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4 Signs that You Need Chimney Repair

Chimneys last for many years, but they don’t last forever. Various things can go wrong with them over time. As a homeowner, you want to catch problems early and get them fixed quickly. Here are some things to look for that tell you your chimney needs attention.

Smoke drafting problems

Perfoming a chimney inspection in Olathe KSIf smoke is backing up into your home, your biggest concern is the carbon monoxide that smoke carries. Carbon monoxide is invisible and odorless, but it is known to be potentially fatal to people and pets when inhaled.

Drafting problems can be simple or complicated, depending on the cause.

The most common reasons for smoke to not draft properly up a chimney include:

  • Obstructions such as built-up creosote or outside debris including leaves, twigs and the nests of small animals
  • Fireplace damper not completely open
  • House too air-tight (cracking a window usually solves this)
  • Negative air pressure in the home caused by kitchen or bathroom fans, clothes dryers or other blowing devices

If you try everything and can’t solve the problem on your own, contact a licensed chimney inspector to determine if there are blockages in your flue.

Cracked or crumbling masonry

Professional chimney masonry repair in Lees Summit MOEven the smallest cracks in your chimney bricks can lead to big trouble down the line. The same with mortar that’s crumbling. When water penetrates masonry, it can begin a cycle of deterioration. If the moisture freezes in cold weather, it will expand and cause more masonry damage.

It’s a good idea to perform periodic visual inspections of your exterior chimney and look for areas that are cracked and crumbling. Masonry problems don’t resolve themselves, rather they get worse until you could be facing a collapsed chimney.

Chimney technicians have a variety of ways to address masonry damage. They can replace crumbling mortar and cracked bricks. They can rebuild sections of the chimney as needed. As a preventative, they can apply a water sealant to the chimney’s surfaces.

Component damage

Along with occasional visual inspections of your chimney’s masonry, you should take a look at its components.

  • Make sure your chimney cap is fitted securely and isn’t warped, broken or otherwise damaged.
  • Check the concrete chimney crown for signs of cracking and crumbling.
  • Look at the flashing that seals the gap between the roof and chimney. Is it warped or rusted? Are sections missing?
  • How does your fireplace damper work? Is it smooth, or is it hard to move and squeaky?

Any component issues you uncover can be resolved by a chimney technician either through repair work or component replacement.

Leaky chimney

Chimney leaks should be determined and repaired as quickly as possible to prevent widespread structural and component damage. A severely leaking chimney also can cause rot and decay in home building materials near the leak.

Look for these signs of a leaky chimney:

  • Water in the firebox
  • Strong musty odors coming from the fireplace or in the attic or crawl spaces
  • Damp sections of the ceiling or walls near the fireplace/chimney
  • White discoloration (efflorescence) on the exterior chimney masonry

Contact a chimney repair company if you notice any of these signs.

Keep your chimney in great shape all year long

Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace of Kansas City, KS, is ready to help with all your chimney needs including chimney cleaning, chimney inspections and a full menu of repair and rebuilding services.

To arrange an appointment or get your questions answered, call (913) 236-7141.

The post 4 Signs that You Need Chimney Repair appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

Risks in Neglecting to Have Your Chimney & Fireplace Inspected

There are places in your home where you can “cut corners” and come out all right. Your chimney/fireplace system isn’t one of those areas. Regular inspections performed by a licensed professional are critical in keeping your chimney and fireplace working safely and efficiently. Neglecting these inspections could result in huge repair bills and possibly risk to everyone who lives in your home.

professional chimney inspection, mission hills ksWhat a chimney inspector does

Most licensed chimney inspectors perform three different types of inspections as described by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA):

Level 1 chimney inspection

This is the basic inspection that covers all visible areas of your chimney/fireplace system. Your inspector will alert you to damage or malfunction that needs to be addressed to prevent more serious problems down the line.

Level 2 chimney inspection

These inspections involve video imaging technology and are performed in the following three scenarios:

  • When the home is being sold
  • During a system alteration, such as adding a new chimney liner or replacing a wood-burning fireplace with a gas unit
  • When a chimney fire, lightning strike or other event is thought to have caused some kind of damage

Level 3 chimney inspection

A Level 3 inspection is called for when significant damage is known to exist. It typically involves the removal of parts of the chimney structure and/or adjacent home building materials.

Common chimney problems found by inspectors

While you can spot certain chimney and fireplace issues, a trained chimney inspector is able to see things you can’t. Additionally, the inspector can determine the cause and extent of the problem, which isn’t easy for most homeowners to do.

Here are some common chimney problems inspectors find.

Flue obstructions

If you operate your chimney without a chimney cap, your flue is open to falling debris from trees and the nests of small animals such as birds and squirrels. These obstructions narrow the flue passage and can cause smoke and deadly carbon monoxide to back up in to your home.

Excess creosote

Creosote is a byproduct of wood combustion and is added to your chimney flue every time you use the fireplace. Creosote can worsen an existing obstruction, but more critically, it can ignite into a chimney fire. The more creosote, the more potential for a devastating fire.

Compromised masonry

Chimney inspectors look closely at a chimney’s masonry. They’re checking for cracks in the bricks and crumbling sections of mortar, both of which will allow water to intrude and begin a cycle of extensive damage. Severe compromises in the masonry can lead to a leaning or collapsed chimney, costing you more money.

full width chimney cap, kansas city moChimney cap, crown and flashing damage

Chimney caps protect the top of the chimney from rain and debris. Chimney crowns cover the interior chimney spaces minus the flue openings. Chimney flashing seals the gap between your chimney and roof. If there are problems with any of these components, serious leaks and water damage likely will be on the way.

Chimney inspectors will spot these and other issues and give you recommendations on how to repair them. Many inspectors provide repair work for fireplaces and chimneys as well as chimney cleaning services.

Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace of Kansas City, KS, is ready to help with licensed chimney inspections, fireplace inspections, chimney sweeping and all types of repairs throughout your chimney/fireplace system.

Speak with a chimney professional today at (913) 236-7141.

The post Risks in Neglecting to Have Your Chimney & Fireplace Inspected appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

Tips to Ensure Your Chimney is Ready for Cold Weather

As the winter months appear on the calendar, it is time to think about fires in the fireplace.  Many homeowners use their fireplace as a centerpiece during the holidays.  Before decking the halls and collecting firewood, make sure your chimney is ready for fires.  Below is a checklist to help all homeowners prepare their chimneys for the winter months.

Annual chimney inspection, simsbury ctTip #1 – Schedule A Chimney Inspection

It is safe to say that not all homeowners are chimney experts.  Very few have a trained eye to spot potential problems.  If the fireplace and chimney haven’t been inspected in the last twelve months, it’s time to schedule a licensed chimney sweep to come in for a cleaning and inspection.  The colder months aren’t the ideal time to get this done but, it’s no excuse to postpone it now.   A cleaning and inspection can catch hazardous concerns.  Safety should be the goal in all fireplace situations.

Tip #2 – Check The Chimney Flashing

Take a good look at the flashing of your chimney.  This is the sheet metal wrapped around where the chimney meets the roof.  Its chief purpose is to prevent rainwater and moisture from getting into the home.  This piece of metal will deteriorate over time and allow water to seep into the roof and your home.  Mold and mildew will grow on your ceilings and spread down the walls.  These conditions will require significant repairs.

Tip #3 – Check The Chimney Cap

Is the chimney cap doing what it is designed to do?  The chimney cap is put into place to keep animals and organic debris out of your chimney and firebox.  Animals will crawl/fly down to get warm.  They can also leave their droppings and create a terrible odor.  Most importantly, animals can scratch and claw out a place to curl up, creating holes that let rain in.  A chimney sweep will let you know if the cap needs replacing.

Tip #4- Make Sure To Burn Seasoned Firewood

Burning hard and dry wood is best for your fireplace.  Dry wood creates less smoke when lit.  The wood used should be stored in a high, dry place for at least a season.  The term ‘seasoned’ has a variety of definitions.  Most chimney experts will recommend six months for wood to season properly.

fireplace spark arrestor, burlington ct

Tip #5 – Use a Spark Screen

Avoid flying embers with a spark screen. It can be either a screen with no holes or a glass door.  A spark guard is vital if you have small children, or the fire is often left unattended.  Small children are curious.  A spark guard will keep little hands away from the heat and also stop the occasional errant spark from escaping the fireplace.

Northeast Chimney, LLC recommends these tips for readying your fireplace and chimney for the winter. Our technicians will come out and not just clean your chimney but inspect every part of it.  With their trained eye, the techs will check all aspects of the chimney for any irregularities.  They will make a note of any problems and discuss them with you.

We have been in the business of cleaning and servicing chimneys for 40 years.  Many of our customers are homeowners in your area.

Check our customer reviews and call us for anything chimney.

Northeastern Chimney, LLC

37 Cody Street

 West Hartford, Connecticut 06110

 Phone: 860-233-5770

 

 

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

Common Chimney Dangers and How to Prevent Them

A chimney in disrepair is not just unsightly, it’s dangerous. Many of the chimney hazards we witness on a daily basis can be prevented, as the old saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Here are some common problems that can become hazards if not properly addressed.

Blocked Chimneys

Cleaning a blocked fireplace in Granby CTThe purpose of a chimney is to draw smoke and toxic gases up and out of a home. If the flue becomes blocked by animal nests, residue from smoke (called creosote), broken masonry, dead animals, etc. The smoke and toxic fumes have nowhere to go except back into your home. This can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is an invisible and odorless gas so you won’t notice it until it is too late. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are confusion, headaches, difficulty breathing, nausea, loss of consciousness and even death.

Chimney fires can also occur once the debris inside the flue catches on fire. These fires are dangerous because they can damage the internal structure of the chimney causing it to fail. Never start a fire if you suspect your chimney is blocked. Schedule a professional chimney sweep immediately.

**Prevention –  Make sure that your chimney cap is in good condition. Chimney caps prevent birds, squirrels and other animals from entering the chimney and creating nests, they also lessen the amount of leaves and other items that might otherwise blow into a chimney during a storm. Use clean-burning wood that forms less Creosote to avoid less buildup.  If you notice broken or crumbling brickwork, attend to it immediately.

Chimney Water Damage

Water Damage can occur through the constant cycle of freezing and thawing or because of leaks in the chimney flue or crown. These leaks spell trouble often rusting the damper or firebox. It can cause damage to the chimney liner which may cause water to seep into ceilings or walls. Excess moisture is the perfect environment for mold which can cause foul odors and inhibit air quality.
**Prevention – A good chimney cap is your first line of defense against excess water. They are also known as rain covers and will help guard your flue against water damage. Make sure the flashing is in good condition. The flashing is the seal between the roof and chimney. Ask your chimney sweep about waterproofing.

Cracked Brickwork

Chimney Masonry Repair in Southington CT Masonry can become cracked for a variety of reasons. The first is the changing weather, over time the brickwork will begin to crack and even crumble due to the cycle of freezing and thawing. Heavy winds and water damage can lead to large cracks.

**Prevention – once again a strong well functioning chimney cap is going to do a lot to prevent the water damage that causes cracked brickwork. Catching cracks when they are small because of thorough inspections is the key to preventing costly issues down the road.

Damaged Fireplace Flue Liner

Chimney liners extend the life of your chimney by protecting the flue from heat and corrosion. The liner can become damaged due to cracks from foundation settling, weather and deterioration from the effects of oil and gas.

**Prevention – have your chimney liner inspected and cleaned at least once a year to catch problems before they start.

These dangers are definitely preventable, they all start with a routine chimney Inspection or cleaning performed by a professional. Our certified chimney sweeps can help you get to the bottom of your issue before it’s too late.

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

How To Prepare for a Chimney Sweep

Many people brush their teeth before going to the dentist or clean their house before the housekeeper comes.  It should come as no surprise that preparing your home for a chimney sweep is just as appreciated by professionals. There are many times that a chimney sweep arrives to do their job only to find that there are several other steps that must be done, such as moving furniture and removing items from mantels. While a professional will always do what’s necessary to get the job done right, there are a few things you can do to help make the process as painless as possible for everyone involved.

Avoid Using the Chimney for 24 to 48 hours

Chimney sweeps will need a fireplace that is cool to the touch for inspection. A hot fireplace is a hazard for the chimney sweep. If the fireplace is not cool, you risk receiving an incomplete cleaning or delaying your inspection & wasting valuable time.

Preparing for Professional Chimney Cleaning in Windsor CT Put away your knickknacks.

If you have priceless items on your mantel, be sure to move them to a temporary spot away from the chimney to keep them safe from accidents during chimney cleaning & inspection. Unfortunately, accidents do happen and the only way to avoid them entirely is to remove all treasured family pieces from the work area.

Consider removing logs and ash from the firebox

Removing logs and ash can help the chimney sweep provide a thorough inspection. It can also help mitigate the amount of dust and ash that might escape outside of the chimney during cleaning or inspection. Starting with a relatively clean slate will allow your professional to focus on problem areas and make them easier to spot.

Guard your Furniture

Protecting furniture before a chimney inspection in Hartford CTOur chimney sweeps are CSIA certified and will take great care to cover floors and use high-powered vacuums to make sure your home looks exactly the way it did before the inspection. However, if you are concerned about your antique rug or white velvet sofa it wouldn’t hurt to be extra cautious and cover these items before your chimney sweep arrives.

Make Room

Keep in mind that there may be extra equipment needed for your cleaning or inspection. Make way by removing anything on the floor in front of your fireplace. Your professionals will want to put down a drop cloth so removing toys and other items from the floor will make that process easier.

Speak Up

Be sure and let your chimney sweep know of any questions or concerns you may have. Mention cracks, smells, sounds, etc so that he knows where to focus his time. Knowing the exact issues that you encounter can guarantee that your specific needs are addressed.

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

Signs You Need Chimney Repair

An old chimney can be a thing of beauty, but how do you know the difference between a little character and a costly problem? Like most things, if a chimney is neglected, minor issues can become major in a short period of time. If you have a fireplace that you do not use regularly or one that has been giving you concerns, it is best to have it looked at by a certified professional. Here are some key signals that your chimney is in need of attention.

Missing Crown or Cap

Chimney Crown Replacement in South Windsor CT The crown of a chimney is just as important as it sounds. The crown surrounds the top of the chimney and serves as an umbrella for the whole structure. Besides being a finishing touch, the crown protects your chimney from the eroding effects of water. A leaky chimney can cause the masonry (brickwork) to crack and break off. This is not just unsightly, the falling bricks can block the flue or eventually cause your whole chimney to fall apart. The cap is just as important, The cap not only inhibits water from getting inside the flue but also acts as a barrier to birds, small animals and other debris. It usually contains a mesh-like material that allows smoke to escape while keeping other material out. A missing cap could be a sign that unwanted debris has gotten into your flue.

Rust

Besides being a sign of age, rust is often a sign that water and weather have taken their toll. A rusted cap or flashing may cease to mitigate water damage that can eventually lead to a chimney collapse. Water inside the chimney flue can destroy the chimney liner and the mixture of water with soot and creosote can cause foul odors.

Chimney not Venting

The job of a chimney is to allow smoke from indoor fires to escape the home safely. If your chimney appears blocked, this is definitely a cause for concern. Blockages can occur when small animals get stuck in the flue, birds build nests, or they can occur from soot and creosote buildup. During winter, chimneys can become blocked because of ice and snow. Never light a fire if you suspect that your chimney is blocked. A blocked chimney can send toxic gases flooding your home. Always call for a professional chimney inspection immediately if your chimney is not venting properly.

Chipped Mortar and Damaged Bricks

Chimney mortar repair in Farmington CTThis can point to excess age or water damage. Though bricks are notoriously durable they can deteriorate over time, leaving your chimney susceptible to all the hazards we mentioned, animals, water damage and eventual collapse.

Don’t wait for the tell-tale signs of chimney failure to stack up on you. One problem can very quickly lead to another, especially if the problem begins with the chimney crown or cap. Recently purchased homes may have chimneys that have been out of use for years or that are due for a cleaning, avoid any further damage or hazards by contacting a certified chimney sweep today.

 

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

Winter Fireplace Safety Tips

Enjoy your fireplace safely with a Professional Chimney Inspection in Bristol CTThe weather is getting cooler and the Christmas decorations are out. There’s no doubt that firewood will be chopped for lighting up the fireplace this season. The most important thing is to have a professional chimney inspection and cleaning before that first fire. Chestnut roasting shouldn’t be the only thing on our minds. Safety is always a priority for responsible fireplace owners. The winter chimney care tips below will ensure that your fireplace is a thing of beauty and not a hazard.

Use Quality Firewood

You may get a lot of cheap firewood for your buck but you will pay for it in other ways. For example, woods like Pine leave a lot of residue called creosote in your chimney. This can clog up your chimney, allowing foul-smelling smoke to fill your home. A wood like Oak is dense, burns clean and will also burn longer. This is essential for the air quality in your home and the life of your fireplace. Clear away built-up creosote with a professional chimney cleaning.

Leave your Damper Open

A closed damper will keep smoke and harmful gases inside your home instead of allowing them to escape properly. An open damper is essential for airflow. It will also encourage outside air to come in and keep the fire going as long as you want it to but be sure and close the damper once your fire has gone cold and the embers are completely dead. You know this is the case when all that remains in the fireplace is ash and there are no glowing embers present.

Dispose of Ashes Properly

Have your chimney cleaned for the winter months in New Britain CTMany fires occur because of ashes being dumped in dangerous ways. The safest way to get rid of ashes is to make sure they are properly cooled and then placed in a fireproof container with a lid. The best practice is to keep this container away from anything flammable including wood or linen and at a distance of at least 10 feet from your home or other buildings.

Mind your Fire

Never leave a fire unattended. It may seem that fire escaping from the firebox is unlikely, however, it is completely possible for things next to a fireplace to overheat and catch on fire. Remember, It only takes one ember to start an uncontrollable fire, before turning in for the night or leaving the house, make sure the fire is COMPLETELY out and the damper is closed to prevent outside air from coming in and rekindling the fire.

Be Prepared with The Right Safety Equipment.

If you own a fireplace there are 3 pieces of safety equipment that are a must.

  • Fire Extinguisher – ideally every home should have a fire extinguisher that is effective against all kinds of fires; including wood, paper, burning liquids, and electrical fires. Fire extinguishers today are easy to use and some are available for under $50
  • Carbon Monoxide Detector – many people forget that carbon monoxide can be a danger with fireplaces. Carbon Monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas that can cause serious illness and even death when inhaled.
  • Smoke Alarm – This goes without saying but smoke alarms are imperative. They can alert you to dangers while you sleep or if you have stepped out of the room for longer than expected. If you do not have a smoke alarm, get one and if you do have them, be sure and test them as often as every month.

Don’t let the warm glow of a fire lull you to sleep without taking the necessary precautions that will ensure your family’s safety. Our chimney sweeps are CSIA certified and ready to assist you with any issues you may have.

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

What You Need to do in Preparation for a Chimney Sweep

A fireplace takes the chill from the cold during winter. However, the age, weather, and combustion by-products like creosote impacts the chimney’s performance and create a safety hazard. Therefore, it is important to schedule with chimney cleaning services for a professional touch. This is to make sure that your heating appliances operate safely and efficiently. While the chimney sweepers will do the majority of the work.

Here are the things you need to do in order to make sure that you are prepared when they come to your house.

Keep Your Pets Away

You might have a pet who wants to be around you all the time, or you might have a pet who thinks that it is their job to protect you from intruders. In that case, dogs must be kept away from when the chimney sweeper works on your chimney. You should enclose the pets in a different room or yard to prevent any trouble from happening. In addition, you want your pets to be safe when they come.

Make Sure that The Fireplace is Not Hot

The fireplace must be cool to the touch so the chimney sweeper can do their job properly. You must not avoid the fireplace or stove between 24 to 48 hours before your appointment to give it enough time for the interior masonry to cool down. You can remove leftover ashes coming from the fireplace that you need to recycle in your garden. Otherwise, the cleaners will get rid of their ashes.

Clear the Firebox and Mantle

In order to prepare for the inspection, you would want to get rid of any decorations or items that come from the mantle, when your cleaner accidentally knocks them over during inspection. If there are logs or ashes left in the firebox, these can be removed once you allow all of them to cool down. You must only directly touch the fireplace if you have already given it enough time to cool down.

Remove Objects Such as Furniture or Toys That Block the Fireplace Access

The chimney sweep brings in professional equipment, supplies, tools, and supplies to scrub and clean your chimney and fireplace thoroughly. The technician will need clear access to your fireplace. This is a great time to make sure there aren’t any toys, furniture, or other objects that block the fireplace. In addition, the chimney inspector is going to put a drop cloth as protection for the firebox while cleaning. You might want to cover any furnishings nearby in case of any soot or dust particles floating in the air from the cleaning.

Open a Path from the Driveway to the Fireplace

The chimney sweep brings you different equipment in your home, so you need to make sure there is a clear path from the driveway, going to the front door, and through the home to your fireplace. A little rearranging of furniture, odds, and ends, and toys will make the trip safer and easier in the area where there is work to be done.

Be Prepared with Your Questions

If you have questions about the chimney or fireplace, you have noticed something off, you should make a note and ask them. The certified chimney sweepers are knowledgeable enough to answer all your questions.

if you need chimney sweep Ellicott City because it is time to hire their services, do not hesitate.  

 

The post Blog first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

Winter Chimney Risks

For many of us, having a fireplace is part of owning a home.  Some look forward to winter to use it regularly.  Chimneys give us a welcoming environment even though wind and snow are blowing outside. Chimneys need maintenance, like many parts of a home; this is especially true in winter.  If a homeowner hasn’t had a chimney cleaning or inspection in a while, there could be multiple problems.

Some problems can emerge with your chimney when the weather gets cold.

chimney moisture damage, south windsor ctThe freeze and thaw effect.

The weather has a tremendous effect on the brick-and-mortar work in your chimney.  If rain falls and coats your chimney with water, that water makes its way into the porous areas of the chimney.  If the temperature drops below freezing, that water will turn to ice.  As the water turns to ice, it expands the small crevasses in both the brick and mortar.  When that ice thaws, it leaves cracks larger than before the freeze.  Imagine that happening several times during the winter.  If this process is left to its own devices, it’s only a matter of time before your chimney starts to crumble.

Obstructions in your chimney.

Although chimney blockages can happen any time of year, it is especially true in the winter.  If the chimney cap is not functioning correctly, this is an open invitation for animals seeking shelter from the cold.  It isn’t just the animals themselves; it is all the organic material they bring in or leave.  Birds, squirrels, and the occasional raccoon will not just block the chimney; they will leave droppings that are difficult and expensive to remove.

chimney flashing repair, simsbury ctLeaks, mildew, and mold

If you see water intrusion in the chimney brickwork, its next stop will be your roof or ceilings in your house.  If you see yellow or light brown stains surrounding the chimney, most likely, the damage has already been done.  This all comes because of the freezing and thawing effect.  There is a good chance mildew is already growing not just in the chimney but on your ceiling and in the walls surrounding it.  Mildew is bad, but mold, especially black mold, can be dangerous. Leaking water can do more than spread mold; it can rust metal parts of the chimney making it difficult to operate.

Making repairs to your chimney is not a do-it-yourself project.  It is time to call in the pros at Northeastern Chimney, LLC.  Our company has been in the business of cleaning, inspecting, and repairing chimneys for nearly 40 years.

All technicians have continuous training throughout the year.  We require all our techs to be up to date on the latest equipment and techniques for the best customer service.

Our techs have a trained eye to spot any problems concerning your chimney, both inside your home and out.  Our staff is certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America.  Our company is active in working with the National Chimney Sweep Guild and the Chimney Safety Institute of America.

Northeastern Chimney, LLC is proud to service the West Hartford area.  If there is a problem with your chimney, call us.  Chimneys are all we do.

 

Northeastern Chimney, LLC

37 Cody Street

 West Hartford, Connecticut 06110

 Phone: 860-233-5770

 

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

How to Safely Operate a Gas Fireplace

new gas fireplaces, canton ctOnce the decision is made to install a gas fireplace into a home, the man of the house breathes a sigh of relief. He is no longer lugging in wood, no more splinters, ashes, cleanup, or all the other menacing chores that accompany a wood-burning fireplace.

However, some precautions still need addressing before a gas fireplace can be used.  Adhering to these few safeguards will make a gas fireplace reliable as well as enjoyable.

Get Your Fireplace Cleaned and Inspected

First things first.  Have a certified chimney company clean and inspect your chimney.  If there is debris in your chimney, it could catch fire.  If enough creosote is present, that too could ignite.

Purchase a Gas Fireplace with All Necessary Sensors

When shopping for a gas fireplace, make sure an oxygen-depletion sensor is installed with it.

The oxygen-depletion sensor causes the gas to shut off if the fireplace gets too cold or a carbon monoxide build-up.  Also, install a carbon monoxide sensor on every floor of the home.  Carbon monoxide is a lethal gas that is odorless and invisible.  Although instances are rare, the gas has killed families of homes without a sensor.

This Isn’t a Do-It-Yourself Project

Working with propane tanks and gas lines is dangerous.  To ensure the family’s safety, start by hiring a licensed gas fireplace installer.

Follow All Local Building Codes

Make sure your new fireplace will be up to local building codes.

Insist your contractor apply for and obtain a building permit for your gas fireplace.  There will be an inspection and another set of eyes on the work your contractor has completed.

Keep Little Hands Away From The Glass

The glass of a gas fireplace gets very hot.  Teach everyone in your home not to touch the glass to prevent burns.

Comply With The 3′ Rule

Make sure all furniture, rugs, toys, etc., are kept three feet from the glass of your gas fireplace. This time of year, especially, as the Christmas decorations are brought out.

cleaning gas fireplace logs, bloomfield ctGet The Gas Fireplace Logs Cleaned

It is recommended that the fireplace logs be cleaned annually.  A gas fireplace retailer can do this.  The technician will clean the logs and make them look their best.  Other functions will be checked, such as the fan and air circulation passages, checking the sensor batteries, ensuring all vents are unobstructed, and cleaning the glass.

Pay Attention

If the flames in your gas fireplace change or there is a funny smell, call your fireplace service professional.  If gas can be smelled, grab the phone, leave the house, and call 911.

No Shortcuts

It is always exciting for homeowners to get something new in their house.  Don’t take shortcuts when installing a new gas fireplace.  When the fireplace is safely installed, sit back, and relax and enjoy the ambiance.

Call Northeastern Chimney

Northeastern Chimney, LLC is your full-service fireplace and chimney company.   Our nearly four decades of service have taught us that satisfied customers are customers for life.  Many of our clients have been with us since we opened our doors.

Our company provides continuing education for our technicians.   Training on new techniques and new equipment are offered regularly to our staff.  Chimneys are at the mercy of the weather, age, and various other conditions.  Our technicians are trained in every aspect of cleaning, repair, and rebuilding.

If a chimney needs care, we will be there.

 

Northeastern Chimney, LLC

37 Cody Street

 West Hartford, Connecticut 06110

 Phone: 860-233-5770

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

(877) 959-3534