You never think it could happen in your chimney.

“I don’t use my
fireplace, so why get it cleaned and checked.”

“I installed a
chimney cap a few years back. It should be fine.”

“I don’t have any
trees around my house. I never hear or see any animals on my roof.”

Chimneys are a fan favorite with birds, squirrels, raccoons
and even bats. Chimney’s are warm and cozy, but also provides a level of
protection from predators, especially in early Spring. They are curious
creatures and will try to explore every little nook and cranny in and around
the chimney.

Just this past January, a squirrel made its way through a
connector pipe. He was quite smart, and kept himself still when our certified
technician was inspecting
a problem for a customer. In the first picture, the squirrel did not move. Not
sure if he/she was aware you can see his midsection. As our technician slowly lifted
the pipe, the squirrel continued to stay completely silent. If he can’t see
you, then you don’t see him…right?

If there’s a potential weak spot, animals have the ability
to find and exploit it. Here are some ways to protect your home and the animals
too.

Do you have a chimney cap?

If you don’t use your fireplace, how often do you think
about a chimney cap?
A chimney cap can be made from stainless steel (doesn’t rust) or galvanized
steel (can rust over time) and covers the flue, or largest opening on your roof
that leads to the inside of your home. The wire mesh keeps the animals out
while the solid top redirects rainwater and debris from entering.

Why does the chimney cap need to be inspected each year?

The
chimney and the chimney
cap are the highest point of your home. It is constantly exposed to
heat/cold, wind, rain and snow. As a result, the screws (and cap) can rust, or
the screws can become loose. In addition, the chimney cap may not be installed
correctly or with the right materials. Lots of reasons can cause the chimney
cap to shift or move allowing that tiny space to become a perfect entry point
for animals.

Can any kind of chimney cap work?

Our CSIA
certified technicians have seen many creative chimney caps. We’ve seen chimney
caps made from chicken mesh to a plastic crate with a brick on top, to hold it
in place when it gets windy. The best kind of chimney cap is one that is
properly fitted and secured to the chimney. Since our certified technicians
perform this work each day, it’s best to schedule one of our technicians to
install the chimney cap for you.

Contact us at 877-244-6349.

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

A wood-burning stove is among the most efficient and affordable way to heat a home. When properly cleaned and maintained, a quality woodstove will provide years of reliable performance. But as it ages, you will eventually need to decide whether it’s better to repair or replace your wood-burning stove. The following guide will help to make that decision easier.

Excessive creosote accumulation

The combustion of wood produces several natural by-products, including soot, ash, and creosote, to name a few. Creosote starts as a powdery substance but will turn into a thick, crusty, and highly flammable material that is extremely difficult to remove if allowed to accumulate. And if the wood stove is not regularly cleaned, the inside of your wood stove may look as if it is covered in burnt charcoal. When the amount of creosote is so excessive that it cannot be removed entirely, replacing the wood stove is the safest choice.

Rusting or corrosion

Quality wood stoves are constructed with solid iron or heavy gauge steel frame. As durable as these materials are, the gases of a wood-burning fire can be corrosive. Moisture created during condensation or water leaks can cause rusting, primarily where the frame is welded together. Also, there are low-quality imports that may look like iron, but in reality, use low-gauge steel, which is more prone to rust and corrosion. Since rust and corrosion weaken the integrity of the wood stove, it is best to replace it.

Warping or cracking

As you can imagine, the heat inside a wood-burning stove can be intense. And although its construction is designed to withstand high temperatures, all materials have its limits. After many years of reliable performance, you may notice warping or cracks inside the firebox or around the frame. Like rust or corrosion, this is a sign of weakening and is another indication that it’s time to replace your wood stove.

Smokey fires

When you start to notice excessive smoke in the firebox, it is a sign of a potentially severe issue. The smoke and fumes are vented through the smoke pipe to an external vent or chimney. But when there is an obstruction, such as excessive creosote in the stovepipe or a blocked chimney or vent, smoke will back up into the wood stove. It can also result in exposure to dangerous carbon monoxide fumes. Burning unseasoned wood or woods with high moisture content will also cause excessive smoke and creosote.

 

 

You should have a qualified chimney sweep inspect your wood stove to determine the cause and make any necessary repairs.

Door seal failure

There is a rubber gasket attached to the stove door, so it will form an airtight seal when shut. When the gasket is warped, cracked, or otherwise damaged, it needs to be immediately replaced to prevent exposure to carbon monoxide and loss of heat. If the stove door gasket is no longer available for your model, the wood stove will need to be replaced.

Low heating efficiency

When the heating efficiency of a wood stove degrades, it will require more wood fuel to heat your home, thus increasing energy costs. You will also need to clean your wood stove more often. If your wood stove is not performing as efficiently as it should, its time to replace it with a more energy-efficient unit.

The post Should I Replace or Repair My Wood Stove appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

There are times when it really pays to think outside the box. This includes when you are deciding where to install a brand-new fireplace. Thanks to innovative design measures in modern pre-fab fireplaces, it’s possible to add these beloved heating appliances just about anywhere. It makes a lot of sense for people who love fireplaces and want to cut heating costs by hundreds of dollars annually to install fireplaces in their most-used rooms; even if that isn’t the main living area where fireplaces are typically enjoyed. Zone-heating is a strategy for cost savings in winter. It works by installing a fireplace in the primary living areas of your home and using this alternative heat source to warm the most-used rooms instead of heating the whole house with a typical, forced-air central heating system.

The following are some of the places you may want to have fireplaces installed:

Master Bathroom

Spa-like design has been trending for a while, making master bathrooms more beautiful than ever. A fireplace in the bathroom can provide an extra “wow factor” that makes your home feel like a veritable resort. Also, if you add a fireplace in your master bathroom, it would make you a design trendsetter! Even though a bathroom fireplace is a desirable feature among the majority of homebuyers surveyed, recent research revealed that only about 10% of all master bathrooms include a fireplace. This is an idea whose time has come.

Outdoor Living Area

A must-have feature among most homebuyers today is an outdoor living area, and an outdoor fireplace, in particular, has tremendous appeal. There are so many benefits to being outdoors, and a fireplace is like a magnet that draws friends and families together. Including a fireplace in your backyard can set the stage for a better home life complete with a lot more outdoor living.

Garage

For a while now, garages have been enjoyed for more than just parking automobiles and storing supplies for outdoor play. Whether your garage is also a man cave, workshop, or hobby room, imagine how much more enjoyable it would be with a fireplace. Rarely does a garage get in on the central heating that makes our homes so comfortable. A sleek, efficient fireplace can keep you toasty and warm while enjoying your garage activities in winter.

Multiple Bedrooms

Zone heating, as referred to above, makes the best sense when everyone’s bedroom is equipped with a fireplace. Bedrooms can be enjoyed more than ever as individualized personal sanctuaries when there’s a fireplace to keep you warm and provide an ambiance that feeds the soul. There’s something about a mesmerizing fire that makes it an old-world luxury anywhere, anytime.

The Kitchen

As open design has become the new norm in homes everywhere, one of the best benefits is that the open spaces make room for a fireplace in the kitchen. The kitchen is already the primary place where family and friends most love to gather. That pleasure only increases with a fireplace installed where all the food is prepared and where many hands make for lighter work.

Contact Northeastern Chimney LLC if you’re ready to have one or more fireplaces installed in your home. We are certified experts who can provide advice on choosing a new gas or wood fireplace plus we can professionally install your fireplace and provide reliable chimney maintenance services. Visit us at 37 Cody Street, West Hartford, CT, or call today at 860-233-5770.

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

Fireplace blowers, also called fireplace fans, can bring heat into your home that would normally be lost up the chimney. Blowers are simple devices that circulate air within the firebox and send it out into the room without any smoke. They can work with masonry fireplaces and select wood and gas fireplaces and fireplace inserts. Is a fireplace blower the right solution for you? Let’s explore the idea.

The problem with traditional masonry fireplaces

The majority of homeowners who look into purchasing a fireplace blower are those using open masonry fireplaces. This style of fireplace is beautiful to look at and brings lots of ambiance to a room, but it’s not known as a producer of high heat. There’s plenty of heat in the firebox, but usually 80% or more of it channels right up the chimney and is lost forever.

This is why it’s common for folks with traditional fireplaces to have to use their home’s heating system in conjunction with the fireplace to keep comfortably warm during the cold months. And that keeps them spending more money than they’d prefer to on utility bills.

Make sure a fireplace blower is compatible with your fireplace

Fireplace blowers can be installed in many different types of fireplaces, but there are some models for which blowers are incompatible. If you have a manufactured fireplace, such as a zero-clearance gas or wood unit, and are trying to make it even more efficient, the manufacturer’s paperwork should tell you if a blower can be installed.

Blowers will work with most masonry wood-burning fireplaces, but before buying the product, it’s a good idea to check with a local hearth retailer or a certified fireplace and chimney service company to ensure that your fireplace will accommodate a blower.

Advantages of fireplace blowers

• Get heat into your room fast
• The heat arrives with no smoke mixed in it
•  Electrical usage is minimal
• Cut down on central heat dependency
•  Lower your utility bills
•  Keep using your existing masonry fireplace and enjoy its beauty

Other heating options

Fireplace blowers are a relatively inexpensive solution to an under-performing fireplace. But if you don’t like air blowing in your home and aren’t interested in doing the work to install the blower, there are some other options to significantly increase the amount of heat you bring into your home.

Fireplace insert:  These are heavy-duty appliances that come from a factory ready to install in the firebox of your masonry fireplace. Inserts produce and retain upwards of 80% of the heat they create, meaning a lot more heat for your home.

Zero-clearance fireplaces:  ZC fireplaces are complete fireplaces that are installed in a wall within your home. Like inserts, they come in a variety of attractive designs and finishes, and they produce far more heat than a traditional masonry fireplace.

Fireplace inserts are built to run on gas, wood or pellets whereas ZC fireplaces are available in wood or gas fuels. For safety reasons, installation should be handled by a fireplace installation professional.

Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace of Kansas City, KS, can help you decide on the best option for supplemental home heating. Call (913) 236-7141 with questions about fireplace blowers, fireplace insert installation or zero-clearance wood or gas fireplace installation. We carry certifications from the Chimney Safety Institute of America and the National Fireplace Institute and will make sure your installation is done right.

The post How a Fireplace Blower Can Improve Your Fireplace Efficiency appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

During summer, you have little use for the chimney as its warm most of the time. As winter approaches, it starts getting cold, and you have to warm the house using the fireplace.

Before you begin using the chimney, first inspect it. Unless you are experienced and have the necessary skills, always let an experienced chimney inspection technician do the work. During the inspection pay attention to:

Flue dampers

These are devices that trap heat inside the house when there is no fire burning, and allow smoke to leave the house when the fire is burning. The dampers are at the top of the chimney, so you have to get to the roof of the house.

If working correctly, the damper should open fully. If you open and it’s not opening completely, find out where the problem is and fix it. If the damper is functioning correctly and opening fully, you should be able to look up through the flue and see the daylight.

To confirm, check using a flashlight. If you can’t see the light, the chances are that there are nests of birds or animals there. These not only trap heat, but they also prevent the harmful gases from leaving the house, putting your life and that of your loved ones at risk.

Before you start any fire, first get rid of any blocking materials that might be there.

Check the firebox

The firebox is where you place the logs and start the fire. Since you weren’t lighting a fire there, the chances are that you haven’t paid much attention to it. Inspect the chimney for creosote buildup, broken bricks and mortar.

If the creosote in the chimney is more than a 1/8^th of an inch, first get rid of the creosote before you light any fire there. Unless you have chimney cleaning skills, let an experienced chimney sweep handle the task.

If the bricks are broken, ask the contractor to replace them before you start using the chimney.

If the firebox is clear, place the grate near the back to ensure that most of the resulting smoke goes up the chimney and not back into the house.

Clear the area around the chimney

The holiday season falls right in the middle of the heating season. It’s not uncommon to find people placing decorations, furniture and other things near the fireplace hearth.

There is nothing as homely and inviting as a warm holiday season so ensure that the area around the chimney is as clear as possible. There shouldn’t be any papers, wood, or any other combustible materials near the chimney opening.

If you have a Christmas tree, keep it as far from the fireplace as possible. You don’t want the needles catching on fire, do you?

Check the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

These detectors are your lifesavers where they play a vital role in letting you know when the smoke and carbon monoxide levels are high enough.

To have peace of mind and protect your loved ones, have a detector in the same room as the chimney as this is where smoke and carbon monoxide come from.

One of the most common reasons why the detectors won’t work is if the batteries have worn out. To restore them, you only need to replace the batteries.

If the detectors are more than ten years and they aren’t working, you don’t have any other way out other than to replace them.

Of course, when replacing them, do it with better quality detectors that you are sure will give you a better service and at the same time last for a long time.

Chimney valuable tips

If all the parts of the chimney are in top condition, you should go ahead and start using the fireplace.

When using the fireplace, avoid burning any other thing other than wood. This is because the other materials might contain toxic chemicals that can be harmful to you and your family.

The materials might also lead to increased creosote deposition, which will force you to keep on cleaning the fireplace.

You can inspect the chimney by yourself, but for ideal results, let experienced chimney contractors Bowie handle it. They have the necessary inspection tools; hence they will do a better job than you.

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

If you are a regular television watcher, you must have come across chimney cleaning log adverts.

Also known as creosote sweeping logs, chimney cleaning logs claim to give an alternative to hiring a chimney sweep to clean the insides of the chimney by hand, which is messy and laborious. Are you wondering, “do chimney cleaning logs really work?”

Read on to find out.

How do cleaning logs work?

The logs work when you burn them in the fireplace. When you burn it, the log softens tar that might have built-up in the chimney. As it burns, the log releases chemicals that adhere to the walls of the fireplace. This loosens tar and creosote, which reduces the chances of fire starting.

What are the benefits of cleaning logs?

One of the benefits of using the logs is that they are easy to use. All you need to do is to unpack them and place them in a lit fireplace. These logs are also reasonably priced, and you can store them for a long time without getting spoilt.

If you have a bent chimney, it poses a challenge to the cleaning professionals to clean it properly. The cleaning logs are perfect for these chimneys as they release vapors that penetrate the bends and easily reach the creosote deposits.

Do experts recommend chimney cleaning logs?

Creosote sweeping logs have been in the market for over a decade, but chimney cleaning professionals were hesitant to recommend them until seven years ago.

When you go for a long time without cleaning the chimney, it’s normal for the creosote deposits to get extremely hard to get rid of.

The compressed chemical mix in the cleaning logs comes in handy at changing the nature of the deposits, making them dryer and flakier.

This makes it easy for the chimney cleaning professionals to clean the chimney.

Do chimney logs replace chimney sweeps?

The marketing companies have been marking the logs as a replacement for chimney sweeps, but this isn’t the case. While the logs are great in their working, you can’t substitute them for a chimney cleaning technician.

A chimney cleaning professional does much more than merely cleaning the chimney. He/she also cleans the smoke ducts, fireplaces, and flue pipes. The professional also inspects the fireplace to confirm whether there are any other issues present.

Even after using the logs, the creosote flakes fall at the bottom of the chimney. If you have a bent fireplace, the creosote can get trapped in the bends of the flue, which increases the risk of fire.

To keep yourself and your family safe, you still need a chimney cleaning technician to get rid of the fallen flakes.

So we can conclude that you can’t use the creosote cleaning logs as a replacement for chimney contractors. The logs help the chimney contractors have an easy time cleaning and repairing the chimney.

While the logs are highly effective when you use them in wooden fireplaces, they don’t work well in propane or natural gas fireplaces. This is because they need a wood-burning fireplace for them to work.

Do you still have to hire a chimney contractor?

From what we have seen, you can’t rely on chimney logs to clean your chimney. You will still need to hire a contractor not only to remove the fallen creosote flakes, but also clean the gas and propane chimneys that you can’t clean using the logs.

The chimney logs also can’t inspect the chimney. You need a chimney technician to do this.

When hiring the contractor, ensure they are experienced enough. You don’t want someone that will provide substandard services that put you at the risk of fire.

If this is the first time hiring a chimney cleaning services Columbia MD provider, one of the best ways of finding a good one is asking from friends and relatives. Which contractor have they been using? Would they recommend them?

When you hire this way, you have peace of mind, they will provide an excellent service as they are already proven.

Parting shot

It’s without a doubt that chimney cleaning logs have their place at reducing the amount of flammable creosote, but this doesn’t mean you should use them as a replacement for chimney technicians. Even when using them, always involve a chimney contractor.

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

Welcome to the end of your frustration over not being able to light good fires in your fireplace! We have the answers–and you are certainly not alone if this situation applies to you. Here we are in a high-tech, instant-everything society and yet lighting a fire is quite literally a prehistoric activity. The actual same three principles cavemen had to use are still in effect today. In caveman terms, “Fire good! All fire need: Air, fuel, heat!” Well, there’s a bit more to it than that. Let’s get started. As caveman Fred Flintstone might say, the following is all you need to yaba-daba-DO to start a fire in your fireplace.

AIR / OXYGEN

Air is needed in the firebox. If there is a stingy supply of air, it is usually caused by negative air pressure. One of the most common causes of negative air pressure is that a home is tightly sealed and may also have an exhaust fan running in the house. Opening a window nearby can solve the problem of lack of oxygen.

The draft is another factor. The flow of warm air coming from a fire needs to go up the chimney, not into your home. If your attempts at fires have failed because the fire wouldn’t catch on or the combustion fumes went into your home, the following steps can help to ensure a draft:

• Open the damper.
• Light a match, blow it out, and hold it up to the damper. If the curl of smoke doesn’t go up the chimney, a good draft needs to be established. 
• If you open the glass doors to your modern fireplace as well as the damper at least 30 minutes before you light a fire, it will help to change the temperature inside the appliance. The draft has to do with temperature differentials. 
• Warm air will rise but if there is too much cold air in the firebox and/or chimney, the smoke from the beginnings of a fire can’t go up the chimney. What people usually do about this is create a newspaper torch and carefully light it and hold it up toward the damper. The fire from the torch will displace the cold air after one or more attempts.
• If there still isn’t a draft, after you’ve tried these things, there may be an obstruction in your chimney. It is likely necessary to stop using your fireplace until a chimney professional can come out and conduct a chimney inspection. Any blockage will be identified and can be removed. Once it’s fixed, you should be set for building fires. However, it’s not always that simple. A wide range of issues could be preventing a fireplace from having a good draft, all of which chimney experts are familiar with and can help with.

FUEL

Use only seasoned wood for your fires. Seasoned wood is low in moisture. After logs are cut, they need to dry out for 6 to 12 months or longer before they’re dried out enough for a good fire. Logs filled with moisture create excessive smoke as the fire’s heat first goes to burn out moisture. Inexpensive moisture meters for firewood are widely available. If you are unsure about your firewood, test it and make sure there is less than 20% moisture before using it in your fireplace. 

Getting a fire started usually requires tinder and kindling. Tinder is something like dried moss or wadded-up newspaper that will quickly burn to get things going. Kindling is basically small sticks of dry wood.

There are different approaches to building fires. Some people build a loose stack of medium logs over kindling and slowly add larger logs. Others put the kindling on top of the logs to get them started burning. 

Make sure air can get between the logs, especially when you’re trying to get the fire going. 

HEAT

Ignition is all that’s needed once you have air and fuel. You can use a match or long lighter. The cavemen no doubt rubbed wood together, as Tom Hanks did in Cast Away. Please note: Never use flammable liquids in your fireplace. Doing so is highly dangerous.

When you’re ready for chimney sweep professionals to provide chimney services, contact the great team of chimney specialists at High’s Chimney Service. We’re based out of Gaithersburg, MD, and customer service is our chief priority. Call us today at (301) 519-3500, whether you need help getting a fire started in your fireplace like an experienced caveman or for any of our comprehensive chimney services.

The post What to Yaba-Daba-DO to Light a Fire in a Fireplace appeared first on Highs Chimney.

A fireplace that provides warmth and ambiance with no unwanted side effects is such a pleasure in winter. You may never even think about how your chimney works until smoke from fires is suddenly coming into your home, which is known as “backdrafting.” A smoky fireplace is a sign that something has gone wrong, and a number of things could be the cause. Smoky fireplaces are often the reason chimney sweeps get calls for chimney repair. When you understand how your chimney works, you may be able to identify what the problem is yourself. 

What Makes Smoke Go Up the Chimney?

Science is behind the proper operation of chimneys, and it’s sometimes also the reason things go wrong. Chimneys are designed to remove the toxic combustion byproducts from a fire into the out-of-doors. The hot air created by fires is lighter than cooler air and, therefore, it rises, creating the draft. A hotter fire creates a stronger draft, just as a smoldering fire often results in toxic fumes going into the home due to the lack of proper draft.

What Affects the Chimney Draft Besides Air Temperature?

The following are things that can also affect the chimney draft, in addition to the hot air from fires.

Negative Air Pressure

Airflow is going on constantly and relates to inside air pressure. Balanced air pressure in a home occurs when air flows into a home at an equal rate to air flowing out of the home. All of the warm air that flows out of your chimney is replaced by air that’s cooler and heavier. If your home is sealed so tight that air can’t be pulled into the fireplace, you may not be able to get a strong fire burning unless you open a window.

If it has too many gaps where air flows in and out, your home can begin to operate like a chimney, pulling the warm air up to the attic and pushing it out. This type of energy inefficiency can result in very high energy costs.

Running the exhaust fan in your kitchen or bathrooms could also create negative air pressure that affects the operation of your chimney.

Chimney Height

It’s essential that a chimney builder or installer understands principles related to chimney height. A chimney can be too short or too tall to operate properly. There are various parameters that experts are familiar with which dictate the ideal height of a chimney. For example, the chimney stack on top of the roof must extend at least 3 feet above the point where it penetrates the roof.

Flue Size

The flue is the liner inside the chimney that protects combustible parts of the home from the hot temperatures and toxic fumes inside it when fires are burning. The width of the flue must be a certain ratio to the size of the fireplace opening. A flue that is too big will pull too much air out of the home, causing a loss of heat. A too-small flue doesn’t allow combustion gases to exit quickly enough, resulting in unhealthy, smoke-filled air in the home.

Chimney Obstructions

When the flue is blocked, the obstruction interferes with the draft, resulting in a smoky, backdrafting appliance. Chimney obstructions can be caused by a dirty flue with excess creosote buildup, animals, birds’ nests, debris from trees, and masonry materials from chimney deterioration.

Contact Northeastern Chimney for a Chimney Diagnosis

When a chimney doesn’t work correctly, it’s important to schedule a chimney inspection and chimney cleaning without delay. Trained, certified chimney sweeps know what to look for, as far as the causes of potential chimney damage and a poor draft. In West Hartford, CT, Northeastern Chimney is the place to call if you want knowledgeable chimney technicians to evaluate the condition of your chimney and provide expert repairs. Contact the professionals at Northeastern Chimney today by calling (860) 233-5770.

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

With countless old and historic homes throughout Boston, many homeowners have visions of getting cozy around the fireplace in the winter. However, the reality might be a lot different if your fireplace is unused for many years.

If you’re ready to start using an old fireplace, these are the steps that you need to take first.

Check Your Smoke Detector

The first step for old fireplace safety is making sure your smoke detector is in working order. Ideally, you are already checking it once a month and replacing its batteries twice a year.

You need the smoke detector to alert you of excess smoke buildup. It will also inform you if there is carbon monoxide in your home, which is an odorless and dangerous gas that causes headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.

Keep a Lookout for Critters

An unused chimney is viewed as a safe haven for some animals during the winter. You might find raccoons or birds nesting inside the chimney to escape the harsh winter weather.

Look around for animal droppings, vegetation, and even foul odors. These are 3 signs that animals are living inside your chimney.

Sound Fireplace Structure

If you live in an old home, you likely will not have a factory-built fireplace unless your home was recently remodeled. Old fireplaces are made from brick, stone, or block and mortar. Over the years, these structures settle which can result in cracking or crumbling. Be aware of any structural issues and have them repaired as necessary.

Get Your Chimney Inspected

In addition to your fireplace, you must also make sure that your chimney is in sound condition. This is a major element of fireplace safety!

A chimney inspection will help detect:

• Damage or obstruction to both the chimney and/or fireplace
• Soot or creosote buildup
• Camera inspection to view inside of the chimney
• Clearance to any combustibles

Before you start using an old fireplace, it’s imperative to get your fireplace and chimney inspected by a professional. Boston’s Best Chimney offers several levels of chimney inspections, as well as repairing and even rebuilding of old and dangerous chimneys. Get safe before you cozy up next to an old fireplace by calling 781-893-6611.

The post How to Safely Start Using an Old Fireplace appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

During the winter, your chimney is a workhorse for venting. In addition to fireplace use, the chimney is in constant operation for exhausting your heat. Just like you’d take care of your HVAC system, it’s also important to care for your chimney and fireplace this season. This is how you can keep both components in tip-top shape until spring arrives.

Wintertime Care for Your Fireplace

As you watch the fire flames dance inside your fireplace, don’t forego basic care to keep your family safe.

Ash Levels

First, watch your ash levels. If your fire is burning continuously, naturally more ash will accumulate. An excess amount of ash can cause a fire to burn out quickly. Leaving about one inch of ash is ideal for building and maintaining a fire.

Clean the Hearth

Keeping the hearth clean will help prevent soot buildup. It’s made of tiny carbon materials and it contains acid, chemicals, and dust. It can also produce a foul smell.

Cleaning your hearth can be accomplished with a vacuum and common cleaning products that you likely have on hand. The video below shows how you can safely and effectively clean a brick fireplace hearth.

Clean the Glass Doors

Lastly, you’ll want to keep the glass doors clean. Soot can also stick to the glass and it’s important to keep this area clean. You can keep your glass door in place to keep pets and kids safe.

Caring for Your Chimney

As winter winds blow, basic chimney care is good to know!

Beware of Critters

It’s no secret that it gets quite cold in Boston during the winter. This is the time of year that you’ll find critters trying to find warmth inside your chimney. It’s not uncommon to find birds or even raccoons seeking shelter.

Keep your ear out for strange sounds coming from your chimney. You might also find animal droppings in or near your fireplace. If you hear or see evidence of animals, contact a professional such as Boston’s Best Chimney.

Cracked and Crumbling Chimneys

The harsh winter environment can send your chimney crumbling down. This is because the freeze and thaw cycle can crack the bricks. Over time, it can ultimately crumble and lead to a chimney collapse.

The bad part is that it’s hard to see cracked bricks from the ground. Here at Boston’s Best Chimney, we climb up on roofs in all sorts of weather to inspect the structure of your chimney.

If you have concerns about your chimney or fireplace, there is still time to get an inspection or schedule a chimney sweep. Get in touch with us today by calling 781-893-6611.

The post How to Care for & Clean Your Chimney & Fireplace in the Winter appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.