No matter who installs or provides maintenance to your chimney, water erosion is always going to be your WORST enemy. Wisconsin winters can hide shards of ice in our rooftops that create long-lasting water damage effects.

Additionally, harsh rains and unmanaged chimneys cause natural erosion that is simply unavoidable. In a previous blog, we identify some of the most dangerous types of chimney damage and how to prevent it from costing you in repairs.

Of course, water is the main component for unnoticeable damage to a chimney. We have developed our way of finding and fixing all types of chimney damage before it is too late.

The question becomes:

“As a homeowner, what are a few common signs your chimney has suffered water damage?”

Search no further—at Quality Fireplace and Chimney Services we want to provide the answers that we think most homeowners need to know before they take the leap.

Dive into this short read so you can be aware and learn to identify problematic water damage.

Damaged Flue Ducts

First of all, we know the intrusive nature of water in a home. It can cause:

• Molding and rotting
• Leaky roofing
• Dank smells
• Warped floors
• etc.

Throughout the years, we have been told or have noticed that the most forgotten part of the home is often the chimney. This is because the chimney looks like a strong part of your home’s core. While this may seem true, the interior of the chimney (called the flue) is quite fragile.

Flues, or ducts, are generally made of clay or metal. Both of those materials are susceptible to water damage without proper care. You would never be able to see the damage until it shows itself as something uglier.

We recommend a yearly inspection or “Chimnoscopy” to ensure that the harsh weather conditions didn’t make their way into your chimney.

Cracked Masonry

Developing cracks in a chimney is a common occurrence. As aforementioned, most chimney risks are to be expected but often forgotten.

Luckily, that is not the case for cracked masonry —which is usually the MOST expensive repairs to incur. We can easily see cracks in the chimney masonry which should be the first place you look if you have recently developed a leak.

The repairs on a masonry project can vary depending on the time it takes to become noticed. One little crack can turn into a crumbling decay if not appropriately maintained.

Unknown Leaks

There is no surprise to the numerous home projects that arise after purchasing a home. But does that mean you can DIY your way through unknowable leaks?

Some leaks don’t have to originate from the chimney to grow toward the chimney. Water is a finicky thing when it comes to building materials…and when you combine that with freezing temperatures?! It is NOT FUN.

There is always a fix for any sized project. In the case of unknown leakage… well, you are usually just going to have to ride it out until the leak is easy to identify. Again, yearly inspections can help you find and eliminate problem areas before they become a total restoration.

Firebox Condensation

If you have lived through a Wisconsin summer you know that it can be HOT. This dramatic change in heat difference can help you spot water damage in a chimney. The brick and mortar will show signs of “Sweating” which can impact the brickwork throughout the home.

Condensation doesn’t always mean you have chimney damage but it is worth taking a look. More times than not – we find that it is simply just the brick sweating out a few days worth of moisture. Yet, when it becomes a routine—you have likely have encountered a structure leak.

Warped or Broken Wooden Siding

Waterproofing on wooden siding is usually temporary and starts to deteriorate after years of rain and snow. If you notice any warpage on your shingles or wood siding you should get an inspection immediately. Warping generally will not occur until the warmer months since the moisture damage will start to rot.

Broken or Missing Chimney Cover

It sounds so simple, yet we see so many chimneys that have defective chimney covers or NOT HAVE ONE AT ALL!

No matter if your a “cup is half full” or “cup half empty” kind of person… we guarantee that all of the water that hits your chimney without a cover is going inside. Having a chimney without a cover installed isn’t as common nowadays, but we still occasionally meet customers who just didn’t have any idea they needed it!

Have we convinced you to get an inspection yet? If not, read our other article about the many benefits that come from good fireplace cleaning.

Contact us today and get your annual inspection booked so you can have peace of mind. Quality Fireplace & Chimney Service Professionals are CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps and operate using industry best practices! Don’t forget to refer a person to Quality Fireplace and when they complete service, we’ll send you a check for $25.00!

The post 6 WAYS WATER CAN CAUSE CRUCIAL DAMAGE TO YOUR CHIMNEY OR FIREPLACE appeared first on Quality Fireplace and Chimney Services.

Chimney problems can occur all year long. Just because it’s
summer, and you’re not using the chimney doesn’t mean all is well.

On Saturday, we went to some friend’s house for a barbeque.
I must say it was wonderful, as everyone brought some great dishes. It’s a single-story
home with a very well attended backyard. It was so relaxing to sit outside
enjoying the company of friends.

After a while, I kept hearing a buzzing sound. (Yes, I did
consider the tasty drinks as the source, but others heard it too.) We were
looking around trying to figure out where the buzzing sound was coming from.
Since we were on the back patio, I noticed that the chimney was close by. As I
got closer, I noticed the noise getting louder. I went into their garage,
pulled out the ladder and climbed up to get closer to the chimney. The buzzing sounds.
A bee’s nest built very nicely in the bricks and inside the chimney.

Here are the top 3 chimney problems to watch for during the summer months:

1. Unpleasant smells
   or odors coming from the chimney. Read
   the last post. We went into detail on the causes of fireplace odor smells.
2. Unwanted critters such as animals, bees, wasps,
   birds along with their ‘left behinds’ or if they passed away in your chimney.
3. Damage to the chimney flashing or chimney
   crown from high winds and heavy storms.

Not tending to these top 3 chimney problems in the summer can lead to more serious problems if left unattended. Call Superior Chimney to take care of any problems you heard, smelled or seen.  877-244-6349

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

Your chimney is built using different components to help it function correctly and efficiently. While a chimney seems like a simple structure, leaving small elements out, such as a chimney cap, can result in several disadvantages. Before you decide to forego your chimney cap, keep the following considerations in mind:

Prevent Water from Entering Your Home

One of the primary functions of a chimney cap is to keep water out of your home. When it rains, moisture can easily enter the flue – especially if there no chimney cap in place. Without the chimney cap, moisture makes its way inside the chimney, as well as, the attic. Eventually, undetected moisture damage can lead to stains on the walls and ceilings. While mold and mildew growth may also occur as a result.

It’s also a Spark Arrestor

A spark arrestor is designed to prevent the emission of flammable debris from combustion sources.  A properly sized chimney cap can also ask as a spark arrestor keeping the sparks generated from the fire contained and prohibiting them from igniting the roof or nearby trees.

Keep Critters Outside

Not only do you need to worry about the elements and smoke causing problems with the chimney, but there is also another culprit to consider—critters! When you install a chimney cap with mesh, it keeps many kinds of animals outside and out of your chimney.

If your chimney is missing a cap, it provides a direct entry point inside of your home. You can find all kinds of animals deciding to make their chimney your home, ranging from raccoons to birds. Sometimes birds accidentally fly into the chimney and get stuck, unable to escape and can die inside of your chimney.

Do We Recommend a Chimney Cap? Yes!

We know a thing or two about chimneys, and having a chimney cap in place is highly recommended. We’ve seen some major headaches that could potentially be avoided if there was a chimney cap installed. If you already have one on your chimney, give yourself a pat on the back. However, it’s important to ensure that your chimney cap (and the rest of your chimney) is in tip-top shape. We provide chimney inspection and chimney sweeping all throughout the year. Contact us to learn more.

The post Why Do You Need a Chimney Cap? appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

In summer as much as in winter, chimneys should not be ignored because a lot can go wrong. Chimneys are highly vulnerable to moisture, and many other potential problems can occur.

Summer is really the best time to call about chimney problems because you will beat the extremely busy fall scheduling!

Just to help you know what to look for, here is a list of common summertime problems to be aware of:

• Unpleasant smells could be coming from your chimney. They could be the result of moisture mixed with the toxic creosote in the chimney flue.  The smell may become more noticeable because of the heat and humidity of the season.
• Bad odors can also be related to the presence of an animal trapped in your chimney. The smell could be animal droppings or the horrendous odor caused by a dead animal that couldn’t get back out of the chimney.
• You could get an insect infestation in your chimney, such as bees.
• The high winds and heavy storms of summer could damage the chimney flashing or chimney crown. If these problems aren’t discovered and repaired much more serious damage can occur, such as a moisture-damaged roof structure or deteriorating chimney masonry.
• In summer each year, birds called chimney swifts migrate from South America to various parts of the U.S. These birds that are naturally drawn to chimneys are federally protected. Homeowners are required by law to leave swifts alone until they migrate after a few weeks, during which time baby swifts are hatched and grow.
• If you don’t have a chimney cap with wire mesh, other animals might also climb into your chimney, such as raccoons, snakes, squirrels, or rats. Having a chimney cap installed can keep all these creatures out of your chimney.
• If your chimney has been infiltrated by moisture, the bricks can deteriorate. Eventually, the chimney will collapse if repairs aren’t made.

Does your chimney look like this?  Notice the flashing, brickwork, and cap!

You can schedule your annual chimney inspection and cleaning

or feel free to call us at (781) 893-6611.

The post Summer Chimney Problems: What to Look For appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

If you are a homeowner in the Boston, North Shore, or Portland area, you may have a chimney that has taken on winter damage. This type of damage may first manifest as a chimney leak or roof leak, but it’s likely a result of winter damage. Most likely the chimney crown is the problem.

The Chimney Crown

The chimney may be the largest system in your home, but it can be brought down by water intrusion. In fact, water can destroy a chimney system from the inside out. This damage leads to rust, stains, odors, mold growth, deterioration, shortened chimney life, and more. The chimney crown is an important component that helps to prevent water intrusion and damage. When the chimney crown is constructed improperly, it can become damaged over time due to sunlight and weather exposure. The crown, which is supposed to protect the chimney from the flue opening all the way to the edge of the chimney can become cracked, begin flaking, and even crumble. When the crown becomes damaged, the water from rain and snowfall can go directly into the chimney causing water damage and leaks throughout the entire house.

Diagnosing the Chimney Crown

If your chimney seems to be leaking, it’s time to call a professional. We will check all the parts of the chimney system that might be the cause of the leak. If the crown has cracks, gaps, or flaking, it will definitely contribute to a leak and will need to be fixed. Fortunately, if the crown is made from the appropriate materials and is the right size and shape, it will not have to be recast. We can fix a chimney crown fairly easily, getting your system back to working order before burn season. In order to fix a broken crown, there are two options:

• We can cover the entire chimney crown in a waterproof sealant which closes up all the gaps and cracks, restoring the crown back to proper function.
• We can construct a completely new custom crown with the appropriate slant, thickness, and drip edge to conduct optimal water flow away from the chimney.

Prevent Damage Before It’s Too Late

You can prevent water damage and even prevent the need for a new crown construction by scheduling routine chimney sweeps and annual inspections. Your chimney expert will get a good look at your crown during these preventative service appointments, and minor repairs can be made before major damage occurs. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), chimneys that are serviced and inspected annually are the safest and efficient. At Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep we know that chimneys that are serviced regularly and repaired as needed are also the longest lasting chimneys.

Schedule your routine service or chimney crown repair with Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep today. Call us at 781-593-2333 or stop by our Boston, North Shore, or Portland location.

The post Leaks and Crown Repair appeared first on Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep.

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

We’re having record high heats as you read this so you might be wondering how exactly your chimney is important in the summer. 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. 

Here’s why your chimney inspection should be scheduled in summer: 

Think of having your chimney inspected in August like the opposite of a summer vacation…a nice, off-season vacation at Universal Studios or Disney. The lines are shorter, you save time, and you get a little extra attention from the employees in the Goofy suit. Well, Southern Chimneys won’t show up in a dog costume, but we will give you a little extra attention in the summertime. You get the metaphor. 

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

Of all the services that keep your chimney system working properly and safely, video scanning may be the most important. With a video scan, a professional gets an up-close view of the interior of the chimney system. The days of checking the flue with a flashlight and mirror to determine hazards are over. With video technology, we are now able to properly inspect the chimney tin the Boston, North Shore, and Portland areas. If you reside in the area, we can help.

The Importance of Chimney Inspections

Chimney systems need to be inspected annually in order to be safe and efficient, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The most thorough inspections include a video scan. In fact, they are required for a level two inspection. A level 2 inspection is necessary when:

• changes have been made to the system,
• a natural disaster has affected the system
• selling or buying property

You don’t have to schedule a level two inspection to have your chimney scanned, however. Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep uses video technology with every single inspection. This keeps our customers, friends, and neighbors safe.

Benefits of a Video Scan

At Billy Sweet, we utilize two video camera systems, the Chim-Scan, and the Wohler Vis2000-Pro, both with their own unique strengths and features. Our techs are trained and experienced using both video systems to access the flue, and can easily identify hazards such as leaks, voids, debris, and damage. These findings will be used to plan necessary repairs, to validate chimney safety, and to disclose to prospective homebuyers. No matter the reason, this video scan inspection will result in a detailed report of the findings and an explanation for all recommended changes or repairs.

Our video scanning equipment also helps Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep technicians to document every job, before and after. This allows us to check work, show the homeowner progress and completion, and keep records for future appointments. We put the safety and comfort of our customers above all else, and part of the trust we value in our customer relationships is due to the honesty of our work and diagnostics. Our customers can count on us because we count on industry tools like video technology to give honest answers with documented reason.

Schedule An Appointment With Us

If you suspect a problem with your chimney system, you may benefit from a chimney video scan. Schedule now and you can avoid the fall rush and have any necessary repairs completed before burn season. Every chimney system should be inspected annually, so if you haven’t scheduled an inspection in the last 12 months, now is the time.

Call Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep today at 617-469-4528 or schedule online.

The post The Advantages of Chimney Video Scans appeared first on Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep.

This summer has certainly been different. Even with the cool temperatures, one thing is for certain…we’ve received way too much rain. Now add a few high 80-degree days with humidity and it’s a recipe for a smelly house. As a result, we’ve received plenty of phone calls with questions pertaining to the musty smell coming from the fireplace or chimney.

If you have a wood burning fireplace, the smell is caused
from the creosote deposits in the chimney. If you normally get your chimney
cleaned in the fall, one way to reduce the smell is to get the chimney cleaned
now. One of the tasks the certified Superior Chimney technician will perform is
the removal of creosote and any decomposing materials. Now it may not get rid
of the smell completely and that’s because creosote absorbs into the porous
masonry inside of the chimney.

What else can you do if you still have a bit of a smell? By having our service technician to your home, he will inspect other areas to help control the odor such as a chimney damper. A chimney damper will seal in the air conditioning, keep out the rain and minimize any wind downdrafts that can bring bad smells into your home.

Here are a few smelly guidelines you can tell the service technician when he comes to your home for a chimney clean and inspection.

If it smells like:

• Burnt BBQ that’s creosote built up in the
  chimney
• Musty odor that’s water sitting somewhere in the
  chimney
• Something is rotting that could be decomposing
  leaves mixed with dampness
• Something died, it probably did

With more rain on the way, the situation is not
going to get better. Take care of it now so you can enjoy the rest of your
summer.

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

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. Plus, it’s not really a chimney/fireplace time of year. 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.

Get a jump on your chimney inspection.
Your chimney and fireplace are not on the front of your mind right now and that’s exactly why you need to get them inspected. No one’s thinking about it. That means that

• scheduling is wide open and you’ll be able to leisurely find a time that works best for your inspection, rather than fighting to find a time that lines up with a busy inspector’s schedule.
• If you take care of your chimney inspection now, you won’t be scrambling to get it done last minute in the fall or winter.

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

Heavy rains and high winds are the perfect ingredients for a
deteriorating chimney.  Chimney repair
companies know you can’t get on the roof to inspect the chimney, and they also
know that you are unfamiliar with chimney repair issues. That’s probably why
you get a plethora of direct mail, email and phone calls every spring and
summer to get your chimney repaired or chimney cleaned. How can you tell the
difference between a scam and a reputable company?

Try these valuable sources:

1. Chimney Safety Institute of America CSIA – Reputable chimney sweeps, such as Superior Chimney are certified through the Chimney Safety Institute. This measures our knowledge about the evaluation and maintenance of chimney and venting systems. In Illinois, there are only 93 credited individuals, and Superior Chimney employs over 20 of them! We are the only Company in the Chicagoland area that requires our masonry crew leaders to be CSIA certified.
2. Accredited with the Better Business Bureau – Accreditation is an optional service with the BBB. It is voluntary, and the company must agree to abide by certain ethical standards and complete a more extensive vetting process. Superior Chimney is an A+ accredited service company since 7/1/2006 with 138 customer reviews and zero customer complaints.  

Here are a couple more that complete
the story:

• Angie’s
  List – This service is driven by the consumer who are looking to find
  trustworthy companies that perform high quality work. Customers leave reviews
  in order to help other homeowners make a decision about who to trust. Superior
  Chimney has a ‘A’ customer rating with 1,727 customer reviews. That should
  say something.
• HomeAdvisor
  – This service is a similar tool to Angie’s List, helping homeowners find
  reputable companies to service their home repairs. Superior
  Chimney has a 4.62 out of 5.0 stars from 754 verified ratings.   
• Other sources for Superior Chimney: Facebook has 83 reviews
  with a 4.9 out of 5 rating, Yelp.com has 53 reviews with 39 5-stars, the highest
  rating, and Houzz.com
  has 23 reviews with a 5 star rating.

That’s the difference between a company
that knocks on your door, walks up to you in the driveway, or cold calls you to
use their service without credibility that you validate by looking them up. Choose Superior Chimney Services for your
chimney cleaning, chimney repairs, masonry or products. Call us today at 877-244-6349.

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