Chimney Inspection: Chimney Areas You Should Focus On

To ensure safety and efficiency of your fireplace, you need to undertake chimney inspection. It’s recommended that you hire a chimney contractor to inspect the chimney, but if you have the right tools and basic skills, you can go ahead and inspect the chimney on your own. Here are the areas of the chimney that you should inspect:

Firebox

Look inside the firebox lining and identify cracks, gaps and signs of wear. To see signs of deterioration brush both the sides and bottom of the firebox with a stiff chimney brush.

If the lining is in bad condition, hire a chimney professional to fix it. Fixing the faulty areas ensures that the chimney doesn’t build up a lot of heat that can damage your chimney.

You should also inspect the creosote levels. If creosote is more than 3 mm, ask a chimney sweep to clean it.

Damper

Take a look at the damper door and ensure that it opens and closes smoothly. Also ensure that the damper fits securely in the brackets. Wear protective clothing and safety glasses to protect yourself from creosote and ash buildup that might drop in your eyes. After inspecting the damper leave it in closed position.

Grate

Take a look at the grate and ensure that it’s the correct size. A small grate means that the heat produced may not heat your house the right way. A larger grate is even worse. A large grate takes more wood resulting to large flames that can overheat your fireplace.

As a novice, it’s hard to know whether your grate is of the right size. You should hire a fireplace technician to measure your grate. If the grate is too large, hire a chimney company to replace it with a smaller one.

Flashing

The flashing prevents water from leaking into your house. You should put a lot of emphasis on the condition of your flashing especially if your house is old. The flashing may start leaking due to old age, corrosion and collection of debris.

If your chimney is leaking, ensure that you know the cause of the leakage. If the leakage is due to corrosion, remove the corroded material. If the flashing is old, hire a chimney masonry professional to remove the old one and replace with a new one.

Conclusion

You should inspect all parts of the chimney to have peace of mind that your chimney is safe. In case of any problem, hire a chimney repair professional to fix them.

The post Blog first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

Just like those scary legends and myths many have told while enjoying a campfire, there are plenty of chimney cleaning myths going around. You may even be familiar with some of them. Chimney cleaning myths is they can be dangerous and make your chimney and fireplace unsafe to operate.  Be careful to avoid falling for these 4 common chimney myths.

Chimney cleaning isn’t necessary if you don’t use the fireplace.

Many homeowners mistakenly believe that you don’t need to clean the chimney if you’re not using the fireplace. However, that is not the case. Even if you’re not using the fireplace, you still need annual chimney inspections and periodic cleaning. That’s because cracks in the chimney cap, masonry, and other components will expose it to moisture that can affect its structural integrity, eventually leading to extensive repairs. Also, small animals, pests, dust, and debris can accumulate in the chimney. The damp and humid conditions and decaying organic matter can create conditions for mold and bacteria to grow. It can give your house a foul odor, attract rodents, and even cause health issues in some individuals, especially those with allergies, asthma, or respiratory conditions.

Metal liners don’t require cleaning.

Many homeowners are under the impression that metal liners are a maintenance-free solution. While metal liners are more durable, provide greater energy efficiency, and require less maintenance, your chimney still requires routine inspections and periodic cleaning. Creosote and other corrosive combustion gases can accumulate on any type of liner, including metal and stainless steel. An accumulation of 1/8″ more of creosote is hazardous and should be removed to prevent a chimney fire. A chimney fire can cause extensive damage to your chimney and home. Although stainless steel liners offer better corrosion resistance, they still require annual inspections for creosote accumulation, corrosive residue, and damages.

It’s easy to clean the chimney yourself.

Chimney cleaning is not as easy it may appear. It requires specialized tools, supplies, and equipment to safely and efficiently remove hardened creosote and other residues without damaging the masonry or components. Also, the interior of the chimney is very narrow and dusty. It is dangerous to clean the chimney without a respirator and protective equipment. A Certified Chimney Sweep® has extensive training and knowledge of the chimney system, including vents and attached heating appliances. They are also trained to spot problems to mitigate the risk of fire, exposure to harmful gases, and chimney repairs.

Burning seasoned wood doesn’t require chimney cleaning.

Wood that has been seasoned or dried for six months or more produces less smoke and creosote due to its low moisture content. Although burning seasoned wood is cleaner than burning green or fresh wood, it still produces creosote that will need to be removed during chimney cleaning. In its initial stage, creosote is a powdery substance that is easy to remove. However, it will harden into a dark, tarry substance known as stage 3 or glazed creosote. Stage 3 creosote is highly flammable and very difficult to remove without professional assistance.

The post Chimney Cleaning Myths You Should Be Wary Of appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

A chimney is a portable outdoor fireplace that is made from clay or cast iron. For the fireplaces to last for long you need to know how to live with them. Here are tips on how to go about it:

Place them at the right place

Clay chimney are the most common and as you know, they can break. To protect them from breaking you should place them in an area that is clear for hanging trees, brushes and branches. You should place them in a flat surface that is fireproof. Best places to place your fireplace are on a rock, bricks, pavers and concrete.

Consider your safety

Just like any other fireplace, the chimney also poses a safety concern. The first safety measure you should take is to place the fireplace in a place where you can see the flames from inside of the house. This will help you control the fire before it gets out of control.

The other thing that you should do is to be cautious of the wood that you use. You should use small logs for the fires. If fire is getting out of the fireplace, it’s probably too much.

To avoid fire you should avoid using firelighters or other accelerants. The firelighters damage the fireplace thus requiring you to call a chimney repair company to repair the fireplace.

Protect the fireplace

As mentioned, the chimney is delicate and you need to protect it for it to last for long. You should protect the unit from rain and frost using a chimenea cover. Chimenea covers are also effective in protecting the fireplace from the harmful UV rays thus ensuring that the paint lasts for long.

Regularly clean the fireplace

Just like your indoor fireplace, you need to clean the chimney. You can hire a chimney cleaning company or clean the fireplace by yourself.

To make your work easier, you should have sand or lava rock at the bottom of the chimney. To remove the ashes you should use a small shovel to remove the sand together with the ashes. When removing the ashes you should be keen that you don’t crack the fireplace.

Conclusion

The chimney serves as a great place to relax with family and friends. For it to last for long you need to put the above tips into consideration. To be certain that the unit is safe and efficient, you should hire a chimney contractor at least once a year to inspect it.

The post Blog first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

Although rare, chimney fires have devastating consequences. You risk losing your property, injuring yourself or even losing your life.

The fires are characterized by dense smoke that has a strong, hot smell. You will also experience shooting flames coming out of the chimney top. If there is a lot of fire you will hear a low, rumbling sound that resembles the sound of a freight train.

If the chimney is burning slowly, you might not notice it and only be caught by surprise when the chimney collapses on you all over a sudden.

The major cause of chimney fire is creosote buildup. If a lot of creosote has accumulated it can easily catch fire thus burning your house.

How to prevent chimney fire

There are many things that you can do to prevent the fires from occurring. Here are some of the things you can do:

Installation: chimney installation problems can cause chimney fires. If you are constructing a new house, you should hire a qualified chimney contractor to install the chimney for you. This is to ensure that the unit is professionally installed.

If you are buying an already constructed house, you shouldn’t rush to make the payments. You should first ask a certified chimney sweep to inspect the chimney and ensure that its perfectly installed.

Regular cleaning: As mentioned, one of the major causes of chimney fires is a dirty chimney. It’s recommended that you hire a chimney cleaning professional at least once a year to clean the fireplace. If you use the chimney more often, you can hire the professional twice a year.

In addition to cleaning the chimney, the professional should also undertake chimney repair. To save money you should hire a chimney masonry repair professional with both chimney cleaning and repair skills.

Burn the right wood: the wood you use greatly determines the amount of creosote that is deposited. As rule of thumb you should avoid burning fresh wood. Wood contains water that mixes with smoke forming a lot of creosote.

To avoid creosote deposition you should burn seasoned hardwood. Great woods that you should go for are: hickory, oak, ash, beech and maple. For ideal results you should ensure that the wood has been seasoned for at least a year.

In addition to seasoned hardwood burning efficiently and producing a lot of heat, they produce very little creosote thus protecting your house and eliminating the need of regularly hiring a chimney sweeping professional.

The post Blog first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

As you drive around any of the suburbs or within the City of Chicago, you will quickly find many homes that were built prior to 1960. Although older homes are beautiful and exhibit characteristics of the time, it also lacks the safety codes that are standard in newer homes built after 1960. Sadly, these codes have changed/improved due to property and life loss.

As many of the chimneys were masonry based, it wasn’t until homes built after 1950 that metal hearth systems were installed. Let’s take a look at some of the challenges faced with a vintage chimney.

Chimney Lining

Older chimney’s lack the metal lining needed for safety. Superior Chimney recommends a chimney lining for numerous reasons. Here are the top 3:

1. Gases can leak into the home and heat can transfer to adjacent home construction materials
2. Bring your chimney up to current/safer building code standards
3. If you’re burning wood in the fireplace, tar and creosote is forming

House Continues to Settle

You might have heard the phrase, ‘the house is settling’, meaning that the ground on the sides and under the home shifts a bit. Sometimes we’ll see small hairline cracks in the basement walls and/or floor.  Over the years, your chimney may experience mortar cracks, cracked bricks or even a separation of the bricks to the mortar. Getting an annual inspection will help to identify any issues before they become large and/or expensive.

Weather Elements Cause Deterioration

The weather elements of hot, cold, wind and rain do cause the mortar to deteriorate. As you’ve read from us many times, mortar is a perfect place for water leaks to occur. Disappearing mortar can also cause bricks to loosen, especially if the deterioration is deep within the bricks.

Longevity from the Chimney with Waterproofing

The old brick chimney structure may still be intact, but remember, old bricks absorb lots of water from rain and snow. The best way to preserve the brick and mortar is with a waterproofing solution like our Chimney Saver product. The Chimney Saver prevents water into the brick, minimizes deterioration and future repair costs.

Give your old chimney some new life with the care from our Certified Chimney Technicians. Contact us today at 877-244-6349.

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

Although masonry chimneys are durable structures, wear and tear, seasonal temperature changes, and intense storms can damage the masonry, chimney cap, flashing, and other components allowing water to leak inside the chimney. It can also increase the risk of fire and exposure to harmful gases making your fireplace unsafe to operate. If you suspect a chimney leak, it is essential to hire a Certified Chimney Sweep® to quickly find the source of the chimney leak to prevent significant water damage that can lead to extensive repairs.  Here are four common sources of chimney leaks.

Chimney Cap is Damaged or Missing

One of the most common causes of a chimney leak is a damaged or missing chimney cap.  The chimney cap is installed on top of the chimney to keep rain and snow out of the flue. Its constant exposure to seasonal weather changes can eventually cause the chimney cap to crack, corrode, or rust allowing water to leak in the chimney and fireplace. Strong wind gusts can cause it to separate from the chimney. If you notice water dripping in the fireplace or pooling in the firebox, your chimney cap may be damaged or missing.

Chimney Flashing is Worn or Installed Incorrectly

Another common cause of a chimney leak is damaged or improperly installed flashing. The flashing is the sheet metal covering the gap with a water-tight seal where the chimney and roof meet. Improper installation, normal wear and tear, and periodic bouts with inclement weather conditions can damage the flashing allowing water to seep through the gaps between the chimney and roof.  Some of the signs of a flashing problem are water stains on the ceiling and walls around the fireplace. Damaged flashing requires immediate repair to prevent extensive water damage to the attic and roof deck.

There are Cracks in the Masonry

Masonry chimneys are vulnerable to extreme weather conditions. Its exposure to freezing rain, snow, and ice can cause cracks in the bricks and gaps in the mortar joints providing multiple entry sources where water can leak in the chimney. As the masonry damage continues to progress, bricks will begin to flake, chip, and crumble. The deteriorating mortar can cause bricks to separate from the chimney leaving gaping holes in the structure. Extensive water damage can also result in a partial or complete chimney collapse causing significant damage to your home.

The Damper Doesn’t Close Completely

When the damper is closed, it should form an airtight seal to prevent energy loss when you’re not using the fireplace. It also keeps the fireplace dry when it’s raining outside.  If the damper or gasket is worn or damaged, moisture can leak inside the fireplace. Creosote build-up on the damper can also interfere with its operation allowing water to leak inside.

Preventing Chimney Leaks

Annual chimney inspections are the most effective way to prevent chimney leaks. The chimney technician will examine the entire structure for damages that can lead to a chimney leak.  If any damage or leaks are discovered, repairing them quickly will prevent further chimney damage and more expensive repairs later.  Your chimney professional can also apply a vapor-permeable waterproof sealant to protect the exterior masonry from water damage.

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

Like a washing machine that overflows, many home appliances provide obvious evidence that repair is needed, but chimneys are often inconspicuously dirty or in disrepair. Chimney and fireplace upkeep is a matter of home safety, and it is important to schedule routine chimney inspections and cleaning.

Although the squeaky wheel usually gets the grease, it can be hazardous to use that policy with regard to your chimney. Sometimes the eye of an experienced, certified chimney sweep is required to spot evidence that a chimney or fireplace needs cleaning or repair. The following, however, are signs that you can see for yourself that fireplace or chimney cleaning or repair are needed.

Smells Like a Wood Fire

If you can smell burning wood even when your fireplace has not been used for a while, it is a sign that your chimney has creosote buildup. Creosote is a highly flammable combustion material produced in wood fires, and the tarry substance sticks to the sides of the chimney flue every time there is a fire. Regular cleaning is important because when there is excess creosote, the threat of a dangerous chimney fire increases. When a chimney fire is continually fueled due to layers of creosote, it will usually destroy the chimney liner and cause a home fire.

Your Fireplace Has Debris Other Than Wood

It is normal to see logs in your fireplace, but if you see bits of clay, it is evidence of a problem. Most chimney flues are built with clay tiles because they are durable and inexpensive. When the clay tiles begin to deteriorate and you see evidence of it, do not use your fireplace again until a chimney professional has inspected the chimney and provided any needed repairs to the liner.

Oftentimes, chimney liner replacement is more practical than repairs. This is partly because of the tedious and expensive procedure involved with replacing clay tiles. In large part, it is because tiles will continue to deteriorate. It is quicker, easier, and, in the long run, less expensive to get a new chimney liner. Most chimney sweeps recommend a stainless-steel chimney liner with a lifetime warranty.

Starting Fires is a Struggle

A dirty chimney that becomes obstructed by layers of creosote negatively affects the chimney draft. It is important to have a strong draft so that the toxic combustion gases created by wood fires do not go into the home. Whenever there is a weak draft, fires in a fireplace can be difficult to get started. If you have been wondering why it is such a struggle to get the warm fires burning in your home, it is probably best to schedule a chimney inspection and cleaning as soon as possible.

The Chimney Has White Stains

Chimney leaks and moisture intrusion in a chimney system are notoriously difficult for laypersons to identify in the early stages. One of the more obvious signs that the masonry system has been infiltrated with excess moisture is white staining on the chimney, which is referred to as efflorescence. The staining is a result of salt that evaporates on the brick face. First, water inside the masonry mixes with any soluble salt that may be in the brick material. The water then naturally travels through the masonry to the exterior, leaving evidence of moisture-damaged chimney bricks.

The chimney sweeps at High’s Chimney Service in Gaithersburg, MD, have the training, know-how, and professional certification to identify whether chimneys and fireplaces need cleaning and/or repair. We offer chimney inspections, chimney cleaning, masonry rebuilding, and all other chimney and fireplace services throughout the year. Contact High’s Chimney Service for expert services by calling (301) 519-3500 today.

The post Signs that Your Chimney or Fireplace Needs Cleaning or Repair appeared first on Highs Chimney.

To prevent fire and keep your chimney working efficiently you need to hire a chimney sweep to clean the chimney. Unlike the popular believe where many people believe that the chimney sweep only sweeps the chimney, the professional is involved in other things. Some of the things that the professional will do when you visit him/her include:

Inspection

Before the professional can start cleaning the chimney he/she inspects the chimney to check on any damage. The professional checks the outside to ensure that the bricks are in perfect condition.

He/she also looks the inside the chimney to see if it needs to be cleaned. Most professionals will recommend that you clean the chimney if the accumulated soot is more than ¼ inch.

Chimney inspection not only helps the professional in identifying the area that need to be cleaned, it also helps the professional in preparing a chimney cleaning quote. The more the damage on the chimney, the higher the fee. The same applies when there is a lot of soot inside the chimney.

Preparation

After inspecting the chimney the professional prepares the chimney for cleaning. The cleaning process is messy; therefore, the chimney cleaning contractor protects the home from the soot by spreading drop cloths on the floor and furniture. The professional also connects the vacuum cleaner and ensures that it’s working perfectly.

Sweeping

Once everything is in place the professional starts cleaning the chimney. To clean the chimney the professional inserts a wide brush into the fireplace. The brush comes in flexible sections; therefore, if the chimney is longer than expected the professional simply attaches a new section and continues with the cleaning.

The chimney contractor cleans all parts of the fireplace including the smoke shelf, firebox, flue smoke chamber and damper. The length of time used depends on the amount of soot and the repair required.

Smoke test

Finally, the chimney cleaning technician undertakes smoke tests in order to verify whether the chimney has been properly cleaned. To test the chimney the professional lights a small fire in the fireplace. If there are any problems the professional repeats the process all over again.

Conclusion

These are the things that a chimney cleaning professional does. To reap the full benefits of the professional you should hire an experienced contractor. To protect your home you should work with an insured chimney cleaning expert.

The post Blog first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

Have you ever wondered how many people use their fireplace? There’s practically a fireplace (or three) in homes all across Chicago and the Chicagoland area. The fireplace has become the useable accessory in our family room, kitchen and even the bedrooms. But not everyone uses it…or do they? Here’s what we found out from a poll taken on Houzz.

From 505 votes homeowners use their fireplace:

163 – Everyday

80 – Once a week

37 – Once a month

58 – Once a year

127 – Never

40 – Other…

Now the question remains…are those fireplaces being swept and inspected for worthiness? Fireplaces are beautiful, we love to look at them, and most times, use them too. But be sure to take care of it and have it swept and inspected annually. Call Superior Chimney today for a 14-point inspection at 877-244-6349. . Be sure to ‘like’ us on Facebook!

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

The fireplace is often a favorite gathering spot providing warmth and comfort on those cold wintry days and nights. Just like any other area of your home, the chimney needs periodic cleaning to remove creosote, soot, and other debris that can make your family sick. Here are four ways a dirty chimney can affect your health.

Creosote Exposure

Creosote is a natural combustion by-product produced by the distillation of tars in wood and fossil fuels. Without regular chimney cleaning, the oily, tarry, and flammable residue will continue to accumulate in the chimney every time you use the fireplace. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), more than 1/8” of creosote in the chimney is hazardous and should be removed. Exposure to creosote can cause various side effects, including skin and eye irritation, abdominal pains, and respiratory issues. Long-term creosote exposure can lead to mental confusion in some individuals. Excessive creosote in the chimney can also cause a flue obstruction increasing the risk of exposure to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Hiring a professional chimney sweep to clean the chimney at least once per year will help ensure that the smoke and fumes have a clear exit up the chimney. It is not unusual for small animals like birds, bats, and squirrels to be found building nests in chimneys. Also, on windy days leaves, twigs, and other debris can be blown into the flue if the chimney cap is damaged or missing. The small animals and debris can block the flue, causing increased carbon monoxide gas levels to leak inside your home. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless and colorless gas that can have deadly consequences. Symptoms of CO exposure include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. If untreated, it can lead to unconsciousness, organ failure, and death.

Eye and Skin Irritation

When using the fireplace in a sooty chimney, some of the smoke, creosote, soot, ash, and other contaminants may flow into your living space, irritating your eyes and skin. It can also be harmful to the skin resulting in rashes or chemical burns. Inhaling this smokey and sooty air mixture can also irritate your nose, throat, and lungs and cause respiratory issues.

Respiratory Issues

The dirt, dust, and other debris accumulated in a dirty chimney can expose occupants to various allergens that can cause respiratory issues in individuals with allergies, asthma, COPD, and other chronic lung or respiratory conditions. The chimney may also contain mold and bacteria. A dirty chimney also attracts pests such as rats and mice. Even if you’re not using the fireplace, a strong wind gust can blow a concoction of soot and debris into the living space reducing indoor air quality and potentially exposing occupants to harmful contaminants.

Chimney Cleaning and Inspection

Homeowners should have a professional chimney inspection and chimney cleaning at least once per year. If you use your fireplace or stove frequently during the winter, you may need additional sweeping. A professional chimney sweep has the skills, tools, and equipment to thoroughly remove the soot, creosote, and other contaminants inside the chimney so that your family can breathe cleaner air.

The post Chimney Cleaning for Better Health appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.