Winter is here. People with fireplaces are looking forward to cozy nights by the fire. While fireplaces give warmth and an ambiance you can’t get with other heating systems, they can be dangerous. Statistics suggest there are over 25,000 chimney fires annually, many of them going undetected. However, with proper maintenance and precautions, you can prevent a disaster. Here’s how to protect your home and family against chimney fires.

What Causes Chimney Fires?

Most chimney fires happen because of creosote buildup. Creosote is a byproduct of burning wood. It starts as a powder and builds to a thick, sticky coating that’s extremely flammable. Creosote builds up in the flue over time, especially if you burn the wrong wood. Chimney fires range from a slow smoldering burn to an explosive blaze that could spread to the entire house.

Tips for Preventing Chimney Fires

Schedule a Professional Inspection and Cleaning

The most important thing you can do to keep your home and family safe is to hire a professional chimney sweep to clean and inspect your chimney. Pros can identify potential problems, such as creosote buildup and structural damage, that could put you at risk of a fire.

Pros have the proper tools to clean the flue of creosote and obstructions that can lead to a disaster.

Burn the Right Kind of Wood

Seasoned firewood is the best to burn in your fireplace. Oak, hickory, or maple, for example, are dense and, when properly dried, provide long-lasting heat. Softwoods like pine can be good for kindling but are less efficient for heating.

Green or unseasoned firewood contains too much moisture, creating more smoke and faster creosote buildup. As mentioned, creosote is dangerous and a major cause of chimney fires. Always burn wood that’s been seasoned for at least six months to ensure high heat output and less smoke.

Also, don’t burn trash in the fireplace. Trash, painted, or stained wood can release toxins and leave a residue in the flue.

Install a Chimney Cap

Chimney caps are inexpensive but vital components. They prevent leaves, debris, and animals from getting in and causing blockages. During a professional inspection, ask the chimney technician to check the cap for damage and fit.

Use the Fireplace Correctly

Using the fireplace correctly can significantly reduce the chance of a fire.

Build small fires. Overloading a fireplace with too much wood creates a dramatic fire but produces more smoke and creosote. Always ensure the damper is open before lighting a fire to create a good draft and prevent smoke from flowing back into the room. Lastly, consider using a fireplace screen to prevent sparks and embers from flickering into the room and causing a fire.

Clear the Fireplace and Chimney Area

Keep a “safe zone” around the fireplace by keeping flammable materials, like furniture, rugs, toys, and curtains, at least three feet away. Also, never leave the fire unattended. An errant spark can become a disaster in a few minutes.

Watch for Warning Signs

These warning signs indicate a potential problem with the chimney:

• If your fireplace produces excessive smoke, it could be due to a blockage or insufficient airflow.
• A roaring or rumbling noise from the chimney could indicate a fire.
• A strong, ashy odor could mean you have a dangerous creosote buildup.

Install Smoke Detectors

The National Fire Protection Association released a study showing that “nearly three out of five home fire deaths were caused by fires in properties with no smoke alarms or with smoke alarms that failed to operate.”

Like a chimney cap, smoke detectors are inexpensive but essential for people who use a fireplace.

Upgrade the Chimney Liner

Chimney liners are protective barriers between the house and the chimney’s hot gases. If the liner is old, cracked, or damaged, it could put your home at risk. Modern stainless steel or clay liners are more efficient and may be required by your local building codes.

Preventing chimney fires is easy and inexpensive. A well-cleaned and maintained chimney is a safe chimney.

Call Northeastern Chimney Inc

to get your chimney winter-ready. We’re members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild and the Chimney Safety Institute of America. We proudly serve residents throughout Hartford, Tolland, and Litchfield County.

The post How To Prevent A Chimney Fire This Winter appeared first on .

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

It’s vital that you clean and inspect your chimney regularly. The reason for this is that regular chimney inspection and cleaning ensures that your chimney is clean at all times. A clean chimney also gives you peace of mind as you know that there are minimal things that can go wrong with your unit.

For you to keep your chimney clean, there are a number of things you should know. These things include:

Be on the lookout for chimney scams.

When budgeting for an annual chimney cleaning and inspection, don’t make the mistake of looking for the lowest possible price. Chimney sweeping is an unregulated activity; therefore, anyone can enter it, regardless of expertise, skills, or equipment.

It is common for scammers to take advantage of the lack of industry restrictions. Some will coerce homeowners into paying exorbitant fees to address nonexistent issues.

Others will accept cash for a pricey repair that may or may not be required, then disappear without completing the work. The worst-case scenario is when scammers who are unfamiliar with chimney sweeping actually execute the service, giving homeowners false hope that their system is in good working order when it is not.

Chimney cleaning and maintenance can be the difference between life and death; thus, it should not be left to inexperienced workers.

Due to this, you should be ultra-cautious when hiring a cleaning professional. To be on the safe side, only work with those certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) or any other relevant body. They will be a little expensive than the uncertified ones but they will be worth it.

Inspect and clean your chimney annually.

An annual inspection ensures that your chimney is clean and free of obstructions. To prevent dangerous gases and pollutants from escaping into your home, clean and inspect your fireplace, furnace, and chimney on a regular basis. Reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning or a chimney fire with a free inspection and sweep from a team of experts.

When you are hiring the cleaning team, ensure that they have the relevant chimney cleaning tools.

Vacuums, brushes, and chemicals are among the tools used by chimney sweeps. Chemical products are used to eliminate the most difficult-to-clean creosote. A long wire brush is the most basic type of brush that chimney sweeps use.

The long wire brush is flexible and strong, allowing it to reach all of the tight spots that need to be cleaned. Chimney sweeps scrape away creosote using sharp flat wire bristle brushes. There are also hand brushes that the contractors use to clean narrow locations like chimney caps and smoke chambers.

Professional chimney sweeps use vacuums to ensure that pollutants do not enter your property during cleaning. Cleaning a chimney without using this tried-and-tested approach might leave your home’s inside unclean. And you don’t want this, do you?

There are instances when saving money is beneficial, but not when it comes to chimney care and upkeep. You should hire an experienced contractor with the right tools for the work.

Remember that a chimney sweep professional is qualified not only to clean your chimney but also to detect indicators of moisture damage and possibly dangerous deterioration of the chimney flue, flashing, or chimney brickwork. You can’t leave this to an inexperienced contractor, can you?

Prepare the chimney for cleaning.

To save time and make the work of the chimney sweep easy, you should always properly prepare your chimney for cleaning. To do this, here are valuable tips you should follow:

Ensure the fireplace is cool: Before the chimney sweep expert arrives, ensure that at least 24 to 48 hours have passed since you extinguished the last fire. The inside stonework should cool down.

If you wish to recycle your ashes in your garden, shovel them out before the chimney cleaner arrives. Otherwise, the ashes will be disposed of. To be on the safe side, ensure that the fireplace is cool to the touch before a chimney sweep can operate on it.

Clear the firebox: It will be beneficial if the firebox is empty prior to the arrival of the chimney sweep. The remaining logs should be cooled completely before being removed, along with the grate and fireplace tools. Remove any ornaments that are currently in your fireplace.

Ensure nothing is blocking the fireplace: Ensure that you have an unobstructed passage from the door to the fireplace broad enough for the chimney sweep to bring in the equipment needed for the chimney cleaning or inspection processes. Remove any tripping risks, such as toys and furniture. You should remove any furniture from the area as well.

Clear the mantel: The fireplace mantel is the complete frame that surrounds the fireplace opening, yet most people refer to it as the shelf above the hearth. If you have decorations on your mantel shelf, remove them so they don’t get knocked off while the chimney sweep is working.

Cover the furnishings: Professional chimney sweeps use drop cloths and other pieces to prevent chimney debris from entering your home’s interior. If you have the clothes, use them to cover neighboring furniture to protect against soot particles, dust, and creosote residue in the air.

Put the pets away: If you have any pets in your home who may bite or interfere with the chimney sweep’s job, keep them somewhere inside or outside your home until the work is over and the chimney sweep has left.

Parting shot

These are some of the things you should know when you are cleaning your chimney. To hire the right chimney contractors Bowie, you should take your time.

Research the firm before hiring them to examine and sweep your fireplace or furnace flues. What certificates and training do they have? What do the online review sites say? Inquire about the companies from your friends.

For you to have a great time, you need to work with an experienced and insured company. This way you are sure that in the event of any accident, you won’t be liable. You also should ensure that the company has the right tools. You don’t want the contractor to ruin your chimney with the wrong tools, do you?

The post Things You Should Know About Chimney Cleaning and Inspection first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

It’s that time of year again! You find yourself very busy with checking your Christmas list, maybe checking it twice. You have prepared for your holiday get-togethers. The invitations are sent out. You and your family have started to decorate the house. Checking the string of lights, making sure that they all light up. It really is a beautiful time of year. It is a time for rekindling relationships. Attempting to get together with old friends as much as possible.

As you check all your lists, don’t forget the essential maintenance checklist before the colder weather sets in. Now is the time to prepare to get your fireplace and chimney ready for the burning season. 

Chimney Maintenance Checklist

Chimney Sweep. Before you start up your fire, clean it out. A sweep will clean out any debris that may have fallen into the chimney. You probably haven’t had many fires in your chimney, especially if you live in warmer climates. The fall season has been abnormally mild as well. Cleaning the build-up of creosote will help to prevent chimney fires as well. Birds and small critters take advantage of the absence of fires. They love to nest in the shelter of your chimney. 

Chimney Inspection. Now is the time to set up that last-minute chimney inspection. It is recommended by chimney professionals to have your chimney inspected annually. Our professional technicians will come in with state-of-the-art equipment and let you know if there is anything that needs to be done to have a safe burning season. They will also point out any damage that may have occurred over the summer. 

Chimney cap cleaning. The first step to ensure that nothing gets into your chimney is your chimney cap. The cap works to keep anything out of your chimney. Clean it out. Make sure that there is nothing in the opening. Proper ventilation is needed for smoke drafts as well. It can also cause chimney fires.  If you don’t have a chimney cap, call Northeast Chimney to discuss your options. 

Repair any damage as soon as possible. Once you have had your inspection, discuss the options to have any chimney repairs done. Our professional technicians can help with chimney leaks, cracked mortar, brick repair, and many other issues that may arise. To have a safe and enjoyable burning season, we suggest getting any repairs done as they occur. Leaving them may end up costing you much more. For instance, as the winter storms come around rain and snow can get into any small cracks. Once the temperatures drop the water in the brick or cement freezes and expands, making the crack even larger. This causes a bigger and more costly repair.

Contact the Chimney Pro’s

Before your holiday begins, reach out to Northeast Chimney to start the process of essential chimney maintenance. Once you have the peace of mind, you can enjoy the seasons fully.

Schedule your inspection or cleaning soon by calling Northeast Chimney. We service all of Hartford, Tolland, and Litchfield Counties. All our chimney technicians are trained and qualified. 

The post Is Your Chimney Ready for Holiday Gatherings? appeared first on .

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

This is a question asked quite a bit. Is it necessary to insulate my chimney liner? If you are in the market for a stove or fireplace or have one, you may be asking this question. We will tackle it for you. There is no legal reason that insulation is mandated for chimney liners. However, many experts suggest that insulation around your chimney can be beneficial.

Why Would I Consider a Chimney Liner?

• Insulation is meant to keep the inside of the liner warm, which helps with the smoke draft. When the flue is warm smoke and fire travel right up. With a cold flue smoke and fire struggle to exit the chimney causing a draft and smoke. 
• When wood is burned in your fireplace, creosote is created. A hot burning fire will minimize this. Insulation is an excellent choice if your chimney is located on an outer wall. 
• Your chimney is bigger than the flue. If there is space between the chimney and the flue air will cause a cool down of the flue. Insulation will bridge that gap and create a barrier to keep the flue warm.
• The chimney stack is too tall. When a chimney is too tall it will stay cool. Fire takes a while to get up the chimney and out. Keeping the flue warm will encourage the fire and smoke to exit the chimney. 

Types Of Insulation: There are two main types of insulation used for chimney flues. Northeastern Chimney Inc. can offer these two types.

• Insulation blanket – A blanket made out of a high-density material, alkaline earth silicate. This blanket is wrapped around the flue, all the way to the top. It keeps the flue warm allowing the fire and smoke to easily escape the chimney. 
• Vermiculite chimney insulation mix – This mixture is vermiculite and Portland cement. It is poured down your chimney between the flue and chimney. This is a great option for chimneys that are narrow and cannot accommodate a blanket. 

Chimney liner insulation can be very beneficial in efficiency with your fireplace or stove. By keeping your liner insulated the warmth is captured in. Keeping your chimney hot allows the warm air to circulate into your home.

If you have questions about whether your flue needs insulation, give us a call. We would be more than happy to have a conversation with you.  

Trusted Chimney Services in Hartford, Tolland & Litchfield Counties

When you are in need of any chimney repairs, cleaning, or inspection, get in touch with our qualified technicians. We service everything chimney.

Professionals suggest that an annual Chimney sweep and inspection be conducted. When a problem arises, the best plan is to tackle it as soon as possible. This will cost you much less than if you let the damage to the fireplace and bricks go on too long.

Schedule your inspection or cleaning soon by calling Northeast Chimney. We service all of Hartford, Tolland, and Litchfield Counties. All our chimney technicians are trained and qualified. We are active in the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG).

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

There’s nothing quite like curling up by the fireplace on a frosty evening, watching snowflakes drift past the window. As the crisp fall air turns icy and the ground becomes blanketed in snow, it’s the perfect time to prepare your home for the winter months ahead. One essential task? Ensuring your chimney is swept and ready for use before the cold settles in. Let’s discuss why chimney maintenance matters.

How Often Should Your Chimney Be Swept?

Your chimney should be inspected and swept at least once a year whether you use it regularly or not, or whether you have gas or wood burning. Regular chimney maintenance not only keeps your fireplace burning efficiently but also ensures it’s ready to use throughout the winter season.

Removing Obstructions and Pests

Winter storms often bring strong winds that can deposit debris like left over sticks and leaves into your chimney. During the warmer months, animals such as birds, bats, raccoons and squirrels may take shelter in your chimney, building nests that could block the flue. If these obstructions go unnoticed, they can increase the risk of a chimney fire when you light your first winter fire.

By having your chimney swept before the snow falls, you can ensure it’s clear of hazards and ready for use. A great reason why chimney maintenance matters.

Protecting Against Snow and Water Damage

Chimneys are built with porous materials, like concrete, that absorb moisture. As snow piles up on your roof and melts, water can make its way into your chimney, causing cracks or other damage. When temperatures drop again, the water may freeze and expand, worsening the problem. This is the freeze thaw cycle.

To prevent this, schedule a chimney sweep and inspection before the first big snowfall. A certified chimney technician can spot potential issues and help you protect your chimney from winter’s harsh elements.

Preventing Chimney Fires

If it’s been a while since your last sweep, your chimney may have a buildup of creosote—a tar-like, highly flammable residue from burning wood. When left unchecked, creosote can ignite and cause chimney fires, posing a serious danger to your home.

A chimney sweep can remove this hazardous buildup, ensuring your fireplace is ready to use throughout the winter. Especially during snowy, sub-zero nights, when a warm fire is a welcome relief, you’ll want the assurance that your chimney is functioning and ready to use.

Enjoy Winter Worry-Free Don’t wait for the first snowstorm to start preparing for winter. Scheduling a chimney inspection and sweep now can save you from costly chimney repairs and safety risks later. Be sure to contact Superior Chimney today to make your upcoming winter days cozy.

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

It’s that time of year, and many of you will be hosting Thanksgiving. If your house is like mine, everyone will gravitate to the room where the fireplace is located. Why? Who doesn’t want to sit by the fireplace and enjoy good conversation and a glass of your favorite beverage. Be sure to get your fireplace swept and inspected so your guests are not disappointed and fireplace mishaps don’t occur.

What Kind of Mishaps?

You’d be surprised how many homeowners say, “Hey, let’s start the fireplace!” and forget that lots of things can happen from the time you last started the fireplace, whether it is gas or woodburning.

1. Chimney Cap: Because the chimney is out of sight, you didn’t know that the chimney cap was loose (if you have one) and debris came in. Worse yet, you now have a critter family living in the chimney. With the weather getting cooler by the week, and snow showing up in less than a month, those little critters need a warm place to stay, and your chimney looks very enticing.
2. Chimney Creosote: This black stuff builds up on the walls of the chimney and is very combustible. This needs to be removed before lighting that fire in the fireplace.
3. Debris in the Fireplace: We many times forget that debris drops into the fireplace. This can be small pieces of leaves or other debris from the outside. These are dry and can ignite quickly causing sparks that may or may not stay within the firebox.

What Can Be Done to Ensure Mishaps Don’t Happen this Holiday Season?

Get the fireplace swept and inspected. This will be completed by our Nationally Certified chimney technicians that are specially trained to identify and repair areas that can be potentially dangerous for your home and guests.

We’ll use our specially designed 14-point certified written inspection with photo documentation. This is the best way for you to know what we’re doing and where, and you know exactly what’s going on with the exterior of the chimney. While it’s still decent outside, let’s get your fireplace swept and inspected now before the snow sets in.

Our Nationally Certified chimney technicians will go through each of the 14 points of sweeping and inspecting the areas of the chimney and fireplace. We’ll check the exterior to ensure the cap, flashing, concrete slab and tuckpointing is in good shape so water from the snow doesn’t end up inside your home.

Then, of course, the chimney flue that carries the smoke from the fireplace up and out of the home. This is vital that creosote or any other build up is swept out and ensures that the air flow is venting properly.

Finally, we’ll check the firebox and smoke chamber and ensure they are clean and ready to go.

Did you know…

That the Chimney Safety Institute recommends that your chimney and fireplace get swept and inspected at least once per year whether you use it or not? Whether its gas or woodburning? Give us a call and we’ll take you through the 14 points so you are comfortable with what we accomplish at your home during the fireplace sweep and inspection. Reach us at 877-244-6349.

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

It’s that time of year, and many of you will be hosting Thanksgiving. If your house is like mine, everyone will gravitate to the room where the fireplace is located. Why? Who doesn’t want to sit by the fireplace and enjoy good conversation and a glass of your favorite beverage. Be sure to get your fireplace swept and inspected so your guests are not disappointed and fireplace mishaps don’t occur.

What Kind of Mishaps?

You’d be surprised how many homeowners say, “Hey, let’s start the fireplace!” and forget that lots of things can happen from the time you last started the fireplace, whether it is gas or woodburning.

1. Chimney Cap: Because the chimney is out of sight, you didn’t know that the chimney cap was loose (if you have one) and debris came in. Worse yet, you now have a critter family living in the chimney. With the weather getting cooler by the week, and snow showing up in less than a month, those little critters need a warm place to stay, and your chimney looks very enticing.
2. Chimney Creosote: This black stuff builds up on the walls of the chimney and is very combustible. This needs to be removed before lighting that fire in the fireplace.
3. Debris in the Fireplace: We many times forget that debris drops into the fireplace. This can be small pieces of leaves or other debris from the outside. These are dry and can ignite quickly causing sparks that may or may not stay within the firebox.

What Can Be Done to Ensure Mishaps Don’t Happen this Holiday Season?

Get the fireplace swept and inspected. This will be completed by our Nationally Certified chimney technicians that are specially trained to identify and repair areas that can be potentially dangerous for your home and guests.

We’ll use our specially designed 14-point certified written inspection with photo documentation. This is the best way for you to know what we’re doing and where, and you know exactly what’s going on with the exterior of the chimney. While it’s still decent outside, let’s get your fireplace swept and inspected now before the snow sets in.

Our Nationally Certified chimney technicians will go through each of the 14 points of sweeping and inspecting the areas of the chimney and fireplace. We’ll check the exterior to ensure the cap, flashing, concrete slab and tuckpointing is in good shape so water from the snow doesn’t end up inside your home.

Then, of course, the chimney flue that carries the smoke from the fireplace up and out of the home. This is vital that creosote or any other build up is swept out and ensures that the air flow is venting properly.

Finally, we’ll check the firebox and smoke chamber and ensure they are clean and ready to go.

Did you know…

That the Chimney Safety Institute recommends that your chimney and fireplace get swept and inspected at least once per year whether you use it or not? Whether its gas or woodburning? Give us a call and we’ll take you through the 14 points so you are comfortable with what we accomplish at your home during the fireplace sweep and inspection. Reach us at 877-244-6349.

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

If you don’t want to hire a professional to help with chimney inspection, you must wonder whether you can inspect it yourself, right? Well, it’s possible. To help you out, here is how to go about it:

Check whether the glass is clean

You should examine the glass doors for cracks or faults, ensuring they operate smoothly and are soot-free. For peace of mind, ensure that spark screens move smoothly and are tangles-free.

Inspect the hearth

The hearth encompasses the fireplace’s floor and the area in front of it. It should be non-flammable and extend at least 16 inches from the fireplace’s front to any combustible material (carpet, wood floor, etc.).

You should clean the ashtray and vacuum the hearth. While at it, inspect the firebrick for cracks and faults on the hearth’s floor and firebox walls.

Check the flue

The flue is the route in a chimney that carries flames and smoke to the outside air.

A flue liner protects the inside of the chimney from creosote accumulation. It has a smooth, easy-to-clean surface that allows the fire to flow properly.

You should use a mirror and a light to check the chimney flue for creosote accumulation or other problems. If possible, use a snake inspection camera to look down the flue closer.

You should note that you should not use the fireplace if there is no flue. Stop and seek guidance from an expert.

Take a look at the chimney structure.

Go outdoors and evaluate the chimney structure for integrity. If you are comfortable, use a ladder to climb to the top of your roof.

You should look for missing bricks and gaps in the grout between them. Confirm that the chimney’s flashing is intact and correctly installed. You also should ensure that the chimney cap and grate are debris-free.

Also, check for black residue between the chimney bricks. If there is residue, it means that creosote is leaking through and you should fix it.

You also should check to see if your chimney sways or has a bow. If it does, it means that the chimney may be structurally unstable. In such a case, you should contact a professional to fix it.

Check the damper

Inspect the damper door, which is placed just above the firebox, with a mirror and light. Make sure it opens and closes smoothly.

You should also check for creosote buildup and, if present, devise ways to remove it.

Check for creosote buildup.

Creosote is a naturally occurring black tar-like residue of wood combustion.

Creosote can accumulate inside the flue, on the damper, or within the firebox, resulting in chimney fires.

You should carefully look at these areas, and if there is at least 1/8 inch of the creosote, plan on how to remove it as soon as possible.

Inspect the log grate.

You should ensure your fireplace has a grate to sit the logs on. You also should confirm proper airflow around the logs that allows the logs to burn efficiently.

Best practices when inspecting your chimney

As mentioned, it’s possible to inspect the chimney by yourself. For you to get ideal results, you need to consider several tips that include:

Inspect the chimney regularly

At a minimum, inspect your chimney flue at the start and conclusion of the fireplace season. Periodic inspections will reveal minor issues before they escalate into major ones.

Remember that cleaning creosote buildup or mending a crack is simpler than replacing the chimney after it collapses or catches fire.

Have the necessary tools with you

You’ll need the following tools.

Flashlight, safety glasses, and dust mask.

You will also need a drop cloth and wire brush.

Shop vacuum, ladder, and extension cord are also necessary

Know what you are looking for

It’s one thing to do the inspections at the right time and arm yourself with the right tools and a whole different game to know what you are looking for.

To be on the safe side you should know what you are looking for at all times.

The flue liner could be sheet metal, clay tiles, or cast-in-place concrete. If it’s clay or concrete, look for surface fractures. These gaps may allow exhaust gasses or sparks to escape into the structure.

If the flue liner is metal, look for evidence of warping. Look for evidence of smoke leaking through joints or liners. Creosote deposits will be found inside your chimney regardless of the material used in the construction. Creosote is a condensate formed by incomplete combustion of volatiles in smoke, and as mentioned, when you see it, you should plan how to remove it.

Creosote is highly combustible and can cause chimney fires if allowed to collect. When the creosote deposits in your flue exceed 1/8 inch in thickness, you must clean them. Smooth, black creosote is more hazardous than flaky, brown creosote. If the creosote appears puffy or rainbow-streaked, it could indicate that a chimney fire has already happened.

Inspect from all angles.

Place the drop cloth in the firepit and put on your goggles and mask before inspecting the chimney flue. Test the damper while looking up to see that it opens and closes properly. You must also inspect the chimney from above, so if it is safe, use a ladder to climb the roof.

Hire a professional

Contact licensed chimney contractors Elicott City if you cannot finish the inspection yourself or find indications of a chimney fire or cracking. The Chimney Safety Institute of America qualifies chimney sweeps to assess and manage the risks of fires, gas leaks, and structural damage.

Cracks in the flue liner may have resulted from inadequate building practices that failed to account for thermal expansion. They may also be caused by the building’s foundation shifting as it settles. Regardless, you must rebuild the chimney.

For a great experience, ensure that the professional you hire is experienced and knows what they are doing.

The post How Can I Inspect My Chimney Myself? first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

A fireplace is a beautiful, functional feature that can add warmth and charm to your home, especially during the colder months. However, like any home feature, it requires care and maintenance to ensure it remains safe and operational for many years. Regular upkeep not only extends the life of your fireplace and chimney, but it also helps prevent hazards such as chimney fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, and smoke damage. Here are some key steps you can take to extend the life of your fireplace and chimney.

1. Regular Chimney Inspections

One of the most important things you can do to extend the life of your chimney is to have it inspected regularly by a certified chimney professional. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends that chimneys be inspected at least once a year, even if you don’t use your fireplace frequently. Over time, creosote—a highly flammable substance that builds up—can accumulate in the chimney flue, posing a serious fire risk. An annual inspection can detect creosote buildup, cracks, broken flue tile, blockages, or other issues before they become major problems.  Catching these issues early on can save you time and money in the long run.

2. Clean Your Chimney

Regular cleaning is crucial to preventing creosote buildup, which can lead to dangerous chimney fires. How often your chimney needs cleaning depends on how frequently you use your fireplace. If you burn wood regularly, you should clean your chimney at least once a year. A professional chimney sweep can remove minor creosote buildup, soot, and debris from your chimney, reducing the risk of fire and improving airflow. If you miss your annual cleanings, creosote can build up and cannot be removed by a regular cleaning.  In some cases, a chemical cleaning may be necessary, which can become costly.

3. Use Seasoned Firewood

The type of wood you burn in your fireplace directly affects the condition of your chimney. Burning wet or green wood creates more smoke and moisture, which leads to a faster accumulation of creosote. Always use seasoned wood, which has been dried for at least six months. Properly seasoned wood burns cleaner and produces less smoke, reducing the risk of chimney fires and prolonging the life of your fireplace.  You can purchase a moisture meter to check the moisture level of your firewood.  If the firewood reads between 15-25% on the moisture meter, you’ve got good firewood, ready for use!

4. Install a Chimney Cap

A chimney cap is a simple but effective addition that helps protect your chimney from the elements. It prevents rain, snow, and debris from entering the chimney, which can cause rust and corrosion over time. A chimney cap also prevents animals like birds and squirrels from nesting in your flue, which could lead to dangerous blockages and a huge mess. By keeping your chimney dry and clear of debris, a chimney cap can help prolong its lifespan and improve the overall efficiency of your fireplace.

5. Check for Cracks and Leaks

Over time, the structure of your chimney can begin to degrade due to exposure to heat, moisture, and cold weather. Cracks in the chimney liner or masonry can lead to leaks, which could allow smoke and gases to seep into your home. Regularly inspect the outside of your chimney for any visible damage, such as cracks or missing mortar. If you notice any issues, it’s important to have them repaired by a certified chimney professional as soon as possible to prevent further deterioration.

6. Burn Fires Safely

When using your fireplace, always practice safe burning habits. Avoid overloading your fireplace with too much wood, as this can cause excessive heat and stress on the chimney. Never burn trash, paper, or treated wood, as these can release harmful chemicals and create dangerous buildup in the chimney. Always ensure that the fire is fully extinguished before leaving the room or going to bed.

7. Maintain Proper Ventilation

Proper ventilation is key to keeping your fireplace and chimney in good working order. Poor ventilation can lead to the buildup of harmful gases, such as carbon monoxide, inside your home. Ensure that your chimney is properly vented to allow smoke and gases to escape safely. If you have a wood-burning stove or fireplace insert, have a certified chimney professional make sure it’s connected to the chimney correctly and is venting properly.

By following these simple maintenance steps—regular inspections, proper cleaning, using seasoned firewood, installing a chimney cap, checking for cracks, and burning fires safely—you can significantly extend the life of your fireplace and chimney. Regular care not only keeps your home safe but also ensures that your fireplace continues to provide warmth and ambiance for years to come. Always consult a certified chimney professional for any repairs or concerns, as chimney maintenance is critical for both safety and longevity.

The post Extending the Life of Your Fireplace and Chimney: 7 Essential Tips for Maintenance first appeared on Southern Chimneys.

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

When it comes to managing a commercial building, there are countless maintenance tasks that demand your attention—whether it’s plumbing, HVAC systems, or the vital infrastructure that keeps your building safe and comfortable. One of the most important yet often overlooked components of a commercial property is the chimney and the chimney sweep you hire. 

At Best Chimney Services, we’re your trusted expert for proper chimney care in the Boston area. Routine and professional commercial chimney maintenance is essential for ensuring safe ventilation, avoiding costly repairs, and maintaining a healthy environment for your tenants or employees. But how do you choose the right chimney company for your commercial building? With so many options out there, it can feel overwhelming. Here are a few key factors to consider when making your decision.

1. Experience and Expertise with Commercial Properties

Chimney systems in commercial buildings are typically larger and more complex than residential systems. These systems are often designed to handle high volumes of smoke and exhaust, which means they require specialized knowledge and experience.

When choosing a chimney company, look for one that has a proven track record with commercial properties. They should be able to provide references or case studies that demonstrate their success in maintaining and servicing commercial chimneys.

2. Certification and Training

Chimney maintenance isn’t a job for just anyone. To ensure safety and compliance with local codes, it’s essential that the chimney company you hire is certified and employs technicians who are continually trained on the latest industry standards, like Best Chimney Services.

3. Comprehensive Services

Your commercial building’s chimney requires more than just routine cleaning. Regular inspections, repairs, and maintenance are all crucial to prevent potential hazards and costly shutdowns. Look for a chimney sweep company that offers a full range of services, including:

• Chimney inspections (visual, drone and video)
• Sweeping and cleaning
• Repair and restoration of masonry
• Installation of chimney liners
• Installation and maintenance of commercial venting systems

4. Reliability and Availability

Time is money, especially when it comes to commercial buildings. A delayed chimney repair or cleaning could lead to downtime, tenant complaints, or even safety hazards. That’s why you need a chimney company that is reliable, responsive, and available when you need them most.

5. Local Knowledge and Reputation

Choosing a local chimney company means you’ll be working with a team that understands the specific needs and regulations of your area. For commercial building owners in the Boston area, it’s crucial to hire a chimney service that knows the ins and outs of the city’s building codes, climate, and common chimney-related issues.

6. Safety First

Chimney maintenance is about more than just efficiency; it’s about keeping people safe. A poorly maintained chimney can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide leaks, fire hazards, or costly water damage. It’s important to choose a chimney company that takes safety seriously and follows the best practices in the industry.

Why Best Chimney Services is the Right Chimney Sweep Company for You

When you’re choosing a chimney sweep, you need a trusted expert who understands the unique needs of commercial buildings. Here’s why we’re the best choice:

• Expert Technicians: Our team is skilled, certified, and trained to handle any chimney issue with precision and care.
• Full-Service Care: From routine cleaning to complex repairs, we offer all the services you need to keep your chimney running smoothly.
• Local Knowledge: As a locally owned business, we understand Boston’s climate and building regulations, ensuring that your chimney is fully compliant.
• Unmatched Reliability: We offer flexible scheduling and emergency services to meet the needs of busy commercial building owners.
• Commitment to Safety: Our number one priority is keeping your building and its occupants safe from chimney-related risks.

Book Your Commercial Chimney Inspection with Us Today

When it comes to the maintenance of your commercial chimney, don’t settle for anything less than the best. Book your first inspection with us today to help ensure your building remains safe, efficient, and well-maintained for years to come.

The post How to Choose the Right Chimney Company for Your Commercial Building appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.