It seems like it’s the never-ending Fall clean-up. Before
it snowed this past weekend, leaves had blown back onto the grass from the
winds. It’s best to keep them off the lawn as leaves rot the grass. Then the
snow came with high winds…again. Now there’s various sized branches all over
the yard and driveway. Now I’m out there again…and a few of the neighbors too.

As we finished our snowy yardwork, a couple of the
neighbors called me over. Issues with their fireplace. Wind and snow, or wind
and rain are great combinations for uncovering leaks. With the threat of more
snow coming this weekend, the leak(s) need to be found.

There are 2 Key Reasons Why Chimney’s Leak in the Winter.

1. Chimney
   Liner – Do you know if you have a chimney lining? If not, or if
   you are not sure, get your chimney
   inspected right away. If you do have a chimney liner, it may be the
   wrong size or it’s just seen better days. It’s best to have that inspected and
   taken care of.
2. Chimney Flashing –
   Water can sit in the flashing…then freeze…then thaw…then freeze again with the
   melted water making its way under the roof shingles and right into your home.
   Leaks are tricky, as they can show up in a bedroom a good distance away from
   the exterior chimney. Sometimes you find out too late, especially when a
   section of the wall paint begins to peel.

There are a few other reasons for chimney leaks that we’ll
also take a look at. For instance, is there a chimney cap or
did it blow away with the high winds? Has the masonry or mortar
between the bricks deteriorate? Or is there a crack in the chimney crown?

Now that you know why a chimney leak happens, let’s review
how you can identify a leak in your chimney and fireplace. Here are 4 most
frequently identified signs to look for inside of your home.

1. You
   can hear the sound of dripping water in the fireplace
2. Better
   yet, you can visibly see a pool of standing water in the fireplace
3. Water
   stains next to the chimney, near the chimney on the walls
4. Musty
   smell when you go in the room or near the fireplace, especially after it rains
   or snows

Let’s face it. It is not fun having issues in winter. It’s
better to begin to visit it now and take care of what you can before springs
storms come. Give Superior Chimney a call at 877-244-6349. Let’s start getting you taken care of today.

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

Winter is only halfway through, and already we’ve been having record rainy weather in the Southeast. As if the conditions on the road and your soggy yard aren’t bad enough, have you been thinking about the potential damage being done to your chimney?

Cycles of thawing and freezing, which we’ve been experiencing a lot of thanks to 65-degree days followed by 30-degree mornings, increase the moisture content in mortar and bricks, which can spell doom for your chimney in the long run. Moisture makes chimneys expand and contract, which means, yep, cracks and crumbling. Leaks in a chimney can permeate the brick and lead to disasters like: 

• Clogging of the fireplace
• Deterioration of masonry and metal firebox
• Stained walls in your home
• Rusting of damper
• Damage to central heating and air
• Stained exterior of chimney
• Crumbling, collapsing of chimney
• That funky creosote smell

You’re already getting your chimney inspected annually, right? If not, you need to do so and work with Southern Chimneys to ensure your chimney isn’t unsafe for you and your family. You can save money and prevent all of the above horrors by taking steps like installing a chimney cap or waterproofing. Contact Southern Chimneys now and we will go over your options and get you ready for a full inspection so you can stay dry and warm this wet winter. 

 

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

When you look at the construction of a chimney, the liner doesn’t seem like an important part, but it’s vital. If you burn oil or solid fuels, the liner guides the combustible products out of the house.

To keep the chimney in top condition, you should clean it regularly.

During the cleaning, the chimney contractor will let you know whether the chimney needs chimney relining or replacement.

Before you reline the chimney there are several things you should know:

Reasons Why the chimney needs a new liner?

The three reasons the chimney might need a new liner is because:

The chimney doesn’t have a tile chimney liner. If you have an old chimney, you have a clay tile liner that is known to develop cracks over time.

The cracks leave gaps that allow toxic gases such as carbon monoxide to get into the house. The cracks also allow fire sparks to escape into the house, putting your property at the risk of catching fire.

When this happens, the chimney isn’t safe, and you need to reline it.

The chimney liner is damaged. A damaged liner doesn’t do its job right. Creosote also builds up easily in it, which puts your house at the risk of catching fire.

When it comes to the time to clean the chimney, chimney professionals have a hard time doing it due to the liner damage.

Benefits of relining the chimney

Plenty of benefits come with relining the chimney. The first one is that you have peace of mind as you know that your family, belongings, and house are safe from chimney fires and carbon monoxide intoxication.

When you reline the chimney, you increase its efficiency through a better draft and reduced creosote buildup.

If the damage is extensive, relining the chimney becomes an affordable alternative to rebuilding or repairing.

A damaged chimney liner makes it hard for chimney professionals to clean the chimney, but when you reline it, you make it extremely easy for them to clean the unit.

This not only ensures that your chimney remains in top shape, but it also saves you money as the chimney sweep services providers don’t spend a lot of time in your home.

The final benefit of relining the chimney is that you get a lifetime warranty. When you install a stainless steel liner that is corrosion resistant, you can have peace of mind that the liner will last for a long time, without requiring any form of maintenance.

You can install the liner by yourself, but don’t

Installing the liner requires you to stand on the roof and reach the top of the chimney then insert the liner down your chimney. If you have the skills and necessary tools, you can easily do the work, but if you have never done it before, let an experienced professional handle it.

Certified chimney contractors have handled hundreds of similar projects before, so they are more likely to do a better job. The contractors are also able to install the liner regardless of the situation.

When working with the contractors, ensure they are highly experienced in their work. They also should be certified and insured. You don’t want to be liable for the accidents on the site, do you?

Insulate the liner

After installing the liner, it’s always wise to insulate the liner. The insulation enables the flue to heat up quickly, which increases draft, reduces creosote, and makes it easy to clean the chimney when cleaning time comes.

The insulation also makes the system safer and more energy-efficient.

For you to keep the liner in top condition, have a ½” thick insulation.

Have the right size of liner

The size of the liner you need depends on what you are connecting. If connecting a stainless steel liner going through a thimble hole, measure it from the center of the hole to the top of the chimney.

On the other hand, if connecting an insert or stove in the fireplace, take the measurements from the top of the chimney to the top of the stove or chimney insert.

Chimney liners are sold in 5’ increments, so you will have 15’, 20’, and 25’, and so on.

Before you install the liner, ask the chimney contractor to undertake a chimney inspection Bowie and recommend the best liner to go for.

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

As solidly built as chimneys are, they need a number of components to keep them working safely and efficiently. Let’s look at some of these components and find out what they do and why it’s important.

Chimney flue

The flue, often just called the “chimney,” is the vertical interior passage that allows smoke to move up and away from the fireplace. A sturdy flue serves as a protector for nearby combustible materials of the home by containing intense heat and toxic gasses.

Flues are commonly constructed of brick and mortar (masonry) and hold up well for many years. Eventually, however, cracks in the masonry can begin letting water into the system, where it will start a cycle of decay until the flue is no longer safe to operate. Leaky chimneys need prompt professional attention.

Chimney liner

Chimney liners are built or installed on the inside of the flue to add even more protection to the home. Liners can be made of metal, clay tiles or a poured-in-place compound. As with the chimney’s masonry, if cracks appear in the liner, heat and gasses can escape and cause damage.

Assessing the condition of a chimney liner normally requires the services of a certified chimney inspector, who will use various tools including video technology to look at all the surfaces of the liner.

Roof flashing

Flashing is the metal strips that block the gap between the external chimney masonry and the roof. Without a layer of flashing, rainwater and water from melting snow can run down into the home and cause rotting and decay to walls, insulation and other structural components.

Incoming water also can begin to harm the exterior masonry of the chimney in areas the average person can’t see. Flashing is one of the easiest ways to prevent some very expensive damage.

Chimney crown

The chimney crown is the cement layer that seals off everything at the top of the chimney except for the flue pipes. Like the chimney cap, the crown shields the flue from water and moisture. Crowns usually are beveled to allow water to run away from the flue opening.

Cracks in chimney crowns can happen after years of use. If caught early, the cracks can be sealed to prevent further damage. In some cases, a crown will have to be rebuilt.

Damper

Located just above the firebox, the damper is open when a fire is burning to allow a smooth path for smoke and toxins to leave the home. A damper that won’t fully open can cause smoke and dangerous carbon monoxide to back up into the home.

After many years of service, dampers can become rusted and warped, making it impossible to close them completely when the fireplace isn’t in use. Damaged dampers can be repaired or replaced.

Chimney cap

The chimney cap sits atop the chimney and provides protection against incoming rain and snow as well as debris such as leaves, twigs and small-animal nests.

A good chimney cap also acts as a barrier to keep shooting sparks and embers from flying out the top of the chimney and landing on the roof or in the yard. Damaged chimney caps can either be replaced or repaired.

High’s Chimney Service of Gaithersburg, MD, is here to help keep all your chimney components and your chimney itself in excellent working condition. We provide a full menu of chimney cleaning, chimney repair, component installation and chimney inspection services. Learn more or schedule an appointment by calling (301) 519-3500.

The post Know the Protective Components of Your Chimney appeared first on Highs Chimney.

Although you may have a warm, glowing fire, your fireplace may still feel a bit drafty. While you’re using the fireplace to stay warm, the chimney is pulling in the cold, outside air to keep the fire going. But, warm air rises, so out the chimney goes most of the heat, leaving you a bit chilly on the inside.

Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to improve a drafty fireplace and make your home more energy-efficient at the same time.

Check Weather-stripping for Windows and Doors

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that over $35B per year in energy is wasted through air leaks in windows and doors throughout the home. Sealing doors and windows with weather-stripping can increase the energy efficiency of your home and help reduce drafts.

Inspect the Damper

The fireplace damper is one of the most significant sources of energy loss. The damper must remain open while you are burning wood in the fireplace. But once the fire is extinguished, many homeowners forget to close it. Closing the damper after the fire is out and when you’re not using the fireplace will keep your home warmer for longer and reduce fireplace drafts. Also, the damper should be inspected regularly and repaired if it no longer forms an airtight seal when shut.

Top-sealing dampers have a rubber seal that needs replacing from time to time. And throat dampers can become warped or corroded. Partially closing the damper when burning wood logs will also reduce fireplace drafts. It will give your fire the oxygen it needs to burn while allowing contaminants and particulate matter to vent through the chimney.

Glass Fireplace Door

You can enhance the appearance of your fireplace and save energy and increase fireplace safety with tempered glass doors. If you have an open drafty fireplace, a mesh screen is not enough. Installing a glass door protects your pets and family members from fire hazards and saves on energy too. Fireplaces will use less inside air during combustion when the glass doors are closed, thus improving its efficiency.

Draft Plug

Your chimney or hearth professional can install a fireplace draft plug, also known as a draft stopper or draft guard, that will significantly reduce drafts when the fireplace is not in use. Its primary purpose is to prevent the heated air from exiting the chimney. The plug is easily removed when you want to light the fireplace.

Fireback

Firebacks are another affordable way to reduce drafts and increase the energy efficiency of your fireplace. It not only protects the firebox from fire damage, but it also absorbs and radiates the heat back into the living space. Many decorative designs will enhance the appearance of your fireplace. There are also other options like installing top-sealing dampers and grate heaters that will reduce drafts and increase the heating efficiency of your fireplace. These small investments are an inexpensive way to make your home and fireplace more energy efficient.

The post How to Improve a Drafty Fireplace? appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

Assuming your fireplace and chimney system are in overall good working order, the answer why your fireplace is cold and drafty is fairly straightforward. Cold air from outside is getting into the chimney and flowing down to escape from the fireplace. There are several ways you can prevent this problem or lessen its impact.

If you’re using a traditional masonry fireplace, you have what’s known as an open system. That means there’s a clear path from the top of your chimney to the opening of the firebox for air to move. Keeping a masonry fireplace from being cold and drafty during the cold months requires several steps.

Make sure your throat damper is in good shape

The throat damper, located just above the firebox and operated with a handle, is a key line of defense against cold drafts. When new, dampers create a tight seal, usually metal on metal, and block out the cold air.

Over time, dampers can become rusted and warped, thereby compromising their seal. If your damper is damaged, it can be replaced. Also: it’s easy to forget to close the damper when the fireplace isn’t in use, so make a mental note to do this.

Top-sealing damper

If your throat damper is in questionable shape, or if you simply want an added layer of protection, consider having a top-sealing damper installed. These components sit at the top of the chimney and close tightly to prevent air from entering the flue.

As long as your throat damper can still open fully (necessary for efficient fires and proper drafting) it’s often more economical to install a damper up top rather than replace a faulty throat damper.

 Fireplace doors

As you can see, our suggestions so far are targeting the problem of incoming air. Fireplace doors are another way to target this problem. A sturdy set of new fireplace doors can be kept closed when the fireplace isn’t being used and provide a strong barrier against infiltrating cold air. Not only do fireplace doors keep the cold air out, they also look fantastic and will add an immediate touch of elegance to any fireplace.

Install a fireback

Usually made of cast iron, a fireback is a large plate installed inside the fireplace to protect the firebox. It also absorbs heat from the fire and radiates it out into the room. A fireback doesn’t address air flow, but it definitely adds a significant warming effect and creates a more comfortable living environment.

Add a fireplace heater

Another way to increase the heating efficiency of a masonry fireplace is to add a fireplace heater. These devices take air inside the room, circulated it through the heat inside the fireplace, and send it back to the room. Because fireplace heaters work on a closed circuit system, they won’t send smoke into the room along with the warm air. These are some ways to deal with a cold and drafty fireplace. Along with improving heat efficiency, you also want to make sure every part of your fireplace is safe and working properly. They way to do this is with regularly scheduled chimney cleanings, chimney inspections and prompt repairs of damaged masonry or components.

High’s Chimney Service of Gaithersburg, MD, is standing by to help with all your fireplace cleaning, service and maintenance needs. Call us today at (301) 519-3500.

 

The post Why Is My Fireplace Cold & Drafty? appeared first on Highs Chimney.

As people are making resolutions to exercise, leave toxic relationships, read, and diet, one of the best resolutions you can make is to undertake chimney inspection.

Why are chimney inspections necessary?

The main reason for the inspections is to keep the chimney clean so that it’s safe. During winter, you have been incessantly using the fireplace, which means that smoke, creosote, and other materials might have built up in it.

Creosote is highly flammable when you don’t remove it early enough hence leading to chimney fire. When you inspect the chimney you can tell whether it has accumulated a lot of creosote which puts your property at the risk of catching fire.

What does the cleaning process entail?

The inspection process requires you to hire an experienced professional to take a look at the chimney and identify any flaws it might be having. If you have the skills, you can go ahead and inspect it by yourself.

The inspection process has three levels:

Level 1 inspection

It’s the most essential process and it involves a visual check of the fireplace and chimney without any special equipment or getting up on the roof.

When you hire a contractor, he/she comes to your house with a flashlight then looks for obstructions, damage, soot, and creosote buildup.

The contractor inspects the readily accessible areas of the chimney, such as the clearance from the stove and size of the firebox. It’s after the inspection that he/she will decide whether the fireplace needs cleaning.

The chimney will merit a sweep if there is a lot of creosote build-up, or there is a lot of debris blocking the air ducts. The contractor will also recommend cleaning the chimney if there are birds or animals nesting there.

Level 2 inspection

Level 2 inspection takes a closer look at the chimney using video equipment. The chimney technician will recommend level 2 inspection when he/she notices signs of wear and tear and other signs of serious damage to the chimney.

If you experienced heavy storms, earthquakes, or hurricanes during the winter months, level 2 inspection will help you determine the extent of the damage. Level 2 inspection is also necessary when looking to buy or sell a home or change your heating system.

During the inspection, the technician will get into the attic, crawl space, or any other area where they can get a closer look at the hidden parts of the chimney.

The technician also inserts a color video camera into the chimney to survey the interior walls of the fireplace for signs of corrosion, water intrusion, deterioration, and other signs of damage.

You should note that some untrustworthy technicians will tell you that a particular part is damaged so that they can make a sale. While you shouldn’t dismiss it, take it with a grain of salt.

A trustworthy technician should give you a copy of the video so that you can see the problematic areas before fixing them.

Level 3 inspection

Level 3 inspection goes deeper and is meant to unravel any indications of hidden severe problems that you didn’t uncover with level 2 inspection.

Here the technician removes pieces of chimney or materials to get full access to the areas you are looking to inspect. Level 3 inspection is the most expensive as it requires you to remove and restore the parts of your home.

Can you inspect the chimney by yourself?

Even if you have the necessary skills, it’s always wise to leave the inspection to the professionals. The experts have the essential tools and equipment to find the internal and external issues that an untrained homeowner can’t identify.

When the contractor identifies problems within the chimney, he/she will also be in a better position to fix them since they are experienced enough.

What should you look out for when hiring an inspection technician?

As mentioned, you should leave the inspection work to a professional. Unfortunately, not all contractors are right for you.

One of the prime factors to consider is the amount charged by the contractor. How much are they charging you? Even if you want to save as much money from the contractors as possible, you don’t want to go for the cheapest technician, as they will most likely be inexperienced. They also will give you substandard services.

You will be better off with costly chimney contractors Bowie than with cheap ones.

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

Traditional masonry chimneys aren’t built to last forever, and thanks to unavoidable rain and moisture, these structures can become damaged and unsafe faster than you would expect.

According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA):

“All masonry chimney construction materials, except stone, will suffer accelerated deterioration as a result of prolonged contact with water.

 

 

Masonry materials deteriorate quickly when exposed to the freeze/thaw process, in which moisture that has penetrated the materials periodically freezes and expands causing undue stress.”

“Water in the chimney also causes rust in steel and cast iron, weakening or destroying the metal parts.”

These are just a few of the reasons that masonry chimney maintenance is so important. Fortunately, keeping your chimney in top working shape isn’t difficult when work is performed by CSIA-certified chimney specialists.

Here are some key tasks involved in properly maintaining your chimney.

Watch for signs of a leaky chimney

Often a leaky chimney will present obvious signs. When you see them, it’s time to have your chimney professionally inspected.

Water dripping into the firebox

Efflorescence (white staining) on the exterior chimney masonry

Strong, musty odors coming from the fireplace

Interior walls and ceiling that are damp to the touch or discolored

Areas of crumbling in the firebox or on the roof near the chimney – these are signs of deterioration that could be caused by or lead to a chimney leak

Annual chimney sweep services

Having your chimney cleaned once a year by a certified technician is the best way to prevent a dangerous chimney fire. Creosote, which is created when wood burns, clings to the inside of the chimney liner and builds up over time. This substance isn’t always easy to remove, but chimney experts have specialized scrapers, rotating brushes, solvents and vacuums to do a thorough job.

Obstruction removal

In addition to creosote, various debris can end up inside a chimney and create a drafting obstruction. Leaves and twigs from trees and the nests of small animals are common reasons smoke doesn’t draft well and fires are difficult to get started. Chimney blockages are of particular concern because they can cause smoke and deadly carbon monoxide to back up into the house. Having chimney obstructions removed will keep you and your family safe.

Annual chimney inspections

By having certified inspections once a year, you’ll be able to spot early chimney/fireplace damage and get it repaired before it becomes an expensive and dangerous problem. Basic chimney inspections cover:

Chimney cap

Chimney crown

Chimney liner

Exterior masonry

Roof flashing

Smoke chamber surfaces

Dampers

In some cases, video technology is used to zero in on difficult-to-access areas.

 Timely repair services

Licensed chimney repair technicians can handle any level of chimney repair and give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing the job was done safely and correctly.

Technicians can find and repair leaky chimneys, replace missing areas of brick and mortar, repair or replace chimney liners, install chimney caps and flashing, seal and repair cracks in chimney crowns and perform other vital services that keep your chimney safe and fully operational.

Northeastern Chimney of West Hartford, CT, provides CSIA-certified chimney sweep, inspection and repair services all year long. Learn more about how we can maintain your chimney for safety and performance by calling (860) 233-5770.

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

2019 was an amazing year for all of us here at Southern Chimneys. We really hit a stride and have become the leading Atlanta company for chimney and fireplace repair, installation, and inspections. 

Thank you, our loyal customers and new friends, for all the encouragement, support, and kindness you’ve shown us when we pull up to your homes in our Southern Chimneys van. It’s our pleasure to take care of your home and make it the safest and warmest it can be. 

As the weather gets colder and we move into GO SEASON(!) around here, we want to be reminded of what a great spring and summer we had in 2019 and look forward to how awesome 2020 will be. 

Here’s a look back at some of our best blogs and articles from the previous year. Now, on to 2020!

5 Reasons Why Spring is the Best Time to Get Your Chimney Inspected

Why You Should Get Your Chimney Inspected

6 Reasons You Need To Think About Your Chimney This Summer

Hurry! Why You Should Get Your Chimney Inspected Now

4 Reasons Now’s the Time for Your Chimney Inspection 

Looking to Convert Your Wood Fireplace to Gas Logs?

What to Expect from Your Chimney Inspection

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

There’s nothing more beautiful, warm and inviting than a
wood burning fireplace. It’s frequently featured in family pictures and is
often the center of attention in a home. That’s because a wood burning
fireplace is special. Some enjoy watching the flames and listening to the
crackles of the burning wood. Others enjoy tending to the fire, often picking
up the poker to adjust the log by an inch. Children often lay in front of the
fireplace to feel its warmth.

As much attention as we give a fireplace, it’s critical to
place the same amount of devotion to the care of wood burning fireplaces. On
our website,
we report on chimney
fires. Our intention is to educate and prevent fires, injury and damage to
your family and home. In the month of December, there were over 70 fires
reported in the online news, a few were right here in Park Ridge, Deer Park and
Libertyville.

Common Cause & Prevention of Chimney Fires

Last article
or post, we (and Santa) talked about keeping holiday wrappings and the
Christmas tree away from the fireplace as they both are highly flammable. We’ve
also talked about the build-up of creosote for good
reason. It’s the most common cause of chimney fires. So, how can you keep the
build-up of creosote to a minimum? Here are a few tips:

• Have Superior Chimney clean and check your
  fireplace and chimney each year
• Keep the damper
  open to allow proper airflow
• Minimize the amount of wood burning in the
  firebox at one time
• Use seasoned wood, as it removes moisture
  allowing for a better and safer burn

What are the Signs of a Chimney on Fire?

Superior Chimney is often asked, “How do I know if my
chimney is on fire?” This is a great question. If you know what to
listen…look…or smell for, that can help.

• Listen: the fireplace can have a loud crackling
  sound or a popping sound. It may even sound like a freight train or an
  airplane.
• Look: the chimney can have flames shooting out
  from the top, or lots of dense smoke entering your home.
• Smell: the fireplace can have a hot intense
  smoky, bad smell.

It’s true that the article talked about prevention before
the signs of a fire, and it’s for a good reason. Superior Chimney wants you to
get the most enjoyment from your wood burning fireplace in the safest way
possible. So if you haven’t cleaned your
fireplace and chimney yet, now’s the time to get it done so you can ring in
the New Year with family and friends by the fireplace…safely.

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