The holiday season is in full swing. This is the perfect time to light up your gas fireplace! Sitting beside a glowing hearth is a relaxing way to end a long day spent rushing around in Connecticut’s chilly weather. When friends or family come over, they’ll be happy to gather around the fireplace to chat or play games. Before you ignite your fireplace this season, there are a few steps you should take to ensure it is safe.

Gas fireplaces and gas fireplace inserts require less maintenance than wood-burning fireplaces, but they still need to be maintained annually.

Making the effort to service and inspect your gas appliances is a smart preventative measure. It reduces the risk of aggravated allergies and carbon monoxide poisoning. Follow these 5 simple steps to prepare your gas appliance for another winter:

Dust off the fireplace and blower.

You might think that lighting up the fireplace is the best way to clean it out, but it isn’t. Igniting a dusty fireplace can produce an unpleasant odor. If the blower is dusty, it can create a cloud of dust. Along with being unpleasant, igniting a dusty fireplace can aggravate allergies or trigger an asthma attack.

Use a rag and fireplace safe cleaner to dust off the ceramic log, rocks or glass beads inside the fireplace. Then use a stiff-bristle brush to dust off the blower’s fan. Use a vacuum to clean up the dust. If you choose to vacuum out the fireplace, make sure that your vacuum doesn’t suck up any fire glass beads, or false embers made of ceramic wool. (When the fireplace isn’t in use, the false embers may look like pieces of gray fuzz.)

Clean the glass doors. 

Fireplace doors play an important role in protecting your home by stopping carbon monoxide and sparks from escaping. That’s why they should be able to close tightly. The glass on the doors shouldn’t have any flaws. A flaw in the glass, like a scratch, can weaken it and make it unable to safely endure the high heat of the fire.

Use a soft cloth and fireplace safe glass cleaner to clean off the glass fireplace doors. Make sure that you do not use a glass cleaner with ammonia in it. Ammonia glass cleaners, like Windex, are too harsh for fireplace doors.

While you are cleaning the glass doors, check for any abrasions or cracks. Also, test the doors to ensure they close tightly. If you discover that your fireplace doors are damaged or misaligned, they should be replaced or repaired before you ignite the fireplace.

Test your carbon monoxide detector.

Carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas that’s released when fuel burns. Since it is tasteless and odorless, the only way to know if carbon monoxide is leaking into your home is with a detector. Since gas fireplaces produce this deadly gas, you should have a carbon monoxide detector located near your fireplace.

Check that it is working and that the batteries don’t need changed, before you start using your gas fireplace again.

Check the pilot light.

If the pilot light for your fireplace is out, it can be a serious safety risk. When you turn your fireplace on, instead of igniting a fire, natural gas will leak out into your home. Unknowingly lighting a cigarette or candle in the room could cause a serious house fire.

Follow the instructions in your user manual to check that the pilot light for your fireplace is lit. If it is out, contact a professional to re-ignite it.

Schedule a gas appliance inspection.

Gas fireplaces, gas inserts, and gas stoves are complex systems. Many things can go wrong from minor gas leaks to damaged or broken parts. One faulty component could make your gas appliance unsafe to use.

Scheduling an inspection with a professional technician is the best way to ensure that your gas fireplace is safe to use. They will be able to fix the problem on the spot unless a special part is needed.

Following these five steps should give you peace of mind when you light up your gas fireplace. If you need a trustworthy fireplace technician in Central Connecticut, contact Northeastern Chimney! We are the only CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps and fireplace technicians in West Hartford Connecticut.

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

When a fireplace runs efficiently every winter, it doesn’t happen by accident. A set of conditions work in harmony to ensure that fires burn hot and combustion byproducts exit through the chimney. All fireplaces and chimney systems need maintenance to keep those ideal conditions in place. The following tips can help to ensure that your fireplace runs efficiently this winter.

Healthy Draft

A smoky fireplace is a common problem homeowners experience, and the problem has to do with disruption of the draft, or airflow. The draft is a force that pulls air from inside your fireplace or home up through the chimney. A temperature differential is what creates a draft. Sometimes draft can’t happen because the chimney is filled with a column of cold air. This happens a lot in very chilly weather in homes where the fireplace is built on an outside wall. The way to restore the draft is to hold a lit newspaper torch up toward the open damper. It may take a time or two for the torch to dispel the cold air and allow for a draft.

 

Another reason smoke may billow into the home instead of going up the chimney is because of an obstruction. The most common blockage in a chimney is caused by excess creosote. With every wood fire, highly flammable creosote is deposited in the chimney lining. The chimney needs to be cleaned at least annually, according to experts, to prevent layers of creosote from preventing proper draft and putting the home at an increased risk of a dangerous chimney fire.

Other issues can affect draft, as well, including a short chimney and a home that’s too airtight to allow air to flow as needed. Consult with chimney sweep professionals if you need help fixing a smoky chimney.

2) Burn the Right Firewood

It’s impossible to have an efficient fireplace if you burn green wood. Fresh-cut firewood is packed with moisture, and burning it creates excessive smoke and leaves behind excess creosote in the flue. Firewood should be seasoned before burning it. To season firewood, let it dry out for 6 to 12 months. Wood piles should allow for airflow between pieces of wood. Sun should be able to get to the wood, though it also needs protection from the rain.

If you want long-lasting fires that create hot coals, burn hardwood. If you want fires that don’t leave coals behind and will stop putting out heat more quickly after the fire is out, burn softwood.

3) Remove Ash Routinely

It’s good to have about an inch of ash on the floor of the fireplace because it acts as an insulator to give off more heat. Once ash gets deeper than an inch, it can interfere with a fire’s efficiency. Using all recommended safety procedures, remove ash as needed.

4) Install a Fireplace Insert

When you say you want an “efficient fireplace,” do you mean you want your fireplace to provide a significant amount of heat in your home, to help lower utility costs in winter? If so, the best thing to do is to have a fireplace insert installed. An insert will transform your traditional fireplace into a truly efficient supplemental heat source. The heating efficiency of your fireplace will go from a paltry 10% to as much as 80%!

5) Contact Certified Chimney Sweeps

To keep a fireplace and chimney operating at optimum levels, routine chimney cleaning and chimney inspections are needed. Chimneys are highly vulnerable to moisture damage, and they often need repair. You can lower the cost of chimney maintenance by scheduling annual inspections and cleaning and getting chimney repair, as needed. To learn more, contact our CSIA-certified chimney experts at Northeastern Chimney, LLC. Call us at 860-233-5770 anytime between 8 am and 5 pm on weekdays. We are located in West Hartford, Connecticut, and serve the entire surrounding area, as well.

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

Gas fireplaces are popular for many reasons including beauty, ease of use, EPA-standard efficiency and great heating performance. To operate your gas fireplace safely, there are a few things you need to do on a regular basis. Here are some simple maintenance tips to get your fireplace ready for winter.

Clean the fireplace

Gas fireplaces don’t require the heavy-duty cleaning needed with wood-burning units, but some cleaning is necessary. Start by cleaning the blower by brushing and vacuuming out dust buildup. This will prevent blowing dust all over the place when you use the appliance again after the off-season.

Next, vacuum the entire firebox, making sure to not pick up ceramic embers, if they’re part of your fireplace setup. You can then wash all the firebox components such as the log set, rocks, beads, etc. Create less mess by doing this at the sink with basic dish soap. Finally, wipe down all interior surfaces of the firebox with a mild cleanser and warm water.

Clean the vent pipe

Vented gas fireplaces should have their vent systems cleaned and checked once a year. Many homeowners bring in a certified chimney expert for this work, just to make sure it’s done correctly and thoroughly. Gas fireplaces don’t fill their vent systems with creosote and soot the way wood fireplaces do, but they still need a little preventative maintenance and cleaning. A good cleaning will ensure that the pipe is open and able to draft as it should.

Glass fireplace door cleaning

Before the busy burning season is a good time to get your glass doors clear and shiny. If they’re heavily coated, wash with a mild detergent then use a window cleaner to brighten them up. While cleaning, check the gasket seals to make sure the doors close tightly and completely to prevent the escape of dangerous carbon monoxide when you’re using the fireplace.

Pilot light inspection

The main thing here is to see that the light is working and that connector wires are secure and in good condition. If the light doesn’t work or if anything feels loose or looks damaged, a professional fireplace service technician should be called in.

 Yearly inspection

While you can do some things to get your fireplace ready for another season, some other things can only be done by a professional. Annual safety inspections are important to ensure that every component in your gas fireplace system is working according to spec and that the fireplace itself is operating at peak efficiency. A thorough inspection definitely should be on your pre-winter to-do list.

Safety tips

It’s always good to remind yourself of these gas fireplace safety tips:

• Do not use the unit if you smell gas
• Have working carbon monoxide detectors appropriately placed within your home
• Never burn any foreign materials in your gas fireplace
• Teach young children to stay away from the fireplace – when it’s in use and when it isn’t
• Don’t leave home for an extended period with the fireplace running

Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace of Kansas City, KS, is standing by to help with all your fireplace, stove and chimney needs. We’re certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America and the National Fireplace Institute. Call us at (913) 236-7141 to get your gas fireplace in tip-top shape for the winter.

 

The post Things To Do Before lighting Your Fireplace appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

The only thing better than a fireplace in the winter is an efficient fireplace in the winter. By following these six tips for max fireplace efficiency and safety, you’ll make a big difference in how much you enjoy your fireplace during the cold months.

Tip 1: chimney health 

This tip means to schedule chimney sweep service and fireplace/chimney inspection before the season kicks in. Chimney sweeps will remove flammable creosote and draft-hampering obstructions from your flue, while an inspection will uncover any part of your fireplace system that needs service.

Tip 2: Use dry firewood

Logs that haven’t had time to fully dry out (usually takes six months to a year after chopping) burn inefficiently and produce a lot more smoke than dry logs. Logs that are dry make hotter fires that burn longer and look spectacular.

2a: When storing your firewood outside, set the stack on a rack or pallet to keep it off the damp ground. Store wood in an area that is shielded from rain. If you prefer to use a tarp covering, make sure the ends are open so air can circulate.

2b: Remember that different types of wood have different burn qualities. For hotter, longer-lasting fires, go with hardwoods like maple, elm, oak and beech. When you want a shorter burn time, use softwoods like cedar, fir and red pine.

Tip 3: maximum performance

When stacking logs, make sure to leave some breathing room in between them. Some people say to start your fire from the top down; other say burn from the bottom up. Whichever way you go, a trick to getting really blazing fires is to start with a relatively small log stack and get it blazing well before adding more wood. Try this and see – and feel – the difference.

Tip 4: Keep the firebox clean

The more clutter of ashes and charred wood in your firebox, the less air that can get in to intensify your fires.

Shovel out debris regularly – and wash/scrape off any soot or creosote on the firebox walls to reduce the chance of fire.

Tip 5: Remember to close the damper after a fire

After your logs are finished burning, preserve the heat that’s in your home by shutting the fireplace damper. A house will retain a certain amount of fireplace-produced heat after the fire is over, but all that heat will go right up the chimney if the damper is left open.

Tip 6: Safety precautions

• Burn only wood in your fireplace – no household trash, plastics, cardboard, furnishings or any other material.
• Never use gasoline, lighter fluid or other accelerants to start a fire.
• Know the signs of a chimney fire: large amounts of dark smoke from either end of the chimney; a clicking/tapping noise; a rumbling sound like a distant train. Call 911 if you notice any of these signs, and put out the fire in the firebox, if safe to do so.
• Keep young children and pets away from the fireplace while it’s in use; purchase a fireplace screen, if necessary.
• Make sure you have working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors properly installed inside your home.

High’s Chimney Service of Gaithersburg, MD, is here to help with CSIA-certified chimney sweep, chimney inspection and chimney and fireplace repairs. We’ll do the job right the first time to ensure safety for you and your family. Call us today at (301) 519-3500.

 

The post Maximum Efficiency from Your Fireplace This Winter appeared first on Highs Chimney.

Many homeowners depend on wood-burning stoves for heat. And if your heating stove is more than 15 years old, you are probably wondering when it will need to be replaced. Keep an eye out for one or more of the following warn signs that indicate it’s time to replace your wood stove.

It was manufactured before 1995

If you have a wood stove that was manufactured before 1995, its time to consider a replacement, older wood stoves are not as efficient and produce a lot more pollution than newer models.

In 2015, the EPA made the most significant changes since 1988 with the introduction of Step 1 of the revised performance standards. The new rule requires manufacturers of wood-burning stoves and heaters to emit no more than 4.5g of smoke per hour.

It was a significant reduction in pollution compared to old stoves that release up to 30 grams of smoke per hour.

And to meet these strict new government standards, wood stove manufacturers made significant changes to its internal design. As a result, more modern EPA-certified wood stoves are more efficient, burn cleaner, and are easier and safer to use.

Signs of warping or cracking

Many wood stoves are built to perform for decades. But the lifespan of your wood stove will largely depend on the quality of materials. While most woods stoves are made from steel or iron, the grade of these materials and quality of workmanship will largely determine the life expectancy of your model. In the last 20 years, imports have flooded the market. Many of these imports use lower grade materials. Although wood stoves that are made from iron or steel are designed to withstand a regular wood-burning operation, the repeated heating and cooling can eventually cause warping. Also, excessive creosote inside the stove can cause a fire. The extremely high temperatures can also cause the stove to warp, and you may notice some cracks near the bolts or welding.

If your wood stove is showing signs of warping or cracking, it is no longer safe to use and should be replaced.

It produces a lot of smoke

A small amount of smoke is reasonable, especially when starting a fire. But if your wood stove is producing more smoke than normal, your stove may have problems that need a total replacement. The baffle plate or catalytic combustion may be damaged, and there could be water leaks or other damages. A smoky stove is also very inefficient to operate and produces much less heat. Since smoke also causes excessive pollution, including creosote, it’s a sign that it’s time to replace your heating appliance.

 excessive creosote

Older wood stoves are not clean burning devices and require frequent cleaning to prevent the accumulation of creosote and other residues. And if it’s been quite some time since your last stove cleaning, there may be an excessive accumulation of creosote, soot, and other debris in the stove, stovepipe, and vent. Creosote is the primary cause of residential fires. A fire that starts in your stove can quickly spread to your stove pipe and other combustibles throughout your home. So, if you have a lot of creosote in your stove, it’s time to switch to a cleaner-burning EPA-certified wood stove.

You need to use more wood fuel than in the past to get the same level of heat

If your stove is consuming more wood fuel than before to maintain the desired heat, then there may be issues with its heating efficiency. The performance of your wood stove can degrade over time due to warping, air and water leaks, and other problems. Replacing an inefficient wood stove with a newer model will reduce your energy costs. Newer EPA-certified models produce up to 50 percent more heat while consuming 1/3 less fuel.

The post Warning Signs Your Wood Stove Needs Replacing appeared first on Highs Chimney.

If you use a wood-burning fireplace, beautiful fires should be expected every time you fire up. So should the production of creosote. You can’t burn wood without creating at least some of this flammable smoke byproduct, but you can keep creosote buildup inside your chimney at minimum levels.

Excess creosote is a safety issue

Creosote is produced when smoke condenses in your flue. The result is a substance that can be flakey, sticky or hard. Regardless the form, creosote is highly flammable and is responsible for most chimney fires in the U.S. each year.

 

 

The nonprofit National Fire Protection Association, founded in 1896, recommends annual professional inspection and chimney sweep services to deal with the problem of creosote. So does virtually every other fire-safety organization in America.

Chimney fires are tricky

Not all chimney fires are big, obvious, blazing spectacles. Many are relatively small and start and go out on their own. But any chimney fire can cause damage to the chimney liner and the chimney masonry. When damage begins, it’s not long before the intense heat of fires can reach combustible materials of your home’s interior.

Signs of a chimney fire

Chimney fires aren’t always visible, but they are detectible:

Excess thick black smoke from either end of the chimney

A rumbling sound similar to a far-away train

An odd ticking or clicking sound

If you notice any of these while burning a fire, call local emergency services and extinguish the fire in the firebox, if safe to do so.

How excess creosote is formed

The more smoke, the more creosote. The damper the wood, the more smoke. You can reduce the amount of creosote your chimney collects by burning only dry (seasoned) wood, which burns more efficiently and produces much less smoke.

When buying firewood, look for these characteristics:

Flakey bark as opposed to bark that clings to the logs

An empty, hollow sound when two logs are struck together

Light-feeling logs (means they contain minimal moisture)

A dark color to the wood

Ends of logs that are split and cracked

What a chimney sweep does

“Chimney sweep” is the common name for people who clean chimneys. The best chimney sweeps hold professional industry certifications such as Master Chimney Sweep and Certified Chimney Sweep, designations given by the Chimney Safety Institute of America. Always look for industry credentials when hiring someone to clean your chimney.

Skilled chimney sweeps have specialized tools including hand and power brushes, scrapers, solvents and vacuums that allow them to thoroughly clean creosote and obstructions out of your chimney flue.

 

By scheduling annual chimney cleaning and inspection services, you’ll be able to significantly reduce the level of creosote and various obstruction-causing debris inside your chimney. Burning dry, less-smoky wood and having your chimney serviced regularly will keep your chimney safer and more reliable all year long.

Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace of Kansas City, KS, is ready to help with all your fireplace, chimney and heating stove needs. We offer certified chimney sweep services as well as chimney inspection, chimney repair and chimney rebuilding. Call us at (913) 236-7141 when you want the job done properly by professionals you can trust.

The post Minimize Creosote Buildup appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

You put it off all spring. You forgot about it during the summer Well, now the time is up and cold weather is here. Now you’re worried about your chimney!

Sure, it looks fine, there’s no smell or water damage evident. Plus, it’s the holiday season approaching and you’re just so busy… 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. 

Why do you need to get a jump on getting your chimney inspected now?

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!

Keeping your chimney and fireplace properly maintained can protect your wallet and home. 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

A lot of times when fires in a fireplace are less than spectacular – when they’re too smoky, don’t last very long, produce excess soot and creosote – it’s not the fault of the fireplace. Often, the only problem is the wood that’s being used.

Not all firewood logs are the same. They look pretty similar, but it’s what’s underneath the patterned bark that makes all the difference. Here are a few things to know when choosing firewood for clean-burning, long-lasting fires.

1. Select dry wood

Seasoned, or dry, wood logs burn hotter and more efficiently while creating less smoke than wet, unseasoned wood. Plus, they ignite easier and hold their flames longer.

Fires that produce tons of smoke also produce quite a bit of flammable creosote, which sticks to the walls of the flue and can lead to a chimney fire. In fact, most chimney fires happen because homeowners neglect to have their chimneys properly cleaned and inspected on an annual basis.

Dry wood logs have certain characteristics:

• Grayish or dark color
• A hollow sound when you bang two logs together
• Lightweight, not too heavy
• Cracks/splits at the ends of the logs
• Bark that easily flakes away .

Store your logs the right way

Logs stored outside should be set on some kind of small riser/pallet to keep them off the damp ground. Cover the stack with a waterproof tarp, but leave the ends open so air can circulate within the logs and aid in the drying process.

3. Give your fire what it needs: air

Air (oxygen) is a key component in creating fire. For a fire to build to roaring proportions, a sufficient amount of air is required. Accomplish this by not stacking logs too tightly together in the firebox.

 

Additionally, make sure the house has some circulation (crack a window, if necessary), and keep your chimney free of obstructions and built-up creosote to ensure plenty of draft.

Important note: Chimney cleaning is not a job for the average homeowner. The best choice for this work is a professional chimney sweep who is licensed, insured and certified through the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). This ensures that the job will be done right and safely.

4. Choose the right logs for the desired burn time

Logs from hardwood trees will burn longer and hotter than logs from softwood trees.

Hardwoods include:

• Maple
• Oak
• Beech
• Hickory
• Alder
• Walnut

Softwoods include:

• Douglas fir
• Cedar
• Redwood
• Juniper
• Pine
• Spruce

If you chop your own firewood . . .

After chopping your own wood, exercise patience in the drying process. Depending on the density and moisture, freshly chopped wood can take between six months and a year to fully dry out. Plan accordingly as you build up your supply from season to season.

High’s Chimney Service of Gaithersburg, MD, believes every home should have a stunning fireplace to enjoy during the cold weather and at other times. Part of that enjoyment comes from a fireplace and chimney that are clean and in tip-top shape. Let us help you keep your fireplace or stove working right. We offer certified chimney sweep, chimney inspection, fireplace, stove and chimney repair and all related services. Give us a call today at (301) 519-3500.

 

 

 

The post Clean-Burning & Long-Lasting Fires appeared first on Highs Chimney.

When the weather turns colder, cozying up to the warmth of a crackling fire in the fireplace is something many homeowners enjoy. But not everyone looks forward to lighting it. If this sounds like you, then you’re in luck. The following guide will show you the right way to light a fire in the fireplace and keep it lit.

Chimney Inspection and Cleaning

You’re probably anxious to start that fire to take the chill out of the room, but there may be risk factors lurking in the chimney or fireplace. So, you will first need to check to ensure it is safe for use. Hire a professional chimney sweep to inspect and clean the chimney of any obstructions or creosote before lighting the first fire of the season. You will also need to make any necessary chimney repairs too. Then, check the firebox to ensure there isn’t excess ash. Having too much ash inside the firebox can make it challenging to start the fire. About an inch or so of ash will help keep the fire lit and burn more efficiently.

Step by Step Process

To light the fireplace, you need three main ingredients: fuel, kindling, and tinder. For the fuel, you need seasoned firewood logs. For the kindling, gather some large twigs or small branches. You can use old newspapers or pinecones for the tinder.

Prepare the fire bed. A strategic arrangement of your wood, kindling, and tinder is vital. Start with the tinder at the bottom of the pile, add kindling on top of the tinder, and stack some wood logs on top of the kindling. Start with a few seasoned firewood logs; you can add more later. Remember to leave some space between the logs for better air circulation.

Open the damper. The damper must remain open to draw in the oxygen to fuel the fire and allow the smoke and exhaust to vent through the chimney. But don’t forget to close the damper after you extinguish the fire.

Warm up the flue. You can light your fire without warming the flue, but you could experience a draft where smoke may flow back into your home. To warm the flue, light some rolls of newspaper and hold them up inside the flue for around ten to fifteen seconds. It will also reduce air pressure, and oxygen will flow more smoothly.

Lighting the fireplace. Grab your box of long matchsticks. You can pick them up at your local hearth dealer. Strike the matchstick to light the tinder. The tinder will spread the fire to the kindling, and the kindling will slowly ignite the wood. A word of caution – never use a lighter, kerosene, or any flammable liquids or materials to start a fire in the fireplace. It can cause an explosion.

While the firewood is burning, you can add extra logs as necessary to keep the fire lit. Depending on the quality of your wood, each log can burn for about two to three hours.

That’s all there is to it. Use common sense when operating your fireplace. Never leave a burning fireplace unattended. And keep pets and small children away from the fireplace. Finally, always extinguish the fire before leaving your home or going to bed. Now sit back with your favorite hot beverage, relax and enjoy the crackling fire.

 

The post The Right Way to Light a Fire in the Fireplace (and Keep It Lit) appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

Natural stone such as fieldstone, marble, granite, and limestone create warm and elegant fireplace surrounds, carved chimneypieces, and mantles. Unfortunately, the stone gets sooty and gritty over time, giving your fireplace a cheap, ugly look.

Do you want to keep your natural stone fireplace looking great? Here are expert tips (given by chimney contractors) you should follow:

Regularly remove soot

Letting soot sit on the fireplace for a long time turns the chimney black. It also puts the chimney at the risk of catching fire. To keep your fireplace in pristine condition, make a habit of regularly cleaning off the soot. The best tool to use in the cleaning is a stiff brush.

When cleaning, use a mask and gloves to protect yourself.

Start with preparing a solution of lukewarm water and natural stone cleanser. You should then dip a paintbrush in the cleaning solution and use it to clean off soot from the chimney surface. After applying the solution on all areas, give it time to interact with the soot then rinse it out with light warm water.

Keep the firebox clean

The best time to clean the firebox is in summer when you aren’t using the chimney. If you have to clean it during the heating season, give the fireplace at least 12 hours to cool.

Before you begin the cleaning, protect the surrounding areas with drop cloths or old sheets. You also should wear clothes you don’t mind getting messy.

After removing the grate and any other remaining log chunks, use a small shovel to scoop out the ashes from the fireplace. If there are any remaining ashes, use a vacuum to remove them.

Once you are done, use a semi-abrasive sponge dipped in mild cleaning detergent to thoroughly wipe down the surfaces of the firebox.

When cleaning, avoid any soap solution as it leaves a residue that dulls the fireplace. You also should stay away from acidic, alkaline, and ammonia-based cleaning agents as they have been shown to damage the stone fireplace and cause mildew.

Remove the stains

Nothing cheapens a natural stone chimney like a stain. During the cleaning, keep your eyes out for any stains. If present, remove them immediately. To do it, make a solution of one-fourth cup of trisodium phosphate (TSP) and half a gallon of water.

After applying the solution, give it at least 15 minutes to interact with the stain, then rinse it with water and dry it with an old towel.

TSP is harmful to the skin; therefore, always wear gloves to protect your skin. Also, wear a mask to protect yourself from hazardous fume inhalation.

Apply a stone sealer

Stone sealers prevent excess soot and grime from adhering to and penetrating the natural stone. Stone sealers come in a wide range of strengths ideal for different types of stones.

If you aren’t sure about the right type of sealer to go for, ask an expert chimney technician to help you out. While a sealer prevents soot, fluids, and other materials from penetrating deep into the stone, it wears out after time. This means you have to keep on reapplying it to keep your fireplace protected.

Remove sealer scratches

Due to poor installation or using harsh/abrasive cleaning products, the sealer can wear out. For you to keep your fireplace looking great, get rid of the scratches as soon as they happen. A great option is using polishing stone. Carefully apply the stone on the affected areas, and you will remove the scratches.

Undertake regular inspections and repair

It’s common for your fireplace to develop problems. For example, it might start smoking. You also might begin finding it hard to light a fire. For you to keep your fireplace in great shape, regularly inspect it and fix any issues that might be there.

If you have the skills, go ahead and inspect and repair it but for ideal results, let an expert chimney cleaning services Columbia MD professional do it for you.

When hiring the professional, ensure he/she is certified and experienced to do the work. The last thing you want is someone who will cause more problems than were there. Since you will be spending a substantial amount of time with the contractor, you don’t want someone with a dull personality. Get someone who is fun to be with.

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