Wind storms and the chimney: it’s not a pair made in paradise. The wind storms that we’ve had lately in the Chicagoland area have been challenging. Not only has debris from the trees been thick all over the grass and driveway, but has also blown off roofing materials, gutters and of course some things associated with the chimney. These items include the chimney cap and chimney flashing which is at the base of the chimney. With the wind storm coming through so forcefully, how can you protect the highest point of your home without seeing the chimney toppled down from the strong winds?

Wind Storms and the Chimney. What is that?

Wind storms and the chimney doesn’t mean that it includes rain. It certainly can, and that’s what most of us are use to. High winds followed shortly by the rain. But we’ve been experiencing high winds with no rain and it lasts for hours.

What’s Next?

Most often, we think about the major parts of our home when high winds arrive. Areas such as the trees swaying over the roof, or large branches or debris blowing in the wind that can crash and break the windows or damage siding. These are real issues that every homeowner needs to be concerned about. So, when you don’t see the chimney, is it out of site out of mind? Most times that’s true. But wind can cause damage to the chimney. Let’s take a look.

Chimney Cap

The chimney cap is most often the first to go in a wind storm. If the chimney cap isn’t completely tight against the chimney, you can be sure the wind will swoop under and push it up and off the chimney. You may find the chimney cap in your neighbor’s backyard.

It would be a good idea to have a certified chimney technician to inspect the chimney cap to ensure its secure. It’s vital for the chimney to remain intact in order to protect the inside of your home. Especially since we had a couple of wind storms, it is best to get it checked before the next one comes our way.  Wind loosens the chimney caps mounting hardware.

Topple the Chimney Over 

This doesn’t seem like something that wind storms can do to a chimney. But it happens more often than you think. If the chimney has been neglected for a long time…and it does happen, the chimney can become weak from disrepair. The mortar is missing, the bricks are weak and when you have a good gust of wind come through, you can be sure those bricks will come toppling down. When this happens, you can be sure a chimney rebuild is in the picture. It can be a partial chimney rebuild, or a full chimney rebuild. A superior chimney technician will evaluate the situation and let you know which one it is and the best course of action to getting it done. It’s best to not let it get this far!

Preventative Maintenance

Getting your chimney and fireplace cleaned and checked each year, whether it is wood burning, gas, used everyday or never used, in order to maintain the health of your home. Remember, the chimney is used more than for the fireplace. It is also used by the water heater, furnace or boiler appliances in your home.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment 877-244-6349.

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

This past weekend, for most homeowners, was the time to cut your grass. We’ve had plenty of rain to have the grass grow quite long. After opening the garage door and pulling out the mower, I was greeted by cicadas sitting on both garbage cans. They are definitely a good size bug. Okay, no big deal. Just a couple. Right?

As I got everything ready for the grass, I noticed the cicadas crawling up the side of the brick house. Naturally, I have to keep looking. Were there more?

As I walked around the house the cicadas were (or are) everywhere. I followed their slow crawl up the house and found a few of them crawling up the chimney exterior. Fortunately, I have a termination damper which blocks the cicadas from getting into the house.

I did take a break and come into the house to get a quick drink. As I was leaving to go back outside, I heard this: “Do you want to take your friend with you back outside?” Well, a cicada jumped on my back and came with me into the house and dropped on the floor. Yes, the cicada did go with me back outside. What can we learn from this?

Termination Dampers Can Keep Cicadas Out!

Termination Dampers use professional grade materials to keep the weather elements, animals, cicadas, and eliminate high winds (just like we recently had) out. The materials are important to the protection of your chimney. Using a milk crate, chicken wire cannot nor does not work as it can restrict exhaust from properly flowing out of your home. It may seem like a good solution, but it will damage your home.

Tuckpointing  

Gaps in the mortar are like a big ‘welcome’ sign for the cicadas. Yes, they may be big bugs, but there are plenty of big holes in between bricks. Now, this isn’t something the cicadas want to do, as they came out for a reason, but they see a good place to go and will crawl inside. That’s why it’s critical to get the tuckpointing checked on the chimney during this very crawly time.

While you are taking care of the tuckpointing, or repair on the chimney, be sure to ask about Chimney Saver. Once the tuckpointing is done, Superior Chimney can apply Chimney Saver to waterproof the chimney and keep the water away. This is vital as brick and mortar are porous. Water loves to get in between and begin the gradual breakdown of the materials. This will keep the issues away for years to come.

Contact Superior Chimney today at 877-244-6349 to begin protecting your home from cicadas, the weather elements and other little creatures.

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

In the world of commercial buildings, safety and efficiency are necessary for operating your property. Commercial chimney liners are commonly overlooked when it comes to maintaining your commercial chimney. However, they play a pivotal role in ensuring smooth operation and safety.   

At Best Chimney Services, we are a family-owned business that has been helping residents and commercial property owners in the Boston area maintain and repair chimneys for over three decades. We offer a range of commercial chimney services and residential chimney services to assist you with any chimney problems. In this blog, we dive into the importance of chimney liners in commercial settings, including their function, types, and the benefits they offer in terms of safety and performance. Read on to learn more, or schedule an appointment with us to get started on your routine chimney maintenance.

Function of Commercial Chimney Liners

Commercial chimney liners act as protective barriers throughout your chimney system, serving multiple functions, including:

Combustion Byproduct

A primary function of chimney liners is to contain the byproducts of combustion, including harmful gases such as carbon monoxide. By guiding these gases safely out of the building, liners prevent them from escaping into the building, mitigating health risks for anyone living or working in the building.

Draft Efficiency

Properly sized and liners aid in optimizing draft efficiency, facilitating the smooth exit of exhaust gases. This not only enhances the performance of heating appliances but also reduces the likelihood of backdrafts, which can lead to carbon monoxide buildup.

Protection Against Corrosion

Over time, chimneys’ interiors can deteriorate due to exposure to acidic combustion byproducts. Liners act as a barrier, shielding the chimney structure from corrosion and prolonging its lifespan.

Types of Commercial Chimney Liners

Chimney liners are made and sold in a variety of materials to meet different needs. The types of chimney liners include:

Metal Liners

Metal chimney liners are offered in a variety of alloys to meet your specific needs. Metal liners are known for being highly durable and resistant to corrosion. Metal liners are suitable for all fuel types:  gas, condensing gas and oil. We often recommend stainless steel, however, aluminum is a more affordable option you may be able to opt for if the boiler manufacturer allows.  

Polypropylene 

Lightweight polypropylene venting systems are more popular today than ever.  Used for venting category II and IV condensing gas appliances, polypro is a great option for high efficiency installations.  Available in flex and rigid,  the pathway can be configured to vent individual appliances or cascaded to form common vent systems.

Positive Pressure

Engineered positive pressure venting systems are available in double or triple wall and are constructed to meet UL 103 and NFPA 211 for 1400˚F factory built chimneys.

Benefits of Chimney Liners

Compliance with Regulations

As we mentioned previously, chimney liners are necessary in order to guide unsafe byproducts out of your building. Therefore, many building codes require chimney liners in commercial buildings. Not adhering to this standard can result in penalties and risks of operating malfunctions and hazardous gases in the building.

Extended Chimney Lifespan

When you use a chimney liner, you’re protecting the chimney against corrosion. This prolongs the life of the structures, reducing the need for costly commercial chimney repairs or replacements. However, it’s important to remember that your liner will not last forever, so make sure you know when to replace your chimney liner so that it can still do its job. 

Optimized Performance

Properly sized and insulated liners contribute to improved draft efficiency, ensuring heating appliances operate at peak performance levels while minimizing energy waste – this equates to fuel cost savings month to month.  

Call Best Chimney Services to Install Your Commercial Chimney Liner

Chimney liners are necessary to keep your building safe and your chimney performing efficiently. At Best Chimney Services, we want to take your chimney problems off your list of to-dos. When you schedule an appointment with us to install your chimney liner or just book a routine maintenance check, we’ll keep you informed every step of the way so you understand your chimney. 

 

The post The Role of Commercial Chimney Liners and Why They Matter appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Let’s talk about leaning chimney restoration.

In the tranquil landscapes of suburban neighborhoods, nestled among the rows of houses, a leaning chimney can often go unnoticed until its subtle tilt becomes a glaring concern. These architectural anomalies, concealed within wooden-framed chimney chases and clad in brick siding, represent a looming threat to both the structural integrity and aesthetic harmony of homes. Understanding the root causes of chimney lean, identifying visual cues, and implementing effective remediation strategies are crucial steps in safeguarding against this perilous phenomenon.

The Anatomy of Instability: Wooden Frames and Missing Support

Chimneys, those venerable conduits of warmth and comfort, are traditionally constructed with a wooden frame enveloped by brick or other masonry materials. However, the absence of proper support mechanisms, such as angle iron or lintel support, at the point where the chimney extends above the roofline leaves these structures vulnerable to instability. Without adequate reinforcement to bear the weight of the brick above the roofline, chimneys are prone to gradual lean, imperiling the safety of the entire roof system.

Spotting the Lean: Recognizing Visual Clues

Identifying a leaning chimney requires a discerning eye and a thorough examination of the home’s exterior. The most evident indication of chimney lean is its perceptible tilt, either towards or away from the home. This deviation from vertical alignment serves as an unmistakable signal of structural compromise and warrants immediate attention.

Additionally, a horizontal crack at or near the roof/gutter line is a telltale sign of chimney distress. This fissure, often overlooked amidst the ebb and flow of daily life, serves as a silent harbinger of potential catastrophe, urging homeowners to take swift action to address the underlying issues.

Leaning Chimney Restoration: A Comprehensive Approach

Remediating the hazards posed by leaning chimneys necessitates a comprehensive leaning chimney restoration process that addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes of structural instability. At Southern Chimneys, we specialize in leaning chimney restoration, returning them to their former glory, and ensuring the safety and longevity of our clients’ homes.

Our leaning chimney restoration process begins with the careful removal of the brick facade, revealing the underlying framework of the chimney chase. Proper angle iron support is then tied to the roofing system, providing essential reinforcement to withstand the weight of the brick above the roofline. Any damaged or deteriorated framing is meticulously replaced or repaired, ensuring the structural integrity of the chimney.

Next, proper plywood sheathing is installed to provide a sturdy foundation for the reinstallation of the brick facade. A vapor barrier is then applied to prevent moisture intrusion, safeguarding against the deterioration caused by water infiltration.

Preserving Aesthetic Harmony: Matching Brick and Blending In

One of the key considerations in leaning chimney restoration is preserving the aesthetic harmony of the home. Southern Chimneys understands the importance of maintaining consistency in the appearance of the chimney with the rest of the house. Whenever possible, we utilize existing brick to ensure a seamless match with the surrounding structure.

In instances where new brick is required, we take care to select materials that closely resemble the original, ensuring a cohesive and integrated aesthetic. By blending new brick seamlessly with existing masonry, we minimize the visual impact of the restoration, preserving the overall charm and character of the home.

Protecting Against Future Damage: Waterproofing Treatment

Once the restoration process is complete, Southern Chimneys goes the extra mile to protect against future damage. Thirty days after the restoration, we apply a clear coat chemical waterproofing treatment to the brick facade. This additional layer of protection ensures that the brick no longer absorbs water, safeguarding against the deleterious effects of moisture infiltration.

Conclusion: Restoring Stability and Beauty

In the realm of home restoration, few projects are as consequential as the restoration of a leaning chimney. By understanding the underlying causes of chimney lean, recognizing visual cues, and implementing comprehensive restoration strategies, homeowners can safeguard against the perils posed by structural instability.

At Southern Chimneys, we take pride in our expertise and commitment to restoring both the stability and beauty of our clients’ homes. From reinforcing structural support to preserving aesthetic harmony, our comprehensive restoration process ensures that leaning chimneys are transformed into sturdy, safe, and visually stunning architectural features.

In the journey towards restoring stability and beauty, Southern Chimneys is your trusted partner, guiding you every step of the way.

The post Saving the Lean: A Deep Dive into Leaning Chimney Restoration in 2024 first appeared on Southern Chimneys.

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

Imagine this. You’ve scheduled your chimney sweep and put it on the calendar, and now the time has arrived for it to arrive. At this point, you may be wondering, “Do I need to do anything for when my Chimney Sweep arrives?”

Your sweep requires little from you, but knowing what they do is a huge help in ensuring your appointment goes successfully. Since most contractors charge by the hour, it’s wise to prepare your chimney so that your contractor spends less time on your property, saving you a lot of money.

Some of the things you can do to prepare your chimney for cleaning include:

Put the fire out

This may sound obvious, but it is usual for your sweep to arrive to sweep a chimney while the fire’s embers are still burning hot. This is wrong.

Ideally, you shouldn’t use your appliance or fireplace in the 24 hours before your appointment; nevertheless, if your fire is your sole source of it, this may not be practical.

Speak with your sweep and let them know about this. They may be able to schedule your appointment for later in the day to give your fire time to properly cool down if you used it the night before.

Stoking your ash pan and ensuring that your coals are out before your sweep’s appointment is an excellent practice that your sweep will greatly appreciate.

Clear the space in front of your fireplace.

Your cleaning professional will come with a variety of tools. The first step in every chimney sweep’s routine is to lay down a ground sheet in front of the fireplace for them and their equipment to live and work on for the length of the sweep.

Most sweeps should be able to fit in a space two meters wide and a meter and a half in front of the fireplace.

To give your cleaning professional enough space, move any furniture, carpets, and ornaments from this area and around the fireplace in preparation for your sweep’s arrival.

Keep away children, pets, and valuable items.

Chimney debris is not something you want to breathe in. You and your family must remain at a safe distance from your sweep while they are operating.

Your sweep will wear a PPE3-certified (or higher) air filtering mask and utilize the aforementioned Hepa-rated vacuum to ensure that no one is inhaling anything they shouldn’t.

For the safety of your pets and your sweep, keep all pets (yes, even the cute ones) away from the sweeping area or, better yet, out of the room entirely.

To reduce the danger of damage, lock any valuables away or remove them from the work route. Remember that it’s always better to be cautious than sorry.

Clear your mantle

In addition to removing valuable items, fireplace equipment, and anything else near the fireplace, you should also clean the items on your mantle.

This is particularly true if any of the goods are fragile. While the chimney sweep will try not to disturb these items, the cleaning procedure may generate vibrations that cause them to fall.

Remove anything that may fall on the chimney sweep as well.

Make a list of things wrong with your chimney.

If you discover anything unusual about your fireplace, you should put it on a list and notify the chimney sweep before they begin work. This includes any unusual odors or evidence of wetness.

Before beginning, your chimney sweep will discuss your fireplace and its condition. During this time, express any concerns you may have.

You should carefully review the risk to ensure you don’t skip anything.

This list helps the sweepers understand what they’re dealing with and which portions of the chimney may require special care. It also informs them if any damage to the chimney may necessitate additional repairs.

Even after the contractor is done with the work, you should go over the list to confirm that they covered all areas.

Don’t worry about covering your furniture with dust sheets

The days when cleaning professionals walked into your home and just threw a brush up the chimney, releasing an avalanche of soot and other chimney debris, are over.

Modern sweeps will ‘sheet up’ your fireplace to prevent debris from entering your home, and they will be fitted with Hepa-certified vacuums to eliminate dangerous particulates.

Rest assured that what was previously a very nasty task has now been thoroughly cleaned up.

While this is the case, there is nothing wrong with adding extra care and another layer of protection.

Clean the fire grate and ash pan.

In addition to inspecting your embers, now is a good time to empty the ash from the previous fire. Cleaning out the ash from your fire is not normally included in the sweeping service, but if you forget, your sweep will most likely take care of it for you.

While this is the case, it’s always wise to clear the grate and ash pan to make the cleaning professional’s job easier.

How often should you clean your chimney?

Sweeping your chimney once a year is enough to keep it clean and free of harmful creosote accumulation and other obstacles.

Besides regular cleaning, you should also undertake a chimney inspection, allowing you to spot even the most minor abnormalities before they become fatal.

Some of the issues that you should look out for include:

• Cracked or split brickwork
• Broken or missing chimney cap.
• Cracked chimney flue.
• Decaying wood/damaged mortar

When you are hiring chimney cleaning services Bowie providers, don’t hire the first one you come across. Instead, you should take your time to research and find a reputable professional who will not only professionally inspect and clean the chimney but also recommend the best way to keep the unit in top working shape at all times.

Since you will be working with the contractor each year, you should find one with a great personality. You don’t want to be stuck with someone you don’t enjoy spending time with, do you?

The post How To Prepare For Your Chimney Sweep first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

Navigating the maintenance of commercial buildings can be a complex task, especially when it comes to addressing chimney issues. As a professional chimney company that’s been in business since 1989, we’ve seen our fair share of chimney problems in the Boston, MA area. However, there are 5 common chimney problems you’re most likely to face as a commercial building owner or manager during your chimney’s lifetime. Fortunately, we can help you address these problems in no time. If you’re looking for a local chimney company in the Boston area to take care of your chimney services, give us a call! We’d love to help. Here are some of the most common commercial chimney problems we see: 

Byproduct Build-Up

Carbon and soot are byproducts of burning gas or liquid fuels. Therefore, build-up a very common problem to run into. When soot builds up, it can become a dangerous obstruction within the vent system that you need to be conscious of removing regularly in order to avoid heat and hot water outages. This problem is easily solvable by booking a commercial chimney sweeping once a year to inspect and remove, if necessary. Your chimney technician can recommend whether or not you require more than one inspection or sweeping a year based on overall condition and nozzle settings.

Deterioration in Venting

Frequent exposure to flue gasses can eventually cause your chimney’s breeching pipe to deteriorate and crack.  You don’t want to allow this problem to sit long because cracks in the flue pipe that joins the heating equipment to the stack will affect overall efficiency of the system and create the risk of carbon monoxide spillage back into the boiler room.  Booking an appointment for a visual inspection is recommended to get ahead of this issue.   

Chimney Leaks

When maintaining your chimney, it’s common to run into chimney problems like leaks. Chimney leaks can be a result of rainwater seeping into cracks causing crumbling mortar, or other structural damage, but it can also be caused internally by over or under firing equipment resulting in excess condensation.  Figuring out where and why the leak is occurring is the difficult part, so you’ll want the help of a professional to perform a commercial chimney inspection. A chimney technician will be able to identify the source of the leak and then provide the next steps to repair it.

Structural Damage

Over your chimney’s lifetime, it will develop structural risks, like weak points, rust or cracks within a stack. Ignoring structural damage can lead to your chimney’s instability and the safety of those living in or around the building. Repairing structural damage could involve some variation of a stack repair, but it depends on the specific problem, so contact your local chimney company to identify the problem and provide the repair.

Blockages

It’s not uncommon to face chimney problems like blockages, caused from wildlife, falling debris, or excess soot. However, you want to address these problems as soon as you identify them because blockages in your chimney can restrict airflow, thus increasing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. We recommend booking a chimney inspection to inspect and responsibly remove any and all debris. Your chimney technician may recommend installing a chimney cap if you’re finding bird nests and animals in your chimney often.

Contact Best Chimney Services for Your Commercial Chimney Maintenance

Regular chimney maintenance is the key to preventing these common problems and catching them before they become unsafe and costly. Maintain the integrity of your commercial chimney by working with a qualified chimney company that can ensure your chimney is functioning safely. Contact us today to get started!

The post 5 Common Chimney Problems in Commercial Buildings and How to Address Them appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

We have just come out of a cold, long winter. The days are getting warmer. The nights are getting shorter. We see flowers and trees budding all around us. The fireplace is becoming a thing of the past, for now. You have other chores and tasks to get your yard ready for the Summer. The fun and games are around the corner. We all have our lists of things to do this spring. Let’s get a chimney sweep appointment today. 

Book Today!

Don’t delay in calling your chimney sweep. Now is the perfect time to book your sweep. Along with everyone else, you may not think about cleaning out your fireplace until you need it again. But don’t wait. Now is the time to call Northeastern Chimney to set up your appointment. Don’t be stuck this fall without a clean chimney.

Why Book Now?

• Best services. If you delay in booking your chimney sweep until later in the year, all the 5-star companies will be booked. Waiting only gives you fewer options on the best companies to work with.
• Convenience. Booking now will allow you to get an appointment when you want it. Waiting only puts you on a waitlist with many others. With limited availability.
• The weather is perfect for someone to climb up on your roof. Waiting until the fall, or even worse until it snows is dangerous. It is dangerous for technicians to climb a ladder in thesnow.
• Spring discount offerings. Now is the time that chimney sweeps aren’t busy. They offer discount coupons to bring in the business, your business.
• Repair Parts backordered. If you wait until the heat of the season to get you your fireplace checked out, you may find a backorder of parts.
• Waiting until the weather starts turning bad may cause more of a mess in your home. The technicians have to bring their equipment into your house. Bringing in the snow, rain, and mud as well. 

Now is the time to call for a chimney sweep. Don’t be left out in the cold. Our suggestion is to call Northeastern Chimney at 860-233-5770. It’s time to make that appointment now.

Expert Chimney Care

When you plan on cleaning a chimney, it is important to contact a professional. Appropriate tools as well as safety precautions are all taken under consideration. This is a job for professionals. We at Northeastern Chimney have all the tools necessary to get the job done. Remember that a well-maintained chimney will allow for proper ventilation. It will prevent hazardous fumes and chimney fires. Fires run with proper cleaning also improve energy efficiency.

Schedule your inspection or cleaning soon by calling Northeastern Chimney at 860-233-5770.

We service all of Hartford, Tolland, and Litchfield Counties. All our chimney technicians are CSIA certified. We are active in the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) and the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)

In addition, Northeastern Chimney, Inc. maintains a rigorous training schedule and a strict code of performance and ethics.

The post The Best Time to Get Your Chimney Swept appeared first on .

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

Chimneys are integral to homes with wood-burning heating systems like stoves and fireplaces. However, most people take their chimneys for granted, leading to structural damage and poor performance. Let’s look at why chimneys are important and how you can protect yours.

Chimney Importance

The chimney’s primary job is funneling smoke, carbon monoxide, and other harmful combustion byproducts out of the house. This is crucial to maintaining healthy air quality and preventing health hazards. Moreover, efficient chimney operation maintains the fireplace or stove’s heating performance. An optimally functioning chimney creates a draft that feeds the fire with oxygen, which is essential for proper, efficient combustion.

Common Types of Chimney Damage

As mentioned, neglecting your chimney can damage it, impair performance, and create potential risks. Here are the dangers.

Creosote Buildup

One of the most common issues with wood-burning chimney systems is creosote accumulation. Creosote is a black or brown tar-like substance that builds up on the chimney’s interior walls and, in later stages, becomes highly flammable. According to a white paper by the Chimney Safety Institute of America, “There is no absolute minimum of creosote accumulation necessary for a chimney fire.”

Structural Damage

Chimneys are susceptible to various forms of structural damage, including cracks in the flue liner, mortar joint, brick deterioration, and damage from natural phenomena like wind and lightning strikes. Structural damage reduces the chimney’s efficiency and poses safety risks, such as the potential for toxic gases to seep into the home and increased risk of fires.

Blockages

Chimneys get blocked by nesting animals, debris, or fallen leaves. Blockages prevent proper airflow, which can cause smoke to back up into the house and increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Water Damage

Water is the chimney’s number one enemy and can enter through cracks or missing caps, leading to further deterioration. Water damage can also compromise the chimney’s metal components and cause the masonry materials to deteriorate prematurely.

How to Protect Your Chimney

Fortunately, you can prevent most chimney issues by following these tips.

Regular Cleaning

Regular chimney sweeping by certified professionals will keep creosote from building up to a dangerous level. The National Fire Protection Association recommend annual fireplace, vent, and chimney inspection for soundness, freedom from buildup, and blockages.

Install a Chimney Cap

A chimney cap is an inexpensive and essential component to prevent debris, animals, and rainwater from entering the chimney. It also blocks downdrafts and can help prevent sparks and embers from exiting and landing on the roof.

Repair Structural Issues Immediately

Repairing structural issues, like cracks or deteriorating mortar, is crucial as soon as you detect them. Repairing minor issues now will prevent them from escalating into major problems requiring expensive repairs down the road.

Waterproof Your Chimney

Another inexpensive but essential way to protect your chimney is to hire a professional to apply a waterproofing product. Waterproof sealants guard against moisture damage and can extend your chimney’s lifespan.

Monitor Rust

If your chimney has metal components, monitoring them for rust or corrosion is essential. Rust and corrosion signal the presence of moisture, and you may have an underlying issue like water leaks that could lead to significant damage.

Regular Inspections

Finally, it’s recommended you hire a professional chimney service to inspect your fireplace and chimney at least once a year, even if you don’t use them that much. This ensures there are no blockages or structural issues that could impede performance or create a safety hazard.

Call Northeastern Chimney Inc.

Northeastern Chimney Inc. has been the go-to chimney service in Connecticut since 1984. We’re fully licensed and insured, and our techs are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America. They are always up to date on the latest technologies and techniques, so you can trust their expertise.

Whether you need chimney cleaning, inspection, repairs, installation, rebuilding, or anything else, you can rely on us.

Book your appointment today by calling 860-233-5770.

The post Why Are Chimneys So Important? appeared first on .

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

A brick-and-mortar fireplace is one of any home’s most aesthetically pleasing features, offering comfort and warmth to the entire space. Traditional wood-burning fireplaces are more efficient and cost-effective than wood stoves or other electric heating appliances.

As a responsible homeowner, you want the most heat from your unit. And it’s possible. Some of the things you need to do include: 

Keep the unit in top shape

Like your car, you can’t expect a poorly maintained fireplace to function optimally. At least once a year, contact reputable chimney contractors to have your fireplace cleaned and maintained. This repair and maintenance will improve airflow and increase heat output for your next fire. 

 You shouldn’t remove all the ash in the chimney but rather leave some on top to improve airflow to the fire. To lower the amount of ash in the chimney, remove a little ash on a regular basis.

Make a habit of monitoring the fireplace regularly, and you should never leave it unattended. 

When hiring a maintenance professional, ensure you work with an experienced one who knows what they are doing. The last thing you want is to hire a contractor only to find that they aren’t experienced enough and end up ruining your unit. 

Install a fireplace insert.

Studies show that instead of the normal 10% efficiency of a regular wood-burning fireplace, an air-tight wood-burning fireplace insert can increase your fireplace’s efficiency by 70-80%. 

 You should install a wood-burning fireplace insert within your existing fireplace, which serves as a well-insulated firebox constructed of steel or cast iron. 

The most efficient inserts are double-wall units with built-in circulating fans that direct warm air from the fire into the room.

Hire an expert to install your fireplace insert. The insert should be designed precisely for your current firebox and linked directly to the flue liner to ensure accuracy. 

Sometimes, the contractor may have to use a new flue liner to ensure the insert is appropriate. 

 When looking for inserts, choose those that are high-efficiency and EPA-approved.

Burn high-quality wood

Frequently, what passes for firewood has been in a pile for years, decomposing and producing mushrooms. Turns out that rotten wood produces less heat than rot-free wood. 

Good wood burns hotter for three reasons. One, it is substantially drier. When wood has moisture, it must burn to remove the water before it can produce heat. As you can tell, this means that it loses heat. 

Second, good wood doesn’t rot. Rotten wood is lighter than good wood, therefore there is less to burn. 

Third, good wood usually indicates good hardwoods. When you burn good oak or hickory, which are hardwoods, the fire is really hot.

For the best outcome, always burn well-seasoned wood. Well-seasoned wood has lower moisture content and burns more efficiently than moist wood. 

Do not use recently felled wood or wood with a greenish hue, as it may not burn in the long term. Dry logs of wood that have been dried for up to 6 months to remove moisture and are well-seasoned are the best to go for. 

Get a chimney damper

A chimney damper serves as an entryway for air in your chimney. It helps to maximize the amount of heat produced by your fireplace while minimizing heat loss when it is not in use. 

 Chimney dampers are sometimes used with glass doors to form a stronger barrier to heat loss when the fireplace is not in use. 

 When installing the damper, ensure that the handle for opening and closing is above the fireplace entrance. To open, you only need to slide it to the right.

When lighting a fire, open the damper as wide as possible to generate additional heat. A wide-open damper increases the air hitting the fire, improving combustion. As a result, the fire will become hotter. 

When not using your fireplace, close the damper to keep indoor heat from escaping.

Ensure the room is properly ventilated.

Ventilating a room is equally vital as keeping the chimney clean by opening the damper. Chimneys are designed to remove hazardous gases from your fireplace and home. 

 A lack of ventilation in the room from the chimney may result in a vacuum, mingling fresh air with the created smoke. This vacuum decreases the chimney’s ability to suck air from the fireplace while allowing fresh air into the flames. 

 Unfortunately, many homes are now securely built, leaving little space for air to enter. This can interfere with the air supply to the fireplace. To optimize the heating performance of a wood-burning fireplace, ensure that your room is well-ventilated and the fire is constantly fed with new air.

Remember that leaving the door to other rooms of the house open or leaving the room’s windows partially open will help enhance airflow to the fireplace. 

There is no need to open the windows wide; a few centimeters is plenty. 

Ventilation from the exterior through vents and windows allows warm air inside your home to be released from the outside rather than through the chimney, resulting in a perfect harmony between the fireplace and the air. 

Invest in chimney fans.

Chimney fans provide forceful drafts, resulting in hotter-burning fires. They improve a chimney’s draft by drawing air up and out while bringing more heat into the house. 

 Chimney fans also effectively keep soot and smoke out of the home. These fans draw soot and smoke from the chimney rather than allowing it to blow indoors.

As a result, you have a properly functioning chimney with minimal smoke entering the house. 

Parting shot

As you have seen, it’s not hard to always get an optimally burning fireplace. As mentioned, work with reputable chimney cleaning services Upper Marlboro that will not only help with the fireplace’s maintenance but also advise on the right features to install in your unit to make it more functional.

The post How to Get More Heat from Your Fireplace first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

A chimney heat shield is the crucial part of your chimney that protects your home from overheating and catching fire. If you’re noticing any burning smells, unusually high temperatures coming from the firebox, or are just overall concerned for the safety of your fireplace, a professional chimney sweep from Superior Chimney can help. Over time, the heat from the firebox will cause the mortar to crack and fall apart. With constant heat and even water exposure, the chimney heat shield will need to be replaced. As springtime rolls into summer in the Chicagoland area, and rainstorms come more frequently, your chimney (and home…) is more susceptible to water damage. This, in turn, damages your chimney heat shield. Do you suspect any damages to your chimney heat shield? 

What is a Chimney Heat Shield?

A chimney heat shield is a protective barrier installed on the outside of your fireplace primary firewall to reduce the heat transfer to your home’s walls. It acts as a barrier between the hot fireplace fire and the combustible materials in your home, such as wood framing, drywall, or insulation. By reducing the heat radiating from your fireplace, a heat shield helps prevent fires and protect your home from damage.

How Does a Chimney Heat Shield Work?

A chimney heat shield works by creating a layer of insulation between the fireplace fire and the walls of your home. This shield reduces the amount of heat that reaches the walls, preventing them from becoming too hot and potentially catching fire. Heat shields are made of stainless steel and are designed to withstand high temperatures without falling apart.

Why Should You Invest in a Chimney Heat Shield?

1. Fire Prevention: One of the most significant benefits of a chimney heat shield is its ability to prevent fires in your home. By reducing the heat transfer from your fireplace fire to your walls, a heat shield can minimize the risk of combustible materials catching fire.
2. Energy Efficiency: In addition to improving safety, a chimney heat shield also increases the efficiency of your home heating system. By reducing the amount of heat lost through your chimney, a heat shield will help keep your home warmer and reduce your energy bills.
3. Longevity: Installing a chimney heat shield will also extend the lifespan of your chimney and prevent damage caused by excessive heat. By protecting your chimney from extreme temperatures, a heat shield can help prevent cracks, warping, and other issues that can lead to costly repairs.

Installing a Chimney Heat Shield

Installing a chimney heat shield is a process that should only be done by a professional chimney sweep. The first thing a chimney sweep will do is to measure the dimensions of your chimney and determine the appropriate size of the heat shield. If you’re interested in installing, replacing or having your chimney heat shield inspected, contact us at Superior Chimney today by calling 877-244-6349.

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