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Now that summer is over and we start moving toward the cold season, make sure to add chimney cleaning and chimney inspection to your to-do list. Getting your chimney and fireplace in top shape now will give you peace of mind during the winter months when you start using your fireplace regularly. Inspections and professional cleaning for your chimney are important for several reasons. Here are a few of them.

Fire Safety

Wood-burning fireplaces add flammable creosote to your chimney flue every time you burn logs. Creosote is responsible for the majority of chimney fires in the U.S. each year. CSIA-certified chimney sweeps use special brushes, scrapers, solvents and vacuums to remove creosote from inside the chimney and restore safe operation.

A clear path for smoke to draft

Creosote can build up to the point it causes an obstruction to the flow of smoke. Other obstructions also can prevent smoke from drafting properly, which can result in smoke and dangerous carbon monoxide backing up into your home. Leaves, twigs, large amounts of dust, small-animal nests and dead small animals themselves all can lead to drafting issues. Professional chimney sweeps remove these obstructions from your flue.

Chimney inspections spot early signs of damage

The best way to keep your chimney structure and its components safe is with annual chimney inspections by a CSIA-certified inspector. Chimney inspectors can spot early signs of damage that homeowners normally miss and recommend the best repair solutions to keep the damage from becoming a serious and expensive problem.

A typical chimney inspection covers:

• exterior bricks and mortar
• some inspections include video technology to look down into the chimney’s interior
• chimney cap
• chimney crown
• roof flashing
• fireplace damper
• smoke chamber/smoke shelf
• and all other chimney components

Reasons to schedule a chimney inspection right now

If you notice any of the following, don’t wait for your annual chimney inspection. Call your chimney sweep company right away.

• Loose or missing bricks within the masonry
• Crumbling mortar on the roof near the chimney
• A chimney that leans to one side
• Water inside the firebox
• Dampness on walls/ceiling near the fireplace
• Excess smoke backing up into the house
• Strong or unpleasant odors coming from the firebox
• Growing patches of white staining on the exterior of the chimney

You also should schedule a chimney inspection if you know or suspect you’ve had a chimney fire. Not all chimney fires are large and obvious; many start and then go out on their own. But no matter the size, a fire in your chimney can cause serious damage to the flue liner and the bricks and mortar of the chimney. The most common signs of a chimney fire include larger-than-normal amounts of smoke, a strange clicking or tapping sound and a rumbling sound like a distant train. If you notice any of these signs, call your local emergency services and follow up soon with a thorough chimney inspection.

 

Fluesbrothers Chimney Service of Kansas City, KS, is ready to help with chimney cleaning and chimney inspection in your home this fall. We’ll get you ready for a safe winter with a chimney that works the way it should. Call us today at (913) 236-7141.

 

The post Fall Is the Perfect Time for Your Annual Chimney Cleaning & Inspection appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

Fall is officially here! In case you need a reminder that means you have to start switching out the clothes in your closet, be bombarded by pumpkin-spice everything, and start stocking up on wood logs for your fireplace. That is unless you want to switch things up this year and convert your fireplace to gas. Southern Chimneys can help you make the switch if you’re looking to be able to use Peterson gas logs and not have to worry about stocking up. 

Southern Chimneys Can Help You Make the Gas Log Switch

This is the time of year we at Southern Chimneys get a lot of requests to convert wood fireplaces to gas and we can understand why. Gas fireplaces are less mess, less worry, and can be used year-round. People claim they heat the room up better too. Gas fireplaces release fewer allergens into your home and fewer pollutants into the environment. You know that creosote gunk we often talk about cleaning? That comes from burning wood!

Southern Chimneys and Peterson Gas Logs

Southern Chimneys can come help you install gas logs. We use Peterson Gas Logs, the “cleanest, most economical, most convenient alternative to burning real wood”. These vented gas logs can be installed in your current, functioning, wood-burning fireplace. We’ll run the lines and install a gas line if needed. We’ll also determine just the right size log for your fireplace. They’ll look great in your home as all Peterson Gas Logs are crafted to look just like real wood, so you can maintain the fireplace appearance you’re used to. And, you get to use a remote control to turn on your fireplace and control the flame size, height, and strength, so there’s that extra bit of coolness. 

If you want to go over all your gas-log options, give Southern Chimneys a call. We can help you determine which type of fireplace would be best for your home and get it all ready before things get too far along into the burn season! 

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

To many people, a chimney is a source of warmth. An improperly constructed fireplace can be a weak point for your home. The cool thing is that the chimney is built in such a way that it has protective components that protect it from getting damaged and causing problems to the entire house. These protective components, as given by chimney repair professionals, are:

Chimney damper

The chimney damper helps you to control the amount of air moving through the chimney. You control the air by opening or closing the damper. Dampers also prevent animals from entering the house. They also function as defense systems against precipitation when the other fireplace components fail to keep the moisture out.

There are many types of dampers with the most common ones being:

Poker dampers: They operate on a long, curved handle that grooves in them to hold the damper in place. To open the damper, lift the handle and pull or push to move the damper to its desired position. Once the damper is in place, replace the handle.

Rotary dampers: From their name, rotary dampers work on a rotating system with long, screw-like rods that move the damper. To open the damper, rotate the key to the left or right.

Pivot damper: Pivot dampers operate on a long, jointed handle. To open the damper, lift the handle.

Chimney crown

The chimney crown rests at the top of the chimney, where it protects the top layers of bricks from premature wear and tear brought about by weathering. The crown is made from mortar or concrete and applied to the topmost layers of the bricks on the chimney.

Properly installed chimney crowns protect the chimney from damage brought about by rain, wind, and even snow. For you to keep the crown in top shape, regularly inspect it for any signs of damage.

Due to their location, chimney crowns are prone to cracking. When you ignore the damage, the crown begins crumbling, which can bring down the entire chimney.

You also should consider sealing the chimney crown during winter to prevent damage from the cold weather.

If you have had your chimney for long and the chimney crown keeps on cracking, this might be due to the advanced age. No amount of chimney crown repair will fix the problem. The only cure is to replace the crown. Ensure an experienced expert does the replacement.

Chimney cap

The chimney cap is designed to keep water, animals, and debris from entering the chimney while at the same time allowing smoke out of the fireplace. The chimney cap in most of the modern chimneys adheres to the crown of the stack, and the metal components keep water from flowing into the opening.

Chimney caps also come in handy at keeping embers from escaping the chimney. You need to regularly inspect the chimney cap from accumulated creosote that can clog up the unit if you go for a long time without removing it.

Other than creosote, leaves and other debris can clog up the chimney putting your home at the risk of fire.  You can inspect, clean, and repair the chimney cap if you have the necessary skills, but if you have never done it before, hire a professional to help you out.

Chase cover

The chimney crown isn’t enough to provide your chimney with optimum protection—you need a chimney chase cover. The cover is located between the chimney crown and the roofline. The role of the cover is to direct flying fire embers and smoke from the roof, thus protecting your home from fire damage.

The chase is made from wood, brick, metal, vinyl, or any other of your preferred materials. The chase cover, on the other hand, is made from copper, aluminum, or steel and comes in a rectangular or square shape that snugly fits on the chase, keeping water out.

The life of the covers depends on the material they are made from. Covers made from galvanized steel rust quickly, and you have to hire chimney contractors Annapolis to replace them every five years. Copper and stainless steel covers can last for a lifetime as long as you take good care of them, and they aren’t damaged by severe weather.

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

Nothing beats a wood fire in the fireplace on a cold winter’s night. Or a cool autumn day. Or anytime, really. There’s something special and nostalgic about burning, crackling logs that you just can’t get any other way. If you love your wood fires, here are nine things to know when burning wood.

 Dry vs. wet wood

Seasoned (dry) wood burns better and produces less smoke than wood that hasn’t had time to dry out. Excess smoke means excess creosote in your chimney, and sluggish burns mean an inefficient fire.

Fires need air

For a fire to burn at max capacity, air is needed. Reasons for not enough air getting to your log stack include:
• house is air-tight – crack a window
• damper is not fully open to generate a draft – open the damper
• logs are stacked too close together – remove a few logs so the pile can breathe
• flue has obstructions – have them removed

 Keep the flue clean

Regular chimney sweep services by a CSIA-certified technician are important to keep excess flammable creosote from building up in the flue. Chimney cleaning also removes debris, animal nests and other unwanted items, which allows for more efficient drafting.

 Hardwoods vs. softwoods

Hardwoods such as alder, beech, hickory and maple are denser and burn longer and hotter than softwoods like cedar, juniper, pine and redwood. If you want a shorter, less-intense fire, go with softwoods. For longer-lasting, heat-heavy fires, hardwoods are ideal.

Light from the top

The best way to build a fire in a fireplace or stove is to start the burn with tinder and kindling on top of the log stack. The wood will burn better this way and reach its optimal temperature faster.

The best tinder and kindling for wood fires

Crumpled-up newspaper (not colored print), small twigs and pine needles make excellent tinder. For kindling, you want to use heavier material like larger twigs, branch pieces and wood slivers up to about an inch thick.

What not to use when starting a wood fire

Aside from newspaper tinder, never use non-wood-based items to start a fire. This includes any type of accelerant (lighter fluid, charcoal starter, gasoline) as well as household trash, lacquered/painted wood, magazines, cardboard boxes and clothing.

Don’t overload the firebox

If you pack too many logs in the firebox, the fire will burn too intensely and may cause a chimney fire. Follow the recommendations of your fireplace manufacturer or the advice of a chimney services professional in determining how many logs to use for your fire.

Keep the hearth area clear

Don’t set furnishings or rugs too close to the firebox, and use a fire screen or glass doors to keep popping embers from jumping out of the fireplace. Small children should never be left unattended in a room where a fire is burning.
High’s Chimney Service of Gaithersburg, MD, wants everyone to enjoy their fireplaces in safety. We hope these wood-burning tips have helped. When it’s time for a thorough chimney cleaning to make your fireplace experience even safer, count on our CSIA-certified chimney sweeps to do the job right. Schedule an appointment or get your questions answered by an expert at (301) 519-3500.

The post 9 Things You Should Know When Burning Wood appeared first on Highs Chimney.

When the weather starts turning colder in the fall, it is tempting to light the fireplace. It takes the chill out of the air creating a warm and comfy indoor atmosphere. But before warming up the fireplace, its safe operation should be your top priority. House fires, burns, and carbon monoxide poisoning are potential problems that can arise. So, before you light the first fire of the season, follow these fireplace safety tips.

Chimney Inspection and Cleaning

Is your fireplace safe to operate? There is no way to know for sure without a chimney inspection. Since creosote buildup is the leading cause of chimney fires, you need to be sure there isn’t an excessive accumulation in your chimney. A qualified chimney professional will measure the amount of creosote and recommend cleaning if necessary. But that’s not the only potential hazard. Obstructions, water leaks, and other issues can cause safety issues and reduce heating efficiency. A chimney professional will also visually examine the entire chimney for signs of physical damage, and check for any obstructions. Depending on the inspection results, your chimney professional may recommend cleaning and repairs.

Fireplace Do’s and Don’ts

First, only fuel the fire with firewood that has been seasoned for at least six months. The moisture in unseasoned or “green” wood produces a smoky fire. Also, seasoned wood burns hotter, longer, which saves on fuel costs. Also, never throw painted materials, plastic, crates, furniture, Christmas trees, or treated wood into the fireplace. These materials produce toxic gases, which can be dangerous for you and your family. Second, the damper should be fully open when lighting the fireplace to allow smoke and fumes to vent.

Safely Lighting the Fireplace

An easy and safe way to start the fire is to stack your logs in the fireplace. Add your kindling on the top layer of the logs. For kindling, use old newspapers, or dry twigs. You can also use some scraps of soft wood pieces like cedar, fir, or pine. Strike a good quality fireplace match to light the kindling. You should never use chemical fire accelerants to jump-start your logs. The fumes in flammable liquids such as gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene can ignite combustible materials surrounding your fireplace.

Never Leave a Fire Unattended

Never leave a burning fire in the fireplace unattended. Always extinguish the fire before leaving the house or retiring to bed. Close the damper when the fire is out.

Glass Fireplace Door

Installing a glass fireplace door will not only improve the aesthetics of your fireplace, but it also helps keep kids and pets away from the fire. It will also contain the heat in the firebox keeping your living space warmer. A wire mesh screen also comes in handy when you want to open the doors when kids or pets are not around.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector

It is recommended that homeowners install a smoke and carbon monoxide (CO2) detector on every level of their home with a solid or liquid fuel heating appliance. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas that can result in deadly consequences. Test the batteries in your smoke and CO2 detectors at least twice annually.

The post Warm Up with Your Fireplace Safely This Fall appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

• A square of stone 

• One or two metal pipes

Chimney caps perform multiple duties for your fireplace and they are quite affordable. At first glance, you assume that the term chimney means the entire structure from top to bottom. Many homeowners may be surprised to know that the chimney is made up of several components.

Chimney caps provide many useful functions to protect the interior of the chimney. There are different types of chimney caps for homeowners to choose from, which we would gladly discuss with you. Due to the height of your chimney and the kind of your chimney, have a professional install your chimney cap.

The opening of the chimney will need to be measured, so the exact size of the cap is installed. The cap will be tightened down, then a caulk will be added around the base, so no water escapes to the chimney. 

Here are just a couple of reasons for having a chimney cap:

• Bats
• Squirrels
• Raccoons
• Rats
• Ducks…yes ducks!

Keeping these pests out is important. Once they get comfortable and settle in they will bother you and can destroy the integrity of your fireplace and even the interior of your attic space due to cracks in the mortar…these feisty little pests are quite adept at creating quite a mess. 

The risk of disease from these animals is eliminated as well. You do not want to be stuck with a sick animal in your chimney in the middle of the winter. Once they begin to build nests and bring in food for their young it can create a number of hazards for your own family.

Chimneys are such an ideal place for pesky wildlife because it is warm, dark, and provides plenty of shelter from the elements. It is much safer to keep out those pesky animals than to pay someone to come extract them.

When the cold air arrives, you want to be safe and warm without the extra cost. Having a chimney cap can stop downdrafts inside your home. Downdrafts affect the temperature in your house and hike up your energy bills at the same time. A wind coming down your chimney can make everyone inside feel a draft of chilliness. A sudden gust of wind can be especially dangerous as it can blow in smoke, embers, and ash right out of your fireplace.

While there is nothing better than a glowing warm fire, the winter winds can channel down the chimney and create quite the mess to the interior of your home. If you want to cut back on the overall cost of your bill and protect the inside of your home as well, invest in a chimney cap today.

• Water in the firebox 
• Dark stained areas in the ceiling or on the walls by your fireplace

The post 6 GREAT REASONS YOU SHOULD HAVE A CHIMNEY CAP INSTALLED appeared first on Quality Fireplace and Chimney Services.

Fall is the best time to educate homeowners and the general public about chimney safety because winter is when most fires happen. It’s when you’re using your fireplace or furnace to heat your home that disaster can happen, especially when the chimney isn’t maintained properly. In order for our friends and neighbors in the Boston, North Shore, and Portland area to have safe and efficient fires this burn season, we offer services to keep the chimney working properly and lasting year after year. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) is doing its part to make the public aware of chimney risk and safety by planning and promoting National Chimney Safety Week each year.

Safe Chimneys Mean Safe Communities

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and CSIA agree that the safest and most efficient chimneys are those that are cleaned regularly and inspected annually. When a chimney is clean, the air flows more easily, allowing smoke to vent properly. When this process works efficiently, there is less fire risk and less damage to the property and less frequent injuries and deaths due to fire. We believe that even one chimney fire is too many, and we offer comprehensive chimney services year-round to insure that chimneys in our communities are safer. When chimneys and fire appliances are safer, that means our communities are safer. Homeowners in New England count on Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep and have for over 30 years. With a company that puts safety first, makes education and certification a priority, and who offer the highest level of professionalism in the industry, it’s easy to choose Billy Sweet for safer chimneys.

Safer Chimneys Mean Fire Prevention

CSIA has scheduled National Chimney Safety Week for September 29th through October 5th—one week before NFPA’s Fire Prevention Week. Fire Prevention Week and National Chimney Safety Week go hand-in-hand. Fire Prevention Week, running October 6th through 12th is a time for communities to raise awareness about fire prevention and fire preparedness. Not all fires can be prevented, but a little bit of preparation can save lives in the event of a fire. Chimney Safety Week is all about preventing fires, and Fire Prevention Week is all about living through fires!

Fires can occur in more than just chimneys. You can experience an accidental fire in a dorm, hotel or motel, apartment, high-rise condo, manufactured homes, and more. The best way to protect your family and home is to use NFPA’s public education tip safety tip sheets available online. In addition to keeping the chimney, fireplace, furnace, and other heating systems like the dryer maintained properly, it’s important to take other important measures. Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Plan an escape and practice it monthly. Pay attention to problems with your heat systems and alarms. If you’re not sure that your chimney system is working properly, call in the professionals!

Call Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep at 617-469-4528 or request an appointment online to service your chimney and make sure it’s as safe as possible.

The post National Chimney Safety Week is This Month appeared first on Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep.

Fall is a great time to watch college football. We get
together with friends, whom all went to different schools, taking turns hosting.
Happily, it was not our turn. We all settled into our favorite watching spots. One
person is a pacer, one sits VERY close to the flat screen, a couple on the
floor, and a couple sit in different locations after getting up several times.

As I sat on the floor, I noticed a musty smell. There
are plenty of stocking feet around, so I thought that was the source. As one of
the other watchers made their way to various locations to sit, I noticed him
looking at his hand a couple of times and finally moved. He was sitting on the
ledge of the fireplace.

Of course, I had to go investigate. I sat down and placed my
hand on the bricks right outside of the fireplace and the opening next to the
fireplace. It was a bit damp. I placed my hand on the concrete in the opening
next to the fireplace, and it was definitely moist, where I can see moisture on my hand.

Quietly, I opened the fireplace doors and saw where the water was dripping
down the back of the fireplace. Clearly, it was a leak in the chimney.
Chimneys’ are a complex structure and it takes a certified technician to find
the source or sources of the leak. There are lots of different components to a
chimney.

What are common causes of water leaks? Here are
the top 4 most common areas.

1. Chimney isn’t capped or the chimney cap is damaged
2. Chimney crown is cracked
3. Chimney flashing
4. Mortar is cracked,
   missing, damaged

Since the game wasn’t going my way. I decided to leak the news so they can get their chimney inspected by Superior Chimney. I’m happy to report that 2 chimney leaks were found and repaired by a Superior Chimney certified technician. Call Superior Chimney for water leaks at 877-244-6349.

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

While your chimney may appear to be in good condition, homeowners shouldn’t wait until they happen to notice a problem with the chimney. Many exterior chimney issues start gradually making it noticeable only upon closer inspection. Some problems commonly occur on or near the chimney crown and in other areas that may be hidden from view. Also, a few cracked or broken bricks may not seem dangerous, but a trained chimney professional knows that it can lead to health, safety, and structural issues. That’s why these four exterior chimney problems shouldn’t be ignored.

Cracks in the chimney crown

Its location at the top of the chimney makes the chimney crown susceptible to weather-related damage. The purpose of the crown is to prevent water intrusion. And when cracks develop on the surface moisture can get inside the chimney. It can soften the interior masonry walls increasing the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning and accelerate the deterioration of internal components.

Damaged chimney flashing

The flashing is a thin metal strip that provides a waterproof seal along the seam where the chimney meets the roof. One sign of a problem with the flashing is noticing water leaks on the ceiling above your fireplace. It occurs when the flashing is stressed or damaged, allowing water to enter through the exposed seam. The moisture can cause quite a bit of damage to your roof and chimney, including mold and wood rot. It can also allow small pests like termites to get inside too.

Gaps in mortar joints

Gaps in the mortar joints are another common chimney problem that shouldn’t be ignored. The continued exposure of the brick masonry to the rain and the constant freeze-thaw process causes the mortar to crumble. As the mortar continues to disappear the bricks can become loose and eventually fall from the chimney. It can cause major structural issues if it is not repaired.

Spalled or missing bricks

In addition to gaps in the mortar joints, spalled or even missing bricks is another common problem. Like mortar, bricks are also porous, and it soaks moisture like a sponge. The pounding rain, snow, and sleet can cause tiny holes in the exterior brick surface. Moisture is absorbed in these small crevices. When the trapped moisture freezes, thaws and freezes again, ice crystals inside the crevices gradually expand, eventually causing the bricks to crack. Depending on the extent of the problem, you may notice pieces of brick lying on the ground. Like gaps in the mortar joints, spalling or missing bricks can also result in severe structural issues.

Chimney Repairs

An annual chimney inspection can spot these and other common chimney problems before they develop into more severe issues. Contact us to schedule your chimney inspection today. Our experienced masons can repair external chimney problems so that you can continue to enjoy the safe operation of your fireplace and heating stove.

 

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

The Freeze-Thaw Cycle

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

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

The Stack Effect

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

Small Animals & Pests

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

Protecting Your Chimney

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

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