Just as people prepare for winter, fireplaces and chimneys also need some preparation. The difference is, a fireplace can’t prep itself, so it’s up to you. Here’s a simple guide you can follow.

Check the firebox

Before you start using your fireplace regularly, clean the soot and any leftover ashes out of the firebox and take a close look. Does anything look damaged? Are there issues with any of the bricks?

Check the damper

The fireplace damper serves the critical purpose of opening during a fire to provide a thorough draft and closing after a fire to prevent the exchange of air between the home and outside. Does the damper squeak? Is it hard to open and close? It could be rusted or damaged.

Visually inspect your chimney

When you’re looking over your chimney, pay attention to these areas:

Chimney Masonry Condition

Are bricks cracked, is mortar crumbling? Is the chimney tilting or leaning to one side?

Chimney Brick Staining

Do you see white stains on the masonry? Could be the bricks are absorbing a lot of water. What about dark, smoky stains near the top of the stack? This could indicate that chimney fires have happened.

Chimney Cap

Do you have a chimney cap at the top of the chimney? If not, have one installed. If there is a cap, is it damaged, loose, torn or warped?

Chimney Crown

Look at the concrete chimney crown for signs of cracking and deterioration. Crowns (and caps) keep water and snow out of vulnerable areas of the chimney system.

Chimney Flashing

Is the flashing that blocks water from getting into the gap between the chimney and the roof warped or loose? Are sections of it missing?

Have your chimney professionally cleaned

Flammable creosote builds up inside your chimney flue every time you burn a wood fire. Over time, there can be enough creosote accumulation to start a dangerous chimney fire. A professional chimney sweep uses a variety of industry-grade tools to safely remove both creosote and drafting obstructions such as outside debris and small-animal nests.

Watch for signs of a leaky chimney

Chimneys can leak for many reasons and often leave clear signs including:

• Water in the firebox
• Damp sections of walls and the ceiling near the fireplace
• Strong, musty odors coming from the firebox, attic or crawlspaces
• Squeaky fireplace damper (rust)
• White stains on exterior chimney (as noted above)

Schedule a chimney inspection

While you can spot certain problems with your chimney and fireplace, only a licensed inspector can give the system a clean bill of health, which gives you peace of mind. Chimney inspections can cover a full range of structural and functional issues such as:

• Drafting efficiency
• Damage to the firebox and damper
• Cracks in the bricks and mortar of the exterior chimney
• Damage to the chimney liner
• Problems with the chimney cap, crown and flashing
• Chimney leaks
• Damage caused by chimney fires

It’s best to schedule chimney inspections along with chimney cleaning once a year. But in between service, if you spot any of the issues we’ve talked about here or anything else that seems “unusual,” contact your chimney services provider right away.

Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace of Kansas City, KS, is ready to help with all your winter fireplace and chimney preparation. We provide licensed chimney inspections, chimney cleaning, chimney repairs and chimney rebuilding services. Call your local experts today at (913) 236-7141.

The post Is Your Fireplace Ready for Winter? Here’s how to Find Out. appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

It looks like Old Man Winter may be arriving sooner than expected in the Kansas City region. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, it will be a colder winter in the Midwest, and our area could start to see some snow showers around the Thanksgiving holiday. However, with the early arrival of colder weather, now is an excellent time to remind our neighbors of four important reasons to ensure your chimney system has been properly maintained

Fire Prevention

Fire prevention is the most significant reason for maintaining your chimney & fireplace in good working condition. Creosote is a naturally occurring material produced during the wood-burning process. The volatile organic compound (VOC) sticks to the damper, smoke chamber, chimney liner, and other components as smoke and gases vent up the chimney. The longer that creosote lingers in the flue, the more harmful this volatile organic compound becomes. It eventually hardens into a dark, tar-like substance that is extremely difficult to remove and is highly flammable. As a result, chimney creosote build-up is the leading cause of heating-related house fires, which areis entirely preventable with routine chimney maintenance.

Avoid Exposure to Harmful Fumes

Another important reason to not neglect chimney maintenance is to avoid exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) gas and other harmful fumes. Animal nests, creosote build-up, and debris that clog the flue due to a damaged or missing chimney cap can restrict the venting of dangerous fumes. The restricted airflow can ultimately cause the draft to reverse, known as a backdraft, that forces soot, creosote, and smokey debris into your living room. Also, masonry damage like masonry cracks or missing bricks and gaps in the mortar joints can cause carbon monoxide to leak into your home. Carbon monoxide is often referred to as the “silent killer” because the odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas can quickly reduce oxygen levels that can cause sudden headaches, nausea, vomiting, and even death. To avoid exposure to carbon monoxide, be sure to have working CO detectors on every level of your home when using gas or wood-burning heating appliances. Also, be sure to do regular chimney sweeping and timely masonry repairs to keep your chimney and fireplace in safe working order.

Prevent Water Damage

Although a masonry chimney is a tall, heavy, and durable structure, water is its arch enemy. As water invades the masonry, it accelerates its deterioration causing bricks to spall or chip, crack, crumble, with gaps in the mortar joints. If left unresolved, entire bricks can loosen and separate from the chimney leaving large holes in the structure that can ultimately cause a partial or complete chimney collapse. Water can leak through these gaps and cause foul odors, corrosion, and extensive damage to the interior masonry and components. In addition to water damage, there is an increased risk of fire and exposure to carbon monoxide fumes, making it unsafe to operate your fireplace.

Improve Heating Efficiency

Keeping your chimney and fireplace in good working order with regular inspections and cleaning will also increase its heating efficiency, which means you’ll stay warmer with lower fuel costs. That’s because the soot, creosote, dirt, and debris can reduce the chimney draft. A proper draft is essential to optimum heating efficiency; otherwise, it will result in incomplete combustion. Not only does this result in higher fuel costs, but it also produces more smoke and creosote that will require more frequent chimney sweeping.

 

 

Chimney & Fireplace Inspection and Cleaning in Kansas City

Scheduling your annual chimney inspection and cleaning today will ensure your chimney and fireplace are in good working order. It will also help keep your home and family safe while enjoying the warmth of the fireplace. Our certified and licensed professionals serve Lawrence, KS, Blue Springs, MO, and communities throughout the Greater Kansas City area.

The post Keep Your Chimney & Fireplace in Good Working Order appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

As we move into the winter months and the season of thankfulness, we want to express how grateful we are to you, our customers, and colleagues. Our wish is for you to enjoy your time, friends, and family and feel warm and safe in the comfort of your home.

We are also pleased to announce that we have hired Reggie King, former owner of King and Son Masonry. Having Reggie join, our company expands our expertise in the masonry division and our services to you, including basement brick and stone repairs. Our expertise includes chimney maintenance, fireplace restoration, basement repair, and venting.  Check out our full list other residential and commercial chimney and basement services on our website.

We are also very existed to announce that come January, we will begin offering building outdoor fireplaces and firepits! Your outdoor patio can be an extension of gathering space year-round. Give us a call and queue up smores for some winter outdoor fun.

Our intention in these newsletters is to help you remain educated consumers and to understand the latest offerings pertaining to chimneys and basements and our services. An educated consumer is our best customer. Please read this list of terms and updates:

Chimneys are the highest point on our home or business property and are needed to push flue gases and smoke away from the building. However, that also means they are more exposed to the elements and will get hit the hardest by the weather. While they are designed to take a beating from mother nature, they do not last forever. Traditional chimneys are built from mortar, brick, and similar materials that can deteriorate over time. The damage will start at the cap and work its way downwards, so chances are if the upper part of your chimney is worsening, the lower half may be as well.

Repair

Rebuild

When the mortar AND brick have crumbled, a chimney rebuild is needed. Our chimney rebuilds include tearing down the existing structure and debris disposal of the old, decayed brick. The chimney will then be built up using new brick and mortar and finished with crown/wash.  Brick color, mortar color, and decorative corbel style options can all be discussed to give your chimney a fresh new designer look.

Pointing

When a chimney starts to deteriorate, but the bricks still appear to be in good shape, chimney pointing may be your solution. Pointing is when the mortar joints between the bricks are partially ground out and filled back in with new mortar. The mortar in between the bricks can become soft and crumbly even though the bricks are still intact. Removing the old mortar and replacing it can add new life to the chimney, stop water leaks and save thousands in rebuilding costs.  After your chimney has been re-pointed, consider waterproofing to protect your investment.

Skim Coat

Skim coating is a great way to make chimneys and basement walls strong again. Skim coat is a thin layer of polymer-modified Portland based blend also known as fiberglass surface bonding cement. You can do a skim coat to smooth out damaged load and non-load bearing walls, patio walls and retaining walls.

Cement Crown rebuilding (partial or complete teardown and rebuilding)

Cement chimney crowns are built to form a protective layer over the top of the chimney (minus the flue opening) can become cracked and eventually fall apart. Our chimney rebuilding team will reconstruct your deteriorated crown to prevent further system damage and water leaks.

Liners

A chimney liner is, in fact, a lining that goes in the flue of the chimney. The flue is a tunnel or passageway located within the chimney structure.  A flue lining is made of clay, ceramic, or metal conduit. It is intended to contain the burning products and direct them to the outside atmosphere while protecting the chimney walls from heat and corrosion (similar to exhaust for a car).

Caps

A Chimney Cap sits on top of the chimney and has several functions. The first is to keep debris, leaves, branches, and most animals from entering the chimney, potentially causing the flue to become blocked.  A blocked chimney will keep by-products of combustion from properly exiting the flue and, should they enter the home, can be harmful.

Chimney caps can also significantly reduce the amount of rain that enters the chimney through the peak. Therefore, slow down the rate of deterioration compared to a chimney unsheltered to water.

A chimney cap also acts like a spark arrestor helping keep sparks from leaving your chimney and ending up on your roof.

A well-made and properly sized chimney cap gives a great finish to your chimney and adds beauty to your home.

Updates

Gas Inserts and Gas Log Sets

Gas fireplaces are making a major comeback. Let’s consider a fire that needs no tending, requires minimal cleanup, and provides heat for your home. That’s what you get with today’s gas fireplaces. Modern versions are very realistic. They have glowing red embers and tall orange-yellow flames that dance and flicker around ceramic-fiber logs molded from the real thing.

Gas inserts are fuel-efficient

Both gas insert and gas logs burn natural gas or liquid propane depending on the source which is available in your home.  Gas inserts are installed using a sealed system with a glass door on the front of the fireplace, sealing up cold air from drafting into your home and allowing the fireplace to burn more efficiently.  Because of the sealed system, your gas insert will burn at about 70% fuel efficiency – compared to only 10 to 20% of a traditional wood burning fireplace.

Wood Stoves

A wood-burning stove is a heating appliance capable of burning wood fuel and wood-derived biomass fuel, such as sawdust bricks. Generally, the appliance consists of a solid metal closed firebox, often lined by fire brick, and one or more air controls. We can install one almost anywhere.

Stone Veneer

Many people choose stone veneer installation and stone veneer siding for their residential and commercial projects. Stone veneer siding is known to be highly preferred.

Stone veneer is a very easy material to use, and it can cover any other material. Using stone veneer can add a lot of beauty and value to the environment of your property.

Basements

Most people assume that the most important part of their home is the roof. While your roof is very important, it’s not the only one that keeps you safe. The basement is the foundation to any home, and it’s inevitable that this area will decay over time. Most basements house the home utilities; heating and hot water equipment, breaker panel, washer and dryer. These appliances are costly to replace and need to be protected from drafts, rodents and moisture. Stopping leaks and cracks before they become costly structural issues is important to prolonging the life to your foundation.

Pointing of Motar Joints

Mortar joints are the spaces between bricks, concrete blocks, or stone filled with mortar or grout. Mortar joints can be finished in a variety of different techniques, but the most common ones are raked, concave, V, struck, flush, weathered, and beaded.

In order to produce a mortar joint, the mason must use one of several types of jointers (slickers), rakes, or beaders. These tools are run through the grout between the building material before the grout is cured to create the desired outcome.

Stone Foundation Pointing

Pointing of stone foundations is a unique service we now offer, and the type of repair is contingent on many factors. Similar to brick, the mortar in-between the stone is usually the first to decay.  Grinding out and filling back in will re-secure these weak points.

Seal Gaps

When the weather starts getting cold, rodents will seek shelter through gaps and openings in the basement.  In the US alone, it is estimated that rodents cause about 20 billion of damage to homes and business annually.  They will chew on just about anything, wood, paper, cloth, books, electrical, etc. Being proactive is key because you likely won’t know right away that you have rodent occupancy and may not notice until the damage is done.

Now is the time to check the chimney and basement for signs of wear and tear or damage by storms and high winds.

We offer chimney and basement inspections and invite you to schedule here!

Happy Thanksgiving!

The post From Top to Bottom; The Importance of Your Chimney appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Most of the time, a fireplace in your home or business’ centerpiece. However, you want to enjoy it while being safe. You have to make sure that the chimney inspection service you will hire knows what they are doing. Your fireplace should be functioning well because all chimneys have to be inspected every year. Your fireplace has controlled fire, which is why you must have it inspected and cleaned by professionals to make sure that it is safe. The important question is who will you call? Since that is a crucial decision to make.

How will you decide? Here are the important factors you must consider before choosing the right chimney service.

Does the Company Have Insurance?

Among the main things you must consider when you choose the right chimney sweeper is if they are insured and certified. There are many companies today that say they have many accolades and certifications, but sometimes that is false. Find a company with the right credentials so you are aware that you are using a trusted professional service to clean your chimney and do an excellent job.

Most of the time, the best service for this has insurance and work with certified and trained employees.

Experience and Expertise

Another factor to consider when choosing a cleaning service is their experience. A good thing to remember when you hire a chimney company is you need to check how many years they have been around. Those with 15 years of experience are good considerations.

Price

Their price is normally a concern and who does not want a good deal? However, a price that is too low is a sign that something should be checked. The quality cost is a simple truth, so you need to check if their pricing is competitive. After that, you must check all other factors on your list. If all factors are equal, this is of great importance.

How Do They Retain Customers?

The right chimney service will always have their customers come back for their good service. Since many of the chimney inspection is done based on routine, you want a company that consistently provides excellent service. Chimney contractors definitely have a great service trying to find another company for different projects. It is important to have convenience.

Their Attitude

When you are talking to chimney inspection service, you should feel comfortable talking to them. If they are rude, that is not the company you want to deal with. Since your family and home are at stake, you should know that the company you pick really cares about your home and you.

Provides Thorough Inspection

The chimney cleaning service’s high quality is always going to inspect your chimney before doing anything or make assumptions on what might be wrong. If you hire them and they say that after that you will need to have more work done but they did not look thoroughly, that is a bad sign.

Feedback

You might want to ask their previous customers about their experience with the company. The right chimney cleaning service has reviews that they can readily show anyone who goes to their site.

If you do not see any reviews, that is not a good thing. You can also ask around about their company. Talk to your family, friends, or other people and ask for recommendations.

Take these factors into consideration when looking for a chimney sweep Bowie service.

 

The post Blog first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

Every homeowner with a chimney should know that chimney inspections are important. It is helpful for homeowners to understand what is involved in a chimney inspection in order to understand just how important inspections are for use. Today, we’ll be describing the process of a chimney inspection and why you should have your chimney inspected.

Have you had your chimney inspected yet this year? Our team serves the Greater Boston, MA area and we’re ready to help you! At Best Chimney Services, we’re a full-service chimney company offering everything from chimney inspections and sweeps to other residential and commercial chimney services. Click here or call (781) 893-6611 to get in touch with us.

When to Have Your Chimney Inspected

Chimney inspections are recommended annually, when you are selling or transferring your property, if there has been an operating malfunction, or if you are replacing a chimney vented appliance. Our team of technicians are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America and follow strict guidelines to ensure that chimneys are worthy of use.

Process of a Chimney Inspection

There are three different chimney inspections available.

Level I Chimney Inspection

Section 14.2 of NFPA 211 requires that level I inspections take place annually. Level I chimney inspections are also performed prior to a routine sweeping of the chimney flue, or when chimney vented appliances are replaced. A level 1 inspection will not certify that the flue is ready for use.

During a Level I chimney inspection, we visually examine portions of the chimney and venting system that are readily accessible. Some of the issues that we look for include obstructions or combustible deposits in the flue, appliance installation and connection, signs of water penetration, and the integrity of the chimney’s masonry.

Level II Chimney Inspection

Level II inspections are a more in depth inspection than a level I. They are necessary when you’d like to know if the flue is worthy of use, when property is being sold or transferred, or after an operating malfunction that has most likely damaged your chimney. A level II inspection does include all aspects of a level I inspection, but also includes a camera scope of the flue in its entirety with pictures of condition. We look out for obstructions or combustible deposits in the flue and make sure the lining is intact and in good condition. We also focus on ensuring that there are proper clearances from combustibles in locations that are accessible and that the flues of chimney vented appliances are the proper size. For more details, check out our guide to Level II chimney inspections.

 Level III Chimney Inspection

These inspections are only necessary in very specific circumstances. During level III inspections, we access both internal and external portions of the chimney, remove parts of the building or chimney, only as needed to access areas that are necessary to inspect. These types of inspection aren’t typically needed on routine stops and all aspects of the other two inspections must be performed first.

Click here for more details on the three types of chimney inspections we offer.

 Hire Our Boston, MA Area Team to Inspect Your Chimney

You should have your chimney inspected once a year, when you’re selling your home, or if there has been a malfunction of some kind. If your chimney is in need of an inspection, be sure to get in touch with our team of professionals. Click here or call (781) 893-6611 to schedule an appointment or ask questions.

The post What’s Involved in a Chimney Inspection? appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Does anyone really think about the hard-working chimney cap that sits silently on the uppermost point of the house? Of course not. It just sits there keeping watch ensuring the inside of your chimney stays dry and empty.

What is a Chimney Cap?

The chimney cap is a piece of steel that looks like a cage with a roof that extends beyond the cage. It sits on top of the chimney opening allowing just the right amount of air to enter and smoke to exit from the fireplace. Its steel structure is meant to last, enduring the brutal four seasons that Chicago experiences each year. What else can endure 20 below temperatures in the winter to 120 above temperatures in the summer? The chimney cap.

Searching for a Warm Place

As the Fall season continues, our critter friends that play in our yards and on our roof are settling in preparing for the cold temperatures. Because they’ve enjoyed the comforts of your yard and roof, why not stay for the winter! They begin their search trying to stay away from predators. What better and safer place than the roof. As they begin to explore, that hole looks very tempting. No wind, nice and cozy. But wait! The chimney cap does its quiet job of saying ‘no’ it’s not safe for you in here. Without it, the poor little critters would be heading for possible danger: the lit fireplace!

The Roof on the Chimney Cap

Unlike the B52’s song, this roof won’t rust. Instead, the chimney cap protects the inside of the home from rain and snow. This Fall, we’ve certainly had plenty of rain. It’s had a hard workout ensuring each of those raindrops fall to the side, on the roof and down the gutters and away from the home. Because of its tough construction, the chimney cap is confident nothing is going to get past its steel lid.

Cold Drafts Stay Out!

There’s nothing more unpleasant than a cold draft that comes through the fireplace and into your home. Why is it happening? Simple. The chimney cap may be missing. With its grated sides and solid roof knows how to break the wind and send it in a different direction. No need for that cold wind to make its way inside the home. It knows what you want, and helps to keep the cold where it belongs.

Embers & Sparks

This is a hot one. The highly protective chimney cap does not want your house to get damaged or burned. It won’t have a place to work. It keeps working especially when you start your fireplace. Any sparks, or floating embers will stay where they belong. Any of those hot little pieces leave your home can be dangerous to the exterior of your home. It’s steel walls and steel roof once again come to the rescue and help to contain/extinguish any embers and sparks from leaving the chimney. It’s a hot job, but it can take it.

Do You Have a Chimney Cap?

Now’s the time to check the condition of the chimney cap and be sure that you have one installed. Ask Superior Chimney to help, and we’ll be sure the forgotten hero is on top of the job! Contact us today at 877-244-6349. Remember to Like us on Facebook!

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

A wood-burning fireplace creates creosote build-up, making the attached chimney is a key concern when it comes to safety and performance. Chimneys have a lot more issues than fireplaces and therefore need a lot more attention. An annual chimney inspection is the first step of that attention. Here are three benefits.

Benefit #1. You’ll keep creosote at a minimum in your chimney flue

Creosote is a flammable substance that forms in the flue when smoke condenses during fireplace use. Creosote can be sticky, flakey, puffy or solid and is the cause of most chimney fires each year.

In addition to fire, creosote can damage internal components and areas of your chimney due to its highly acidic nature. Finally, large creosote buildups will narrow the flue passage and impede drafting, possibly sending smoke and dangerous carbon monoxide into your home.

A chimney inspector will assess the level of creosote in your flue and recommend proper cleaning, if necessary.

Benefit #2. You’ll know about early signs of damage and malfunction

You can spot obvious signs of problems with your chimney and its components – deteriorated bricks, warped chimney flashing, etc. – but a licensed chimney inspection will look at more than just the obvious.

An experienced chimney inspector will assess your chimney structure, all its components, its ability to draft properly and many other elements that are important in keeping your chimney safe. If a problem is found, the inspector will explain it to you and go over the right way to address it with you.

In most cases, chimney inspectors can handle necessary repair work and/or chimney cleaning.

Benefit #3. You’ll know if your flue is full of outside debris

If you run your chimney without a chimney cap, you may have an issue with debris coming in from the outside. Common debris includes leaves, twigs and falling fruit from nearby trees as well as the nesting materials of small animals and the animals themselves.

As with excess creosote, a buildup of debris materials can significantly narrow your chimney flue and cause smoke backups and possibly carbon monoxide poisoning to you and your family and pets. Debris also serves as fuel should a chimney fire start.

An inspection will tell you if you need to have debris cleaned out. If your chimney has no cap, your inspector will recommend having one installed to prevent debris issues in the future.

Your chimney inspector is there to help

The chimney inspection benefits we listed above are important. But possibly the best benefit of scheduling annual chimney inspections is the peace of mind you’ll have knowing that your chimney has been checked out, repaired if needed and properly cleaned so that it runs with optimal safety and performance.

When looking for a local chimney inspector, the place to start is with chimney sweeps or chimney service companies, most of whom provide chimney inspections. Confirm that the company or individual is licensed and fully insured.

Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace of Kansas City, KS, provides expert chimney cleaning, chimney leak repair, chimney rebuilding and, of course, licensed chimney inspections.

Put our team on your side for your next chimney inspection or chimney project. Call (913) 236-7141 to make an appointment or to get more information about our business and services.

The post 3 Big Benefits of Annual Chimney Inspections appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

Now that the weather is turning cooler and folks in Independence, MO, and around the Kansas City Metro area are enjoying the fall colors, many are starting to prepare their fireplace for the winter season ahead. While you probably haven’t given much thought about your chimney lately, it is essential to have a chimney inspection to see if it has any of these seven common chimney problems that can lead to extensive damage and expensive repairs.

Missing/Damaged Chimney Cap

One of the most common chimney problems is a damaged or missing chimney cap. With its location at the top of the chimney, the chimney cap takes the brunt of the weather, protecting the exposed flue from rainwater, small animals, and debris that can damage the chimney. However, continued exposure to seasonal weather conditions like high winds, freezing rain, snow, and hail can damage the chimney cap and even cause it to fall off the chimney. In addition, it exposes the flue to external elements that can lead to more extensive chimney problems and repairs.

Flue Obstruction/Small Animals

A flue obstruction is another common problem. It occurs when leaves, twigs, and debris clog the flue vent restricting the release of smoke and fumes. Also, small animals, including birds, squirrels, and other wildlife, have been known to build nests inside chimneys that can cause a flue obstruction. Also, creosote build-up in the narrow passageway of the smoke chamber and other parts of the chimney can obstruct the flue. A flue obstruction is dangerous because it can cause a backdraft, which essentially reverses the chimney draft, forcing smoke, soot, and debris out of the fireplace and into the living space exposing you to toxic carbon monoxide gas and other harmful materials.

Masonry Damage

Masonry chimneys are porous materials, and the constant exposure to freezing rain and ice can eventually cause bricks to spall and mortar to decay. As the masonry damage worsens, you may notice crumbling or missing bricks and gaps in the mortar joints. These cracks in the masonry continue to expand ultimately affecting the structure’s integrity. It also exposes the chimney to moisture intrusion that can cause severe damage to the interior masonry, flue liner, and other internal components. It also increases the fire risk, making it unsafe to use the fireplace until the masonry damage is repaired.

Creosote Build-up

Creosote build-up is a common problem that can occur without regular chimney sweeping. It is the primary cause of heating-related residential structure fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Creosote is a tar-like material that is created during the combustion of wood and other fuels. At first, creosote is a white, powdery substance that is easily removed. However, it hardens into a dark, tarry, and highly flammable material that is extremely difficult to remove without regular sweeping. The high temperature of the fireplace or a hot ember can ignite the creosote and cause a chimney fire. Since many chimney fires are small, many homeowners don’t realize it occurred until a chimney inspection reveals evidence of a previous chimney fire.

Flue Liner Cracks

Flue liner cracks are common, especially if the liner is more than 15 to 20 years old. The flue liner protects the masonry and prevents the high heat in the chimney from transferring to nearby combustible building materials. However, normal wear and tear, moisture, high temperatures, and corrosive gas residue can damage the flue liner causing the clay tiles to burst or break. Therefore, it is vital to repair or replace damaged liners to meet current building codes and reduce fire risk.

Cracks in the Chimney Crown

Cracks in the chimney crown are a common source of water leaks. The chimney crown is the cement surface that tops masonry chimneys. Cracks typically occur due to age, environmental conditions, and settling. When moisture seeps through these cracks, it can cause widespread damage to the interior masonry. Replacing a damaged chimney cap or chase cover can help protect the chimney crown.

Deteriorating Flashing

The chimney flashing is a metal component that creates a water-tight seal where the chimney and roof meet. However, frequent rains, hail, snow, and improper installation can weaken the flashing making it prone to warping or corrosion. When this occurs, moisture can leak inside the chimney resulting in water stains on the ceiling and walls near the fireplace.

Annual Chimney Inspection and Cleaning in KC

The best way to avoid these and other common chimney problems is with annual chimney inspections and professional cleaning when necessary. It can also help save you thousands of dollars in chimney repairs that unresolved chimney problems can cause. Our experienced chimney technicians serve the entire KC/MO metro area. Call Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace to schedule your annual chimney inspection today!

The post Do you have any of these 7 Common Chimney Problems? appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

When constructing a house it’s always recommended that you install a chimney. This is because it comes with many benefits that include:

The chimney provides you with a cozy fireplace

Whether you have a fireplace insert, wood stove, open hearth or any other type of fireplace, a chimney provides you with a cozy environment to enjoy the warmth while watching the fire dancing. The fireplace provides you and your family a place to gather and have a good time. Chimney inspection professionals recommend that you maintain a safe distance from the chimney so that you don’t injure yourself.

The chimney provides you with fire for cooking

You no longer have to limit your cooking to the kitchen only. You can also cook in the living room in your chimney. If you are planning on cooking in your chimney, you should install a wood burning stove that not only provides you with enough heat to prepare your meals, but it’s also affordable.

The chimney is beautiful to look at

Have you visited a house without a chimney? It looks weird, right? When you install a chimney you improve the look of your house. The cool thing is that chimneys come in different designs thus you have many options to choose from. All you have to do is ensure that the unit is installed by a professional chimney contractor.

Taking care of your chimney

For you to continue enjoying the benefits of having a chimney in your home you need to take good care of it. If you have a wood burning fireplace you should watch the type of wood that you burn. To limit the amount of creosote that gets deposited watch the type of wood that you burn. To be on the safe side always burn seasoned wood. This is wood that has been left outside to dry on its own for a period of at least six months. If possible, burn hardwood instead of softwood.

Another thing that you should do is regularly undertake chimney cleaning.  You should hire a chimney company to clean the chimney and fix any problems that it might be having. One of the major problems with chimneys is chimney fires. Regular chimney sweeping removes the dangerous creosote thus keeping your fireplace safe.

Conclusion

A chimney is great to have as it comes with many benefits. For it to last for long and continue working effectively you have to take good care of it.

The post Blog first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

Fall is before winter and then the temperature reaches below zero. Even if not all places will experience low temperatures in the next months, a lot of people leverage their chimneys in keeping their home livable despite cold temperatures.

If you are considering having chimney cleaning services, you should know that you need them especially during winter. Even if a lot of people are into using chimneys, not everyone maintains them well. This is a proposition if you neglect your chimney, it will become detrimental to health and safety concerns.

A chimney sweep inspects your chimney and they clean it to make sure that it is properly functioning.

Read more about this kind of service now:

Keeps Your Family and Home Safe

Keeping your home and family away from harm while sitting in front of a fireplace or woos stove during the colder months. Chimneys are important for ventilation that lets toxins, smokes and dangerous to exit your home. if you have a clean chimney, you will have a safer fireplace that is more fireplace and heating appliance for your home.

When it comes to appliances that burn fossil fuels, certain residue from creosote and soot stick to the masonry and flue that is inside the chimney. The burning embers produced by the fire is usually the one that sparks a fire inside the chimney, regular chimney maintenance prevents a lot of house fires if they are regularly hired.

Your Air is Cleaner

When you keep your chimney working properly, you will do a great job of sucking out smoke from your home.  If there is soot and gunk in your chimney, it cannot properly filter smoke. This causes the family room to look hazy and an unsafe breathing environment.

A chimney sweep will make it operate smoothly on all cylinders, which is why you do not have to worry if there will be smoke and backup issues.

Home Heating Becomes More Efficient

The efficiency of your fireplace decreases when there is more aerosol in the chimney. The added cooler circulation of the air reduces the efficiency of energy that requires you to burn wood and other fossil fuels, mostly to stay warm. That is why chimney inspection should be done regularly to make sure that you stay warm during the cooler months.

In addition, rodents, insects and small birds clog the flue which prevents toxic fumes from escaping. Since these fumes are unable to escape because of the clogged chimney, there is a higher risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, which is a silent killer.

Prevents Fire

It is dangerous to have a blocked chimney because there is increased smoke and carbon monoxide poisoning and a backed up chimney causes fires.

Thousands of fires happen every year because of clogged chimneys. The fire costs you money and your life if you get trapped.

Costly Repairs Prevention

A fireplace that burns wood can reach 1100F or even more. This will create wood bits, ash, soot and other kinds of particles that are because of the combustion process that covers the flue liner, damper, smoke shelf, grime contaminant, and dirt. A professional cleaning service helps in reducing wear and tear so you can stop costly repairs from happening. Aside from that, this type of cleaning helps to uncover minor problems in masonry.

You should prevent chimney problems, and you can do this by hiring professionals to inspect and clean it regularly. Call up chimney cleaning services Upper Marlboro.

The post Blog first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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