What Does a Chimney Liner do? And Do I Need a Chimney Liner.

Since our last article, “Top 3 Reasons to Sweep Your Chimney & Fireplace in July”, we’ve had several questions regarding chimney liners. What are chimney liners? What is the function of a chimney liner? How to identify if the chimney liner needs replacing?

If you have a gas fireplace or a wood burning fireplace, our answers will apply to both situations.

What are chimney liners?

A chimney liner is a piece of metal that sits inside the chimney flue located right above the firebox. A chimney liner is a single, continuous piece of metal, typically made of aluminum or stainless steel. Superior Chimney installs a stainless steel chimney liner as it provides the best fire protection, it is highly durable and corrosion resistant. It also comes with a lifetime warranty.

What is the function of a chimney liner?

Chimney liners serve 5 main purposes for protecting you and your home.

1. Chimney liners direct smoke from the fireplace to the outside.
2. If the smoke doesn’t go outside, it increases the risk of a chimney fire.
3. Chimney liners reduce the amount of creosote that can form on the chimney walls.
4. Chimney liners also direct carbon monoxide, released by the fire in your fireplace, to go directly outside as well.
5. Chimney liners protect the chimney bricks and mortar from deterioration and damage.

How to identify if the chimney liner needs replacing?

This is a bit tricky. There are no obvious signs that the liner needs replacing. However, if you notice pieces of brick or mortar or a build up of condensation in the chimney, there’s a problem with the chimney liner that needs to be addressed. 

You’ll need a certified technician to help you get this answer: Do you have a chimney liner? If you do, is it sized properly for your chimney? If the chimney liner is too small for the space, condensation can build up along with poor release of smoke from your home. Too large and creosote can build up quickly.

Information is Key

The best way to know more information about your chimney and chimney liner is to have a certified chimney technician from Superior Chimney inspect and clean the chimney and fireplace.

If it’s been a while since your chimney was inspected…even with little to no use, get the inspection and cleaning done today. This can help reduce repair costs like a chimney rebuild or tuckpointing.

Now that you’re armed with great information, contact Superior Chimney today at 877-244-6349 to set up an appointment and get the answers you need about the health of your chimney.

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

A well-built chimney in good condition works right without you having to give it a second thought. A chimney that’s showing signs of damage many not keep working right for long. When it comes to cracking in the chimney’s masonry, a lot of homeowners aren’t sure if they should be concerned. Here are some guidelines.

Chimney cracks let in water

As long as the cracks in your chimney are small and not zigzagging throughout the structure, there’s little danger of your chimney collapsing. There is, however, a danger of water infiltration that could lead to enough damage to cause serious problems. When water gets into chimney cracks, it begins a cycle of deterioration. When the air temperature freezes, the water freezes and expands, pushing against the bricks and mortar.

If the resulting damage eventually allows water to access the inside of the chimney, a lot of damage can happen without you even knowing it. For this reason, even minor chimney cracks should be repaired.

The causes of cracks in a chimney

Many things can cause cracks in chimney masonry. Here’s a partial list.

• Earthquakes
• Lightning strikes
• Settling of the house
• Violent hail storms/high winds
• Faulty chimney footing
• Low-quality masonry materials
• Intense hot and cold weather
• Old age

Nothing can be done to prevent the above events and circumstances. But plenty can be done to repair any cracking or other problems they cause.

Spotting & diagnosing chimney crack issues

If you notice signs of cracking in your chimney – or signs of a chimney leak – your first step should be to bring out a certified chimney inspector to look over the structure to gauge the level of damage and determine what caused it.

Signs to look for on your own include:

• Obvious cracks
• Loose bricks
• Patches of crumbled mortar on the roof
• Water in the firebox
• Damp sections on the interior ceiling and walls
• Strong, musty odors coming from the fireplace
• White stains on the exterior of the chimney

Chimney repair strategies

Minor cracks often can be sealed with a waterproof coating to keep water from getting into the spaces.

Larger cracking that may be causing loose bricks (spalling) and crumbled mortar often requires a process called tuckpointing, which replaces areas of missing mortar. Some amount of brick replacement may also be recommended.

If significant damage is noted during a chimney inspection, you may be advised to have sections of your chimney rebuilt in order to keep it safe and working efficiently.

In cases where chimney cracks have been ignored for years and allowed to progress on their own, you may be looking at a chimney that leans dangerously to one side or, in the worst-case scenario, collapses entirely. A complete chimney rebuild may be necessary.

Important note: Only a professional chimney inspector and a qualified chimney repair technician should be allowed to assess damage to your chimney and initiate repair work.

It’s impossible to use a chimney year after year without it suffering some type of damage. The trick is to get on top of that damage fast and see to the necessary repairs. By doing this, you’ll save big money on extensive and expensive chimney repair projects down the line.

If your chimney is showing signs of cracking, it’s time to call the chimney experts at Northeastern Chimney of West Hartford, CT. We know how to address all chimney crack issues and all other repairs your chimney needs. Schedule an appointment or get your questions answered by calling (860) 233-5770.

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

If your chimney is starting to appear dull and old, there are some cosmetic solutions that will give it the perfect summer facelift and have it looking good when winter rolls around. Not all unsightly chimneys, however, can be fixed with cosmetics alone. Let’s take a look at a few common chimney conditions and what you can do about them.

Remove chimney stains

If the exterior of your chimney is showing stains, here’s what you need to know.

White: This is caused by salt leaching out of water on or in the bricks. A spray sealant may prevent this problem. TSP is a good cleaner to remove white water stains. An inspection should be performed to determine if there is a leak issue.

 

 

Black: These stains usually are from soot exiting the chimney, building up at the top and then washing down the sides in the rain. Add a chimney cap if you don’t have one to reduce this problem. Keep your flue clean with annual chimney sweep services to drastically reduce the soot and creosote buildup. Once the problem is solved, clean the bricks with a good scrub brush and detergent.

Dark green: Algae growth on bricks will present a dark-green stain. Algae may need to be washed off periodically to keep the chimney looking clean and new.

Speak with a certified chimney professional to further address these and other types of chimney stains.

Paint your chimney

If the natural look of your bricks no longer excites you, consider painting them. A coat of quality latex primer followed by one or two coats of the latex paint color of your choice should do a good job. It’s important that you fix any issues with your chimney’s masonry before painting so you don’t have to redo parts of it if repairs are necessary.

Have a lovely chimney cap installed

A custom full-width chimney cap will do wonders for your chimney’s appearance. Available in various styles and colors, these components look like a little roof on top of your chimney – plus they provide solid protection against outside debris getting into the flue and water damage to the chimney crown that surrounds the flue pipe(s).

Add an encasement

As long as your chimney is in good shape and no repairs are needed, you can surround it with your choice of materials such as wood, stone or stucco to give it an entirely new look. If you’re handy, you can do the work yourself; if not, hire a carpenter or contractor. This isn’t a complicated job, and it will make a noticeable difference to the appearance of your chimney and your home.

Dealing with brick damage

If your chimney looks bad due to damaged bricks, the only facelift you might need is some brick repair. But beyond aesthetics, damaged bricks mean other problems may have started or will soon.

Loose or spalling bricks allow water into the openings, where it will freeze and expand and do considerable damage. The same goes for crumbling mortar joints. Your chimney masonry should be air-tight, so if you have brick issues, have them repaired to preserve the life of your chimney and make it safe. Added cosmetic appeal is just a side benefit.

Northeastern Chimney of West Hartford, CT, is ready to help with professional certified chimney sweep services, chimney masonry repair, chimney rebuilding and all levels of chimney inspection. We want your chimney to look good and be safe and efficient. Call us today at (860) 233-5770.

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

This week is going to be hot and dry. Two perfect reasons to not think about your fireplace and chimney. Since there is low humidity, the smells coming from the fireplace will be minimal…of course until later this week when humidity levels rise again. It’s been dry, and again a low chance for rain this week, you won’t find a water leak. It’s a perfect fireplace and chimney week.

This past holiday weekend was fairly similar to past years. I play it more low key, enjoying the night air while sitting outside with a couple friends and neighbors. They were wondering why I was more relaxed than usual. I explained just what I said above. What I wasn’t expecting was their response.

“What do you mean?” said my neighbor from across the street. “That’s exactly why I should get my fireplace and chimney swept now.” I didn’t really think of that.

Getting the Fireplace Swept & Checked Now, Means Beating the Fall Rush

Every year in September, we get a cool day, enough to create a little chill. That chill prompts fireplace users, both gas and woodburning, to get their fireplace swept. However, that same chill reminds everyone else to get their fireplace sweep done too. By getting a jump on it now, you’ll be ready to use it way ahead of everyone else.

Work from Home – You’ll Use It More Use

If you’ve been told that you’ll be working from home through the end of the year, (or?) there’s a good chance you’ll be starting up the fireplace more often, and maybe even sooner than what you would normally do. If you work near the fireplace and everyone else will be gone to school or possibly work, then there’s no reason to heat up the entire house. Just heating up the room you’re in will be cozy and affordable. Another great reason to get the fireplace swept and checked…now.

Rid of Any Smells or Smells that have been Building

Fireplaces are a source of ‘interesting’ smells. By the end of the week when humidity strikes, you may smell rotting eggs, musty smell or like something died. That’s from your fireplace. By sweeping it now, this may minimize the smells or help rid the home of foul smells entering the home.

So now’s your chance to get a jump on Fall with sweeping your fireplace and chimney. Contact us at 877-244-6349

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

Greetings,

We hope you had a great holiday weekend! As there is not much use for a fireplace in the summer, we are sure you were not thinking about your fireplace or chimney. There are, however, some important steps that we recommend ensuring that you are ready when cold weather returns. Since we know that about 40% of all home heating fires come from fireplaces and chimneys, now is a great time to get this done. As always, feel free to click here or call us at (781) 893-6611 to contact us about your chimney needs.

Here are six summer chimney maintenance tips that are the most important to consider:

1 – Schedule a Chimney Inspection

A professional chimney sweep is qualified to check your fireplace and chimney, looking for signs of wear and tear, damage, moisture leaks, inefficiencies, blockages, cracks, and more. It can be challenging to discover the damage in the chimney flue without the help of a professional. Failing to detect even the smallest crack in the chimney lining can mean a possible house fire caused by intense heat from the fireplace reaching combustible parts of your home.

2 – Schedule a Chimney Sweeping

A chimney sweeping is not always necessary as they are usually needed with moderate use of a fireplace that burns wood; however, because creosote is deposited in the flue every time, it is essential to have it inspected and swept, if needed annually. Sooty, tar-like creosote is highly flammable; it can catch fire and cause a dangerous chimney fire if not addressed. Additionally, extreme buildup of creosote can cause an obstruction that hinders the draft. Rather than going up and out of the chimney, toxic fumes can enter the home due the obstruction.

3 – Close the Damper

If you have a wood-burning fireplace, be sure the damper is closed when the fireplace is not in use, this is especially important in the summertime. One purpose of the damper is to hinder the flow of air between the chimney and the home. When a damper does not close properly, the effect is similar to having a window open in the house at all times. Energy costs are significantly higher when summer air conditioning and winter heat escape through the chimney. The damper can also help to prevent critters from entering your home through the chimney. The exception would be if you have a gas fireplace – experts recommend that you keep the damper open at all times to prevent gas from building up in your home in the event of a gas leak.

4 – Install a Chimney Cap

A chimney cap is a device that should top every chimney. This affordable essential topper, when complete with mesh, keeps moisture out, animals and birds out, prevents debris from entering the chimney, and serves as a spark guard, so that hot embers won’t catch the roof and other combustible materials on fire.  Although the function remains the same, chimney caps can come in a variety of colors and metals and can add curb-appeal to your home. Learn more about why chimney caps are essential.

5 – Clean out the Ashes

If you leave ash and soot in the fireplace during the off season, you may be lowering your air quality and exposing your home to foul odors. This is especially important if you or a family member has breathing issues like asthma or bronchitis.  Also, your fireplace will simply look much better with the ashes cleaned out.

 

6 – Upgrade your Aesthetic Appeal

Without having to make a major investment, there are ways to aesthetically upgrade your fireplace during the off season.  A new mantel or fresh coat of paint are just two of numerous ways to make your fireplace more attractive and the focal point of any room.

Follow our summer chimney maintenance tips by proactively taking action while in the off-season. Contact our office at 1-781-893-6611 or click here to choose a fireplace or wood stove, schedule a chimney inspection or sweeping, or for whatever you may need, related to solid-fuel appliances.

The post Off-Season Fireplace and Chimney Maintenance and Use: Six Important Steps appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

If you’re currently finding yourself with a LOT more time on your hands, cleaning your house and taking stock of what needs repairs, be sure to remember there’s a giant, important part of your home that you probably haven’t even thought to clean. 

It’s your chimney!

Oh yeah…your chimney. Boost your chimney and fireplace performance by getting yours inspected now!

Four reasons now’s the time!

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 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, 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. 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. 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 4 Reasons July is Your Month for a Chimney Inspection first appeared on Southern Chimneys.

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

Chimney Maintenance may seem daunting. Though having a properly working chimney is important, it does not need to be intimidating. By taking care of some tasks on your own and leaving others, such as chimney sweeps and inspections, to professionals, you can feel confident that your chimney is secure and in working order. At Boston’s Best Chimney, we perform inspections, chimney sweeps, and more. Give us a call at (781) 893-6611 or click here if you have concerns about your chimney or would like to set up an appointment with us.

Here is our guide to staying ahead of important fireplace and chimney maintenance:

Clean The Fireplace Interior 

Remove ashes from your fireplace so that there is never more than two inches of ash inside. Wood ashes can draw moisture. Since wood ashes are acidic, the combination of ashes and water can damage the fireplace’s masonry. After each winter, be sure to do a deeper cleaning to remove all ashes from your fireplace. When completely cool, you can use a shovel to scoop up ashes and you can place them in a bag to dispose of. Wood ashes are also compostable. You can gather the remaining bits of ash using a vacuum cleaner.

Get Rid of Soot and Fire Stains

Removing stains from your fireplace will keep it looking fresh and new. All you need is a solution of soap and water and a wire brush. Spray the surface and let it sit for about 45 minutes. Then scrub off the softened residue with the wire brush. 

Implement Fireplace Safety Measures

According to firstalert.com, you should put at least one smoke detector in every level of your home and a CO detector in every bedroom of your home and outside each sleeping area. There should be both a smoke detector and CO detector in the same area as your fireplace. It is important to check your smoke detector and CO detector every six months to make sure they are working correctly and have fresh batteries. A great way to remember is when it’s time to change the clocks, change the batteries in the smoke detector and co detectors.

In addition, you should have a fire extinguisher near your fireplace (and in your kitchen and garage) in order to keep your home safe. Check out our fireplace safety checklist for more tips on avoiding home fires.

Do An At Home Check-Up

Having your chimney inspected and swept by a professional at least once a year is essential to keeping it safe and well-maintained. That being said, the more aware that you are of what is going on with your chimney, the better. Besides knowing how your chimney works, there are a few things that you can check on your own in between inspections to make sure that everything looks fine. If you are comfortable getting on a ladder, you can take a look at your chimney cap to make sure that it is not clogged by debris and that it is in good condition. You can also make sure that the chimney flashing (the sealant at the point where the chimney meets the roof) is not damaged. 

Finally, take a look at the chimney’s bricks to make sure that the mortar is not cracked. Gaps and cracks in the masonry will allow water to enter these areas and potentially grow mold.We would recommend taking a look at your chimney every spring during your spring cleaning.

Don’t Forget Your Annual Professional Inspection

Our most important chimney maintenance tip is to get your chimney inspected and swept by a professional annually. Having your chimney needs taken care of by a professional ensures that they’ll have the right tools on hand, and find any problems that would be otherwise hidden. 

Boston’s Best Chimney is your one stop chimney company and we specialize in every aspect of chimney maintenance and repair. Contact us here or give us a call at (781) 893-6611 to set up an appointment. 

The post Chimney Care Guide: How to Stay Ahead of Your Fireplace and Chimney Maintenance appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Yes, I know it’s summer. I wash my clothes early in the morning so the heat from the clothes dryer doesn’t cause the air conditioner to turn on or overwork. I also wash clothes early so I’m not interrupted with kids searching the kitchen for something easy to eat.

Last week I washed and dried the clothes like all other weeks, except this time the mud room, where the washer and dryer are kept, along with the kitchen were heating up. It was not 90 degrees outside, and it was 6:00 a.m.

I checked behind the clothes dryer to ensure it was hooked up properly. It was. I checked the lint trap, and it was clean. However, when I looked inside where the lint trap is located, I noticed a build up of lint. Seeing the build up of lint in the dryer reminded me that I haven’t had my dryer vent cleaned in a long while.

As we spend more time working from home, situations like this are becoming more noticeable.

Lint accumulation, whether it be electric or gas, can shorten the life of your clothes dryer, make drying your clothes longer and in some situations, can cause a dryer fire. It’s amazing how many fires are caused in the home each year due to lint build up. Did you know on average, there are over 15,000 fires caused by lint in the dryer vent each year? Lint is highly flammable; your dryer can get quite hot. Then add on carbon monoxide from a gas dryer, and now you have more problems for the entire family.

Take advantage of your work from home situation, and get these things taken care of. It’ll help you save money on energy costs and time to dry the clothes. If you’re like me, we don’t have time to waste. Give us a call today to get that dryer vent cleaned… 877-244-6349.

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

There’s no reason you should live with a fireplace that’s boring and does little or nothing to accent the décor of your home. A fireplace makeover – large-scale or small-scale – can make a stunning difference in the aesthetics of your room and give you yet another reason to enjoy your fireplace.

What is a fireplace makeover?

We’re not talking here about making any changes to the actual fireplace but rather to everything around it. A fireplace makeover or redesign can include adding a new fireplace surround, mantel, glass doors, decorative safety screen, tool set and more. Let’s look at some ideas that might be perfect for your summer makeover project.

Fireplace surrounds

A fireplace surround is a custom-built or pre-made wall treatment that borders your fireplace. Surrounds can be fashioned of real or faux stone, brick, wood, tile and many other attractive materials. Simple surrounds extend just a foot or two from the outside edges of the fireplace. More elaborate surrounds can take up the entire wall and include recessed shelving areas to add your own tasteful touches. Fireplace surrounds can be built or installed around masonry fireplaces or factory-built zero clearance fireplaces.

Mantels

If your fireplace doesn’t have a mantel above it, this one makeover project alone can add significant elegance and beauty to your hearth area. Mantels serve not only as aesthetic pieces but also as shelving for books, portraits, antiques, flowers, kids’ artwork and anything else that enhances your hearth area.

Glass fireplace doors

Sophisticated glass fireplace doors are a perfect finishing touch to any fireplace makeover or refacing project. Along with looking gorgeous, they provide solid protection against drafts and fireplace debris as well as a barrier for young children and pets. Glass doors are available in many shapes, sizes, finishes and design styles, making it easy to find a set that delights you.

Fireplace screens

Another way to raise the aesthetic quality of your fireplace area is with a protective fireplace screen. While a screen won’t control air drafts, it is an excellent way to keep popping embers from getting on carpet, flooring or nearby furniture. Fireplace screens also serve as protection for kids and pets when the fireplace is in use. Lots of styles and colors are available.

Tool sets

What fireplace could be complete without a handsome tool set at the side of the firebox? Tool sets typically include a broom, tongs, a poker and a shovel that add beauty and help you tend your fire.

More fireplace-area remodel/makeover ideas

Add even more luster and charm to your hearth area with:

• A lovely hearth rug
• A sturdy log storage rack
• Stylish matches and a match decanter
• Logbarrow for great looks and convenience in hauling logs
• A designer hearth pad

Summer is the perfect time to plan and execute the fireplace makeover you’ve been dreaming about. High’s Chimney Service of Gaithersburg, MD, can help you find all the items you need and perform all necessary installation or customization work to totally renovate your hearth area. Find out more about a summer fireplace makeover by calling (301) 519-3500.

 

The post Summer Is the Perfect Time for an Exciting Fireplace Makeover appeared first on Highs Chimney.

A leaning or tilting chimney is an unsafe chimney. This problem can be caused by many different things, but no matter what’s causing it, you should address the issue sooner rather than later. Chimney repair and rebuilding services performed right after you notice a shifting can remedy the problem, restore your chimney to safety and save you a lot of money.

Why do chimneys lean?

A chimney can start to lean for a variety of reasons, some of which can be prevented, some of which can’t and simply need to be repaired by a professional chimney services technician.

Badly built chimney: If a chimney is not constructed properly by professional masons or if inferior bricks and mortar are used, there’s a good chance it will begin to lean at one point and possibly suffer other types of damage.

Masonry damage: Age-worn and decayed bricks or missing sections of bricks and mortar can unbalance a chimney and result in the upper portion of it leaning.

No footing: Older home construction often didn’t include a cement chimney footing. Without a footing, chimneys are prone to begin tilting at one point in their lives.

Insufficient or inferior footing: If the chimney footing is too narrow or shallow, it may crack under the weight of the chimney. Footings built with inferior materials also are more prone to cracks. A cracked footing is a common reason for a tilting chimney.

No footing reinforcement: A footing that wasn’t built with proper reinforcement can begin to crack and cause the chimney to angle to one side.

Soil issues: Loose soil under the footing will shift over time, taking the chimney with it.

Normal house-settling: The normal shifting and settling of the house through the years can lead to a leaning chimney, although this is not the most common cause.

4 signs your chimney is tilting or may tilt soon

If you notice any of these signs, contact a local chimney service expert for an inspection and necessary repairs.

Leaky chimney that presents with water in the firebox, damp patches on walls and ceiling or white staining on the exterior chimney bricks.

Decaying mortar that leaves crumbling and chunks around the base of the exterior chimney or causes bricks to loosen.

Caulking in the gaps between the chimney structure and the outside walls of the house – this likely means the chimney was already leaning when the previous owner lived there.

Warped flashing means water can begin causing damage to areas of the external chimney within the house. It also may mean that the chimney has pulled away from the flashing.

Certified chimney inspections

Annual chimney inspections are designed to spot early signs of trouble that could lead to a leaning chimney. Repairs can then be initiated quickly to prevent further damage. Inspections from a CSIA-certified technician also should be scheduled any time you know or suspect there are problems with your chimney structure or its components.

Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace of Kansas City, KS, provides certified chimney repair, chimney inspection, chimney cleaning and chimney rebuilding services year-round. Before your chimney begins to lean, put us to work on it and let us restore safety and top performance to the entire system. To arrange an appointment or to get your questions answered, give us a call at (913) 236-7141.

The post Here’s What You Need to Know if Your Chimney Is Leaning appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.