It is like finding hidden treasure when a concealed original fireplace is discovered in an old home. Homeowners seek to restore the historical architecture or put the fireplace back into use with a more updated remodel. Either way, restoring old fireplaces that have long been out of commission is a welcome opportunity for renovators and designers alike. Chimney experts also have an important role in reviving old fireplaces. Read on to learn more.

Why Were Old Fireplaces Enclosed?

Fireplaces were once essential heat sources. When central heating came along in the late 1950s, many fireplaces were put out of commission and sealed behind walls. The alternative was to waste the space with an undesirable relic. Who knew such fireplaces would one day be considered hot commodities?

Chimneys and Structural Issues

If the wall that covered your old fireplace was a complete rebuild, it could be important to consult an expert on structural soundness. If, for instance, the lintel is cracked or missing, knocking through the wall could potentially cause its entire collapse.

The chimney may have been removed, as was a common practice when sealing off fireplaces. Look in the attic or loft for evidence of a chimney or former chimney. It is essential to have a proper chimney and flue in good condition before using a fireplace. If a chimney rebuild is needed, be sure to contact expert chimney masons.

Fireplace Openings Range in Size

The original style and design of an old home often dictates the size of the fireplace opening or “builder’s opening.” In early America, from the 1600s through 1700s, fireplaces were typically walk-ins with a deep, wide, open recess. The openings in pre-Georgian homes were not as big but still quite large. Builder’s openings were as small as a modest three square feet in humble Victorian homes, and even smaller fireplace openings can be found in some houses. In the popular Bungalow style homes built starting in the 1900s, large fireplaces with built-in shelves, benches, or cabinetry were common.

Rumford Fireplaces

A breakthrough in fireplaces came with the invention of the Rumford fireplace. Benjamin Thompson, born in 1753 in Massachusetts, introduced the Rumford in a lengthy essay published under the moniker Count Rumford. The purpose of the fireplace was, essentially, to reduce the amount of smoke in homes while also providing more heat. His invention fulfilled its purpose! Rumford fireplaces took off quickly in popularity, perhaps thanks largely to Thomas Jefferson. He had eight Rumford fireplaces installed in Monticello, his incredible estate that continues to be a popular destination for history lovers.

If there is a Rumford fireplace in your old home, you are in possession of a style currently in revival. Although Rumford fireplaces are quite shallow, they are being recreated or restored in many homes throughout the U.S., where building codes allow. More modern fireplaces are deeper than the Rumford because it is safer to have more space for firewood to roll from a fire without escaping onto the hearth floor.

Call Northeastern Chimney LLC to Put Safety First

At Northeastern Chimney LLC in West Hartford CT, we care about our customers. Contact us for a chimney inspection before using your restored fireplace and chimney system. Each of our chimney sweeps is a CSIA-certified expert in chimneys, including chimney masonry. Give us a call for a chimney rebuild, whether for your restored fireplace or a more contemporary chimney system. We also provide reliable chimney cleaning, chimney maintenance, and chimney repairs. Because we are dedicated to providing the best in chimney services, homeowners throughout the area entrust the safety of their old and new chimney systems to us. Contact us at Northeastern Chimney today by calling 860-233-5770.

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

When the chilly air fills the winter sky, millions of homeowners are stacking wood logs and lighting the fireplace to keep their home warm and cozy.  However, homeowners may be unaware of the chemicals that may be lurking in their chimney. Burning wood produces many chemicals and particulates.  Most of the smoke-filled contaminants vent up the chimney, but some of the residues stick to the interior walls and components. These chemicals include carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur, nitrogen dioxide, nitric oxide, and hydrocarbons like creosote and soot. Let’s take a closer look at some of the more toxic chemicals and how to get rid of them.

Carbon Monoxide

Burning wood and gas creates carbon monoxide (CO), a tasteless, colorless, and odorless gas that can have deadly consequences if the fumes back up into your living space.  A flue obstruction, closed damper, cracks in the flue liner, and masonry damage can cause ventilation issues in the chimney and increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Symptoms of exposure include headache, nausea, and dizziness. Homeowners using wood or gas fireplaces and heating stoves should install a CO detector on every level of their home. Test your CO detectors once a month and replace the batteries twice per year. Having an annual chimney inspection will help uncover ventilation and drafting issues and other chimney problems that will need to be corrected to reduce the risk of exposure to carbon monoxide and other contaminants.

Creosote

Creosote is a volatile organic compound that is derived from burning wood. Creosote also contains phenols. Phenol is an aromatic and acidic compound that will burn the skin on contact. It crystallizes into a white powdery substance, so creosote is easily removed in its initial stage. However, when the creosote remains in the chimney, it becomes progressively more volatile. In the final step, it is a thick, tarry, and flammable material that is extremely difficult to remove.  Excessive creosote in the chimney is the primary cause of residential structure fires damaging more than 25,000 homes annually. The majority of chimney fires can be avoided by scheduling a professional chimney sweep to clean the chimney annually. Many homeowners also use creosote sweeping logs in between professional cleanings.

Creosote Sweeping Logs

There are several creosote removers for consumer use on the market, including popular creosote sweeping logs. Creosote removal products contain chemical compounds that adhere to the creosote reducing it to a powdery or flaky material that  Homeowners need to know that these products contain toxic chemicals and should only be used according to manufacturer instructions. Also, using creosote removal products, including sweeping logs, are not a substitute for professional chimney cleaning. Homeowners should hire a qualified chimney sweep to clean the chimney at least once per year.

The post  These Chemicals May Be Lurking in Your Chimney   appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

According to a National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) survey, 48% of homes in New England have at least one fireplace. Do fireplaces increase a home’s value, though? In an Angie’s List study over 70% of real estate agents said that they see a home value increase in houses containing fireplaces. Whether you are thinking of selling your home soon or in the distant future, having a fireplace can increase its value. If you have a fireplace that has not been inspected or swept within the past year, contact us here or give us a call at (781) 893-6611 so that we can make sure that your fireplace and chimney are safe and properly working. Here are some of the reasons why having a fireplace in your home can increase its value:

Aesthetic Value

Fireplaces add aesthetic value to your home. Having a cozy space for your family to gather, especially during the many months of chilly New England weather, is an asset. Though many home trends come and go, fireplaces add a unique design element that is timeless. Real Estate agents say that even buyers that are not necessarily looking for a home with a fireplace are usually excited to find a home with a fireplace and tend to make it the focal point of their new space.

Warmth in the Cold Months 

Properly working fireplaces will add heat to your home during the cold winter months in an energy efficient manner. This is a huge selling point for home buyers looking to save money during the long winters. We recommend gas inserts over logs to optimize heat efficiency. If you sense that your home is losing heat from your chimney during the winter, it is a sign that your chimney should be inspected. Call us at (781) 893-6611or click here if you would like your chimney checked to ensure that it provides the benefit of energy efficient heat in the winter.

Environmental Appeal

Today, people are more environmentally conscious than ever. Therefore, the environmental benefits of fireplaces are important to highlight when explaining the value of a home with a fireplace. Efficient fireplaces allow you to use less fossil fuel than regular home heating systems, making this a desirable perk of a home with a fireplace.

If your home has a fireplace, you can be sure that it will be a valued feature when you are ready to sell. Buyers will want to be sure that your chimney and fireplace are maintained and safe, however. Have you had your chimney inspected within the past year? Best Chimney is your one stop chimney service company and we are here to serve you.  If you have not had your chimney checked lately, or if you suspect issues with your chimney contact us here or give us a call at (781) 893-6611.

 

 

The post Does a Fireplace Add Value to a Home? appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Chimney Inspecting and Chimney Cleaning in Atlanta is Best in Summer!

Your chimney is at its ultimate state of rest right now. What better time to get it inspected and ready for you to use this fall? Have Southern Chimneys come out and take a look at what all your chimney stored from the past year, whether that be residue or neighborhood birds.

Our busy season really kicks off around September. Getting your chimney inspected this summer will have you ready for winter before anyone else. The summer months are reserved for smart, proactive homeowners who know to call and take care of things before bookings start to fill up.

6 Reasons to get your chimney serviced in the summer:

1. Easier Appointment – get peace of mind knowing you’re handling things before it’s too late.
2. Keep the Critters Out – no, really. You’d be surprised who likes to hang out in an unused chimney.
3. Safety – keeping things clean protects you from fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.
4. Catch problems early – proactive people don’t have to worry about the extra cost that comes with putting things off.
5. Remove the funk (and smoke damage) – believe it or not, that built up residue inside your chimney will produce a smell over time and the more you clean, the less it builds up.
6. It’s a mess – You do not want to do this yourself.

Hurry up and call Southern Chimneys! Remember, by September winter bookings start to fill up. Let us get you ready for winter this summer.

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

Safe chimneys are ones where the structure is sturdy and all components function as they should. A damaged chimney not only won’t perform correctly, it also could become dangerous. Let’s look at chimney damage and chimney fires and how to address these issues.

Chimney Fires

A lot of internal damage to chimneys happens because of chimney fires. Not all fires are big and obvious – many start, burn for a short time and go out on their own. But no matter how big or lengthy, a chimney fire can begin a cycle of damage that must be resolved sooner rather than later.

Chimney fires, most often started when built-up creosote ignites in the flue, can harm the chimney liner and the chimney’s interior masonry. When this happens, bricks and mortar can loosen and crack, allowing in water that will eventually cause extensive damage. Chimney fires that destroy liners also may put at risk adjacent home materials like walls and insulation the next time there’s a fire.

Faulty Chimney Construction

An improperly built chimney can lead to many types of damage over the years. Common signs of a poorly constructed chimney include:

• Footing that’s too narrow or shallow
• Soil that’s too loose beneath the footing
• Wrong flue size/height for the fireplace the chimney is connected to
• Low-quality bricks and mortar that are prone to cracking and dislodging
• Improperly installed chimney liner
• Unparged (unfinished) smoke chamber

Leaky Chimney

Of course, a chimney leak is itself a form of chimney damage, but a small leak can wind up causing large-scale damage throughout the chimney system. Many chimneys that lean or collapse began with a leak issue in the masonry, chimney crown or other components.

Water is corrosive – it will eventually destroy bricks, and it can lead to major mold and rotting issues within nearby home building materials. The best time to address a leaky chimney is early. Here are some signs that indicate a leak is present or will be soon:

• Cracked chimney crown
• Water in the firebox
• Musty odors coming from the firebox
• Damp sections of walls and ceiling near the fireplace
• White stains on the exterior bricks
• Crumbling on the roof around the chimney
• Compromised chimney cap (or no cap in place)
• Flashing that is warped or dislodged

Weather and Natural Events

Chimneys can suffer damage because of relentless, heavy winds, pounding hail, lightning strikes, earthquakes, normal house-settling and other events. Much of this can’t be prevented, but it can be addressed immediately after it happens.

If you experience a major weather or natural event and know or believe your chimney has been damaged, don’t delay in arranging for a chimney services technician to take a look.

Addressing Chimney Damage

Step one in addressing known or suspected chimney damage or as a follow-up after a chimney fire is an inspection by a CSIA-certified chimney professional. After a thorough assessment, the technician can recommend the exact type of repair work necessary to restore your chimney to health and keep it running safely and efficiently.

Northeastern Chimney of West Hartford, CT, provides our customers with certified chimney inspections, chimney cleaning, chimney repair and chimney rebuilding services. We’re licensed and insured and know how to fix any chimney problem fast and correctly. Call (860) 233-5770 with questions or to arrange an appointment.

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

Chimneys are needed for not only fireplaces, but also for anything that burns coal, oil, wood, or gas. A chimney’s purpose is to remove carbon dioxide and other byproduct gases from the air. Having a chimney that properly works is essential to your safety. The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends having your chimney, fireplace, and vents inspected at least once a year. If you suspect that your chimney has issues, or if you have not had it inspected in the past year, contact us here or call us at (781) 893-6611. 

Why Understanding Your Chimney Matters

Knowing about the different parts of your chimney and their functions will help you to identify problems and be more aware of potential safety hazards. It’s essential to have your chimney inspected by an expert on a yearly basis, however, as professionals have the expertise and equipment to fully inspect your chimney which will help keep your home safe and efficient. To understand how a chimney works, it’s helpful to look at each part of a chimney and its function.

Anatomy of a Chimney

The Bricks

Having your chimney’s bricks in good condition ensures the structural integrity and efficiency of the whole chimney. Also, if the bricks are in poor condition, it is likely that moisture will seep through, which can cause mold or mildew growth and overall damage.

Chimney Cap

Essentially, a chimney cap is a hat that covers a chimney to protect it against precipitation and debris such as leaves and branches. Chimney caps often have mesh around them which prevents animals such as birds and squirrels from entering your chimney. This mesh can also help protect your home from fires because it functions like a spark guard. 

Chimney Crown 

A chimney crown is the concrete that covers the top of the chimney and prevents water from getting into the chimney system. It is often confused with the chimney cap. A chimney crown covers the majority of the chimney, while the chimney cap shelters the flues that remain open  for venting. 

Chimney Flue

The chimney flue is the tunnel that allows  smoke and exhaust to exit your home. It is important to have your chimney flue lined. Are you wondering how to clean a chimney flue? Since soot  is a fire hazard, it is important to have it inspected yearly and  swept  by professionals when deemed necessary. 

Chimney Damper

Chimney dampers are located just above the firebox and they help control ventilation. They also keep the chimney sealed when it is not in use, which keeps cold air from entering.  The chimney damper should be open when the fireplace is in use and can be closed when it is not. 

Chimney Liner

At Boston’s Best Chimney, we install aluminum, stainless steel, and polypropylene (PVC) chimney liners. Flue liners not only protect from heat transfer from your fireplace, they contain the flue gasses given off by your heating equipment and carry them up and out.. When there are cracks in your liner, it is essential to have your chimney liner replaced right away before using your  chimney again.

Smoke Chamber

Before smoke enters the chimney flue, it goes through the smoke chamber. This area has slanted walls to make it easier for smoke to get to the flue. The smoke chamber also has a smoke shelf which serves to gather moisture and debris that can enter from outside. 

Chimney Flashing 

Chimney flashing is found at the point where the chimney meets the roof. It can be made of aluminum, copper, steel, or  lead. It is important that chimney flashing is in good condition, because it protects your chimney, roof, and the rooms below it from moisture.

The Fireplace

Most importantly, the hearth and the firebox are the parts of your fireplace where a fire is created. The hearth is the floor of the fireplace, while the firebox is where the fire burns.

Understanding how your chimney works will help you to keep up with regular inspections and maintain a safe, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing chimney in your home. If you suspect that your chimney has an issue or if you have not had it inspected within the last year, give us a call at (781) 893-6611 or click here to get in touch.

The post How Does a Chimney Work? appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Chimneys should stand straight up and tall, never pitching to one side. If you’re noticing that your chimney is leaning, it may mean that there’s damage to the chimney itself or the footing beneath it.

Because it’s not always easy to tell just by looking that a chimney is leaning slightly, here are some signs to look for.

Signs Your Chimney Is Tilting

Leaky chimney: A chimney that leans could also be leaking through cracks in the bricks or mortar. Often a leak is the first clue.

Loose bricks: Bricks that are loose or decaying along with deteriorated mortar joints and crumbling around the base of the chimney are all signs that your chimney may have started to lean or soon will.

Caulking in the gaps: If there is caulking filling spaces between the exterior walls of the home and the chimney, the previous owner may have been trying to address the gaps caused by a leaning chimney. (You may also notice unfilled, open gaps.)

Flashing issues: If the flashing strips that seal the gap between the roof and the chimney are dislodged, it may mean that the chimney has moved.

These and any other signs of a leaning chimney should be evaluated by an experienced chimney sweep/chimney inspector.

Why chimneys lean

The key to solving any chimney problem is discovering what’s causing it. Chimney inspectors can determine the cause of a leaning chimney and recommend the best solution. Here are five

House-settling

Depending on the severity, normal house-settling and foundation-settling can cause a chimney to lean.

Lack of proper footing

Chimneys at older homes sometimes were built without a solid concrete footing, which can lead to a leaning chimney.

Footing not reinforced

If your chimney’s footing wasn’t properly reinforced, it may start to crack and cause the chimney to lean.

Footing too small

The footing should extend at least six inches beyond every side of the chimney structure. Additionally, a footing that was built too shallow is prone to cracking and shifting under the chimney. (Note that any footing built of inferior concrete is much more likely to crack over time.)

Soil problems

When the soil beneath the footing is too loose to bear the weight, shifting can result in a tilting chimney.

Aside from the issues mentioned above, earthquakes, major damage from a chimney fire and an improperly built chimney can lead to a leaning chimney.

Certified chimney inspections

If you know or believe that your chimney is damaged, your first action should be to call out a CSIA-certified chimney inspector. Only through a proper inspection will you be able to spot early signs of damage and address the issue before a costly and dangerous problem arises.

Inspectors who carry certifications through the Chimney Safety Institute of America will examine the entire chimney structure and its components. If damage within the flue is suspected, they will use video imaging technology to allow them to see exactly what’s going on and suggest the best chimney repair work to fix it as quickly as possible.

Are you living with a leaning chimney or other forms of chimney damage? High’s Chimney Service of Gaithersburg, MD, provides expert chimney inspection, chimney repair and full-service chimney sweeping. We’ll help you keep your chimney safe and efficient all year long. Call (301) 519-3500 to get problems solved fast.

 

The post What it Means When Your Chimney Leans appeared first on Highs Chimney.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy has been leaning for about 840 years–since 1173. But if you see your chimney leaning, do not get the idea it’s perfectly safe to worry about it in the distant future! A tilting chimney is an urgent situation, and repair is needed right away. Read on for clues as to whether to contact chimney masonry specialists or a foundation repair company.

Is Your Chimney Damaged by Moisture?

Chimney maintenance is essential because measures must be taken to keep moisture out of the masonry system. The problem all boils down to one thing: Moisture destroys the masonry. The process of destruction isn’t immediate but neither does it take exceptionally long.

Once moisture gets into the masonry, the freezing and thawing cycles of winter cause the water inside to expand and contract. This creates movement that tears down the integrity of the bricks. If you notice bits of debris around your chimney, it is a sign of spalling. Due to moisture in the masonry, the brick face eventually begins to pop and flake off, which is the basic definition of spalling. As the masonry gradually deteriorates, the chimney eventually begins to lean. Continued neglect of chimney maintenance will also lead to a total chimney collapse, which is obviously dangerous and destructive.

CSIA-Certified Chimney Sweeps can provide chimney masonry repairs as well as chimney masonry rebuilds.

Is Your Tilting Chimney Caused by a Foundation Problem?

The problem with your tilting chimney could be a foundation failure. The following are clues that foundation repair is likely needed:

• There is a gap between the exterior chimney built on an exterior wall and the home siding.
• Foam insulation, caulk, or mortar may have been used by previous owners to fill the gap, which only masks the issue.
• Metal straps are being used to hold the chimney in place.
• The metal flashing on the chimney stack has become dislodged.

Masonry chimneys weigh tons! There is supposed to be a chimney pad or chimney footing underneath the chimney to prevent the weight from causing that area of the foundation to sink. If the foundation has shifted, the following are among the causes:

• The soil underneath the foundation is loose and unable to bear the heavy load of the chimney.
• The footing is undersized. There are specific requirements for chimney footings, to ensure that they can withstand the weight. For instance, they should be a minimum of one foot thick and should project six inches beyond all sides of the chimney.
• If poor quality concrete was used to create the footing, it could crack as a result of the same moisture and freeze-thaw cycles that can destroy the chimney masonry.

If it appears that a foundation shift has caused the chimney to tilt, reach out to foundation experts without delay!

Contact the Chimney Masonry Experts at Northeastern Chimney

Each of the chimney sweeps at Northeastern Chimney LLC in West Hartford CT is CSIA-certified. For chimney masonry repair for a tilting chimney as well as for chimney inspections, chimney cleaning, chimney maintenance, and chimney repairs, give us a call. We are the trusted chimney experts throughout the area. Contact us by calling Northeastern Chimney at 860-233-5770 today.

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

This Spring and soon to be Summer season have been all about the rain. Now again, we’re getting remnants of tropical storm Cristobal (not the college football coach) merging with yet another storm. How much more of a beating can the chimney handle?

We’ve talked about tuckpointing or repairing the masonry between the bricks, stone or blocks. We also discussed installing a chimney cap and checking the flashing that connects the chimney to your roofing system. This time I want to share with you the question we get most often…”What else can I do?”

To prevent future chimney repairs, we recommend ChimneySaver. ChimneySaver is our solution for waterproofing your chimney. Chimney Saver is applied directly to the brick, stone or blocks as well as the mortar. ChimneySaver water repellent not only repels the water, it also allows the brick to ‘breathe’ meaning, it allows water vapor to escape. What good will this do?

• Minimize deterioration of the masonry
• Preserve the bricks, stone or blocks
• Minimize future chimney repairs

ChimneySaver is applied to 3 main areas for total protection: chimney crown, masonry and flashing. By protecting these core areas, you’ll no longer need to worry when bad storms come our way.

Give us a call today 877-244-6349.

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

If you’re in the market for a new fireplace, heating stove or fireplace insert, you might be tempted to “make it easy on yourself” by purchasing your appliance online. While many top brands with attractive prices are available on websites and e-shopping portals, there are a few things you should think about when deciding whether or not to go this route.

Local retailers of hearth products usually carry or can order any home-heating appliance you find online. But more important – these experts can guide you through the buying process, make sure you end up with the best unit for your needs, and provide professional installation so your appliance runs safely and efficiently. Let’s look at each of these considerations.

Buying a new fireplace, stove or insert

As simple as these appliances appear to be when in use, there are many differences from one brand to the next and among the different heat-delivery methods and fuel types. If you’re not well-versed on all these differences, a local hearth pro can help.

The three most popular heating appliances are:

Zero-clearance fireplaces: Run on gas or wood, ZC fireplaces install in a wall within your home and have their own vent system.

Heating stoves: Modern stoves are stand-alone appliances that run on gas or wood and can be installed just about anywhere in the home.

Fireplace inserts: These are gas or wood units that are pre-built to fit into your existing masonry fireplace’s firebox and come with their own vent pipe.

Each type of appliance delivers unique performance levels and has unique requirements for cleaning and maintenance. These are things you should be familiar with before purchasing a new heating unit.

Meeting your heating needs

As noted, every model of home-heating appliance provides specific heat outputs, BTUs and room-size coverages. Modern fireplaces, stoves and inserts all follow strict EPA guidelines for combustion and safety, but there’s more to it than that.

Each appliance is designed to heat a certain-size room. Each unit also has a heat-efficiency rating, which tells you how much of the heat produced will be used as heat for your home. Some models cost less to run than others, and some require more maintenance and cleaning. Your local hearth/fireplace expert can cover all this with you as you shop for the perfect appliance.

Heating unit installation

Installing a new fireplace, stove or fireplace insert is not a DIY project. Only trained, certified installers know all the ins and outs of appliance installation to ensure the unit is set up properly and will run safely.

Many hearth retailers have field divisions staffed with professional installers who know their products well. Fireplace and chimney services companies who don’t have an actual showroom can still consult with you on the ideal appliance for your needs, order it for you and then professionally install it.

If you’re one of those people who would love a new home-heating appliance but aren’t really familiar with all the choices, buying locally instead of through a faceless online portal will bring you the most long-term satisfaction.

Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace of Kansas City, KS, is ready to help you shop for and select the ultimate new zero-clearance fireplace, heating stove or fireplace insert. We’ll make sure your decision is one that will bring you warmth and happiness for years to come. Call us today at (913) 236-7141.

The post Online or Hearth Store: Which Is the Best Place to Buy Your Next Fireplace? appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.