Why You Shouldn’t Settle for a Builder Grade Fireplace

With fireplaces being among the most desirable feature home buyers want, home builders are now offering fireplaces as a standard or optional feature in many new homes. These fireplaces are generally built using builder-grade materials. Builder grade materials are considered medium quality, a step up from economy-grade, the lowest quality on the grading scale. It uses mass-produced, lesser quality materials designed to replicate a custom-made fireplace at a lower price-point for the builder. Many homeowners who have a builder-grade fireplace discover that they will eventually need to upgrade or replace it within a few years.

Shorter life span

Builder grade fireplaces are usually constructed using plywood or fiberboard instead of higher quality, more durable wood finishing. The standard quality materials are often mass-produced in a factory and assembled on-site. While builder-grade are the most popular materials in homes today, they lack the durability of semi-custom or custom grade fireplaces that use higher quality materials. As a result, the builder-grade fireplace will need to be replaced within 5 to 10 years, depending on usage.

Lower heat output

Most builder-grade fireplaces are built mainly for aesthetics, not as a primary heating source. They often lack the performance of a custom fireplace due mostly to the lower quality combustible materials in its construction. On cold days you may find that you’re using central heating more often than you would like. Therefore, you will notice an increase in heating costs.

Limited designs

Homebuyers often have limited design options when purchasing a home with a builder-grade fireplace. Depending on the builder or contractor, you may not have a choice, or you may have to choose among two to three standardized designs that don’t match your taste.

A higher quality fireplace

Whether you are building a new home or installing a new fireplace into an existing home, you don’t have to settle for a builder grade fireplace.  Consult with your local hearth dealer to discuss your home heating needs. They will work directly with you or your general contractor to install a higher quality fireplace that is best for your home and budget.

Fireplace installation

When working with your local hearth dealer to install a fireplace into a new or existing home, you will be able to choose a fireplace that will suit your taste and complement your home décor. You will also have the option of selecting the type of fireplace, such as traditional masonry, fireplace insert, or prefab, for example. Instead of being limited to a single fuel source, choosing your fireplace gives you the freedom to decide if you prefer a wood-burning, gas, or pellet fuel experience.
Rather than limiting your option to a builder grade fireplace, choose a higher quality, longer-lasting fireplace for your home. You will enjoy a top-performing, more energy-efficient fire-burning experience that will warm your home for years to come.

The post Why You Shouldn’t Settle for a Builder Grade Fireplace appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

Everyone rely on chimney to channel smoke up and out but when the chimney’s inside or outside walls crack then it leads to serious problems. Mortar joints between stone or bricks start flaking. The main culprit behind the several issues in chimney is the freeze-thaw action of colder climates. Moisture makes it way into the masonry, damage it and any attached object made of metal and other materials. The risk of damage to the chimney increases if you are living in an old home.

Chimney Cleaning and Repair

Chimney repair goes beyond cleaning and sweeping and people responsible for chimney repair must be certified chimney contractor. The repairs under the home improvement include installation, repair, liner replacement or repair and mortar replacement. In all types of chimney cleaning, chimney sweep informs whether the damage just need a replacement or repair. A registered chimney company completes the job efficiently.

The black or brown residue of combustion that sticks to the inner parts of the chimney flue liner is highly inflammation in nature. The excessive build-up increases the chances of fire and leads to cracks in the fireproof brick, stone or clay flue liners and allows heat to reach close to wood framing and other inflammable materials in your home. All this makes it necessary to clean your chimney regularly.

Repairing Brick Chimney Cracks

If you have noticed any dampness in the any area surrounding the kitchen then it indicates the possibility of a leak in the crown of the chimney. The hairline cracks in your chimney indicates water during repetitive rainstorms. The probability of cracks is more in new construction.

Strong winds leads to cracks in the mortar and it takes sometime for mortar to reach its full strength. During this process, strong winds increases worry and this is the reason that modern builders often use gas fireplace inserts into chimney.

Another solution to prevent leaks in the bricks can be application of clear silane-siloxane water as repellant to the bricks. The water repellent permits evaporation but prevents liquid to enter the brick. If the cause of problem is with mortar then opt for mortar repair.

At the time of chimney inspection, make sure to use a herbicide to destroy plants. The presence of even roots or vines into the mortar leads to damage. So, cut them off to the root level and use a puffy knife for the plant removal. Maintenance of your chimney increases its life and helps you to enjoy the services of safe fireplace. Follow all the safety measures in case of chimney repair and hire a reputed professional for any type of repairs.

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

If you’re currently self-quarantining and sitting at home with out-of-school kids, you might be stocking up on toilet paper and and checking that everything is clean and safe. Don’t want to alarm you but you’re forgetting something. 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. If you think about it, your chimney was working its hardest over the last few months. Now is the perfect time to see what –if any– damage all the cold weather and rain did to things. Chimney inspection and a possible chimney sweep can prevent disasters that will affect your home all the way into next winter. Take advantage of your cleaning spree and boost your chimney and fireplace performance by getting yours inspected now!

 Five 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, as the weather warms up, 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. In fact, with the record rainfall we had over the winter, water might already be puddling up in there. 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. Take advantage of the off-season schedule.
   Honestly, the smartest customers take advantage of a spring chimney inspection because they’re also taking advantage of it being our “off-season”. It’s a less-busy time for chimney services than say, early fall when everyone suddenly starts remembering they have chimneys. It’s easier to schedule around your own schedule if you call us now.
5. Get ahead of things.
   Be prepared for upcoming service needs and long-term maintenance. If you get your chimney inspected now and find that there’s damage that needs repairing by fall/winter, you now have a little more time to act. Prevent chronic issues and costly repairs by spotting and fixing problems early.

Feel as fresh, clean, and smart as possible this spring. 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

How many times have we said to our
children and family members, “Did you wash your hands?” We get mad when loved
ones don’t listen, and usually what follows is a one-minute argument. It’s
generally a 50 /50 chance where that person goes back to wash their hands.

However, when we say it here at
Superior Chimney, we mean it, and everyone here does it. Not because of the
coronavirus, it’s because it’s our best business practice.

Cleaning chimneys is
a dirty job. We’re dealing with dust, burnt material, creosote, cob webs, dead
animals, debris…and that’s on a good day. That’s why we’ve always had sanitary
practices. Here are a few main points that are important for you:

• All of our
  certified chimney technicians wear gloves throughout the service process.
• A clean tarp is
  the only thing that touches your home. All of our equipment is on top of the
  tarp because we’re cleaning your chimney and this is the best way to protect
  your home.
• Certified
  technicians are mandated to clean their hands a number of times & between
  jobs or appointments.
• If one of our
  technicians isn’t feeling well?  We tell
  him/her to stay home. It’s common practice.

Does that mean we’ve done nothing new
because of the coronavirus? Of course not. We’ve taken additional steps to
protect you and the employees who diligently come to work each day. In addition
to our normal cleaning practices, our office is now sanitized regularly with a
fogger using a solution called Nisus DSV Disinfectant. This formula is the same
solution used by hospitals and schools. We want to be sure we provide the best
environment possible for our employees and technicians that come to your home.

If you’d like to greet your service
technicians as they enter your home, give them a big wave with your hand. It’ll
still make them smile.

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

Spalling is the name used to describe chimney bricks that have begun to chip, loosen or otherwise decay. A chimney full of spalling bricks can be an eyesore, but more importantly, it can be a dangerous structure to use and live around.

Why your chimney has spalling bricks

A variety of events can cause bricks to start decaying. Here are some of the most common:

Old age: Like just about everything, chimney bricks and the mortar that connects them have lifespans. Older bricks are more likely to decay simply because of old age as well as due to the causes listed below.

Water damage: Water and bricks don’t mix. Water erodes bricks, and if there are cracks in the chimney masonry, water can seep in and expand when the air temperature drops below freezing. Significant damage often is the result. Unfortunately, there aren’t many ways to keep water and melting snow off the bricks of your chimney.

 

Non-breathable waterproof sealant: Waterproofing, when done correctly, is about the only way to keep bricks safe from external water damage. But make sure a breathable sealant is used, otherwise the moisture that gets trapped between the coating and the bricks will cause the very problem you’re trying to avoid.

Lightning strikes: Needless to say, a good lightning strike can cause brick spalling within your chimney structure.

House-settling: The normal settling that houses do over the years can cause cracking in chimney bricks and mortar, particularly if the chimney was built incorrectly.

Cheap bricks and mortar: Part of incorrect chimney-building is using inferior bricks and mortar compounds. Salvaged bricks, for example, are notorious for having shorter lifespans and suffering damage earlier than high-quality bricks.

The danger homeowners face with a damaged chimney

Chimney masonry damage can lead to all kinds of unwanted scenarios. Most often, spalling bricks will allow water into the chimney system where it will cause further compromise as well as possible damage to the chimney liner, fireplace damper and adjacent areas of the home such as ceilings, walls and beams.

 

It’s common for much of this water damage to go unnoticed until a serious health or safety risk occurs. This is especially true with mold outbreaks behind walls and in attics that remain shut up most of the time. Beyond repairable structural damage to the chimney and its components and the house itself, brick spalling can lead to a collapsed chimney. When this happens, parts of the roof and items in the yard beneath the chimney can be destroyed. People and pets can be seriously injured during a chimney collapse.

How to solve a brick-spalling problem

As dire as the results of ignoring spalling bricks can be, solving the problem usually isn’t difficult. The idea is to catch it early. This is accomplished by your own periodic inspections of the chimney’s exterior as well as yearly scheduled chimney inspections by a certified chimney professional.

Chimney repair work often recommended for spalling bricks includes:

Waterproofing with a breathable sealant

Tuck-pointing to replace missing areas of masonry with strong, new mortar

Partial or complete chimney rebuilding to restore safety and performance to the structure

Repair or replacement of components damaged as a result of brick spalling including the chimney cap and crown, chimney liner, roof flashing, damper, firebox bricks and more

Do you have some brick spalling going on with your chimney? Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace of Kansas City, KS, is ready to help. Our certified chimney repair experts can address spalling brick issues and any collateral damage and make your chimney safe again. Call us today at (913) 236-7141.

The post Chimney Brick Spalling: What it Is and Why it Needs Repair appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

A great way to protect your chimney flue is by having a chimney cap installed. Yet many “standard” generic chimney caps cover only the opening of the flue pipe at the top of the chimney. That leaves the entire crown open to the environment. Let’s look at the differences between generic chimney caps and outside mount chimney caps.

reasons your chimney should have a cap

A properly fitted chimney cap serves several purposes, all of which allow your fireplace and chimney to run safer and more efficiently. There are three primary reasons you should have a cap on your chimney:

Keep rain out of the flue: Chimneys and water don’t mix, and water getting down into the flue can cause all kinds of problems. Water damage is one of the main causes of a leaky chimney.

 Keep obstructions out of the flue: Leaves, twigs, air dust, nests of small animals like birds and squirrels, and the animals themselves when they die inside the flue unable to escape – all of this debris creates a drafting obstruction. Smoke that can’t draft properly often backs up into the house and carries with it deadly carbon monoxide.

 Prevent live sparks and embers from escaping the top of the chimney: A good chimney cap serves as a blocker for fiery embers that could pop out of the chimney and land on your roof. Any kind of chimney cap will serve these three purposes. But only one kind of cap will offer you all the protection you need.

Benefits of outside mount chimney caps

Outside mount caps are custom-built to exact sizes to fully cover the top of the chimney. These caps completely shield the chimney crown as well as the flue pipe opening. Some people might say, “But chimney crowns are made of cement. Why do they need protecting?”

They need protecting because many events can cause them to crack and become vulnerable to extensive water damage. A cracked chimney crown will bring in water, which will expand in freezing temperatures and further break apart. Crowns with significant damage allow water to get down to the bricks below them and begin new levels of decay to the chimney structure. An outside mount chimney cap shields any cracks that might exist in the crown from the damaging effects of rain and snow. If cracks in the crown are discovered during a chimney inspection, your chimney repair tech can easily remove the full-size cap to repair the crown.

A less-critical benefit but one that’s important to a lot of homeowners is the stylish design of an outside mount cap. These custom components can be made to look like classy little rooftops above your chimney and add a little ambience to your home’s exterior.

Partial or complete protection: the choice is yours

In comparing the different types of chimney caps, what you’re really comparing is the difference between partial and complete protection. When it’s time to install a chimney cap or replace one that’s damaged, you’ll be best served by going with a strong new outside mount chimney cap for total protection.

High’s Chimney Service of Gaithersburg, MD, installs custom full-cover chimney caps throughout the DC area and communities within Maryland and Virginia. Call us first for all chimney component installation, chimney cleaning, chimney repair and chimney inspection services. Talk with an expert at (301) 519-3500.

 

The post What You Need to Know About the Different Types of Chimney Caps appeared first on Highs Chimney.

Fireplaces and chimneys are like the proverbial “two-edged sword”: they can be extremely dangerous, and they can be completely safe. Of course, you want the completely safe kind, so here are some ways to accomplish that.

What kinds of dangers can a fireplace or chimney create?

There are four main safety concerns with these structures:

• Chimney/house fire
• Collapsed chimney
• Water damage that leads to damage of home building materials
• Drafting issues that send deadly toxins into the house

Let’s look at each one and how to prevent it.

Chimney or house fire

A primary cause of chimney fires each year in the United States is creosote buildup in the flue. Creosote forms when wood burns.

 

It is highly flammable in any of its forms: sticky, puffy or solid. Annual chimney sweep service from a certified chimney professional is the best way to keep creosote at a minimum and also to check the chimney for other problems during a chimney inspection.

Chimney sweeps use a variety of specialized tools and equipment to clean your chimney. Chimney cleaning is not a job for a novice without certification from the Chimney Safety Institute of America and the necessary years of hands-on experience.

Major chimney structural damage

Over time, the bricks and mortar that make up a chimney can begin to fail. Early signs include small cracks and crumbling. If left unattended, water will get into these breaches and start a cycle of decay and destruction. Severe masonry damage can cause a chimney to begin to lean to one side and eventually collapse. Various processes that can prevent this include masonry waterproofing, crack repair, tuckpointing to replace missing sections of masonry and full or partial chimney rebuilding.

Water damage

Water from rain and melting snow is the enemy of chimneys, fireplaces and their components. We saw how water can destroy the bricks of a chimney, but it also can seriously damage various components including the chimney liner, chimney cap, chimney crown and fireplace damper. Water will eventually rust metal parts and cause decay to other materials. Of particular concern is a chimney leak that allows water to spread to vulnerable materials of the home such as wall boards, ceilings, insulation and beams near the chimney/fireplace.

The first signs of leaks should be addressed right away. A certified inspection is called for when unseen damage is suspected.

Flue obstructions & drafting issues

Chimney flues can become obstructed two ways: excess buildup of creosote, and outside debris that has gotten into the flue. We talked about creosote earlier, so let’s focus on drafting problems due to obstructions. If your chimney has no chimney cap or has one that’s damaged, all manner of obstructions can enter the flue. These include leaves, twigs and other falling tree debris as well as small animals that build nests inside chimneys. Obstructions will hamper the drafting of smoke, which carries with it deadly carbon monoxide. Keeping these toxins out of your home is accomplished with annual chimney sweep and chimney inspection services.

As you can see, chimneys can be safe or dangerous. Northeastern Chimney of West Hartford, CT, prefers safe chimneys, and that’s why we offer certified chimney cleaning, inspection, repair and rebuilding services. Get more information or schedule an appointment by calling (860) 233-5770.

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

Fireplaces provides additional heating alternative for your home and creates a relaxing environment. The chimney thus removes smoke from the fireplace and vents it outside but still you can end up with smoke wafting through house. The smoke becomes worsen on a windy day and could be troublesome if you inhale over a longer period of time. This makes it important to hire a chimney contractor to maintain them.

It’s a good old-fashioned way to get heat by wood burning. The smoke travels up a chimney to escapes into the air. However, the chimney helps to escape heat and many fireplace designers use variety of enhancements that increases the heat output of your fireplace.

Wood Fuel

Hard woods are the best type of wood to burn in the fireplace. Such type of woods burn hotter than conventional wood because they do not have moisture responsible for loss of heat. It also reduces the cost of fireplace repair due to water evaporation.

Air Vents

Some of the heat produced by fire escapes through chimney but air vents prevents this procedure. The air vents allow outside air to prevent chimney burning and thus chimney repair.

Dampers

Fireplaces also need dampers to minimize the wastage of energy and allow heat to travel up when the fire isn’t burning. There are two types of damper like top sealing damper or a throat damper. The throat is made up of a metal and reduces the draft in the fireplace. It also creates an air-tight seal to prevent heat leakage. However, dampers do not remain air-tight forever and heat makes the dampers to warp and give escape to heat. Property-owners are recommended to use a top-sealing damper that rests on the chimney top. It comes with a rubber seal and prevents loss of heat.

Fireplace Doors

Fireplace doors make the fireplace hotter because the fireplace uses the outside air to burn instead of burning inside air, which destroys some of the heat and thus prevents heat loss when you are not using the fireplace. Seek help from a chimney company to find out the best alternative.

Forced Air Blowers

Forced air blowers move the heat created by the fireplace into another room. This is great to have more heat than the rest of the house.

Fireplace Grates

Fireplace grates increase how much heat radiates into the home. These grates work the best for open fireplaces. The grates allow air to enter underneath the fire and help to increase the intensity at which fire can burn.
To make your fireplace safe and efficient, use gas fireplace inserts. A fireplace insert is basically a woodstove that fits into a masonry fireplace. Depending on the type of fireplace, it may actually leads to more wastage.

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

Yup, we’re talking about weeds and other growing plants and
undesirable plants growing directly out of and on the chimney. What are they?
And is it a good idea to have decorative plants on the chimney? Here are a couple
of questions we’ve received over the past couple of years. With spring coming
soon, (especially since the groundhog didn’t see his shadow) you might want to
keep a look out.

Q: We have an old home. I thought I was seeing things,
but after I took out my binoculars, it looks like moss growing on my chimney!

A: It is true that algae, moss or any other plant like
organisms can grow when there’s a presence of moisture and plenty of shade.
Besides its undesirable appearance, it’s certainly encouraging the deterioration
of the brick and mortar of your chimney.

The appearance of moss is also giving you visual clues that water
has made its way into the chimney’s brick and mortar. Water is either
making its way into your home, or is already there. You’ll be able to tell by
looking at your ceilings, walls or floors.

In this instance, it needs the attention of a certified chimney
technician that knows what to look for and how to correct the situation.

Q: We just bought a new house, and the previous owners
have vines on the side of the house and the chimney is connected. The vines are
mature and have made their way around the entire chimney. Is that a problem?

A: Many homeowners like the character vines brings to the
home’s exterior. However, vines can cause more damage than you think. To begin,
the tendrils and roots need to hang onto something in order to expand and grow.
As it grows on the chimney, it forces its way into to masonry causing
cracks, holes and chips to occur. If this is left unattended, it can cause the chimney structure
to become unstable. If its been there a long time, its best to have the flue
liner checked as it can cause the flue
liner to crack.

In addition, moisture can easily become trapped with a thick
layer of leaves allowing the moisture to deteriorate the bricks and mortar. But
don’t forget about the bugs. Nice thick vines are home to numerous types of
bugs and insects. They will find those very tiny places where they can make their
way into your home.

A certified chimney technician will need to inspect your
chimney and communicate to you the extent of the damage.

Contact Superior Chimney to inspect, clean and check your chimney. Call 877-244-6349

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

If you’re attracted to the allure of an old-fashioned wood stove, you might be thinking of using it to keep your home warm in the winter. Living in New England, many old and historic homes contain one of these gems. However, you want to consider your safety before you light a match.

These are the 4 safety tips to keep in mind when it comes to using a wood stove.

Safety Tip #1: Proper Installation

Whether your wood stove is from another era or it’s relatively new, you’ll want to ensure that it’s properly installed. This is key to making sure the stove is working properly and doesn’t pose any safety threats.

For example, if there are more than six inches of ventilation space between the stove and the base, the stove must be installed on a non-combustible floor surface such as brick. The floor must also be at least 2 inches thick.

Safety Tip #2: Keep a Safe Distance

Where you place your wood stove matters. Many safety codes require that the wood stove stays at least three feet away from surrounding furniture and rugs. You don’t want to chance any surrounding objects catching fire.

Safety Tip #3: Chimney Safety

Overall chimney safety is another area of concern for a wood-burning stove. You don’t want to connect the stove to more than one flue. This is because gases from the flue can pass from one opening to another. This may result in unsatisfactory performance with your wood stove.

Furthermore, you’ll also want to make sure that there are no missing flue tiles or cracked masonry. These issues go beyond cosmetics. A crack in the masonry is a sign of a structural issue that can lead to larger problems down the road.

Safety Tip #4: Sweep Your Chimney

If you haven’t had an annual chimney sweep and inspection, take this step before you begin using your wood stove. An inspection and sweep will help with:

• Finding creosote buildup inside the chimney, which can be dangerous and flammable
• Making sure smoke can properly exit your home
• Ensuring the chimney is lined and capable of exhausting flue gases
• Looking for signs of animals living inside the chimney
• Check functionality of the stove components

If you have any doubts about using your wood-burning stove, please contact us at Best Chimney. We can help you determine if the wood stove is correctly installed along with sweeping and inspecting the chimney. Contact us today to learn more by calling (781) 893-6611.

The post 4 Safety Tips for Using a Wood Stove appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.