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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.

Scheduling an annual chimney inspection and cleaning is essential for keeping your home and family safe when using a fireplace or heating stove. The National Fire Protection Association, along with other fire safety experts, encourage all homeowners to have an annual chimney inspection and sweep. Even if you are no longer using the fireplace or chimney, an inspection is still recommended to maintain the structural integrity of the chimney and your home. But before you hire a chimney inspector or chimney sweep, ask the following five questions to make sure they are qualified to do the work:

1. Are you licensed and insured?

Professional, reputable contractor will have the required licensing as well as liability and workman’s compensation insurance.  Many chimney contractors display their license numbers on their vehicles, website, and advertisements. For your protection, you should not allow any unlicensed or uninsured contractor to do any work in your home. Otherwise, you can be liable if they get hurt and for any property damage, they may cause, even if they are negligent.

2. What type of training do you have?

The chimney professional should be able to clearly explain the type of training they have mastered under their belt. If they are trained and certified by one of the national industry trade associations such as the Chimney Institute of America, National Chimney Sweep Guild, or the National Fireplace Institute, the provider will gladly show you their credentials.

3. How long have you been in business?

It’s also a good idea to ask the chimney service provider the length of time they have been in business. Hiring an experienced contractor to inspect and clean your chimney will give you peace of mind that potential fire hazards don’t get overlooked and that they have the necessary skills to safely and correctly perform the work.

4. What does your service cover?

You will want to know if the service provider you hire will be performing a chimney inspection, cleaning, or both. A chimney inspection and sweep are two separate services, but they can be done at the same time. Typically, you will first have a visual inspection to look for any potential problems that would make your chimney, fireplace or heating stove unsafe, such as spalling bricks, excessive creosote, and obstructions, to name a few. The inspection should include a top-to-bottom visual review of the chimney interior/exterior structure and any connected heating appliances. The inspector will also determine the extent of the cleaning that will be necessary based on the level of creosote and other stains or debris found in the chimney during the inspection.

5. Do you make repairs?

When you hire a chimney inspector, you want to make sure their company can repair any problems they discover during the inspection. A full-service chimney provider will be able to show you the areas that need repair and give you a written estimate for any necessary work. They should also have experienced masons and chimney experts who are qualified in repairing and restoring chimneys. Also, make sure that their employees will be performing the chimney repairs and are not outsourcing the job to another company.

 

 

The post Go Get A Chimney Sweep Because Fall Is Around The corner appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

The idea of snuggling up to fire on a cold evening is exciting. Unfortunately, you can’t enjoy the fire if the chimney is unsafe. Is this the first time you are buying a house with a chimney? Here are 4 things you should know as given by chimney contractors:

You have to inspect the chimney

Regardless of how beautiful and well maintained the house looks, you will need to check the chimney for any signs of deterioration and fix them. You can’t effectively inspect the fireplace if you have never done it before—you need to hire a professional to do it for you. Hire a chimney expert who will provide you with all the three levels of chimney inspection without any problem.

Only consider buying the house after you have determined that the house is free of any severe signs of deterioration.

You may have to install a chimney cap

Most houses lack a chimney cap which is not only integral to the overall look of the chimney; it’s also a safety feature. When you are buying a house, if you see the top of your chimney is a round pipe or clay flue, it means the fireplace doesn’t have a chimney cap, and you will have to install it.

A chimney cap has many roles:

• It prevents rain from pouring straight into the chimney leading to flue damage and damper rust
• Keeps unwanted critters from getting into your house
• Prevents dead animal smell from getting into the house
• Acts as a spark guard where it prevents loose sparks from starting fire on the roof.

Hire a chimney expert to install the chimney cap.

You need to clean the chimney

If people were living in the house, chances are that they didn’t clean the house before they left. Dirty chimneys are a ticking time bomb. As wood burns, it produces smoke that sticks on the chimney surfaces. If you allow the residue to build up, it produces creosote that is highly flammable and puts your chimney at the risk of a chimney fire.

After inspecting the chimney and determining no signs of severe deterioration, you should now go ahead and clean it. Have the fireplace cleaned by an experienced chimney cleaning services provider.

Chimney cleaning is messy, strenuous, and consumes a lot of time. Experts are not only accustomed to withstanding the mess, but they also have the right tools; therefore, they complete their work fast and with precision.

Even if you are buying a new house, you will need to clean it. Many home buyers have the impression that they don’t have clean the chimney as no one has ever lived there before.

Even if no fire has been lit there, if the house has been in the market for a long time, animals and birds might have built nests in it. Some birds and animals might also have died up there. This leads to a chimney blockage that puts your house at the risk of fire.

The chimney technician you hire will remove the dead animals and birds and their nests.

You need to learn how to use and maintain the fireplace

As a new chimney owner, you need to learn how to use and maintain the fireplace properly. If you have never used a chimney before, you need to know the right fuel to use. If using wood, go for seasoned wood that has been air-dried for at least six months.

If you see inserts in the fireplace, you need to know what type they are and how to use them.

You need to clean the chimney regularly. At least once a year, ask an experienced chimney sweep Annapolis to inspect the chimney and if dirty clean it. Don’t go for cheap contractors as they often don’t clean the fireplace as well as they should, which puts the house at the risk of catching fire.

While the chimney makes a house feel like a home, it poses serious safety issues; therefore, you need to equip it for fire safety. Every floor, including the sleeping areas, should have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors that you should regularly inspect and replace their batteries.

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

You might love the sound of soothing rain, but the drip drip drip sound isn’t so soothing when it’s coming from your chimney. Unfortunately, the metal flashing around your chimney is prone to leaks. These leaks can lead to major issues such as structural damage to the roof and chimney if neglected.

When your chimney flashing fails, one way to repair this area is by using FlashSeal. This is a new product to Boston Best Chimney and we’re delighted to show you how it works.

What is FlashSeal?

FlashSeal is a long-lasting sealant that prevents water from leaking into your attic. It goes around the base of the chimney which protects the chimney itself as well as the roofing. The goal is to fill in every nook and cranny with sealant so water doesn’t penetrate into the home. Think of it as dressing your chimney in a heavy duty rain coat that keeps your attic nice and dry.

The Key to Safeguarding Your Chimney from Moisture

When it comes to protecting your chimney from the elements, there are three areas to think about:

• The crown: Without proper protection from the crown, water can leak directly down into the chimney during a rainstorm. Furthermore, blowing wind with rain can also send water down your chimney.
• Masonry: Chimney bricks act like sponges and absorb water. Make sure that your chimney bricks are properly treated and waterproofed. For example, Boston Best Chimney uses a professional grade waterproof product that allows moisture to escape, keeping your masonry in tip-top shape.
• Flashing: This is why FlashSeal is such an important product for the health of your chimney. The chimney’s flashing is one of the most susceptible areas for leaks in the home, but FlashSeal provides the perfect amount of protection to keep your home dry.

Keep Your Home Dry with FlashSeal

FlashSeal is available now! If you’re noticing signs of leaks such as stained ceilings and interior walls, water in your chimney as well as your attic, it’s wise to get a chimney inspection and even a sweep to prepare for cold weather. Contact us today to learn more!

The post New Product: Fix Chimney Leaks in a Flash with FlashSeal appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Your chimney flue must be in undamaged condition to provide vital protections to your home and family. Partly because of dangers associated with a cracked chimney flue, annual chimney inspections are extremely important. Below, learn more about chimney flues and the hazards of using a fireplace when the flue has any type of deterioration.

Dangers of the Chimney Flue

A chimney flue is the narrow passageway in a chimney through which combustion byproducts travel from fires to the out-of-doors. The construction and operation of the entire chimney system should accommodate a proper draft so that smoke and toxic fumes exit through the flue as they are supposed to. When a new appliance is added, such as a fireplace insert, a new chimney liner may be required in order to ensure a proper draft. There is a standard formula that determines flue size and it encompasses measurements of fireplace and the proper ratio for a chimney flue.

 

The flue liner also protects combustible parts of the home from exposure to the extreme temperatures in a chimney. Since at least the 1950s, chimney flues have been required features in order to prevent life-threatening house fires. In old homes that were built without a liner, a chimney flue can and should be added if the fireplace is still in use.

The liner must also be perfectly intact because it protects the home from toxic fumes, including deadly carbon monoxide. With even the tiniest crack in a liner, fumes can enter the living space in a home and endanger all of the occupants.

Clay Tile Flue Liners

The most common type of flue liner built in homes across the United States is a clay tile flue liner. This is the case because clay tiles do an effective job of protecting the home for an average of about 25 years and yet they are inexpensive materials preferred by the vast majority of builders.

Over time, clay tiles begin to deteriorate. The most cost-effective solution is to reline the chimney. The cost to replace clay tiles is prohibitive. It involves partially tearing down the chimney in order to replace the damaged clay tiles. In the meantime, other parts of the tile liner are wearing away, which means more tear-downs and rebuilds will be necessary in the near future.

Metal Chimney Flue Liners

Most chimney professionals recommend stainless steel chimney liners because they typically don’t require replacement within a lifetime and many come with a lifetime warranty. Stainless steel chimney liners deemed safe for home use have been accepted by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) as long as they are installed properly.

Less expensive materials are also used for chimney liners, including aluminum. Because the condition of a chimney flue directly affects safety, choosing stainless steel is an important choice for safety reasons.

Contact Northeastern Chimney LLC

When is the last time your chimney was inspected? If more than a year, contact our chimney experts at Northeastern Chimney LLC today. The condition of your chimney flue could be a threat to your home and family. Our certified chimney sweeps can identify the many types of chimney damage that can occur, including chimney liner damage. We also offer the best chimney repair services, including chimney cleaning, masonry rebuilds, chimney crown repair, and much more. Call us at 860-233-5770 today.

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

If you’re currently cleaning your house and taking stock of what needs repairs, be sure to remember there’s a giant, important part of your home that you probably haven’t even thought to clean. 

It’s your chimney!

Oh yeah…your chimney. Boost your chimney and fireplace performance by getting yours inspected now!

Four reasons now’s the time!

1. Keep your home smelling fresh.
   Ever heard of creosote? It’s the buildup that comes from wood fires and turns into dark, cruddy deposits in your chimney. Creosote sitting there in your chimney and it’s going to create a terrible odor that will spread all throughout your house. 
2. Make sure your home’s safe…
   …from critters. Chimneys are also common entry points for a variety of unwanted pests, ranging from squirrels to birds. A properly installed and inspected chimney cap, pan, or shroud will prevent these pesky critters from entering your property and causing problems.
3. Don’t let the water in.
   All of that rainy weather can cause water damage from the buildup of moisture in your chimney. Your chimney can collect debris and water just like your gutters do. Make sure they’re as clean as can be before things get even worse.
4. Get ahead of things.
   Be prepared for upcoming service needs and long-term maintenance. Prevent chronic issues and costly repairs by spotting and fixing problems early.

Feel as fresh, clean, and smart as possible. Give Southern Chimneys a call today. Our technicians will complete an inside and out 18-point inspection and complete a consultation to address and discuss any issues or concerns. 

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

There’s nothing like Fall in New England.  The beautiful colors of turning leaves and crisp cool nights by the fireplace.  Whether it’s gathering around with friends or family or finding some quiet time to read, fireplaces are used as a meeting spot to unwind.

There are two things you’ll need to bring this all together – a safe working fireplace and fuel!  We’re often asked which kind of wood is best to use and therefore this month we are providing you with all the information you need to choose the right fuel for your fireplace.

Identifying Types of Firewood

While it’s true that most wood will burn in a fireplace, choosing the right wood is important, not only to your enjoyment of your fire but the health of your fireplace and your environment. The best kind of wood to burn is one of the hardwoods, such as oak, hard maple, and birch because they release more heat and produce fewer creosote deposits.

Oak

Oak is considered the best wood to burn in a fireplace, by far. This type of wood produces a slow-burning fire that lasts longer and burns more evenly and hotter. Also, oak is plentiful and found in almost any area of the country. There is one requirement: to burn well, oak needs to be seasoned well, and that means it needs to be dried for at least a year after cutting, so the sap dries. Oak can also be a little harder to ignite, but you’ll be richly rewarded by the perfect fire once it gets going.

Maple 

Hard maple is found mainly in the northern United States and Canada. Like oak, it’s heavy and burns slowly, once seasoned properly. Different types of maple that can be used for firewood include red maple, sugar or hard maple, black maple, Norway maple, and silver maple.

Birch

Birch gives off a beautiful flame, but unlike oak or maple, it burns quickly, so you’ll need to have more on hand than either oak or maple. Because hardwoods burn more slowly and completely, you’ll have less to clean up once the fire is out and less chance of buildup in your chimney.

What About Softer Wood?

Softer woods, like pine and fir trees, season more quickly than hardwoods, are easier to split and is easier to start, but also burn faster and leave more ash residue. The fact that softer woods season more quickly isn’t necessarily a good thing; there are more chances of residual sap pockets, causing more sizzle and snap than well-seasoned hardwoods. Fir trees do result in less ash, and season well, with fewer leftover sap pockets.

Make sure you’re buying seasoned wood or have time to season it yourself. Seasoned wood produces more heat for your fires, burns more cleanly, and is easier to start. Seasoned wood takes on a grayish color and is relatively lightweight. Heavy wood can indicate that there’s still sap, which will burn quickly and not produce as much heat.

Do not burn painted or treated scraps from construction projects, as burning this type of wood can release harmful chemicals into your home.

Store your wood in a well-ventilated area outside, up off the ground, protected from the elements using a plastic tarp or covering.

Only bring in as much wood as you’re going to use at one time. Because wood attracts bugs, like termites, bringing more than you need to the house will encourage the bugs to stick around inside.

Many people also have questions about burning artificial logs. Convenience is their strong suit, and in general, they are fine when time is an issue, and you want a quick fire without all the muss and fuss of natural firewood. Usually, they should be burned only one at a time and only in an open fireplace. One should be careful about poking them and moving them around once they are burning since they may break up and the fire

And remember—regardless of the type of wood you’re using, schedule to have your chimney cleaned and inspected before you use your fireplace to make sure it is in good working order, safe and ready to go!

 

 

The post Best Wood For Fireplace? Let’s Discuss! appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.