The most critical measure you can take to ensure your fireplace is safe is to schedule your annual chimney inspection and expert cleaning before you start the season’s first fire. Hiring a Certified chimney sweep ensures that your chimney, vents, and related heating appliances will be examined and cleaned according to NFPA industry standards.

It’s always wise that you hire a contractor, but if you have the skills, you can go ahead and inspect your chimney by yourself. When doing the inspection, you should focus on these:

Check the firebox

Look for cracks, gaps, or signs of wear in the firebox lining.

If the lining has deteriorated to the point where the steel body beneath it is visible, you must get it professionally repaired.

You should note that if you don’t do the replacement. the extra heat might accumulate inside your fireplace, causing lasting damage. You don’t want this, do you?

Inspect for masonry cracks.

Winter precipitation and temperatures below freezing can be severe on masonry chimneys. When the absorbed moisture in the bricks and mortar freezes, the solid ice crystals grow, causing the bricks to fracture, chip, crumble, and finally fall from the chimney.

As temperatures rise and the masonry thaws, more moisture fills the widening spaces. This freeze-thaw cycle occurs periodically during the winter season.

Because masonry damage increases the risk of fire and carbon monoxide exposure, it is critical to inspect the outside masonry on a regular basis for cracks, missing bricks, or gaps in the mortar joints. If you notice a problem, you should fix it before the next heating season.

Lookout for smoke stains

Smoke stains can indicate that your fireplace is not working properly. Stains on the ceiling could indicate smoke leaking from a breach between the hearth and the firebox. This is most likely due to the hearth settling, which is common in older homes.

When this settling occurs, sparks that fall into the gap can produce smoke, essentially acting as a secondary chimney. You’ll need a mason, a trained handyman, or a fireplace professional to repair this.

You may also see smoke stains above the fireplace opening. In this situation, the problem could be the flue damper, which is a mechanism with a hand-operated lever that allows you to control the airflow into the fireplace.

If the lever is damaged or caked with gunk, you may be unable to fully open or close the damper, allowing smoke to escape out of the fireplace. Again, a specialist can help you decide whether the mechanism is repairable or requires replacement.

Inspect the firebox

Using a flashlight, look into the fireplace and inspect the firebox for cracks, burning, or stains on the bricks. You also should examine for any moisture, clay, or masonry material on the firebox floor.

Then, with the damper open, direct your flashlight upward to inspect the flue liner for cracks, gaps, or dampness.

If you notice any moisture, cracks, stains, a white powdery substance or dark, tarry material (creosote), or a strong odor in the firebox or on the flue liner, schedule a professional chimney inspection before using the fireplace.

Ensure the grate is the right size.

When it comes to fireplace grates, bigger isn’t always better. According to the CSIA, a metal grate used to hold burning fuel should be no more than two-thirds the size of the fireplace aperture.

A large grate may tempt you to pile on too much wood, resulting in dangerously hot flames in your fireplace. If your grate is too huge, replace it with a smaller one that better suits your needs.

Confirm the chimney cap is secure.

A chimney cap is placed on top of a brick chimney to protect the flue from outside elements while releasing smoke and pollutants. If the chimney cap is damaged or missing, rainwater can enter the chimney and cause damage to the flue liner, firebox, and other components.

It can also let wildlife and debris into the chimney, causing a flue obstruction that pushes smoke, soot, and carbon monoxide gas out of the fireplace and into the living space.

You should confirm whether it’s present and secure. If not there, replace it. You should also tighten it if it is not safe enough.

Double-check the fire extinguisher.

Always keep track of where your fire extinguisher is and ensure that it is properly charged and ready to use.

It’s always wise to test the fire extinguisher and confirm that it’s in good working order. The last thing you want is to want to put off a fire and only realize that you can’t use it because it’s not working.

If you have never used a fire extinguisher, this is a good time to practice using it. You don’t want to fail to put off a fire because you don’t know how to use the extinguisher.

Test the damper

A properly functioning damper is required for a safe fireplace. When open, it permits smoke and dangerous gases to flow up the chimney and out of your home.

After the fire is completely out, close the damper to keep the colder outside air from mingling with the warmer indoor air.

The damper should open and close easily. If the damper isn’t working properly, makes noises, or there is any warping, cracking, or breaches in the airtight seal, contact a skilled chimney technician for repairs.

Parting shot

These are some of the areas you should focus on to confirm that your chimney is safe and in good working condition.

You don’t want to crawl onto your roof to see into the chimney. However, this does not mean you should ignore it. Getting your chimney inspected is one of the most critical things you can do before using your fireplace.

The biggest mistake homeowners make is to assume that their chimney is in good working order without inspecting it. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends a yearly chimney inspection Upper Marlboro by a competent specialist.

From the inspection report, you will know whether your chimney is safe for use. You will also know whether your unit needs cleaning or repair.

The post Chimney Inspection: How to Ensure Your Chimney Is Safe first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

As prices of just about everything keep going up, it’s always a good to find something that can help you save. We’re going to focus on a fireplace heat shield, which takes the heat generated from your fireplace and reflects the heat to go into your home instead of up and out of the home. By increasing the amount of heat to your home, your furnace will not turn on as much, saving on energy costs. What will that mean to you and your family expenses? Let’s first discuss what a fireplace heat shield is.

Why is a Fireplace Heat Shield Needed?

When you use your fireplace, whether it be woodburning or gas, heat is generated and the firebox temperatures can get quite high. This means that the back of the firebox goes from extreme temperatures of hot to cool or cold and back to hot again. The constant expansion and contraction causes the materials in the firebox firewalls to wear down where pieces of the backwall begin to crack and fall apart. This creates issues with the integrity of the firebox firewalls.

What Can a Heat Shield Do for Me?

Heat shields can be of big help in your home. Let’s take look at a few:

• Because the heat shield is at the back of the firebox, it reflects the heat and pushes it into your home increasing the heat by 20-40%. This in turn, keeps your home warm and reduces your heating bill.
• As we mentioned, the fireplace heat shield protects the back firewall and keeps the backwall away from the direct flame & heat. This protects the backwall from the constant erosion, thus reducing costly fireplace repairs.
• If you have a well-used, or an old fireplace, a heat shield can help to cover up old stains or ugliness of the firebox. It simply will look better.
• The fireplace heat shield will also help protect the back firewall from further deterioration which can lead to firewall compromise. All fireboxs need attention with use.  Tuckpointing around the fire-brick is a regular maintenance necessity.  If not done, or prevented with a heat reflective shield, a rebuild of the firebox firewall will be needed no time.

Fireplace heat shields are a great addition to your home this Fall and Winter season. The investment in it today will help to lower your heating bills with more heat going into your home instead of out. This can save you hundreds of dollars, money that you want to save or use to purchase the essentials for your family. Give us a call today to begin the chimney inspection process and install a fireplace heat shield. It’s vital to keep your family warm and safe this season. Contact us today at 877-244-6349.

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

Did you know that selling your home requires a Level II chimney inspection to be completed? It’s true! Per the National Fire Protection Association NFPA 211, a chimney inspection must be done prior to the transfer of property. It does make sense since the chimney can be used for heat in the fireplace whether it be woodburning or gas and the chimney is also used to release toxic fumes from the Furnace or boiler and water heater appliances. If you think about it, do you want to purchase potential issues that can cost you lots of unnecessary expenses? Probably not.

What Needs to be Completed for an NFPA 211?

When it comes to general home inspectors that come out to the home, they are to “inspect” the chimney and fireplace. However, general home inspectors are not credentialed in this area. Those that work with and inspect chimneys should be CSIA certified (Chimney Safety Institute of America) in order to know what exactly they are looking at and looking for. Few, if any, general home inspectors have this certification. Remember, the chimney system includes more than just the fireplace. It can also include the wood stove, pellet stove, furnace or boiler and water heater. This is why it is critical to have it professionally checked as gasses, such as carbon monoxide, can result in an unsafe environment and bring costly repairs.

Do I Only Need Inspections when Selling the Home?

No, regardless of if you use your fireplace or not, use gas versus woodburning, the NFPA 211 says, “Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Chimney cleanings, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary.” This is for your protection of the home and family.  Especially for those, like us, that live in a geographic freeze thaw cycle (winter).

What’s Involved in a Chimney Inspection?

There are three levels to a chimney inspection.

Level 1: This is the most popular chimney inspection done in homes. If your appliance or your venting system has not changed and you plan to use your system as you have in the past, then a Level 1 inspection is a minimum requirement. A Level 1 inspection is for a chimney under continued service, under the same conditions, and with the continued use of the same appliance. In a Level 1 inspection, readily accessible** portions of the chimney exterior, interior and accessible* portions of the appliance and the chimney connection will be looked at. Your technician will be looking for the basic soundness of the chimney structure and flue as well as the basic appliance installation and connections. Contact us to get a level 1 inspection today.

Level 2: A level 2 inspection is required when selling a property. A Level 2 inspection is required when any changes are made to the system. Changes can include a change in the fuel type, changes to the shape of, or material in, the flue (i.e. relining), or the replacement or addition of an appliance of a dissimilar type, input rating or efficiency. Additionally, a Level 2 inspection is required upon the sale or transfer of a property or after an operation malfunction or external event that is likely to have caused damage to the chimney. Building fires, chimney fires, seismic events as well as weather events (tornado) are all indicators that this level of inspection is warranted. A Level 2 inspection is a more in-depth inspection than a Level 1 inspection.  A Level 2 inspection includes everything in a Level 1 inspection.  It will address proper clearances from combustibles in accessible locations.  There are no specialty tools (i.e. demolition equipment) required to open doors, panels or coverings in performing a Level 2 inspection. No removal or destruction of permanently attached portions of the chimney or building structure or finish shall be required by a Level 2 inspection.  Contact Superior Chimney if you are moving or have recently moved into a new home or townhome with a fireplace. Get it swept and inspected to ensure your home is in good working order.

Level 3: A level 3 inspection is necessary when a hazard may be present and concealed areas need to be reached. A Level 3 inspection includes all the areas and items in a Level 1 and a Level 2 inspection, as well as the removal of certain components of the building or chimney where necessary. Removal of components (i.e., chimney crown, interior chimney wall, siding, etc.) shall be required only when necessary to gain access to areas that are the subject of the inspection. When serious hazards are suspected, a Level 3 inspection may well be required to determine the condition of the chimney system.  Hopefully, you will never need this level of inspection. But it is good to know that Superior Chimney certified technicians can handle the severity of a level 3.

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

Here we are again, on the cusp of Pumpkin Spice season with cooler mornings leading to warm afternoons. As we move through this summer season, we’ve noticed a recurring trend of advanced chemical cleanings needed more frequently rather than your standard sweepings.

Many of our customers, even those who have kept up with their annual chimney sweepings, are experiencing unprecedented creosote buildup.

This alarming trend highlights the need for greater awareness of how creosote forms and why regular chimney maintenance is essential—even if you’re not a heavy fireplace user.

How Creosote is Formed

Creosote accumulates in your chimney due to a combination of three key factors: time, temperature, and turbulence (the Three Ts).

Time

This year, the warmer winter has played a significant role in how creosote is formed.  An updraft is created by the temperature differential between cold outside air and warm flue temperature.  When the temperature difference is marginal, the draft is negatively affected.   The slow draw increases the residence time of the smoke, leading to more creosote deposits forming on the internal flue walls.

Temperature

Long burn smoldering fires produce a lot of creosote, while small hot fires result in the most efficient burn.  In the past, slow burn fires were common with the method referred to “dampering down”.  This has since been refuted and is no longer viewed as an acceptable practice due to the increased risk in chimney fires.

Turbulence

The more offsets or bends a venting system has, the more resistance to flow there is.  Friction will always exist between moving flue gases and the passageway, but the more obstacles there are to maneuver, the longer the residence time.

Why Sweepings Are Crucial

Because there are so many factors that contribute to creosote buildup, even if you don’t use your fireplace frequently, you can still develop enough creosote to pose a serious fire hazard. Regular inspections and sweepings help mitigate the risk and ensures your chimney operates safely and efficiently.

Addressing Moisture Concerns in Firewood

When we find excessive creosote, one of the first concerns we address with homeowners is the moisture content of their firewood. Ideally, firewood should have a moisture reading of 15% or lower. However, many people are unaware that moisture readings taken from the surface of the wood can be misleading. It’s crucial to split the wood and measure the internal moisture, as we’ve found that even firewood advertised as “low moisture” can have internal readings of 25% or more.

By staying informed and proactive, you can keep your chimney safe and your home warm and cozy throughout the year. If you haven’t scheduled your annual sweeping or are concerned about creosote buildup, now is the time to act.

The post Don’t Ignore This Summer Chimney Warning: The Surprising Cause of Creosote Buildup appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

As the seasons change and the chill of autumn approaches, many homeowners start to think about preparing their homes for the colder months. One crucial aspect of this preparation is ensuring that your fireplace and chimney are in good working order. Scheduling a cleaning and inspection during the spring or summer months is a strategic choice that can set you up for a safe and cozy winter. Here’s why this timing is optimal, how often you should have your fireplace and chimney serviced, and the importance of hiring a certified chimney professional.

Why Spring to Fall is the Best Time

The primary advantage of scheduling your fireplace and chimney maintenance between spring and fall is preparation. By addressing any potential issues during these warmer months, you ensure that your fireplace is ready for use when the first cold snap arrives. Waiting until winter to schedule a service can be risky—if your fireplace or chimney needs repairs or a thorough cleaning, you might face delays and uncomfortable waiting times. By proactively scheduling in the off-season, you avoid the winter rush and guarantee that everything will be in top shape for the colder weather.

Additionally, chimney companies experience lower demand in the spring and summer. Many homeowners neglect to schedule maintenance until they need to use their fireplace, creating a peak season for chimney services in the fall and early winter. By booking your appointment in the spring or summer, you benefit from more flexible scheduling options and less waiting time. This ensures you have ample opportunity to address any issues thoroughly and at your convenience.

How Often Should You Have Your Fireplace and Chimney Inspected and Cleaned?

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), it is essential to have your fireplace and chimney inspected and cleaned at least once a year. This annual inspection and cleaning is crucial for identifying any potential hazards, such as creosote buildup, blockages, leaks (water or even gas) or structural issues that could pose safety risks. Creosote, a byproduct of burning wood, can accumulate on the interior walls of the chimney and is highly flammable. Regular inspections help prevent dangerous chimney fires by ensuring that any dangerous buildup is removed.

The NFPA also recommends that chimneys be cleaned if there is a buildup of more than 1/8 inch of creosote or if the inspection reveals a significant amount of debris. This is especially important if you use your fireplace frequently or burn unseasoned wood, which can lead to increased creosote accumulation.

The Importance of Hiring a Certified Chimney Sweep

When it comes to maintaining your fireplace and chimney, it’s crucial to hire a certified professional. Certified chimney sweeps have undergone rigorous training and have the expertise needed to conduct thorough inspections and cleanings. They are knowledgeable about the latest safety standards and best practices, ensuring that your chimney is serviced correctly.

Certifications from organizations such as the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) or the National Fireplace Institute (NFI) are indicators of a professional’s credibility and skill. A certified chimney sweep will not only perform a detailed inspection and cleaning but also provide valuable advice on how to maintain your fireplace throughout the year.

In conclusion, scheduling your fireplace and chimney maintenance from spring to fall is a proactive way to ensure you’re prepared for the colder months. By taking advantage of the off-season for scheduling, you avoid the winter rush and have ample time to address any issues. Remember to adhere to the NFPA’s recommendations for annual inspections and cleanings, and always hire a certified professional to ensure the safety and efficiency of your fireplace. Preparing ahead of time will help you enjoy a safe, warm, and cozy winter season.

The post Beat the Winter Rush: Tips on When to Schedule Your Fireplace and Chimney Cleaning first appeared on Southern Chimneys.

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

Maintaining the safety and efficiency of your commercial property is crucial. One component that is often overlooked, but is no less critical, is the condition of your chimney. A well-maintained chimney that is swept regularly is essential to preventing potential hazards and ensuring compliance with local regulations. But how often should you book your commercial chimney maintenance?

At Best Chimney Services, your commercial chimney’s condition is our top priority. Our team of chimney technicians is dedicated to offering knowledgeable, tailored commercial chimney services that’ll fit your chimney’s needs. If you can’t remember the last time you got a commercial chimney inspected, then it’s most likely time to book one. Schedule an evaluation with us today, or learn about how often you should book one, below.

Understanding the Importance of Regular Chimney Maintenance

Commercial chimneys experience more frequent use compared to residential ones, especially if your business involves cooking, heating, or industrial processes. Regular maintenance is crucial to remove creosote buildup, soot, and debris that can lead to dangerous venting issues and inefficient operation. A maintained stack ensures better airflow, reduces the risk of carbon monoxide and gas leakage, and prolongs the lifespan of your chimney and associated systems.

How Often Should You Book a Commercial Chimney Inspection?

Well, it depends… At a minimum, a commercial chimney should be inspected at least once a year. However, if the chimney is being used frequently because it’s helping to operate a restaurant, cafe, or manufacturing facility, for instance, then it’ll require sweeping every 3-6 months to manage excessive use. It is also possible that there are local regulations in your town/city required by your fire department or building codes. Make sure to check those regulations in case they differ from your equipment manufacturer.

Signs that Your Chimney Needs Service Before its Annual Appointment

There are some evident signs to look out for that will let you know you need a commercial chimney sweeping as soon as possible, including:

Increased Smoke back into Building

If you begin to notice smoke backing up into your commercial building or surrounding areas, it could be a sign that there is something obstructing or partially blocking the chimney. Book a commercial evaluation to check for blockages within the structure.

Dark Smoke Exiting the Stack

When the steam or smoke changes from light to dark, it is a clear and obvious sign of a venting issue.  During an evaluation, our chimney technicians will be checking for creosote buildup, animal intrusions and the integrity of the interior flue walls within the chimney structure and corresponding areas.  A chimney inspection is imperative to help reduce puff backs, carbon monoxide spillage and heat/hot water shut downs in the future.  

Heating Equipment Problems

Having an issue with heating equipment within a boiler room?  It’s not necessarily a boiler malfunction, but could be a venting issue.  It doesn’t matter if the heating equipment is new or old, venting issues cause interruptions with providing heat/hot water, and overfiring creating costly fuel consumption. 

Find a Professional 

To ensure your chimney stack is compliant with industry standards, it’s best to hire a certified chimney technician. Look for professionals with industry certifications and good reviews. Schedule regular inspections in advance so that you don’t risk the chance of forgetting.

Call Best Chimney Services for Your Commercial Chimney Sweeping 

Investing in regular chimney maintenance is vital to keeping your chimney, and your building, in safe working condition. Booking regular inspections, at least once a year, will help you maintain its condition and avoid unsafe, costly problems. If you’re unsure how well your chimney is operating and how much creosote could be building up, give us a call today and we’ll make sure you’re getting the regular maintenance it deserves.

The post How Often Should You Book Your Commercial Chimney Inspected? appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

A chimney chase cover is a vital component of your chimney system that often goes unnoticed, despite playing a critical role in the safety of your home. Understanding what a chimney chase cover does and how to ensure it’s in proper condition can help you avoid costly and dangerous problems.

At Best Chimney Services, we are dedicated to keeping our customers’ chimneys in the best condition possible. We offer a range of residential and commercial chimney services in the Boston area to provide clients with knowledgeable and reliable services they can consistently count on. Schedule an appointment with us today if you need a chase cover installed. In the meantime, learn about the importance of your chimney chase.

Let’s Start at the Basics – What is a Chimney Chase?

A chimney chase is a framed structure that encloses a chimney stack, which is typically made from metal. It serves as a protective surrounding for the stack, shielding it from the outside elements like branches and bird nests, while also enhancing the appearance of your home. Chimney chases are often constructed from materials like wood, vinyl, or metal, and they can be designed to match the exterior of your home, making them an integral part of your house’s design.

The Importance of a Chimney Chase Cover

Protects from Outside Elements

The chase cover sits on top of a chimney chase and is designed to protect the chase from outside elements.   Without a chase cover, rain, snow, and debris can easily enter the chimney, leading to moisture buildup, rust, and deterioration. Over time, this can compromise the structural integrity of the chimney stack(s) and pose safety risks. This way, you can also extend the life of your chimney by preventing any damage.

Prevention of Water Damage

Water damage is the number one enemy of chimneys that you want to avoid. A properly installed cover acts as a shield, preventing water from seeping into the chimney and causing issues like mold growth, rot, and even cracks in the building materials. This not only protects the chimney but also prevents potential water damage to the interior of your home.

Adds Curb Appeal

Surprisingly a chimney chase cover also adds to the curb appeal of your home. It attractively transitions the chimney chase to the chimney stack(s) while offering support for the structures.  Modern chase covers are custom made in stainless steel so no more rusting or unsightly gaps between the structure and the cover.  They can also be customized to any color to complement the design of your home’s exterior and enhance the overall look of your property.

When Does Your Chimney Chase Cover Need to be Replaced?

Older chimney chases were made of subpar materials and can deteriorate over time, especially being exposed to New England weather. Some of the signs of needed replacement to look out for are if your chimney chase is rusting or corroding, there are water stains on walls near the chimney, there are loose or missing parts on the structure or cracks in the cover. Make sure to promptly replace your chimney cover to avoid these problems from growing. 

Call Best Chimney Services to Replace Your Chimney Chase

By understanding the importance of maintaining the components of your chimney, you can avoid costly repairs and extend the life of your chimney. If you’re unsure if your chase cover needs to be replaced, don’t hesitate to give us a call, we’d love to help!

The post What is a Chimney Chase Cover and Why is it Important? appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Chimney liners are an investment. No doubt. And most homeowners are willing to forego using their fireplace so they don’t need to pay for a new chimney liner. It’s a bit more complicated than that. Let’s talk about what a chimney liner is, how to know if you need one and what are some of the necessary benefits that a proper chimney liner offers. Ready?

What is a Chimney Liner?

A chimney liner is your firewall.  The chimney liner goes inside of the chimney flue which is the passageway from your fireplace to the outside. The chimney liner allows the smoke and other gasses to travel safely through the chimney and release to the outside. The chimney liner also protects the walls of the chimney and other parts of the chimney.

How Do I Know if I Need a New Chimney Liner?

One of the basic ways to know if you need a chimney liner is if you don’t have one! Amazingly, many of the old homes in the Chicago and Chicagoland area did not come built with a chimney liner like the new homes do today. The unlined chimney’s break down the mortar causing the mortar and brick pieces to fall into the firebox. If you see pieces of brick and/or mortar, then you definitely need to call Superior Chimney professionals to inspect what is going on.

In addition, an unlined chimney can release carbon monoxide into the home causing harm to you and your family’s health. As we discussed in the previous paragraph, missing mortar can be dangerous. If the mortar is missing and continues to deteriorate, the fire can quickly spread to your home.

Let’s also remember that appliances in your home also uses a chimney flue to allow gasses to escape. This critical path allows the gasses to be removed from your home safely. If not, you can expect your carbon monoxide alarm to sound and people in your home to not feel so good.

Are there Benefits to a Chimney Liner?

There are numerous benefits that a chimney liner provides to your home.

• Embers – A chimney liner prevents hot embers from entering open spots in the masonry and combusting. In other words, starting a fire.
• Carbon Monoxide – As we discussed above, the smoke & carbon monoxide is pulled from your fireplace, travels up through the firewall/liner and out of the home.
• Fireplace Can Get too Hot! – You would never think a fireplace can get too hot. It can. The chimney liner works to draft properly and keep the heat under control, otherwise it can overheat causing other serious issues.
• Chemicals – Chimney liners prevent chemicals/byproducts that are generated from the fire in the fireplace from absorbing into the masonry chimney construction –This keeps your fire from harming you and your family.

Chimney Inspection

As part of your 14-point chimney inspection by Superior Chimney, your chimney liner will be fully inspected by a certified technician. Every aspect of the firebox, the chimney flue to the exterior of the chimney is fully checked for any issues that can cause your home any harm. Because it’s either tight or difficult to reach / see, we take plenty of pictures to show you what is going on in and around your chimney. We believe that understanding what it means to have a healthy chimney, helps to keep your home safe and secure. Contact us today at 877-244-6349

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

As bad rains continue throughout the Chicagoland area, we are always wondering what is going to flood next. We think about our basement (if you have one) and what may be affected by the seeping water. We constantly check that and other points in our home that we can readily see. But what about the parts that are not visible from the ground? Like the chimney. We may be able to see the bricks from the ground, meaning the four sides of the chimney. But what about the top of the chimney or what sits on top of the bricks? Let’s talk about each one of those and what can go on without you knowing it.

What is a Chimney Crown?

A chimney crown is the slab of concrete that sits on top of the bricks or stone. It can take on various shapes such as a flat rectangle or even an angled slope that can average many inches. The use of the chimney crown is to cover the chimney and protect the bricks or stone from the weather elements. It also works to divert water away from the chimney. With this big job of being constantly battered by the weather elements and debris hitting it, it does face issues of its own.

Chimney crowns are generally made of concrete. Some can be crafted from metal or stone. All of these materials can and do deteriorate over time. Concrete is a porous material, and over time, cracks will form. These cracks start small like hairline cracks and grow in size. The bigger the size crack, the more water or bugs can enter. But don’t be fooled. Hairline cracks can let water in as well causing as much trouble in the house as bigger cracks. They are just easier to find on the chimney crown.

The best remedy for a chimney crown to maintain its effectiveness is to use a crown coat by Superior Chimney. The crown coat seals the cement including any cracks in the chimney crown to slow down further deterioration. Now you really don’t need to think about the chimney crown if you have this sealed and waterproofed. One thing off the worry list.

Chimney Cap

We’ve discussed plenty about chimney caps. However, why do so many homes still not have a chimney cap. This simple steel structure sits on top of the chimney crown protecting from the entry of debris, weather and animals looking for shelter. Some are simple in design; some are more ornate in nature.

Chimney caps can be made from galvanized steel, aluminum, stainless steel, and even copper. But remember, copper doesn’t always remain with the original copper look. It changes color from the outside elements.

Chimney caps are a necessity for the chimney top. First, it must be tightly secured to the chimney. Standing up there with the wind, rain and branches sometimes brushing up against it, it must stay in place all the time. What happens if it does not? Yes, it can fall off, animals can then crawl in, debris will get in and rain / snow will be able to enter as well. As all are important to keep out, damage is done by all of those who enter.

Chimney Inspection Solves All the Problems

It’s best to get a chimney inspection by Superior Chimney as everything is checked to ensure nothing comes in to your home. Our 14 point inspection of the inside and outside of the chimney will ensure everything is safe and in working order. Contact us today at 877-244-6349

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

We are coming to an end of summer. This is when our weather begins to change and our focus turns to a nice fire in the fireplace. Did you know that most tuckpointing repairs are done during warm weather? Meaning spring, summer and fall. This is important as the mortar needs to fully dry and winter or cold weather isn’t supportive of drying mortar during a chimney repair.

Why is this a Good Picture of Tuckpointing Bricks on the Chimney?

When you take a look at the picture, you can visibly see solid bricks with mortar and no spaces or gaps in between. This means that bugs, water, snow or anything else small cannot get in between the bricks and help the deterioration process go faster. Sometimes when we want to do this ourselves, the result isn’t nearly as pretty as when professionally done. Many individuals look at this picture and says, “yes, I can do this!” But when you do try it…and you only get one try…it doesn’t come out as nice.

Professional chimney repair specialists make the job look easy. That’s because they are trained and experienced in doing this many many times which makes them like an artist. Only a specialist can mix mortar to a perfect consistency, place it between two bricks and make it look like this! It is a talent, so just use a professional from Superior Chimney. Remember, bricks are heavy. Bricks (or even stone) are placed one on top of the other with mortar mixture creating a suction bond in between them.

Let’s Talk Tuckpointing and Bricks

There’s a good reason why masonry is an art. You’ve got to know your bricks, mortar and the tools used to make the art of brick and mortar come alive.

• Mortar at the local hardware store is a more modern, heavier mortar. That’s because the bricks that are produced today are much harder thus needing a more modern mortar. If you have an older home, the bricks are much lighter. A do it yourself project can damage your old bricks and cause them to crack making additional repairs and cost of brick replacement and possibly water leaks.
• It is also critical that before the mortar repair project begins on your chimney, that the situation be fully checked to ensure the problem will be solved. Is there other loose mortar? Are there potential leaks anywhere else on the chimney? Are any of the bricks chipping, spalling, pieces falling off? These are key areas that need to be addressed prior to the repair starting.

Chimney Saver

One way to keep this good look of tuckpointing bricks on the chimney is by waterproofing it. Superior Chimney uses Chimney Saver, a waterproofing agent that seeps deep into the porous brick and mortar. This keeps the weather elements out and protects the home. The Chimney Saver solution works for a period of 8 to 10 years. What you are seeing in this picture is the result of the first 8 years. A new application has been placed on the brick and mortar again to maintain the good work of Superior Chimney from 8 years prior.

Contact us today at 877-244-6349 to get tuckpointing bricks on the chimney done on your home.

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