When relaxing in front of your fireplace, the last thing you want to have to happen is to get a whiff of a nasty smell. However, from time to time all homeowners will encounter an unexplained odor emanating from their fireboxes. So, what is the cause of that smell coming from your fireplace exactly? Here are the six most common answers to that question.

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Creosote buildup

One of the benefits of an annual sweep and inspection by a Northeastern Chimney technician is that, during their visit, our team members will remove any creosote buildup within your flue. This sticky, tar-like substance can be quite smelly, especially when mixed with winter rain or snow.

An unintended side effect of efficient homes: negative air pressure

You want your home to be sealed so that your energy usage is as low as possible. However, this could have an unintended side effect, that being negative air pressure. Essentially, this creates a vacuum that pulls air down through your flue and into your home. This can cause odors from your neighborhood to make their way into your home.

Leaving a window or two slightly cracked when burning a fire in your fireplace, as well as closing your damper when it’s not in use, can help mitigate this issue.

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Birds or other rodents

If your cap is missing or broken, birds and other critters can make their way into your chimney. There, they build nests or can get stuck. As time goes on, this can lead to a very smelly situation, especially with droppings and other waste. A smell like something is rotten is a strong indication you’re dealing with this type of problem.

Leaves or other debris

Have you ever cleaned leaves out of a gutter? We’d imagine you just said “Yes” to yourself. Likewise, have you ever cleaned decomposed leaves out of your gutters? In either case, leaves and other debris can have a unique odor. And again, if your cap is missing, this can be another reason for an unpleasant smell to be coming from your fireplace.

Mold and mildew from moisture

Mold and mildew have a very distinct smell. If there are structural issues with your chimney, ranging from missing bricks to a damaged crown, it can lead to moisture buildup. In turn, beyond the physical damage to your chimney, water can also lead to health concerns in the form of mold and mildew growth.

Ash

The final thing you may be smelling from your chimney is ash. Ash should be removed weekly, but if left in place, can start to turn into a smell situation.

How to get rid of that smell coming from your fireplace!

Whenever there is a smell coming from your fireplace, you will want to schedule an inspection with our team right away. It may be overdue for a sweep and cleaning, or there may be an issue that’s popped up recently with your chimney. If left to fester, it may lead to larger problems down the road.

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

You may think a weathered look gives your chimney character, but stains can be a sign of an underlying problem. Let’s look at the various stains you might see on your chimney and what causes them.

Green Stains

If you live in a humid environment, you’ll probably notice green stains dotting your chimney, which are usually algae. Algae is unsightly but isn’t considered a hazard. It could also be mold, which may indicate a water leaking issue with your chimney. You would want to get a water problem inspected and repaired right away!

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Black Stains

Black chimney stains are one of the most common and are caused by soot. Soot stains mainly appear on the crown, but wind can spread them everywhere.

Brown Stains

Brown stains are typically caused by creosote, a natural byproduct of burning wood. If you see these stains on your chimney, it could mean it needs to be swept. Creosote is corrosive and highly flammable, so it’s crucial to hire a professional chimney sweep to take care of it as soon as possible.

Red Stains

Red stains typically mean rust and often affect factory-built chimneys. Rust happens whenever water leaks from your chase cover and drips down the sides. If you see red stains, call a chimney professional as soon as possible because water leaks can cause damage to the chase cover if they’re not repaired and lead to mold growth in your home.

White Stains

White stains come from a process called efflorescence. Efflorescence is when moisture seeps into the bricks, causing the salt in the mortar to go to the surface. Efflorescence typically happens in cold climates, where chimneys undergo a freeze/thaw cycle. Because efflorescence results from water, it could signify that you have moisture damage, which, if left unchecked, can cause brick spalling, loose mortar joints, and a compromised chimney structure.

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Preventing Chimney Stains

The most effective way to prevent chimney stains and the damage that results is to schedule an annual inspection by a trained professional. As mentioned, some stains are nothing more than an eyesore, but others could result from an underlying issue that can lead to damage or fire. Certified chimney experts can quickly determine a stain’s cause and determine if your chimney is at risk.

Besides scheduling a chimney inspection, it’s wise to invest in a waterproofing product since many stains are caused by moisture. Waterproofing prevents many moisture-related stains and extends the lifespan of your chimney.

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The post How to Identify Chimney Stains appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

A chimney pot has become popular in recent years. They provide a decorative top to the chimney finishing the look and feel of a detailed house. Most times, chimneys are finished with a metal tube that can keep out water, debris, snow, animals and other items that can easily make its way into the home. There’s nothing wrong with a metal topping, it serves its purpose. However, sometimes, you want something that can protect the home yet have it be done in a more ‘stylish’ way.

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What is a Chimney Pot?

The chimney pot starting in the 18^th and 19^th centuries when burning coal was the method for heating homes. The chimney pot, made from terra-cotta, is a material that stays cool when heat is present. However, the terra-cotta chimney pot was used to extend the chimney stack height in order to increase the amount of air so it reduces fumes and soot in the home.

Beyond the use of the chimney pot, it was also used as a decorative or architectural piece. The more decorative, the more it represented wealth and stature. Today, it’s all about the design. The designs match the various style homes including contemporary, traditional, Victorian and more. The chimney pot can still represent wealth, but it is more about the details…the finishing touches to a home.

Decorative Chimney Cap – Copper

If you’ve decided you’re not a fan of the chimney pot, not to worry. There are plenty of decorative chimney caps out there to choose from. One that seems to be a fan favorite is the copper chimney cap. Copper chimney caps are a very durable metal. They have corrosion-resistant properties which is similar to steel and the best part, is that it does not rust. Now, however, the downfall with copper is there is a bit of maintenance to it…if you don’t want the color copper to change. If you like it, then this is the perfect decorative cap for you.

Decorative Chimney Cap – Stainless Steel

Stainless steel chimney caps are great when you are searching for quality and affordability. Now, this doesn’t mean they can’t look decorative, they certainly can. However, you want something that is durable and lasts, stainless steel is the way to go as it is so tough it can be just about rust proof. The best part…no maintenance. Once it’s installed, it will look the same on day 1 as it will on day 1,001.

Customized Chimney Cap – Any Metal

Now you can go crazy and get a custom chimney cap made that matches the style home, with a single or multiple types of metals to give a unique look and feel. Some homeowners like to finish the look of their home with ‘capping’ it off with something unique. However, you like your home to look, just be sure to get something that matures well and provides low maintenance.

What’s Next?

So, now you want to explore chimney caps. Put this on your list for when your chimney technician comes out to your home to clean and inspect your chimney. He can discuss with you the various types of caps. By understanding your needs, the technician will share the choices and you can go from there! With the new year in full swing, let’s get the chimney and fireplace cleaned and checked with our 14-point inspection with photos so your chimney not only ‘looks’ good, but is in healthy shape as well.

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

Chimney leaks can be caused by snow, not only by the heavy downpours of rain! Chimney leaks occur year round due to exposure to various weather conditions. Whether it be rain, snow, wind or sunshine, chimneys begin to decay as weather wears on them. The exterior of the chimney is very porous and lets water in easily, leading to water damage. We often hear about chimney leaks happening in the summer because of the rain, but what about in winter? Let’s take a look at a customer and their first-hand experience with a chimney leak caused by snow.

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Customer Experience

A customer shared, “One evening, I was at the dinner table with my family. I heard a sound like dripping water. Naturally, I headed to the bathroom to check the faucet. It wasn’t leaking water. I checked around the house and found nothing out of the ordinary, so I returned to dinner.

A few days later, while the house was quiet, I could hear the faint dripping sound once again. I noticed it was coming from the living room, near the fireplace. I looked up, and saw a small wet spot on the ceiling near the chimney. It was winter time so there was no rain, only snow and ice. I found it hard to believe it was a chimney leak, since I thought that the water froze during the winter! I called Superior Chimney for a chimney inspection and a chimney repair.”

Finding the Chimney Leak

We found a nearly unnoticeable stream of water on the inside of the customer’s chimney. Typically, chimney leaks are reported in the spring and summer because of the amount of rain, but in winter, it’s common to experience chimney leaks caused by snow in the freeze thaw process. The chimney is used often, causing the snow and ice to melt. Sometimes, the condensation can build up inside the chimney and begin to leak down, causing some damage to the ceiling. Only sometimes the damage is where the ceiling and chimney meet. The dripping noise comes from the water leaking down into the fireplace. Other times, water likes to travel to other parts of the house, making it more challenging to identify the source of the leak.

Fortunately, the customer was able to see the water damage on the ceiling. But this is not the only way to find a chimney leak caused by snow melt. Three other ways to spot a chimney leak during the winter are:

1. A musty odor in the fireplace.
2. Water stains or condensation on the interior chimney walls, or inside the fireplace.
3. Cracked masonry on the outside of the chimney.

Winter Leaks

Chimney leaks caused by snow can be more difficult to identify and repair in winter because you use your chimney in the Winter, Fall and Spring. It is important to fix chimney leaks right away before the summer comes and the leaks, along with the deterioration, become worse. We can help repair your chimney leak before it turns into a costly repair.

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

In case you have noticed water that is trickling at the bottom of your fireplace or critters getting into the property, you might need professionals. In case this happens when it snows or rains, there can be a problem with the chimney. For those homes that can effectively prevent rain and snow from coming down your chimney, they use a chimney capping cowl.

Snow is a sign of freezing temperatures and slushy conditions while the snow melts. These thawing and freezing cycles can affect the chimney masonry very badly. You can pay for chimney cleaning services to help keep snow out of your chimney. You can read this article until the end to know more.

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Use a Chimney Crown

A chimney crown is placed on the chimney opening outside your house to prevent moisture and debris from going into the flue. Since this component is an outdoor element, it goes through damage while it ages.

If the chimney crown breaks or cracks, it cannot perform its job effectively. This is the defensive tactic to prevent snow from pouring down inside the structure and going into your home. When you are inspecting the chimney at the beginning of the season, make sure that you are also checking for crown damage. This component should be replaced if you see breaks so you can protect the structure during winter.

Chimney Flashing

The chimney has a metal part and it is mainly a waterproof seal between the chimney and the roof. Installation is hard to perfect. It is not strange for a chimney leak to be the exact result of damaged or improperly installed flashing. Ensuring the chimney flashing’s effectiveness is one of the reasons why you should schedule a yearly chimney inspection based on recommendations.

Weatherproof Your Chimney

The masonry will hold the chimney bricks together, which is very porous, making it prone to moisture. The more water your chimney absorbs, the higher chance it will erode and break down. Waterproofing materials can easily be added to the exterior of the chimney to prevent moisture from penetrating. After a chimney inspection that has deemed your structure to be very sound, you need to have a clean exterior cleaned and contact a professional to apply weatherproofing.

You must also take note that chimneys with moisture-proof stones can still be damaged by water. That is because they need a mortar base between stones to create the chimney structure.

Repair the Mortar

The brick and mortar are an important part of holding the chimney together. The mortar is responsible for connecting each brick. While your chimney can last a long time, the mortar’s lifespan is shorter. In case this begins to crack or flake away, it will create moisture and water paths so that it can seep into your chimney and brick.

If you see cracks in the mortar, you do not really have to rebuild a part of the structure. You will find companies that offer chimney repair services where technicians will do a thorough check that got damaged or cracked to save you money for rebuilding.

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Use a Cricket for Diverting Water

Melting snow and rainwater creates a serious run-off that will likely sweep past the chimney. Protecting it from the flow is important to structural integrity. The easiest way is to install a diverter called a cricket. It can simply be fixed so that means there is a difference between the chimney standing tall or water folding when under pressure.

You can contact chimney sweep  anytime before winter to have your chimney cleaned and inspected.    

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The post How to Keep Snow from Going Inside Your Chimney first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

Think about your ideal Christmas scene. It likely includes a sparkling tree with presents underneath, your family snuggled together on the couch, and a warm fire crackling in the fireplace. We can almost guarantee it does not include an accidental fire from unsafe elements and the arrival of an entire crew of firemen followed by potential damage to your beautiful Christmas celebration. Fireplace safety during the holidays is extremely important. Here are some tips to keep you and your family safe.

Hang your stockings with care

That picture-perfect Christmas image usually includes stockings full of goodies adorning the mantle. Unfortunately, this can be a safety hazard. Specifically, if there are less than three feet between your stockings and your burning fire, a spark could escape and quickly lead to a quickly burning fire.

To be as safe as possible, we’d advise you to find an alternate location for your stockings. At the very least, you will want to remove them from the mantle before lighting a fire. This three-foot rule extends to your tree, presents, and some of your decorative holiday pieces as well. Give your fire space to keep your family safe.

Use fire-resistant decor

Now to be clear, we aren’t saying that you should leave your fireplace and mantle empty this season. After all, we know it is typically the focal point of a room, especially during the holiday season!

Rather, we encourage each of our Northeastern Chimney customers to choose decor that is labeled fire-resistant to safely decorate your room. This doesn’t mean these won’t catch fire if placed too close but that they are less likely to accidentally ignite. The three-foot rule and other safety measures should still be practiced.

Tree safety

Another item that should be a safe distance from your fireplace is your tree. If you choose an artificial tree, ensure it is labeled as fire-resistant. If you have a real tree, keep it watered regularly as the heat from your fireplace will dry your tree out faster. In addition, if you’re using a real tree, even your Christmas lights can slowly dry it out. This is yet another reason to keep it fully watered all season long.

Consider a spark guard

If you have an open hearth, adding a spark guard is another excellent safety decision. This will help keep loose sparks and embers from entering your home. You can buy simple guards that can be left in place all year or look for ones that are Christmas-themed to add to your festive decor.

Ring in the holidays with fireplace safety

One last tip, keep a fire extinguisher handy! As we all know, we can do everything to prepare but fires can quickly get out of control. In addition, a chimney full of creosote can spark quickly, so if you don’t know the last time your chimney was cleaned and/or inspected, give us a call.

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

If your chimney is full of soot and debris, you might be looking for an easy and fast way to clean it. Chimney cleaning logs certainly seem to fit the bill – they are easy to find at your local home improvement store and are intended to clean your chimney just by burning it. But do cleaning logs really work? Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of chimney cleaning logs.

How do chimney cleaning logs work?

Cleaning logs contain chemicals that are designed to loosen soot and creosote buildup in your chimney so that it flakes off and is easier to sweep away. Creosote is a natural by-product of wood-burning fires, and it builds up in particularly large quantities if you are using freshly chopped wood.

Many people think that cleaning logs completely remove all debris from your chimney, but this is actually a common misconception. In fact, you’ll still need to manually sweep and remove debris from the chimney – you just won’t have to worry about it sticking to the walls.

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Pros of Cleaning Logs

The biggest advantage of cleaning logs is how easy they are to use. They’re designed for use with any wood-burning fire and are quick and easy to light. They’re also a simple shape that will fit well in most chimneys.

Cleaning logs are also very safe to use. As with any fire, you should always monitor them while they are in use. When you’re not using them, you can store them safely with your normal firewood. Affordable prices make it easy to stock up on them.

Cons of Cleaning Logs

The biggest disadvantage of cleaning logs is that they will not completely clean your chimney on their own. You will still need to sweep away all of the soot, creosote flakes, and other debris after the cleaning log has finished burning. You’ll also need to use cleaning logs fairly regularly, as creosote can build up quickly.

Additionally, cleaning logs are not a viable substitute for a professional cleaning. Professional chimney sweeps are much more thorough than a cleaning log. In addition to removing all of the debris built up in your chimney, they can also check for any potential chimney structural issues and recommend any necessary repairs. Ideally, you should have your chimney cleaned professionally at least once per year to keep it in good condition.

No matter what method you use, it’s important to clean your chimney regularly to avoid buildup, which can be a fire hazard. Cleaning logs paired with a regular professional cleaning is an easy way to make sure your chimney stays in great shape so you can enjoy your fireplace all winter long.

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

Call Us at 877-959-3534 for Chimney Service

If you are thinking of a wood stove, you should be thinking about the chimney after that. The best quality stove, furnaces, boilers, water heaters, and more can also perform well when they are connected to a chimney. They will work together as one system. The chimney will drive the system by exhausting flue gases from your stove and it simultaneously pulls fresh combustion air into your stove. The continuous air supply is important when it comes to maintaining a steady fire. That air supply depends on the chimney’s ability to exhaust any flue gases because they are produced by the stove combustion.

You can read on until the end if you want to know more before contacting chimney inspection if you think something is wrong.

Flow

The most basic in chimney design is based on the fact that hot air rises. The higher the temperature difference between exhaust fumes/gases in your chimney and the air outside, the gas rises at a faster pace. This is a natural movement of exhaust fumes that goes up the chimney draft. For it to have enough draft to maintain the right combustion, there is a particular volume of gases that should move through your chimney. This is known as the flow, and if the draft is stronger, the flow is greater.

Kind of Filter

There are three kinds of filters in any modern chimney – Cassette Filter, Baffle Filter, and Charcoal Filter. For an Indian kitchen, the Baffle Filter is the best because it removes oil and spice particles coming from the air and it keeps high suction power. A cassette filter has tiny holes in the aluminum mesh that will trap particles and it purifies the air. Charcoal filters have a layer that takes out odors and you can use it with Baffle and Cassette filters.

Size

The right kitchen chimney should be the same size as the stove or larger, but it should never be smaller. A chimney with a size of 60 cm is better for a 2 to 4-burner stove, and 90 cm is great for a 3 to 5-burner stove. In case the chimney size is smaller compared to a stove/hob, some cooking fumes can escape the direct suction power and spreads in the kitchen.

Mounting Style

There are three mounting styles that you can choose from, which depend on your kitchen’s construction and available space. It should be built-in, an island, or wall-mounted. Based on the name, wall-mounted chimneys can be fitted on the wall and they are ideal for kitchens where there is a cooking stove against the wall. Your island chimney is great for modern homes where the cooking stove is in the middle of your kitchen. This is perfect for small kitchens, and a built-in chimney is compact and fixed, integrated into the kitchen woodwork so it will not take up additional space.

Suction Capacity

Kitchen hoods are available with suction capacities that are between 700 m3/hr to 1600 m3/hr. The rule is that more cooking requires higher suction capacity. In addition, since a lot of households have a family of four and can cook three meals daily, it consists of spicy, vegetarian, and non-vegetarian dishes. It is suggested that you invest in a chimney that has more than 1200 m3/hr suction power.

Maintenance

Make sure that you buy a chimney from a good brand that has free installation and quick after-sales service. Since they are doing a lot of heavy-duty work, chimneys need regular maintenance.

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

Call Us at 877-959-3534 for Chimney Service

Fireplace dampers come in two varieties: a throat damper, which is located just above the firebox, and a top-mount damper, which is installed on the exterior of the chimney at the top. In both cases, dampers are very important when you’re using your fireplace as well as when you’re not. Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace of Kansas City, KS, would like to share some helpful information about getting the most out of your fireplace damper.

The purpose of a damper

A damper is a device with a plate system that opens and closes with a handle that’s located somewhere near your fireplace and is easy to access. The primary purpose of a fireplace damper is to regulate the flow of air when starting and maintaining a fire in the fireplace. A secondary purpose is to seal off the exchange of air between the home and the outside when the fireplace isn’t in use.

Correct damper operation

When you’re starting a fire, the damper should be fully open. If it’s particularly cold outside, hold a lit rolled-up newspaper beyond the damper and into the flue to warm the air. Super-cold flue air is heavy and will hinder the drafting of warmer, lighter smoky air from the fireplace. When the flue is warmed up a little, keep the damper open and light your kindling to get the logs burning. During this time, a fully open damper will provide enough draft air to allow the logs to combust properly and completely. Once your fire is burning well, adjust the opening of the damper to control the vibrancy of the fire. A little less air will slow the combustion; more air will make the fire more robust.

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When you’re finished using the fireplace

After the fire has died down and no more smoke and flames are visible, you should shut the damper completely. This will prevent warm air from the house and radiant heat from the fireplace from escaping up the chimney. At any time the fireplace isn’t in use, it’s good practice to keep the damper closed. There are several reasons for this.

• Keeps conditioned house air from escaping
• Keeps non-conditioned outside air from moving in
• Helps to prevent chimney odors from entering the house
• Provides a barrier against the intrusion of squirrels, birds, rodents and other small animals

A note on top-mount dampers

Top-mount dampers do the same job as throat dampers where fires are concerned, but they also add a layer of protection at the top of your chimney to keep out moisture, debris and animals. If you use a throat damper, it’s a good idea to have a full-width chimney cap installed at the top of your chimney. This device will keep things out of the flue.

When to call for damper service

A squeaky or difficult-to-move damper needs to be looked at. Cleaning or repair work might solve the problem. If the damper is severely rusted out or otherwise damaged, it should be replaced. The fireplace damper is an important part of your overall fireplace/chimney system. It should be inspected once a year along with all other parts of the system to ensure safe, efficient operation.

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The post How Dampers Control Fires and Air Flow appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

Winter storms can wreak havoc with chimneys. In the Midwest, we regularly see powerful storms that bring snow, wind, hail and ice to our cities and towns. Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace of Kansas City, KS, would like to share four important tips for getting your chimney ready for whatever winter brings.

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Tip 1: Have your chimney inspected

Before the cold season starts, schedule a chimney inspection with a licensed chimney technician. You can do your own visual inspection, but a trained technician will be able to see things you can’t. A proper inspection will turn up areas that need repair and parts that need replacing. Having the inspection done in the summer or early fall will allow plenty of time for any work that might be necessary.

Tip 2: Install a custom full-width chimney cap

If there’s no cap on the top of your chimney, your flue is open to all sorts of stuff you don’t want in there. Rain, hail and snow will move into your chimney and can easily begin a cycle of water damage to the flue liner, interior masonry, smoke chamber, fireplace damper and other parts of the system. Along with keeping out winter storm elements, a full-width chimney cap will do two other things for you:

• Prevent small animals from taking refuge in your chimney
• Protect the concrete chimney crown from damage that will send water to the interior areas of your chimney

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Tip 3: Consider a top-mount damper

A top mount damper does much the same job as a standard throat damper located just above the firebox. But it also allows you to seal off the top of the chimney when the fireplace isn’t in use.This is beneficial when you want extra protection against moisture inside the chimney flue. Another benefit is that top mount dampers have mesh siding to keep fiery sparks and embers from jumping out of your chimney.

Tip 4: Waterproof your chimney

Two of the biggest reasons for service calls to chimney companies are masonry damage and leaky chimneys. When bricks become loose or cracked, and when mortar joints begin to crumble, trouble is almost always on the way. Damaged masonry will allow water from winter storms (and water from any kind of storm at any time of year) to infiltrate and begin a cycle of chimney deterioration. Severely damaged masonry can lead to major problems throughout the chimney system and eventually cause a chimney to collapse. Your masonry can be protected by having your chimney technician apply a waterproofing sealant. This will keep water away from the bricks and mortar and out of any cracked or decayed areas. Because the sealant is “vapor-permeable,” it will allow naturally occurring moisture to escape the seal and not build up against the masonry.

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The post How to Prepare Your Chimney for Winter Storms appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.