THE MOST DANGEROUS CHARACTERISTICS OF A NEGLECTED CHIMNEY

Being a homeowner goes hand-in-hand with home maintenance. We have all had to do a few projects or chores around the house to keep it in good shape. One area of the home that is often neglected is the chimney.

• Ceilings
• Walls
• Insulation
• Firebox
• And more…

 

• If and how much internal chimney damage there is
• Scope of  any repairs that may be needed, and
• The best course of action for repairs 

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The chimney is
one prominent part of the home that is constantly at the mercy of the
fluctuating weather. As weather patterns shift through the seasons, the baking
sun, rising humidity, driving rain, and deep freeze of the outdoor elements can
take a toll on the brickwork, and while bricks are a naturally resilient
building material, they can still take on a considerable amount of wear damage
over time. One common option for combating the threat of moisture and water is
a brick sealant — but, is a sealant the right idea? Here are the points to keep
in mind before committing to a sealant for your chimney.

Because bricks
are a porous stone material, they naturally have minute pores which can absorb
any moisture that comes into contact with the bricks. Once the liquid moisture
is in the bricks, and the temperature drops, the moisture freezes and expands,
causing larger cracks and spalling. Applying a waterproof sealant creates a
layer of the surface of the bricks that stops the moisture from absorbing into
the brick’s surface. This is the major pro of a sealant — preventing liquid
from entering the brickwork and causing cracks. From here, we need to focus on
the material being used in the sealant.

Circling back
to the porous nature of brick, the small crevices are a necessary element to
maintain the integrity of the material itself, because they allow the brick to
naturally pass water vapor through
the surface of the brick. Be careful about the type of sealant being used on
the chimney, because many types found in hardware stores will simply fill in
all of the natural pores in the brick, trapping water vapor within the
brickwork, without providing a natural escape or evaporation route. If water
vapor is trapped within the brick, it will find the path of least resistance out
of the brick in some fashion, which can lead to cracks and spalling, on the
exterior or interior of the brick. Naturally, this is a con, and should be
avoided.

That said,
there are sealants that are vapor permeable, which coat the exterior brickwork
with a layer of protection from liquids, but still allow the pores of the brick
to “breath”. These sealants provide the maximum amount of protection from
weather conditions, while creating a minimal amount of risk to the underlying
structure of your chimney. If adding an extra layer of protection against
liquids and weather sounds like a good idea for your chimney, a 100% vapor
permeable sealant is the best choice.

To ensure that
the best sealant is applied to your fireplace correctly, and for general
questions about keeping moisture out of your chimney, consult the professionals
at Lindemann Chimney & Fireplace at (847) 739-4199, or you can reach them online!

The post Are Chimney Sealants a Good Idea? appeared first on Lindemann Chimney Co..

A chilly breeze from the fireplace is certainly unexpected, and a drafty fireplace means heat has the chance to escape outside your home, rather than funneling inside as anticipated. Navigating the source of the draft and sealing it up is important to keeping the warmth where you need it, as well as keeping the heating bill in check. Luckily, there are some simple drafty fireplace remedies at hand to help combat the chilly creep of the outside air running back down the chimney.

The first place
to check if you’re feeling a fireplace draft is the dampener, or flue. The
purpose of a dampener is to ensure that the cold air outside is blocked, and
the warm air emanating from the fireplace stays indoors, while venting the
smoke up the chimney. Thus, make sure the dampener is in the closed position
when the fireplace is not in use, otherwise it’s essentially an open doorway
for cold air. If the flue is closed and you can still feel a noticeable breeze,
there is a good possibility that a piece of the dampener needs to be replaced.
Another quick test to try is to close the flue, light a candle, and hold it
just inside the fireplace. If you notice the flame of the candle flickering noticeably,
there is some form of airflow leakage present in the fireplace, and that is the
probable cause of your drafty fireplace.

The second
major place to double-check is the chimney cap. This sits on top of the chimney
and filters the smoke out while minimizing chances for wind to enter in. If the
chimney cap has come loose, or fallen off completely, the chimney will be left
open for a draft to come down through the fireplace. If there has been any
noticeable damage to the chimney cap, it’s always a good idea to get it
inspected and repaired before a draft sets in.

A temporary
stop for a chimney draft, but only while the chimney is not in use, is a fireplace
cover. The name is fairly self-explanatory — this is a cover that sits over the
opening of the fireplace, blocking all incoming and outgoing gusts and drafts.
Using decorative, fireplace covers come in a variety of materials and designs
to suite every type home décor. Of course, as mentioned, this is a temporary
fix for a drafty fireplace, and not a permanent solution.

If you’re
having trouble diagnosing the exact cause of the draft in your chimney, or if
your feel like there might be something greater at play, considering scheduling
an annual chimney inspection and cleaning to allow a certified chimney
professional the chance to thoroughly root out the cause of any possible
fireplace issues. To schedule your annual chimney inspection and cleaning, to
replace any damaged section of your fireplace, or for any general questions on
the breeze blowing through your fireplace, give the experts at Lindemann
Chimney & Fireplace a ring, at (847) 739-4199, or drop them a line through
the online scheduling portal. 

The post Is Your Fireplace a Bit Drafty? Here’s What to Do appeared first on Lindemann Chimney Co..

Peace of mind
comes from finding peace at home, and one of the best ways to ensure this is
finding trustworthy service providers to keep your home running smoothly. But
sometimes, it can be difficult determining just what to look for when choosing
a source or contractor for homes services. When dealing with your fireplace and
chimney, your homes’ safety is also at hand.  Don’t be scammed by disreputable providers
begging for your business – keep on the lookout for these warning signs.

1. Avoid Door-To-Door Offers and Unsolicited Phone Calls

This is a prevalent scam
tactic in many areas, where potential hustlers will canvass specific areas and
neighborhoods, either on-foot or over the phone. Generally, they will provide
special, immediate pricing deals, or present a catastrophic condition that
needs an immediate, costly repair to your chimney.

Don’t hire these
contractors, and certainly don’t provide them with a potential deposit for
work, until you have secured their official business name and verified their
legitimacy through a third-party source, such as Angie’s List or the Better
Business Bureau.

2. Look for the Certification

Similar to many other
trades, professional chimney sweeps and technicians can gain accreditation and
certification — in this case, through the CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America). Earning
certification through the CSIA ensures t the business you are working has met
the CSIA’s national safety standards, as well as abides by their established
Code of Ethics. This is re-enforced by the CSIA’s non-profit status, meaning
the institute does not issue certifications for direct payments, but rather,
requires rigorous education and testing to earn a certification.

If a contractor does not
have certification with the CSIA, proceed with caution.     

3. Be Wary of High-Stakes Sales Tactics

If a contractor is
pressuring you into completing work immediately, consider pumping the breaks.
Scare tactics and high-pressure sales techniques are generally avoided by
professionals who have your best interests in mind. Much like a medical
diagnosis, consider getting a second opinion from another reputable business
before moving forward with repairs.

4. Check the References

Similar to the above, ensure
the company does not have any outstanding complaints lodged against them with
professional oversight groups, such as the BBB. Additionally, word of mouth
still holds a high amount of clout in today’s business world. If you have a
trusted friend, co-worker, family member, or neighbor who has worked with the
company before, get their opinion.

5. Knowledge is Power

There are a number of
research tools available to consumers today. Conducting a thorough search
online for company details is invaluable before committing to hiring one
company over another. If you feel like a company is sending out the wrong
message for whatever reason — you’ve never heard of the business name before,
the contractors appear without uniforms or branded vehicles, or if they’re
being overly pushy about beginning work — cross-reference their name in an
online search. If you’re unable to find a reputable resource listing their
name, their contact information, and their licensing information, be wary about
allowing them into your home.

It you are looking for a trusted, certified,
professional chimney service provide to conduct an annual chimney cleaning, safety
inspection or make repairs, Lindemann Chimney & Fireplace is a premiere
provider on Chicago’s Northshore. Schedule your appointment now.   

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Woodland creatures — like squirrels, raccoons, opossums, owls, etc. — are on a constant hunt for a warm, snug spot to build a nest and call home. To these animals, an open chimney fits the bill just right. Once a critter sets up shop inside your chimney, it can wreck all sorts of havoc, but luckily, there’s a specific device to prevent your home from gaining these unwanted tenants: a chimney cap.

Without a cap,
a chimney sits open and unprotected, creating a prime opportunity for animals
to make their way inside. By themselves, an animal in a chimney will
potentially block the flue, or even find its way completely inside, dropping
unannounced into a family or living room through a faulty damper. However, critters
are rarely alone, bringing with them mites and bugs in their fur, as well as
sticks, twigs, dried leaves, and other nest-building debris that can clog a
chimney, with the possibility of preventing smoke from properly venting through
the chimney.

According to
the Humane Society of the United States, chimney caps are an excellent way to
keep animals (in this specific case, squirrels, but the advice applies
universally) out of your chimney, and back in nature, where they can thrive
without harming your home. When looking for the right cap for your chimney,
make sure it has grating small enough to keep out smaller animals, but large
enough that it still allows for the open passage of air and smoke from your
fireplace. Additionally, make sure that the cap is made from a rust-proof
material, such as galvanized steel, as it will be in contact with the outside
elements. For added precaution, if there are multiple flues in your home, it
could be worthwhile installing a cap on each flue.

If you find
yourself in the unfortunate situation of having a woodland roommate in your
chimney, make sure to contact the local animal control. Dealing with a wild
creature yourself carries several risks, and a professional can safely remove
and relocate the animal more efficiently.

To best avoid
finding unwanted furry “friends” in your chimney, and to make sure the right
chimney cap is correctly installed on your chimney the first time around, reach
out to Lindemann Chimney & Fireplace at (847)739-4199or schedule from the
comfort of your computer online.  

The post Animals on the Prowl – Don’t Forget About Your Chimney Caps! appeared first on Lindemann Chimney Co..

After months of
snow, ice, and chilly winds, spring and sunshine can’t come soon enough! Rolling
into the warmer months with higher temps and blooming flowers also means the
return of a fair amount of rain, bringing rejuvenating water to the grass and
plant life, and a welcome respite from the seasonably scorching days.

Of course, while the water is necessary in nature, it can quickly become a pain if it finds its way indoors uninvited. So before the drops start falling, remember that spring days are also the perfect time to take a peek at the masonry around your chimney, to make sure your chimney is ready to stand up to potential leaks.

During the
colder months, as the precipitation outside freezes and thaws over the bricks
of your chimney, moisture can make its way into small crevices in the
stonework. As the water thaws and expands, it slowly enlarges the crevices into
cracks, leaving potential openings for moisture to seep further into the
chimney and beyond. A few key signs that you’re dealing with a leaky chimney
include spotting moisture in, or at the bottom of, your chimney, seeing water
marks form on the ceiling near (i.e. within 10ft) your chimney, and if you
notice spalling of the chimney, inside or outside.

Potential chimney leaks or cracking masonry can be diagnosed during an annual chimney cleaning and safety inspection, especially to catch potential leaks at higher, harder-to-reach points around your chimney. Once confirmed, and depending on the advice from your inspector, these spots can be repaired, or the chimney can be waterproofed. This waterproofing process works by using a specific masonry-friendly sealant that blocks water absorption, but does not interfere with the naturally porous brick. This same process will also help to protect your chimney during the winter’s freeze-thaw cycle.

Prevention
always beats surprise when it comes to chimney leaks and masonry cracks. Let
Lindemann help with full peace of mind by scheduling your annual chimney
cleaning and safety inspection! Contact Lindemann Chimney & Fireplace today
at (847)739-4199, or through our convenient online scheduling portal!  
       

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Dealing with a leak in your chimney masonry is never a fun scenario, but catching it as early as possible can save you from several potential headaches. As you start to take a look at the inside and outside of your chimney, here a few major signs to watch out for that will tip you off to the presence of a chimney leak in your home.

Wet/Mildew Smell

An unpleasant
odor is a fast way to determine something is wrong before you can see the issue.
A damp, mildew, or musty scent near your chimney will let you know that water
has somehow found its way within the chimney itself, and that it’s time to
locate the source of the moisture. This can often be associated with a dripping
sound coming from within the chimney as well. 

Brown Spots on the Ceiling

If moisture
makes its way through the masonry in your chimney, it can also find its way
into your ceiling. This could result in water spots emerging, generally brown
or slightly yellow, staining areas in close proximity to the chimney. This same
moisture could also partially soak into wood beams or insulation in the same
areas.

Rusting Firebox and Damper

Water leaking
and dripping onto metal dampers and fireboxes will, over time, erode the outer layers
and create rust. Once rust sets into metal pieces within your fireplace, they
will need to be properly replaced before the fireplace can once again be safely
used.

Spalling and Structural Issues

Moisture
seeping into masonry will break down the layers between the stone and brick,
causing the stonework to deteriorate structurally. Not only does this hurt the
individual pieces, but it can cause the entire chimney to shift or lean. If the
chimney has moved enough, this potentially creates the need for the chimney to
be rebuilt completely. 

Catching issues
early-on is a surefire way to avoid costly incidents from masonry leaks, and
ensures your fireplace will continue to provide warmth when needed, while
preserving its overall longevity. To keep your fireplace in tip-top shape,
identify issues before they become problems – and to give your fireplace a
fresh cleaning, contact Lindemann Chimney & Fireplace, or schedule your appointment online today.

The post Typical Damage that May Occur if Your Chimney Masonry has Leaks appeared first on Lindemann Chimney Co..

Selecting the best firewood for your fireplace may not seem like that important of a decision, but well seasoned, quality firewood can not only help your fireplace burn cleaner but more efficiently too! Green or wet wood can cause smoke problems, odor, creosote buildup and can even lead to dangerous chimney fires. So, next time you head out to stock up on wood, make sure you select clean, seasoned wood.

Now you may be asking, “what is seasoned wood?” Well, while freshly cut wood can contain up to 45% water, seasoned wood has been reduced to only 20-25% of the moisture content. If you cut your own wood 6 months to a year before using it, properly store it and allow the sun and wind to do the seasoning for you. If you try to use green wood, the heat it produces via combustion must dry the wood before it will catch fire and burn, using up a large percentage of its available energy. Less energy results in less heat to your home and gallons of acidic water being deposited into your chimney. Yikes!

Ideal wood storage would consist of a dry woodshed with a roof that allows for air circulation to perform the drying. The next best option would be to keep the wood piled in a sunny area, covering it during rain or snow (while still allowing airflow to avoid trapping the moisture inside).

If your chimney has fallen victim to moist wood burning, call Quality Fireplace today for a complete chimney inspection quote!

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Spring is on the horizon, bringing warm breezes and green grass again. As the outside temperatures begin to rise, we begin to prepare our homes for the warmer weather, including closing our fireplaces until next fall. While everything outside feels fresh and new, your fireplace may be full of filthy soot. To be sure your fireplace is ready to use when the temperatures drop again, it’s important to give it a good cleaning before bidding farewell. Here are 5 reasons to add your fireplace or chimney to your spring-cleaning list:

(1)  Prolong your chimney’s life. While wood burning fireplaces bring warmth and coziness to your home, the burning of the wood also creates a byproduct called creosote which can build up in your chimney. In the spring and summer months, there is more moisture in the air. When rain mixes with the acidic creosote in your chimney, it can cause the chimney brick to deteriorate. Removing the creosote when the burning season ends helps prolong the life of your chimney.

(2)  Eliminate odors in your house. Creosote
and ash accumulate in the firebox and chimney during fireplace season, and can
cause unwanted odors. Removing those substances at the end of the season keeps
your home smelling fresh.

(3) Convenient
scheduling. When you need the services of a professional chimney sweep,
it’s much easier to schedule an appointment in the spring than to wait until
the fall when fireplace and chimney specialists are much busier.

(4)  Finding problems sooner than later. A
professional inspection and cleaning in the spring allows more time to address problems
or potential hazards with your fireplace or chimney. The warmer months make it
easier to do repairs, especially since masonry repairs can only be done when
the air temperature is above freezing.

(5)  It’s easier and less stressful to clean
when the weather is warmer. Instead of waiting until the fall or winter,
when the weather is colder and the days are shorter—and you want to use your
fireplace immediately—plan ahead for a spring cleaning.

Although your fireplace will be on hiatus for a few months, it’s nice to know it’s clean and ready when you need it again. Call Lindemann Fireplace & Chimney today for an expert chimney clean and inspection.

With spring almost here now’s the time to inspection your chimney. When rainy season comes you don’t want your masonry leaking. Contact us today for an appointment.

The post Here are 5 Reasons to Clean Your Fireplace in the Spring appeared first on Lindemann Chimney Co..

As warm weather becomes more than a distant dream, most people like to welcome it with a good Spring Cleaning to rid their homes of the grit and grime built up over a long winter. One area of the house that may get overlooked is the chimney, but after months of toasty fires, the chimney is in need of a good sweep most of all. For many reasons the chimney should not be ignored, both for health, safety, and aesthetic reasons. Below we outline a few reasons to schedule a Chimney Cleaning for Spring.

Health & Safety

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) claims that for the health and wellness of you and your family, it is imperative to clean your chimney once a year. It makes much more sense to clean it out after a long season of use rather than let the ash and debris continue to build up for months undisturbed.

Cleanliness

When the first signs of Spring begin to bloom, most people want a fresh start inside their home to match the environment outside of it. A good scrub is necessary in every nook and cranny of your living space, the fireplace should not be left out. We’re not just talking about the inside either! The outer surface, whether it’s brick, wood, or stone, can suffer from soot and ash build up creating a dirty veneer. Not to mention the smell! With a good sweeping, the centerpiece of any room can shine like new again.

Reduce Creosote

Creosote is a chemical emitted when wood burns. It is a colorless to yellowish greasy liquid with a smoky odor that can build up on the liner of your fireplace and chimney. Corrosion caused by emissions like creosote can require extremely expensive repairs. This can happen when creosote is left on the flue liner for a long period of time and moisture gets in, from rain or snow. Better to have your chimney cleaned out immediately than risk costly repairs down the line.

Chimney Safety

If the creosote, described above, is left for too long it can cause a Chimney Fire. These fires can range from barely noticeable to so loud it shakes your whole house. Very small fire incidents may occur and go unnoticed, however, the heat generated from fires can cause cracks and loosen mortar joints which can provide an easy path to the roof or other combustible materials. If left untreated, the chances of a house fire increase significantly. These cracks and loosened joints also make it possible for carbon monoxide to leak into your home, the effects of which can cause significant health impacts up to and including potential for death. The easiest and most cost-efficient way to prevent chimney fires is with a chimney inspection and cleaning. Something so simple may save your life.

Easier to Schedule

Many homeowners that have a chimney in their home believe the best time to schedule their chimney for cleaning is in the fall, just before the winter winds blow through but truly NOW is a great time to have your chimney inspected and cleaned. You can choose the best day according to your own schedule and won’t have to jockey for the best time slot.

If you’re ready to get a head start on Spring Cleaning this year, call Quality Fireplace at 262-786-4411 to schedule an appointment today!

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