Fireplaces and chimneys are pretty simple devices, on the surface. But in order to run correctly and safely, a lot of pieces are involved. Having regular chimney inspections, chimney repairs and chimney cleaning will keep everything in the best shape possible – but only when these tasks are performed by trained and certified chimney specialists.

Dangers of doing your own chimney work

Fireplace and chimney technicians have spent many years learning all the ins and outs of how these units work and how to make them work when they don’t. When the technician is certified by the National Fireplace Institute and the Chimney Safety Institute of America, his or her scope of knowledge is even wider.

When a novice performs certain types of work on chimneys and fireplace, a lot of problems can result. For example:

Without the proper tools and training, a novice can take a relatively minor problem and turn it into something major.

 

The novice doesn’t understand the significance of various types of chimney and fireplace damage and may overlook a problem that can become a serious safety risk for those living in the home. When a person isn’t specifically trained in chimney service, he or she may spend huge amounts of time trying to fix a problem without actually fixing it at all.

The unskilled novice can easily become injured when attempting chimney repairs, cleaning or inspection. It’s highly unlikely that a person without the right tools and experience will be able to properly clean flammable creosote out of a chimney. There’s also the homeowners insurance element to consider. Few insurance carriers will pay for damage caused by an amateur “handyman” to a chimney or fireplace. Additionally, most carriers won’t cover repair costs done by a non-certified worker.

Why you should hire a pro for chimney cleaning, inspection and repair

Training:  Chimney sweeps and repair technicians who hold national certifications have proven skill and verifiable training in performing chimney and fireplace service.

Equipment:  The right equipment is critical to the success of any job. With chimney cleaning, for example, professionals use a variety of tools including rotating brushes, special scrapers and   scrubbers, solvents and vacuums to do the job right.

Safe repairs:  When performed by professionals, repairs will be done in a way that maintains safety throughout the chimney/fireplace system. Rarely will a certified technician cause any extra   damage.

Pros carry the necessary insurance:  If a chimney tech does happen to damage anything during a repair or cleaning job, he or she will have the necessary insurance to cover the problem. This means you’re fully protected. (Always ask about this before hiring a chimney sweep.)

 

 

Recommendations and advice:  A certified chimney and fireplace technician will be able to offer you sound recommendations and advice, based on what was turned up during an inspection   or repair project. Professionals know what to look for, and they know when something isn’t right. Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace of Kansas City, KS, is here to help with all your chimney cleaning, chimney inspection and chimney repair needs. Our technicians are nationally certified, insured and bonded for your protection. Call us any time of year at (913) 236-7141.

The post Fireplace & Chimney Problems? Talk with Professionals, not Novices appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

Within your chimney system are a number of protective components whose job it is to allow for efficient operation and keep your home safe. Let’s look at some of these components and see why they’re so important.

The chimney itself (flue)

Without a tall, properly built chimney, there would be no way to channel smoke from your fireplace to the outside air. In this sense, your chimney is functional. But it’s also protective.
The heavy masonry from which the chimney is constructed provides a layer of protection between the intense heat from fires and nearby combustible materials within your home. When chimney masonry is damaged, often by water, it can begin to crumble and crack, leaving adjacent walls and/or ceilings vulnerable.

Chimney liner

At one point in the history of chimneys, somebody got the bright idea that the masonry could hold up longer and better if there was some kind of liner inside the flue. Today, stainless steel, clay tile and poured-in-place chimney liners are found in many chimneys. Liners do add a strong layer of protection, but like the masonry, they can become split or broken over time. If this happens and repairs aren’t made promptly, it’s like not having a liner at all.

Chimney cap

At the top of your chimney, there is a chimney cap. Well, there should be a chimney cap. Not all chimneys have caps, but all of them should, because caps offer powerful protection against rain and snow infiltration. Moisture inside the chimney flue is one of the primary reasons for damage to masonry and other components. Additionally, chimney caps prevent tree debris, small animals and other unwanteds from getting into the flue.

Chimney crown

The cement layer covering the top opening of the chimney is the crown. Chimney crowns add another layer of protection by blocking everything except the flue openings. Crowns are designed to allow water to run off and away from them and away from the exterior masonry beneath them. Cracks and decay in a crown will worsen and leave the flue and bricks vulnerable to serious damage.

Flashing

Roof flashing is the protective material that forms a seal over the gap between your roof and the outside of the chimney. Warped or damaged flashing provides a clear path for rainwater and melting snow to flow down the exterior of the chimney and do damage to not only the masonry but adjacent walls, ceilings, floors and other parts of the home.

Damper

The fireplace damper is located above the firebox and is designed to open fully and close fully. When a fire is burning, it should be open. When the fireplace isn’t being used, it should be closed. Over time, dampers can become rusted or warped to the extent they won’t open all the way or close with a tight seal. A damaged damper can cause problems with exhaust and let cold air flow into your home.
The easiest way to ensure that all your chimney’s protective components are doing their job is with an annual chimney/fireplace inspection by certified technicians. Northeastern Chimney of West Hartford, CT, provides full-service chimney inspection, chimney cleaning and chimney repair by CSIA-certified experts. Make sure your chimney stays safe year-round by calling (860) 233-5770.

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

The question about cold air coming from the fireplace is a question many homeowners have. Fortunately, there are only a few possible causes and several very effective remedies.

Fireplace and chimney basics

The basic structure and operation of a fireplace and chimney is something most homeowners readily understand. There’s a firebox, where fires burn, and a chimney, up which go smoke and combustion gasses. The path for smoke also is a path for air. When a fireplace isn’t in use, cold air from outside can come down the chimney into the home, and warm interior air can escape up through the flue.

Ways to prevent cold air entering your home through your fireplace

Keeping your home warmer in the winter can involve a couple steps. Step one is stopping the cold-air draft.

Fireplace damper:

The damper that sits above the firebox should be able to close fully and make a tight seal. Remembering to keep the damper closed when the fireplace isn’t being used will block the cold air that wants to enter your home.

Over years of use, dampers can become rusted or warped. If you suspect this may be a problem, have your damper inspected by a certified fireplace/chimney inspector.

Chimney plug:

Also known as a chimney balloon, this product fits up in the chimney and is inflated, creating a solid barrier against incoming air. Chimney plugs can be used any time you’re not burning a fire as an extra layer of protection. If you forget about the plug and light a fire, it will deflate on its own to allow smoke to exit up the chimney.

Fireplace doors:

Another way to keep cold air out of your room is to install a set of fireplace doors. Quality fireplace doors will create a strong seal at the mouth of the firebox and prevent air circulation when you’re not using your fireplace. Not only will doors keep your home warmer, they look fantastic, too.

Consider an upgrade with a fireplace insert or ZC fireplace

If you’re using a traditional open masonry fireplace, drafts of cold air are something you’re going to have to deal with, like it or not. However, you can completely eliminate these drafts by adding a powerful new fireplace insert to your existing firebox.

Inserts are built in a factory and run on wood, gas or pellets. They work on a closed-combustion system that produces and retains much larger amounts of heat than a masonry fireplace. They have their own vent pipe, which goes right up the chimney.

Zero-clearance, or ZC fireplaces, also are factory built, but unlike inserts, they’re installed into a new area in a wall within your home. These appliances are powerful heat producers and never allow the cold-air drafts that keep your home chilly.

Wood, gas and pellet ZC fireplaces, like inserts, have heat-efficiency ratings of 80% and higher. Compare that to ratings of 10% or 20% common with traditional masonry fireplaces. This means the majority of the heat the unit produces will be available as heat for the home.

As you can see, cold air entering your home through your fireplace is a problem that can be addressed. High’s Chimney Service of Gaithersburg, MD, can help with inspections, repair and the installation of components, fireplace inserts and ZC fireplaces. Get on the road to more warmth by calling us today at (301) 519-3500.

The post Why Is Cold Air Coming from My Fireplace? appeared first on Highs Chimney.

Kids always seem to be getting into scrapes that result in minor injuries of one kind or another. Usually a small bandage and a little TLC is enough to remedy the problem. Where fireplaces are concerned, however, the injuries can be significant – not something parents ever want to face. Here are some tips for keeping kids (and pets) safe around your fireplace.

“Forewarned is forearmed”

Like that old saying implies, education often is the best preventative. Children of all ages – but especially kids under 5 or 6 years old – need to understand that fireplaces are not toys and they’re not areas where play is appropriate.

Each child is different, and no one knows your child better than you, so educate him or her in a way that the message will get through. A general tactic is to create an invisible hearth-area perimeter of, say, five feet, inside which your child is never allowed to go when a fire is burning.

If you’re consistent in preventing your child from playing too close to the fireplace or playing too wildly in general when the fireplace is in use, he or she will eventually begin to understand what’s expected and naturally follow your directives. Like with everything else when it comes to kids, consistency is the greatest teaching tool.

Fireplace screens

But that doesn’t mean you can rely only on consistency, so it’s important to take certain reasonable safety measures. One of these is a sturdy fireplace screen.

Fireplace screens sit in front of an open firebox and act as a two-way barrier: they help to keep things inside the fireplace (sparks and embers) from popping out into the room, and they help to keep things outside the fireplace (kids and pets) from getting too close to the fire.

Vent-free gas log sets

If your current fireplace is an open, wood-burning unit, consider converting to gas with a nice set of gas logs. Vent-free gas logs are safe and require next to no maintenance. Most importantly, a gas log fire doesn’t create hot embers and doesn’t shoot sparks out of the firebox to cause potential injury.

Another advantage of gas is that the level of the flames is always under your control, and the fire can be extinguished rapidly with a simple switch.

Keep matches safe

If you use a wood fireplace, an excellent safety precaution is to keep the matches you use to get fires started in a place kids can access them. This could be a mantel shelf when younger kids are in the home or in a locked box if there are older (taller) kids. You might even consider keeping the matches in a place completely removed from the hearth area.

No toys near the fireplace

Along with keeping your child physically away from the fireplace, you should find a good system to keep all toys away as well. If toys inadvertently find their way close to the fireplace, kids may automatically gravitate toward them. Make a symbolic “no-fly zone” around your hearth into which kids’ (and pets’) toys are not allowed.

By following these guidelines and customizing them for your own unique situation, you’ll be going a long way toward keeping your children and pets safe around your fireplace.

Fluesbrothers of Kansas City, KS, wants everyone to practice smart fireplace safety. Part of that safety is keeping your chimney free of flammable creosote and ensuring that your chimney, fireplace and all their components are in good working order. Call us at (913) 236-7141 for the best in chimney sweep, chimney inspection and fireplace and chimney repair services.

The post How to Keep Kids & Pets Safe Around Your Fireplace appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

Annual chimney inspections are important to help keep people safe from various risks involving fireplaces, according to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and all other leading fire prevention experts. Among the threats that can be eliminated as a result of a chimney inspection is a hazardous fire resulting from pyrolysis. Read on to learn what pyrolysis is and different ways it puts a home and its occupants at risk.

What is Pyrolysis?

Organic materials undergo thermochemical decomposition at high temperatures in a process known as “pyrolysis.” When wood and other materials decompose due to pyrolysis, a fire can start with exposure to nothing more than heat and oxygen. In other words, combustible materials located in dangerously close proximity to the heat generated by fires are chemically transformed. Eventually, the materials can be ignited by exposure to temperatures as low as 200º F. 

Wood that has been affected by pyrolysis shows no external signs that the process has occurred. The decomposition of the wood in a home can take years, with the ignition point of the wood being significantly reduced. Then, with no warning, a typical fire in a fireplace or wood stove causes nearby wood to ignite into a quick-burning inferno.

Is Pyrolysis an Immediate or a Distant Threat? 

One of the leading fire protection organizations in the U.S. is the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The NFPA conducted research on the speed at which pyrolysis can occur. During a test, a stack of one-eighth inch thick fiberboards was placed near a wood-burning stove. The stove was used for only four days in a row before the fiberboards began igniting without direct contact with a flame or ember. In that instance, according to thermal imaging, the ignition point was 228°F. Considering that fires commonly heat up to more than 1,000°F, the danger of pyrolysis is apparent.

How Fireplaces, Stoves, and Flues Cause Pyrolysis

There are various ways using a fireplace or stove in your home could cause pyrolysis and heighten the risk of out-of-control house fires, as follows. 

Improper Installation

The installation of heating appliances should always be performed by chimney experts in order for work to be done correctly. If, for instance, wood framing in your home is too close to your chimney flue or wood-burning stove or fireplace, pyrolysis will occur, creating a serious safety hazard. In other words, the appliance is not code-compliant because it is installed too near combustible materials. The affected materials might be wood siding, flooring, the edges of sheathing materials, or wood trim. 

Another example is that a solid fuel heating appliance may be installed directly on a wooden subfloor when a heat-shielding baseplate was required. 

A Damaged Flue or Firebox

Chimney liners and fireboxes, also called inner hearths, are built to withstand extremely high temperatures caused by fires. If either component deteriorates or cracks, the protection of combustible parts of the home is no longer there. If a chimney liner, aka flue, develops a crack and it goes undetected, one of the results is that wood nearby begins to go through the process of pyrolysis. Once the ignition point of the wood is low enough, a fire in the fireplace or stove is enough for the wood to suddenly burst into flames with no warning. Pyrolysis is responsible for many hazardous blazes that destroyed property and caused fatalities.

The chimney sweeps at Northeastern Chimney in West Hartford, CT, are CSIA-certified and have the qualifications for proper installation of fireplaces, stoves, and chimney liners. Schedule a chimney inspection without delay if your chimney hasn’t been inspected for a year or more. Symptoms of pyrolysis aren’t obvious to the naked eye, but chimney experts can recognize the conditions that cause the hazard. Call Northeastern Chimney at (860) 233-5770 today.

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

It seems like it’s the never-ending Fall clean-up. Before
it snowed this past weekend, leaves had blown back onto the grass from the
winds. It’s best to keep them off the lawn as leaves rot the grass. Then the
snow came with high winds…again. Now there’s various sized branches all over
the yard and driveway. Now I’m out there again…and a few of the neighbors too.

As we finished our snowy yardwork, a couple of the
neighbors called me over. Issues with their fireplace. Wind and snow, or wind
and rain are great combinations for uncovering leaks. With the threat of more
snow coming this weekend, the leak(s) need to be found.

There are 2 Key Reasons Why Chimney’s Leak in the Winter.

1. Chimney
   Liner – Do you know if you have a chimney lining? If not, or if
   you are not sure, get your chimney
   inspected right away. If you do have a chimney liner, it may be the
   wrong size or it’s just seen better days. It’s best to have that inspected and
   taken care of.
2. Chimney Flashing –
   Water can sit in the flashing…then freeze…then thaw…then freeze again with the
   melted water making its way under the roof shingles and right into your home.
   Leaks are tricky, as they can show up in a bedroom a good distance away from
   the exterior chimney. Sometimes you find out too late, especially when a
   section of the wall paint begins to peel.

There are a few other reasons for chimney leaks that we’ll
also take a look at. For instance, is there a chimney cap or
did it blow away with the high winds? Has the masonry or mortar
between the bricks deteriorate? Or is there a crack in the chimney crown?

Now that you know why a chimney leak happens, let’s review
how you can identify a leak in your chimney and fireplace. Here are 4 most
frequently identified signs to look for inside of your home.

1. You
   can hear the sound of dripping water in the fireplace
2. Better
   yet, you can visibly see a pool of standing water in the fireplace
3. Water
   stains next to the chimney, near the chimney on the walls
4. Musty
   smell when you go in the room or near the fireplace, especially after it rains
   or snows

Let’s face it. It is not fun having issues in winter. It’s
better to begin to visit it now and take care of what you can before springs
storms come. Give Superior Chimney a call at 877-244-6349. Let’s start getting you taken care of today.

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

Winter is only halfway through, and already we’ve been having record rainy weather in the Southeast. As if the conditions on the road and your soggy yard aren’t bad enough, have you been thinking about the potential damage being done to your chimney?

Cycles of thawing and freezing, which we’ve been experiencing a lot of thanks to 65-degree days followed by 30-degree mornings, increase the moisture content in mortar and bricks, which can spell doom for your chimney in the long run. Moisture makes chimneys expand and contract, which means, yep, cracks and crumbling. Leaks in a chimney can permeate the brick and lead to disasters like: 

• Clogging of the fireplace
• Deterioration of masonry and metal firebox
• Stained walls in your home
• Rusting of damper
• Damage to central heating and air
• Stained exterior of chimney
• Crumbling, collapsing of chimney
• That funky creosote smell

You’re already getting your chimney inspected annually, right? If not, you need to do so and work with Southern Chimneys to ensure your chimney isn’t unsafe for you and your family. You can save money and prevent all of the above horrors by taking steps like installing a chimney cap or waterproofing. Contact Southern Chimneys now and we will go over your options and get you ready for a full inspection so you can stay dry and warm this wet winter. 

 

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

When you look at the construction of a chimney, the liner doesn’t seem like an important part, but it’s vital. If you burn oil or solid fuels, the liner guides the combustible products out of the house.

To keep the chimney in top condition, you should clean it regularly.

During the cleaning, the chimney contractor will let you know whether the chimney needs chimney relining or replacement.

Before you reline the chimney there are several things you should know:

Reasons Why the chimney needs a new liner?

The three reasons the chimney might need a new liner is because:

The chimney doesn’t have a tile chimney liner. If you have an old chimney, you have a clay tile liner that is known to develop cracks over time.

The cracks leave gaps that allow toxic gases such as carbon monoxide to get into the house. The cracks also allow fire sparks to escape into the house, putting your property at the risk of catching fire.

When this happens, the chimney isn’t safe, and you need to reline it.

The chimney liner is damaged. A damaged liner doesn’t do its job right. Creosote also builds up easily in it, which puts your house at the risk of catching fire.

When it comes to the time to clean the chimney, chimney professionals have a hard time doing it due to the liner damage.

Benefits of relining the chimney

Plenty of benefits come with relining the chimney. The first one is that you have peace of mind as you know that your family, belongings, and house are safe from chimney fires and carbon monoxide intoxication.

When you reline the chimney, you increase its efficiency through a better draft and reduced creosote buildup.

If the damage is extensive, relining the chimney becomes an affordable alternative to rebuilding or repairing.

A damaged chimney liner makes it hard for chimney professionals to clean the chimney, but when you reline it, you make it extremely easy for them to clean the unit.

This not only ensures that your chimney remains in top shape, but it also saves you money as the chimney sweep services providers don’t spend a lot of time in your home.

The final benefit of relining the chimney is that you get a lifetime warranty. When you install a stainless steel liner that is corrosion resistant, you can have peace of mind that the liner will last for a long time, without requiring any form of maintenance.

You can install the liner by yourself, but don’t

Installing the liner requires you to stand on the roof and reach the top of the chimney then insert the liner down your chimney. If you have the skills and necessary tools, you can easily do the work, but if you have never done it before, let an experienced professional handle it.

Certified chimney contractors have handled hundreds of similar projects before, so they are more likely to do a better job. The contractors are also able to install the liner regardless of the situation.

When working with the contractors, ensure they are highly experienced in their work. They also should be certified and insured. You don’t want to be liable for the accidents on the site, do you?

Insulate the liner

After installing the liner, it’s always wise to insulate the liner. The insulation enables the flue to heat up quickly, which increases draft, reduces creosote, and makes it easy to clean the chimney when cleaning time comes.

The insulation also makes the system safer and more energy-efficient.

For you to keep the liner in top condition, have a ½” thick insulation.

Have the right size of liner

The size of the liner you need depends on what you are connecting. If connecting a stainless steel liner going through a thimble hole, measure it from the center of the hole to the top of the chimney.

On the other hand, if connecting an insert or stove in the fireplace, take the measurements from the top of the chimney to the top of the stove or chimney insert.

Chimney liners are sold in 5’ increments, so you will have 15’, 20’, and 25’, and so on.

Before you install the liner, ask the chimney contractor to undertake a chimney inspection Bowie and recommend the best liner to go for.

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

As solidly built as chimneys are, they need a number of components to keep them working safely and efficiently. Let’s look at some of these components and find out what they do and why it’s important.

Chimney flue

The flue, often just called the “chimney,” is the vertical interior passage that allows smoke to move up and away from the fireplace. A sturdy flue serves as a protector for nearby combustible materials of the home by containing intense heat and toxic gasses.

Flues are commonly constructed of brick and mortar (masonry) and hold up well for many years. Eventually, however, cracks in the masonry can begin letting water into the system, where it will start a cycle of decay until the flue is no longer safe to operate. Leaky chimneys need prompt professional attention.

Chimney liner

Chimney liners are built or installed on the inside of the flue to add even more protection to the home. Liners can be made of metal, clay tiles or a poured-in-place compound. As with the chimney’s masonry, if cracks appear in the liner, heat and gasses can escape and cause damage.

Assessing the condition of a chimney liner normally requires the services of a certified chimney inspector, who will use various tools including video technology to look at all the surfaces of the liner.

Roof flashing

Flashing is the metal strips that block the gap between the external chimney masonry and the roof. Without a layer of flashing, rainwater and water from melting snow can run down into the home and cause rotting and decay to walls, insulation and other structural components.

Incoming water also can begin to harm the exterior masonry of the chimney in areas the average person can’t see. Flashing is one of the easiest ways to prevent some very expensive damage.

Chimney crown

The chimney crown is the cement layer that seals off everything at the top of the chimney except for the flue pipes. Like the chimney cap, the crown shields the flue from water and moisture. Crowns usually are beveled to allow water to run away from the flue opening.

Cracks in chimney crowns can happen after years of use. If caught early, the cracks can be sealed to prevent further damage. In some cases, a crown will have to be rebuilt.

Damper

Located just above the firebox, the damper is open when a fire is burning to allow a smooth path for smoke and toxins to leave the home. A damper that won’t fully open can cause smoke and dangerous carbon monoxide to back up into the home.

After many years of service, dampers can become rusted and warped, making it impossible to close them completely when the fireplace isn’t in use. Damaged dampers can be repaired or replaced.

Chimney cap

The chimney cap sits atop the chimney and provides protection against incoming rain and snow as well as debris such as leaves, twigs and small-animal nests.

A good chimney cap also acts as a barrier to keep shooting sparks and embers from flying out the top of the chimney and landing on the roof or in the yard. Damaged chimney caps can either be replaced or repaired.

High’s Chimney Service of Gaithersburg, MD, is here to help keep all your chimney components and your chimney itself in excellent working condition. We provide a full menu of chimney cleaning, chimney repair, component installation and chimney inspection services. Learn more or schedule an appointment by calling (301) 519-3500.

The post Know the Protective Components of Your Chimney appeared first on Highs Chimney.

Although you may have a warm, glowing fire, your fireplace may still feel a bit drafty. While you’re using the fireplace to stay warm, the chimney is pulling in the cold, outside air to keep the fire going. But, warm air rises, so out the chimney goes most of the heat, leaving you a bit chilly on the inside.

Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to improve a drafty fireplace and make your home more energy-efficient at the same time.

Check Weather-stripping for Windows and Doors

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that over $35B per year in energy is wasted through air leaks in windows and doors throughout the home. Sealing doors and windows with weather-stripping can increase the energy efficiency of your home and help reduce drafts.

Inspect the Damper

The fireplace damper is one of the most significant sources of energy loss. The damper must remain open while you are burning wood in the fireplace. But once the fire is extinguished, many homeowners forget to close it. Closing the damper after the fire is out and when you’re not using the fireplace will keep your home warmer for longer and reduce fireplace drafts. Also, the damper should be inspected regularly and repaired if it no longer forms an airtight seal when shut.

Top-sealing dampers have a rubber seal that needs replacing from time to time. And throat dampers can become warped or corroded. Partially closing the damper when burning wood logs will also reduce fireplace drafts. It will give your fire the oxygen it needs to burn while allowing contaminants and particulate matter to vent through the chimney.

Glass Fireplace Door

You can enhance the appearance of your fireplace and save energy and increase fireplace safety with tempered glass doors. If you have an open drafty fireplace, a mesh screen is not enough. Installing a glass door protects your pets and family members from fire hazards and saves on energy too. Fireplaces will use less inside air during combustion when the glass doors are closed, thus improving its efficiency.

Draft Plug

Your chimney or hearth professional can install a fireplace draft plug, also known as a draft stopper or draft guard, that will significantly reduce drafts when the fireplace is not in use. Its primary purpose is to prevent the heated air from exiting the chimney. The plug is easily removed when you want to light the fireplace.

Fireback

Firebacks are another affordable way to reduce drafts and increase the energy efficiency of your fireplace. It not only protects the firebox from fire damage, but it also absorbs and radiates the heat back into the living space. Many decorative designs will enhance the appearance of your fireplace. There are also other options like installing top-sealing dampers and grate heaters that will reduce drafts and increase the heating efficiency of your fireplace. These small investments are an inexpensive way to make your home and fireplace more energy efficient.

The post How to Improve a Drafty Fireplace? appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.