A missing chimney cap can make or break the chimney structure and safety of your home. It’s true that April showers bring May flowers. It also can bring severe storms that, in the Chicagoland area, will be sure to damage your chimney. You need all the necessary protection for the Spring months. If you go outside and look up at your chimney, is there a small metal cap on top? If the answer is yes, your chimney flue is protected. Check for rust or deterioration (if you can see it from the ground). If you don’t notice this necessary little cap, it’s really important you call a certified chimney professional. So, what happens if your chimney doesn’t have a cap?

A Chimney with No Cap

Did you know that chimneys are designed to have a chimney cap? The two are inseparable! A chimney needs a cap for the same reasons a home needs a roof!  A chimney without a cap will result in cold downdrafts, serious water leaks, visits from critters and damage to your home. Chimneys in the Chicagoland area are constantly exposed to the harsh elements. From rain, to snow, high winds, water, and animals, a chimney will quickly become damaged without the proper protection. Some drizzle may not sound like it can be damaging, but the porous bricks will store that water. Constant rain and humidity cause quick deterioration. As the chimney’s outside deteriorates, it becomes a fire hazard. Other objects like leaves or animals can clog the flue, causing a fire when it’s lit. A chimney cap protects the flue inside from water and other debris from entering it.

Does the Cap Stop Airflow?

Whether you have a chimney cap or not, airflow stays the same. The chimney cap is designed so that the wind from outside creates a small vacuum at the top of the flue, so the chimney should produce a constant draft, as designed. 

My Chimney Cap Looks Off!

Don’t worry, a chimney professional can help! If your chimney cap looks a bit small or big, it’s time to call a certified professional to get a replacement. Sometimes the cap can be shaking and loose, which is a sign of it being too big or about to blow off.  

There’s Still Water Leaking

Water leaking is not always because of a faulty chimney cap. Masonry deterioration or flashing deterioration will also cause leaks. Do you notice some drops of rainwater coming into your chimney? When the chimney flashing (the metal that seals the bottom of your chimney’s structure to the roof) becomes deteriorated, it will cause water leaks. Flashing can lose its seal due to harsh weather and wear and tear. Leaking from deteriorated flashing is also seen in walls, ceilings and the roof. If you’re noticing leaking in any of these places, it’s definitely time to call a certified professional for a chimney inspection. 

Help With a Missing Chimney Cap 

As spring rolls around the corner, call your chimney professional for help on installing a new chimney cap. If you notice a missing chimney cap, a faulty one, or worried about water leaks, a chimney professional will help put your mind at ease. Call Superior Chimney at 877-244-6349 and ask for a chimney inspection, today!

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

Every blog post, video and chimney professional will tell you water damage to a chimney is the worst and the most common damage your chimney will go through. Plants, our bodies and animals are made up of at least 70% water! Yet, our chimneys are not. Chimneys are heavily affected by rain, wind and everyday weather that we experience in the Chicagoland area. During our inspections, water damage to the chimney is the most common. It’s not always easy to spot, either. Sometimes, you can directly see it in the form of deteriorating masonry. Other times, your chimney professional might mention some rust or shaling inside the flue, or the metal pipe that runs directly from your fireplace to the outside. So, let’s see…Which of the below scenarios will the chimney win against water damage, and which will it will lose!

1. Your chimney professional reports small cracks in the mortar on the outside of your chimney. It doesn’t sound too serious, it’s just a few cracks. Will the Chicagoland spring storms cause worse damage?

Unfortunately, the answer is yes. All it takes is a few cracks in the mortar caused by weather changes throughout the winter to start the deterioration process. As spring rolls into full force, you’ll see the cracks become bigger. High winds from dangerous storms with possible hail and powerful rain sit within the cracks, quickly eating away at the porous material. You’re in definite need of tuckpointing!

• You don’t need to use your fireplace anymore, because it’s getting warmer outside. When you’re closing up the fireplace, you notice a strange smell. It smells damp and musty. What happened? 

This is a job for a chimney professional! If you’re noticing any musty smell coming from your chimney at any point of the year, it’s likely water has seeped into your chimney and settled. Mold and mildew began to grow. A chimney cap can prevent a lot of water from seeping into the chimney’s flue, but it doesn’t do a perfect job. Getting your chimney regularly inspected will help prevent mold and mildew growth. 

• Your chimney professional recommended something called Chimney Saver. They applied this clear substance onto your chimney, and after a while, you’ve noticed your chimney looks dry and new! Did the chimney finally beat water?

Chimney Saver is a waterproofing agent. It’s designed to minimize masonry deterioration, prevent water penetration, and preserve any tuckpointing repairs that were made before application. In this case, yes, the chimney finally wins! Ask your Superior Chimney professional for additional information on applying Chimney Saver this spring, in preparation for the upcoming storm season.

Preparing For Water Damage from the Chimney

It looks like, without any prevention, water wins! With spring storms right around the corner, it’s the perfect time for water to start damaging the exterior and interior of your chimney. If you notice any cracks, deterioration, or musty smells already, it’s important to take care of these problems before they become worse. Care for any current water damage and protect it from the coming storms by calling Superior Chimney professionals for an inspection at 877-244-6349. 

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

The ABC’s of tuckpointing chimney repair include chimney size, repair and materials. Have you ever browsed online, especially a website like Instagram or Facebook, and saw photos of perfect homes? It feels like you do home repairs almost every day! Those home improvement shows on HGTV make a living off of the perfect interior and exterior of the home, and promising that if you complete the steps on their program, you’d achieve the same. Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as the media makes it seem. Yet, your chimney can look TV ready, with the help of a chimney professional! Superior Chimney will help you with your chimney repair, but in order to begin, you must learn the ABC’s of tuckpointing chimney repair. 

A Brief Review of Tuckpointing

Tuckpointing is the process of repairing the damaged brick or stone mortar on the external part of the chimney. It’s good to get a tuckpointing chimney repair in order to fully ensure that your chimney is safe and in working order. Trying tuckpointing yourself is not encouraged, because a chimney professional uses specialized methods in order to enhance the aesthetic of your chimney, and check for and fix any further repairs. 

Tuckpointing Materials

Tuckpointing materials include the color and type of brick mortar or stone mortar that will make up the structure of your chimney. Usually, the brick color and mortar will contrast or compliment the color of your home. Tuckpointing your chimney will ensure that the chimney is up to working standard. Tuckpointing repair minimizes deterioration while repairing all flaws currently present. Post tuckpointing, a chimney professional will add a layer of Chimney Saver on top to prevent further deterioration from water damage. Chimney saver repels water from the harsh Chicagoland weather changes, such as rain, freezing temperatures, and humidity. 

Functioning Repair

Your chimney is more than an eye catcher for the passerby. Sure, while your neighbors are walking their dog, they’ll most definitely catch a glimpse of your chimney. However, a chimney serves an important role in your home. If the chimney is very damaged, you see chunks of brick or mortar falling off, or even a missing brick, the chimney will surely collapse eventually. A collapsed chimney is a serious repair that requires a chimney rebuild. You certainly won’t be able to use the chimney, as toxic gasses may become blocked in the flue and flow back into your home. It’s important to hire a Superior Chimney professional to ensure the function of your chimney!

Tuckpointing Chimney Repair: Next Steps

If you’ve noticed some damage to the outside of your chimney, want an aesthetic makeover, or are worried about hidden damages, calling a Superior Chimney professional will certainly ease your worries. We have extensive experience around the Chicagoland area repairing chimneys and educating homeowners about keeping their chimney and home safe. Call us today for a chimney inspection, your first step for a tuckpointing chimney repair, at 877-244-6349.

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

As the weather starts to turn warmer, we find ourselves outside more. The leaves from the winter need to be raked up. Pruning needs to be done. There are many tasks that await as we launch into spring. The list is endless. But now is not the time to forget about your fireplace and chimney. The spring is a great time to have your chimney inspected and to make an appointment for a chimney sweep. You will be able to get an appointment without much trouble. Holding off will only get you on a waitlist or not the most desirable time and date. Call Northeast Chimney today to arrange for your spring cleaning and inspection. You will be ready when the fall rolls around next October. 

What Can You Do to Make Your Chimney Sweep Experience Great?

Getting your house ready for the visit by the chimney sweep will help ease the visit. Here is what you can do.

• Clear the area from the door to the fireplace. Allowing a clear path will help our technician get to the fireplace without any trouble. They will have to bring in equipment.
• Allow space in your driveway so that the technician can park close to the house. 
• Move furniture away from the surrounding fireplace. Our technicians will cover anything in the surrounding area. 
• Take down decorations and store them in a safe place.
• Put pets in a locked room. We love our pets, but they can get afraid when someone new is in the house. It is best for all involved to have your pets in a safe spot. 

What To Expect During the Inspection?

We will be prepared with all the equipment needed for your inspection. Our technicians come with a wealth of knowledge. We can spot an issue well before it becomes a large expense. This is also a reason why an annual chimney inspection is suggested by the experts. Being ahead of the curve will save you in the future.

Here is what we will inspect.

• Interior Masonry.
• Exterior Masonry.
• Chimney Liner.
• Chimney Cap.
• Chimney Crown. 
• Chimney Flashing.

It’s spring, we have waited all year for this. The hope of new beginnings or rebirth. Buds are popping through the earth. The birds are chirping once again. Take this time to work with your Chimney sweep to come up with a plan for your chimney and fireplace. Taking care of this now will allow you more time in the fall preparing for winter. 

Schedule your inspection or cleaning soon by calling Northeast Chimney at 860-233-5770. 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.

We service all 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)

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

The post Add Chimney Sweeping to Your Spring-Cleaning List   appeared first on .

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

Commercial chimney liners are critical to containing and guiding byproducts of combustion safely out of your building. However, over time, these liners can deteriorate due to age, and wear and tear, potentially compromising its purpose. 

At Best Chimney Services, we have provided reliable and personalized chimney services in the Boston area since 1989. Our chimney technicians have years of experience and are dedicated to delivering excellent service. You can count on us to make sure your chimney is properly running. Give us a call for your residential and commercial chimney needs! 

If you have a commercial chimney, then it may be time to replace your liner. Learn more below!

Why a Commercial Chimney Liner is Important and How it Works

Commercial chimney venting has several important functions, including:

Safety

Your chimney liner is in charge of protecting the interior walls of your chimney from high temperatures and harsh byproducts, guiding toxic gases out of the building. The liner helps reduce the risk of fire hazards and carbon monoxide leaks, so it’s very important that the liner is intact.

Durability

Chimney liners are made to withstand high temperatures and corrosive substances in order to protect the structure of the chimney. The durability comes from materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, and ceramic. Without the liner, these high temperatures and byproducts would eat away at the masonry and result in dangerous carbon monoxide leaks.

Efficiency

Commercial boilers often require specialty vents in order to avoid soot buildup and condensation issues. With the proper size liner, you can promote efficient drafting to ensure smoke and gases are properly removed from the building.

Signs Your Commercial Chimney Liner Needs to be Replaced

Cracks

If you notice any cracks, gaps, or fractures in your liner, this is the most evident sign that your liner needs to be replaced. These cracks can allow dangerously high heat and gas to escape and get into your building.

Corrosion

Corrosion in metal chimney liners can weaken the liner’s durability, putting it at risk for inefficient venting. We recommend looking for signs of rust, discoloration, and deterioration around the pipe that leads from the boiler to the chimney and check whether or not it’s corroding.

Creosote Buildup

If you’re noticing frequent creosote buildup, this can be a sign that your commercial chimney liner is no longer withholding and expelling toxic gases. It’s important that you have your liner replaced immediately because the buildup of creosote can put you at risk for a chimney fire.

Poor Drafting

Proper draft has several key factors including flow capacity, boiler specifications, lateral run length, chimney height, and location of the stack in relation to the building envelope to name just a few.  It is best to leave the investigating to the professionals to determine your specific lining needs.  

Call Best Chimney Services for a New Chimney Liner

Your commercial chimney liner is a critical component to the functionality and safety of your building. If you’ve noticed any signs of damage like the ones we mentioned above, we urge you to give us a call to resolve the issue before it can get dangerous and costly.

The post When Should You Replace Your Commercial Chimney Liner? appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Good chimney flashing might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you consider routine home maintenance, however, it plays a crucial role in keeping your household safe. 

At Best Chimney Services, we’ve taken care of homeowners’ chimneys since 1989. Whether you’re looking for routine chimney inspections, vital chimney repairs, or other chimney services, we’re here to help. Call Best Chimney Services for reliable chimney services you can lean on. In the meantime, we’re going to discuss the purpose of chimney flashing and how to recognize when it needs repair. But first, let’s delve into what chimney flashing is. 

What is Chimney Flashing?

Chimney flashing is the transition piece at the base of the chimney where the chimney meets the roof. The purpose of the flashing is to provide a seal between the chimney and the roof, ensuring that no water can seep into your home. This prevents costly water damage in your chimney and home. 

Why Good Chimney Flashing is Important

Chimney flashing is important because it helps you avoid any further chances of water damage. If water were to seep into the gaps between your chimney and roof, leaks caused by heavy rainfall or snow could follow and cause damage to your roof and home. Water build-up could also lead to mold growth, wood rot, corrosion of metal, and damage to masonry. If your chimney faces enough water damage, the brick and mortar will become brittle, risking the entire structural integrity. Good chimney flashing diverts rainwater away from the masonry to minimize harmful intrusion into the home. 

How to Know if You Need a Chimney Flashing Repair

Visible Damage

If you notice any visible damage on the paneling around your chimney’s base, that could be a sign for a chimney flashing repair. Inspect the flashing by looking for any signs of wear and tear, such as peeling, staining, or bent edges. If any of the flashing is cracked or missing, then you should schedule a flashing repair immediately.

Water Stains

As we mentioned, the purpose of chimney flashing is to create a seal between the inside of your home and the water outside. Therefore, a major sign that your chimney requires a flashing repair is water damage. Check for this by looking for water stains on your interior walls, like the ceiling and walls near your chimney. This could be an indication of a leak due to damaged flashing.

Loose Flashing 

Flashing is meant to be installed tightly against your chimney and the roof to create an airtight lock. If that flashing is loose or pulling away, then the seal has been compromised. Call your chimney technician immediately to have your flashing resealed or replaced.

Roof Wear

You may not have originally considered this, but roof wear is one way to tell if you need a flashing repair. If you have excessive wear on your roof, specifically around your chimney, this could indicate damage to your chimney flashing. We recommend looking for missing shingles around or near the flashing. If you’re having trouble identifying damage and are worried that your flashing needs repair, don’t hesitate to give us a call.

How to Repair Your Chimney Flashing

Your chimney flashing is important to maintaining your chimney’s structural integrity and preventing costly and dangerous damage. Therefore, we urge you to contact a professional chimney company that is experienced in chimney flashing and can ensure that it’s done properly.  

Call Best Chimney Services for Good Chimney Flashing

Chimney flashing plays an important role in protecting your home from water damage. For reliable chimney flashing you can count on, call Best Chimney Services for high-quality craftsmanship.

The post Why Good Chimney Flashing is Important appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

A Step-by-Step Guide-Schedule your inspection now

We made it through another New England winter and now, with the blossoming beauty of spring upon us, it’s time to give your home a fresh start. And what better way to begin than with the heart of your home – the chimney. Throughout the cold months, your chimney has worked tirelessly to bring you warmth and comfort. Now, we are here to guide you through the crucial steps of spring cleaning and maintenance, ensuring that your chimney is ready for the seasons ahead.

Post-Winter Inspections Are Essential

Seasonal changes from winter to spring can take a toll on your chimney’s structure. Regular inspections are vital to detect any damage early and prevent costly repairs later. By scheduling your annual post-use inspection with Best Chimney, you’re taking a proactive step towards long-term care for your chimney.

Uncover and Repair Winter Damage

The freeze/thaw cycle can inflict considerable stress on your chimney. Thorough checks for cracks or deterioration are indispensable to safeguard your home against potential hazards. Our certified specialists are equipped to spot the subtle signs of winter wear and will provide personalized solutions to address any issues.

Clear Your Firebox with Confidence

A clear firebox is the first step to off- season preparedness. Leftover soot and debris can not only contribute to unwanted odors but also negatively impacts home air quality. We regularly sweep and remove soot and debris during annual maintenance.

Secure Your Chimney by Sealing the Damper

A tightly closed damper seals your flue from the elements, discouraging drafts and keeping out critters. It’s a simple step with profound benefits for energy conservation. Our team will ensure your damper’s integrity, giving you peace of mind.

Schedule Your Post-Winter Chimney Inspection Today

Don’t wait for the next chill, (it is New England!) to ensure your chimney’s wellness. Preparation and prevention are the cornerstones of proper chimney and whole home care. Contact Best Chimney to schedule your spring cleaning and inspection. Our professional, informative approach will leave you assured that your chimney is in the best hands.

Schedule now!

The post Spring Cleaning for Your Chimney appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

As a homeowner, you must be wondering how long you can go without cleaning your chimney, right? Well, the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends that homeowners who use liquid and fossil fuel heating units clean their chimneys at least once a year.

To be on the safe side, you should stick to these recommendations. It will even be better if you can hire chimney cleaning services providers to clean your unit twice a year.

If you ignore your chimney for a long time, you put it at great risk. These risks include:

You increase the risk of fire

Many homeowners are unaware that a house fire occurs somewhere in the United States every 87 seconds. This is a frightening statistic. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), house fires result in more than $8 billion in losses every year.

Additionally, house fires are responsible for 74% of all civilian injuries.

An NFPA research discovered that failure to clean the chimney was the leading cause of house fires.

So, how can a dirty chimney wreak such devastation? Combustion occurs when you light a gas stove or burn wood in your fireplace. Combustion produces a variety of byproducts, including carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter.

When these compounds combine inside the chimney, they produce creosote. Creosote begins as a white powder that is easy to sweep away. However, as you continue to light the fireplace without cleaning, it accumulates in the chimney.

Over time, creosote hardens into a crusty, tarry substance that adheres to the flue and inner walls of the chimney. It is also quite combustible at this point.

When the temperature inside the fireplace rises too high, or a hot ember ignites the creosote, it causes a fire to start in the chimney. A chimney fire may consume an entire home in less than three minutes.

It can lead to respiratory problems.

A dirty chimney might also lead to various health risks. Creosote and other impurities that accumulate in the flue are irritants that, if exposed for an extended period, can become toxic.

If you have gone for a long time without cleaning your, you may have flu-like symptoms. So, if you feel unwell inside your home but feel better outside, a dirty chimney could be the cause.

Symptoms include skin irritation, burning eyes, coughing, difficulty breathing, headaches, and nausea.

If you do not clean the chimney and continue to breathe these pollutants, you are more likely to get respiratory problems, lung cancer, and even skin cancer.

You expose yourself to carbon monoxide.

Going too long without cleaning your chimney might potentially lead to increased exposure to carbon monoxide. Every year, more than 50,000 people are hospitalized, and over 400 die as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning.

When you wait too long between chimney cleanings, residue from the gases produced during combustion accumulates in the flue.

Additionally, small animals, bugs, and debris can clog the flue, preventing harmful gases from exiting down the chimney.

With nowhere else to go, these pollutants return to your living space, posing great risk to you and your loved ones.

Let a chimney sweep do the work.

As much as you want your chimney clean, you shouldn’t try to clean it by yourself. Instead, you should let a professional do it. Hiring a professional comes with plenty of perks that include:

You reduce the risk of injury

A professional chimney cleaning necessitates getting on the roof. Falls from ladders are common, with over half a million occurring each year.

By allowing a qualified chimney sweep to clean your chimney, you eliminate the risk of falling from your ladder or roof.

You reduce your exposure to chemicals.

During chimney cleaning, you remove creosote and soot from the chimney liner. The compounds are hazardous. If you are sensitive to lung or eye irritants, you can avoid potential difficulties by delegating the task to professionals.

You save time

It takes time to properly clean a chimney, especially when you don’t have access to cutting-edge expert equipment. You will save a lot of time by delegating the nasty spring cleaning duty to professionals.

You have peace of mind.

A clean chimney means your property is protected from the risk of a dangerous chimney fire when you use your fireplace again. A clean chimney will not emit the unpleasant odors that creosote can produce during the warmer months.

This gives you peace of mind as you know that your family is safe. You also don’t worry about fire starting.

You protect your home from toxins.

Cleaning a chimney flue causes the discharge of numerous pollutants, and microscopic particles may enter the air in your home if you do it yourself.

Experts have the necessary equipment and abilities to prevent dangerous contaminants from entering your home through the chimney.

As part of the operation, professional chimney sweeps use a HEPA soot vacuum built exclusively for chimney cleaning.

You may be certain that your furnishings, carpeting, and indoor air are as clean after chimney sweeps leave as when they arrived for chimney cleaning.

Parting shot

As mentioned, you should make it a habit to clean your chimney at least once a year. If you use your chimney too often, you should have it cleaned at least twice a year.

If you want to save some money, you can clean the unit by yourself but for the best outcome, let an experienced chimney sweep Elicott City do it.

Besides this saving you from the risk of going up the roof, it also gives you peace of mind as you know that the professional has done a good job so you don’t need to worry about the chimney getting on fire.

You also don’t worry about exposing your family to carbon monoxide poisoning.

The post How Long Can a Chimney Go Without Cleaning? first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

As the weather shifts and the seasons change, homeowners often find themselves facing the age-old challenge of leaky and smelly chimneys. These issues can disrupt the cozy ambiance of a roaring fire, leaving behind unpleasant odors and water damage. In this blog post, we’ll explore the common causes of leaky and smelly chimneys, discuss effective solutions, and provide maintenance tips to keep chimneys in top condition year-round.

Understanding Leaky and Smelly Chimneys:

Leaky chimneys can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare, causing water damage, mold growth, and structural deterioration. Some of the primary culprits behind chimney leaks include:

1. Lack of Proper Chimney Cap: A chimney cap serves as a protective barrier at the top of the chimney, preventing rain, snow, debris, and animals from entering the chimney flue. Without a proper chimney cap or if the cap is damaged or missing, water infiltration becomes a common issue.
2. Old or Rusted Chimney Chase Covers: Chimney chase covers, typically made of metal, are installed atop prefabricated or factory-built chimneys to prevent water intrusion. Over time, these covers can rust, corrode, or develop holes, leading to water leaks into the chimney system.
3. Roof Flashing: Roof flashing, typically made of metal or other weather-resistant materials, is installed around the base of the chimney where it meets the roof. Over time, flashing can degrade, develop gaps, or become dislodged, allowing water to seep into the chimney structure.
4. Masonry Structure Soaking Up Water: Whether you have a true masonry chimney or a Factory built fireplace with a brick façade, your structure could be soaking up rain water and allowing it to penetrate the brick and enter your home. You may already have a cap, or chase cover and your flashing may be in good shape, but if the brick is soaking up water, a leak may still be present. 

Solutions for Leaky Chimneys:

Addressing leaky chimneys requires proactive maintenance and timely repairs to prevent further damage. Some effective solutions include:

• Roof Flashing Repair or Replacement: Inspecting and repairing damaged or deteriorated roof flashing can help restore the watertight seal around the chimney base, preventing water intrusion.
• Installation of a Proper Chimney Cap: Installing a high-quality chimney cap or replacing a damaged or missing cap can provide essential protection against water, debris, and animal entry into the chimney flue.
• Replacement of Chimney Chase Covers: If chimney chase covers are rusted, corroded, or damaged, replacing them with new, durable covers can prevent water leaks and prolong the life of the chimney system.
• Waterproofing the Brick: Having your chimney waterproofed with a clear chemical treatment can be a perfect solution to prevent your masonry structure from continuing to soak up water. This product is not visible once applied and works similar to Rain-X for your vehicle’s windshield. When water touches the brick, it will bead up and run down the chimney rather than soaking in.

Understanding Smelly Chimneys:

Smelly chimneys can emit unpleasant odors, particularly during the spring months when the weather changes and the chimney is not in use. Creosote buildup, a byproduct of wood-burning fires, is a common culprit behind chimney odors. Additionally, dirty chimneys that take on water during wet months can activate these odors, meaning you have a leaky and smelly chimney.

Solutions for Smelly Chimneys:

To combat smelly chimneys effectively, homeowners can consider the following solutions:

• Professional Chimney Cleaning: A thorough chimney cleaning by a certified chimney sweep can remove creosote buildup, debris, and other contaminants from the chimney flue, eliminating foul odors and improving indoor air quality.
• Chemical Cleaning Process (PCR): PCR, or creosote removal, is a chemical cleaning process that effectively breaks down and removes creosote deposits from the chimney flue, reducing the risk of chimney odors and fire hazards.
• Chimney Waterproofing: Applying a waterproofing sealant to the exterior masonry of the chimney can help prevent water penetration, reducing the likelihood of chimney odors caused by moisture infiltration.

Maintenance Tips for Chimney Health:

In addition to addressing specific issues such as leaky and smelly chimneys, homeowners can take proactive steps to maintain chimney health year-round:

• Regular Chimney Inspections: Schedule annual chimney inspections by a qualified chimney technician to identify and address any potential issues before they escalate.
• Chimney Cap and Flashing Maintenance: Inspect chimney caps and flashing regularly for signs of damage or deterioration, and repair or replace them as needed to maintain proper protection against water intrusion.
• Use of Seasoned Firewood: Burn only seasoned firewood in the fireplace to minimize creosote buildup and reduce the risk of chimney odors and fire hazards.

In conclusion, leaky and smelly chimneys can detract from the enjoyment of a warm, inviting fireplace, but with proper maintenance, timely repairs, and proactive measures, homeowners can keep their chimneys in top condition year-round. By addressing common causes such as roof flashing issues, chimney cap deficiencies, creosote buildup, and moisture infiltration, homeowners can ensure a safe, comfortable, and odor-free indoor environment for themselves and their families. Remember, a little maintenance goes a long way in preserving the integrity and functionality of your chimney, enhancing the overall comfort and value of your home.

The post 4 Spring Season Chimney Issues and the Battle Against Leaky and Smelly Chimneys: Causes, Solutions, and Maintenance Tips first appeared on Southern Chimneys.

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

Industrial chimney stacks play a crucial role in the operation and stability of your building. Therefore, your chimney stack’s maintenance and repair are vital to ensuring your tenants’ safety and your chimney’s efficiency. If you let your commercial chimney stack go without needed maintenance and inspections, you can face several dangerous and costly problems. However, you can stay ahead of those problems by educating yourself on some of these common signs that your stack needs repair!

At Best Chimney Services, we’ve serviced commercial and residential chimneys since 1989. Our knowledgeable chimney technicians are committed to offering you the most skillful and personalized services. We deliver a range of services, from residential chimney sweeping to commercial chimney drone inspections, and more. Book your first appointment with us today! In the meantime, learn about how to check on the status of your chimney stack below.

Signs That Your Commercial Chimney Stack Needs a Repair

Fortunately, you don’t need to be a chimney professional to spot early signs of damage in your chimney stack! There are a few indications that we recommend routinely looking for, especially if you have an older chimney. Paying attention to these signs with a visual check can greatly benefit you from having to deal with costly problems in the future! Common signs of a needed repair include:  

Visible Exterior Damage

The most evident sign that your industrial chimney stack needs a repair is when there’s visible damage to the brick and mortar. Common visible damage you should look for includes cracks, spalling, deterioration, loose bricks, and crumbling mortar. These visible damages are signs that may indicate structural issues with your stack that need attention. Call us if you notice any of these problems so we can address them as soon as possible!

Rusting or Cracked Breeching

When you see rusting or cracks in the pipe that runs off the boiler to the base of the chimney, it’s time for an inspection.  Dangerous flue gasses can escape from these gaps and come back into the boiler room.  Typically, repairs to the breeching and venting stacks are not addressed until there is a boiler malfunction or heat/hot water interruptions.  We encourage you to be proactive in your chimney inspections and commercial chimney stack repair to avoid panic later on.  

Excessive Vibrations

Shaking or excessive vibrations while the chimney is in use can indicate operation impairment or other critical issues with your chimney’s venting stack. We urge you to call a chimney professional immediately because continuous vibrations of the stack can lead subsequent lengthy shut downs.

Age

As buildings and homes age, they require repairs and maintenance. The same goes for chimneys! The masonry of your chimney will deteriorate over time due to wear and tear, so they’ll ultimately require upgrades to maintain efficient usage. If your chimney stack is not being inspected annually, it may be prone to more costly issues because of its age. Save yourself a headache and book an appointment today to determine whether or not your industrial stack needs repair based on its age. 

Water Leakage

Water leakage is one of the common red flags our chimney technicians look for during chimney inspections. If you’re noticing water stains or moisture around the base of your commercial chimney stack or inside the building where the chimney runs, then it’s possible you have a leak in your structure. This leak will need to be sealed as soon as possible in order to prevent further damage.

Call Best Chimney Services for Your Industrial Chimney Stack Repair

Regular inspection and maintenance of your commercial chimney stacks are essential to address potential issues early on. Minimize the risk of costly and unsafe repairs by booking your first commercial chimney inspection with us today!

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