When you opt to clean the chimney by yourself instead of hiring chimney cleaning services, you need cleaning brushes. There are many types of brushes you can go with. For you to buy the right ones, first inspect the chimney. Use a mirror or torch and look up the chimney. How much soot is deposited there? The harder the deposits, the more abrasive and harder the brush you need and vice versa. Some of the brushes you can go with include:

Perlon viper heads or brushes

Perlon is a soft material that is ideal for gas flues that have little or no soot deposited. You can also use it to remove cobwebs that stick to the brush.

Soft nylon brushes

They are a little bit harder than Perlon brushes; hence, you can use them to remove much harder soot that might have accumulated in the chimney. If you have a fireplace where you burn wood or coal, these are the best brushes to go for.

Mole brushes

They are the latest kids on the block. They are also very soft, and you can use them to clean the chimney using traditional and rotary methods.

The brushes come in different sizes, and it’s up to you to buy those that will effectively fit your flue. If you have a thatched property with a large flue, you should go for a large mole.

Wohler brushes

They are designed to be used in cleaning ceramic or rigid steel chimney systems. The brushes make use of the cutting action of soot from the flue walls making chimney cleaning easy and fun. To clean your chimney, you can use the viper, star, or rope cleaning methods.

If you have a stainless steel chimney only use stainless steel brushes. Don’t use mild steel brushes as you will make the chimney start rotting.

Stiff nylon brushes

Designed to clean harder wood, coal, and peat deposits, you need to use more effort for you to get rid of all the soot that might have been deposited in the chimney. If you inspect the chimney and find that you don’t need a lot of physical work to clean it, you don’t have to use the brushes. Replace them with a whip head instead.

Rotary flails

These excel at cleaning harder chimney deposits. Be cautious when using hem in some chimneys as they can damage them. If there are bird nests in your chimney, they are the best tools to use without getting calluses or sore hands.

The frails are highly effective at cleaning flaky or expanded creosote. They also come in handy at cleaning the hard deposits left behind when you are burning smokeless coals.

You should note that the frails are dangerous to use; therefore, before you start using them, undertake training and learn how to use them safely.

Rotary chains

They are the best option when you are removing creosote that is extremely hard to remove. They are also effective at getting rid of stubborn nests. Due to the amount of damage they can cause, you should be ultra-cautious when using them. As a rule of thumb, never use them if you have never used them before. To reduce the chances of damaging your chimney, first, take a course on how to properly use them.

Tips when using chimney brushes

The type of chimney brush you use determines the results you get and how fast you clean the chimney. If you have never used a brush before, ask a professional to guide you on choosing the right one.

You need to prepare the surfaces to prevent soot from spreading to all areas of the house. You do this by placing paper covers on the furniture. You also should remember to sheet up. This is placing old bedsheets against the fireplace opening. The sheet will prevent the dust from the chimney from spreading to the rest of the house.

If you have minimal soot, you have an easy time cleaning the chimney, but if your fireplace has a lot of soot, consider hiring a chimney sweep Columbia MD to help you with the cleaning. The contractor will most likely do a better job than you, giving you peace of mind that your chimney can’t develop chimney fires.

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

A chimney that’s in good repair is a chimney that does its job safely and efficiently. When damage or other problems develop within the chimney system, the best move is to arrange for a professional inspection and then chimney repair or chimney sweep services to restore soundness to the structure.

Here are four fairly common issues that chimney service techs see on a regular basis.

1. Leaky chimney

When addressing leaks in a chimney, the first step is to determine exactly where the leak is coming from. We know that water is getting into the system somewhere, and we need to know where. Many things can be responsible for a chimney leak including:

• A damaged or missing chimney cap
• Cracking in the chimney crown
• Warped flashing
• Spalling bricks
• Internal masonry damage due to a faulty chimney liner

If left unattended, a chimney leak can lead to widespread rot and decay within the chimney structure and the house itself.

2. Damaged chimney masonry

External damage to the bricks and mortar of a chimney is fairly easy to spot: cracks are obvious, bricks are loose, often there are patches of crumbling scattered around on the roof. Various approaches can be used to repair damaged masonry such as:

Tuckpointing: A strong, new compound is added to areas where bricks are missing.

Partial chimney rebuilding: Depending on where the masonry damage is and the extent of it, it may be necessary to rebuild sections of the chimney.

Complete chimney rebuilding: For chimneys with extensive damage that makes them unsafe to use or live around, a total chimney rebuild can restore safety to the home and your family.

Chimney waterproofing: In cases of minor cracking in the mortar, a waterproof sealant can be applied to the chimney to prevent damage caused by incoming water.

3. Efflorescence on exterior chimney bricks

Efflorescence is the white staining sometimes seen on the outside of chimneys. When this is present, it means that moisture is getting into the bricks and pushing out the naturally occurring salt within the bricks, leading to the unsightly stain.

If efflorescence is the only problem you have with your chimney, you’re fortunate. By scheduling a certified chimney inspection to assess the extent of the water-infiltration and then having the reason for the problem repaired, you can save a lot of money on expensive chimney restoration projects down the line.

4. Creosote/obstruction buildup in the flue

Wood-burning fireplaces cause the smoke byproduct creosote to form and build up on the inside of the chimney liner. Creosote is flammable and can easily ignite and start a chimney or house fire. Professional chimney sweeps certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America have the equipment and training to safely and thoroughly remove creosote and soot from your flue. Once-a-year cleaning is recommended.

If your chimney cap is severely damaged – or if you don’t have a cap at all – various debris can get into the flue and cause smoke-draft blockages. This debris includes leaves and twigs from nearby trees and small animals and their nests. One of a chimney sweep’s jobs is cleaning obstructions from your chimney to ensure smooth and efficient drafting of smoke and gasses.

When your chimney needs repair or proper cleaning, High’s Chimney Service of Gaithersburg, MD, is standing by to exceed your expectations. Whether it’s chimney sweep, chimney inspection, chimney repair or chimney rebuilding services, we’re ready to go to work. Call us at (301) 519-3500.

 

The post 4 Interior and Exterior Chimney Problems & How to Solve Them appeared first on Highs Chimney.

Chimneys can be confusing structures when something goes wrong with them. Questions arise such as “Why is this happening?” “Did I cause it?” and “How do I go about getting the problem fixed?”  Before you panic, keep two things in mind:

• Chimneys aren’t that complicated when you understand them
• There are certified professionals whose job it is to understand every feature and function of your chimney

Chimney smoke issues

One of the more common problems with chimneys involves the drafting of smoke. Or the lack thereof. Smoke backing up into the house is no fun for anybody – plus it can be very dangerous as it contains carbon monoxide, an invisible, odorless gas that’s potentially fatal to humans and pets.

Let’s look at some of the reasons for smoke issues with a chimney and what can be done about them.

 

1. Forgot to open the damper: This is an easy one. A closed damper keeps smoke out of the flue.

Solution: Open the damper (and make sure it’s in good shape and will stay open).

2. Damp wood: If you want to create so much smoke it can’t all rise into the chimney, burn damp (unseasoned) wood. The moisture in wet wood produces excess smoke and particulate matter, which is bad for your home and bad for your chimney flue as it causes a faster buildup of flammable creosote.

Solution: Burn only dry (seasoned) logs.

3. Chimney is the wrong height: If your smoke problems have been happening fairly consistently ever since you moved into the home or had a new fireplace installed, it may be that the chimney is too short. An efficient chimney will be 10 feet tall or taller and extend at least two feet beyond the roof. A shorter chimney won’t channel smoke properly.

Solution: Have your chimney modified by an experienced contractor, build a new chimney or install a new zero-clearance fireplace or fireplace insert, both of which come with their own vent pipes.

4. Chimney contains obstructions: Excess creosote buildup as well as tree debris, nests of small animals and the animals themselves when they die inside the chimney all can contribute to drafting problems and smoke backing up into the home.

 

 

Solution: Schedule certified chimney sweep services to safely and efficiently clean out your flue.

5. Flue is too narrow: Inexperienced chimney builders sometimes construct chimneys with flue openings that are too small for the size of the fireplace they’re connected to. It’s obvious why this is a problem – the chimney simply isn’t large enough to manage all the smoke the fireplace produces.

Solution: Arrange for structural modifications by a chimney expert or build a new chimney.

6. Home is too airtight: Newer homes built with economy in mind often are too airtight to allow sufficient air to be pulled into the fireplace during combustion. This can result in inefficient burns and smoke that doesn’t rise correctly into the flue.

Solution: Crack a window – or two.

When assessing problems with your chimney, the first step should always be a chimney inspection performed by a CSIA-certified technician. This individual can figure out exactly what’s happening and recommend the best course of action to remedy the problem. If you’re having trouble with your chimney, Northeastern Chimney of West Hartford, CT, is ready to get to work. We’re on call all year long to keep your chimney and fireplace running safely and at peak performance. Reach us at (860) 233-5770.

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

The safest fireplaces and chimneys are those that receive regular cleaning, repair and maintenance by certified technicians. If this service is neglected, it won’t take long for your chimney to experience a dangerous buildup of creosote and soot. Smoke-drafting obstructions, a common problem if you use your chimney without a chimney cap, also can lead to dangerous operating conditions.

Here are the primary reasons regular chimney sweep services are so important.

First, can you do the job yourself?

Some homeowners think they can clean their own chimneys, but rarely is this the case. Professional chimney sweeps have special tools like rotating brushes, hand brushes, vacuums, scrapers and powerful cleaning solvents that work together to rid your flue of flammable creosote and soot. It’s unlikely the average homeowner has this equipment or the skill and training to use it.

Creosote removal

Creosote is a byproduct of smoke and may appear as a flakey, sticky or solid substance. It’s the cause of the majority of chimney fires in the U.S. each year. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends annual chimney sweeping for chimneys connected to wood-burning appliances, because even less than an inch of this compound is enough to start a potentially fatal chimney fire.

Signs of a chimney fire

Not all chimney fires are obvious. Some are small and extinguish on their own. But even small fires can damage the chimney liner and the interior masonry, which leaves combustible materials of your home vulnerable.

Common signs of a chimney fire include:

• An unusually large amount of smoke pouring from the top of the chimney or flowing into the room
• A ticking or tapping sound
• The sound of rumbling, like a distant train

Removal of obstructions

In addition to removing creosote, chimney sweeps also remove obstructions in the flue caused by an accumulation of leaves, twigs, small-animal nests and the like. These obstructions will make smoke draft improperly and back up into the home, carrying with it deadly carbon monoxide.

You can keep all debris out of your flue by having a quality chimney cap installed. Chimney caps cover the flue opening to prevent water intrusion (and subsequent water damage), and the sides are made of a material that allows smoke to move through them while keeping outside junk outside where it belongs.

What you can do to ensure the safety of your chimney

Where creosote is concerned, the less smoke your fireplace produces, the less creosote buildup you’ll have to deal with. Here’s how to create less smoke:

• Burn only dry (seasoned) wood
• Don’t stack logs tightly together – they need space to gather oxygen
• Ensure sufficient air within the home is getting to the fireplace (crack a window, if necessary)
• Keep your flue clean so smoke can travel up it smoothly
• Make sure your flue opening isn’t too small for the fireplace
• Make sure your chimney is tall enough (minimum 10 feet high and extending at least two feet from the roof)

By you doing your part and letting a certified chimney sweep do his or her part, you can rest easy, knowing your chimney is clean, safe and working at peak performance.

High’s Chimney Service of Gaithersburg, MD, is ready to help with all your chimney cleaning, chimney inspection and chimney repair needs. We’re certified by the CSIA and guarantee workmanship and customer service that’s unmatched in our region. Call (301) 519-3500 today with questions or to schedule an appointment.

 

The post Fireplace Safety: Why Regular Chimney Cleaning Matters appeared first on Highs Chimney.

If you moved into a new home or decided to try the fireplace
that you haven’t used in a few years, it’s best to have it inspected and
cleaned. You shrug your shoulders, and tilt your head wondering, “why?”

Chimney Serves as a Ventilation System

To begin, your fireplace / chimney is an integral part of your home. The fireplace and chimney serve a purpose: ventilation. When you say, “I understand that, but I’m not using it, so it’s not circulating air in my home.” Even if you are not using your fireplace and chimney, your natural gas appliances are.

Furnaces, for instance, rely on your chimney for a breath of
fresh air. It takes by-products like carbon monoxide and carries it to the
outside. If you don’t inspect your
chimney every year, you won’t know if there’s a problem starting and to
what extent the issue has evolved.

Pets You Didn’t Know You Had

Birds, squirrels, raccoons are just some of the guests that frequent chimneys in search of shelter. They are going to build a nice comfortable nest in the chimney made from dirt, leaves, twigs and other flammable debris. Animals will also leave other ‘droppings’ behind that can create an unpleasant odor in the chimney and fireplace.

Musty, Unpleasant Smells in an Unused Fireplace

The musty smell coming from the fireplace can be a sign of a moisture problem in the chimney. If it smells like something has passed on, it probably has. It would be best to refrain from starting a fire or turning on the gas fireplace to “burn off” any debris or scare away any unwanted guests.

Fireplace has Never Been Used

Even if your fireplace has never been used, it still needs to be inspected. Past home owners, the environment and critter guests were/are still active even if your fireplace is not. The freeze thaw cycles of winter take their toll on your chimney the same as our streets which need regular upkeep and attention.

What’s Included in an Inspection?

Superior Chimney performs a 14-point written certified inspection. We’ve talked about it a few times, but it’s always worth mentioning as it’s a great way to know what a certified technician does. The part that our customers enjoy are the photos. You get to see what is happening up top, within the chimney, and the overall condition it’s in. The pictures of the chimney will tell you everything and serve as a basis for our conversation. Once our work is complete, you’ll receive your photos via email for your reference.

Let’s start the Fall season with a clean bill of health. Contact Superior Chimney today for a 14-point inspection by a certified technician. You’ll begin the Fall season burning bright…safely.

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

While it’s good to repair some parts of your home as you save money and get to understand them better, you shouldn’t clean your chimney by yourself. Instead, you should hire chimney cleaning services providers to help you out. Here are eight reasons you should leave chimney cleaning and maintenance to the professionals:

You save time

An average chimney can take a trained cleaning professional with all the right equipment a few hours to clean it. Imagine how long it will take you to clean a unit you are unfamiliar with. To save your precious time, hire a professional who will get the work done professionally.

Chimney cleaning is messy

Chimney cleaning is a dirty job. During the cleaning, large amounts of creosote come down from the chimney, and they can create a big mess if you don’t know how to handle it. Professionals know what to expect and prepare your home beforehand to minimize the mess. They cover the furniture, floor, and other areas of the house.

The professionals also have industrial-grade equipment to clean up the mess in the event it comes about.

Creosote not only messes up your home, breathing it also hurts your lungs. The professionals have all the safety gear that protects them from inhaling the harmful dust.

Climbing the roof is risky

During the chimney cleaning process, you have to get to the roof to clear out nests, twigs, leaves, and other debris that might be stuck there. It’s from the roof where you can identify chimney problems such as missing cap, crown, or any other issue.

If you have gone up the roof, you will agree with me that going up there is risky as you can easily slip and fall. For you to avoid the dangers of going up the roof, hire a chimney sweep with the right equipment and experience.

Most of the contractors are covered by insurance; therefore, when an accident happens, the insurance company covers it.

Professionals do a thorough job

Since they have the right tools for the job, chimney experts are able to diagnose chimney problems and fix them accurately. For example, they are able to tell whether you have first, second, or third-degree creosote in your chimney.

The right cleaning tools also allow the professionals to thoroughly clean the chimney leaving your home free of the risk of fire.

Experts save you from making expensive mistakes

When you decide to clean the chimney by yourself, you can easily leave behind large amounts of creosote. When you continue using the fireplace while dirty, you put the fireplace at the risk of catching fire.

Professionals inspect all areas of the chimney and properly clean it, ensuring that no dangers are lurking behind.

The Gurus give you peace of mind

When you clean the chimney by yourself, you aren’t sure whether you did an excellent job.  When you hire an experienced professional on the other hand, you have peace of mind that the work is done correctly.  As a result, you don’t have to worry about fire coming about in the middle of the night.

You protect your roof warranty

Most roofing manufacturers and installers offer warranties to cover their roofs and workmanship, but you can void the warranty if you work on top of the roof. When cleaning or repairing the chimney, most of the companies are sensitive to who handles the repairs and cleaning.

They will automatically void the warranty if an inexperienced or uncertified contractor does the work. To protect your warranty, hire an experienced and insured contractor. The trained professionals will handle the project safely without damaging the shingles or any other parts of the roof.

You meet your homeowner’s insurance policy requirements

Many homeowner insurance policies require that you undertake annual inspection and cleaning of your fireplace. Your insurance company will deny your claim if you don’t provide proof that you have met the requirements.

When you hire chimney contractors Bowie, they give you a receipt once they have completed their work. This serves as proof that you have done your part and experts did the job. Your insurance company can even check with the contractors to confirm that they have been cleaning and maintaining your chimney.

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

It’s still very hot outside as summer refuses to die. With record highs every day and your AC running, you’re not thinking about your chimney and fireplace. It’s just sitting there, going unused, not bothering anybody…

Now’s the time to use this quick checklist and get your chimney ready for burn season.

Summertime is an important time for the maintenance and upkeep on your chimney and fireplace, as keeping them clean and protected now will lead to a successful heating experience in the fall and winter.

Here’s your checklist of things to do with your chimney during these dog days of summer:

• Clean the hearth
  This one may seem like a no-brainer, but a lot of people forget to clean out the ash, sweep, and dust their hearth. You’re going to want to wear gloves and old clothes because this job gets dirty! Scoop out the ashes with an ash shovel. Use a small broom and dustpan to sweep out the rest. Next, you’re going to want to use your favorite gentle cleaner and scrubber to get the creosote up and give everything a final wipe off and vacuum.
• Close the damper tight
  A lot of people who have fireplaces forget to close their dampers. This means there is essentially a hole in your house letting cool air out! Be sure to close the damper tight after you’re done using your fireplace for the season.
• Turn off pilot light (gas)
  If you’re using a gas fireplace, you should know if you have a standing pilot light and make sure it’s out for the summer.
• Replace the decorations!
  If that fireplace was just sitting there going unused, you may have used that space to decorate. Move the plants from around the hearth and get ready for your chimney to host stockings and nutcrackers instead.
  
• Call Southern Chimneys to remove creosote
  Before giving those hands and knees too much of a workout, you honestly probably won’t be able to get all that creosote out that’s been storing up all winter. Even if you do, you certainly won’t be able to get aaaall up in it. That’s when you need to give a professional chimney service like Southern Chimneys a call.
• Call Southern Chimneys to check or install a chimney cap
  It’s always a very wet summer in the southeast. Chimney caps keep out things like moisture and animals that can wind up in your chimney at summertime.

Consider making end-of-summer the time for your yearly chimney inspection!

It’s always smart to get a jump on things and schedule your chimney and fireplace work and inspections long before the weather cools down. Now’s the time to clean up, decorate, and get things inspected so you can enjoy your living room, clean and safe, all year long.

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

Homeowners often spend the spring season completing maintenance and cleaning. However, if you didn’t include your chimney in your spring cleaning, it needs to be done before fall. Your chimney has been working for you, now you can return the favor by hiring a certified professional for the job. Don’t settle for an amateur. Schedule chimney services with a certified chimney sweep now, and your system will be ready for fires again this fall.

Hiring the Best

The chimney industry has been largely under-regulated for many years, but that doesn’t mean you have to hire just anyone for the job. When you’re looking to hire an expert who will come into your home and complete a service, it’s best to look only for professionals who have undergone training and testing that identifies them as exceptional. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) has an extensive process that involves classroom or online education, in-person testing over federal standards and fire safety, recertification every three years, a stringent Code of ethics, and an impressive network of professionals. When you’re looking for the best, look no further than CSIA certified chimney sweeps.

Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep

At Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep our sweeps are CSIA certified. That means we pledge to put safety first. We strive to offer honest services at a fair price. We comply with all applicable building codes and are familiar with all the municipal codes in the communities we serve. We educate consumers about safe chimney and venting practices. Our sweeps continue education in order to stay on top of the ever-changing industry and technologies. These things and more are included in the CSIA code of ethics, which if found in violation, can lead to revocation of membership.

30 Years of Experience Serving New England

For over 30 years, Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep has been servicing chimneys in New England. We provide the highest level of customer service and care to our customers in Boston, North Shore, and Scarborough. If you reside in the area and are looking to schedule chimney services, don’t settle for less than the best. Our record speaks for itself, but our customers speak up as well with online reviews and continued service. We are proud to serve our communities year after year, and we feel our community involvement helps make us the best providers in the area.

Scheduling Now Before Fall

If you schedule now, you can have your chimney sweep completed before fall. When you’re looking for a chimney professional, look no further than a Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep. We offer chimney sweeps and inspections year-round, but especially necessary in the fall. If you schedule your inspection or sweep now, there is still time to make necessary repairs before fall. If you wait, you may find yourself in the cold, unable to light a fire when temperatures drop.

Call Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep to schedule your chimney services now. Dial 617-469-4528 or schedule online.

The post Hire a Safe Sweep This Fall appeared first on Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep.

The weather here in the Washington DC metro area can change quickly. Mild autumn temperatures can turn bitterly cold overnight and then back to normal. During the winter, the temperature often rises above freezing. These big temperature shifts are hard on your home’s chimney. The freezing and thawing cycle they cause can weaken its structural integrity. There are steps that you can take to prevent your chimney from being damaged by the wear-and-tear of our winter weather.

Why Freezing and Thawing Damages Chimneys

Bricks and mortar are naturally porous. They absorb moisture—from rain and melting snow—much like a sponge. When temperatures dip below freezing, the water that’s seeped into the masonry expands as it freezes. When the temperatures rise, the masonry contracts as the water thaws. This process of expanding and contracting weakens the bricks and mortar causing it to crack, splinter or break. If failing bricks aren’t replaced and broke mortar isn’t repaired, your chimney can begin to tilt or lean. It could, eventually, collapse if too much of the masonry is weak and damaged.

How to Prevent Weather Damage

There are three ways that you can prevent your chimney from being damaged by the freezing and thawing cycle.

1. Invest in a Chimney Cap

A chimney cap is an affordable investment in your chimney that you’ll benefit from for years. The primary purpose of a chimney cap is to prevent rain, sleet, and snow from falling down the chimney. It acts like an umbrella, covering the chimney’s opening. It prevents water from running down the chimney and seeping into the masonry from the inside. An added benefit is that it has metal mesh around the sides. The mesh barrier prevents stray sparks from landing on the chimney and animals from flying in or making a nest inside.  

2. Have the Masonry Waterproofed

Treating the exterior of the chimney with a waterproofing sealant prevents water from seeping into the masonry from the outside. It’s important to choose a waterproofing sealant that’s designed for chimneys. It should be 100% vapor permeable so that condensation produced by the fire can pass through the masonry instead of accumulating inside the chimney.

3. Schedule Annual Chimney Inspections

The National Fire Protection Association recommends a professional inspection of the chimney every year to prevent a house fire and carbon monoxide exposure. Another benefit of a chimney inspection is that a certified chimney technician will look for signs of water intrusion and water damage. During their inspection, they will notice cracked bricks or broken mortar that have been damaged by the freeze-thaw cycle. They will determine how the water go in. After the inspection, they will recommend the best solution to repair the damage and prevent future water damage. The sooner water damage is discovered, and future damage is prevented, the more money you will save.

Repairing a crumbling chimney is expensive. You can avoid that cost by taking these steps to protect your chimney from our erratic weather. The CSIA- and CCP-certified chimney technicians on our team are experts at chimney maintenance and repair. We are trusted by residents throughout Washington, DC, Virginia, and Maryland.

The post Effects Temperature Changes Can Have On Your chimney appeared first on Highs Chimney.

The national fire protection association recommends that you hire a chimney sweep at least once a year to inspect and clean the fireplace. While this is the case, you don’t have to wait for a whole year to do it. Hire a professional if you notice an issue with your fireplace. The instances when you should hire the expert include:

When there are animals and birds in your chimney

If there are flapping, fluttering, squeaking, scratching, or scurrying noises inside the walls of your chimney, you might be hosting animals in your unit.

Birds are the most common to find in the chimney especially if you have gone for a long time without cleaning it. Birds nest in the chimney as it’s warmer. Chimneys also provide protection from predators.

Chimney swifts, the most common birds in fireplaces, build nests inside the flue liners. Other birds nest on top of the damper. Regardless of the type of birds in your fireplace, their nests limit the flow of gases which can lead to chimney fires.

The limited flow of gases also puts you and your family at the risk of intoxication.

To get rid of the birds, contact the animal prevention department in your area. After removing the birds, the chimney contractor should then install a chimney cap or cover to prevent other birds from getting in.

When creosote has buildup in the chimney

Creosote is what remains after the wood has burned. It looks like harmless grease but when you allow it to accumulate over several months, it can be a serious fire hazard. There are three stages of creosote buildup:

1^st degree: It forms when you have relatively good burning wood or high gas temperatures in the flue. Since the creosote deposition isn’t extensive, you can easily remove it using a chimney brush. If you have the skills you can remove it by yourself, but for peace of mind, have it removed by an expert.

2^nd Degree: This one looks like shiny black flakes and it’s often larger than the soot in the first degree. Since it’s thicker and harder to scrub, it’s always recommended that you hire a professional to help you get rid of it.

3^rd Degree: This is full-blown creosote accumulation. It results when your chimney isn’t allowing complete combustion. Creosote at this stage resembles tar coating. Since the creosote is extremely concentrated and hard to remove, don’t try to remove it by yourself as you won’t remove it as well as you should.

Hire an experienced expert who has handled similar creosote problems in the past.

When your chimney is smoking

It’s normal for the chimney to smoke, but the smoke shouldn’t get back into the house; therefore, if your chimney is returning smoke into the house, you have a problem that should be addressed by a chimney expert.

Smoke can return into the house due to many reasons:

Chimney blockage: If your chimney has blocked due to bird’s nests, creosote build-up, or debris and twigs, hire a certified chimney cleaning services provider to inspect the chimney and safely get rid of the blockage.

For you to avoid dangerous smoke buildup and prevent chimney fires, make a habit of undertaking annual chimney cleanups.

Poorly designed chimney: When you hire an inexperienced chimney contractor, he/she is bound to improperly design the chimney. The chimney will have smoking problems if it’s too short. An experienced chimney expert will be able to tell when the chimney is poorly designed and come up with a way of fixing it.

Experienced chimney contractors can make modifications to the chimney. If the damage is extensive, they may simply have to bring down the chimney.

Burning the wrong wood: Finally, your chimney will smoke if you are burning wet, unseasoned wood. In addition to the wood producing a lot of smoke, it’s also frustrating to light.

Verdict

For you to reduce the amount of smoke produced by the wood, only burn seasoned hardwood. The wood should have airdried for at least six months. In addition to the wood reducing the amount of smoke in your chimney, it also reduces the amount of creosote that forms in the chimney. It has also been shown to reduce the need for chimney repair Annapolis.

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