Chimney Inspecting and Chimney Cleaning in Atlanta 

We’re having record high heats as you read this so you might be wondering how exactly your chimney is important this September. While you might be in shorts and flip-flops, your chimney is still working…always ready to keep your home comfortable and protected. It might now be blowing smoke, but it’s definitely storing some residue and it may even be housing some neighborhood birds. 

Getting your chimney inspected this summer will have you ready for winter before anyone else since companies like Southern Chimneys start getting really busy around September. The summer months are reserved for smart, proactive homeowners who know to call and take care of things before bookings start to fill up. 

6 Reasons to get your chimney serviced before Fall begins:

1. Easier Appointment – get peace of mind knowing you’re handling things before it’s too late. 
2. Keep the Critters Out – no, really. You’d be surprised who likes to hang out in an unused chimney. 
3. Safety – keeping things clean protects you from fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.
4. Catch problems early – proactive people don’t have to worry about the extra cost that comes with putting things off. 
5. Remove the funk (and smoke damage) – believe it or not, that built up residue inside your chimney will produce a smell over time and the more you clean, the less it builds up.
6. It’s a mess – You do not want to do this yourself. 

Hurry up and call Southern Chimneys! Remember, by September winter bookings start to fill up. Let us get you ready for winter this summer. 

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

Of all the things that can shorten the life of a perfectly good chimney, water is the worst. Not only does water wreak havoc on masonry—the very substance your chimney is made of—but it is everywhere. Water comes in different forms all year round. When temperatures fall, water in the chimney is even worse. Fortunately for our customers with masonry chimneys, there is something we can do to prevent water damage during all seasons, and year after year.

Water and Your Chimney

Because of the materials that make up masonry, water is best avoided. The porous nature of masonry is perfect for venting your fires, allowing smoke, gas, and heat to release through the brick and mortar. This also allows water in through the masonry—unless it’s prevented. At Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep, we recommend preventing chimney leaks before damage occurs.
Your chimney leak can lead to:

• Rusted parts and assemblies
• Tilted/collapsed/settled chimney
• Cracked/damaged flue liner
• Deteriorated central heat
• Clogged clean-out system
• Rotting adjacent wood/wall coverings
• Water stained bricks/walls

In addition to physical damage, your leaky chimney may also result in a drop in efficiency. A drop in efficiency means a rise in fire risk, putting your home and your family at risk.

Prevent Leaks From the Top Down

In order for your chimney to be truly waterproof, it must have all the necessary parts installed and in proper working order. The first thing we check when we get a call about a leaky chimney is the flashing. It is often improperly installed and a common point of water entry. The chimney must also have a chimney cap and crown to shed water from the top of the chimney.

Once all these components are in place, we can take it one step further by waterproofing the masonry itself. Our waterproofing agent is vapor-permeable which means the heat and gas produced by your fire will still be able to escape but water molecules will not be allowed in. This barrier penetrates deeply into the masonry so even cracks and gaps are protected from water penetration—and this protection lasts ten years!

When to Schedule Waterproofing

If you have never had your chimney masonry waterproofed or it has been more than a decade, it’s time to schedule this important appointment. Other water repellants and sealants from your local hardware store are not enough. In fact, most of them do more harm than good. Most sealants and repellants may keep water out, but also seal gases and moisture IN. This leads to a host of other problems. Let our team at Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep do the job, and get it right the first time.

We also install chimney caps, repair and install flashing, replace throat dampers with new, top-sealing dampers with an airtight seal, and repair and seal damaged crowns.

Don’t wait. Have your chimney waterproofed now, and you won’t have to worry about the water freezing in your masonry this winter. Worry about the rest of your summer, and leave the chimney up to us!

Call our Boston, North Shore, or Portland location today.

The post Why Waterproof Your Chimney appeared first on Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep.

Time to get ready for Fall!

We hope you have enjoyed the summer and the beautiful weather we are having now!

According to virtually every fire-safety agency in the United States, chimneys connected to wood-burning fireplaces need to be professionally inspected and cleaned, if necessary, on an annual basis. This work is necessary to keep the system safe as well as to ensure efficient operation – but you probably already knew that.

What you may not know is that early Fall is the ideal time to have your chimney cleaned and inspected. By having cleaning work done sooner rather than later means your fireplace will be ready to go when the cooler days of late September begin. Scheduling now is also advisable as we are already booking 2-3 weeks out!

You can schedule your annual chimney inspection and cleaning or feel free to call us at (781) 893-6611.

When you arrange for chimney cleaning and inspection and get your system ready for fall and winter, you’ll enjoy the following benefits.

Reduce Fire Hazard

Burning wood creates creosote, a sticky and highly flammable substance that clings to the inside of chimneys. Excess creosote buildup that ignites is a leading cause of house fires in America every year.

Find Chimney Problems Early

A professional chimney inspector can spot problems in their early stages and initiate solutions before the problems become very expensive to fix. From leaking bricks and mortar to damaged chimney liners, an inspector will find and resolve issues quickly.

Remove Obstructions

A chimney check can determine if there are any obstructions throughout the chimney system. Soot build-up, leaves, twigs and other debris to animal nests and sometimes the animals themselves can block the passageway. With obstructions gone, your chimney will draft heating exhaust and smoke efficiently and safely.

Add Necessary Components

Chimneys operated without chimney caps are open doors for all the obstructions mentioned above. A quality chimney cap prevents debris and animals from entering your chimney. Your chimney inspector likely will recommend installing a cap if you don’t have one.

Safeguard Against Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Burning wood and gas create carbon monoxide, an odorless, invisible gas that is poisonous to humans and animals. This gas can easily infiltrate your home if your chimney is obstructed. A clean chimney means smoke and gasses are exhausted into the outside air.

Eliminate Chimney Smells

If water is getting into your chimney, it will mix with ash and create offensive odors that find their way into your home. Dead birds, mice, raccoons, squirrels, and other animals also produce unwanted smells. A clean chimney can alleviate odor problems.

Peace of Mind

All the benefits we listed here are important, and so is your peace of mind. When you have a professional, certified chimney sweep perform a thorough cleaning and inspection of your chimney and fireplace, you’ll be able to rest easy, knowing everything is in order to see you through the upcoming winter.

We want your system to work right and be a wonderful comfort in your home. You can schedule an appointment here or feel to give us a call at 1-781-996-5400.

The post Here’s Why Now is Prime Chimney Sweep Time! appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Chimney inspection is one of the preventative measures you can take to keep your family safe and at the same time avoid expensive chimney repairs.

Why should you inspect your chimney?

When you inspect your chimney you protect your family from toxic gases and harmful animals. Heating devices release toxic gases through the chimney. If you have gone for a long time without cleaning the unit, debris is bound to clog the unit and the toxic fumes don’t leave the house. This puts you and your family at risk.

During the inspection, you are able to identify whether your chimney is clogged and you unclog it. This not only keeps your family safe, it also gives you peace of mind that nothing bad will happen to them.

Inspecting the chimney also helps you identify chimney problems while they are in their early stages. This eliminates the chances of the chimney developing larger problems which would be expensive to fix later on.

Types of chimney inspections

There are three types of chimney inspections: level 1 through to level 3.

Level 1 chimney inspection: You should undertake level 1 inspection at least once a year. The purpose of the inspection is to ensure that the chimney is free of obstructions and any other form of damage.

During the inspection, the chimney technician will examine the interior and exterior of the chimney for airflow problems, leaks, obstructions, and any other forms of damage.

The contractor will also determine whether the chimney is ripe for cleaning. The chimney will be ready for cleaning when there is a lot of debris blocking the air ducts or a lot of creosote has built up in the unit.

If there are birds and squirrels stuck in the chimney, the professional will clean the appliance. The contractor will also clean it if there is leaf clumps stuck in the chimney.

Level 2 inspection: The purpose of this inspection is to take a closer look at the chimney using video equipment. The chimney contractor will go the extra mile to undertake further inspection if there are signs of wear and tear or damage to the unit.

It’s always wise to schedule level 2 inspection after a chimney fire or dramatic weather event such as heavy storm, earthquake, or hurricane. You also should undertake the inspection when considering selling or buying a house.

During the inspection, the chimney technician gets into the attic, crawl space, and any other area where he/she can get a closer look at the hidden areas of the chimney.

The contractor also inserts a video camera into the chimney to survey the interior chimney walls and flue lining for signs of corrosion, water intrusion, deterioration, and other forms of damage.

Level 3 inspection: You should think about level 3 inspection when there are clear signs of serious hidden problems in the chimney that can’t be fully uncovered through level 2 inspection.

During the inspection, the chimney technician has to remove parts of the chimney such as the drywall to get better access to the problematic areas.

Level 3 inspection is expensive and time-consuming as it involves removal and restoration of your home. When doing it, ensure that it’s done by an expert who has handled similar projects in the past.

Finding a super chimney sweep

For you to have peace of mind that the chimney is properly inspected, ensure that the work is done by an expert chimney sweep Columbia MD.  The contractor should have a CSIA certification.

This way you are sure that he/she has the latest information on the right chimney cleaning tools to use, the best cleaning and inspection techniques to use, and the process to follow to get the work done right.

You are also certain that the contractor will uphold the code of ethics.

The first place to find the contractor is on the CSIA home page. Find a contractor who is near your local area and get in touch with them. You can also ask your friends and family to recommend a good contractor they have worked with before.

Don’t simply look for a chimney professional who has the certifications. Also, pay attention to the personality of the contractor. You don’t want to spend days with a boring person, do you?

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

You wouldn’t perform a tonsillectomy on a friend simply because you’re pretty good with knives and enjoy cutting things. But you’d be amazed at how many people think that because they like cleaning and getting a little dirty, they’re qualified to clean their own chimneys. Some jobs require a trained professional who has the knowledge and hands-on skill to perform the work safely and correctly.

Fortunately, chimney cleaning is a lot less risky than taking out someone’s tonsils. Or is it?

In America each year, there are more than 20,000 chimney fires. Many of these become catastrophic house fires. Most are started by creosote igniting within the flue. We can’t say how many of these chimneys were “cleaned” by an amateur, but we can say it’s unlikely any of them received regular cleaning and inspection services by a technician certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America.

Special tools + specific knowledge = clean and safe chimneys

Licensed and insured chimney sweeps and chimney sweep companies use a variety of brushes, scrubbers, cleansers, vacuums and other tools to address creosote and soot buildup in their customers’ chimneys. It’s true that in some cases, creosote exists as a soft, flakey substance that’s fairly easy to remove – assuming you have the tools to reach it. But in many other cases, creosote is gummy and sticky and often solid, making it very difficult even for professionals to safely remove.

Cleaning out glue-like or hardened creosote without damaging the chimney liner requires experience and training. A novice might go in and start chipping away and without realizing it seriously damage the chimney liner. Now that the liner is damaged, chimney masonry and parts of the home are at risk of a fire.

A good chimney inspector knows what to look for

The average homeowner can perform visual inspections of a chimney and fireplace – and this is encouraged. You can tell there’s a problem when you notice water inside the firebox, crumbling masonry on the roof or a chimney that’s tilting to one side. Spotting more subtle clues that chimney damage exists is something only a certified technician has the ability to do.

A professional chimney inspection covers both the chimney structure and all connected components such as the chimney cap, chimney crown, flashing, chimney liner, throat and top-sealing dampers, smoke chamber, smoke shelf and more. A person who inspects chimneys for a living will know what to look for in all these areas to determine what kind of problem exists, why it has happened and how to fix it.

You may only make things worse

Finally, when you attempt to do your own chimney cleaning and inspection, you may end up making a problem worse. You could inadvertently damage components – including the chimney liner, as noted above – install replacement parts incorrectly, and overlook signs of early stages of damage that a professional would quickly spot.

Allowing your chimney to go year after year without cleaning and inspections performed by CSIA-certified technicians is asking for trouble. And don’t we usually have enough trouble already without asking for more?

Northeastern Chimney of West Hartford, CT, wants to help you enjoy your fireplace and chimney in safety and with peace of mind. When our licensed professionals clean or inspect your chimney and fireplace, you’re assured that the job will be done right. If it’s time for a cleaning or inspection, give us a call at (860) 233-5770 and let us exceed your expectations.

 

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

Summer heat will soon fizzle out and everyone will start preparing for fall. The dig for stored winter boots and warm sweaters brings to mind cozy fires in the fireplace. If you’re like most people, it’s at this time you realize a chimney inspection is needed ASAP. Cold weather can arrive suddenly in Connecticut! Make sure your fireplace is fire-ready by scheduling your annual chimney inspection with Northeastern Chimney LLC without delay.

The Importance of Preventative Maintenance

About 28% of all heating-related house fires are a direct result of neglecting chimney maintenance prior to the start of a new heating season. Leading fire safety organizations agree that annual chimney inspections provide the best guarantee of a safe, efficient chimney system. It’s important to contact a reputable chimney sweep company with professionally licensed chimney technicians for chimney care.

Beat the Fall Rush!

By October and through January, legitimate chimney sweep companies stay busy daily with chimney repairs, emergency calls, and installations. It can be nearly impossible to make a routine appointment for chimney maintenance during that period. To ensure that you can schedule the work with a trusted     company like Northeastern Chimney, schedule your appointment early.

What are the Most Common Chimney Hazards?

Chimneys are vulnerable to damage caused by moisture, and deterioration is natural over time. The greatest hazards are related to chimney obstruction and deterioration.

Obstruction

Many of the annual house fires related to chimneys are caused by chimney obstruction. This may involve limbs, leaves, and other debris in the chimney flue. Most often, however, a chimney is blocked by a thick buildup of creosote, which is highly flammable combustion material deposited in the flue during wood-fueled fires.

Annual chimney cleaning is recommended by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA); and the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends cleaning after there is a 1/8-inch-thick layer of creosote in the chimney lining. The potential for a dangerous chimney fire is increased with every added layer of creosote. Chimney fires are always dangerous, but when they have a thick layer of combustible materials to feed the flames, the fires last longer, burn with increasing intensity, and endanger the entire home.

Deterioration in the Flue and Fireplace

The chimney liner protects combustible parts of the home and also provides a passageway for smoke and combustion gases to exit the home. When the flue liner has even a small crack, using the fireplace is too dangerous. A flue liner replacement is needed a vast majority of the time simply because the clay tile liners that constitute most original chimney flues cannot be replaced without partial chimney tear-down and rebuild.

If the back wall of the fireplace becomes damaged, chimney repair is essential. The fire bricks in the fireplace protect the home in the same way chimney liners do. If repairs aren’t made, there is an increased risk of a home fire.

Toxic Fumes

When there are damaged fire bricks in the fireplace and/or when the flue is damaged, another danger is that toxic, even deadly, fumes can enter the home and put its occupants at great risk.

Chimney Repair Services

Not all chimney repairs are immediate safety issues. Tuckpointing, crown repair, crown rebuilding, flashing repair, and installation of chimney caps and chimney chase tops are other types of chimney repairs that may be needed. The sooner you address chimney problems, the less damage there is to address and the less expensive the repairs.

Chimney experts can provide chimney repairs before the fall cold weather moves in if you get ahead in scheduling. Our chimney professionals at Northeastern Chimney can make most repairs quickly, allowing you to relax and enjoy the changing of the seasons, including the open-air festivals of fall.

Schedule Chimney Repair with Northeastern Chimney

About the time you’re celebrating the coming end of summer’s heat is the perfect time to get your fireplace ready for use in fall and winter. Get ahead of the rush for chimney services from a reliable chimney sweep company by contacting Northeastern Chimney LLC. Call us today at 860-233-5770.

 

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

Whether your chimney is crumbling from moisture damage or old age, it’s a significant problem that must be addressed. Two solutions to a damaged and crumbling chimney are repointing and rebuilding. Chimney masonry services can bring your chimney back into tip-top shape and save you from major headaches down the road. So, what’s the difference between chimney rebuilding and chimney repointing?

Chimney Repointing

The chimney is constructed with motor joints to keep the structure in place. As years go by, the mortar joints can begin to decay and create voids in areas of your chimney such as in between the bricks. This is typically the result of exposure to the elements, including the freeze and thaw cycle during brutal Boston winters.

If your chimney’s brick are in good shape, repointing might be the best option for you. This option helps repair the appearance, as well as, the structure of your chimney. It also prevents further damage and moisture from entering between the bricks. This is what can ultimately lead to your chimney experiencing major structural damage to the point where it needs rebuilding.

The process of repointing involves grinding out the mortar joints between the brick within by ¼” to ½”. The joints are then filled back in with new mortar and the excess is removed for a smooth and beautiful new look for your chimney!

Chimney Rebuilding

There are some circumstances where a chimney’s repair goes beyond repointing. Rebuilding a chimney is often the result of years of neglect. The chimney can be unsafe to use until it is rebuilt.

There are several types of chimney rebuilding:

• Partial chimney rebuild: This is performed on smaller sections on a larger chimney or a small chimney. It sometimes includes a chimney crown rebuild.
• Roofline up rebuild: This is when a new chimney is built up from the roof flashing. A roof line up rebuild is the best option when pointing won’t sufficiently repair the damage.
• Complete rebuild: A complete rebuild is needed when the entire chimney structure is damaged. Example scenarios that require a complete rebuild includes spawning, leaning, and severe mortar deterioration.

Maintenance Helps Avoid Rebuilding and Repointing

The good news is that you can avoid the need of rebuilding or repointing your chimney by working with professionals. Yearly chimney sweeps and inspections ensure that your chimney is properly performing and its structure isn’t compromised.

Boston’s Best Chimney has served the Boston area for 30 years with state-of-the-art chimney cleaning and masonry services. If you’re unsure if your chimney needs repointing, rebuilding, or some other type of repair, our professional team can guide you in the right direction. Contact us to discuss these services and more.

The post Chimney Rebuilding vs. Re-Pointing: What’s the Difference? appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

A chimney is built using numerous components, ensuring proper function and even beauty. One important piece of the chimney is the crown. The crown is a slab that covers the top of your chimney made from materials ranging from metal to stone or concrete. This is what you should know about chimney crowns and their importance to your chimney.

Chimney Crown Construction

Chimney crowns are quite simple by design. They are a solid surface that sits on top of the chimney and protects the masonry from water damage. Chimney crowns should never be made from brick and mortar because it doesn’t provide proper protection against moisture. Furthermore, chimney crowns can be constructed with a slight pitch to help direct water away from the chimney.

The Purpose of a Chimney Crown

The primary purpose of a chimney crown is to protect your chimney from moisture damage. Moisture can wreak havoc on the structure of your chimney and cause an array of issues. This is one of the first lines of defense against the elements and it’s critical that it stays in good shape throughout the years.

The Consequences of a Cracked Chimney Crown

While maintaining your chimney crown likely isn’t on the top of your priority list, you don’t want to push the condition of this component to the backburner. If a chimney crown becomes cracked or otherwise damaged, it can compromise the structure of your chimney. Over time, moisture begins to eat away at the mortar between the bricks as it seeps through the cracks. The interior of the chimney can also become damaged if the chimney crown is cracked.

The bad news is that once a crack begins on a chimney crown it can grow larger. It’s provoked by the freeze and thaw cycle with our brutal Boston winters. As the crack grows larger, this increases the likelihood that water can make its way inside of the chimney, fireplace, and even stain interior ceilings or walls.

Repairing or replacing the chimney crown is critical to protecting the chimney from extensive damage as well as the inside of your home. Possible solutions include repairing the surface of the chimney crown or completely rebuilding it. A professional chimney service company can help you make the best decision for the health of your chimney and home.

Contact Us for Professional Chimney Sweeping Services and More

Whether you need a new chimney crown or it’s time for your annual chimney inspection, choose us for expert and reliable chimney services in Boston. Call us at 781-893-6611 or contact us online!

The post What is a Chimney Crown? appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

You might think you’ve got plenty of time to worry about your chimney. It looks fine, there’s no smell or water damage evident. In reality, there’s no better time than now to get your chimney inspected! And while you’re at it, mark next year’s calendar too because that chimney inspection should be a regular, annual event. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There are many things that can go wrong with your masonry chimney over the years, and water is your chimney’s number one enemy. No matter how well-your chimney is constructed, time and weather can lead to damage called spalling. Many homes experience spalling, though not all homeowners know what it’s called, how to identify it, or what to do about it. At Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep, we can help!

Spalling Masonry

When mortars crack, flake, and fall away, the bricks can become unstable and even loosen completely. This is called spalling, and it can eventually result in crumbling brick and mortar, which can become a serious hazard if you don’t address it timely. If you notice cracking mortar, gapped masonry, or brick pieces on the roof or yard below, you need to call a certified professional right away to address the proper repairs.

Repairing Spalling Masonry

The only way to properly repair spalling masonry is by carefully removing the affected bricks and mortar. A certified chimney sweep will mix new mortar to match the old mortar in strength, consistency, and color. This step is extremely important because failing to match the mortar exactly will result in a weak chimney. Once the mortar is mixed, the bricks are replaced and the result is a fully restored chimney that shows no evidence of a repair.

When the job is done improperly, it can detract from the look of the chimney and decrease your home’s value. This entire process is called tuckpointing or repointing. Only certified professionals should do it, and most amateurs don’t have the proper skills to do it. When you’re scheduling these important services, it’s important to choose chimney experts who have plenty of experience and knowledge of all types of masonry.

Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep Fixes Masonry

No matter the size of your chimney or the type of stone, we can help repair it. At Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep, we have the experience and the technique to get even the toughest jobs done. We know which materials to use and how so that your chimney will expand and contract as necessary. Do you think your chimney masonry needs some attention? Schedule a chimney inspection with our team so that your system is safe and ready for fall.

In addition to tuckpointing, we also repair crowns, flue liners, and leaks. Our team of expert technicians doesn’t just repair damage; we correct the problem that caused the damage in the first place. In order to prevent such damage before it starts, we also offer waterproofing services for all masonry structures.

Our vapor-permeable water repellent allows the chimney to breathe while keeping water molecules from getting through. This product penetrates deeply into the masonry, protecting it and preventing water leaks year after year. Don’t just repair masonry damage, let us help you prevent it. Call Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep at 617-469-4528 or request an appointment online.

The post What is Tuckpointing, Repointing, and Spalling? appeared first on Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep.