Gas logs have revolutionized the way we enjoy fireplaces, offering convenience, warmth, and a touch of elegance without the hassle of traditional wood-burning systems. However, with several options available—vented gas logs, vent-free gas logs, and direct vent gas inserts—it’s essential to understand which type best suits your needs and aesthetics.

Understanding the Differences

A common misunderstanding is that all gas logs are simply referred to as “inserts,” which is inaccurate. Each type serves a distinct purpose and comes with its pros and cons. Vented gas logs are the most aesthetically pleasing but don’t provide much heat. Vent-free logs can efficiently heat a room but may not look as realistic and can emit unpleasant odors. Direct vent options, while requiring upfront installation, offer superior efficiency and odor-free operation, making them a top choice for many homeowners.

Vented Gas Logs

Vented gas logs are designed to be used in traditional wood-burning fireplaces. These logs provide a stunning visual display, creating a realistic flame that mimics a wood fire. However, one of the drawbacks is their heating efficiency; they are not designed to heat a room effectively since they vent combustion gases up the chimney. This makes them ideal for those who prioritize ambiance over heat. If your home has an existing wood-burning fireplace in good condition, vented gas logs could be the perfect choice for creating a cozy atmosphere.

Vent-Free Gas Logs

Vent-free gas logs, on the other hand, offer a more efficient heating solution. These logs are designed to burn cleanly and do not require a chimney or venting system, making them a suitable option for vent-free fireplaces or masonry chimneys that may not meet current codes but can be modified. While vent-free logs can heat a significant portion of your home or living space, they are known to emit an odor that some users find bothersome. Additionally, the appearance of vent-free logs may not be as realistic as their vented counterparts, which can impact the overall aesthetic of your space.

Direct Vent Gas Inserts

For homeowners looking for an economical alternative to costly repairs on wood-burning masonry fireplaces, direct vent gas inserts present an excellent option. Contrary to common belief, inserts are designed to fit inside an existing masonry fireplace, providing a closed system that draws fresh air from outside for combustion. This design eliminates the need for a chimney and significantly increases heating efficiency. Because direct vent systems have a fixed piece of glass over the front, they offer a clean look and create a cozy ambiance without the drawbacks of vent-free options.

Making the Right Choice

When navigating the world of gas logs, it’s essential to consider your specific needs and home layout. Southern Chimneys is here to help you make the best decision based on your wants and needs. Our experienced professionals will assess your existing fireplace setup, discuss your heating requirements, and guide you toward the ideal solution that combines aesthetics, functionality, and safety.

Whether you choose vented gas logs for their beauty, vent-free logs for their heating efficiency, or a direct vent gas insert for an economical upgrade, understanding the differences is crucial for a satisfying fireplace experience. Take the time to evaluate your options and consult with a certified professional to ensure your gas log choice enhances your home’s comfort and charm.

The post The World of Gas Logs – Choosing the Right Option for Your Home first appeared on Southern Chimneys.

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

Maintaining a commercial chimney stack is crucial for ensuring the safety and efficiency of your building’s heating system. One often overlooked component that plays a significant role in chimney function is the chimney cap. A well-functioning chimney cap protects your stack from the elements, prevents debris accumulation, and keeps animals out. However, like any part of your building, chimney caps can wear out over time.

At Best Chimney Services, property owners come to us for our commercial chimney services because of our detail to craftsmanship and reputation for integrity since 1989. If you’re looking for a chimney technician in the Boston area who will give you expert advice, give us a call to book your first inspection with us! In the meantime, learn how to identify when it’s time for a chimney cap replacement, below. 

Missing or Damaged Cap

One of the first indicators that your chimney cap may need replacing is visible damage, or worse, missing completely!   Look for:

• Missing screening or lid: wind can do lots of damage, especially at increased heights. 
• Cracks and Rust: Over time, exposure to harsh weather conditions can cause metal chimney caps to rust or crack. This damage compromises the cap’s effectiveness and can lead to further issues with your chimney.
• Bent or Dented Sections: If you notice any bends or dents in the cap, it could be a sign of damage from heavy winds and severe weather. These issues can affect the cap’s ability to shield your chimney properly.

Animal Intrusions

Chimney caps also serve to keep animals out of your chimney. If you notice signs of animal activity, such as animal droppings or nests, it could mean that your chimney cap has become compromised. Animals can cause significant blockages and damage, making timely replacement of the cap essential.

Water Damage Inside the Chimney

Although it can’t prevent all water intrusion, a chimney cap’s primary function is to prevent water from entering your chimney. If you start noticing water stains or damage inside your building, it could indicate that your chimney cap is no longer effectively keeping water out. Water infiltration can lead to:

• Masonry Damage: Water can cause significant damage to your chimney’s masonry, leading to costly repairs if not addressed promptly.
• Creosote Buildup: Excess moisture can contribute to the buildup of creosote, a flammable substance that increases the risk of chimney fires.

Age of the Chimney Cap

Chimney caps, like any component exposed to the elements, have a finite lifespan. Even if there aren’t obvious signs of damage, if your chimney cap is several years old, it might be time to consider a replacement. Regular commercial inspections can help you determine the cap’s condition and whether a replacement is necessary.

Increased Debris Accumulation

A well-maintained chimney cap should prevent leaves, branches, and other debris from entering your chimney. If you find a lot of debris in your chimney or around the base, it might be a sign that the cap is damaged or not functioning correctly. This accumulation can obstruct airflow and reduce the efficiency of your heating system.

Call Best Chimney Services for a Chimney Cap Replacement

A functional chimney cap is vital for the safety and efficiency of your commercial chimney stack. Regular inspections and timely replacements can prevent costly repairs and ensure that your heating system operates smoothly. If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, schedule an appointment with us to get these resolved!

The post When It’s Time for a Commercial Chimney Cap Replacement appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Finding birds in your chimney can either be a delightful or a concerning discovery, depending on the homeowner. No matter the case, it’s essential to handle the situation correctly to ensure the safety of both the birds and your property, especially if those birds are Chimney Swifts.

At Best Chimney Services, we understand the importance of dealing with this issue delicately. We’ve been in business since 1989, helping homeowners and property owners navigate chimney troubles safely and effectively. Our services range from residential chimney services to commercial chimney services to cover a variety of chimney solutions. If you’re looking for a chimney technician you can count on, schedule your first appointment with us today! In the meantime, here are the steps to take if you find birds in your chimney, with a special focus on respecting active Chimney Swift nests.

Understanding the Situation

Trying to stop birds from coming down your chimney can be difficult and frustrating. But before taking any action, it’s crucial to identify the type of birds in your chimney. The most common culprits are Chimney Swifts, which are small, agile birds known for their distinctive call and rapid flight. These birds often choose chimneys as their nesting sites due to their long claws—perfectly suited for chimney walls—and a chimney’s secure and sheltered environment.

1. Assess the Situation

When you discover birds in your chimney, the first step is to assess the situation. We recommend observing from a distance to take note of the bird species, if you can,  and their activity. Look for signs of nesting, such as twigs or feathers. Listen for the characteristic sounds of the birds. Chimney Swifts, for instance, make a series of rapid, high-pitched calls. They are not known for being aggressive birds and rarely travel down the chimney, but it’s still best to not approach them. 

2. Respect Active Nests

If you find Chimney Swifts, it’s crucial to understand that their nests are protected by law. Active nests should not be disturbed or removed during the breeding season, which typically spans from late April to early August. Disturbing these nests can be illegal and harmful to the birds. Avoid attempting to remove the nest or the birds yourself. This can be stressful and potentially harmful to the birds. Additionally, removing an active nest without proper authorization can result in legal consequences.

3. Keep an Eye (and Ear) Out

Monitor the situation from a safe distance. Keep an eye on the birds and listen for any changes in their behavior. If the birds are quiet, it may indicate that they have finished nesting and are preparing to leave.

4. Consider Future Protective Options

Once the nesting season is over and the birds have departed, it’s a good idea to install a chimney cap. A chimney cap serves as a protective barrier that prevents birds and other animals from entering your chimney. We recommend getting necessary chimney inspections as well because a chimney technician can check for signs of nests actively being built. This proactive measure helps ensure that your chimney remains clear and functional for future use.

5. Seek Professional Assistance

If you’re unsure about how to handle the situation or if you need to address any potential damage caused by the birds, it’s wise to consult a professional. They can provide guidance on a safe and legal approach, and even remove the nest after it’s been vacated to discourage the birds from returning.

Call Best Chimney Services to Install Your Chimney Cap

By respecting active nests, keeping a vigilant watch, and seeking professional help when needed, you can manage the situation effectively and humanely. Avoid the future conflict of finding birds in your chimney by installing a chimney cap! Give us a call today to book your appointment. 

The post What to Do if You Find Birds In Your Chimney appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

When bricks start to chip, crack, flake, and break down, this is called spalling. This is quite common as the bricks age. Eventually, the bricks will fall away from the structure if not repaired. 

What Causes Spalling Bricks?

Several factors may cause spalling bricks. Over time the aging of bricks will cause spalling. The weather causes spalling bricks. Whether you live deep in the south or well into the north you have to deal with the elements that come with such drastic weather conditions. Extreme heat and water infiltration to name a few. In the North, the effects of freezing and thawing water can be very detrimental to the life of bricks.

Spalling may start in a very small crack. Over time water infiltrates that small crack. If left alone and not repaired, the crack will continue to grow. Left too long it can become a devastating situation as it may damage the structure. The spalling bricks break down and start to fall out of the structure. Think of it as a game of Jenga. The bricks or blocks start to fall out and eventually, the structure collapses.   

Once spalling bricks are noticed it is important to get in touch with a professional chimney company such as Northeastern Chimney, Inc. 

How is Spalling Bricks Repaired?

• To repair spalling bricks, first, our technicians will remove the brick that has begun to see spalling. We scrape all the mortar away from the existing area. We make it clean so that a new brick can sit on the spot level. Dust and debris are brushed away so there is a perfect fit. 
• Next, it is important to choose a brick that is an exact fit. The color and texture are also very important when replacing spalling bricks. 
• Once the brick is chosen, the repair begins. Mortar is placed on all sides of the opening and the brick is inserted. 
• We make every effort to clean around the new brick 
• Water repellent may be added after the mortar has dried for extra protection.

Professionals suggest that an annual Chimney sweep and inspection be conducted. When a problem arises, the best plan is to tackle it as soon as possible. This will cost you much less than if you let the damage to the fireplace and bricks go on too long.

Northeastern Chimney, Inc. are here for you.

We can work around your schedule at your convenience. We service all of Hartford, Tolland, and Litchfield Counties. All our chimney technicians are CSIA certified. We are active in the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) and the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)

In addition, Northeastern Chimney, Inc. maintains a rigorous training schedule and a strict code of performance and ethics.

Our technicians have continued education. We believe in staying up to date in the leading circles of sweep education. We are members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild, and the Chimney Safety Institute of America, we take advantage of opportunities for ongoing training. Each year we send sweeps to the National Chimney Convention to learn the latest techniques, technologies, and strategies in sweeping and chimney maintenance to increase their level of expertise.

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

“Why are we talking about chimney leaks when it has been so dry?” “No need to worry about water leaks from the chimney, all looks good in the house so far.” These are two statements that have been going through everyone’s minds. No rain, no problems, so therefore there must be no issues! Is it best to wait until you have water stains on the ceiling of your home? Or until you hear the sound of dripping water in the fireplace?  

During the last rain storm in the Chicagoland area, it really made a mess. Many branches were down, leaves were scattered everywhere and some of that debris ended up in the chimney. The humidity was high, which many homeowners reported smells coming from the fireplace. Now you have expenses of damages to pay for instead of a standard chimney inspection which would have caught these problems ahead of time.

Why Do Homeowners Wait?

Some homeowners just simply forget there’s a fireplace in the home because they don’t use it. But does that mean it shouldn’t be swept & inspected? Just the opposite.

1. Homeowners need to realize that a chimney is used for more than the fireplace. The water heater and furnace/boiler appliances also use the chimney as a path to release toxins or gasses to the outside. This is important to the health of the home and your family. Getting an inspection by a certified chimney technician is the way to go.  
2. Some homeowners use a gas fireplace. Does that need to be swept & inspected? Yes, again. Just because it’s gas and you get to turn it off means everything is okay. The chimney flue still needs to be checked for wear and tear along with the exterior chimney for cracks, mortar repair and the chimney cap which keeps critters and debris out. And let’s not forget, #1 still applies here as well.
3. Woodburning fireplaces are a fan favorite. Many homeowners like to use their fireplace. It’s a passion to pick out the perfect wood for a beautiful smell, look and warmth that it provides. It is the centerpiece for the home. Many, not all, get their fireplace, chimney and flue swept & inspected each year as they know about creosote and how the build up can be flammable.

As most homes have a fireplace…or three, they all need to be inspected and cared for to keep the house safe.

Just Remember…

When a Superior Chimney technician comes out, we include the homeowner in every step of the process. We understand that getting on the roof, or looking into the flue is not something that a homeowner does…ever. That’s why we take pictures, share them with you and give you details about the health of the fireplace through the exterior chimney with pictures and a report. When our technicians get back to the office, we email the pictures to you so you have a record to refer to next time we come out to service your chimney.

Contact us today 877-244-6349

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

We’re heading in that time of year where homeowners are opting for hot chocolate over an iced tea. The sound of a crackling fireplace becomes more and more desirable as the cool nights settle in. Nothing is better than the sound of a warm, cozy fireplace. As you want to get the fireplace started, you’ll want to take a few steps to keeping the fireplace in “ready for use” shape. Let’s take a closer look.

Fireplace and Chimney Inspection

According to the Chimney Safety Institute, homeowners need to have their chimney and fireplace swept and inspected each year. This ensures not only a worthy place to start a fire, but also efficient. For instance, a heat shield can increase the heat in your home by 20%. Where else would that heat go? Out. Outside of your home and into the chilly air where it will not do any good. That 20% increase in heat can help reduce your energy bill saving you money.

Sweeping the Chimney

There are a few reasons to sweep the chimney. When the weather gets chilly, our little critter friends get cold. Just because they live year round outside, doesn’t mean they don’t get cold. And when they do, they are going to look for a nice warm place to stay. How about your chimney? No wind, nice and cozy, a perfect place to set up shop and sleep for the night. How do they get in? One of the best places is your exterior chimney when the chimney cap is missing or even loose. If you can move it, so can our little friends.

Don’t forget about debris! Wind and the changing of the seasons is a great way to sneak debris into the chimney. If it isn’t swept, then the animals and / or debris can be ignited by the spark of the fire and cause damage to your fireplace, chimney and home. Best not to take that chance!

Flue Damper and Heat Shield

One of the best ways to keep heat in your home and stop it from escaping is the damper and heat shield. We just discussed the importance of the heat shield, let’s talk about the damper. When the damper doesn’t work, it allows for heat to escape. Now this isn’t when the fireplace is ON, this is when the fireplace is not burning or OFF. The damper must be in good working order as the damper needs to be open when a fire is burning in the fireplace. The allows the smoke to leave the home and keep everyone from being smoked out (and dangerous fumes, of course.)

Checking for Damages

A fireplace and chimney inspection will work to identify any cracks in the fireplace firewalls as well as cracks on the exterior of the chimney, namely the chimney crown, mortar and any ‘spalling’ on the bricks. Any cracks can cause moisture to enter into the chimney system and encourage the deterioration process and damage. By getting the cracks identified and repaired, will keep any big repair bills at bay.

Contact Superior Chimney today and schedule your fireplace and chimney inspection. Call 877-244-6349.

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

Gas fireplaces have become more and more popular over the past several years. Millennials are coming of age. They are busy with their careers, buying their first homes, and raising a family. However, they don’t want the added tasks of caring for and maintaining a wood-burning fireplace. This is not to say that we all seek an easier way to enjoy life.

A fireplace is a must-have for many new homeowners. The cozy ambiance that it brings to a home is not to beat. A room with a fireplace is usually the focal point of a home. A gathering place. A gas fireplace is certainly easier to keep up, but it is not completely self-maintained.

For every fireplace, a professional inspection annually is a good idea. There are certain things that you can do as a homeowner.  The regular upkeep will keep your gas fireplace or insert running efficiently year after year. 

Fireplace Safety First

Before any fireplace maintenance, turn off the pilot and the gas. Wait about an hour as the gas exits the pipeline. Let the fireplace cool down.

Homeowner Maintenance

• Clean the glass doors. If the glass doors can be detached, you may do that. Use the manufacturer’s directions. Over time the glass dulls and may interfere with its pristine beauty. Dirty glass hinders the efficiency of the fireplace. It prevents the heater from working appropriately. Use a nonabrasive cleaner and a soft cloth.
• Clean the interior of the fireplace regularly. Dust and debris will collect in the fireplace. Thus, it is important to clean this regularly to keep the efficiency of the fireplace up. Take out the logs. Vacuum out the base of the fireplace. Vacuum the pilot component, blower, and burners. Use a soft damp cloth to wipe off the logs and the inner walls of the firebox. 
• Check ventilation regularly. Ventilation is important to prevent carbon monoxide gas buildup. Confirm that there is no blockage in the vent system. At times there may be blockage or nests that have gotten inside. Contact your professional chimney company to clean out the system. 
• Upgrade when needed. After years of use, the glass doors become dated and lose their efficiency. Several new gas fireplaces are safer and more efficient than the older versions. An upgrade may be a choice for you.

By keeping your gas fireplace in tip-top shape you will enjoy years of enjoyment. Cleaning out your fireplace is your first effort to keep an efficient fireplace. When it comes to the big jobs, contact Northeastern Chimney for a professional inspection. This is the time of year to secure your inspection. Call us before the season turns cold and the appointments are not readily available. 

Call the Chimney Professionals

Schedule your inspection or cleaning soon by calling Northeastern Chimney. We can clean your chimney no matter what bend or curve you have. We come with all the equipment needed for all sorts of chimneys. Our certified chimney technicians provide quality chimney sweep services including chimney repairs, chimney cleaning, and chimney rebuilding for residents in West Hartford, East Windsor, Farmington, Glastonbury, Wethersfield, Marlborough, Cromwell, and the surrounding Central Connecticut area. Contact us today!

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

The most critical measure you can take to ensure your fireplace is safe is to schedule your annual chimney inspection and expert cleaning before you start the season’s first fire. Hiring a Certified chimney sweep ensures that your chimney, vents, and related heating appliances will be examined and cleaned according to NFPA industry standards.

It’s always wise that you hire a contractor, but if you have the skills, you can go ahead and inspect your chimney by yourself. When doing the inspection, you should focus on these:

Check the firebox

Look for cracks, gaps, or signs of wear in the firebox lining.

If the lining has deteriorated to the point where the steel body beneath it is visible, you must get it professionally repaired.

You should note that if you don’t do the replacement. the extra heat might accumulate inside your fireplace, causing lasting damage. You don’t want this, do you?

Inspect for masonry cracks.

Winter precipitation and temperatures below freezing can be severe on masonry chimneys. When the absorbed moisture in the bricks and mortar freezes, the solid ice crystals grow, causing the bricks to fracture, chip, crumble, and finally fall from the chimney.

As temperatures rise and the masonry thaws, more moisture fills the widening spaces. This freeze-thaw cycle occurs periodically during the winter season.

Because masonry damage increases the risk of fire and carbon monoxide exposure, it is critical to inspect the outside masonry on a regular basis for cracks, missing bricks, or gaps in the mortar joints. If you notice a problem, you should fix it before the next heating season.

Lookout for smoke stains

Smoke stains can indicate that your fireplace is not working properly. Stains on the ceiling could indicate smoke leaking from a breach between the hearth and the firebox. This is most likely due to the hearth settling, which is common in older homes.

When this settling occurs, sparks that fall into the gap can produce smoke, essentially acting as a secondary chimney. You’ll need a mason, a trained handyman, or a fireplace professional to repair this.

You may also see smoke stains above the fireplace opening. In this situation, the problem could be the flue damper, which is a mechanism with a hand-operated lever that allows you to control the airflow into the fireplace.

If the lever is damaged or caked with gunk, you may be unable to fully open or close the damper, allowing smoke to escape out of the fireplace. Again, a specialist can help you decide whether the mechanism is repairable or requires replacement.

Inspect the firebox

Using a flashlight, look into the fireplace and inspect the firebox for cracks, burning, or stains on the bricks. You also should examine for any moisture, clay, or masonry material on the firebox floor.

Then, with the damper open, direct your flashlight upward to inspect the flue liner for cracks, gaps, or dampness.

If you notice any moisture, cracks, stains, a white powdery substance or dark, tarry material (creosote), or a strong odor in the firebox or on the flue liner, schedule a professional chimney inspection before using the fireplace.

Ensure the grate is the right size.

When it comes to fireplace grates, bigger isn’t always better. According to the CSIA, a metal grate used to hold burning fuel should be no more than two-thirds the size of the fireplace aperture.

A large grate may tempt you to pile on too much wood, resulting in dangerously hot flames in your fireplace. If your grate is too huge, replace it with a smaller one that better suits your needs.

Confirm the chimney cap is secure.

A chimney cap is placed on top of a brick chimney to protect the flue from outside elements while releasing smoke and pollutants. If the chimney cap is damaged or missing, rainwater can enter the chimney and cause damage to the flue liner, firebox, and other components.

It can also let wildlife and debris into the chimney, causing a flue obstruction that pushes smoke, soot, and carbon monoxide gas out of the fireplace and into the living space.

You should confirm whether it’s present and secure. If not there, replace it. You should also tighten it if it is not safe enough.

Double-check the fire extinguisher.

Always keep track of where your fire extinguisher is and ensure that it is properly charged and ready to use.

It’s always wise to test the fire extinguisher and confirm that it’s in good working order. The last thing you want is to want to put off a fire and only realize that you can’t use it because it’s not working.

If you have never used a fire extinguisher, this is a good time to practice using it. You don’t want to fail to put off a fire because you don’t know how to use the extinguisher.

Test the damper

A properly functioning damper is required for a safe fireplace. When open, it permits smoke and dangerous gases to flow up the chimney and out of your home.

After the fire is completely out, close the damper to keep the colder outside air from mingling with the warmer indoor air.

The damper should open and close easily. If the damper isn’t working properly, makes noises, or there is any warping, cracking, or breaches in the airtight seal, contact a skilled chimney technician for repairs.

Parting shot

These are some of the areas you should focus on to confirm that your chimney is safe and in good working condition.

You don’t want to crawl onto your roof to see into the chimney. However, this does not mean you should ignore it. Getting your chimney inspected is one of the most critical things you can do before using your fireplace.

The biggest mistake homeowners make is to assume that their chimney is in good working order without inspecting it. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends a yearly chimney inspection Upper Marlboro by a competent specialist.

From the inspection report, you will know whether your chimney is safe for use. You will also know whether your unit needs cleaning or repair.

The post Chimney Inspection: How to Ensure Your Chimney Is Safe first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

As prices of just about everything keep going up, it’s always a good to find something that can help you save. We’re going to focus on a fireplace heat shield, which takes the heat generated from your fireplace and reflects the heat to go into your home instead of up and out of the home. By increasing the amount of heat to your home, your furnace will not turn on as much, saving on energy costs. What will that mean to you and your family expenses? Let’s first discuss what a fireplace heat shield is.

Why is a Fireplace Heat Shield Needed?

When you use your fireplace, whether it be woodburning or gas, heat is generated and the firebox temperatures can get quite high. This means that the back of the firebox goes from extreme temperatures of hot to cool or cold and back to hot again. The constant expansion and contraction causes the materials in the firebox firewalls to wear down where pieces of the backwall begin to crack and fall apart. This creates issues with the integrity of the firebox firewalls.

What Can a Heat Shield Do for Me?

Heat shields can be of big help in your home. Let’s take look at a few:

• Because the heat shield is at the back of the firebox, it reflects the heat and pushes it into your home increasing the heat by 20-40%. This in turn, keeps your home warm and reduces your heating bill.
• As we mentioned, the fireplace heat shield protects the back firewall and keeps the backwall away from the direct flame & heat. This protects the backwall from the constant erosion, thus reducing costly fireplace repairs.
• If you have a well-used, or an old fireplace, a heat shield can help to cover up old stains or ugliness of the firebox. It simply will look better.
• The fireplace heat shield will also help protect the back firewall from further deterioration which can lead to firewall compromise. All fireboxs need attention with use.  Tuckpointing around the fire-brick is a regular maintenance necessity.  If not done, or prevented with a heat reflective shield, a rebuild of the firebox firewall will be needed no time.

Fireplace heat shields are a great addition to your home this Fall and Winter season. The investment in it today will help to lower your heating bills with more heat going into your home instead of out. This can save you hundreds of dollars, money that you want to save or use to purchase the essentials for your family. Give us a call today to begin the chimney inspection process and install a fireplace heat shield. It’s vital to keep your family warm and safe this season. Contact us today at 877-244-6349.

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

Did you know that selling your home requires a Level II chimney inspection to be completed? It’s true! Per the National Fire Protection Association NFPA 211, a chimney inspection must be done prior to the transfer of property. It does make sense since the chimney can be used for heat in the fireplace whether it be woodburning or gas and the chimney is also used to release toxic fumes from the Furnace or boiler and water heater appliances. If you think about it, do you want to purchase potential issues that can cost you lots of unnecessary expenses? Probably not.

What Needs to be Completed for an NFPA 211?

When it comes to general home inspectors that come out to the home, they are to “inspect” the chimney and fireplace. However, general home inspectors are not credentialed in this area. Those that work with and inspect chimneys should be CSIA certified (Chimney Safety Institute of America) in order to know what exactly they are looking at and looking for. Few, if any, general home inspectors have this certification. Remember, the chimney system includes more than just the fireplace. It can also include the wood stove, pellet stove, furnace or boiler and water heater. This is why it is critical to have it professionally checked as gasses, such as carbon monoxide, can result in an unsafe environment and bring costly repairs.

Do I Only Need Inspections when Selling the Home?

No, regardless of if you use your fireplace or not, use gas versus woodburning, the NFPA 211 says, “Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Chimney cleanings, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary.” This is for your protection of the home and family.  Especially for those, like us, that live in a geographic freeze thaw cycle (winter).

What’s Involved in a Chimney Inspection?

There are three levels to a chimney inspection.

Level 1: This is the most popular chimney inspection done in homes. If your appliance or your venting system has not changed and you plan to use your system as you have in the past, then a Level 1 inspection is a minimum requirement. A Level 1 inspection is for a chimney under continued service, under the same conditions, and with the continued use of the same appliance. In a Level 1 inspection, readily accessible** portions of the chimney exterior, interior and accessible* portions of the appliance and the chimney connection will be looked at. Your technician will be looking for the basic soundness of the chimney structure and flue as well as the basic appliance installation and connections. Contact us to get a level 1 inspection today.

Level 2: A level 2 inspection is required when selling a property. A Level 2 inspection is required when any changes are made to the system. Changes can include a change in the fuel type, changes to the shape of, or material in, the flue (i.e. relining), or the replacement or addition of an appliance of a dissimilar type, input rating or efficiency. Additionally, a Level 2 inspection is required upon the sale or transfer of a property or after an operation malfunction or external event that is likely to have caused damage to the chimney. Building fires, chimney fires, seismic events as well as weather events (tornado) are all indicators that this level of inspection is warranted. A Level 2 inspection is a more in-depth inspection than a Level 1 inspection.  A Level 2 inspection includes everything in a Level 1 inspection.  It will address proper clearances from combustibles in accessible locations.  There are no specialty tools (i.e. demolition equipment) required to open doors, panels or coverings in performing a Level 2 inspection. No removal or destruction of permanently attached portions of the chimney or building structure or finish shall be required by a Level 2 inspection.  Contact Superior Chimney if you are moving or have recently moved into a new home or townhome with a fireplace. Get it swept and inspected to ensure your home is in good working order.

Level 3: A level 3 inspection is necessary when a hazard may be present and concealed areas need to be reached. A Level 3 inspection includes all the areas and items in a Level 1 and a Level 2 inspection, as well as the removal of certain components of the building or chimney where necessary. Removal of components (i.e., chimney crown, interior chimney wall, siding, etc.) shall be required only when necessary to gain access to areas that are the subject of the inspection. When serious hazards are suspected, a Level 3 inspection may well be required to determine the condition of the chimney system.  Hopefully, you will never need this level of inspection. But it is good to know that Superior Chimney certified technicians can handle the severity of a level 3.

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