Author: admin

You wouldn’t perform a tonsillectomy on a friend simply because you’re pretty good with knives and enjoy cutting things. But you’d be amazed at how many people think that because they like cleaning and getting a little dirty, they’re qualified to clean their own chimneys. Some jobs require a trained professional who has the knowledge and hands-on skill to perform the work safely and correctly.

Fortunately, chimney cleaning is a lot less risky than taking out someone’s tonsils. Or is it?

In America each year, there are more than 20,000 chimney fires. Many of these become catastrophic house fires. Most are started by creosote igniting within the flue. We can’t say how many of these chimneys were “cleaned” by an amateur, but we can say it’s unlikely any of them received regular cleaning and inspection services by a technician certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America.

Special tools + specific knowledge = clean and safe chimneys

Licensed and insured chimney sweeps and chimney sweep companies use a variety of brushes, scrubbers, cleansers, vacuums and other tools to address creosote and soot buildup in their customers’ chimneys. It’s true that in some cases, creosote exists as a soft, flakey substance that’s fairly easy to remove – assuming you have the tools to reach it. But in many other cases, creosote is gummy and sticky and often solid, making it very difficult even for professionals to safely remove.

Cleaning out glue-like or hardened creosote without damaging the chimney liner requires experience and training. A novice might go in and start chipping away and without realizing it seriously damage the chimney liner. Now that the liner is damaged, chimney masonry and parts of the home are at risk of a fire.

A good chimney inspector knows what to look for

The average homeowner can perform visual inspections of a chimney and fireplace – and this is encouraged. You can tell there’s a problem when you notice water inside the firebox, crumbling masonry on the roof or a chimney that’s tilting to one side. Spotting more subtle clues that chimney damage exists is something only a certified technician has the ability to do.

A professional chimney inspection covers both the chimney structure and all connected components such as the chimney cap, chimney crown, flashing, chimney liner, throat and top-sealing dampers, smoke chamber, smoke shelf and more. A person who inspects chimneys for a living will know what to look for in all these areas to determine what kind of problem exists, why it has happened and how to fix it.

You may only make things worse

Finally, when you attempt to do your own chimney cleaning and inspection, you may end up making a problem worse. You could inadvertently damage components – including the chimney liner, as noted above – install replacement parts incorrectly, and overlook signs of early stages of damage that a professional would quickly spot.

Allowing your chimney to go year after year without cleaning and inspections performed by CSIA-certified technicians is asking for trouble. And don’t we usually have enough trouble already without asking for more?

Northeastern Chimney of West Hartford, CT, wants to help you enjoy your fireplace and chimney in safety and with peace of mind. When our licensed professionals clean or inspect your chimney and fireplace, you’re assured that the job will be done right. If it’s time for a cleaning or inspection, give us a call at (860) 233-5770 and let us exceed your expectations.

 

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

Summer heat will soon fizzle out and everyone will start preparing for fall. The dig for stored winter boots and warm sweaters brings to mind cozy fires in the fireplace. If you’re like most people, it’s at this time you realize a chimney inspection is needed ASAP. Cold weather can arrive suddenly in Connecticut! Make sure your fireplace is fire-ready by scheduling your annual chimney inspection with Northeastern Chimney LLC without delay.

The Importance of Preventative Maintenance

About 28% of all heating-related house fires are a direct result of neglecting chimney maintenance prior to the start of a new heating season. Leading fire safety organizations agree that annual chimney inspections provide the best guarantee of a safe, efficient chimney system. It’s important to contact a reputable chimney sweep company with professionally licensed chimney technicians for chimney care.

Beat the Fall Rush!

By October and through January, legitimate chimney sweep companies stay busy daily with chimney repairs, emergency calls, and installations. It can be nearly impossible to make a routine appointment for chimney maintenance during that period. To ensure that you can schedule the work with a trusted     company like Northeastern Chimney, schedule your appointment early.

What are the Most Common Chimney Hazards?

Chimneys are vulnerable to damage caused by moisture, and deterioration is natural over time. The greatest hazards are related to chimney obstruction and deterioration.

Obstruction

Many of the annual house fires related to chimneys are caused by chimney obstruction. This may involve limbs, leaves, and other debris in the chimney flue. Most often, however, a chimney is blocked by a thick buildup of creosote, which is highly flammable combustion material deposited in the flue during wood-fueled fires.

Annual chimney cleaning is recommended by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA); and the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends cleaning after there is a 1/8-inch-thick layer of creosote in the chimney lining. The potential for a dangerous chimney fire is increased with every added layer of creosote. Chimney fires are always dangerous, but when they have a thick layer of combustible materials to feed the flames, the fires last longer, burn with increasing intensity, and endanger the entire home.

Deterioration in the Flue and Fireplace

The chimney liner protects combustible parts of the home and also provides a passageway for smoke and combustion gases to exit the home. When the flue liner has even a small crack, using the fireplace is too dangerous. A flue liner replacement is needed a vast majority of the time simply because the clay tile liners that constitute most original chimney flues cannot be replaced without partial chimney tear-down and rebuild.

If the back wall of the fireplace becomes damaged, chimney repair is essential. The fire bricks in the fireplace protect the home in the same way chimney liners do. If repairs aren’t made, there is an increased risk of a home fire.

Toxic Fumes

When there are damaged fire bricks in the fireplace and/or when the flue is damaged, another danger is that toxic, even deadly, fumes can enter the home and put its occupants at great risk.

Chimney Repair Services

Not all chimney repairs are immediate safety issues. Tuckpointing, crown repair, crown rebuilding, flashing repair, and installation of chimney caps and chimney chase tops are other types of chimney repairs that may be needed. The sooner you address chimney problems, the less damage there is to address and the less expensive the repairs.

Chimney experts can provide chimney repairs before the fall cold weather moves in if you get ahead in scheduling. Our chimney professionals at Northeastern Chimney can make most repairs quickly, allowing you to relax and enjoy the changing of the seasons, including the open-air festivals of fall.

Schedule Chimney Repair with Northeastern Chimney

About the time you’re celebrating the coming end of summer’s heat is the perfect time to get your fireplace ready for use in fall and winter. Get ahead of the rush for chimney services from a reliable chimney sweep company by contacting Northeastern Chimney LLC. Call us today at 860-233-5770.

 

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

Whether your chimney is crumbling from moisture damage or old age, it’s a significant problem that must be addressed. Two solutions to a damaged and crumbling chimney are repointing and rebuilding. Chimney masonry services can bring your chimney back into tip-top shape and save you from major headaches down the road. So, what’s the difference between chimney rebuilding and chimney repointing?

Chimney Repointing

The chimney is constructed with motor joints to keep the structure in place. As years go by, the mortar joints can begin to decay and create voids in areas of your chimney such as in between the bricks. This is typically the result of exposure to the elements, including the freeze and thaw cycle during brutal Boston winters.

If your chimney’s brick are in good shape, repointing might be the best option for you. This option helps repair the appearance, as well as, the structure of your chimney. It also prevents further damage and moisture from entering between the bricks. This is what can ultimately lead to your chimney experiencing major structural damage to the point where it needs rebuilding.

The process of repointing involves grinding out the mortar joints between the brick within by ¼” to ½”. The joints are then filled back in with new mortar and the excess is removed for a smooth and beautiful new look for your chimney!

Chimney Rebuilding

There are some circumstances where a chimney’s repair goes beyond repointing. Rebuilding a chimney is often the result of years of neglect. The chimney can be unsafe to use until it is rebuilt.

There are several types of chimney rebuilding:

• Partial chimney rebuild: This is performed on smaller sections on a larger chimney or a small chimney. It sometimes includes a chimney crown rebuild.
• Roofline up rebuild: This is when a new chimney is built up from the roof flashing. A roof line up rebuild is the best option when pointing won’t sufficiently repair the damage.
• Complete rebuild: A complete rebuild is needed when the entire chimney structure is damaged. Example scenarios that require a complete rebuild includes spawning, leaning, and severe mortar deterioration.

Maintenance Helps Avoid Rebuilding and Repointing

The good news is that you can avoid the need of rebuilding or repointing your chimney by working with professionals. Yearly chimney sweeps and inspections ensure that your chimney is properly performing and its structure isn’t compromised.

Boston’s Best Chimney has served the Boston area for 30 years with state-of-the-art chimney cleaning and masonry services. If you’re unsure if your chimney needs repointing, rebuilding, or some other type of repair, our professional team can guide you in the right direction. Contact us to discuss these services and more.

The post Chimney Rebuilding vs. Re-Pointing: What’s the Difference? appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

A chimney is built using numerous components, ensuring proper function and even beauty. One important piece of the chimney is the crown. The crown is a slab that covers the top of your chimney made from materials ranging from metal to stone or concrete. This is what you should know about chimney crowns and their importance to your chimney.

Chimney Crown Construction

Chimney crowns are quite simple by design. They are a solid surface that sits on top of the chimney and protects the masonry from water damage. Chimney crowns should never be made from brick and mortar because it doesn’t provide proper protection against moisture. Furthermore, chimney crowns can be constructed with a slight pitch to help direct water away from the chimney.

The Purpose of a Chimney Crown

The primary purpose of a chimney crown is to protect your chimney from moisture damage. Moisture can wreak havoc on the structure of your chimney and cause an array of issues. This is one of the first lines of defense against the elements and it’s critical that it stays in good shape throughout the years.

The Consequences of a Cracked Chimney Crown

While maintaining your chimney crown likely isn’t on the top of your priority list, you don’t want to push the condition of this component to the backburner. If a chimney crown becomes cracked or otherwise damaged, it can compromise the structure of your chimney. Over time, moisture begins to eat away at the mortar between the bricks as it seeps through the cracks. The interior of the chimney can also become damaged if the chimney crown is cracked.

The bad news is that once a crack begins on a chimney crown it can grow larger. It’s provoked by the freeze and thaw cycle with our brutal Boston winters. As the crack grows larger, this increases the likelihood that water can make its way inside of the chimney, fireplace, and even stain interior ceilings or walls.

Repairing or replacing the chimney crown is critical to protecting the chimney from extensive damage as well as the inside of your home. Possible solutions include repairing the surface of the chimney crown or completely rebuilding it. A professional chimney service company can help you make the best decision for the health of your chimney and home.

Contact Us for Professional Chimney Sweeping Services and More

Whether you need a new chimney crown or it’s time for your annual chimney inspection, choose us for expert and reliable chimney services in Boston. Call us at 781-893-6611 or contact us online!

The post What is a Chimney Crown? appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

You might think you’ve got plenty of time to worry about your chimney. It looks fine, there’s no smell or water damage evident. In reality, there’s no better time than now to get your chimney inspected! And while you’re at it, mark next year’s calendar too because that chimney inspection should be a regular, annual event. 

Here are more reasons to be proactive about your chimney inspection:

Safety – a lack of maintenance can lead to chimney and house fires. A regularly scheduled chimney inspection will prevent this. In fact, an annual chimney and venting system sweeping and inspection is recommended by the National Fire Protection Association and the Chimney Safety Institute of America. 

Money – Many homes don’t get their chimneys inspected, and they wind up getting them repaired because they didn’t take that time. Being proactive stops this. You will save so much more money on an inspection and sweep than you will when you have to have major repairs done. 

Lack of knowledge – …and that’s okay! It’s normal and happens all the time, but most people move into a home or begin renting one with a chimney and have no idea what condition that chimney’s really in. Don’t let that be you. For instance, how’s your cap? Do you even have one? Do you know what it is? 

Peace of Mind – The masonry of a chimney is made to last forever and hold up like a house, so chimney damage is something that you can’t really see and, the worse it gets, the more expensive it is to repair. If you get things checked out every year, you don’t have to worry about it!

Do you have what it takes to be proactive and protect your wallet and home? Someone proactive is also someone smart enough to give Southern Chimneys a call. We will save you money by doing a great job at the best price. Schedule an inspection with us today and you’ll see why we’re a different kind of chimney services company. 

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

There are many things that can go wrong with your masonry chimney over the years, and water is your chimney’s number one enemy. No matter how well-your chimney is constructed, time and weather can lead to damage called spalling. Many homes experience spalling, though not all homeowners know what it’s called, how to identify it, or what to do about it. At Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep, we can help!

Spalling Masonry

When mortars crack, flake, and fall away, the bricks can become unstable and even loosen completely. This is called spalling, and it can eventually result in crumbling brick and mortar, which can become a serious hazard if you don’t address it timely. If you notice cracking mortar, gapped masonry, or brick pieces on the roof or yard below, you need to call a certified professional right away to address the proper repairs.

Repairing Spalling Masonry

The only way to properly repair spalling masonry is by carefully removing the affected bricks and mortar. A certified chimney sweep will mix new mortar to match the old mortar in strength, consistency, and color. This step is extremely important because failing to match the mortar exactly will result in a weak chimney. Once the mortar is mixed, the bricks are replaced and the result is a fully restored chimney that shows no evidence of a repair.

When the job is done improperly, it can detract from the look of the chimney and decrease your home’s value. This entire process is called tuckpointing or repointing. Only certified professionals should do it, and most amateurs don’t have the proper skills to do it. When you’re scheduling these important services, it’s important to choose chimney experts who have plenty of experience and knowledge of all types of masonry.

Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep Fixes Masonry

No matter the size of your chimney or the type of stone, we can help repair it. At Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep, we have the experience and the technique to get even the toughest jobs done. We know which materials to use and how so that your chimney will expand and contract as necessary. Do you think your chimney masonry needs some attention? Schedule a chimney inspection with our team so that your system is safe and ready for fall.

In addition to tuckpointing, we also repair crowns, flue liners, and leaks. Our team of expert technicians doesn’t just repair damage; we correct the problem that caused the damage in the first place. In order to prevent such damage before it starts, we also offer waterproofing services for all masonry structures.

Our vapor-permeable water repellent allows the chimney to breathe while keeping water molecules from getting through. This product penetrates deeply into the masonry, protecting it and preventing water leaks year after year. Don’t just repair masonry damage, let us help you prevent it. Call Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep at 617-469-4528 or request an appointment online.

The post What is Tuckpointing, Repointing, and Spalling? appeared first on Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep.

August is a big vacation month for families. It doesn’t always mean taking an airplane to Florida, it may mean a long weekend to a waterpark or even a staycation with get togethers’ with family and friends. As the month goes on, we begin to get the kids ready for school and try to get done with lots of chores around the house. When September hits, who has the time?

That’s why I’m preparing you now for the fall. Let’s get the chimney cleaned and checked now. It doesn’t matter if you have a gas fireplace, wood burning fireplace, or don’t even use the fireplace at all, it needs to be inspected all the same. Here are key reasons to have your chimney cleaned and checked if you use your fireplace or not. Top 3 Outside Reasons:

1. Exterior Chimney – If you use your fireplace or not, weather is still going to do its job on the chimney. Tuckpointing, the chimney repair, will replace missing or failing mortar between the bricks or stones. If the chimney isn’t fixed, then deterioration continues, water will get into the chimney and find its way into your home.  
2. Chimney Crown – Located at the top of the chimney, the chimney crown also gets the harsh weather conditions. Because it’s made from concrete, it runs the risk of forming small hairline cracks, a perfect place for water to enter, freeze, thaw and make its way into your home.
3. Unwanted Guests – No, I’m not talking about you know who…these are birds, squirrels, rats & mice, or even raccoons. Our certified technicians will check your chimney cap, (or if you don’t have a chimney cap) this will keep unwanted guests searching for shelter in nature.  

All this activity, and the
certified technician didn’t even get to the inside fireplace yet.

Top 3 Inside Reasons to clean and
check the fireplace if you use the fireplace or not.

1. Chimney Damper – The chimney damper plays an important role if you use your fireplace or not. If you use your fireplace, keeping it open allows the smoke to exit the home. If you have a gas fireplace, get the smell of gas out of the house. Don’t use it? Then have it inspected so it continues to work and is closed properly.  
2. Firebox – This is where the gas fireplace or wood burning fireplace lives. The structure itself is either constructed of brick or metal. Use it or not, it needs to be cleaned and checked. Bricks and mortar deteriorate…even on the inside. Get rid of the dust, spider webs and other debris that gathers on a regular basis.
3.  Hearth Protector or Grate – If you use your fireplace, gas or wood burning, it’s important that the hearth protector or grate is working properly. Need to keep everyone safe from the fireplace. If you don’t use your fireplace, the grate can be a safety issue. You say, “nah”, but next time you have guests over and they’re sitting by the fireplace, you’ll notice how fingers touch things they probably shouldn’t. It’s best to keep you, your family and guests safe.

Superior Chimney provides a 14-point inspection report with supporting pictures. Listed are only 6 of the 14. The picture above gives you everything that our certified service technicians perform. By getting it done now while you’re at home will save you the stress and worry of getting it done when life gets hectic once again.

Contact us today to get a jump start on your chimney and fireplace inspection.

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

If you’re currently cleaning your house and taking stock of what needs repairs, be sure to remember there’s a giant, important part of your home that you probably haven’t even thought to clean. 

It’s your chimney!

Oh yeah…your chimney. Boost your chimney and fireplace performance by getting yours inspected now!

Four reasons 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 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. 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. 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

In our area of Boston, North Shore, and Portland, there is a lot of history. Our communities are filled with historical buildings and homes. If you’re a homeowner in the area, you may have a historical home and it’s likely that you also have an old chimney. If you have just acquired your home you may not know much about it! At Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep, we get a lot of calls about historic chimneys, and they get a bad rap. In fact, there are a lot of interesting features to old chimneys that many just don’t understand. Here are our favorites:

Ash Pits

You may be surprised to find a trap door at the back of the firebox floor. This is not a secret escape or treasure trove, but a pit where past homeowners would shovel and scrape ashes. Many present-day homeowners still utilize this ash pit, and some may even have an easy-access clean-out door. These pits are usually constructed with the home’s foundation and are just as durable, When you use the ash pit, you can have it emptied periodically by your trusted chimney professional and never have to bother with bucketloads and storage of ashes.

Multiple Stacks

In the past, the number of chimneys, or “stacks” was an indication of how many bedrooms were in the home. The more stacks, the more prestigious the home. Today, you may not want to use all of these fireplaces. In fact, you can update them all to a more efficient option when you plan with a professional. Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep can swap your old wood-burning fireplace with a new gas-fueled insert that will neither damage the existing hearth and chimney nor detract from the historical aspects of your home. Our inserts are top-of-the-line units that burn gas or wood, depending on our customer needs. When installed by a professional, you can bet it will add style and beauty to one or more old chimneys.

Chimney Pots

Many historic chimneys are topped with chimney pots. Though, not in use as much today, these chimney pots extend the height of the flue and narrow the stack, creating a better draft upward. These tops date back to the Tudor Dynasty in Great Britain and have been used on every continent and are designed for beauty and function. In addition to helping the chimney work better, it also protects the flue against water damage.

Do you have a historic chimney that needs a little TLC? We can help. At Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep we specialize in historic chimneys, and we love to help homeowners find the love and beauty in these old systems.

When you depend on us for your comprehensive chimney care, we will help to bring your chimney system up to code, work to make it as safe and efficient as possible, and do so at a price affordable to our valued customers.

Call Billy Sweet Chimney at 617-469-4528 and schedule your chimney assessment and maintenance today.

The post Learn More About Your Old Chimney appeared first on Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep.

Whether you were inspired by HGTV or you simply wanted a fresh look for your home, you may have painted your brick chimney at one point or another. While painting your chimney is a decorative upgrade to bring new personality to your curb appeal, the truth is that it can backfire on you down the road.

Bricks Need to Breathe

When you cover your chimney with a coat of paint, you are sealing up the pores of the brick. While this doesn’t seem like a big deal, the problem comes down to moisture. Moisture becomes trapped inside the bricks because the paint is blocking it from escaping. This ultimately creates moisture buildup.

Keep in mind that brick sealant can have the same effect. You’ll need a sealant that protects the brick but still allows moisture to escape. Otherwise, you will have the same issue as painting your chimney.

The Dangers of Trapped Moisture

When moisture gets trapped from painting your chimney, one of the first elements it can affect is the mortar. Eventually, the mortar will break down and the structural integrity of the chimney will suffer. If this damage goes undetected, even further damage can arise or the chimney may eventually begin to crumble.

Not only does decaying mortar pose a threat to the chimney’s structure, but moisture can make its way inside your home. When you don’t have enough mortar on your chimney, it becomes easy for water to enter. Interior water damage can manifest in problems such as peeling of the walls, stains on the walls and ceilings, and even mold. You will likely spend a significant amount of money repairing these issues.

More Problems During Freezing Weather

If moisture problems aren’t enough during the spring and summer, more issues will arise during the winter. Trapped moisture will contribute to the freeze and thaw cycle as the chimney expands and contracts. This can result in spalling, which is where pieces of brick fall from the chimney. You might also discover a rusty firebox or a cracked chimney crown.

Should You Paint Your Chimney?

Before you pick up a paintbrush, it’s wise to contact a chimney contractor for professional advice. Allow us to inspect your chimney and provide advice on making it (and perform) its best!

The post The Repercussions of Painting Your Chimney appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.