Chimney liners are an investment. No doubt. And most homeowners are willing to forego using their fireplace so they don’t need to pay for a new chimney liner. It’s a bit more complicated than that. Let’s talk about what a chimney liner is, how to know if you need one and what are some of the necessary benefits that a proper chimney liner offers. Ready?

What is a Chimney Liner?

A chimney liner is your firewall.  The chimney liner goes inside of the chimney flue which is the passageway from your fireplace to the outside. The chimney liner allows the smoke and other gasses to travel safely through the chimney and release to the outside. The chimney liner also protects the walls of the chimney and other parts of the chimney.

How Do I Know if I Need a New Chimney Liner?

One of the basic ways to know if you need a chimney liner is if you don’t have one! Amazingly, many of the old homes in the Chicago and Chicagoland area did not come built with a chimney liner like the new homes do today. The unlined chimney’s break down the mortar causing the mortar and brick pieces to fall into the firebox. If you see pieces of brick and/or mortar, then you definitely need to call Superior Chimney professionals to inspect what is going on.

In addition, an unlined chimney can release carbon monoxide into the home causing harm to you and your family’s health. As we discussed in the previous paragraph, missing mortar can be dangerous. If the mortar is missing and continues to deteriorate, the fire can quickly spread to your home.

Let’s also remember that appliances in your home also uses a chimney flue to allow gasses to escape. This critical path allows the gasses to be removed from your home safely. If not, you can expect your carbon monoxide alarm to sound and people in your home to not feel so good.

Are there Benefits to a Chimney Liner?

There are numerous benefits that a chimney liner provides to your home.

• Embers – A chimney liner prevents hot embers from entering open spots in the masonry and combusting. In other words, starting a fire.
• Carbon Monoxide – As we discussed above, the smoke & carbon monoxide is pulled from your fireplace, travels up through the firewall/liner and out of the home.
• Fireplace Can Get too Hot! – You would never think a fireplace can get too hot. It can. The chimney liner works to draft properly and keep the heat under control, otherwise it can overheat causing other serious issues.
• Chemicals – Chimney liners prevent chemicals/byproducts that are generated from the fire in the fireplace from absorbing into the masonry chimney construction –This keeps your fire from harming you and your family.

Chimney Inspection

As part of your 14-point chimney inspection by Superior Chimney, your chimney liner will be fully inspected by a certified technician. Every aspect of the firebox, the chimney flue to the exterior of the chimney is fully checked for any issues that can cause your home any harm. Because it’s either tight or difficult to reach / see, we take plenty of pictures to show you what is going on in and around your chimney. We believe that understanding what it means to have a healthy chimney, helps to keep your home safe and secure. Contact us today at 877-244-6349

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

As bad rains continue throughout the Chicagoland area, we are always wondering what is going to flood next. We think about our basement (if you have one) and what may be affected by the seeping water. We constantly check that and other points in our home that we can readily see. But what about the parts that are not visible from the ground? Like the chimney. We may be able to see the bricks from the ground, meaning the four sides of the chimney. But what about the top of the chimney or what sits on top of the bricks? Let’s talk about each one of those and what can go on without you knowing it.

What is a Chimney Crown?

A chimney crown is the slab of concrete that sits on top of the bricks or stone. It can take on various shapes such as a flat rectangle or even an angled slope that can average many inches. The use of the chimney crown is to cover the chimney and protect the bricks or stone from the weather elements. It also works to divert water away from the chimney. With this big job of being constantly battered by the weather elements and debris hitting it, it does face issues of its own.

Chimney crowns are generally made of concrete. Some can be crafted from metal or stone. All of these materials can and do deteriorate over time. Concrete is a porous material, and over time, cracks will form. These cracks start small like hairline cracks and grow in size. The bigger the size crack, the more water or bugs can enter. But don’t be fooled. Hairline cracks can let water in as well causing as much trouble in the house as bigger cracks. They are just easier to find on the chimney crown.

The best remedy for a chimney crown to maintain its effectiveness is to use a crown coat by Superior Chimney. The crown coat seals the cement including any cracks in the chimney crown to slow down further deterioration. Now you really don’t need to think about the chimney crown if you have this sealed and waterproofed. One thing off the worry list.

Chimney Cap

We’ve discussed plenty about chimney caps. However, why do so many homes still not have a chimney cap. This simple steel structure sits on top of the chimney crown protecting from the entry of debris, weather and animals looking for shelter. Some are simple in design; some are more ornate in nature.

Chimney caps can be made from galvanized steel, aluminum, stainless steel, and even copper. But remember, copper doesn’t always remain with the original copper look. It changes color from the outside elements.

Chimney caps are a necessity for the chimney top. First, it must be tightly secured to the chimney. Standing up there with the wind, rain and branches sometimes brushing up against it, it must stay in place all the time. What happens if it does not? Yes, it can fall off, animals can then crawl in, debris will get in and rain / snow will be able to enter as well. As all are important to keep out, damage is done by all of those who enter.

Chimney Inspection Solves All the Problems

It’s best to get a chimney inspection by Superior Chimney as everything is checked to ensure nothing comes in to your home. Our 14 point inspection of the inside and outside of the chimney will ensure everything is safe and in working order. Contact us today at 877-244-6349

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

We are coming to an end of summer. This is when our weather begins to change and our focus turns to a nice fire in the fireplace. Did you know that most tuckpointing repairs are done during warm weather? Meaning spring, summer and fall. This is important as the mortar needs to fully dry and winter or cold weather isn’t supportive of drying mortar during a chimney repair.

Why is this a Good Picture of Tuckpointing Bricks on the Chimney?

When you take a look at the picture, you can visibly see solid bricks with mortar and no spaces or gaps in between. This means that bugs, water, snow or anything else small cannot get in between the bricks and help the deterioration process go faster. Sometimes when we want to do this ourselves, the result isn’t nearly as pretty as when professionally done. Many individuals look at this picture and says, “yes, I can do this!” But when you do try it…and you only get one try…it doesn’t come out as nice.

Professional chimney repair specialists make the job look easy. That’s because they are trained and experienced in doing this many many times which makes them like an artist. Only a specialist can mix mortar to a perfect consistency, place it between two bricks and make it look like this! It is a talent, so just use a professional from Superior Chimney. Remember, bricks are heavy. Bricks (or even stone) are placed one on top of the other with mortar mixture creating a suction bond in between them.

Let’s Talk Tuckpointing and Bricks

There’s a good reason why masonry is an art. You’ve got to know your bricks, mortar and the tools used to make the art of brick and mortar come alive.

• Mortar at the local hardware store is a more modern, heavier mortar. That’s because the bricks that are produced today are much harder thus needing a more modern mortar. If you have an older home, the bricks are much lighter. A do it yourself project can damage your old bricks and cause them to crack making additional repairs and cost of brick replacement and possibly water leaks.
• It is also critical that before the mortar repair project begins on your chimney, that the situation be fully checked to ensure the problem will be solved. Is there other loose mortar? Are there potential leaks anywhere else on the chimney? Are any of the bricks chipping, spalling, pieces falling off? These are key areas that need to be addressed prior to the repair starting.

Chimney Saver

One way to keep this good look of tuckpointing bricks on the chimney is by waterproofing it. Superior Chimney uses Chimney Saver, a waterproofing agent that seeps deep into the porous brick and mortar. This keeps the weather elements out and protects the home. The Chimney Saver solution works for a period of 8 to 10 years. What you are seeing in this picture is the result of the first 8 years. A new application has been placed on the brick and mortar again to maintain the good work of Superior Chimney from 8 years prior.

Contact us today at 877-244-6349 to get tuckpointing bricks on the chimney done on your home.

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

When you take a look at this picture, you can clearly see that mortar fell out from in between the bricks and additional cracks and loose mortar are next to the empty spot. This is an open invitation for water to continue to break down the mortar and water to make its way into the home. But it is such a small area. Can it really do that much damage? Let’s take a closer look.

Here are the Top 3 Ways Leaks Start in the Chimney

1. Water that flows in from the top of the chimney. Meaning there is no chimney cap or the chimney cap is damaged in some way that allows the water to enter into the chimney.
2. Damaged or Missing seals of the Roof Flashing. Flashing can be very tricky. If there’s one little spot open, water will find its way in. Once it finds the weak spot, it quickly begins to erode away at it until it makes it way into the home.
3. Cracks in the bricks and Mortar. That’s our picture for today. Not only are there cracks but also missing mortar.

Flowing from the Top

You may think it’s unbelievable that a chimney doesn’t have a chimney cap, but you would be surprised how many are out there constantly exposed to the elements of the weather. The chimney cap serves a very important task of keeping water, snow, debris and animals out of the chimney. Some homeowners may think that the hole is too small and the small animals can’t make their way to the top. But they can and do. This is why a chimney cap is an important part of protecting your home.

The chimney cap covers the open hole where gases and smoke from the woodburning fireplace and gas fireplace escapes. It’s protecting it from rain, snow, leaves and animals from coming in. Rain and snow can damage the chimney from top to bottom. The leaves can get set on fire and cause a fire in your home. Animals…well do you want a burning animal in your home? Me neither.

Damage or Missing Seals from the Flashing

This is a tricky one. Flashing is placed where the roof meets the chimney. Because this is a place where water can settle and make its way into the home, flashing acts as a barrier. One of the primary weak spots with flashing is the breakdown of the seals. Once the seals dry up and begin to crack and flake, water can make its way into your home. Inspection each year during your fireplace service is key to keeping the elements where they belong…outside.

Cracks in the Bricks and Mortar

Cracks in the bricks and mortar is a perfect way for leaks to start in the chimney. The small hairline cracks can’t be seen from the ground as they can be small or very thin. This makes it difficult for homeowners to keep on top of repairs, which is why having a certified chimney inspection done can save you from unnecessary repairs on the inside ceiling, walls, wood and more. By ensuring holes or cracks are regularly inspected and repaired, you will have significantly reduced the amount of issues that can plague your home.

Call 877-244-6349 for a chimney inspection along with a fireplace inspection today!

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

As much as the chimney is a highly functional unit that keeps the house warm and increases its value, many homeowners make plenty of cleaning mistakes that put their homes and families at significant risk. What are these mistakes? Here they are:

Using chimney logs to avoid chimney sweeping

Chimney sweeping logs can help lessen creosote buildup but can’t eliminate it. In fact, they may cause large “sheets” of creosote to come loose and land on your smoke shelf, where they may pile up and start a chimney fire.

This means that the notion that you can replace chimney sweeping with chimney logs won’t work.

If you are keen, you should note that creosote-destroying logs or chemical instructions make it clear that they should not be used in place of expert chimney cleaning services. So you should still sweep your chimney.

Additionally, you should never use a chimney sweeping log in a wood-burning stove since this could harm the appliance permanently.

Failing to clean the chimney because you are burning hardwood

Some homeowners have this argument because they assume that seasoned hardwoods don’t release creosote since they burn cleaner than softwoods. This is a myth that is widely held. Its foundation is the observation that seasoned hardwoods emit fewer smoke and creosote particles than softwoods.

Burning seasoned hardwoods will result in less creosote in your chimney than burning unseasoned or softwoods, but you still need to sweep your chimney.

Remember that a lethal chimney fire can be caused by creosote buildup as little as 1/8 of an inch.

Creosote deposits are always left behind by fires, regardless of the type of wood fuel you use. This means you need regular chimney cleaning, irrespective of the wood you burn. In the absence of this, layer upon layer of creosote may potentially clog the chimney flue.

A large amount of creosote buildup increases the risk of chimney fires. In addition, there might be an obstruction, which means harmful gases cannot escape outside the house.

This obstruction in the chimney poses a risk to the people living there. Burning wood releases various chemicals, including deadly carbon monoxide fumes, which can harm your family.

Hiring any cleaning contractor

The industry for chimney sweepers is unregulated. Knowing this, con artists prey on homeowners who want to reduce their maintenance expenses.

While saving costs is wise, doing so at the expense of something as crucial as chimney safety may be risky.

The right way to do it is to hire a chimney sweep only after conducting research. Before you hire a contractor, contact three or more clients that have worked with the contractor. You should ask them about their experience and whether they do well.

You also should ask as many questions as possible from the contactor. During the questioning, you will tell whether the contractor is experienced. As a rule of thumb, you should hire the most experienced. While they might be a little expensive, they will be worth it.

Hiring the right professional will prevent you from wasting money on unneeded repairs and cleaning services for your chimney and services from unqualified personnel.

During your research, look for signs of community longevity, authentic customer testimonials, and certification from the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA).

Cleaning the chimney at the wrong time

It’s possible that you already know how important it is to have a certified chimney sweep clean your chimney, but you may have chosen the wrong time to do it.

The truth is that most homeowners put off hiring chimney sweepers until the onset of cold weather. Because of the popularity of this idea, scheduling for certified chimney sweeps gets extremely tight, and services are more expensive.

The best time to clean your chimney is in spring when you are done using it. Soot possesses corrosive qualities; any corrosive materials will eat away at your chimney. When it gets humid in the summer, the chimney will smell bad, and you might have to put off getting a complete cleaning until you need it. This often leads to problems later down the line.

You won’t have to wait as long for an appointment in the spring because it’s less crowded, and if an issue is found during the inspection, you have plenty of time to address it.

Every year, or ideally in the spring, you should clean the pellet systems because residual pellets might expand and explode due to summer humidity, limiting the appliance’s lifespan. Professional service and repair are necessary for all pellet makers at least once a year.

Cleaning the chimney by yourself

To save money, some homeowners have the impression that all they need is a sweep brush and they will sweep the chimney by themselves. To begin with, climbing onto a roof and working from that height is perilous for anyone who is not experienced enough.

In addition, there are three types of creosote, and an average homeowner using a basic chimney sweep brush may not be able to remove all of the buildup. As you can tell, this puts the chimney at risk of catching fire.

The only layers that a chimney brush can remove are the simple ones. The other two are much harder to remove and call for specialized tools, usually only owned by chimney contractors Columbia MD.

This means that if you don’t want to put your chimney at risk of catching fire or putting yourself at risk of falling and getting hurt or breaking your bones, you should hire a professional to help with the cleaning.

As mentioned above, ensure that the cleaning professional you hire is experienced and knows what they are doing. The last thing you want is to hire a professional who causes more problems than were there.

The post Chimney Cleaning Mistakes That You Don’t Want to Make first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

When you hire chimney contractors, you expect them to do a good job. Well, this is not always the case. Sometimes, they do a horrendous job that you have to redo. As you can guess, you have to spend more money on it.

To help you out, here are signs that your contractors didn’t do a good job, and how to hire the right professional for the task:

Signs of poor chimney workmanship

• For water to effectively shed off chimney crowns—the top part made of concrete, stone, or mortar— the part should be properly built to slope. When you hire the wrong contractors, they don’t do this right, and the area does not slope from the center to the edge. This means the water doesn’t drain as well as you would want.
• Inadequate caulking of the chimney’s sides or flashing where it meets the outer wall
• The chimney being rebuilt or replaced with the incorrect kind of brick, and the brick or stone being improperly patched, stained, or both.
• Mortar splattered on the brick, mortar joints failing to match the existing color and finish, and/or clear indications that the wrong mortar was used during the repointing.
• The chimney rain cap is too small or not firmly fastened.
• In the mortar joints and/or masonry units (brick, stone, block), including stucco, are minute fractures that can be seen.
• Paint peeling and scaling and failing to adhere effectively.
• The chimney appears unfinished and unclean due to inadequate cleaning.
• The chimney is adequately sealed or covered with a high-quality commercial water repellant.
• When a fracture in a mortar joint is sealed with clear silicone, the result is a terrible aesthetic and an almost instantaneous failure.

Due to the problems that can arise from hiring the wrong contractor, it is not a good idea to take the chimney repair job lightly. If chimneys are not correctly fixed, they may eventually leak, cause internal water damage, and possibly even cause structural damage to the house or roof.

Understanding chimney repairs

Since most homes have a chimney, chimney repair work is extremely common. The good thing is that most chimneys are still constructed using masonry; the most popular materials for chimney construction are brick, stone, or stucco.

While some repair contractors concentrate exclusively on outside chimney repairs, others clean or “sweep” the internal firebox, replace the chimney’s lining with more modern metal or traditional clay tile flues, and/or do interior firebox maintenance.

The owner has the option of choosing which chimney repair firm to work with, but generally speaking, the organizations that offer a one-stop shop have limited expertise when it comes to masonry repairs on the exterior of the chimney.

It’s easy to understand why. The highly competent masonry repair professionals in their industries are the best talent these “Do it all” chimney companies cannot attract with greater salaries and perks to remain competitive.

They are thus forced to “Do it All” with the help of less experienced personnel.

A “Do it All” technician (a handyman with limited masonry experience) will notice the difference in craftsmanship between a chimney completed by an expert and one done by a layperson. The quality and longevity of masonry and chimney repairs can vary greatly.

How do you hire the right contractor for your project?

For you to get the results in your project you should only hire highly experienced contractors. While the cost difference may reach up to 50%, the repair work will save you significant money over time since there won’t be any need for rework anytime soon. It will look fantastic for many years.

You should look for a reputable contractor or specialist in masonry and chimney restoration. A reputable provider will offer a prompt and equitable quote and a full craftsmanship warranty lasting at least two to three years.

Occasionally, a contractor of this kind will even promise that there won’t be any leaks during the warranty period—unless there’s a natural or artificial disaster, like a tree falling on the chimney, etc.

This skilled masonry contractor will be able to deliver a finished result that will prevent your chimney from leaking for years. They will also know how to make long-lasting upgrades and repairs to your chimney and that water is terrible for masonry.

Compared to the “Do It All” kind, they will provide superior protection against the weather for your chimney and valuable belongings.

Hiring a chimney sweep service is fine if you want your flues or chimney liner cleaned, but don’t be penny-wise and pound-foolish when it comes to the brick structure of your cherished home’s outside chimney.

Where can you locate the specialists in chimney repairs and masonry restoration? By checking with the Better Business Bureau, look for A+ accredited masonry restoration or repair firms. Next, look up A-rated businesses on Angie’s List by cross-referencing it, visiting Google+ pages, etc.

Finding out who is a current member of trade associations like IREM (International Real Estate Management), IFMA (International Facilities Management Association), and/or BOMA (Building Owners and Managers Association) could be beneficial.

A contractor member of a professional body will most likely provide a better service as they are concerned about losing their accreditation.

Parting shot

As you have read, it’s paramount that you know the chimney repair Columbia MD that you hire. As a rule of thumb, take your time to research and find a reputable one that will give you the great experience that you are after.

As mentioned, only work with a reputable contractor, preferably one accredited by a professional body. This way, you will be sure they will give you a great experience as they will be cautious about losing their accreditation if they provide poor artistry.

The post Signs of Non-Professional Chimney Repair first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

You may have heard from friends or family about keeping your fireplace open during the summer, so long as you have a chimney cap to keep the debris and animals out. Keeping the fireplace open all summer is known as “airing out” the fireplace. It makes sense, keep the stale air out and let fresh air in. Is it possible to air out the fireplace with only a chimney cap in place? 

What’s Left Over from the Winter

Inside the firebox and flue, there is most likely stale air and creosote buildup, especially if it’s a woodburning fireplace. Creosote is a natural residue left over from the combustion process. The creosote leaves a chemical smell inside your chimney, and should be cleaned regularly, as it’s highly flammable. There may also be ashes, small cracks, and small leaks inside the chimney. You need to get your chimney swept and inspected by a certified professional to prevent any further damages moving forward.

Why You Need a Chimney Cap in the Summer

During the summer months, while your chimney is not in use, it is especially important to have a chimney cap!

• Prevents Moisture Build-up: Without a chimney cap, rainwater can easily enter your chimney and cause moisture build-up. This can lead to mold growth, foul odors, and even structural damage to your chimney.

• Blocks Nesting Animals: Many animals seek shelter in chimneys during the warmer months to nest and raise their young. A chimney cap will prevent these animals from entering your chimney and cause a fire hazard.
• Avoids Debris Accumulation: Even in the summer, leaves, twigs, and other debris can still find their way into your chimney if it is left uncovered. A chimney cap will block these materials from entering and causing a blockage.

Can You Air Out Your Chimney?

Unfortunately, it’s not recommended to keep your chimney open. All summer long, you’ll be letting the damp, summer air in from the outside. Mold and mildew will naturally form in the flue. You’ll quickly need to clean the inside of the flue again before using it in the winter! That’s two times you’d get your chimney swept, once before the summer and once after. Even with a chimney cap to prevent animals from settling inside, and keeping most of the rain water out, a certified chimney professional highly advises that you close the damper when not in use. 

What About Gas Fireplaces?

If you have a gas fireplace, there’s an extra step you must do before closing your damper during summer months. The gas and pilot light must be shut off. This prevents the burner from getting clogged and making sure there’s no flammable gasses floating around your home. If you are not sure how to close the gas and pilot light, Superior Chimney professionals can help.

Need Help Closing up Your Fireplace? Superior Chimney professionals are happy to help you with closing up your gas or masonry fireplaces. We provide services all throughout the Chicagoland area. A certified chimney professional will ensure your chimney cap is well fitted and in place for the summer, so no bugs, animals or rain can get in. Call us today to set up an appointment at 877-244-6349.

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

Let’s face it, chimney tuckpointing isn’t at the top of your mind this summer. Spring cleaning is over, it’s time for a vacation. Maybe spending time at Lake Michigan or the pool took over your to-do list! But, have you noticed some familiar critters falling from the trees (and into your pool…) all over the Chicagoland area? Big cicadas made their way out this spring, and created plenty of mischief like crawling into the loose chimney cap and cracks in the mortar. However, there are a variety of bugs and critters that crawl through your chimney’s cap and cracks, especially if you haven’t gotten the chimney tuckpointing or the chimney cap checked recently. 

How Do Bugs Get In?

Bugs are small and sneaky. They can crawl into your home through any unsealed crack. A chimney that hasn’t been repaired is at high risk for bugs (even weather elements) to find a cozy home inside a chimney crack. Especially spiders, stink bugs, and ants. Sometimes, you can’t even see the cracks without squinting for a closer look. A thorough inspection by a certified chimney expert at Superior Chimney can help you identify underlying mortar problems that are not readily visible.

How Does Tuckpointing Work?

Notice any holes in the outside of your chimney? Maybe some bricks are flaking or falling apart, or chunks of masonry missing from the chimney? These are common signs that your chimney needs repair. A certified chimney professional will grind down any existing compromised mortar between the bricks and replace it with new mortar that blends with the rest of your mortar and home. Chimney tuckpointing doesn’t need to happen every year, you just need to get your chimney checked for damages once a year from the winter freeze thaw cycles. That’s because the weather in Chicago is brutal between the rain, wind, snow, and changes in temperatures. Damages caused by weather, bugs or critters that are left unfixed can take a toll on the chimney, costing you lots of unnecessary money in repairs. Preventative checks are always the best and more cost-effective way to go.

When to Invest in Chimney Tuckpointing

Like we said before, if you notice any visible cracking, it’s time to call a certified chimney professional. But when you should invest in chimney tuckpointing is based on a few more factors. 

• Age of your home: if you have an older home, your chimney may be more susceptible to mortar deterioration. Natural wear and tear occurs over time, so it’s important to keep up to date on any chimney repairs.
• Environmental damage: The Chicagoland area has experienced some significant weather changes over the past few months. Rain, humidity, snow, wind and freezing temperatures take a toll on the chimney’s brick and mortar structure.
• A Proactive Approach: Regular inspections and timely chimney tuckpointing help to avoid any unexpected costs in the future. It also reduces the risk of damage to your home, and stops any unwanted bugs from entering through the cracks.

Catch Them Early!

Don’t let those nasty summer bugs live inside the cracks of your chimney. Call Superior Chimney for a chimney inspection today. A professional will decide to what extent your chimney needs tuckpointing repair, and get the job done right. Call us today for an inspection at 877-244-6349. 

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

“Is it safe to use my chimney?” is a common question many homeowners ask themselves. Regretfully, not all the information about the topic is correct.

You should note that the safety of your chimney is dependent on numerous factors, some of which are under your control and others of which are not.

Thankfully, there are several measures you can take to ensure your chimney is as secure as possible by being aware of the apparent warning flags. These signs include:

Animal nests and debris buildup

Squirrels, bats, and birds are just a few creatures that could live in your chimney. Chimney inspection professionals advise that using your chimney is dangerous if you witness animals emerging from it or hear strange noises like squeaking, shrieking, or cheeping.

Smoke can find it difficult to escape due to obstructions and buildups. Additionally, they may contain diseases that you and your family could contract.

In addition, any debris—such as sticks or leaves—inside your chimney may indicate an obstruction that could become harmful if you try to start a fire.

Have your chimney inspected by a competent provider before using it. Before using your fireplace, ensure everything is safe; cleaning it yourself could be risky.

Smoke draw issues

A draft produced by the rising hot air in a chimney at optimal working conditions draws smoke up and out of the hearth. This draft may be disrupted by obstructions or other problems, which cause the smoke to start re-entering your house.

This lessens the appropriate airflow that keeps your fireplace burning correctly.

In addition, harmful chemicals from combustion and smoke, such as carbon monoxide, might seep into your house. Because CO poisoning is a severe health risk that can be fatal, it’s critical to recognize the signs and leave your home as soon as possible.

Some of the signs you should look out for include:

• Headaches
• Neasa
• Weariness
• Bewilderment
• Irritation

If you encounter these symptoms, immediately leave your home and dial 911.

To ensure that your family is always safe, consider installing carbon monoxide detectors that will let you know when the levels of carbon monoxide are too high.

Broken or blocked chimney flue

According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), a clogged flue is one of the main causes of chimney fires. Possible obstruction causes include creosote accumulation, fallen leaves, and bird nests.

You should note that your flue will not draft correctly if it is entirely or partially obstructed.

When hazardous gasses accumulate inside your home due to a broken or obstructed chimney flue, you and your family risk carbon monoxide poisoning.

To help you out, the following are some indicators that your chimney flue may require repair:

• Your chimney has a fire, but the smoke isn’t rising.
• Your fireplace’s draft isn’t as forceful as it once was.
• There are gaps in your chimney mortar through which light can enter.
• Your chimney’s inside has a buildup of soot or creosote.

If you observe any of these symptoms, you should get your chimney inspected by a professional as soon as possible.

The beauty is that expert chimney sweepers have the necessary training, equipment, and supplies to ensure that your fireplace and chimney are in good operating order.

They will assess whether the chimney has to be replaced or if they can resolve the issue.

You have soot and creosote buildup.

Inspecting your chimney for soot and creosote accumulation is imperative to ascertain its safety. Soot is the black powder left over after burning wood.

When wood doesn’t burn all the way through, creosote, which resembles black or brown tar, accumulates on the walls of your chimney.

This material is highly combustible, and if it accumulates enough, it can cause chimney fires. In addition, a house fire can quickly follow a chimney fire.

If there is more than one-eighth or a quarter-inch of soot or creosote on the walls, it’s time to have your chimney cleaned.

Creosote comes in three classes with varying degrees of risk.

Stage 1 is the most prevalent and least harmful kind of creosote. Typically, it is detected in small amounts and effortlessly eliminated with a wire brush.

If stage 2 creosote is not cleaned frequently, it can lead to chimney fires and is more challenging to remove.

The most dangerous kind of creosote is stage 3, which is nearly impossible to remove and readily ignites, creating a potentially devastating chimney fire.

You should seek advice from qualified chimney sweepers if you are worried about creosote accumulation in your chimney.

The professionals will evaluate the circumstances surrounding the creosote and recommend the best course of action.

Getting professional help early when using your chimney will save you money and ensure the safety of your house.

Leaks

Leaks are the main offender when it comes to the early warning indicators of a failing chimney. You should note that it’s time for repairs if you hear or see droplets coming from your chimney. After looking into other places in your home, determine where they might be coming from.

Given how fast water travels across surfaces, locating the leak’s source might be challenging for the untrained eye. You should note that in most cases, a broken or cracked chimney crown or chase cover is a common reason for chimney leaks.

The concrete slab that sits on top of your chimney to shield it from the elements is the chimney crown. Temperature variations and moisture can cause this part to deteriorate and crack over time.

As a result, there might be a leak. To be on the safe side, have an expert inspect the area and fix any issues that might be there.

Parting shot

These are some of the signs that might signal that your chimney isn’t safe. To stay on the safe side, work with experienced chimney contractors Elicott City who will not only inspect the unit but also recommend the best course of action.

The post Is Your Chimney Safe to Use? first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

When purchasing a home, the importance of a thorough inspection cannot be overstated, especially when it comes to critical components like the fireplace and chimney, which should be inspected by a certified chimney professional. While a general home inspector provides a broad overview of the property’s condition, relying solely on them for chimney inspections can overlook crucial details that only a certified chimney professional can identify. Here’s why opting for a certified chimney professional is essential:

Certified Chimney Professionals have Specialized Expertise

Certified chimney professionals undergo specialized training and certification focused specifically on chimneys and fireplaces. They possess deep knowledge of chimney construction, materials, and venting systems. This expertise allows them to conduct detailed inspections that encompass structural integrity, proper functioning of flues and dampers, and the presence of hazardous creosote buildup. Unlike a home inspector who may lack specific chimney-related training, a certified chimney professional can identify potential issues early, preventing costly repairs down the line.

Certified Chimney Professionals use Advanced Inspection Tools

One of the distinct advantages of hiring a certified chimney professional is their use of advanced tools such as chimney cameras. These cameras provide an inside look into the chimney’s condition, revealing hidden problems like cracks, blockages, or deteriorating liners. This thorough inspection is crucial for assessing safety risks and ensuring compliance with current codes and standards. Home inspectors typically do not have access to such specialized equipment, which limits their ability to provide a comprehensive evaluation of chimney systems.

Certified Chimney Professionals are up to date on Codes and Standards

Building codes and safety standards for chimneys and fireplaces are continuously updated to enhance performance and mitigate risks. Certified chimney professionals stay updated with these regulations and ensure that your chimney meets current requirements. They understand clearance specifications, proper venting practices, and the installation of necessary components. By adhering to these codes, they help minimize the risk of fire hazards, carbon monoxide leaks, and other safety concerns that could arise from outdated or improperly maintained chimney systems.

Prevent Costly Remediation

Neglecting a thorough chimney inspection by a certified professional can lead to significant expenses after purchasing a home. Issues like structural damage, leaks, improper venting, or inadequate insulation can remain undetected, potentially requiring extensive repairs or even complete chimney reconstruction. By investing in a certified inspection upfront, homebuyers can avoid these costly surprises and negotiate necessary repairs or adjustments before finalizing the purchase.

Peace of Mind

Beyond financial considerations, hiring a certified chimney professional provides peace of mind. Knowing that your fireplace and chimney are safe, efficient, and compliant with current standards allows homeowners to enjoy their new home without worrying about potential hazards or regulatory issues.

In conclusion, while home inspectors play a crucial role in assessing general property conditions, they may not possess the specialized knowledge or tools required for thorough chimney inspections. Choosing a certified chimney professional ensures that you receive a comprehensive evaluation using advanced equipment and in-depth expertise. This proactive approach not only safeguards your investment but also enhances the safety and functionality of your fireplace and chimney. By prioritizing a certified inspection during the home buying process, you can make informed decisions and address any chimney-related issues promptly, ensuring a secure and comfortable living environment for years to come.

The post Buying or Selling Your Home? Certified Chimney Professional Inspection – A Must for Successful Real Estate Transactions in 2024 first appeared on Southern Chimneys.

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