How to Clean a Fireplace

While a fireplace helps to give additional warmth during cold days, most people agree that heat is nice but a fireplace’s real benefit relates more with atmosphere. Entertaining or relaxing by a fire creates an environment that a furnace, boiler or space heater cannot match. This environment tends to degenerate if your fireplace isn’t cleaned properly. A clean fireplace is easy to operate.

Keeping a Clean Fireplace

Most homeowners are attentive about sweeping any remaining ashes around the fireplace that might detract the overall appearance of the room. A clean furnace is really about the components that can’t be seen. Flue and chimney cleaning are essential than removing debris. Chimney cleaning always proves worth the cost of hiring a chimney contractor.

Chimney Cleaning

Fireplace inserts are not so light and weighs more than 400 pounds. All wood stove inserts need to be removed at the time of chimney cleaning. The several aspects of chimney cleaning requires a technique to maneuver the insert with a technique that most homeowners not well-versed. In some cases, there is no need to remove the insert to clean the chimney. The insert can be kept on its place like in case of installation of a full relining collar or a stainless steel pipe that links to the insert till the top of the chimney.
The chimney flue pipe carries hot gases and soot up and away from the fireplace. They are available in two styles: metal and masonry. The metal caps must be present over the flue openings as these hood-like structures prevent rain and snow to enter into the flues and protect the chimney from downdrafts.
The flues are equipped with wire mesh to prevent the entry of any birds or animals in the chimney. This mesh also prevents burning ash to reach the roof and other inflammable materials and can easily be cleaned from time to time.

Ensure Safe Operation with Clean Fireplaces

Leaving the fireplace unattended leads to building up of creosote inside chimney. Some homeowners understand the need of chimney cleaning and maintain clean fireplace. If your fireplace has limited usage then an annual service will fulfill the requirement. People who burn wood often should seek professional service offered by chimney company from time to time. Make sure to inform your chimney contractor about the type of roof access to make prior arrangements for safety equipment before chimney inspection.

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

Many people enjoy the feeling and relaxing ambience of a wood-burning fire. However, when it comes to fire in your home then it is important to keep your family safe. Before using your fireplace, make sure to clean it and make it safe for operation. If you have minimal use of fireplace or stove then an inspection is advised to check out all heating venting systems, stove systems and furnace flues. At the time of chimney inspection, all types of defects or issues are resolved with immediate action.

Prevent a Chimney Fire

A chimney fire can be quite thrilling and it leads to loud cracking sounds with lots of smoke and hot odor. Chimney fires aren’t always dramatic enough to alert the neighbors. In some cases, they burn slow and aren’t even visible but they reach high temperatures and might seep into the walls of the house and ignite flammable objects. The flames from a chimney fire might spread into the walls of your house and leads to massive devastation. One of the common reasons behind chimney fire is dirty chimney. With continuous usage, chimneys become clogged with creosote, tar-like substance-a by-product of burning wood. Creosote is black or brown in appearance and it leaves a glazing inside the chimney. This glazing is combustible in nature and it takes just a small amount to ignite the fire. The restricted air supply is one of the major reasons behind build up of creosote and this makes it important to clean your chimney regularly.

Protect Your Health

The burning of fuel produces carbon monoxide. Even the low levels of carbon monoxide leads to dizziness, nausea, headaches, fainting and confusion. A blocked chimney with improper functioning flue leads to buildup of this dangerous gas.CO leads to several deaths every year and blocked chimneys leads to poisoning. This makes it important to go for chimney inspection to ensure that flue is clear while using the chimney. Inhaling the fumes from solid fuel or gas fire leads to serious damage to your health. Hire a chimney company and make sure that your chimney is swept and ensure that the flue-the passage out of house is clear for fumes to escape safely out of the chimney.

Prevent Smoke Damage

The lack of chimney cleaning leads to accumulation of soot around the flue. This makes it hard for the flue to move the smoke upwards. The soot leaves a black film around hearth and soil several things, decorations and carpeting. In some cases, smoke leads to black stain around chimney which can be difficult to remove.
All these reasons make it important to hire a chimney contractor for cleaning and save your family from harmful health hazards.

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

On April 2, an Executive Order was issued by Governor Brian Kemp, directing all Georgia residents to stay at home or at their place of residence and mandating the closing of all nonessential businesses.

Southern Chimneys, LLC falls within the definition of essential business as defined in the Executive Order, and we will remain open during this time. We pride ourselves on maintaining the highest safety standards even during the best times, so we will continue to practice safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ll perform our chimney and fireplace inspections, cleanings, and repairs while maintaining social distancing and safety protocols. 

With the number of Coronavirus cases in the area growing rapidly, it’s best that all non-essential employees stay home and stay healthy to stop the spread. If everyone can stay put for a few weeks, we can flatten the curve and get our economy back to “roaring” as it was just a month ago. Remember, washing your hands regularly and covering your face when you sneeze or cough is the best way to prevent spreading the disease. 

For any questions, give our office a call from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday, at 678-744-4046. 

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

Learn how we are still able to provide our chimney and fireplace services during the COVID-19 outbreak. As an essential business, we work hard to continue to provide our services so your home can stay safe from chimney/fireplace damage. Click here to contact us for a chimney or a fireplace inspection, cleaning, or maintenance.

The post COVID-19 Update: How We Are Taking Extra Precautions as an Essential Business appeared first on Quality Fireplace and Chimney Services.

Learn about how we provide different services and leverage our qualifications to help with any chimney/fireplace needs. We also talk about the updates happening with COVID-19 and how it will impact different events. Watch this video to learn more! Do you need fireplace or chimney services? Click here to get on our schedule! 

The post How Quality Fireplace and Chimney Services Satisfies Our Customer’s Needs! appeared first on Quality Fireplace and Chimney Services.

Your chimney may be the biggest system in your home besides the central air and heating unit and there’s a lot that can go wrong with it. Because it’s so big and can cause big problems for your home, it’s important to understand just what makes up the chimney system, how it works, and how it can go wrong.

Parts of the Chimney

From bottom to top, there are many parts and materials that make up a fireplace and chimney system. The terms ‘fireplace’ and ‘chimney’ are often used interchangeably, and they work together to get the job done. What we know as the fireplace is actually called the firebox, and what we know as the chimney is actually the flue. These are only two parts of a very large system that must be built and maintained properly. Only then will the system work efficiently and safely.

Foundation – Just as the house itself sits on a foundation that holds it up and prevents settlement and shifting as seasons and weather change the soil, the chimney requires a foundation. Oftentimes this foundation is built when the home is built, but not always.
Ash Dump – Some, but not all, chimneys have an ash dump. This is a space beneath the firebox where ashes can be pushed and stored to cool and collect over time. A chimney sweep can remove these ashes as needed through a cleanout door near the foundation—a service that usually isn’t required for several years.
Hearth – The hearth is the floor of the firebox which usually extends from the back of the fireplace out into the room a bit and is made of a particular firebrick and refractory mortar that protects against heat transfer from the fire.
Firebox – The space where the fire sits and burns is called the firebox. It endures the highest temperatures for the longest periods but receives the least attention. The firebox is constructed of firebricks and refractory mortar.
Damper – The damper is a mechanism, usually made of metal, installed at the top of the firebox and opens and closes the flue opening. When the damper is closed, very little air moves through the chimney system. When the flue is open, air flows freely.
Smoke Chamber – The space above the firebox is called the smoke chamber—so named because this is where the particles and gases mingle with the heat to rise up the chimney. It is shaped like an inverted funnel to direct smoke upward and into the flue. Beneath the smoke chamber, there is a shelf (called the smoke shelf) designed to prevent smoke from falling back into the firebox and into the home. The walls of the smoke chamber should be at certain angles and smooth.
Flue – The flue is the interior vent by which smoke and gases travel out of the home. The surface of the flue should be covered with a liner that keeps heat and corrosive chemicals from damaging or moving through the masonry and gives it a seamless, smooth surface for optimum airflow.
Masonry Crown – At the top of the chimney there is a ceiling that extends from the flue opening to the edge of the chimney. The crown is made out of durable material that can withstand harsh temperatures, sunlight, and precipitation. It is also made at a slant so that water runs away from the flow and onto a drip edge, where it drips down onto the flashing at the roof instead of running down the masonry.
Chimney Cap – The chimney cap is the roof of the chimney system. It keeps water, animals, wind, and weather out. The cap is necessary to prevent chimney water damage and animal intrusion. It is often made of copper or stainless steel.

Common Chimney Problems

Even a well-constructed chimney can become damaged over time—especially through particularly rough winters or when subjected to coastal air and moisture.

• Spalling masonry can be particularly devastating to chimneys that stand in coastal regions. This is when the mortar cracks and falls away, causing bricks to loosen and take on water.
• Leaky chimneys can lead to damaged parts of the chimney, but also water damage throughout the house. A chimney leak can occur in any season and cause damage year-round.
• Smoky fireplaces are usually caused by an obstruction, draft issue, or even the wrong firewood being burned in the fireplace! A smoky fireplace doesn’t always require a repair but should always be troubleshot and a professional should be called if the problem persists.
• Liner damage is most often due to an old clay tile liner becoming worn out and breaking apart. You might find pieces of clay tile in your firebox or notice problems like masonry that is hot to the touch. Liner damage can also be caused by a dirty flue or a flue fire.

Whether your system is old or new, whether you have a fireplace, a stove, or an insert, whether you burn wood, pellets, or gas, your chimney is important. It can be a great asset, but can also be very dangerous. Make sure you know the ins and outs of chimney function and maintenance. Make sure your chimney system is safe and efficient. It will work better and for longer.

Call and schedule services with Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep today by calling 617-469-4528

The post Anatomy of Your Chimney (And Common Chimney Problems) appeared first on Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep.

You’ve probably been using this time of quarantine to get a lot done around your house. With everyone under shut-in orders except essential-business employees, residents of Atlanta are becoming home-repair and cleaning experts.

Coronavirus has changed a lot in our lives, but it has not changed your need to have a healthy, working chimney. In reality, there’s no better time than now to get your chimney inspected! And while you’re at it, mark next year’s calendar too because your chimney inspection should be a regular, annual event.

Get a jump on your chimney inspection.
Your chimney was working overtime the last several months, doing its job to keep you warm and dry. Now that the seasons have changed, you should schedule an 18-point inspection from Southern Chimneys now because

• scheduling is wide open and you’ll be able to leisurely find a time that works best for your inspection, rather than fighting to find a time that lines up with a busy inspector’s schedule.
• If you take care of your chimney inspection now, you won’t be scrambling to get it done last minute in the fall or winter.

Here are more reasons to be proactive about your chimney inspection:

Safety – a lack of maintenance can lead to chimney and house fires. A regularly scheduled chimney inspection will prevent this. In fact, an annual chimney and venting system sweeping and inspection is recommended by the National Fire Protection Association and the Chimney Safety Institute of America.

Money – Many homes don’t get their chimneys inspected, and they wind up getting them repaired because they didn’t take that time. Being proactive stops this. You will save so much more money on an inspection and sweep than you will when you have to have major repairs done.

Lack of knowledge – …and that’s okay! It’s normal and happens all the time, but most people move into a home or begin renting one with a chimney and have no idea what condition that chimney’s really in. Don’t let that be you. For instance, how’s your cap? Do you even have one? Do you know what it is?

Peace of Mind – The masonry of a chimney is made to last forever and hold up like a house, so chimney damage is something that you can’t really see and, the worse it gets, the more expensive it is to repair. If you get things checked out every year, you don’t have to worry about it!

Do you have what it takes to be proactive and protect your wallet and home?  Give Southern Chimneys a call. We will save you money by doing a great job at the best price. Schedule an inspection with us today and you’ll see why we’re a different kind of chimney services company.

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

The chimney walls in a fireplace used for wood burning leads to accumulation of soot and debris which must be cleaned away. Tar and creosote build-up are flammable and leads to fire hazard. Chimney cleaning logs claim offer a cleaning alternative for the fireplace and chimney by hand which seems to be laborious task. The logs help to decrease and loosen the creosote build-up but it’s not as effective as a professional chimney sweeping helps.

Chimney-Cleaning Log Claims

A chimney cleaning log proves helpful when you burn it in fireplace. Burning a wood fire leads to softening of the tar build up in the chimney and makes chimney cleaning more effective. This leads to release of chemicals that adhere to chimney walls, loosens the tar and reduce the chances of fire.

When to clean Chimney?

Although, there is no rule on how frequent to clean a chimney. No one can make a schedule depending on the years of service or number of fires you had in the fireplace. Chimney inspection plays an important role to determine if a cleaning is required.

How to Inspect Chimney

While doing a chimney inspection, use your fireplace poker or other device to scrap away the creosote from the fireplace lining. If the creosote buildup is very thin then it rules out the requirement of cleaning. If the buildup is 1/8 of an inch then schedule a cleaning. A buildup of more than 1/8 to ¼ inch requires immediate cleaning. If it’s more than ¼ inch then make sure not to use the fireplace till it has been cleaned properly.

Source of Creosote

Creosote is nothing but the leftover of wood burned in the fireplace. Different types of wood leave variety of creosote buildup and piling up leads to increase in creosote and it should not be used in your fireplace.

Importance of Chimney Cleaning

The presence of creosote in the chimney leads to inefficiency. The rise in the level of creosote buildup increases the chances of flue fire. It can be very dangerous and can be avoided by keeping your chimney clean and chimney relining.
Although there are various types of do-it yourself cleaning instruments and home cleaning kits to clean the chimney but make sure to follow the directions given. It is better to initiate the cleaning process after the fireplace and chimney are completely cool and hire a chimney contractor for efficient cleaning.

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

It’s been raining and now it’s windy. It’s the perfect
combination for problems with the chimney. If you’re feeling wind coming down into
your fireplace, the chimney
cap could be the source.

One of the best ways to know for certain is for a Superior
Chimney certified chimney technician to take a look. Here’s why:

• It blocks the wind from inducing downdrafts
• It prevents rainwater from getting into the chimney
• Animals are on the go. Let’s prevent them from making their way into the chimney for shelter
• Leaves and debris are flying around on these windy days. Let’s keep it from accumulating

Get the chimney cap checked
today by calling 877-244-6349.

We’re an essential business provider.
Read our statement
as to what this means to you.

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

A crackling fire in the fireplace is a common sight in millions of homes during the winter.  It provides warmth and comfort while helping to keep heating costs down. With proper maintenance and good safety practices, your fireplace will provide years of enjoyment. However, a lot can go wrong when you neglect to clean your chimney regularly.

Risk of a Chimney Fire

One hazardous by-product of burning liquid and fossil fuel is creosote. It’s a carbon chemical compound that sticks to the walls inside the chimney. It continues to build up with every burn. When creosote is not removed through regular chimney cleanings, it becomes a dark, tarry, and highly flammable substance. A spark inside the chimney from a hot ember is all it takes to ignite a fire. Every winter, there are over 70,000 house fires, resulting in millions of dollars in property damage, injuries, and even deaths.  The overwhelming majority of residential structure fires, approximately 30%, are caused by excessive creosote in the chimney, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Exposure to Carbon Monoxide

Your chimney must be free of obstructions to vent smoke and fumes. It’s not uncommon for leaves, twigs, and small animals such as squirrels and birds, to find their way inside the flue, especially during the colder months. The debris and nests can cause an obstruction, hindering the venting of carbon monoxide and other toxic gases. Instead, the gases will be forced back into your home, where they can cause adverse health effects. These blockages can also restrict airflow into the fireplace. Inefficient burning will result in increased pollution and higher energy costs.

It Can Make You Sick

The soot, creosote, and other particles of dirt that continue to accumulate inside the chimney can reduce your indoor air quality and emit an unpleasant odor in your home. It can even make you sick. Breathing in many of these contaminants can lead to a variety of health issues. Some of the symptoms you may experience include itching of the eyes and skin, headaches, nausea, and respiratory problems, to name a few. Prolonged exposure to an unclean chimney can also increase the risk of skin and lung cancer.

Mold

When homeowners neglect to clean the chimney, they also miss out on an opportunity to notice signs of water leaks. A warm and humid flue are ideal conditions for mold. It can quickly multiply into millions of tiny spores that can spread throughout your home. Besides health issues and chimney damage, mold can also cause damage to walls, ceilings, and other surfaces around the house.

Professional Chimney Cleaning

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and national fire safety experts recommend homeowners have annual chimney cleanings and inspections. If it has been more than a year since your last chimney cleaning, it is time to hire a professional chimney sweep.  It is the best way to ensure your fireplace and chimney will keep your home and family safe.

The post What Can Happen If You Go Too Long Without Cleaning Your Chimney appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.