck in the chimney.

Level 2 inspection: The purpose of this inspection is to take a closer look at the chimney using video equipment. The chimney contractor will go the extra mile to undertake further inspection if there are signs of wear and tear or damage to the unit.

It’s always wise to schedule level 2 inspection after a chimney fire or dramatic weather event such as heavy storm, earthquake, or hurricane. You also should undertake the inspection when considering selling or buying a house.

During the inspection, the chimney technician gets into the attic, crawl space, and any other area where he/she can get a closer look at the hidden areas of the chimney.

The contractor also inserts a video camera into the chimney to survey the interior chimney walls and flue lining for signs of corrosion, water intrusion, deterioration, and other forms of damage.

Level 3 inspection: You should think about level 3 inspection when there are clear signs of serious hidden problems in the chimney that can’t be fully uncovered through level 2 inspection.

During the inspection, the chimney technician has to remove parts of the chimney such as the drywall to get better access to the problematic areas.

Level 3 inspection is expensive and time-consuming as it involves removal and restoration of your home. When doing it, ensure that it’s done by an expert who has handled similar projects in the past.

Finding a super chimney sweep

For you to have peace of mind that the chimney is properly inspected, ensure that the work is done by an expert chimney sweep Columbia MD.  The contractor should have a CSIA certification.

This way you are sure that he/she has the latest information on the right chimney cleaning tools to use, the best cleaning and inspection techniques to use, and the process to follow to get the work done right.

You are also certain that the contractor will uphold the code of ethics.

The first place to find the contractor is on the CSIA home page. Find a contractor who is near your local area and get in touch with them. You can also ask your friends and family to recommend a good contractor they have worked with before.

Don’t simply look for a chimney professional who has the certifications. Also, pay attention to the personality of the contractor. You don’t want to spend days with a boring person, do you?

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