How Cold Weather Impacts Your Chimney

How Cold Weather Impacts Your Chimney

The Freeze-Thaw Cycle

Cold Weather Impact On Chimney'sDuring the cold winter months, many homeowners are lighting up their fireplaces to stay warm while keeping their energy costs down.  For many households, it’s as common as making a cup of coffee. But just like we feel the difference when temperatures fluctuate, these changing temperatures influence your chimney too.

What is the freeze-thaw cycle? Chimney bricks are a porous material that can absorb water when tiny cracks appear on the surface. When it rains or snows, moisture collects inside these small holes. As the temperature drops, the water inside these crevices freezes. Since water expands when frozen, the cracks get bigger. Then as the temperature rises again, the ice melts leaving larger holes in the brickwork that can collect ever more moisture. The continued freeze-thaw cycle will eventually cause the bricks to crack and split apart even further. The mortar joints will deteriorate as well, and you may notice gaps in the joints and bricks will begin to separate from the chimney.

The Stack Effect

The stack effect is the difference in air pressure between the air inside your chimney and the air outside. During cold weather, the interior is usually warmer than it is outside. And since hot air rises, the heated air moves up through the chimney resulting in negative pressure. This negative air pressure then sucks cold air from the outside down into your stack, known as a backdraft. Backdrafts can be dangerous as it can force smoke and carbon monoxide into the fireplace and living space. Making sure your damper is in operable condition is critical in helping to minimize the stack effect on windy days. You can do this by partially closing the damper about one-third of the way to help equalize the air pressure while allowing smoke and fumes to ventilate. Also, make sure to close the damper when you are not using the fireplace.  Opening a window will also reduce the stack effect.

Small Animals & Pests

Small Animals Inside the chimney When the temperature drops and gets very cold, especially below freezing, small animals like birds, squirrels, and other critters will see your chimney as an inviting place to escape the bad weather. Once inside, they become trapped and block the flue. These obstructions prevent toxic fumes from venting, forcing smoke and carbon monoxide into your home. Installing a chimney cap with a mesh screen will help prevent small animals and pests from getting into the flue.

Protecting Your Chimney

The cold air, freezing rain, snow, and ice can have a damaging impact on your chimney. These issues will continue to escalate until they are repaired. Preventative measures such as installing a chimney cap, replacing an inoperable damper and waterproofing the masonry will help. But your first line of defense is annual chimney inspections. A visual inspection by a trained and certified professional will help uncover problems like spalling bricks, damaged chimney cap, and other issues. Repairing any deficiencies will help prolong the life of your chimney and keep you’re your home and family safe while enjoying the fireplace.

The post How Cold Weather Impacts Your Chimney appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

Go Get A Chimney Sweep Because Fall Is Around The corner

Annual Chimney SweepScheduling an annual chimney inspection and cleaning is essential for keeping your home and family safe when using a fireplace or heating stove. The National Fire Protection Association, along with other fire safety experts, encourage all homeowners to have an annual chimney inspection and sweep. Even if you are no longer using the fireplace or chimney, an inspection is still recommended to maintain the structural integrity of the chimney and your home. But before you hire a chimney inspector or chimney sweep, ask the following five questions to make sure they are qualified to do the work:

1. Are you licensed and insured?

Professional, reputable contractor will have the required licensing as well as liability and workman’s compensation insurance.  Many chimney contractors display their license numbers on their vehicles, website, and advertisements. For your protection, you should not allow any unlicensed or uninsured contractor to do any work in your home. Otherwise, you can be liable if they get hurt and for any property damage, they may cause, even if they are negligent.

2. What type of training do you have?

The chimney professional should be able to clearly explain the type of training they have mastered under their belt. If they are trained and certified by one of the national industry trade associations such as the Chimney Institute of America, National Chimney Sweep Guild, or the National Fireplace Institute, the provider will gladly show you their credentials.

3. How long have you been in business?

It’s also a good idea to ask the chimney service provider the length of time they have been in business. Hiring an experienced contractor to inspect and clean your chimney will give you peace of mind that potential fire hazards don’t get overlooked and that they have the necessary skills to safely and correctly perform the work.

4. What does your service cover?

Annual Chimney InspectionYou will want to know if the service provider you hire will be performing a chimney inspection, cleaning, or both. A chimney inspection and sweep are two separate services, but they can be done at the same time. Typically, you will first have a visual inspection to look for any potential problems that would make your chimney, fireplace or heating stove unsafe, such as spalling bricks, excessive creosote, and obstructions, to name a few. The inspection should include a top-to-bottom visual review of the chimney interior/exterior structure and any connected heating appliances. The inspector will also determine the extent of the cleaning that will be necessary based on the level of creosote and other stains or debris found in the chimney during the inspection.

5. Do you make repairs?

When you hire a chimney inspector, you want to make sure their company can repair any problems they discover during the inspection. A full-service chimney provider will be able to show you the areas that need repair and give you a written estimate for any necessary work. They should also have experienced masons and chimney experts who are qualified in repairing and restoring chimneys. Also, make sure that their employees will be performing the chimney repairs and are not outsourcing the job to another company.

 

 

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Chimney Contractors: 4 Things You Should Know When Buying A House With A Chimney

chimney contractors

The idea of snuggling up to fire on a cold evening is exciting. Unfortunately, you can’t enjoy the fire if the chimney is unsafe. Is this the first time you are buying a house with a chimney? Here are 4 things you should know as given by chimney contractors:

You have to inspect the chimney

Regardless of how beautiful and well maintained the house looks, you will need to check the chimney for any signs of deterioration and fix them. You can’t effectively inspect the fireplace if you have never done it before—you need to hire a professional to do it for you. Hire a chimney expert who will provide you with all the three levels of chimney inspection without any problem.

Only consider buying the house after you have determined that the house is free of any severe signs of deterioration.

You may have to install a chimney cap

Most houses lack a chimney cap which is not only integral to the overall look of the chimney; it’s also a safety feature. When you are buying a house, if you see the top of your chimney is a round pipe or clay flue, it means the fireplace doesn’t have a chimney cap, and you will have to install it.

A chimney cap has many roles:

  • It prevents rain from pouring straight into the chimney leading to flue damage and damper rust
  • Keeps unwanted critters from getting into your house
  • Prevents dead animal smell from getting into the house
  • Acts as a spark guard where it prevents loose sparks from starting fire on the roof.

Hire a chimney expert to install the chimney cap.

You need to clean the chimney

If people were living in the house, chances are that they didn’t clean the house before they left. Dirty chimneys are a ticking time bomb. As wood burns, it produces smoke that sticks on the chimney surfaces. If you allow the residue to build up, it produces creosote that is highly flammable and puts your chimney at the risk of a chimney fire.

After inspecting the chimney and determining no signs of severe deterioration, you should now go ahead and clean it. Have the fireplace cleaned by an experienced chimney cleaning services provider.

Chimney cleaning is messy, strenuous, and consumes a lot of time. Experts are not only accustomed to withstanding the mess, but they also have the right tools; therefore, they complete their work fast and with precision.

Even if you are buying a new house, you will need to clean it. Many home buyers have the impression that they don’t have clean the chimney as no one has ever lived there before.

Even if no fire has been lit there, if the house has been in the market for a long time, animals and birds might have built nests in it. Some birds and animals might also have died up there. This leads to a chimney blockage that puts your house at the risk of fire.

The chimney technician you hire will remove the dead animals and birds and their nests.

You need to learn how to use and maintain the fireplace

As a new chimney owner, you need to learn how to use and maintain the fireplace properly. If you have never used a chimney before, you need to know the right fuel to use. If using wood, go for seasoned wood that has been air-dried for at least six months.

If you see inserts in the fireplace, you need to know what type they are and how to use them.

You need to clean the chimney regularly. At least once a year, ask an experienced chimney sweep Annapolis to inspect the chimney and if dirty clean it. Don’t go for cheap contractors as they often don’t clean the fireplace as well as they should, which puts the house at the risk of catching fire.

While the chimney makes a house feel like a home, it poses serious safety issues; therefore, you need to equip it for fire safety. Every floor, including the sleeping areas, should have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors that you should regularly inspect and replace their batteries.

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

New Product: Fix Chimney Leaks in a Flash with FlashSeal

You might love the sound of soothing rain, but the drip drip drip sound isn’t so soothing when it’s coming from your chimney. Unfortunately, the metal flashing around your chimney is prone to leaks. These leaks can lead to major issues such as structural damage to the roof and chimney if neglected.

When your chimney flashing fails, one way to repair this area is by using FlashSeal. This is a new product to Boston Best Chimney and we’re delighted to show you how it works.

What is FlashSeal?

FlashSeal is a long-lasting sealant that prevents water from leaking into your attic. It goes around the base of the chimney which protects the chimney itself as well as the roofing. The goal is to fill in every nook and cranny with sealant so water doesn’t penetrate into the home. Think of it as dressing your chimney in a heavy duty rain coat that keeps your attic nice and dry.

The Key to Safeguarding Your Chimney from Moisture

When it comes to protecting your chimney from the elements, there are three areas to think about:

  • The crown: Without proper protection from the crown, water can leak directly down into the chimney during a rainstorm. Furthermore, blowing wind with rain can also send water down your chimney.
  • Masonry: Chimney bricks act like sponges and absorb water. Make sure that your chimney bricks are properly treated and waterproofed. For example, Boston Best Chimney uses a professional grade waterproof product that allows moisture to escape, keeping your masonry in tip-top shape.
  • Flashing: This is why FlashSeal is such an important product for the health of your chimney. The chimney’s flashing is one of the most susceptible areas for leaks in the home, but FlashSeal provides the perfect amount of protection to keep your home dry.

Keep Your Home Dry with FlashSeal

FlashSeal is available now! If you’re noticing signs of leaks such as stained ceilings and interior walls, water in your chimney as well as your attic, it’s wise to get a chimney inspection and even a sweep to prepare for cold weather. Contact us today to learn more!

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The Dangers of a Cracked Chimney Flue

Your chimney flue must be in undamaged condition to provide vital protections to your home and family. Partly because of dangers associated with a cracked chimney flue, annual chimney inspections are extremely important. Below, learn more about chimney flues and the hazards of using a fireplace when the flue has any type of deterioration.

Dangers of the Chimney Flue

Cracked Chimney FlueA chimney flue is the narrow passageway in a chimney through which combustion byproducts travel from fires to the out-of-doors. The construction and operation of the entire chimney system should accommodate a proper draft so that smoke and toxic fumes exit through the flue as they are supposed to. When a new appliance is added, such as a fireplace insert, a new chimney liner may be required in order to ensure a proper draft. There is a standard formula that determines flue size and it encompasses measurements of fireplace and the proper ratio for a chimney flue.

 

The flue liner also protects combustible parts of the home from exposure to the extreme temperatures in a chimney. Since at least the 1950s, chimney flues have been required features in order to prevent life-threatening house fires. In old homes that were built without a liner, a chimney flue can and should be added if the fireplace is still in use.

The liner must also be perfectly intact because it protects the home from toxic fumes, including deadly carbon monoxide. With even the tiniest crack in a liner, fumes can enter the living space in a home and endanger all of the occupants.

Clay Tile Flue Liners

The most common type of flue liner built in homes across the United States is a clay tile flue liner. This is the case because clay tiles do an effective job of protecting the home for an average of about 25 years and yet they are inexpensive materials preferred by the vast majority of builders.

Over time, clay tiles begin to deteriorate. The most cost-effective solution is to reline the chimney. The cost to replace clay tiles is prohibitive. It involves partially tearing down the chimney in order to replace the damaged clay tiles. In the meantime, other parts of the tile liner are wearing away, which means more tear-downs and rebuilds will be necessary in the near future.

Metal Chimney Flue Liners

Metal Chimney Flue LinersMost chimney professionals recommend stainless steel chimney liners because they typically don’t require replacement within a lifetime and many come with a lifetime warranty. Stainless steel chimney liners deemed safe for home use have been accepted by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) as long as they are installed properly.

Less expensive materials are also used for chimney liners, including aluminum. Because the condition of a chimney flue directly affects safety, choosing stainless steel is an important choice for safety reasons.

Contact Northeastern Chimney LLC

When is the last time your chimney was inspected? If more than a year, contact our chimney experts at Northeastern Chimney LLC today. The condition of your chimney flue could be a threat to your home and family. Our certified chimney sweeps can identify the many types of chimney damage that can occur, including chimney liner damage. We also offer the best chimney repair services, including chimney cleaning, masonry rebuilds, chimney crown repair, and much more. Call us at 860-233-5770 today.

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

4 Reasons NOW’s the Time for Your Chimney Inspection

If you’re currently cleaning your house and taking stock of what needs repairs, be sure to remember there’s a giant, important part of your home that you probably haven’t even thought to clean. 

It’s your chimney!

Oh yeah…your chimney. Boost your chimney and fireplace performance by getting yours inspected now!

Four reasons now’s the time!

  1. Keep your home smelling fresh.
    Ever heard of creosote? It’s the buildup that comes from wood fires and turns into dark, cruddy deposits in your chimney. Creosote sitting there in your chimney and it’s going to create a terrible odor that will spread all throughout your house. 
  2. Make sure your home’s safe…
    …from critters. Chimneys are also common entry points for a variety of unwanted pests, ranging from squirrels to birds. A properly installed and inspected chimney cap, pan, or shroud will prevent these pesky critters from entering your property and causing problems.
  3. Don’t let the water in.
    All of that rainy weather can cause water damage from the buildup of moisture in your chimney. Your chimney can collect debris and water just like your gutters do. Make sure they’re as clean as can be before things get even worse.
  4. Get ahead of things.
    Be prepared for upcoming service needs and long-term maintenance. Prevent chronic issues and costly repairs by spotting and fixing problems early.

Feel as fresh, clean, and smart as possible. Give Southern Chimneys a call today. Our technicians will complete an inside and out 18-point inspection and complete a consultation to address and discuss any issues or concerns. 

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

Best Wood For Fireplace? Let’s Discuss!

There’s nothing like Fall in New England.  The beautiful colors of turning leaves and crisp cool nights by the fireplace.  Whether it’s gathering around with friends or family or finding some quiet time to read, fireplaces are used as a meeting spot to unwind.

There are two things you’ll need to bring this all together – a safe working fireplace and fuel!  We’re often asked which kind of wood is best to use and therefore this month we are providing you with all the information you need to choose the right fuel for your fireplace.

Identifying Types of Firewood

While it’s true that most wood will burn in a fireplace, choosing the right wood is important, not only to your enjoyment of your fire but the health of your fireplace and your environment. The best kind of wood to burn is one of the hardwoods, such as oak, hard maple, and birch because they release more heat and produce fewer creosote deposits.

Oak

Oak is considered the best wood to burn in a fireplace, by far. This type of wood produces a slow-burning fire that lasts longer and burns more evenly and hotter. Also, oak is plentiful and found in almost any area of the country. There is one requirement: to burn well, oak needs to be seasoned well, and that means it needs to be dried for at least a year after cutting, so the sap dries. Oak can also be a little harder to ignite, but you’ll be richly rewarded by the perfect fire once it gets going.

Maple 

Hard maple is found mainly in the northern United States and Canada. Like oak, it’s heavy and burns slowly, once seasoned properly. Different types of maple that can be used for firewood include red maple, sugar or hard maple, black maple, Norway maple, and silver maple.

Birch

Birch gives off a beautiful flame, but unlike oak or maple, it burns quickly, so you’ll need to have more on hand than either oak or maple. Because hardwoods burn more slowly and completely, you’ll have less to clean up once the fire is out and less chance of buildup in your chimney.

What About Softer Wood?

Softer woods, like pine and fir trees, season more quickly than hardwoods, are easier to split and is easier to start, but also burn faster and leave more ash residue. The fact that softer woods season more quickly isn’t necessarily a good thing; there are more chances of residual sap pockets, causing more sizzle and snap than well-seasoned hardwoods. Fir trees do result in less ash, and season well, with fewer leftover sap pockets.

Make sure you’re buying seasoned wood or have time to season it yourself. Seasoned wood produces more heat for your fires, burns more cleanly, and is easier to start. Seasoned wood takes on a grayish color and is relatively lightweight. Heavy wood can indicate that there’s still sap, which will burn quickly and not produce as much heat.

Do not burn painted or treated scraps from construction projects, as burning this type of wood can release harmful chemicals into your home.

Store your wood in a well-ventilated area outside, up off the ground, protected from the elements using a plastic tarp or covering.

Only bring in as much wood as you’re going to use at one time. Because wood attracts bugs, like termites, bringing more than you need to the house will encourage the bugs to stick around inside.

Many people also have questions about burning artificial logs. Convenience is their strong suit, and in general, they are fine when time is an issue, and you want a quick fire without all the muss and fuss of natural firewood. Usually, they should be burned only one at a time and only in an open fireplace. One should be careful about poking them and moving them around once they are burning since they may break up and the fire

And remember—regardless of the type of wood you’re using, schedule to have your chimney cleaned and inspected before you use your fireplace to make sure it is in good working order, safe and ready to go!

 

 

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5 Fireplace Designs that Add Spark to Your Living Space

A fireplace serves as a focal point in your living room. Even fireplaces that are placed in areas such as bedrooms bring a big statement to the space.

These fireplace transformations are surprisingly easy to do for a DIY project. You can find the items that you need at major home improvement stores, including large selections of stone and glass.

  1. Go Natural

If you enjoy rugged and masculine fireplace designs, consider combining white brick with timber serving as the mantle. A timber mantle is a classic design that provides a truly rustic look and feel, complementing many decor styles and adding a cozy feeling to your home.

Another beautiful and natural fireplace design option is stone. Stone comes in a variety of earthy hues, shapes, and sizes. You’ll find options such as stacked stone, river rock, cobblestone, and more. Take a look at the image below for more ideas on stone fireplaces:

This DIY video explains how you can install stone on your fireplace easily.

  1. Add Enchantment with Brick

Brick is a classic material for a fireplace design. Just like stone, there is essentially no shortage of colors for a brick fireplace. With so many historic homes here in Massachusetts, you might be a lucky homeowner who has a wall of exposed brick and fireplace combination in your living room. If the color isn’t to your exact preference, remember that you can accessorize with bold accents such as paintings and bright flowers.

  1. Go for Glass

Glass can make any fireplace look more modern and even expensive. You can use mosaic glass tiles that are intended for kitchen backsplashes. This is a smart choice since kitchen backsplashes are designed to withstand high amounts of heat since they are installed around ovens.

Here is another video for those who are looking on how to install mosaic tile around the fireplace.

  1. Try Out Tile

Tile is another popular and modern choice for fireplace designs. Before making your selection for a tile fireplace, make sure that the specific tile is able to withstand high heat if you plan to use your fireplace. Generally, most wall tile can be used on your fireplace.

  1. Marble Might Make Your Day

Lastly, marble is a clean and classic fireplace design that is bound to make guests look twice. This material is resistant to heat and fire and it’s easy to clean and maintain. With its versatility in color and style, marble is by far one of the most popular options for fireplace designs.

Get Ready for Your Annual Chimney Sweep and Inspection

Everyone loves the warm glow of a fireplace during the fall and winter, but you don’t want to forget about the importance of your annual chimney inspection. Contact us to keep your chimney and fireplace in tip-top shape, enjoying your fireplace for decades to come!

Remember, if you’re ever in doubt on the DIY approach to redesigning your fireplace, please seek the consult of a professional contractor!

fireplace designs

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All About HeatShield

All About HeatShield - Boston MA - Billy Sweet Chimney SweepWhen it comes to chimneys, it is our personal and professional goal to make sure all of our customers are safe and comfortable this winter. We strive to further this goal by providing expert services to maintain and restore chimney systems to safety and efficiency. One of the most common services that older chimneys require at least once in their lifetime is a flue liner repair or replacement. At Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep, we trust HeatShield for liner repairs—big and small.

HeatShield Meets Industry and Environmental Standards

In over 20 years, HeatShield has revolutionized the chimney industry with products that protect and last. HeatShield Cerfractory technology is a specially formulated hybrid that combines ceramic and refractory materials to safeguard against heat, moisture, and corrosion in the chimney system. HeatShield Cerfractory Flue Sealant has stood up to lab testing, is rated “super-Duty” by the American Society for Testing and Materials, and surpasses all fire safety codes set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the International Residential Code (IRC). This product is approved for all fuel types, which means you won’t need to convert the liner if you convert fuel types in the future. On top of every other great benefit of using HeatShield products to fix your chimney, HeatShield is also considered eco-friendly, made from recycled and natural products at a lower cost than alternatives that are less “green”.

HeatShield Installers are Expert Installers

Independent HeatShield Installers are selected, trained, and certified as HeatShield installers. It is not a program you can pay your way into, but one you earn. Our technicians have factory training and tools designed specifically for HeatShield products. Armed with the right knowledge, experience, and tools to get the job done, we can repair your liner whether you have small joint damage or need a major relining.

HeatShield Repairs

Using HeatShield Cerfractory Flue Sealant, we are able to repair joints, missing mortar tiles, and more. We simply cut and place a custom foam applicator blade beneath the damaged portion of the flue, then attach the blade to a winch at the top of the flue opening. HeatShield product is then mixed from powder, placed into the blade, and deposited into the gaps and cracks as the blade is pulled upward. This process can be repeated for however much damage is present, however, if the damage is extensive, the flue may need to be completely resurfaced.

A resurfacing application uses the same process, but the applicator blade starts at the bottom of the flue and is pulled up to the top, surfacing the whole flue with HeatShield Cerfractory Flue Sealant. Once the entire flue is coated, we use cameras to verify the repairs are made properly.

CeCure Sleeve Relining

In serious cases of flue liner damage, or when no liner is present at all, we can reline the flue with a CeCure Sleeve: thin, ceramic insulation, reinforced with stainless steel fabric. The sleeve is sandwiched between two coats of HeatShield Cerfractory Sealant, creating a long-lasting liner, safe for all fuel types.

HeatShield is the easiest and most cost-effective solution for flue restoration. Professionals are so sure about HeatShield that it comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Really! Ask your chimney professional today.

You can have your liner repaired or relined today by calling Billy Sweet at 617-469-4528.

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Chimney Cleaning Services: Types Of Chimney Brushes And How To Effectively Use Them

chimney cleaning services

When you opt to clean the chimney by yourself instead of hiring chimney cleaning services, you need cleaning brushes. There are many types of brushes you can go with. For you to buy the right ones, first inspect the chimney. Use a mirror or torch and look up the chimney. How much soot is deposited there? The harder the deposits, the more abrasive and harder the brush you need and vice versa. Some of the brushes you can go with include:

Perlon viper heads or brushes

Perlon is a soft material that is ideal for gas flues that have little or no soot deposited. You can also use it to remove cobwebs that stick to the brush.

Soft nylon brushes

They are a little bit harder than Perlon brushes; hence, you can use them to remove much harder soot that might have accumulated in the chimney. If you have a fireplace where you burn wood or coal, these are the best brushes to go for.

Mole brushes

They are the latest kids on the block. They are also very soft, and you can use them to clean the chimney using traditional and rotary methods.

The brushes come in different sizes, and it’s up to you to buy those that will effectively fit your flue. If you have a thatched property with a large flue, you should go for a large mole.

Wohler brushes

They are designed to be used in cleaning ceramic or rigid steel chimney systems. The brushes make use of the cutting action of soot from the flue walls making chimney cleaning easy and fun. To clean your chimney, you can use the viper, star, or rope cleaning methods.

If you have a stainless steel chimney only use stainless steel brushes. Don’t use mild steel brushes as you will make the chimney start rotting.

Stiff nylon brushes

Designed to clean harder wood, coal, and peat deposits, you need to use more effort for you to get rid of all the soot that might have been deposited in the chimney. If you inspect the chimney and find that you don’t need a lot of physical work to clean it, you don’t have to use the brushes. Replace them with a whip head instead.

Rotary flails

These excel at cleaning harder chimney deposits. Be cautious when using hem in some chimneys as they can damage them. If there are bird nests in your chimney, they are the best tools to use without getting calluses or sore hands.

The frails are highly effective at cleaning flaky or expanded creosote. They also come in handy at cleaning the hard deposits left behind when you are burning smokeless coals.

You should note that the frails are dangerous to use; therefore, before you start using them, undertake training and learn how to use them safely.

Rotary chains

They are the best option when you are removing creosote that is extremely hard to remove. They are also effective at getting rid of stubborn nests. Due to the amount of damage they can cause, you should be ultra-cautious when using them. As a rule of thumb, never use them if you have never used them before. To reduce the chances of damaging your chimney, first, take a course on how to properly use them.

Tips when using chimney brushes

The type of chimney brush you use determines the results you get and how fast you clean the chimney. If you have never used a brush before, ask a professional to guide you on choosing the right one.

You need to prepare the surfaces to prevent soot from spreading to all areas of the house. You do this by placing paper covers on the furniture. You also should remember to sheet up. This is placing old bedsheets against the fireplace opening. The sheet will prevent the dust from the chimney from spreading to the rest of the house.

If you have minimal soot, you have an easy time cleaning the chimney, but if your fireplace has a lot of soot, consider hiring a chimney sweep Columbia MD to help you with the cleaning. The contractor will most likely do a better job than you, giving you peace of mind that your chimney can’t develop chimney fires.

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

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