We all know what tuckpointing is all about. You can check your brick or stone home at anytime searching for missing mortar. That’s fairly easy. However, how often do you check the chimney, the highest point on your home? With the chimney braving all of the Chicago elements such as rain, high wind, hail, snow, heat, frigid temperatures, are you aware of the condition of the chimney tuckpointing? No worries, most homeowners are not.

What is the Art of Chimney Tuckpointing?

Tuckpointing is replacing mortar that has deteriorated, cracked, or fallen out leaving gaps between bricks, blocks or stone. The mortar is a porous material that binds the bricks or stones together, filling in areas for a solid surface.

Why Do We Call it the Art of Chimney Tuckpointing? 

A picture can tell it all, and here it does. Do you see how the mortar is messy, spilling over the bricks? This doesn’t make it better or more durable and stable to stuff the bricks with mortar. The key is to ensure the right amount of mortar is in between the brick for a smooth and consistent mortar.

However, this is what happens many times when the homeowner tries the chimney tuckpointing project. It looks easy. Any sport or construction trade that looks easy is because that person has the talent for the task at hand.

We’ve had homeowner’s comment to us on how easy the technician makes it looks. It’s always the right mix, right amount of mortar and the lines are always perfect. Not to mention, how fast they can build the chimney!

How do You Know if Your Chimney Needs Tuckpointing?

Let’s take a look at a the top 3 indicators for a chimney tuckpointing project.

1. Cracking: As the mortar begins the weaken, cracks begin to show up. It usually means that the integrity of the structure is beginning to fail or failing. If you find cracks at the top or bottom of the brick or stone, or if the brick is separating from the mortar, attention to the chimney is needed.
2. Flaking: Flaking is when small pieces of the mortar break off and fall to the ground. This is a true sign that the chimney is unsafe to be used and be around. Remember, it is the mortar that holds it all together. If pieces are flaking off, the entire chimney is unstable and needs to be repaired right away.
3. Discoloration: If you notice some of the mortar is one color, and another area is another, this can be a sign of deterioration/saturation. If you know that someone wasn’t up there patching it up with a different color mortar, then you can safely say the cause of the discoloration is from deterioration.

Benefits of Chimney Tuckpointing

As mortar and bricks wear out over time, it’s important to remember that your chimney is working hard for you up on the rooftop. By taking care of the chimney, it will take good care of you. With a chimney repair by Superior Chimney, you’ll experience the following benefits:

• Save on Future Repairs: By keeping the mortar intact, you’ll be able to keep water from leaking into the home and creating chaos. You’ll also prevent corrosion or weathering which means you’ll be saving on major renovations.
• Stability of the Chimney: By keeping the mortar strong, the stone or bricks won’t get the leaners. Have you ever passed a home and you notice that the chimney is leaning to one side? It’s only a matter of time before the chimney falls. Let’s hope nobody is at the receiving end of it below.

Chimney tuckpointing keeps the structure stable and secure, which is exactly what you want…and need when you use your fireplace. Some of your appliances may be using the chimney as well. Keep it in good condition.

• Chimney Saver: this is a very important product to install once your chimney has been repaired. This is a water resistant or waterproofing application that is strayed directly onto the bricks / stone and mortar. It helps prevent flaking, slows down deterioration and prevents water from absorbing into the mortar and bricks.

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

Atlanta’s housing market boasts countless historic homes with unrivaled southern charm. Most of these homes are located in Atlanta’s most popular and fastest-growing neighborhoods. Most hopeful buyers know that purchasing a historic home has unique obstacles and is often filled with the unexpected. Owning a historic home can be incredibly rewarding if you are willing to take on the challenges. It is most common to first look at the home’s interior and consider what to expect, so let’s take it outside and look at what to expect from a historic chimney.

No Chimney Flue Liner

Chimney flue liners are an extremely important component of the chimney as they keep toxic gas, heat, and creosote inside the flue and outside of your home. Flue liners were not required by code until 1927, so most homes built prior to the requirement do not have chimney flue liners. Since flue liners are so important, this is something that must be addressed by a professional early on with a historic chimney. There are various factors involved in determining the correct type of flue liner to use and how to install, so it is definitely a project to leave to the professionals.

Structural Damages

The structure of historic chimneys is composed of old weathered brick and mortar, which usually cracks and decays over time. There are often loose and deteriorated bricks which are called “spalling.” Spalling causes the chimney to lean and possibly collapse. Few historic homeowners realize the extent their chimney might need restoration and how time-sensitive it might be to complete. Structural repairs are the most important, but there is often a lot of work required to bring a chimney up to current codes as well as cosmetic issues to address. It is important to have a professional inspection completed to address the structural problems, code adherence, and cosmetic issues. A professional chimney inspection can help you get ahead of masonry damage and avoid a full rebuild.

Excess Creosote

Creosote forms every time you use your fireplace, and if not consistently cleaned, buildup occurs, causing a fire hazard. This solid, flakey, or sticky substance naturally builds up in your flue over time. Historic chimneys often host excessive creosote buildup due to the age of the structure and lack of a chimney flue. It is not a simple task to carefully remove the excess buildup and not harm the historic integrity of the chimney. The process is detailed and tedious to remove the buildup and maintain the chimney structure.

Decorative Structural Interior Pieces

Historic homes often have built-in wooden bookshelves, cabinetry, or wood trim next to the chimney. These features might be beautiful, but they are a fire hazard and against current code. It is understandable that homeowners want to preserve the historic decorative elements of the home without compromising their safety, but it is a challenging task to do so. However, adjustments can be made to the chimney structure to accommodate for these historic decorative elements and allow them to remain in place. It is truly a rewarding project for our professionals to make your chimney safe while maintaining the characteristics provided by the decorative structural interior pieces.

Historic chimneys require a lot of detailed work but are one of our favorite projects. We would love to get yours up to current code while maintaining its unique character. Give us a call today to schedule a visit from one of our professionals.

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

The kitchen is the heart of every home, and regardless if you set up a new kitchen or have a loved one, a great factor a person should overlook is to include and choose the best kitchen chimney.

Especially today, since health and safety are of extreme importance, a chimney is now absolutely necessary. Cooking has now evolved from being fun to the creation of several kitchen appliances that are helpful in making cooking more enjoyable and efficient. Today, kitchen appliances are not only tools for cooking but they are necessary for all tasks in the kitchen.

Do not worry because there are now kitchen contractors that you can call every time you need a chimney sweep.

Your Home Stays Smoke-free Since it Absorbs all the Fumes

The most important and basic function of a chimney continues to suck the smoke and fumes that arise while cooking. This will prevent the smoke from escaping and going into a sitting room and choke the people around subsequently. This is one of the main features of an affordable kitchen chimney and an advanced kitchen chimney as well.

No More Unpleasant Smell

In case the modular kitchen is linked to your living area. You should put it inside the kitchen to make sure that the food scent will not disturb your guests. Chimney will help in eliminating air odors present in the air and make sure that the smell of food cooked and vegetables do not spread outside your kitchen.

Cooking Becomes More Comfortable

The most crucial benefit of using your kitchen hood is that it sucks heat in or steam that will come out of cooking utensils, which prevents them from going onto your face. This does not only make cooking comfortable as well.

Aside from that, a kitchen chimney will suck in the aroma and food vapor of food being cooked, which prevents coughing, and sneezing, and keeps the house free from odors.

Keeps Your Kitchen Safe and Protected

It keeps your kitchen tiles safe and protected. Today kitchen chimneys are demanded, because of their certain advantage, which is offered to owners. An electric chimney is going to protect your kitchen tiles or granite, and everything else that is present in your kitchen from grease and fumes that come out while you cook. People who do not have this kitchen appliance is going to agree to the fact that the fumes will stick to the kitchen walls and tiles, making them sticky and making it darkened if you do not take proper precaution. Even a kitchen that is newly furnished is going to start looking dingy and old if you do not install a chimney in your kitchen right away.

The Walls are Kept Oil-Free

Many cooking recipes are normally oily and involve a lot of frying. Are you aware that the fumes arising from the cooking will also contain oil particles that lead to grime formation? A chimney normally sucks in all the oil and prevents it from going to the walls, so it maintains décor longevity and cleanliness. This also means lesser kitchen cleaning.

Aesthetic Appeal

Aside from the advantages given about the kitchen Chimneys, they will also make your kitchen look beautiful and appealing to your aesthetic preferences. Your kitchen’s look and feel of your kitchen are going to drastically change after the modular kitchen chimney installation.

Adds Style Quotient

When you spend a lot of money to keep your home looking good, you should never compromise with your kitchen. A kitchen chimney is good-looking, adding style.

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

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