The mention of a chimney sweep probably brings to mind one very specific image for most people familiar with pop culture. We’d venture a guess that you’re likely picturing Dick Van Dyke in his role as Bert in Mary Poppins. Fun imagery aside, a chimney cleaning by a professional technician from Northeastern Chimney is imperative to its proper care and operation. The four signs you need a chimney sweep are odors, changing seasons, the quality of your fire, and visual clues.

First, let’s talk about odors

If you notice a smell coming from your chimney, it’s a sure sign that it’s time to schedule a chimney sweep. Odor can be caused by creosote, a sticky tar-like substance that can be extremely dangerous when allowed to build up. If the smell is acidic or bitter, a layer of creosote buildup may be to blame.

Another cause of odor is trapped debris or the presence of animals or insects. When you don’t have a chimney cap installed (or it is damaged), things can find their way into your chimney. They then decompose, make their nest, or block the exit of smoke and gases. These can all lead to pungent odors as well. A chimney sweep is the best way to remove the source of the odor.

The four seasons

If everything seems fine from the outside and it hasn’t been used for a while, then you can probably skip your chimney cleaning, right? Wrong! Ideally, you should schedule a chimney sweep once or twice a year, depending on how frequently you’ve used it.

When your chimney goes unused for a season or two, animals can take up residence inside (as we mentioned in the previous section). Other things, like leaves and debris, can be blown in and get stuck, forming a block that you wouldn’t discover until your next fire.

Additionally, if you’ve recently bought your home and don’t know when it was last swept, schedule an appointment for cleaning. Proactive maintenance is a necessary step and scheduling a regular chimney sweep will help ensure you catch potential problems early.

Changes in fire quality

Occasionally, you might notice a change in the quality of your burn. Your fires may burn less efficiently, or you may notice a larger amount of smoke. This can be due to a problem with your damper (the piece of your chimney that regulates airflow). Dampers should be open when you’re using your fireplace and closed otherwise. If your damper won’t fully open or fully close, it can lead to a significant decrease in fire quality.

A chimney sweep will be able to identify the source of this problem.

Visual clues

Changes in fire quality can also be caused by too much creosote buildup inside the flue. Creosote is dangerous, both leading to blockages and potential fires. If you’re able to visually see creosote buildup forming, it needs to be removed before continued use of your fireplace.

Schedule a sweep as soon as possible!

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

Schedule your maintenance and upgrades now

Most homeowners don’t use or even think about their fireplaces during the summer, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore your chimney. In fact, this is the best time to invest in chimney maintenance and upgrades and ensure your system is ready for cooler weather.

We encourage you to book your fireplace, chimney, and masonry work now. When you wait until Fall, there is a 6-8 week wait to get an appointment.

Now IS the time to think about safety and upgrades!

The following guide offers a few tips for taking care of your chimney and utilizing new trends this summer.

1. Schedule an Inspection

Over the winter, creosote can build up on the chimney walls. This by-product of combustion is highly flammable and can start fires with just a spark. Squirrels, birds, and other critters may also see your chimney as a safe nesting spot. A professional inspector can identify these potential issues, clean out obstructions and hazardous materials, and ensure the damper works correctly.

3. Keep the Damper Closed

The damper closes off the opening to the flue, essentially operating as a seal to access to the outside. Keeping it closed when the fireplace isn’t in use will prevent cool air from escaping through the chimney. As a result, this tactic will help lower your summer cooling costs.

4. Have the Fireplace Cleaned

The fireplace can hold onto the smell of soot and smoke, especially during the middle of the summer when humidity is high. The firebox interior may also harbor creosote, which poses a hazard when you start using the fireplace again. If you notice excessive ash and dust, it’s best to reach out to the professionals for chimney cleaning service.

4. Check the Chimney Cap

The chimney cap is a crucial component that keeps out wildlife and prevents floating embers from landing on your roof. During a chimney maintenance inspection, have the technician check the cap for signs of damage. If your chimney isn’t capped, have a professional install one before the fall.

5. Schedule your masonry now in the off season to ensure your repairs are completed in time

The freeze/thaw cycle on exterior masonry can wreak havoc on your chimney, but did you know you cannot do the repairs needed year-round?  Temperatures need to be consistently above freezing for curing – this includes overnight temps, as well.  Early summer is the best time to get your project in queue before fall and cooler weather rolls around.

Interesting in upgrades?

There’s no denying that fireplaces add that extra something to a space – but what’s trending for the upcoming season that can enhance your space and efficiency?

1. Facade and Fireplace Surround Stone Replacement
2. New venting for higher efficiency boilers
3. Fireplace Inserts for lower heating costs and heat circulation

We are able to address your chimney, fireplace and masonry needs!

The post How Can You Maintain a Chimney Over the Summer? appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Your fireplace and chimney probably sit idle during the summer months, so that means there’s nothing to worry about, right? Well, not quite. You see, it’s not uncommon for your chimney to suffer issues during the off-season that can affect its performance and your safety once winter arrives. In this article, we look at what can happen to your chimney during summer, so you can fix it and be safe when you fire it up on that first cold day.

Material Damage

Significant chimney damage is easy to spot but often expensive to repair, so it’s in your best interest to address minor issues before they escalate. Early signs of chimney damage include cracks in the brick or mortar, which allow water to seep in, freeze and expand during winter, and cause the damage to worsen. Summer gives you an excellent opportunity to call a professional for a chimney inspection, so you can identify potential problems and fix them before winter.

Foul Odors

Another issue many homeowners encounter is foul odors coming from the chimney. Once summer arrives and the temperatures heat up, it causes odors to flow more freely into the house. If your chimney has excessive soot and creosote buildup, or perhaps a rodent has gotten stuck inside and died, you might notice a significant stink coming from your chimney.

Excessive Creosote

People who rely heavily on their fireplaces during winter must deal with the byproducts of burning wood, one of the most dangerous is creosote. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, “Creosote is formed when volatile gases given off in the burning process combine and condense on their way out of the chimney. Creosote hardens inside chimneys and if it builds up, can clog up.” What makes creosote so dangerous is that it’s highly flammable, and most chimney fires are caused by dirty chimneys.

Storm Damage

One never knows what Mother Nature has in store; sometimes, she likes to remind us who’s boss, sending extreme weather with high winds, lightning, and rain. These weather conditions can wreak havoc on your chimney, not only damaging the bricks and mortar joints, but the flashing, cap, and other vital components. Damaged chimney components allow water to get into the structure, leading to deterioration that may require expensive repairs or a chimney rebuild.

Schedule Chimney Cleaning & Inspection Early

Most homeowners schedule their chimney cleaning, maintenance, and inspection during the fall. However, we recommend doing it in the spring or early summer because chimney sweeps are in high demand just before winter, so it can be a challenge to schedule an appointment.

Another reason to schedule maintenance and cleaning as early as possible is so you have ample time to repair any damage or address any issues found before winter. If your chimney service detects a major problem, you can more easily schedule repairs before they get booked up  during the fall and early winter. Everyone is busy during summer with vacations and shuffling the kids from one activity to another, so it’s easy to put off chimney cleaning until it’s too late and you’re ready to light that fire on that first chilly fall evening.

The post Common Chimney Issues During Summer appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

Winter is not the same if you do not have a warm fire where you can gather around on cold nights, which is the reason why homeowners want to have a fireplace. While the fireplace can be the centerpiece of your home, there is a huge possibility that you do not spend a lot of time contemplating your chimney. If you do not give it regular maintenance and care, a chimney that is hazardous and damaged might be hovering above your fireplace. You should be able to increase your chimney’s lifespan.

Aside from a chimney sweep, there are other ways you can increase the lifespan of your chimney. You can read this article until the end to find out more.

Use Hardwoods

Since prepared woods such as maple, oak, birch, and debris produce less sap compared to milder woods, they are going to consume a high temperature for a longer period because they are thick. Other good hardwoods to look for include Boxwood, Iron bark, and Brown Peppermint wood.

Regular Maintenance

Similar to a lot of other expensive parts of your life and homes, such as your roof, your vehicle, and your furnace, chimneys last longer and work best when you give them regular maintenance. Preventive maintenance removes the build-up of creosote over time, and it can identify repairs that you need to make before any serious damage can happen. Some issues have the possibility to make the chimney unusable in case they are not fixed in a timely manner.

Waterproof Your Chimney

Among the biggest culprits of chimney damage and failure come water damage. If water gets into the masonry, mortar, or bricks, it will degrade the material and the chimney’s structural integrity. Chimney caps can be a way to prevent water from going inside the chimney structure, but waterproofing also protects the exterior. If you waterproof your chimney, it can stop water from penetrating any bricks and deflects water from the exterior of your chimney.

Routine Glass Cleaning

If your chimney is cutting edge, it can have an air wash framework that will clean the glass. However, in case you have a more seasoned oven, you might have to clean to routinely clean the glass. You can buy expert cleaning liquids or you can take the old course and use paper that has been splashed with malt vinegar.

Chimney Cap

A chimney cap installation is among the most effective ways to preserve your chimney. This is helpful in keeping animals out, as well as water and debris. It is also a great idea to pay for a stainless-steel cap to prevent any rusting. When you prevent things from getting into your chimney, you can prolong the lifespan of your chimney.

Chimney Liner Replacement

Chimney flue liner cracks cause carbon monoxide leaks inside your home and it can cause a lot of bad health issues. A lot of older chimneys are not built-in with chimney liners, which can increase the risk even more. If your chimney does not have a liner, or yours is damaged and old, you must replace it to add more years to your chimney’s lifespan.

Daily Ashpan Cleaning

If you allow debris to develop in the ashpan, it can cause distortion and harm to the mesh so you can try to clear the debris each time after you light the fire.

Stack Cleaning

It would be smart to clear your stack once a year to clean any creosote or ash development. Having a messy pile can ignite a smokestack fire, which causes hazards.

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

A chimney’s flashing is an important component to the chimney system.  When it fails, leaks can happen causing water damage to the structure below.  In the event that your chimney flashing needs to be repaired or replaced, it is best to hire a professional to take care of the job.

What Is Chimney Flashing?

It bridges the roof with the bricks of the chimney. It is usually made of steel, lead, aluminum, or copper. The job of flashing is to prevent water from entering your chimney, roof and home. For that reason, it is usually apparent that chimney flashing needs to be repaired or replaced when water issues occur. Some common warning signs include water droplets inside of the chimney, condensation within the firebox, musty smells coming from the chimney, and water stains on the walls near your chimney. Check out our blog on chimney flashing repairs and replacements to learn more!

Why Hire a Professional to Flash Your Chimney

When you are experiencing chimney flashing warning signs, do not resort to DIY. Call a professional! A professional will confidently diagnose what is going on. Though moisture issues are often due to flashing problems, there are a suite of other chimney problems that can cause water issues. Also, if flashing is the issue, a team of professionals will be able to evaluate the extent of the damage to determine if it needs to be repaired or replaced.

When it comes to chimney flashing installation, there is no room for uncertainty. If you are trying to take care of this job without professional training, you are bound to make mistakes, which can lead to leakage in the future. Plus, why not leave climbing on your roof, a potentially dangerous endeavor, to professionals?

Signs Your Flashing Needs Repair

1. There are water stains on the walls or ceiling near the chimney
2. Water observed on chimney in attic
3. Musty smell coming from the fireplace
4. The chimney in attic is crumbling

Though the basic steps appear straightforward, perfect measurements and installation by a professional are essential to the effectiveness of your chimney flashing!

The post Why Chimney Flashing is Important appeared first on Boston’s Best Chimney.

If you’ve started learning about the different parts of your chimney, you’ve likely heard about the importance of the chimney flue. All of the sections of a chimney work together to make up the way that a chimney works, and the chimney flue is an important part of this system.

Now, we’ll explain what a chimney flue is and other common related questions.

What is a Chimney Flue?

It is the passageway through which smoke and exhaust leave your property. It is critical to line your chimney flue to ensure proper venting. Because soot is a fire hazard, it should be inspected every year and swept by specialists as necessary.

What Does a Chimney Flue Liner Do?

A chimney liner is a lining that goes inside the chimney’s flue. A liner is made of clay, ceramic, or a metal conduit. Its job is to hold burning products and guide them outside of the chimney, while keeping the chimney walls safe from damage caused by exposure to heat and moisture.

Why is Having One Important?

Chimney flues without liners begin to fall apart and leak smoke and exhaust as time goes on. When smoke is not efficiently leaving your chimney, the risk of a chimney fire increases over time. Liners are designed to keep your flue working correctly and to keep your chimney safe overall.

When is Repair Needed?

When the passageway can no longer perform the function of carrying flue gasses up and out, it’s time for replacement. Signs your flue is in need of repair include:

• Poor draft
• Falling debris
• Soot staining
• Loss of hot water
• Heating equipment won’t stay on

The post What is a Chimney Flue: Your Chimney Flue Guide appeared first on Boston’s Best Chimney.

The chimney liner is a vital part of the infrastructure of the home. In many municipalities in Illinois, it is required that a chimney liner be installed and in good working order to sell your home. So, before you go anywhere, let’s first talk about the chimney liner, what it does and why it’s important to have it installed and in good working order before to purchase a new home or try to sell the one you are in.

What is a Chimney Liner?

A chimney liner goes from the bottom of the chimney to the top for the purpose of guiding smoke, fire and other combustibles from the home – it is your firewall!  The guidance of harmful smoke, or other leave-behinds, toward the outside of the home keeps people and pets safe. There are various types of chimney liners that are present in homes today.

• Fire Clay – Fire clay tiles were a popular choice starting in the early 1900s. The tiles do not last very long as extreme temperatures force them to dry, crack and deteriorate.  They are highly susceptible to cracking when exposed to water and the freeze / thaw cycles of winter
• Aluminum – aluminum liners are somewhat durable; however, they are not made for fireplace chimneys. Circumstantially, they are the “cheaper” solution for gas furnaces, some boilers and water heaters.
• Stainless steel – stainless steel liners are the most durable and best suited material for all chimneys and wood burning fireplaces. If it can hold up to wood burning, then stainless steel liners are a perfect solution for all chimney and fireplaces as well.

The best way to identify what is currently in your chimney flue is to have a certified chimney technician evaluate the health of your chimney and report the type of material protecting your home from the sides of the chimney walls. Begin the process by contacting Superior Chimney at 877-244-6349.

Top 2 Signs that the Chimney Needs a Chimney Liner

If you are thinking about selling your home and wonder if you’ll need to make the investment before you put it on the market, here are a few, of many, signs that can help you determine if you need a chimney liner.

1. Chimney walls are deteriorating or discoloring
2. Condensation / Saturation (water or moisture in the chimney or on surrounding home construction materials/walls)

Inspections

If you are looking for a new home, be sure to get a complete inspection. Ask Certified Chimney Technician to look inside the fireplace and chimney to ensure the fireplace is up to code. You can likely and easily negotiate it into the real estate contract.

Caring for the Chimney and the Chimney Liner

Now that you know how critical the chimney liner is to your home, let’s get your chimney checked out. With it being warmer months, you won’t be using the fireplace. This is a perfect time to get the chimney swept, inspected and if you need a chimney liner…installed. Now when the cooler/colder weather comes around, you’ll be ready to enjoy the fire with your family and friends with peace of mind.

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

When a chimney is built well, its masonry should offer stability and performance for many years. Masonry is comprised of two parts: bricks and mortar. While bricks may last for a century, the mortar that holds the bricks together may begin to fail in 25 years or less.

Tuckpointing basics

In simple terms, tuckpointing involves removing old, crumbling mortar within a chimney’s masonry and replacing it with a strong, long-lasting compound. Old mortar is scraped or ground out, and the new mortar is selected to closely match the color of the original mortar.

A proper tuckpointing job brings three benefits:

1. The chimney looks clean and handsome once again.
2. The chimney is now protected from intruding water and moisture, which is the central problem in the majority of chimney repair issues.
3. The chimney is now strengthened and far less likely to lean or collapse.

Benefit #1 is pretty self-explanatory. Let’s look at #2 and #3.

How water from rain and snow damages your chimney

Water is not a good mix with bricks and mortar. When cracks or crumbling begin in a chimney’s masonry, water can seep in and begin a cycle of deterioration.

In the Kansas City area, we get a lot of freezing temperatures in the winter. When this happens, moisture inside the bricks and mortar freezes and then expands, as frozen water will do. The result is further cracking and decay.

Incoming water can cause damage to a chimney liner and interior masonry. It can also eventually get to walls, flooring, attics and other home building materials and cause rotting.
For these and many other reasons, tuckpointing – and brick replacement, when necessary – are strongly recommended in the early stages of damage, before it gets out of hand.

Chimneys should stand up straight

Mortar joint deterioration is a common cause of leaning chimneys. After a chimney has begun to tilt, it isn’t going to right itself. Rather, it’s going to eventually lean to the point where it literally falls.
Of course, you wouldn’t let your chimney get to the about-to-collapse stage, but many homeowners will allow mortar to keep crumbling for years and years before addressing the problem.

Like with all chimney repairs, tuckpointing is best performed early. If your chimney is more than 20 years old, keep an eye on the masonry mortar and contact a tuckpointing specialist if you notice crumbling and cracks.

How chimney bricks and mortar become damaged

Old age is sure to eventually take its toll on chimney masonry. Other causes of damage include:

• Lightning strikes
• Major hail storms
• Freezing and thawing (as mentioned above)
• House-settling
• Problems with the chimney footing, which cause shifting
• Gale-force winds
• Chimney fires, many of which you may not even know about

The post Chimney Tuckpointing: How it Can Save Your Chimney appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

Summer is a great time to get a start on or finish those home repair projects that you’ve been meaning to tackle. This includes everything from long overdue landscaping to painting a fence to taking care of issues with your chimney. This is especially true with the latter as you’re not likely to be using your fireplace at all when it’s hot outside. Of course, it also means that summer is a great time for an inspection and to address any problems your Northeastern Chimney technician discovers with your masonry. Here are the five most common repairs a technician will deal with when visiting your home.

Tuckpointing

Over time, brick and mortar can wear down. The method to remove and replace this kind of damage is known as tuckpointing.  Little things such as cracks in your bricks or flaking mortar can weaken the structural integrity of your chimney. Eventually, this will lead to problems down the line. An experienced chimney technician will first perform an inspection. Then, they’ll repair this damage by removing the affected area and replacing it with color-matched new brick and mortar, leaving your chimney to look as good as new.

Repairing your crown

The crown of your chimney is exposed to the elements day in and day out. It also protects the chimney from allowing water to get inside and cause problems. Because of this, it is a very important component that should always be working properly. Cracks and damage are a recipe for disaster. After an inspection uncovers the problem, your technician will either repair the crown and seal or (depending on the extent of the damage) replace it completely.

Replacing a missing cap

The same can be said for the chimney cap. If your cap is missing, birds, insects, other small animals, moisture, and other kinds of debris can find their way into your chimney. Eventually, their intrusion will lead to odor, damage, and worst of all, a potential fire. Replacing a chimney cap is one common and also easy repair that can be taken care of during the summer.

Fixing a broken damper

You may not think about your damper because it’s up inside the flue. But, if it’s broken, you might find out the hard way in terms of increased heating costs. Worse yet, if your damper is stuck in the closed position, daggers smoke and gases will back up inside of your home. The damper acts somewhat like a lid on the chimney, preventing heat from escaping when the fireplace is not being used and allowing fumes to escape when you’re using it.

Overhaul of the firebox

No one wants to experience a house fire. Overhauling the firebox is critical to improving safety. Heat and chemicals can break down the inner parts of your firebox and allow the heat to escape into the walls of your home with disastrous consequences. Additionally, this can cause a decrease in efficiency. However, because you’re not using your chimney during the summer, this is the best time to replace this critically important component of your fireplace system.

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

A chimney cap is a protective covering that can go over your chimney. Normally, they are made of steel mesh with copper and come in different styles to match the outer part of your home. On the mesh ring, there is a cap that is helpful in protecting your chimney against downdrafts and rain.

Nobody really thinks about their fireplace when it is hot outside, but everyone has to because when the cold weather starts to set in, they look for a fireplace. Some people even hire chimney sweep to have theirs checked in preparation for the cold months.

Read on to know more about why you need to install a chimney cap and how it helps you.

Saves You Money

When it becomes chilly, you will want to feel warm and bundle up. In case you do not have a chimney cap, it may be difficult to get warm. The reason behind this is that when it is windy and cold, downdrafts are affecting the temperature in your home and your energy bills will start to shoot up.

These cold gusts are uncomfortable, and they can cause ember, smoke, and ash to blow inside your house and cause damage. If there is a chimney cap, the temperature in your home will become more stable, and you will have lower energy bills.

Prevents Fires

The only fire that should be happening is the one inside your fireplace. Chimney caps can be useful for controlling the sparks and preventing any fire. There are times when a fire can throw sparks up your chimney and then out the flue. This cap will potentially catch fire on your roof, which cause terrible damage. The protection a chimney cap offers will go both ways: it is outfitted using a mesh that will keep embers wherever they are and it protects the environment from very dangerous situations.

Keeps Water Out

Moisture is the worst nightmare of any chimney. When water has an easy path inside your chimney, the problems that will rise if you do not care about it can end up costing thousands of repairs.

Your brick and mortar deteriorate faster and your damper and liner will become damaged. In addition, whenever there is water buildup inside your home, the mold and mildew growth will become greater.

A chimney cap keeps the rainwater out of the chimney which leads to a longer and healthier life for every aspect of your chimney and fireplace.

Keeps Animals Out

Sure, some critters are cute, but you would not want a raccoon or baby bird to end up in your chimney. Even if you might question whether animals would be drawn to your chimney, from which smoke gusts, dark shoots, and warm environment attract them.

When animals go into their chimney, they can become stuck and this causes extreme clogging, as well as bad odors. Installing a cap helps you prevent animals from going inside your chimney, and it saves you from the costs of cleaning.

Prevents Flue Blockage

If your gutters are cleaned out every year, you will know how much debris can land on your roof. The leaves from nearby trees, branches, twigs, and other materials will build up and lead to problems. However, that is stopping all the debris from making its way down your chimney.

Without a chimney cap, debris can build up in your chimney. When your flue is blocked, it can lead to smoke and carbon monoxide back drafting that will go inside your home.

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