We’re entering the season of cozying up inside and gathering by the fireplace to enjoy the fall. To make the most of the season, we want to share some fall decor inspiration to maximize the beauty and value of your fireplace and mantel area.

Before you dive into fall decorations, make sure your fireplace is safe by scheduling your annual chimney inspection. Now, here are some of our favorite fall chimney decor ideas.

Spooky

If the first smell of fall air means all things Halloween for you, then this simple and festive mantel decor by Shelterness screams your name! If it’s fall, then Halloween is always in style – just like pumpkins, bats, ghosts, and ghouls serving as fall decor staples around your fireplace.

Seasonal Chic

This fall decor by Texas Princess is a way to remember all of your favorite things about the season. A simple, word decoration and a few pumpkins are all you need to create a cozy fall space. Simple hues of orange and cream to create a trendy fall dream!

Simple Tones

If you like fall, but don’t love an orange theme for your fall decor, this simple toned mantel decor by Grace In My Space could serve as your inspiration. You may not want your fall decor to include bright orange hues in leaves and pumpkins, but there are ways to show your appreciation of fall without needing to rely on the traditional fall color scheme. 

These are just a few examples of common fall fireplace decor, but there are many more out there! Don’t be afraid to show your seasonal personality through your mantel decor. Just make sure your chimney is safe before lighting any fires!

The post Fall Chimney Decor Ideas appeared first on Boston’s Best Chimney.

Fall is here, which means that it is time to make sure that your home is prepared for the cold winter months ahead. Though winter does not begin until late December, you will likely want to use your heat and chimney long before then. That is why today we will discuss why it is important to check your chimney this fall before turning on the heat. 

Why You Should Check Your Chimney Before Turning on Your Heat

There are several compelling reasons why you should check your chimney before turning on the heat this year. 

Deal with Animal Nesting

Animals may have nested in your chimney during the spring and summer months. If your chimney smelled during the warm weather months, this is one of several signs that animals are hiding in your chimney. This is even possible if you have a chimney cap. Removing nests before using your chimney is an important safety measure to take because a blocked chimney increases the risk of CO poisoning in your home. 

Clear Out Debris

Debris often builds up in chimneys during the off season, especially since the world is in bloom during the spring and summer. As with nesting, debris build up in your chimney becomes dangerous when it is blocking the chimney passageway because it can cause CO to build up and enter your home. 

Remember to Get An Annual Inspection

The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends having your chimney inspected annually and swept annually or as needed. Since you need an annual inspection anyway, it is efficient to have this done before turning on your heat to prevent the issues that we have already discussed from happening. Read our blog about what’s involved in a chimney inspection if you would like to learn more about what to expect. 

Do You Have a Chimney Cap?

Having a chimney cap is highly recommended! Besides helping to keep animals out of your chimney, they also prevent water from entering your house and act as a spark arrestor. A home with a chimney cap is much less likely to have issues with critters, but all chimney owners should still be aware of the possibility of nesting in their chimneys. After all, the chimney cap mesh requirement in Massachusetts is ¾ inch. Though most critters can’t get through this small of a space, some still manage to enter chimneys through chimney caps. 

The post Check Your Chimney Before Turning On Your Heat appeared first on Boston’s Best Chimney.

With the warm temperatures we experienced this week, it’s hard to imagine the cooler chills creeping in this weekend. Over the summer months, we enjoyed the silence of the fireplace, just admiring its stillness and patience…until we meet again. As the Fall temperatures begin to insert itself more and more, there is a glimmer of life coming to that box space.

Fireplace Cleaning

It’s probably because we enjoy the warmth and comfort that a fire brings into the home that we care so much about the fireplace. To keep that feeling alive in a safe way for yourself, family and friends, its best to get the fireplace swept and inspected. Getting a fireplace swept and inspected doesn’t mean it’s only for those who have a wood burning fireplace, it means gas fireplaces and those non-used fireplaces as well.

It’s Not Just a Pretty Face

Fireplaces are a central point of interest in our homes. They usually have a sense of style, such as traditional with bricks or the contemporary with a white, smooth mantel. However, it gets dressed up and then decorated for the holidays, the real work is on the inside. Let’s take a look.

• Appliances Use the Chimney for Exhaust Venting. Both gas or oiled fueled appliances such as a furnace relies on the chimney to properly vent any type of harmful byproducts. This is critical to keep anything living in the household safe from toxic gases.
• As the Chimney Exhales, It Also Inhales Fresh Air. The fresh air provides the best mixture of air and fuel to keep the appliances working properly.
• Higher Efficiency Gas Furnaces are Special. The fumes that are produced by a higher efficiency gas furnace are cooler and contain water vapor, which causes more condensation to form than the older furnaces. As a result, the furnace can have a more corrosive behavior and needs to use the chimney. But if the chimney doesn’t have a chimney liner, then the result can be a blocked chimney. Yes, that means all of those toxins remain in the home.

So now you know that if you use your fireplace or not, it needs to be swept and inspected each year to ensure proper working order. You can also take a look at the CSIA, or the Chimney Safety Institute of America for more information.

14-Point Certified Chimney Inspection

A 14-point certified chimney inspection is a checklist that tells you the condition of the fireplace and chimney from last season’s freeze and thaw cycle. When the certified chimney technician comes to your home, he has a routine to follow to ensure all steps are taken thoroughly and completely. You will get the results of your sweep and inspection along with pictures to ensure you are ‘in the know’.

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

If you’re like most homeowners that have a chimney, you probably don’t give it much thought. However, because your chimney and its components are exposed to high temperatures and extreme weather, it’s only a matter of time before minor damage becomes a major headache. Your chimney crown is a crucial component prone to damage, and in this post, we look at what a crown is for, how it gets damaged, and what you can do about it.

What is a Chimney Crown?

The chimney crown is a concrete, stone slab, or metal piece that sits atop the chimney’s opening. It protects the chimney from water damage by directing water away from it as gutters do for your roof. However, because most chimney crowns are made from concrete or stone, they’re prone to wear and tear and water damage.

Causes of Chimney Crown Damage

Like the other chimney components, the crown is subject to damage, so scheduling a professional inspection at least once a year is crucial. The most common causes of crown damage are:

Wear & Tear

When the contractor installed the crown, they likely coated it with a waterproof sealer. However, this sealer only lasts a few years; once it wears out, water will soak into the masonry and freeze, causing cracks.

After a few seasons of freeze/thaw cycles, the cracks get bigger, and the crown eventually falls apart.

Poor Construction

Let’s face it: a contractor is like every other profession; you have highly skilled people and some who barely get by. If a competent contractor doesn’t install your chimney crown, it can break down sooner than expected.

Soil Shifting

If the soil under your home’s foundation shifts, it can skew your chimney, causing structural damage, including the crown. The problem with damage to the crown is that it’s difficult to see from the ground. And since many people don’t schedule routine chimney inspection and maintenance, the damage worsens yearly until the homeowner faces a significant, expensive repair.

Chimney Crown Repair

Depending on the damage level, chimney service companies have options to fix your crown without resorting to a complete rebuild (although that may be necessary in extreme cases). The first option is to reseal it. Resealing is recommended if the crown is intact and the only damage is minor cracks. Adding sealer prevents more water from seeping in and causing problems. If the crown has more profound, more extensive cracking, your chimney service company may opt to fill the cracks with cement and reapply the waterproof sealant.
Finally, if the crown is missing pieces or the walls between the flue are exposed, you need a complete crown rebuild.

How to Protect Your Chimney Crown

A well-built, waterproofed chimney crown should last up to ten years. However, it’s wise to take every precaution and protect it to get the most use out of it and keep expensive repairs at bay. Here are some tips for keeping your crown in good shape.

Reapply the Sealant

As mentioned, most contractors apply a waterproof sealant to your chimney crown when it’s installed. However, this sealant wears out when exposed to extreme weather and hot temperatures. It’s wise to reapply the sealant every eight to ten years to protect
the crown well.

Schedule Annual Inspection

Too many people put off chimney cleaning and inspection until “next season.” However, after three, four, or five seasons when they finally get around to it, they’re shocked by how much repair work needs to be done. Because your chimney is exposed to harsh weather and freezing temperatures, it’s prudent to schedule an annual inspection and maintenance. Regular maintenance allows you to fix minor issues before they turn into major expenses down the road. With a little forethought, you can ensure your chimney crown and the rest of its components stay in good condition for the life of your home.

We’re the only chimney service company you’ll ever need because we do it all, including:

● Chimney Repairs
● Chimney Rebuilding
● Chimney Inspection
● Real Estate & Insurance Claims
● Fireplace Installation
● Fireplace & Stove Cleaning
● Dryer Vent Service
● Fireplace Inserts
● And More!

The post How to Repair Chimney Crown Damage appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

The majority of people are going to list a chimney fire as the biggest chimney threat in the community. Nothing is more damaging to a chimney than prolonged exposure to water. Since chimneys are placed on top of your home, shielding chimneys from water, snow, and rain is almost impossible.

Anyone who has had home improvement projects is aware that when there is water exposure, there is a problem. Homes are constructed from top to bottom that have water-proofing measures. A lot of basements are waterproofed, gutter systems can channel rainfall and water runoff away from any foundation. Awnings protect windows, white walls, and floors are sealed shut to prevent water damage. You can contact chimney inspection if you see the following issues:

Cracked Masonry

Chimney cracks are very common. Most chimney risks can be often but they are normally forgotten.

The good thing is that this is not the case for cracked masonry, which is normally the most expensive repair to ever happen. You can easily notice cracks in the chimney masonry which is the first place you should be looking if you developed a leak.

The masonry project repairs vary depending on how much time it takes for it to be noticed. One small crack turns into a crumbling decay if it is not maintained properly.

Flue Lining

The flue lining is an important part of your chimney, which is responsible for any draft that pulls the toxic and dangerous combustion byproducts that are produced by fire from outside. Flue linings are made using metal or clay, both of them will deteriorate if they are exposed to water damage.

Similar to the chimney’s interior masonry, flue liner damage can become undetected without a chimney inspection done yearly. If you do not have a flue duct that works properly, you will find yourself having a hard time getting your fire going and you will notice that the smoke is not outside your house.

There are Unknown Leaks

It is not surprising to a lot of projects arise after buying a home. However, that does not mean you can do everything yourself through leaks you do not know.

Other leaks do not have to come from the chimney so it can grow towards your chimney. Water is a fussy thing with building materials and if you combine that with freezing temperatures, it will not be fun.

Any size of the project can always be fixed. If there is unknown leakage, you would just have to ride it out until you can easily identify the leaks. Again, the yearly inspections are helpful in finding and eliminating problem areas before you would have to pay for a total restoration.

Siding is Warped

If there are wooden sidings in your home and your chimney is leaking with a water problem, you will see that siding is going to become warped over time if not addressed. The prolonged neglect and exposure o water down your chimney will slowly erode your siding’s integrity, which deforms it in the process.

Replacing the wooden siding is very expensive, so you have to be sure about having your chimney inspected every year so you can keep water from damaging it.

Condensation

If you lived through summer in some hot states, you know that it can be extremely uncomfortable. This is a dramatic change in heat difference which helps spot water damage in any chimney. The brick and mortar will exhibit signs of “sweating” that impact the brickwork throughout your entire home.

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

As Midwest temperatures drop and fuel costs rise, you should consider the value and benefits of a new manufactured wood-burning fireplace, fireplace insert or heating stove. Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace of Kansas City, KS, installs superior heating appliances throughout the Kansas City region. Here’s what you can expect with one of these efficient units.

Manufactured wood fireplaces 

A new wood fireplace will give you all the beauty of a traditional masonry fireplace along with some wonderful benefits. Masonry fireplaces are notorious for wasting heat, sending as much as 90% of their warmth right up the chimney. Not so with a manufactured wood-burning fireplace. Models available from the leading names in the hearth industry conserve 75% or more of their heat through a specially designed closed system. This means that far more of the wood fuel you purchase will become actual heat for your home.

Wood-burning fireplace inserts

Fireplace inserts are like fireplaces in a box, built ready to be placed into the firebox of your existing masonry fireplace. As with manufactured fireplaces (which can be installed safely in most walls in your home), fireplace inserts hold on to the majority of their heat. Inserts use their own dedicated vent pipe, which extends up your existing chimney. No construction or modification is necessary. As to looks, you’ll find a pleasing variety of shapes, colors and finishes to perfectly accent your home’s décor.

Free-standing wood stoves

Today’s wood stoves are a far cry from the old-fashioned wood stoves you may have seen in years past. Modern stoves are made for performance and beauty. Wood heating stoves, like the other appliances we’re looking at here, retain most of their heat to keep your room warm and comfortable during even the most challenging winters. With its own vent system, you can have your new stove installed virtually anywhere you choose inside your home.

Selecting the ideal appliance 

The Fluesbrothers team will help you decide on the perfect new fireplace, insert or stove, based on the size of your home, your heating requirements, decorative tastes and budget. We’ll go over the many design styles available and talk with you about using, cleaning and maintaining the stove or fireplace you like best.

Installation

When you’ve decided on the perfect appliance, our crew will install it for you and make sure that everything works as it should.  We’ll even walk you through the use of your appliance so you’ll know how to access all of its functions and features. Our installations meet all local fire safety and building codes and will be done right the first time.

Cut Your Heating Expenses With a New Stove or Fireplace

If you’re tired of rising heating bills, now is the time to inquire about a new wood-burning fireplace, fireplace insert or heating stove.

The post Wood Fireplace or Stove Combats Heating Costs appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

Cooler weather is quickly approaching. Soon, you’ll be thinking of cozy winter nights in front of a warm fire. Before you light a fire for the first time this season, however, you’ll need to take care of some gas fireplace maintenance tasks. Fall is the perfect time to do so since the system hasn’t been in use since the spring. Here are the top things we recommend to all Northeastern Chimney customers to keep in mind as you get your fireplace ready for the winter and fall seasons.

First, there are several areas to inspect

Your fireplace consists of several components. Gas fireplace maintenance is similar, yet slightly different, from those homeowners who have a wood-burning system. Both types have a chimney and firebox and those areas should be on top of your inspection checklist. Even though gas fireplace systems lack creosote danger, the brick and mortar of your system can still crack and deteriorate from being exposed to the elements. In addition, you should also inspect your damper vent to ensure it opens and closes as expected.

A to-do on your list that wood-burning fireplace owners lack is the burner. You’ll want to look for rust or other damage on it before using your system for the first time. Then, inspect your ceramic burner logs to ensure they are free of damage. Finally, make certain that your glass doors are free of cracks or other damage.

Now, it’s time to clean

To recap, the areas we mentioned were:

• Your chimney’s masonry;
• The firebox;
• Your damper;
• The system’s burner;
• Your ceramic bricks;
• And the fireplace’s glass doors.

These are areas that, after inspection, should also be cleaned to ensure your fireplace functions properly. Your chimney may still have debris inside of it, especially if you are missing your chimney cap. Clearing obstructions internally should be your priority after confirming the structural integrity of your masonry. Next, clean your firebox by vacuuming the floor. You should also wipe down the interior while keeping an eye out for rust or cracks. Your damper may have dust on it, so vacuum or clean this off while you’re there.

Remove your bricks from the burner and use a soft brush to clean the soot off of it. Be mindful of the type of cleaner you use, as abrasive materials can cause more damage. Then, use that same soft brush to clean your ceramic bricks. Finally, use a gentle streak-free glass cleaner to give your doors a clean, sparkling appearance.

General maintenance

Servicing your gas fireplace is a relatively detailed process. In addition to cleaning and inspecting the areas we mentioned, you should also ensure that the thermocouple is clean and functions properly. You will also need to check the pressure on your gas lines and reassemble all of the parts back together seamlessly. Now is also the time to consider upgrades to your system, such as adding a remote or a fan.

Fireplace maintenance keeps your family safe

Each step that we’ve mentioned today can be completed by the home DIYer. However, it’s far more efficient (and overall safer) to work with a certified chimney specialist to make certain everything is clean and functioning properly. Our team would love to give you the peace of mind that comes with a proper chimney inspection.

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

You have a cozy and stylish chimney in your house, but it keeps your family warm, making you feel secure. Have you thought of how important chimneys and security and safety are? There are a lot of chimney components at work that will protect it from becoming unstable or malfunctioned. This will keep you safe from common hazards in your fireplace. You can talk to a chimney sweep company to clean your chimney, but you should know what the protective components are.

The chimney is one of the most vital components of any home. To put it simply, the excellent masonry structure allows your fireplace to operate safely or it can be a heating stove on those winter days. Learn more.

Chimney Cap

A chimney cap protects your chimney from rain, snow, and debris. It is going to keep animals from going inside the chimney. The chimney cap is a hat that will cover the opening, and it normally has wires around it. The rain caps were not common on the past masonry chimneys. However, they are necessary. If you do not have chimney caps, chimneys are going to deteriorate rapidly. A cap increases the longevity of your chimney. Outdoor elements exposure and exhaust gases will cause deterioration. You might not see any damage. The technicians will see the deterioration when they inspect your chimney. They will explain the different kinds of caps for chimneys so you will know which is the best chimney cap to get.

Chimney Crown

Another protective component is a chimney crown, a concrete slab that will top your chimney masonry. It normally has a slope and drip edge in order to deflect the precipitation away from the structure in order to protect interior masonry from water damage. However, the environmental conditions, age, and house settling cause cracks in the surface where moisture leaks inside the chimney. Aside from that, water leaks will damage other protective components in your chimney, which includes the flue, damper, and liner.

Bricks

This is the foundation of a chimney stack, and bricks are responsible for the chimney structure’s integrity. In case the bricks are deteriorated and old, water seeps through and mold grows over time. You can get your chimney inspected every year by professionals. It is recommended that you should stay ahead of fireplace chimney maintenance between inspections and regular cleaning.

Smoke Chamber

Smoke coming from the fireplace will enter the smoke chamber before it goes inside the flue. The smoke chamber will have sloped walls. The incline will create an easier path so the smoke can leave the flue. The smoke chamber also has a creosote and soot buildup. The smoke chamber can be inspected once annually.

Flue Liner

Flue liners are another critical and protective component of a chimney. The flue liner is normally made of clay tile, that uses stainless steel or cement to cast it in place. It insulates the flue that protects the masonry’s interior from intense flames and heat, and hot embers. In case your chimney is cracked or damaged with no flue liner, extreme heat or chimney fire damages the brickwork which allows the smoke and fumes inside your house. This is going to increase the risk of fire and smoke exposure to toxic fumes.

Damper

Over time, the damper often becomes damaged. They are supposed to control the airflow that goes in and out which uses your chimney in order to avoid drafts. When you are aware of the state of the damper, it is essential to ensure that your fireplace is working properly.

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

As a homeowner, it’s important to take care of your chimney so it continues to work well. In order to keep your chimney in good condition, you will need to understand how it works. A good place to start is by learning about the different parts of your chimney and fireplace and what they do. Understanding how your chimney works can help you prevent fire safety issues, and it will also help you know when to schedule maintenance appointments. Here are some key chimney and fireplace parts to know.

Firebox

The firebox is the part of your fireplace that you likely interact with the most often. This is the area that holds the logs and fire. With a gas-burning fireplace, the firebox is connected to a fuel source to start the fire.

Mantle and Hood

The mantle is the area above the fireplace in your home. Many people choose to use their mantle for decorative purposes. The hood is the part of the fireplace that covers your firebox. Some hoods may have screens to keep the fire in.

Flue

The flue is the long, vertical section of the chimney through which smoke and gases escape. A durable and functional flue is an essential part of any functioning fireplace.

Damper

A damper is a metal flap that sits at the point where the firebox meets the flue. The damper can be opened and closed to let air out. The flue should remain open when a fire is burning to let the gases escape properly. However, you can close the flue during the colder months to prevent warm air from escaping your home.

Chimney Liner

The chimney liner is a layer of protective material that sits inside the flue to protect the masonry. Without a chimney liner, smoke and moisture can slowly break the masonry in your chimney down. Many chimney liners are made of terracotta clay tiles, although there are also some versions that are made with stainless steel or other metals. Most modern chimneys have chimney liners, but some older structures don’t have them.

Crown

The crown is a cement structure at the top of your chimney. It is designed to keep water from getting inside your chimney by funneling it away from the entrance and down the roof.

Flashing

The flashing is another key component that protects your chimney from water damage. Flashing is a sheet of metal that sits at the joint between your chimney and your roof. It protects your roof from water damage during rain or snowstorms.

Chimney Cap

Not all chimneys come with a chimney cap, but adding one can go a long way towards keeping your chimney in good condition. A chimney cap is a metal mesh cover that sits on top of the flue. This cover allows smoke and gases to escape while preventing debris, animals, and moisture from making their way into your chimney.

When you understand the different parts of your chimney and how they work, it becomes much easier to properly maintain your chimney and keep it in good condition.

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

A fireplace is a wonderful way to heat and beautify your home. And whether you’re a new fireplace owner or a seasoned veteran, you may believe some of the most common myths and misconceptions we’ll explore in this post.

1.) I Can Wait Until Fall to Clean the Chimney

Many fireplace owners forget about their fireplace once summer arrives, thinking it’s best to wait until fall to schedule annual cleaning and maintenance. However, it’s typically better to have a professional chimney sweep come during summer to perform this service and here’s why.

Because most people wait until fall to schedule chimney cleaning and maintenance, chimney service companies get busy quickly, so scheduling time during their fall rush can be difficult and you may not be able to get it done. Waiting until next season can be dangerous, especially if you have significant creosote buildup or a severe blockage. Furthermore, if you wait until the last minute to book an appointment for chimney cleaning, and the technician discovers damage that requires immediate attention, there may not be enough time to get it fixed before winter.

Scheduling your chimney cleaning in summer ensures you can book an appointment that’s convenient for you and gives you plenty of time to repair any damage or perform maintenance that will make your fireplace and chimney safe to use once winter arrives.

2.) I Don’t Need to Close The Damper

The fireplace damper is a vent typically at the base of the flue that you keep open when using the fireplace to allow airflow to feed the fire and the combustion byproducts to go up the chimney.

Many people think it’s safe to leave the damper open during summer because the fireplace isn’t in use. The idea is that leaving damper open will air out the chimney and improve airflow to keep your home cool. However, leaving the damper open during summer is a bad idea, and here’s why. First, keeping the damper closed keeps your home cooler by preventing cold air from your HVAC system from going up the flue, thus keeping your home cool and improving energy efficiency. Second, closing the damper prevents moisture from seeping down, and debris and critters from getting stuck in the flue.

3.) I Didn’t Use My Fireplace Much This Winter, So I Don’t Need an Inspection

Another common myth that crops up, especially during mild winters, is that if you don’t use your fireplace frequently or at all, there isn’t much creosote to bother with so I can skip the cleaning this year.

Wrong!

Creosote isn’t the only problem that you have to worry about when owning a fireplace; water damage can be just as bad. The masonry materials that comprise your chimney are porous and absorb water. Once water seeps in and freezes, it expands causing tiny cracks. Over time, these cracks worsen and can weaken the structural integrity of your chimney. Even if you didn’t use your fireplace once during winter, the chimney was still exposed to the elements, so it’s crucial that you call a professional chimney service to inspect the system for damage and fix it before it gets out of hand, and summer is the best time to do this.

Cleaning My Fireplace At The End Of Winter Prevents Summer Odors

Many people think that if they clean their fireplace and chimney right after winter, they won’t have to worry about foul odors during the summer, but this isn’t typically the case.

No matter how thoroughly you clean the fireplace and chimney, creosote particles absorb into the porous bricks and mortar. The reason you may get an odor during summer is because the heavy, humid air flows down the flue, into the house, and brings the odors with it.

One way to solve this problem is to install a top mounted damper to seal the chimney during the summer and prevent the warm air from getting in. A top mounted damper also prevents debris like leaves and branches and critters from getting into the chimney.

The post 3 Summer Fireplace Myths appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.