Is Chimney Cleaning Always Necessary?

Many homeowners often wonder if chimney cleaning is always necessary. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), a build-up of 1/8″ or more of creosote is dangerous and should be removed. Since it can be difficult to discern how much creosote is actually present in the chimney, an annual chimney inspection is always necessary.

Chimney Inspection

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends homeowners with solid fuel and liquid fuel appliances have an annual chimney inspection even if the chimney doesn’t need cleaning. A comprehensive interior and exterior visual inspection of the chimney, fireplace, and vents are the best way to determine whether the chimney and attached heating appliances are safe to operate. During the inspection, the chimney technician checks for creosote, obstructions, damages, and structural issues. After the inspection is complete, the technician will provide a full written assessment that will include recommended repairs and replacements to ensure the safe operation of your heating appliances. The technician will also advise if chimney cleaning is necessary.

Chimney Fires

Creosote is a natural by-product of combustion, and it sticks to the interior walls and components as smoke and gases are venting up the chimney. Creosote becomes increasingly flammable the longer it lingers in the chimney. Each year, fire departments across the country respond to nearly 50,000 residential structural fires involving home heating equipment resulting in over 500 deaths, 1,300 injuries, and more than $1.1B in property damage.

Failure to clean the chimney was the primary cause in most incidents. However, most chimney fires are small and go unnoticed by the homeowner until the resulting damage is discovered during a chimney inspection.

Although masonry chimneys and fireplaces are built to withstand a gas or wood-burning fireplace’s temperature, the intense heat of a chimney fire can exceed its limits. Even a small chimney fire can cause the clay tiles lining the flue to crack or burst under pressure. It can also damage the masonry and other internal components, increasing the risk of fire spreading to combustible building materials.

Chimney Cleaning

Chimney cleaning is the best way to prevent a chimney fire and reduce the risk of exposure to dangerous carbon monoxide fumes.  A certified chimney tech will thoroughly clean the chimney removing any creosote, soot, ash, and corrosive residues. The technician will also remove any small animals, nests, and debris that may be obstructing the flue vent. Many professional chimney sweeps will perform a chimney inspection and cleaning during the same appointment.

Gas Fireplaces

Although gas fireplaces are cleaner burning appliances, they still require annual safety inspections and periodic cleaning to reduce the risk of fire, explosion, or exposure to carbon monoxide gas. The technician will inspect the appliance, vents, fittings, burner, and ceramic logs for signs of wear or damage. The technician will also perform any necessary cleaning of the fireplace and chimney.

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Neglecting chimney maintenance can result in exasperation and a call to trusted chimney sweeps, crying, “Help! We have chimney leaks!” A good way to avoid water spots on your ceilings and walls, peeling wallpaper, roof damage, and leaks on your floors is to schedule annual chimney inspections. Chimney leaks have various causes that can be difficult to pinpoint. The following are reasons chimney leaks could have you screaming, “Ahhh!”

Damaged Chimney Crown

The white part at the very top of the chimney is the chimney crown, and it is constantly exposed to the elements. Homes built between the 1970s and 1990s were often rushed construction projects. Many times, leftover mortar for bricks was used to construct chimney crowns. Unfortunately, the material is softer than the appropriate material, which is a harder type of concrete that more reliably helps keep moisture out of the chimney system.

Although the chimney crowns built with mortar materials are even more vulnerable, correctly constructed chimney crowns also tend to crack and deteriorate. If moisture gets into the chimney crown, it can work its way throughout the chimney system. The real trouble comes during winter when freezing and thawing cycles cause the moisture to expand and contract. The movement opens up even bigger pathways for moisture to travel and causes the destruction of bricks.

Deteriorating Mortar

The chimney crown is not the only place where mortar can result in a chimney leak. Brick chimneys can last a century or more, but the mortar between the bricks lasts only up to about 25 years. If the mortar wears away, moisture gets into the masonry system and can ultimately leak into your home. The best solution for deteriorating mortar is to catch the problem early and schedule tuckpointing. Instead of having to rebuild your chimney because of moisture intrusion, tuckpointing is a procedure whereby old mortar is removed and replaced with new mortar. The process is far less expensive than a chimney rebuild and, yet, results in a like-new chimney structure.

No Chimney Cap

If there is not a chimney cap at the top of the chimney flue, the natural result is that rain, snow, sleet, and debris will go directly into your chimney. Although chimney caps are referred to as accessories, they are essential. You can have a standard flue cap installed or opt for an outside-mount custom chimney cap that will also provide additional protection to the chimney crown. Outside-mount chimney caps are more aesthetically pleasing and protect the entire top of the chimney from moisture.

Condensation from Gas Furnaces

If your gas furnace is attached to your masonry chimney, you can end up with a chimney leak caused by excess condensation. Low-temperature gas fumes contain a lot of moisture. If there is no chimney flue, if the flue liner is too large, and/or if the chimney is too cold, the moisture can result in a chimney leak. This issue is usually resolved with the installation of a correctly sized chimney liner.

Chimney Flashing Leaks

The number one cause of chimney leaks is the chimney flashing. The metal portion of the chimney is there to create a watertight seal between the chimney and the roof. It is difficult to install flashing correctly. A fairly large gap is often left between the bricks and the roof, resulting in significant water leaks that cause roof damage. If the flashing does not seal properly against the bricks, water intrusion into the chimney system can also occur. These types of leaks can go on for some time before they are detected. Scheduling annual chimney inspections, as recommended by fire safety experts, can help you avoid costly chimney and roof leaks caused by leaky flashing.

Contact Northeastern Chimney Today

At Northeastern Chimney, we care about our customers and helping them avoid chimney leaks, not to mention addressing issues related to the safety of home and family. If you need to schedule a chimney inspection, chimney cleaning, chimney repairs, masonry repairs, a masonry rebuild, or any other chimney services, give us a call today at 860-233-5770. Have a chimney leak? We offer friendly customer service and specialize in fixing chimney leaks, too, even the kind that might have you crying, “Ahhh!”

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

What is Creosote?

Creosote is a combination of wood particles and vapors that have dried to become semi-solid. It forms in chimneys as a result of incomplete combustion or because of too much moisture in the wood used for burning.

Creosote is dangerous to breathe in and can cause chimney fires. If you begin to smell a campfire-like smell in your home, this is a sign that there is creosote in your chimney. Other signs include  black soot staining around your fireplace, poor draft, or dark smoke exiting your chimney.

If you suspect that there is creosote build up in your fireplace, call a professional immediately. We are a full service chimney company that has been serving the Boston and Greater Boston area since 1989. Click here to schedule an appointment with us today!

About Level 3 Creosote

There are three levels of creosote. The first two levels of creosote are easier to remove than level 3 creosote. As the phases progress, creosote becomes a more serious problem. Check out our creosote buildup guide for more details on each of the phases of creosote.

Level 3 creosote, also called glazed creosote, is an extremely dense and sometimes sticky layer that is similar to tar. It is made up of layers of creosote that have formed and hardened over one another. It is considered a serious fire hazard and is challenging to remove.

How to Remove Glazed Creosote from Your Chimney

Though level 1 creosote can be removed using a chimney brush, it is essential to call a professional to remove level 3 creosote from your chimney.

At Boston’s Best Chimney, we spray an industrial grade creosote remover into the flue saturating the area. This product remains in the chimney for 3-5 days to allow the chemical reaction to happen  breaking down the creosote compound into a flaky and brushable substance.

Prevent Creosote Build Up

There are several steps that you can take to prevent creosote buildup. The most important step is to have your chimney inspected and swept annually.  First you must find a chimney sweep and service company that you can trust with your home’s safety. At Boston’s Best chimney, all of our technicians are trained and certified.   We recommend ensuring that whichever chimney company that you go with has a certification and are local.

Boston Area Creosote Removal

If you live in the Boston or Greater Boston area and would like help with your creosote problem, or are looking for another chimney service, we are here to serve you! Click here or call us at (781) 893-6611 to schedule a free estimate or an inspection.

The post How to Remove Glazed Creosote from Your Chimney appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Weather changes play a huge role in the destruction of your chimney. When it rains, the water is absorbed in the brick and mortar. When the sun shines and temperature rises the water expands and contracts. The thermal expansion and contraction weakens the brick and mortar thus weakening and damaging your chimney.

Signs that your chimney is damaged

If you undertake regular chimney inspection it’s easy to know when your brick chimney is damaged. A clear sign of damage is failing or missing mortar joints between the bricks. To confirm that the damage is extensive you should undertake a probing test where you use a small knife. You should dig using a knife and confirm if the mortar is loose and falls out easily.

Another clear sign of a damaged brick chimney is leaking. Is water leaking into the house? You should hire a chimney contractor to identify the area where the water is leaking from.

Other signs of damage include: peeling wallpaper near the chimney, wet brick inside the house, outdated flashing, and cracks in the chimney crown.

Guide on how to repair the brick chimney

There are many ways in which you can repair the chimney. The method to use largely depends on the condition of the chimney and extent of damage. To know the right option to go with you should hire a brick chimney repair professional who will analyze the chimney and come up with the best solution.

Sometimes the repair may involve removal of the loose mortar and replacement of it with new and lime-based mortar. If the bricks have been damaged you will have to remove and replace them with new ones. In severe cases, the chimney repair professional may be forced to replace the entire chimney.

Tips on how to prevent the damage

The key to preventing chimney damage is regular inspection of the chimney. You can inspect the chimney on your own or hire a professional to do the work for you. Experts recommend that you should inspect the chimney once a year; however, if your chimney is in constant use you should inspect it more often (at least twice a year).

To avoid expensive repairs in the future, you should make minor repairs whenever you notice them. For example, if you notice even a small crack you should fix it as soon as possible. The initial condition of the bricks greatly determines their lifespan. For your chimney to last for a long time you should ensure that it’s installed by a certified brick chimney contractor.

The post Blog first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

Spring is, allergies aside, the greatest season. At least, that’s what Southern Chimneys thinks. What better time to be up on a roof and outdoors than on sunny, blue-sky days that are the perfect temperature?

If you want to take advantage of our favorite season and have your chimney serviced or inspected, now is the time! Don’t wait, as our schedules fill up fast this time of year.

Your chimney was working its hardest over the last few months. Now is the perfect time to see what –if any– damage all the cold weather and rain did to things over the winter. A springtime chimney inspection and a possible chimney sweep can prevent disasters that will affect your home all the way into next winter. Take advantage of your desire for spring cleaning and boost your chimney and fireplace performance by getting yours inspected now!

Five reasons spring’s the right time for a chimney inspection!

1. Keep your home smelling fresh.Ever heard of creosote? It’s the buildup that comes from wood fires and turns into dark, cruddy deposits in your chimney. Creosote sitting there in your chimney and, as the weather warms up, it’s going to create a terrible odor that will spread all throughout your house.    
2. Make sure your home’s safe……from critters. Chimneys are also common entry points for a variety of unwanted pests, ranging from squirrels to birds. A properly installed and inspected chimney cap, pan, or shroud will prevent these pesky critters from entering your property and causing problems.    
3. Don’t let the water in.All of that rainy weather can cause water damage from the buildup of moisture in your chimney. In fact, with the record rainfall we’ve had recently, water might already be puddling up in there. Your chimney can collect debris and water just like your gutters do. Make sure they’re as clean as can be before things get even worse.    
4. Take advantage of the off-season schedule.Honestly, the smartest customers take advantage of a spring chimney inspection because they’re also taking advantage of it being our “off-season”. It’s a less-busy time for chimney services than say, early fall when everyone suddenly starts remembering they have chimneys. It’s easier to schedule around your own schedule if you call us now.    
5. Get ahead of things.Be prepared for upcoming service needs and long-term maintenance. If you get your chimney inspected now and find that there’s damage that needs repairing by fall/winter, you now have a little more time to act. Prevent chronic issues and costly repairs by spotting and fixing problems early.    

Feel as fresh, clean, and smart as possible this spring. Give Southern Chimneys a call today. Our technicians will complete an inside and out 18-point inspection and complete a consultation to address and discuss any issues or concerns.

The post Chimney Inspections & Spring: Made for Each Other! first appeared on Southern Chimneys. This post first appeared on https://southernchimneys.com

According to the consumer product safety commission, over 30,000 chimney fires and 30 deaths occur every year. The commission goes ahead and reports that over $150 million is lost every year.  This data is staggering and you need to take good care of your chimney to avoid the fires and carbon dioxide poisoning. To help you out, here are tips on how to take care of your chimney:

Regular inspection

The sole purpose of chimney inspection is to determine if the chimney needs cleaning or any repairs. You can inspect it on your own or hire a professional. For ideal results you should hire a professional as he/she is well trained to handle the work.

As rule of thumb you should ensure that the professional inspects both the inside and outside of the chimney. He/she should also undertake minor chimney repairs that might be necessary.

Clear the chimney area

It’s common for trees to handle over your house near the chimney. In addition to making your roof dirty, these trees can also easily catch fire thus putting your house at the risk of fire. To be safe you should get rid of the trees and braches and ensure that they are at least 15 feet away from the house.

Burn small amounts of wood

While you will get a lot of heat when you burn more wood, you will be damaging your chimney. Studies have shown that by burning too much wood you risk cracking the chimney thus forcing you to undertake regular chimney repair. Creosote also tends to build up fast when you burn a lot of wood. To be on the safe side you should burn wood that is only enough for the fireplace.

To reduce the amount of creosote and gases produced you should only burn seasoned hardwood. For ideal results you should ensure that the hardwood has been split for a period of 6 months to one year. You should avoid burning pine as it creates more creosote. You should also avoid burning wrapping boxes, papers as you risk causing big fires.

Cap the chimney

A chimney cap is a top that has wire mesh along the sides and it aids in keeping rain, snow, birds and other items from getting into the chimney. During chimney inspection you should ask the chimney contractor to take a look at it and ensure that it’s in perfect condition.

Conclusion

A well maintained chimney is not only safe to leave in, it’s also easy to clean thus when it comes to cleaning you don’t pay premium amounts. To have an easy time maintaining your chimney you should work closely with a certified chimney company.

The post Blog first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

The Danger of a Blocked Chimney

The purpose of your chimney is to rid your heating appliances or fireplace of harmful byproducts of burned fuel. If a chimney is blocked and unable to perform that duty, danger ensues. A blocked chimney is a threat to your safety because it can cause harmful gases to be pushed back into your home. It can lead to chimney fires as well. Having your chimney inspected annually and swept annually or as needed can prevent chimney fires.

Would you like your Boston area chimney cleaned or inspected? Click here or call (781) 893-6611 to get in touch with Boston’s Best Chimney.

How Do I Know If My Chimney is Blocked?  

Do you suspect that your chimney is blocked? If your carbon monoxide detector is issuing a warning, that is a signal that harmful fumes may be entering your home as a result of an obstructed chimney. If smoke from your fireplace is coming back into the room instead of being drawn up and out, this is another warning sign. Most boilers and furnaces vent through the chimney, so if you do not have heat or hot water, it is possible that a blocked chimney is causing the issue. Finally, if you are noticing exhaust or an odd smell when your heat is turning on, your chimney may be obstructed. It is essential to be alert when you notice these types of changes in your home and to call a chimney professional to help you solve.

What Can Cause an Obstruction 

Obstructions within the flue can be caused by many different things.  There are blockages caused by external influences like an animal’s nest, sticks and debris caused by neighboring trees and construction debris (yup, we’ve found it).  There are also internal factors that cause obstructions so even if you have a cap on top you’re not necessarily in the clear.  Soot and creosote accumulation (lack of maintenance) or even falling brick or flue tile within the system can cause major issues.

Why You Should Call a Professional for Chimney Concerns 

It is best to call a professional to address your blocked chimney right away if you notice that your chimney is exhibiting any of the warning signs that we have discussed. As with most chimney issues, the sooner you have the chimney addressed, the less damage it will cause and the more money you will be able to save on repairs. Professionals will use their experience, tools, and expertise to assess the exact cause of your chimney issue. Boston’s Best Chimney is a full-service chimney company serving the Greater Boston area. If you are noticing chimney blockage warning signs, click here or call (781) 893-6611 to contact our team.

The post How Do I Know if my Chimney is Blocked? appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

It is true that the most popular times to schedule a chimney cleaning and inspection is either in the Fall or in the Spring, after a long cold winter. However, this winter has been extra special.

According the NBC Chicago, from October through January 26, we only received 8.6” of snow. As we all enjoyed normal temperatures and less snow, that would all change quickly. In the past 22 days, we’ve seen 36.2 inches of snow. Clearly evident as we’re now shoveling and throwing snow way over our heads. Now add on the polar vortex of days of single digit frigid temperatures, and clearly it has wreaked havoc on just about…everything.

As you read in our last post, the freeze-thaw cycle and water leaks can cause plenty of damage to the exterior chimney, fireplace and the inside of your home. As we’ve had some serious weather conditions, getting a chimney inspection may not be such a bad idea.

A chimney inspection will alert you to any physical problems found in the firebox, flue, creosote build up or the possibility of blockages. In addition, a chimney inspection can also identify any leaks, cracks or if the chimney is unstable in any way. We take the inspection further with a full 14-point inspection.

Let’s take a closer look at the chimney inspection.

The Integrity of the Chimney

The technician begins by visually inspecting the chimney. The technician will take note of any possible areas for concern. The next test of integrity comes during the chimney sweep itself. As the technician uses their rods and brushes to clean the fireplace and chimney system, the technician will be monitoring what falls down.

The technician is looking for pieces of clay tiles, the clay tile joints or any part of the bricks. This is a sure sign that issues have developed in the chimney flue, or the exterior chimney.

Cleaning of the Fireplace

Every woodburning fireplace lover knows that the fireplace will build up on creosote. It’s only natural as creosote is a byproduct of burning wood. But is it necessary to clean a gas or unused fireplace? Absolutely yes. In addition to cleaning the fireplace, our certified technicians are also inspecting the flue liner, smoke chamber, smoke shelf, damper and the firebox. You may say, “Eh, I used it so little, those things are probably fine.” Well, not so fast. Our Chicago weather does a great job of encouraging problems to have. The inspection and cleaning will help identify deterioration, cracks, leaks and more all caused by weather…even when you don’t use the fireplace.

Obstructions

It is true that snow has been one of our main obstructions, especially if you have a low chimney. With high snow, our little animal friends need to go to higher ground to get out of the snow too…and the freezing temperatures. Your chimney looks pretty good. I bet a nice comfy nest would make our critter friends very happy right now. As much as we enjoy our critter friends, we certainly don’t want to see them hurt. That’s why it’s important for us to check for any obstructions.

Obstructions can be more than just critters. It can also be left over leaves, debris droppings from the trees, or anything else that may blow up to the top of the home especially when our winds kick in.

14-Point Inspection with Photo Documentation

The Superior Chimney certified technicians can see what’s going on, we want you to know as well. Along with written documentation with our 14-point inspection, you’ll also get to ‘see’ for yourself what’s going on. That’s why we email you all the photos. Now you have all the information you need to make a good decision for any current or future repairs. You know what it looks like today.

With our crazy winter weather, it certainly would be a good idea to get your chimney and fireplace clean and inspected today. Take care of your chimney, so the warmth of the fireplace can take care of you.

Call us at 877-244-6349 to set up an appointment.

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

Chimney leaks are very common chimney problems that you can prevent with proper chimney maintenance. Here are some of the things that you need to do to prevent the leaks:

Install a cover

The chimney cover prevents rain from falling straight into the house. The cover also keeps birds, debris and animals from getting into the house. When installing the cover you shouldn’t cover it entirely—you should leave some spaces to protect your family from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Fix the chimney crown

The chimney crown located at the top of the chimney and it prevents rain from getting into the house. Since it’s made of cement, it’s prone to cracking. To prevent water from leaking you should identify the cracks as soon as possible and fix them.

The crown is very sensitive; therefore, making the wrong move will result to the problem getting worse than it already is. To avoid this you should ask a chimney repair professional to fix the problem.

Fix the water seal

It’s mandatory for all chimneys to have a water seal to prevent water from getting into the house. With time the seal degrades thus allowing water to leak. If there is no apparent reason why your chimney is leaking you should check the seal.

The best way of doing it is wetting the chimney with a hose or bucket. If you wet the area and the water is quickly absorbed and the area turns dark too quickly, chances are that the seal needs replacement. The best way of going about it is water proofing the chimney with water repellant.

Replace the flashing

The flashing prevents water from getting into the area where the brick comes through the roof. The flashing is usually made of aluminum and it goes through the bricks sealing the faulty spots. As the chimney ages, so does the flashing. If you notice that the flashing has come off you should hire a chimney contractor to replace it.

Inspect the joints

Brick and mortar joints tend to get loose, cracked or chipped. As a consequence they leak. You should ask a professional to undertake chimney inspection in order to identify any fault lines that might be there. If the bricks have become loose you should ask the masonry repair professional to fix them.

Conclusion

Proper chimney maintenance is the solution to chimney leaks. To have an easy time, you should work closely with an experienced chimney repair company.

The post Blog first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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