The weather has finally turned warmer and we are busy grooming the outside of our homes. Most people do not think about their chimney during the summer months, but summer is a critical time to get needed maintenance issues out of the way before cool fall weather arrives.

The truth is that masonry repairs should ideally be completed in warm weather so that the mortar sets properly.  Small repairs can be made using an accelerant mixed in the mortar during winter months, but larger repairs such as major pointing,  brick replacement, crown rebuilding, or a partial to complete teardown and rebuilding must be done in warmer weather. Now is the time to check the chimney for signs of wear and tear or damage by storms and high winds.

We encourage you to look for missing bricks or chimney cap, and deteriorating mortar. Many chimneys are built with soft bricks due to their lower price point, however, soft style bricks absorb moisture, and in the long run, fail as part of all the chimney will need to be rebuilt. The height of the chimney also plays a role in the rate of deterioration. Being at the highest peak,  the chimney is exposed to more wind-driven rain which penetrates this area more easily – we’ve certainly have had our share of that the past few weeks!

It is important to hire a qualified mason to do this work, not only for aesthetic reasons but for structural reasons too. Using the wrong type of product or mortar for even the smallest masonry repair can lead to major issues down the road.  Don’t wait until most of the mortar is missing from in between the brick either!  You may qualify for a less expensive repair that will prolong the life of the masonry for years to come.

Flues (the tunnels within the chimney structure) that lack the needed lining systems for venting should also be addressed.  Chimneys have required flue liners since the 1920s, however, many homes had flue liners as far back as the 1870s because the masons knew that liners keep the external temperature of the chimney down and prevent leakage of toxic gasses through the chimney chase.  If having masonry repair completed and the flue needs a liner, having this done at the same time makes the most sense.

Delaying chimney maintenance could impact your fireplace’s readiness for those early chilly nights and in New England, who knows when that can be?

A spring/summer cleaning and inspection ensures your chimney will be ready for when you need it most.

When you schedule an appointment with Boston Best Chimney, our Certified professionals will take special care to clean, inspect, and repair your chimney; keeping your family safe and your system in peak condition.

The post Is The Warm Weather Chimney Season? appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

NOT SURE HOW TO CARE FOR A NEW CHIMNEY? HERE ARE A FEW SIMPLE STEPS TO GET YOU GOING

If you’ve just moved into a house with a fireplace and you’re not sure where to start, you’ve come to the right place. Before you light your first fire, it’s essential to thoroughly understand fireplace and chimney safety. Following a few simple guidelines can help keep your home and family safe and warm this winter.

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Call for an Inspection (and Cleaning, if Necessary)

Even if the previous owners had a fireplace inspection as part of the sale process, it’s important for you to hire a company of your own, that works on your behalf, to inspect thoroughly again. Inspections can catch serious and potentially dangerous issues that may lead to fires and carbon monoxide buildup, so if you are dealing with your first fireplace, this should be at the top of your list. In most cases, if the fireplace and chimney need to be cleaned, you can have this done at the time of your inspection.

Learn How to Use a Fireplace

Fireplace operation is relatively simple, but if you’ve never used one before, you should take the time to brush up before jumping in. Start with dry seasoned wood that is specifically for woodstoves and fireplaces – never use green or unseasoned wood. Make sure the damper position is properly set to “open” to allow smoke and combustion gases to escape, and when your fireplace is no longer in use, and the fire is completely out, close the damper. The use of fire safe doors on your fireplace can also prevent drafts.

Get Frequent Cleanings

Frequent cleanings are important for preventing the buildup of a flammable substance called creosote. Many homeowners schedule an annual cleaning. However, if you plan to use your fireplace often, you may need more frequent sweeps. The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends cleaning your chimney once every 36 fires, and in the Chicagoland area, you may light quite a few when the coldest months hit! Keep track and be sure that you’re cleaning your chimney frequently enough to keep you safe.

Do Your Own Quick Inspections Regularly

Once you’ve had a professional inspection and cleaning, and learned how to safely use your fireplace, regular spot checks and upkeep are important. Take the time to look around every now and again to catch any potential or emerging problems. Check to make sure soot and creosote buildup is never more than a quarter-inch thick, check your damper to be sure it operates properly, and if it is safe to do so yourself, inspect the part of your chimney that rises from the roof for things like a loose cap or cracked masonry. Check the area around the chimney inside your home, too, for signs of water damage, which may indicate faulty flashing.

Caring for your new fireplace and chimney doesn’t have to be difficult, but in order to ensure your home and family’s safety, it must be done right, and often. Lindemann Chimney & Fireplace | Heating & Cooling Professional Chimney Sweep team is the best in the Chicagoland area – and our services include the most thorough level 2 NFPA Inspection – providing complete and thorough care that you and your fireplace deserve.

Lightning bolts are more than just a little zap. Just one bolt can carry with it nearly 100 million volts of electricity. That is a lot for your chimney to handle! The most common damage a chimney will experience is to its mortar and brick. The bolts cause the mortar to crumble and break apart leaving huge gaps in the chimney itself. Bricks are often found covering the ground below.

Lightning can also be harmful to the inner liner. Although more difficult to diagnose, the chimneys inner liner can become damaged during these powerful lightning strikes. This can even lead to a fire within the flue.

If you suspect lightning has struck your chimney, follow these steps to keep your home and family safe:

• If you suspect that lightning has just hit your home the most immediate concern is the threat of fire. Contact the fire department if your home suffers a direct hit.
• Keep in mind, fires may not be immediately evident especially when hidden in the attic or chimney.
• Be careful of falling brickwork from a damaged chimney. Steer clear of the area until it is safe.
• Have your chimney inspected before using it. Keep in mind that damage to the chimney liner may be hidden and hard to diagnose. A certified chimney sweep should be enlisted to assess the health of the structure.
• Complete any relining or repair work as needed. Some insurance policies cover this type of damage so make sure to look over the details of yours.

When it comes the safety of your chimney following a lightning strike trust the team at Lindemann to be there when you need them. We can thoroughly and accurately assess your chimney for any damage that a lightning bolt may have left behind. If structural damage is apparent, our team of certified sweeps can complete the work and get you back to using your fireplace safely once again.

At Lindemann Chimney & Fireplace | Heating & Cooling we get many questions about the usability of stovepipe and chimney systems in the Northern Chicago area. Before we can give you a definitive answer we will need to inspect it. However, here are some tips on why it’s so important to maintain the pipe.

Black stovepipe can last from as little as a year to almost a decade. It depends on the thickness of pipe, the use of the woodstove and what is burned in the stove. Burning materials like driftwood, treated wood, trash – essentially anything other than wood can lead to deterioration of your stovepipe. These materials often contain acids and other chemicals that can deteriorate the pipe from the inside out.

Keeping your chimney and stovepipe clean can prolong the life of both. Back in Grandmother’s Day wood ashes were combined with water in a specific way to make lye for old-fashioned lye soap. This is why wet wood ashes can be corrosive to metals.

Lack of a chimney cap, leaking flashing or caulking missing around the storm collar allows rain to run down into or on the outside of the stovepipe. This can lead to rusting of the pipe.

It’s important to keep your stovepipe secure, sound and clean. In the case of a chimney fire, the entire venting system, including the stovepipe, takes on a lot of stress. Damaged or weakened stovepipe may fail.

If you burn your stove really hot and the pipe has a whitish cast to it the pipe may have been over heated. This can shorten the length of the stovepipe as well as affecting it’s structural integrity.

SIMPLE SOLUTIONS FOR THE MOST COMMON GAS FIREPLACE PROBLEMS

Although often easier to use and maintain than a standard wood unit, gas fireplaces can still raise cause for concern when they aren’t working properly. In fact, there are many common problems that homeowners with gas fireplace may come across. While these issues may be troublesome in the short-term, there are many simple solutions to alleviate the problems.

Here are 5 of the most common gas fireplace ailments and how to solve them:

• Burner Issues – If burner issues are plaguing your gas fireplace, check that your thermostat is set properly. A dirty pilot light or burner jet could also be the culprits. Have them cleaned by a service technician. The circuitry can also be tested for low voltage or the thermocouple may need to be replaced.
• Unfamiliar Odors – If you begin to notice off-putting smells permeating from the hearth, your chimney may be in need of a good cleaning. Schedule one with a certified sweep to remove the buildup causing the odors. If a gas odor is suspected, turn off the fireplace immediately, leave the home, and contact a professional.
• Pilot Light Failure – Pilot light failure can occur for a number of reasons. Someone could accidentally turn it off or a strong draft can even blow it out. If the pilot light fails to stay on, try to relight it. The vent cap can also be replaced to protect against those stronger gusts. If neither of these two solutions alleviates the problem then there may be damage to the pilot light’s wiring or thermopile. This is a quick fix for any knowledgeable service person.
• Excessive Amounts of Soot – Excessive amounts of soot typically indicate an oxygen problem within the flue. Adjust the airflow to increase the amount of oxygen and decrease the amount of gas. Refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for the optimal setting. Excessive soot buildup could also be a sign of flue blockages. Schedule an inspection to check for bird’s nests or other animal infestations that may be obstructing the flue.

If you are experiencing any of these common gas fireplace problems, contact our service team at Lindemann Chimney Service. Our technicians use the latest technology and industry know-how to quickly diagnose the problem and advise on the best solution based on your unique needs. With a dedication to excellence in the field, each of our service team members have received their CSIA certification, one of the industry’s leading accreditation programs.

A chimney is designed to safely and effectively remove the dangerous fire byproducts produced within the fireplace out of the home. When it becomes clogged, it can no longer perform this important role. While the initial inconveniences resulting from a blocked chimney may seem minor, when left unaddressed, it can lead to many more dangerous problems including fire, carbon monoxide poisoning and toxic fumes. If you suspect your chimney is blocked, it is worth the effort to have it checked out by a professional.

Why It Happens
Blocked chimneys occur for a number of reasons. Often the culprit is a bird or other critter that enters the chimney. They bring with them nesting material that amasses inside the flue. A hefty buildup of creosote – a natural byproduct of the burning process – can also accumulate and fill the flue. Lastly, large amounts of leaves, twigs and other debris can enter the flue and get stuck inside.

Warning Signs of a Blocked Chimney
A blocked chimney may be hard to diagnose on your own but there are some telltale signs to watch for. These warning signs include:

• A smoky smell when burning a fire
• Falling debris inside the hearth
• Water streaks inside the flue
• Excessive soot
• White residue on the flue walls

How to Fix It
Clearing a blocked chimney is a job best left for a professional. They have the tools necessary to reach and remove the debris clogging the flue. How quickly and easily the chimney is cleared will depend on how compact the blockage is. To prevent clogs in the future, an annual chimney cleaning is recommended. Regular cleanings will keep your flue clear while also warning you of any potential problems before they turn into costly repairs. Installing a chimney cap onto the flue can also help limit the number of clogs your chimney experiences. Stopping debris from entering the system in the first place, caps can provide a proactive approach to chimney maintenance.

If you suspect a blocked chimney, contact the team at Lindemann for assistance. We diagnose and treat common chimney ailments both large and small. From an annual cleaning to a complete chimney rebuild, our technicians have the right tools and experience to get your system back into proper working order.

Is it hard for you to keep or start a fire in your fireplace? Do you find that your fires don’t burn as hot or efficient as they could? If so, you could be experiencing backdraft problems within the chimney. The proper functioning of a chimney relies on hot air rising up and out of the stack. The hotter your fire the faster this hot air will rise resulting in a more sustainable and efficient burn. When this air begins to move in the opposite direction you are experiencing what is known as a back-draft. When the chimney suffers from backdraft problems harmful gases and irritating smoke is pushed back into the living space.

CHIMNEY BACK-DRAFT SOLUTIONS

There are many reasons why your home could be experiencing a back-draft. Read on to learn more about the common problems that lead to backdrafts and what you can do about them.

Negative air pressure.
Every home has different “zones” or areas of pressure. Warm air collects in the higher zones of pressure. This pressure pushes the air out through the chimney. When the chimney is in a negative pressure (or lower pressure) zone, the flow of air is reversed. Rather than rising like it should it is pushed back into the home. Simply opening a window in the fireplace room can help neutralize this pressure.

Obstructions at the chimney.
Creosote buildup, animals’ nests and other blockages within the flue can prevent the air from escaping. With nowhere to go, the smoke and other fire byproducts get sent back into the living space. To help prevent excessive buildup schedule an annual chimney cleaning. During the visit, the technician will also typically complete an inspection looking for blockages such as nests within the flue and, if present, remove them.

Too much wind.
Those living in a windy location may experience frequent backdraft problems. Installing a chimney cap on top of the chimney crown can easily remedy this problem. Caps can also be helpful at preventing critters from taking refuge in your flue and causing further blockages.

The chimney, like any other part of the home, can have problems and defects which make it less efficient and safe to use.  One of the most common chimney ailments homeowners run into are cracked flue tiles.  When left untreated, this issue can wreak havoc on the home’s chimney system.  Cracked tiles can lead to dangerous gas leakage allowing carbon monoxide to seep into the home’s interior.  It can also allow deadly heat transfer to combustible materials in the surrounding areas increasing the risk of home fire.

Why It Happens
Cracked tiles often occur when heat is not evenly disbursed throughout the chimney.  This leads to unequal expansion of the tiles causing them to buckle, crack, or split.  Clay tiles are most prone to this problem because the material is unable to quickly absorb the heat.

How to Fix It 
When cracked tiles are found, the best way to remedy the situation is by lining or relining the chimney itself.  A stainless steel chimney liner is the preferred option among homeowners as it often comes with a lifetime warranty and typically never needs to be replaced.  Single clay flue tiles can also be installed to replace broken ones but will often crack again creating another safety hazard within the flue.  If damage is minimal, a product such as HeatShield® Cerfactory Flue Sealant can be used to fill the cracks.  A new liner though will offer the best protection while providing a more permanent solution.

Regardless of how you choose to address a cracked tile problem, hiring a professional sweep to do the work is important.   They have the expertise and knowledge to complete the often complex lining process while also ensuring the chimney is compliant with local fire codes.  For Chicago area homeowners, Lindemann Chimney Service is the trusted partner they turn to for all of their chimney needs.  Since 1969, they have been offering their customers quality chimney and fireplace installations and repairs.

Peace of mind comes from finding peace at home, and one of the best ways to ensure this is finding trustworthy service providers to keep your home running smoothly. But sometimes, it can be difficult determining just what to look for when choosing a source or contractor for homes services. When dealing with your fireplace and chimney, your homes’ safety is also at hand.  Don’t be scammed by disreputable providers begging for your business – keep on the lookout for these warning signs.

AVOID DOOR-TO-DOOR OFFERS AND UNSOLICITED PHONE CALLS

This is a prevalent scam tactic in many areas, where potential hustlers will canvass specific areas and neighborhoods, either on-foot or over the phone. Generally, they will provide special, immediate pricing deals, or present a catastrophic condition that needs an immediate, costly repair to your chimney.

Don’t hire these contractors, and certainly don’t provide them with a potential deposit for work, until you have secured their official business name and verified their legitimacy through a third-party source, such as Angie’s List or the Better Business Bureau.

LOOK FOR THE CERTIFICATION

Similar to many other trades, professional chimney sweeps and technicians can gain accreditation and certification — in this case, through the CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America). Earning certification through the CSIA ensures t the business you are working has met the CSIA’s national safety standards, as well as abides by their established Code of Ethics. This is re-enforced by the CSIA’s non-profit status, meaning the institute does not issue certifications for direct payments, but rather, requires rigorous education and testing to earn a certification.

If a contractor does not have certification with the CSIA, proceed with caution.

BE WARY OF HIGH-STAKES SALES TACTICS

If a contractor is pressuring you into completing work immediately, consider pumping the breaks. Scare tactics and high-pressure sales techniques are generally avoided by professionals who have your best interests in mind. Much like a medical diagnosis, consider getting a second opinion from another reputable business before moving forward with repairs.

CHECK THE REFERENCES

Similar to the above, ensure the company does not have any outstanding complaints lodged against them with professional oversight groups, such as the BBB. Additionally, word of mouth still holds a high amount of clout in today’s business world. If you have a trusted friend, co-worker, family member, or neighbor who has worked with the company before, get their opinion.

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

There are a number of research tools available to consumers today. Conducting a thorough search online for company details is invaluable before committing to hiring one company over another. If you feel like a company is sending out the wrong message for whatever reason — you’ve never heard of the business name before, the contractors appear without uniforms or branded vehicles, or if they’re being overly pushy about beginning work — cross-reference their name in an online search. If you’re unable to find a reputable resource listing their name, their contact information, and their licensing information, be wary about allowing them into your home.

It you are looking for a trusted, certified, professional chimney service provide to conduct an annual chimney cleaning, safety inspection or make repairs, Lindemann Chimney & Fireplace | Heating & Cooling is a premiere provider on Chicago’s Northshore. Schedule your appointment today!