Asking what’s the best way to waterproof a chimney or what are the best waterproofing products are both understandable enough questions, but they’re also too broad for a simple answer. Best way to waterproof what kind of chimney? Are we waterproofing a vertical wall or the breast of the brickwork? There are brick, concrete block, stucco and stone chimneys and there are different considerations for all of them – meaning you might use different products on different types of chimneys. Let’s peel this back like an onion.

Choosing the Right Waterproofing Product

Before getting started, please understand that the less a waterproofing product costs, the less likely it is to do you any good. One major brand costs fairly little but lasts a rather short amount of time because it breaks down in with UV exposure (sunlight.)

You want a product that uses poly siloxanes or silanes. Basically, that means that it doesn’t use solids to block up the pores of the masonry, rather it sets up an electrostatic charge that outside water can’t overcome. At the same time, if the masonry has trapped moisture in it the day you decide to waterproof (and it very well may) the head pressure of the water inside will be able to overcome the electrostatic charge and escape. In other words, water can’t get in, but it could get out if need be. The good stuff does cost more – not prohibitively more – but it is oh so, so worth it.

Sealing Brick Chimney

Since about 99% of the people reading this have brick chimneys, let’s start there (I will address non-brick chimneys later). One of the central issues concerning waterproofing is the porosity of the material being waterproofed. This makes sense: you don’t have to waterproof steel or vinyl because water doesn’t penetrate them in the first place. While bricks are generally less porous than many other materials (like a cinder block) different types of bricks vary in porosity themselves.

This explanation is to set the stage for understanding that sometimes you have to waterproof a chimney more than once. You should know this too: though we don’t like to admit it, the fact is that sometimes professionals misjudge how much waterproofing a chimney needs and wind up coming back when they get a complaint. We sure don’t like that, nor do we like people being dissatisfied with our work, but where waterproofing is concerned, it seems to be a fact of life. Moral of that story is 1) ask your waterproofer to go over it twice just for good measure (even if it costs a bit more) and 2) don’t be too tough on your guy if you have to call him back. I thank you on behalf of all the guys who ever get caught in that squeeze! And please look below for special information concerning re-applications.

A last item before moving onto specific information: If you have spalling brick, i.e. the faces of the brick are popping off, don’t bother to waterproof the chimney; it’s too late. Instead kick yourself for not having done it ten years ago and have the brick structure rebuilt. Then waterproof it so it doesn’t happen again.

Now for some specific information, still with bricks:

How is chimney waterproofing applied?

Waterproofing is applied with a sprayer. On the vertical walls, i.e. most of the chimney, waterproofing should be applied from bottom to top because as the waterproofing material comes out of the sprayer it runs down the chimney and gets absorbed into the chimney below the area being working on. It sort of amounts to doing it twice. Obviously, the top needs extra attention or it’d only get one pass. And as mentioned before, I’d do it twice. After you finish about 10 minutes’ worth, do it again just to make sure the whole structure gets a good soaking.

Special considerations should be given to breast walls, re-application, the crown, the flashing area and the mortar joints. The breast wall is where a chimney doesn’t go straight down to the ground, rather goes around something (almost always a fireplace.) They aren’t usually outright horizontal areas, a 30°-60° angle is pretty common. These areas should get different treatment.

Sealing the Chimney Breast

Because the chimney breast has a more severe exposure to rain and particularly snow, it needs more coats of waterproofing. Most waterproofing used these days is water-based material. This is for a couple reasons: one is that water-based materials cost considerably less than solvent based materials. They are safer to ship, store and use and they are perfectly adequate to the task. The exception to the advantages is on non-vertical surfaces.

One way to deal with a non-vertical surface is to waterproof it over and over and over. Another is to use a solvent-based material, still with polysiloxanes, because it soaks deeper into the substrate. For a chimney with a breast below, opt for the more expensive solvent-based waterproofing.

A special note about re-applications. If one needs to re-apply waterproofing after the water-based material has already dried, solvent-based waterproofing should be used. This is not common knowledge, even among the trade. Whether re-applying the next day or ten years later, use solvent-based waterproofing. Don’t be alarmed that if after reading this article you know more than the people you hire to do the job; most people don’t know all this. Just patiently insist on getting what you ask for.

Sealing a Chimney Crown

The chimney crown is an almost flat surface and it’s made of concrete or mortar. It shouldn’t be made of mortar, but there’s a good chance that it is anyway. Based on what you’ve just read about waterproofing the chimney breast, you’d reasonably think that you’d just use a solvent based waterproofing material there. But that is not so: a crown requires more than ordinary waterproofing.

The crown is rather porous. If you’re lucky the crown will be made of concrete and will have been worked in a way that makes the top quite smooth and non-porous. But on average, crowns are fairly porous and have more exposure to rain and snow than all of the rest of the chimney, and accordingly more problems (e.g. leaks) that the rest of the chimney as well.

There are coatings made specifically for crowns (the two major brands are Weather Tight and Saver Systems and both are generally available to the trade only.) Regardless of the brand being used, crown preparation is key. All the moss and dirt must be wire-brushed away. The crown should be wetted down before the material is applied. Crown coatings applied to dry surfaces don’t develop the necessary bond you’re looking for. Large cracks should be caulked with high resin filler before the crown coat is applied.

A note on horizontal surfaces which are not chimney crowns, such as driveways etc. Siloxanes are not the best choice here because driveways are made of concrete. A similar material (silane) is appropriate in order to get proper bonding with the substrate. It’s not that chimney waterproofing material won’t work; it’s just that silanes will last longer in this instance.

The flashing area needs special attention. Traditional flashing, which 99.9% of all of us have, is not actually so great. I’m sure traditional in-the-mortar-joint-flashing was a huge improvement over whatever was before it a hundred years ago, but don’t imagine it keeps water out the way you wish it did.

There are terrific flashing products which, in my opinion, are sadly underused. Flash Seal and Flash Tight (once again, Saver Systems and WaterTight products) are high-resin coatings specifically for this purpose. To waterproof the flashing really well, ask for one of these products. Your sweep may or may not even know what you’re talking about, but don’t hold that against him. In this case you’ll be educating him. As I said, they are still under-appreciated products at this point.

Now for the big one: the mortar. Since most leaking occurs at the joints, you want to be extra sure you soak them real well with the waterproofing. You should know that as a rule mortar joints are often not as well bonded as you might think they are, and there are actually small cracks in the mortar (usually not visible though.) The joints themselves have different properties on different chimneys depending upon whether mortar cement or Portland cement was used, not to mention the particle size of the sand used and the pH of the water that was mixed to make the mortar.

How long does chimney waterproofing last?

Before moving on, let me answer another FAQ. The question is how long does chimney waterproofing last? Answer is, as a general statement, probably about 20 years for most people. If you have the wind blowing sand at your chimney a lot, perhaps in the desert or by the sea, the brick surface can wear away, but most people don’t have that. There are guarantees, generally about 10 years. When those guarantees were instituted they were basically guesses from studies done in wind tunnels and freeze-thaw cycles. After a lot of years of observation, 20 years seems to be a generally good answer. Having it redone every 10-15 years is reasonable maintenance.

What is the difference between beading and repelling water?

A related subject: there’s a difference between “beading” and repelling water. Right after anything is waterproofed, there is a very satisfying effect called beading. This is where you see beads of water just sitting on the surface, kind of like seeing water sitting on oil. As neat as it is to see, at effect is temporary. I don’t know why, but the fact remains that waterproofing remains effective for many, many years beyond the beading effect is gone.

How to waterproof chimney cinderblock

Now concerning waterproofing concrete block chimneys. Concrete block chimneys are the most porous of all, and they are at the same time most in need of waterproofing and most difficult to get a good result. But not impossible – you just need extra passes, and it’s a good idea to use a solvent-based waterproofing material here as well. As you know, I trash-talked solids in your waterproofing at the beginning of the article. I’ll backtrack just a little here.

Polysiloxane waterproofing material is still the superior technology, but for pores this big, you might do well to outright seal them. You can do that with stucco or by using a waterproof paint. Boat paint might be overkill, but it should work like a charm. There’s also a special hybrid product from Saver Systems that has some solids in it (Chimney Saver for Concrete Blocks).

Stucco chimneys are a bit trickier. (Disclaimer: I know less about stucco than I do about bricks) Old stucco was made with gypsum and I can’t help you with what kind of waterproofing material, if any, should be used. Modern stucco for plastering a chimney however would be made with Portland cement. Porosity would be “not too bad” so you could use a waterproofing material on it, i.e. – it will bond to it.

That said, I’m not sure it’s necessary as I believe stucco is pretty good at keeping water away from the surface below. It’s applied almost an inch thick and it’s pretty good at drying out. I suppose there is the danger of several days of rain and the stucco getting saturated; again I don’t know enough about stucco to comment on how long it will hold how much water. My observation in life is that most stucco surfaces are not falling apart, yet it seems that freezing and thawing should destroy them. Sorry to be of so little help here.

How to waterproof stone chimneys

Finally, there are stone chimneys. Depending upon what kind of stone, the surface may be quite dense or quite porous. Regardless, stone usually doesn’t waterproof well with chimney waterproofing materials. The reason is that siloxanes and silanes bond to silica, and stones may or may not be silica. If they are, it’ll work, and if they aren’t, it won’t. Faux stone on the other hand is made with Portland cement, and you can waterproof it.

A Final Cautionary Word

Let me finish with a fun (in retrospect) cautionary tale. Be careful where you spray your waterproofing material. We once had an employee get cute and draw a smiley face on one of our customer’s driveway. It dried right up, no problem. But, when it rained the smiley face showed up just great. We wound up waterproofing that whole driveway just to keep it from smiling in the rain. Put down cloths on the roof so you don’t get it on the shingles. Never get it on the windows (you’ll mess them up permanently.) And of course, be real careful not to get it on the driveway J

The post How to Waterproof a Chimney appeared first on Highs Chimney.

Whether you are buying or selling a home, many homeowners falsely believe that a home inspection will find any chimney-related issues. BUYER and SELLER BE AWARE.

In this crazy housing market, people are bypassing home inspections to win the bid!

Listen to this BOSTON 25 news report about the importance of home inspections. These are safety issues and must not be overlooked.

Now more than ever, it is imperative to have your chimney and fireplace inspected prior to buying or selling, here is what you need to know:

Are you buying?

Home buyers need to make sure their new home is safe and sound for themselves and their family. If the new house has a fireplace, make sure the chimney is in good condition. Once a home is under contract, buyers can request an independent chimney inspection in addition to a home inspection.

Even if the sellers have an inspection report from a chimney sweep, you can still ask to have another sweep do a secondary inspection. This second inspection can confirm the findings of the chimney report – or uncover issues that were not previously disclosed. This report can ensure that any fireplace, heating flue, or other chimney issues are addressed before the sale is finalized.

If you recently bought a new home, but the sellers did not include findings from a chimney inspection in their disclosures, you will want to have the chimney inspected before lighting your first fire. This is especially true if you bought an older home, a home that was unoccupied for a long period of time before purchase, or a home where the fireplace was rarely or infrequently used.

Are you selling?

If you are selling your home, you should consider having the chimney swept and inspected before putting it on the market. Having the chimney swept and inspected gives you a cleaner and more efficient fireplace system, but it can also alert you of any chimney damage that has occurred or repairs that need to be made. Finding chimney damage before you put your home on the market gives you plenty of time to make repairs. It reduces the risk of any unpleasant surprises being uncovered during the buyer’s inspection. In addition to allowing, you to make repairs, having a report from a certified chimney sweep can also help put buyers at ease about the condition of the chimney.

Having a chimney inspection done before buying or selling a home can ensure no problems with the fireplace, heating flue, and chimney and give everyone involved peace of mind.

If you’re getting ready to buy or sell your home, we encourage you to contact Boston Best Chimney today to schedule your chimney inspection.

The post Buying or Selling a Home? Do You Need a Chimney Inspection? – BE AWARE appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Water leaks through the chimney can cause big problems in the home. After the past couple of weeks of rainstorms, I went out to the back of the yard to take a look at some of the damage it caused to the trees. It certainly was a swamp in the back as I even saw a full-grown turtle, about 6” in diameter mulling about. Something that big must mean I now have a fully functional swamp. As I stood there admiring the turtle, I looked up at my neighbor’s home to find the chimney questionable. It prompted me to wonder if there was a water leak in their home. Here’s why.

Chimney Water Leaks

Water is magical. When there is a water leak in the home, it can be a challenge to find where it originated. All that water needs are the smallest openings possible for it to enter the home and begin its travels. The water can stay near its source, or it can grab on to a piece of wood and travel the length of it, or maybe catch on to a pipe and travel even further away from its source. Let’s discuss some of the ways water can enter the chimney if it is not sealed properly.

Most Common Ways Water Leaks Through the Chimney

1. Chimney Cap – The chimney cap serves as a barrier at the top of the chimney. The chimney cap must be on straight and secured on all sides of the chimney termination. This keeps rain water from directly entering the chimney. The guards pattern on all four sides of the chimney cap keeps debris and small animals out of the chimney itself.  Every chimney needs a chimney cap for the same reasons every home needs a roof!
2. Chimney Crown – The chimney crown is made from concrete and deters water away from the chimney termination. It is critical to keep the chimney crown in good condition, meaning free from cracks as these are perfect areas for water to enter into the home.
3. Mortar Joints – The mortar joints in between bricks or stone deteriorates over time. If there are cracks or missing pieces of mortar, this is a key area for water to enter.
4. Bricks – Bricks are porous just like the mortar. If the bricks are constantly moist, say for instance, the bricks are in the shade a lot and never get a chance to dry out,theyt can absorb enough water to start a leak inside the home.
5. Flashing – Flashing is the material used in order to protect the area where the chimney protrudes out of the roofing system. If the flashing seal or the flashing itself isn’t properly sealed, is cracked or is missing, then water will easily and quickly enter the home.
6. Chimney Liner – If the chimney flue isn’t venting properly, condensation quickly builds up and the water leak comes from inside the chimney.

Chimney Leak Repairs  

Repairing any one of the six chimney leaks needs to be done by a certified chimney technician. All certified chimney technicians at Superior Chimney are able to inspect, evaluate and recommend a solution that best fits your chimneys needs.

Chimney leak repairs can be avoided by scheduling regular chimney inspections…even if you don’t use your fireplace, it is an integral part of the exterior home structure that still has the need to be kept up. It’s not the gas fireplace or wood burning fireplace that cause repairs, it’s the natural deterioration that occurs outside with rain, wind and snow along with the rising and falling temperatures.   

Chimney Inspections

Superior Chimney provides a complete 14-point inspection with every chimney sweep. At each step of the way, we provide photographs so you can see for yourself the condition of the chimney. It’s an important service to provide as taking close up pictures of the chimney is a great way for you to ‘see’ first hand the condition of the chimney. We’ll work to explain what we’ve evaluated and provide you feedback on each point.

If everything looks great, we’ll let you know along with areas for improvement. These are things that you can do to increase the life of your chimney.

If you’re ready for a chimney 14-point inspection to ensure water stays on the outside, contact us today at 877-244-6349. We’ll get you scheduled and ready to take the weather elements head on!

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

The living room is at the center of any home, which offers a gathering place for friends and family and hosts countless precious memories. With the fireplace acting as a focal point, it is very common to forget about the other half you can’t see… your chimney.  

This is your reminder to check on your chimney and look out for the seven most common issues. The most common chimney issue is creosote buildup, and if you are not sure what creosote is, read more about it here and learn ways to avoid it. Other common chimney issues include additional problem areas, damages, and obstructions.  

Chimney Obstructions 

A blocked chimney can be extremely dangerous, and different things can obstruct your chimney. Blockages in your chimney create operating problems and can cause carbon monoxide fumes to enter your home. In addition to those fumes, a blocked chimney can cause a house fire. If you suspect possible chimney obstructions, a quick and safe way to spot them is to keep an eye on any possible smoke or soot entering the home when you burn a fire in the fireplace. Remember that obstructions are not always visible, and the best prevention for chimney obstructions is to have your chimney professionally cleaned at least once a year. 

Damaged Chimney Liner 

The chimney flue liner is arguably the most important part of your chimney. It protects the most flammable parts of the chimney from the heat. It is common for chimney liners not to last quite as long as the rest of the chimney. Creosote and other obstructions build up over time and can cause damage to the liner if left untreated. As with other issues, chimney liner deterioration can cause your home to be vulnerable to fires. 

Chimney Crown Damages 

Your chimney crown is at the top of your chimney. It creates a seal around the perimeter of your chimney by connecting the outer edge of the chimney to the inner edge of the flue liner. Chimney crowns are made from a unique mortar mix that, while secure, is subject to cracking and chipping over time. Moisture easily enters through the damaged areas of the crown and causes extensive corrosion. If you are able to catch the damage early, it is simple to repair damages to your chimney crown. It is ideal to identify damages early on to avoid complete chimney replacement. Waterproofing your chimney crown is a great way to help prevent damage and corrosion.  

Leaking Flashing 

Installing chimney flashing is a difficult task to begin with because creating a watertight seal is challenging. It is extremely important to have professionals install and repair your chimney flashing to avoid any issues during install and repairs. It is easy for water to enter damaged flashing and spread to the unprotected part of your roof, causing additional damage. People often do not discover leaking flashing until they see interior roof leaks, and by then, it is often too late to prevent extensive damage to the ceiling or even structural damage. Repairing damages from leaking flashing can become expensive. It is easy to do a visual check of your chimney and attic area to help prevent leaking flashing.  

If you think you have identified any of these issues with your chimney, or if you just want to avoid them in the future, give us a call to schedule your cleaning. 

The post Common Chimney Issues to Look For first appeared on Southern Chimneys.

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

A fireplace insert is a fantastic and cost-effective way to update an outdated fireplace or even install a fireplace in a home without an existing chimney! It is also an excellent way to convert a wood-burning fireplace to gas and vice versa. At Fluesbrothers Chimney Service & Fireplace Store, we pride ourselves on our outstanding selection and installation of quality wood & gas heating appliances for homes in Shawnee, Bonner Springs, Lenexa, Olathe, Overland Park, and in communities throughout the Kansas City Metropolitan Area.

Wood Inserts

A wood-burning insert is designed to fit inside an existing fireplace opening, providing a natural wood-burning experience without the heat loss and pollution of a conventional masonry fireplace. As a result of its closed-combustion system, a wood-burning insert has a heating efficiency of 70% or more, compared to 15% for a traditional fireplace. In addition, it burns hotter and cleaner, requiring less maintenance and cleaning. Many inserts are equipped with a blower motor that radiates heat throughout the living space keeping your home warm and comfortable for hours. Its higher heating efficiency also means you will use fewer wood logs for fuel, lowering heating costs.

Gas Inserts

When you want an authentic fire-burning experience with the convenience of gas, an energy-efficient gas-burning fireplace insert is hard to beat. Not only is gas a cleaner-burning fuel, but its continuous operation with automatic thermostat settings will keep your home at the desired comfort level all season long. Some models also have a remote control allowing you to operate the fireplace without getting out of the chair. Plus, with an 80% heating efficiency or higher, installing a gas insert will also lower energy bills.

How a Fireplace Insert Works

A fireplace insert is essentially a self-contained heating appliance enclosed in a steel or iron fireproof firebox. This allows inserts to be installed in rooms too small for a traditional fireplace. A vented fireplace inserts the exhaust through an existing chimney or an external vent. There are also ventless inserts that don’t require a flue or exterior vent. These systems have a built-in oxygen sensor that automatically shuts off the unit when it detects carbon monoxide.
Whether you choose a gas or wood fireplace insert, annual cleaning and inspection are strongly recommended to ensure your heating appliance continues to operate safely and efficiently. It will also prolong its lifespan and reduce repairs.

Best Selection & Certified Installation

Fluesbrothers offers an outstanding selection of high-quality wood and gas fireplace inserts and accessories from top industry brands, including Valor, Regency, and Napoleon. Our experts can help you select the correct insert for your home heating requirement and budget. We will also arrange for delivery and professional installation by our CSIA-certified technicians.

Visit Our Fireplace Store Near Shawnee

Thinking about updating or adding a fireplace? Visit the Fluesbrothers Fireplace Store at 1701 Southwest Blvd in Kansas City, KS. We are conveniently located off Monarch Hwy (I-35), just minutes from Shawnee, Mission, Merriam, Armourdale, and downtown Kansas City. Call (913) 236-7141 to schedule an appointment or contact us online today.

The post Shawnee, KS Wood & Gas Fireplace Inserts appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

A home with a fireplace is one of those images that invoke the feeling of cozy nights and makes you want to sing like they do in White Christmas. And of course, once the temperatures drop you probably start using your fireplace daily. Along with that, you may sometimes notice an odd odor coming from your chimney or fireplace. If this has ever happened to you, it’s something you’ll want to address right away. Here are some common causes of bad chimney odors and how to fix them.

Creosote and soot

Repetitive use requires cleaning. Just like dishes, cars, and clothes, the more you use your fireplace the more you will need to have it cleaned. Otherwise, without a proper sweep, creosote and soot can build up over time. This is a black, sticky substance that lines the inside of your chimney. Over time, this seeps into the masonry and gives off a smoky, pungent aroma and not a welcomed one like the smell of burning wood. If you started using your fireplace for the season without an inspection and sweep, there’s a chance this is what’s causing your strange odor.

Blockages

Sometimes, an obstruction blocks the upper part of the chimney, such as animals and birds that have become stuck due to a missing chimney cap. Unable to find their way out, this can quickly become an unfortunate and smelly situation.

Likewise, a bird may build their nest in your chimney because of the warmth it provides. This will block the natural escape of odors and result in those smells being directed back into your home.

Broken seals

Lastly, a damp odor could mean your chimney isn’t sealed properly. Snow and rain can get into an improperly sealed chimney and get trapped, leading to a moldy smell. If leaves find their way into your chimney left to decompose, you can end up with the smell of rot drifting into your home.

What to do

First things first, have your chimney cleaned regularly. A chimney sweep will clear out any odors being caused by a creosote build-up, blockage, or decaying foliage. While your Northeastern Chimney technician is cleaning, they will also check to see if there is any damage that would be leading to the odor and recommend the best course of action to fix it.

A chimney cap, if you don’t already have one, will keep animals from falling in and getting stuck, birds from nesting, and bees and other insects from setting up shop in your chimney. It’s an easy fix to what will be a much more complex problem if left open.

Additionally, close your fireplace damper when not in use. You might find that the odors you are smelling are not coming from your chimney but something outside of your home.

Do you have bad odors coming from your fireplace? Northeastern Chimney can help!

Of course, the best way to take care of any odors emanating from your chimney or fireplace is to contact us. When you schedule your annual inspection and cleaning, a member of our team will come out and check to be sure everything is operating properly and clean out anything that may be causing the odor. If you need to schedule an inspection or would like to go over any questions you may have, call Northeastern Chimney, LLC by phone, at 860-233-5770 or message us online here.

The post Why Are There Bad Odors Coming From My Fireplace? appeared first on .

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

Summer is almost here, and your chimney is probably one of the last things on your mind. Although it may seem counterintuitive, summer is actually the best time to schedule a chimney inspection. Here’s why it’s important to get chimney inspections and cleanings on the books now, rather than waiting until winter.

You’ll have time to make repairs.

During an inspection, your chimney sweep might identify problems that you wouldn’t catch on your own. If this happens, you will need to schedule further repairs and cleanings to correct these problems. These repairs could be time-consuming, and you’ll want to make sure they are completed in time for the winter months so you can use your fireplace. There are some types of repairs that can’t be completed in wet or cold weather. Scheduling your chimney inspection earlier in the summer ensures that you have plenty of time to get everything done before things start to cool down.

You’ll be able to get an appointment quickly.

Many people wait until the fall to schedule their chimney repairs. Unfortunately, fall is the busiest time for chimney repair services, and there are a limited number of appointments available. This means that you may not be able to get an appointment before winter if you wait too long.

Chimney inspections are necessary to prevent fire hazards.

If you don’t have your chimney inspected regularly, you put yourself at risk of an unexpected fire. This is particularly important for wood-burning fireplaces. Burning wood can create a byproduct called creosote. A small amount of creosote is normal, and you can remove most of it on your own just by sweeping after you use your fireplace. However, creosote can also build up over time. Hardened creosote is highly flammable and needs to be removed by a professional.

Debris can also make its way into the top of your chimney, which prevents proper ventilation and can also be a fire hazard. It’s even possible for small animals to get inside your chimney in some cases! A chimney inspection will identify and remove these obstructions before they cause any further problems. Your chimney professional can also recommend solutions to help prevent the problem from happening again, such as a chimney cap.

Chimney inspections identify potential structural issues.

Over time, the structure of your chimney can break down as a result of moisture buildup as well as natural wear and tear. Because these structural changes are so subtle, it can be difficult to identify them on your own. A chimney inspection will catch these potential issues before they get worse so you can correct them. Chimney inspections can also save you money in the long run, because it’s far less expensive to fix a minor problem than it is to rebuild a chimney that has been slowly deteriorating for years.

Now is the perfect time to schedule an inspection to keep your chimney in great condition. If you’re in need of chimney inspections, repairs, or cleanings in Connecticut, Northeastern Chimney can help! Give us a call at 860-233-5770 or contact us online to schedule your appointment today.

The post Why You Should Schedule A Chimney Inspection Now appeared first on .

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

When you own a home that has a chimney, there are times that homeowners must give the chimney thorough cleaning. Sometimes, they will only need a simple yearly cleaning, but sometimes a homeowner will discover an extra guest that lives in their flue.

Everyone knows that bees are intimidating, and people understand that homeowners with infestations would want to get the problem diagnosed. The best thing is to hire a chimney inspection service that will diagnose the issue. It is best to have it diagnosed early because you do not want to spend more damages that could have been prevented early.

In this article, you will learn more about getting rid of bees in your chimney.

Precautions

It is dangerous to remove bees and something that you should not do on your own.

You should use a certified keeper outfit and you need the right equipment when you work on the roof and inside the chimney.

Even if you have the proper equipment, you might still not be experienced or knowledgeable enough to remove bees from your chimney safely.

Therefore, you must always talk to a professional to seek advice, even if you are deciding for yourself.

Prevention

In order to prevent wasps, bees, and other insects from going into your chimney, you should install the right damper. A top damper has a metal door that closes off the opening to close your chimney. You can open and close your damper by using a cable down your chimney to a latch that is installed inside the fireplace.

Make Sure that Your Chimney is in Excellent Shape

When you keep your chimney in good repair, it is the most effective way to prevent bees from building a hive. Regular fireplace and chimney maintenance reduces or eliminates the necessity for pest control or an exterminator. However, you should contact a professional right away when you notice that a bee activity also helps.

You Should be Worried About Bees in Your Chimney Stack

Yes, and if you just leave it be, the beeswax and honey is going to seep into the masonry of your home and it can cause odor, mold, and your bricks will start to rot.

This can also attract other pests to come and eat it like bee moths, ants, and wax worms. If you will wait until winter so that the bees want to go away, you are going to risk a fire hazard when you use the fireplace because material deposits are very flammable.

You will also risk permanent damage to your home.

If You Plan to Move the Hive, Move it Up

The reason for this is that most chimneys are built with a smoke shelf, which blocks the hive from going down to your fireplace to remove it. In case the hive gets stuck on the smoke shelf, you would have to clean up honey, beeswax, and even dead bees to clean.

This is very hard to clean and it requires you to partially take out the masonry from the chimney in order to purge it.

This can also become a fire hazard since it is so close to the flame. In case you accidentally push or drop the hive near the chute, call a professional right away.

After the Removal

After getting rid of the bees, you would require a chimney sweep cleaning service to take out the honeycomb which has been left behind by the bees. This one is flammable, so in order to completely remove it, you must contact professionals.

Do not hesitate to call chimney cleaning services Bowie for this.

The post How to Get Rid of Bees in Your Chimney first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

Creosote is often mentioned when discussing chimney concerns, but most of you are wondering, what is creosote? You might know by now that creosote is bad, but that’s usually where the knowledge of creosote begins and ends. It is important to know what we are talking about when discussing creosote and how to avoid it in your chimney.   

What is Creosote?  

Creosote mainly consists of tar produced when you burn wood inside your fireplace. When your fireplace is hosting a fire, smoke rises from the flames and creates creosote when mixed with cold air. This tar substance builds up as it sticks to the chimney liner or brick. It poses a safety hazard because it is very flammable, and the more creosote present in your chimney, the greater the risk of a fire.   

Creosote also never goes away, but instead, it grows. It coats the chimney flue, which creates a narrow passageway for smoke and additional creosote. If left untreated, it can build up and completely block the chimney flue, possibly causing a house fire, or at the very least, it can make the chimney unusable.   

How to Avoid Creosote in your Chimney   

There is no way to completely avoid at least small amounts of creosote in your chimney, but it’s only problematic when there’s a creosote build-up. Since build-up happens when your chimney is not properly ventilated or regularly cleaned, those are two simple ways to reduce creosote build-up. The safest and most reliable way to get rid of creosote is to call the professionals. It is not completely impossible to remove creosote yourself, but it is not safe for the average person to execute the removal. Creosote causes many health concerns, including irritated skin and eyes, respiratory issues, and possibly even cancer if improperly exposed. You will avoid exposure to creosote if your chimney is cleaned at least once a year by a professional  

Creosote Stages and Removal Process   

Whether your creosote build-up is standard or more severe, it is important to leave the removal process to the professionals. There are three different stages of creosote build-up, and each is more severe. Stage 1 creosote build-up is when small amounts are present, and the texture closely resembles soot. It is thin and flaky with a shallow coating that is easily removed with the right equipment. Stage 2 creosote build-up is when more residue is present, and it is a thick tar instead of just soot. There is usually quite a bit more present, and it is a harder texture that is more difficult to remove. Removal at this stage usually requires chemicals and heavier machinery than a standard metal brush. Stage 3 creosote build-up is when a significant amount of creosote is present, and it is heavily concentrated in certain areas. The creosote at this stage is hard, sticky, and oily, making it even more difficult to remove.  

If you stay ahead of the creosote build-up and catch it at Stage 1, we promise you that it is much easier and less expensive to have us sweep away the Stage 1 creosote build-up than it will be for us to clean up your chimney once it reaches Stage 3!   

Let Southern Chimneys handle any creosote build-up you may have, and give us a call today to schedule your cleaning.  

The post What is Creosote and How to Avoid It In Your Chimney first appeared on Southern Chimneys.

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

If you have a fireplace in your home, then you are aware that it is important to properly maintain it with a yearly cleaning and inspection. A chimney inspection is recommended by authorities because it keeps your fireplace safe.

Chimney cleaning is important after using your fireplace so many times. This is important to the health of your chimney because it removes all the obstructions and cleans out creosote buildups. In case you keep up with your yearly inspection and cleaning, your fireplace is most likely in good shape. However, if you think that your chimney’s efficiency has an issue, you should contact the professionals right away. Meanwhile, here are the benefits of a chimney inspection scan:

Safety

Your technician cannot see what is really going on inside the chimney, and homeowners cannot really tell if there is something wrong inside. That is why you can opt for a video scan. They use a special camera that allows for high-resolution scanning that technicians will view life, keeping an eye out for cracking, warping, fire damage, and other signs of potential damage.

Your chimney shuts out dangerous gases produced by the burning fire. Problems with the interior flue liner can mean the combustion of by-products that might leak back into your living spaces. These combustion by-products, such as carbon monoxide can kill humans and animals. A chimney scan prevents the worst from happening and keeps your family safe.

Detect Chimney Liner Damage

With a real-time scanning device, homeowners and inspectors can view areas of a chimney liner that have a split or crack. Compromised liner stores creosote inside the breaks, where it serves as chimney fire fuel. Damaged liners also allow intense heat and condensation in order to contact the chimney masonry or parts of your home, which could lead to severe damage or fire.

Insurance Documentation

Everyone who has processed an insurance claim knows that they are hard to attain because of all the required documentation before the check is given for reimbursement. A chimney camera scan serves as the documentation. It is a visual proof of the damage, done by the professional chimney sweep. If your chimney got damaged by a chimney fire or another disaster, you will need a chimney scan that you can submit to the insurance company. You are going to thank yourself later since the documented proof saves you a lot of headaches of having to go back and forth with adjusters.

Check for Obstructions

In case a chimney does not have a chimney cap, different debris enters the flue and hinders the proper drafting of toxins and smoke. The small animal nests, twigs, tree leaves, and other debris are spotted in the middle of a Chim-Scan inspection and then safely get rid of it using the right techniques and tools.

Buying and Selling Your Home

You should protect yourself as a new home buyer or seller you know well, and you can do that with a video scan. If you are a seller, a chimney scan video has 2 purposes: inform you about issues that should be fixed before you can sell your act or home as a selling point to reassure potential buyers that the chimney is in good condition.

If you are a buyer, the chimney video scan works almost the same way. A video scan is going to alert you in case anything needs to be resolved before the start of fire season, therefore, protecting you and your chimney from any fire damage.

You can contact chimney repair Upper Marlboro if you need your chimney to be scanned and even fixed

The post Benefits of a Chimney Inspection Scan first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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