Many homes in the Kansas City area have masonry chimneys built with corbeled brick, and homeowners may need to parge their smoke chamber this summer. While your wood-burning fireplace was keeping your family warm and cozy in the winter, the smoke and fumes were passing through an area known as the smoke chamber as it travels up the flue to exit the chimney.

Due to its proximity to the firebox, the smoke chamber is a high-heat area.  The stair-stepped design of corbeling can create problems for homeowners, highlighting the importance of annual chimney inspections, especially in older homes. That’s because the exposed jagged edges can allow moisture to pool on the brick surface, accelerating masonry deterioration. It also reduces airflow efficiency and results in the additional build-up of combustible deposits, increasing the risk of fire and exposure to carbon monoxide fumes. If smoke chamber defects are not corrected, the high heat can ignite the creosote and cause a chimney fire. Even a small chimney fire can spread to nearby combustible building materials and cause a house fire. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), excessive creosote in the chimney is the leading cause of residential structure fires.

What is Parging

Parging is the process of smoothing the jagged edges and repairing any masonry damage like cracks or gaps in the brick and mortar. We use Heatshield® to make smoke chamber repairs because the cerfractory sealant increases the chimney’s integrity while resisting moisture, corrosive gases, and the extreme temperatures of the smoke chamber. It is UL listed and tested to ASTM C-199 and can withstand temperatures of over 2,500°F. A smooth smoke chamber surface reduces the build-up of creosote and soot deposits in the smoke chamber and reduces fire risk. It also improves the airflow efficiency in the chimney, making it easier for smoke and dangerous gases to vent out of the home.

Does My Chimney Need to Be Parged?

Both NFPA guidelines and the International Residential Code (IRC) state that if the inside surface of the smoke chamber has corbeled masonry, it shall be parged smooth. However, it is difficult for homeowners to determine whether their chimney needs parging without a chimney inspection. The smoke chamber is one of the many parts of the chimney system checked during an annual inspection. If it has been more than two years since your last chimney inspection, we highly encourage scheduling a level 2 chimney inspection this summer, including a video scan of the interior surfaces. A video scan can spot minor cracks and other imperfections in the masonry that are more difficult to see with a visual inspection allowing repairs before they can cause more severe issues.  When the Certified Chimney Sweep® observes corbeling in the smoke chamber, parging will be recommended to bring the fireplace and chimney into compliance with current building codes and to reduce the risk of fire and carbon monoxide exposure.

The post Parge Your Chimney Smoke Chamber this Summer appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

Chimney leak? “What do you mean? I don’t use my fireplace.” There are many homeowners that simply don’t use their fireplace. However, they do a great job of decorating all around it.  Just because you don’t use the fireplace doesn’t mean that chimney leaks can’t form.

Here are 5 ways chimney leaks form even if you’ve never turned on your fireplace.

1. Rain: Rain coming in right from the top! Chimneys without a chimney cap will get plenty of rain right directly into the chimney. A chimney cap fits snug around the opening of the chimney with includes a steel mesh to allow proper ventilation while eliminating animal entry and a solid piece of steel that extends over the mesh. This is to ensure the rain falls away from the opening.  Every chimney needs a chimney cap for the same reasons every home needs a roof!

A chimney cap does more than just keep rain out of the flue. It also helps to keep birds, animals and debris out of the chimney as well. Some people wonder, “How can debris get into the chimney?” Debris isn’t just garbage, it’s also leaves, twigs, windblown items and animal nesting to name a few.

2. Cracks in the Chimney Crown: If you don’t use your fireplace or had the fireplace inspected, then the words chimney crown wouldn’t mean too much to you. However, it’s a vital component to the outside chimney structure. A chimney crown is the cement slab that is located on top of the chimney. The chimney crown or the concrete slab has a purpose. It keeps the rain out of the chimney structure.

Cracks in the chimney crown occur when the structure shifts due to expansion and contraction in the freeze thaw cycles of winter months. For whatever reason for the shifting, it affects the chimney crown. Hairline cracks or even larger cracks is the perfect entry for even the smallest amount of water. As soon as it identifies the weak spot in the chimney crown, in the water goes!

3. Chimney Liner: If you have a newer home, chances are you have a chimney liner. However, if you have an older home, the situation may change. Let’s start there and take a look if there’s something lining your chimney.

Even if you’ve never used the fireplace, the chimney is still being used by your heating appliances. Condensation develops which causes deterioration of the bricks and mortar. One of the quickest ways to notice condensation is if you have your chimney glass doors closed and you see condensation or water droplets on the glass, that needs to be taken care of ASAP.

4. Chimney Flashing: On June 12^th, we talked about chimney flashing… what it is and when to repair it. Chimney flashing is what connects and protects the exterior of the chimney where the roofing system meets it. If the chimney flashing has come away from the home, it is exposed to water penetrating the inside of the home.

Chimney flashing looks like steps cut into the bricks, then sealed with caulk. But as weather has its own mind and way, these elements weaken bonds & seals causing leaks to occur.

5. Chimney bricks and mortar: Chimney bricks and mortar are pretty tough materials, but like any material over time outside in the weather elements, it begins to deteriorate. As it does the bricks and mortar form cracks. Water and snow have a way of quickly finding those small cracks and make their way in… Especially through the freeze and thaw cycles of our winter months

These 5 ways a chimney leak can from has nothing to do with you turning on your fireplace…or not. That’s way the CSIA, or the Chimney Safety Institute of America, encourages all fireplace owners to have it swept and checked each year. Keep your home, family and chimney safe by getting a sweep and inspection. Contact us at 877-244-6349 to have your chimney and fireplace checked today.

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

Gas fireplaces are loved by people with busy lifestyles. Unlike the traditional wood burning fireplaces, gas fireplaces are convenient, soot-free and don’t require you to haul, chop and store firewood. If you lead a busy life and would like to install a gas fireplace in your home, here are options that you can go with:

Gas fireplace inserts

If you have a traditional fireplace, gas fireplace inserts make it possible for you to upgrade the fireplace in a gas fireplace without constructing a new unit. In addition to this, the inserts have been shown to prevent heat lose in gas fireplaces. This results to your fireplace being energy efficient thus saving you plenty of money.

The inserts come in different styles such as modern, chic, traditional, contemporary and rustic. You should go with an insert that is perfect for the impression that you want to create. In addition to the units coming in different styles they also come in different sizes. To buy the right unit, take your time to measure the size of your fireplace.

Free standing gas stoves

They resemble the traditional wood stoves. In fact if you are not keen, you can mistake them for wood burning units. To give them a traditional look you have to install logs. You can buy the logs together with the gas stove or buy separately. Just like the traditional wood stoves, you have to clean them regularly. This is to prevent creosote from accumulating to worrying levels. In addition to this you also have to regularly hire a chimney company to inspect the stove and logs and ensure that they are in perfect working condition.

ZC gas fireplaces

Zero gas fireplaces are ideal if you are looking to heat a small space. They are unique in that you can place them directly against combustible materials or a few inches from the flammable materials. Since you don’t need any buffer zone, you can place them even close to your seat or bed. The units have been found to be highly efficient thus heat your home at a low cost.

They come in different styles and models. There are those made from heavy iron and other made from glass. For a great look, go for a unit that complements your home décor.

Conclusion

These are the options that you can go with if looking to install a gas burning fireplace. You should consult your chimney contractor and settle on the best appliance for your home.

The post Blog first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

Just like fireplaces, fire pits come in many shapes and sizes with the purpose of adding a little warmth and a lot of beauty to a backyard setting. Just about everyone enjoys a fire pit, but here are a few things to know and choices to make before you run out and have one installed.

Check with local zoning

Before taking another step, check with your city or county zoning office to make sure fire pits are lawful where you live.

Gas or wood?

Fire pits, whether pre-made or custom-built, can run on either gas/propane or wood fuel. Gas is easier to ignite and extinguish. Wood gives you the nostalgic look and aroma that many people love. With a gas fire pit, you’ll have to run a line to the appliance; with a wood fire pit, you’ll need to purchase (or chop yourself), haul and store logs.

Have it built in a factory, or constructed on your property

You can buy fine fire pits that are fully contained and ready to set up in your backyard. You also can have a contractor who’s experienced in fire-pit construction build you one with all your exact specifications. Shop around before making a decision on which way to go.

Safe placement

Technically, a fire pit can go anywhere in your backyard where there’s space for it, but safe placement is always the goal.

• Keep the fire pit away from walls of the house, fencing and other backyard items.
• Place the fire pit under the open sky, not beneath tree branches or building overhangs.
• Install the fire pit on flat ground comprised of pure dirt or cement, not on grass or in weedy areas.
• Make sure there’s distance between the appliance and shrubbery.
• Never place your fire pit near areas where accelerants (charcoal lighter, gasoline, etc.) are stored. Or better, never store combustibles near your fire pit.

Safe operation

Here are seven very important safety tips that will allow you to get years of enjoyment out of your new fire pit.

1. Burn only wood logs or gas to make your fires. Never use clothing, pressed board, furniture, household garbage, plastics, tree branches or packing materials in your fire pit.
2. Accelerants as mentioned above should never be used to get a fire going.
3. Never leave an active fire pit unattended.
4. Use hardwoods such as oak, beech and elm as they produce fewer flying sparks than redwood, spruce, pine and other softwoods.
5. Make sure children know to stay away from the flames; very young children need to be supervised at all times when fire pit is in use.
6. Avoid using the fire pit in heavy wind.
7. Keep a fire extinguisher handy and train responsible family members to use it.

By following these tips and making a few simple decisions, you’ll be ready to bring an exciting new fire pit to your backyard and enjoy it safely for many years to come.

Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace of Kansas City, KS hopes these tips help you in deciding if a fire pit is right for your home. For your indoors supplemental heating, we offer fireplace and stove installation, chimney cleaning and inspections and all types of repair and rebuilding work. When you need it done right, call Fluesbrothers first at (913) 236-7141.

The post What You Need to Know Before You Install a Fire Pit appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

A leaking chimney is a sign of trouble to your fireplace and home. When the chimney is leaking, the chimney remains wet for long. This results to chimney deterioration. A leaking chimney is an emergency issue and you should hire a chimney masonry repair professional as soon as possible to fix it.

Why your chimney could be leaking

Some of these reasons why your chimney could be leaking include:

Lack of chimney cover: From its name, a chimney cover is a unit that covers the chimney. It’s usually placed at the top of the chimney preventing water, birds and other animals from getting into the chimney. When your chimney doesn’t have a cover, water easily enters from the top and runs down the inside of the chimney.

Cracked flashing: A chimney flashing is made from aluminum and is placed at the area where the chimney pokes above the rooftop. The flashing is designed to function as a water seal; therefore, when it’s cracked, water easily finds its way into the chimney.

Cracked chimney crown: The chimney crown is the cement portion at the top of the chimney. It’s designed and installed to keep rain out; therefore, when its damaged or cracked, rain seeps into the chimney. Cracked bricks: Most of the chimneys are made from bricks. Due to old age or trauma the bricks crack thus allowing water to find its way into the fireplace.

What to do about a leaking chimney

The cool thing with a leaking chimney problem is that it’s easy to fix. The first thing that you should do is to undertake chimney inspection. This is to identify the cause of the problem. For ideal results hire a chimney professional to undertake the inspection. If your chimney doesn’t have a chimney cover, install it. If the cap is cracked, you can either remove it entirely and replace it with a new one or coat the cover’s top surface with a waterproofing agent.

If the flashing has become loose or has peeled up, nail, caulk and tar it back into place. In addition to this also consider coating all the exposed masonry surfaces with a clear masonry waterproofing sealer. Apply two coats using a garden sprayer set at low pressure.

Conclusion

This is what you need to know about a leaking chimney. As mentioned, if you have a leaking chimney, treat it as an emergency. For ideal results, work with an experienced and certified chimney contractor.

The post Blog first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

Now that summer is here, it’s a good idea to close the fireplace until the colder weather returns. Closing the fireplace for the season has many benefits. First, it will help prevent the conditioned air in your home from escaping through the chimney saving money on cooling costs. Second, it will keep the rain out of the chimney that can damage interior masonry and cause foul odors in your home. Third, closing the fireplace also prevents small animals and pests from climbing in the flue through a damaged or missing chimney cap. However, there are a few routine maintenance tasks that should be done when closing your wood-burning or gas fireplace for the summer.

Schedule a Chimney Inspection

Your chimney and fireplace need to be inspected annually, and getting it done during the summer will avoid the fall and winter rush when chimney sweeps are busiest. A chimney inspection is necessary to ensure your gas or wood-burning fireplace is safe to operate and is not a health or safety hazard. The chimney sweep will visually inspect the chimney, vents, and attached heating appliances. In addition, the chimney sweep will check ceramic logs, burner, connections, and fittings for gas fireplace owners. The chimney sweep will also check for creosote build-up and obstructions. Any deficiencies found during the inspection, like spalling brick, cracks in the chimney crown, water leaks, or other damages, can be repaired while the fireplace is not in use.

Chimney Cleaning

It’s also a good idea to clean the chimney before closing the fireplace for the summer. Small animals like birds, raccoons, and squirrels may have been hiding out in the chimney. Also, strong winds can blow leaves, twigs, and other debris into the vent. The decaying organic matter, along with the warmer temperatures and humidity, can cause foul odors to permeate your home. It can also attract pests.

Moreover, the creosote accumulating in the chimney throughout the winter hardens into a thick, tarry, and flammable substance that becomes extremely difficult to remove. It also contributes to foul odors.  A professional chimney sweep that is certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) has the training and professional equipment necessary to safely clean the chimney and your attached heating appliances, including gas and wood-burning fireplaces, wood stoves, furnaces, and inserts, per National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) industry standards.

Turn off the Pilot Light

Gas fireplace owners should also turn off the pilot light before closing the damper for the summer. Turning off the pilot light will reduce energy costs and wear and tear when you’re not using the fireplace. It is a simple process. First, locate the pilot knob and turn it to the “off” position. Also, turn the gas shutoff valve to the “off” position.

Closing the Damper

Most fireplaces have a damper that is installed in the chimney’s throat above the firebox. It is typically operated by a lever or a rotating screw-type rod. Close the damper by lifting and pulling the handle down or turning the rotating rod to the right. Some fireplaces have a top-mount damper that is installed at the top of the chimney. It is closed by pulling the chain and attaching it to the hook in the firebox. After closing the damper, visually check to ensure it has an airtight seal when shut. An airtight damper seal is essential for reducing energy costs and keeping water out of the chimney and firebox.

If you need help closing the damper or turning off the pilot light, contact the professional chimney sweeps at Fluesbrothers. We’ll be glad to schedule an appointment throughout our Kansas City Metro service area.

The post Do I Need to “Close” My Fireplace During the Summer? appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

When contemplating a backyard fire pit, it can’t be digging a hole in the backyard, throwing in some logs and a match. Aside from the obvious safety recommendations you need to follow just like you do with your fireplaces, inserts, and stoves, several factors need to be put into the equation to have a successful outcome.

• Personal taste
• Budget
• Ample space
• DIY or professionally built
• Local Fire Codes
• Insurance considerations
• Type of fire pit

Personal Fire Pit Taste

Personal taste and budget go hand-in-hand when contemplating any home improvement project.  Search the internet or home improvement publications to get some ideas for the type of materials (stone or brick) available.  Before reaching a final decision, make sure the components you need are available in your area.

What’s Your Budget?

This one is most often the deciding factor on size, style, and design.  There is little satisfaction in putting a budget-breaking fire pit in if it will cause financial ruin, so be realistic with all of your goals.

Do I Have Enough Yard Space For a Fire Pit?

Is there ample space to enjoy the fire pit?  Many municipalities require the fire pit to be a certain distance from homes (including neighbors), outbuildings, fences, and trees.  Fire pits need to have room between the fire itself and seating.  No one wants to get burned from sitting close to the fire.

DIY vs Hiring a Professional

The choice between a Do-it-Yourself or a professional project is many times the easiest decision.   Is there enough time to complete the project?  What kind of family disruptions will be created in the process of conclusion?  If the budget permits, many times, it’s just easier to let someone else do it.

Check Local Fire Codes

Local Fire Codes may prevent you from having a fire pit at all.  Check with the fire department in your area.  Each region has specific fire codes that must be followed.  Spending the money to build the fire pit and having the fire department say it’s not up to code and you must move it is not a pleasant scenario.  If you live in a wildfire area, these fire mandates may shut down the fire pit before it gets started.

Homeowner’s Insurance Concerns

Insurance considerations may have a say in how much you pay to insure your home and property.   Once again, if you live in a high wildfire, insurance rates may increase.  Often the addition of a sizable fire pit may increase the value of your home and cause rates to escalate.

Fuel Choice

The type of fire pit, not the design, but the fuel, is an option.  This decision cannot be after the firepit has been built but in the planning.  Many people enjoy a crackling fire; with its smells and sounds, it is relaxing.  The drawback is having to have a steady supply of firewood.  There is a propane or natural gas-powered fire pit; some would say it has no romance.  That may be true but, changing the propane tank takes a lot less effort than stacking wood.

Many homeowners think only of the design and the surroundings of a fire pit.  Consider all the above, ask around, and ask the local zoning commission when you have a strategy.  Make sure the design and type of fuel you are planning to use are within the building code.

For more questions, professional advice, and estimates, contact Northeastern Chimney, LLC. Also, give us a call to schedule or inquire about our chimney cleaning, inspections, maintenance and repairs.

Northeastern Chimney, LLC

37 Cody Street

West Hartford, Connecticut 06110

Phone: 860-233-5770

 

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

Just because winter is over, you don’t have to stop enjoying your fireplace. You have a bunch of great options for decorating the fireplace inside and out and making the wall area surrounding the appliance come alive.

We’ll look at some of those options, but first, here are five tasks to accomplish before decorating.

1. Have a safety inspection performed on your fireplace and chimney.
2. Schedule repairs to fix any problems the inspection turns up – do this sooner rather than later in the year when chimney crews are super-busy.
3. Have your chimney cleaned to remove flammable creosote and outside debris.
4. Remember to close the damper to keep inside air from exchanging with outside air.
5. Clean your firebox to remove all ash, soot residue, creosote deposits and smoke stains.

Design ideas for your fireplace & fireplace area

Your fireplace is a big attention-getter when it’s in use, but it can attract just as much attention in the off-season with these ideas.

Decorate the firebox: You can add candles, lights, plants and just about anything else to highlight and beautify a clean, empty firebox.

Cover the firebox: If you don’t want anything in the firebox, cover it with a curtain, hanging beads or a portrait or painting.

Put your mantel to good use: If you don’t have a lovely mantel over your fireplace, consider installing one. Mantels are ideal settings for antiques, kids’ artwork, floral arrangements, spring- and summer-themed decorations, clocks, mirrors, family photos and other attractive items.

Add a fireplace surround: Fireplace surrounds can be purchased pre-made or custom built. They can cover a narrow area around the fireplace, or they can take up an entire wall. You can have your surround made from wood, natural or faux stone, brick, paneling and other materials.

Enhance your fireplace wall: Whether or not you add a surround, you can bring lots of beauty to the wall in which the fireplace sits. Consider tasteful shelving, hanging tapestries, framed posters of landscapes or city skylines, ground-level or suspended potted plants and anything else that you happen to find attractive and engaging.

Think color: If your home has a dominant color scheme, keep this in mind when decorating your fireplace and surrounding area. Whether you use matching or contrasting colors, the idea is for this section of your room to be a logical part of everything else.

Get creative: The best thing about any home-decorating or upgrade project is, there are no rules you must follow. What makes sense to you is what you should do. Enlist the help of your family for ideas, and create something that’s truly a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace of Kansas City, KS, can’t help you with your fireplace-area decorating, but we can help in other important ways.

Our team of CSIA-certified technicians provides chimney sweep services, licensed chimney inspections and all repairs to chimneys, fireplaces and system components. We serve the greater Kansas City, KS/Kansas City, MO, region with the singular goal of keeping you and your family safe and comfortable.

Schedule a fireplace and chimney cleaning or inspection, learn more about our services and get your questions answered by calling (913) 236-7141.

The post Get the Most out of Your Fireplace during the Warmer Months appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

Have you just moved to a new house? Here are fireplace tips that you should consider:

Give high priority to fireplace safety

To have peace of mind that everything is in perfect order it’s recommended that you hire a chimney contractor to inspect the fireplace and fix even the most minor problem that might be there. Modern contractors are advanced in technology where they use videos to inspect the chimney lining. The video cameras come with high resolutions that enable the contractors pick even the smallest problems in the chimney.

In addition to the contractors picking the problems, they should also clean your chimney to ensure your safety.

Install a chimney cap

Most modern chimneys have chimney caps, but the older ones don’t have them. If you look up your chimney and all you can see is a round pipe or clay flue, you need to install a chimney cap. The chimney cap has many functions including:

• Preventing rain from pouring straight into the house thus damaging the flue and causing rust on the dampers
• Preventing unwanted critters from entering your home
• Preventing odor from dead animals that die in the chimney. The cap also prevents odors resulting from animal droppings that are unable to escape the chimney
• When installed with a wire mesh, the chimney functions as a spark guard where it prevents loose sparks from starting fire on your roof.

If your chimney doesn’t have the chimney cap, hire a chimney masonry repair professional to install it for you. The professional may recommend other renovations that might be necessary in keeping your chimney safe.

Fix loose chimney bricks and mortar

If you ask a good number of homeowners they will tell you that their chimneys are permanent. Due to this misconception, most homeowners rarely go up their chimneys. If you are buying an old house, your chimney is also old and you need to take a look at it. Common problems with old chimneys are: loose mortar and bricks. If this is the case with your chimney, hire a chimney repair professional to fix it for you.

During repair, also ask the professional to take a look at the chimney flashing and ensure that it hasn’t rusted. The flashing also shouldn’t let moisture seep through causing structural damage to your room.

Conclusion

These are chimney tips that you should put into consideration as a new home owner. For ideal results, work with a certified and experienced chimney company.

The post Blog first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

The fireplace serves as a great place to relax with friends and family. While the fireplace is such an integral part of a home, studies show that the fireplace is one of the most overlooked places in a home as few homeowners undertake fireplace repair.

Since few people pay attention to the fireplace, it tends to deteriorate to a point where it becomes a risk to you and family members. To protect yourself, you need to be wary of warning signs. To help you out, here are signs that your fireplace needs a makeover:

White staining on the chimney

Also known as efflorescence, white staining occurs when salt particles combine with moisture. Excess water in the chimney structure evaporates on the other side of the chimney resulting in a deposit of salt residue. Over time, the salt becomes a powdery substance that is unsightly.

Although, the staining is usually white, compounds in the chimney sometimes cause the salt deposits to turn yellow, green or even brown. Regardless of the color of stain on your fireplace, you need to undertake chimney repair to fix the problem and prevent it from recurring in future. To repair the chimney you need to fix the chimney cap in order to allow rainwater to pour between chimney flue and chimney.

Black staining on the chimney

When you put on fire, smoke is supposed to go up the chimney, but this is not always the case. When there are chimney obstructions or other imperfections, smoke tends to come back to your home. When this happens over a long period of time, the area above the heath gets a black staining which is unsightly to look at.

To avoid this problem hire a chimney sweeping professional that will not only clean the fireplace, but one who will also get rid of obstructions. Sometimes the problem comes about when the chimney is at the wrong height. In such a scenario hire a chimney masonry repair professional to rectify the height problem.

Crumbling chimney mortar

Due to environmental factors such as ice, wind, snow and rain, it’s common for the chimney mortar to weaken and start coming off. It’s recommended that you undertake chimney inspection where you inspect all areas of your fireplace. If you notice that the mortar is coming off, ask a chimney contractor to fix it as a weak chimney is a ticking time bomb.

The post Blog first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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