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The fireplace is often a favorite gathering spot providing warmth and comfort on those cold wintry days and nights. Just like any other area of your home, the chimney needs periodic cleaning to remove creosote, soot, and other debris that can make your family sick. Here are four ways a dirty chimney can affect your health.

Creosote Exposure

Creosote is a natural combustion by-product produced by the distillation of tars in wood and fossil fuels. Without regular chimney cleaning, the oily, tarry, and flammable residue will continue to accumulate in the chimney every time you use the fireplace. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), more than 1/8” of creosote in the chimney is hazardous and should be removed. Exposure to creosote can cause various side effects, including skin and eye irritation, abdominal pains, and respiratory issues. Long-term creosote exposure can lead to mental confusion in some individuals. Excessive creosote in the chimney can also cause a flue obstruction increasing the risk of exposure to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Hiring a professional chimney sweep to clean the chimney at least once per year will help ensure that the smoke and fumes have a clear exit up the chimney. It is not unusual for small animals like birds, bats, and squirrels to be found building nests in chimneys. Also, on windy days leaves, twigs, and other debris can be blown into the flue if the chimney cap is damaged or missing. The small animals and debris can block the flue, causing increased carbon monoxide gas levels to leak inside your home. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless and colorless gas that can have deadly consequences. Symptoms of CO exposure include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. If untreated, it can lead to unconsciousness, organ failure, and death.

Eye and Skin Irritation

When using the fireplace in a sooty chimney, some of the smoke, creosote, soot, ash, and other contaminants may flow into your living space, irritating your eyes and skin. It can also be harmful to the skin resulting in rashes or chemical burns. Inhaling this smokey and sooty air mixture can also irritate your nose, throat, and lungs and cause respiratory issues.

Respiratory Issues

The dirt, dust, and other debris accumulated in a dirty chimney can expose occupants to various allergens that can cause respiratory issues in individuals with allergies, asthma, COPD, and other chronic lung or respiratory conditions. The chimney may also contain mold and bacteria. A dirty chimney also attracts pests such as rats and mice. Even if you’re not using the fireplace, a strong wind gust can blow a concoction of soot and debris into the living space reducing indoor air quality and potentially exposing occupants to harmful contaminants.

Chimney Cleaning and Inspection

Homeowners should have a professional chimney inspection and chimney cleaning at least once per year. If you use your fireplace or stove frequently during the winter, you may need additional sweeping. A professional chimney sweep has the skills, tools, and equipment to thoroughly remove the soot, creosote, and other contaminants inside the chimney so that your family can breathe cleaner air.

The post Chimney Cleaning for Better Health appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

A chimney leak is nothing to take lightly, no matter how “minor” it seems to be. If a chimney has begun to take in water, the problem will only get worse over time rather than better.

A leak is defined as any situation in which water from rain or melting snow can get into the chimney system either through the masonry or one of the chimney’s components such as the chimney crown, chimney cap or chimney flashing, which seals the gap between the roof and the exterior chimney.

Here are 4 signs that indicate your chimney is leaking or likely will begin to leak soon.

Efflorescence

Efflorescence is a white, salt-based residue that forms when water moves into or through a chimney’s bricks. The water can come from outside the chimney in the form of rain, or from inside the chimney in the form of condensation.

In either case, efflorescence should not be ignored – particularly when a lot of it is visible on your chimney’s exterior masonry.

Crumbling masonry

Water erodes bricks and mortar. If you notice areas of crumbling within the masonry surface or on the roof near the chimney, the problem could be old age, but it also could be a sign of water damage.

When bricks and mortar are compromised, water can regularly move into the cracks and spaces and begin a cycle of decay. Worsening matters is very cold air temperature, which causes the water to freeze and expand. What starts as a small chimney leak can eventually lead to major structural damage.

Damp walls and ceiling

Dampness on the walls and ceiling near the chimney/fireplace means water is getting in somehow. The source could be leaks in the chimney’s masonry, roof damage or warped flashing that allows water to move down the chimney below the roof.

No matter the cause of the damp sections, the problem must be addressed quickly before your home’s building materials are seriously damaged and/or a dangerous outbreak of mold begins.

Water in the firebox

If your chimney doesn’t have a chimney cap, water in the firebox could be from rain pouring into the flue. If you do have a cap, this sign could point to a leak in the chimney structure.

Water in the firebox often is accompanied by strong musty odors coming from the fireplace. You’ll often notice the smell before you notice the leak.

First step: have your chimney inspected

When you notice signs of a leaky chimney, the first thing to do before using your fireplace is to schedule a chimney inspection with a licensed, certified chimney inspector.

The inspection will determine where the leak originates, the extent of the damage and what needs to be done to restore soundness to the chimney.

Solutions may include masonry repair work or rebuilding, repair of the concrete chimney crown, chimney liner repair, chimney cap repair or installation, flashing repair or replacement, masonry waterproofing and other tasks. Only a proper inspection will tell you what is required to solve the problem.

Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace of Kansas City, KS, provides professional chimney inspections, leaky chimney repair, CSIA-certified chimney sweeping and related services that will keep your chimney safe and operating at peak efficiency.

Speak with a chimney expert today at (913) 236-7141 and get on the way to finding and fixing your chimney leak.

 

The post Efflorescence and other Leaky Chimney Signs appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

The fireplace is crackling in your living room as you sit on the couch, polishing off a package of cookies and reading the last page of your favorite magazine. You get up to throw away the empty cookie package and recycle the magazine and then think, “Maybe I’ll just throw both things in the fire! It could use more kindling, after all.” Before you consider burning plastic or magazines in the fireplace, think again!

Burning Plastic in a Fireplace is Not Okay

Whether you are considering burning plastic bags, bottles, packaging, or milk cartons, it is not safe to do so. Plastic contains many chemicals. When it is burned, those chemicals are released into the air, making it toxic and unsafe to breathe. It is negative for your health and can cause headaches, breathing issues, and possibly cancer. It is also bad for the environment as a whole.

Do You Have a Chimney in the Boston, MA Area?

If you have a chimney in the Boston, MA area and have questions about chimney use and safety, maintenance, sweeps, or inspections, contact us. Boston’s Best Chimney is a full service chimney company that has been serving the Greater Boston, Massachusetts area since 1989.

Can You Burn Magazines in a Fireplace?

This question often stumps people. Magazines are made of paper, after all, which, like wood, comes from trees. If you think more deeply about it, however, you will realize that burning magazines is also not safe. The glossy pages of magazines contain chemical pigments that, like plastic, release toxic chemicals when they are burned.

Both plastic and magazines can cause fires, as they are very flammable. We recommend that you check out our Fire Safety Checklist to learn more about how to prevent chimney fires.

Other Items to Avoid Burning

Using your fireplace correctly is essential to keeping it in good working order and to keeping your family and home safe. With that in mind, here are some other items that you should not burn in your fireplace: 

• Trash
• Cardboard
• Charcoal
• Dryer lint
• Driftwood
• Branches of old Christmas trees
• Treated wood
• Certain plants

Though some of these items would be okay to use in a campfire, the guidelines on what is safe to burn in your fireplace are more strict.

What to Burn in  Your Fireplace

Dry and seasoned wood is the only thing that is safe to burn in your fireplace. Seasoned wood has been left to dry for a long time causing it to burn more cleanly. It also makes it easier for you to start the fire by yourself. Check out our blog on the best woods for firewood for more tips on the type of wood to choose.

Get Your Chimney Swept and Inspected Regularly

Whether or not you have made the mistake of burning the wrong materials in your fireplace, it is necessary for your safety to have your chimney inspected annually and swept as needed. The Boston’s Best Chimney team is certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America and ready to serve you. Click here or call 781-893-6611 to schedule an appointment with us.

The post What Not to Burn In Your Fireplace appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

A fireplace is typically the focal point of a room. But the mantel that sits above the fireplace can be just as much of a focal point and bring mood, personality and pizazz to the room.

If you don’t already have a mantel

Some masonry fireplaces are built with mantels in place; some zero-clearance fireplaces include mantels in their installation. If your fireplace has no mantel, you can purchase the style that most excites you from a local hearth retailer or online. You also can have a mantel custom built.

Between pre-made mantels and custom mantels, you have a variety of materials and finishes to choose from including wood grain, steel, granite, marble, slate and many others.

Mantel decorating ideas

The #1 rule in any home-decoration project is: do what makes you happy. Here are some ideas for customizing and decorating your fireplace mantel that might accomplish just that.

Flowers

Your mantel can burst with color year-round with live or artificial flowers. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to transform an entire room with a unique combination of colors across the top of your mantel.

Kids’ artwork

If you have kids, surely they’re creating something great either in school or in personal time. Make a big deal out of these masterpieces by displaying them on your mantel.

Family portraits

Mantels are perfect places to showcase fine family portraits. If you don’t want to go that “official,” try filling the mantel with a selection of smaller framed photos of all the people who matter most in your world.

Seasonal themes

Celebrate the seasons with rotating themes on your mantel. Mini Christmas trees, Hanukkah stars, pumpkins, turkey artwork, snow scenes, bright sunny summer displays – use your imagination and bring all the seasons right into your home.

Plants

Potted plants of all kinds add life and energy to a room, and your fireplace mantel is the perfect place to create everything from a tasteful plant arrangement to a flourishing jungle. (Make sure to not let the jungle flourish over the firebox opening!)

Lighting

Lighting is more than a bulb that fits in a lamp or ceiling socket. Today’s lighting choices include all kinds of unique designs and sizes from tiny string lights to huge multi-light units. Flashing lights, colored lights, twinkling lights – you’ve got plenty of choices for lighting up your mantel.

 

Books

Whether it’s books you read or older antique volumes you want to display, your mantel is an ideal place to create a mini library.

Don’t restrict yourself with mantel decoration

We’ve listed some of the more popular mantel decorating ideas, but don’t ever feel limited. Mix and match some of these ideas, come up with some cool decorative schemes of your own, pack your mantel with items or place one single standout item on it – as we said, with any home decorating, the choice is always yours to personalize it the way you love most.

Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace of Kansas City, KS, believes everyone should have a beautiful hearth area to enjoy all year long. We also believe in keeping chimneys and fireplaces safe and performing at their best.

We provide CSIA-certified chimney sweep services, chimney inspections, fireplace and chimney repairs and much more. Get your questions answered or schedule an appointment by calling (913) 236-7141.

The post Fabulous Fireplace Mantel Decorating Ideas appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

While fireplaces are a necessity in almost every home, they pose danger to property, children and even you. To protect your home, children and yourself, you need to observe these fireplace safety tips:

Install safety screens

They are an absolute requirement when you have small children. As you know, children are curious and they will want to touch fire. To protect them you should install a safety screen that prevents them from coming into contact with the hot fireplace glass.

You should note that the screens also have the ability of retaining heat; therefore, you should teach your children to avoid touching the screens at all costs.

Install smoke detectors

Smoke detectors are units that let you know when smoke reaches a given level. This helps you know when your house is at the risk of catching fire. In addition to installing the smoke detectors you should also consider installing carbon monoxide detectors.  As rule of thumb you should ensure that the detectors are installed by professional chimney contractors.

You should note that the detectors need batteries to work; therefore, you should regularly check and replace them.

Schedule regular inspection

Even a simple chimney flaw puts your home and your loved ones at risk. To ensure that your home is safe you should regularly hire a chimney technician to inspect your fireplace. The professional should inspect all the devices and ensure that they are in perfect working condition. If there are some areas that need repair, he/she should let you know about it and fix it.

For ideal results you should hire a professional who specializes in a given type of fireplace. For example, if you have a gas fireplace you should hire a gas chimney contractor to inspect and repair the chimney.

In addition to being able to undertake chimney inspection, the professional should also be able to professionally clean the chimney. This is to get rid of creosote that causes most of the house fires.

Never burn fire overnight

It’s common for some homeowners to leave the fire burning while they go to sleep. While the fire will give you the much needed warmth, it puts your home at great danger of catching fire. The fire can also pollute air with carbon monoxide and other chemicals thus putting you at danger.

Conclusion

These are fireplace safety tips that you need to put into consideration for you to be safe in your home. by putting emphasis on the tips you will not only have an effective fireplace, you will also have peace of mind as you will know that you are living in a safe house.

 

The post Blog first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

Although a jacket is still needed, it’s nice to be able to go for a walk and enjoy some sun and fresh air. As I take advantage of the ‘no rain’ days, I always like to look at the homes I pass to check out what types of upkeep homeowners are choosing to perform this spring.

I was surprised to find a few people on ladders. One was attempting to clean out the gutters, but a couple people were up by their chimneys. I found that interesting as that’s not a regular site. I noticed one homeowner cleaning out the top of his chimney. It was clear that animals were living in the chimney. The critters had a nice cozy home to live in, but now the homeowner has to clean up the mess left behind. Hopefully, he calls Superior Chimney for a chimney cap.

The next homeowner was a bit more concerned. You can tell he was picking at the mortar in between the bricks on his chimney. It was a very decorative chimney, but as I got closer, it was obvious that it was falling apart. For that type of restoration, you definitely need a specialist like the talented masons we have at Superior Chimney. It’s best he gets that checked out. Part of the chimney or fireplace inspections is to inspect the chimney outside. But if you already know there’s a problem, give us a call and we’ll go up on the roof for you, take pictures and explain exactly what is going on. Be sure to ‘like’ us on Facebook! Contact us today at 877-244-6349.

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

Cleaning your chimney generally isn’t on everyone’s ‘Honey Do’ list.  It doesn’t look dirty, so why should we clean it?  In a word, safety.

Every home with a wood-burning fireplace needs to have it cleaned and inspected according to the amount of use it gets.  Guidelines set up by the National Fire Protection Association recommend the chimney and accompanying firebox (fireplace) be cleaned for every cord
of wood burned.

When Should You Have Your Chimney Cleaned?

The best time to have your chimney cleaned is in the spring.  A good way to remember to get it cleaned is just to make it part of your spring-cleaning routine.

What Will the Chimney Professionals do?

First order of business, the technician will visually inspect your chimney.  They will be looking for cracks, leaks, and the general condition of your chimney.

Once the inspection is complete, they will begin the process of cleaning your chimney and fireplace.  This entails using brushes and vacuums to remove all the build-up of soot and creosote inside of your chimney.

The professionals use tarps and drop cloths to cover furniture and carpets to keep the soot from contaminating your home.

Creosote Build Up and Removal

The next question homeowners ask is what is creosote and why does it need to be removed?  Creosote is a build-up of soot from burning wood.  When wood burns, it deposits black soot on the walls of a chimney.  If those deposits become too thick it develops into very flammable almost tar-like substance.  When embers from a fire get caught in that tar, it can start a chimney fire.  Once a chimney fire starts, it spreads to other parts of the home with lightning speed.

This same tar can clog your chimney, making it difficult for the smoke to rise.  When the smoke doesn’t rise, it comes back into the house.  This will not only discolor walls and furniture, but it can also cause serious health problems.  Itchy eyes and rashes on the skin are just a few of the health issues caused by the returning smoke. If someone in your home has asthma, the smoke can cause an asthma attack.  The only way to prevent a chimney fire is to have a professional chimney company clean your chimney annually.

Leave It To The Chimney Professionals

Can cleaning a chimney be a do-it-yourself project?  No, this is a job best left to the professionals.  Northeastern Chimney, LLC is the logical choice when you need a professional chimney cleaning company.  Our company provides regular training seminars bringing our technicians up to date on current cleaning methods and the newest chimney equipment, giving you the best service possible.  The office staff at Northeastern Chimney is known to have the highest level of customer service in the area.  Despite our vocation, our staff is always clean and punctual.  Each of our techs has a name badge with their picture on it.  We take great care with your home leaving it cleaner than when we came.

Don’t let the chance to keep your family safe and healthy slip away.  Call Northeastern Chimney, LLC, and let us put your mind at ease.

37 Cody St, West Hartford, CT 06110 | (860) 233-5770

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

Just like any other popular topic, there are many chimney cleaning myths. You should be wary of these myths as they will derail you. Here are some of the common myths.

You don’t need chimney inspection if you aren’t using the chimney

This is completely false. Even if you haven’t been using the chimney it doesn’t mean that other factors can’t interfere with the integrity of the chimney. Birds often get into unused chimneys and build nests. The nests can block the chimney putting you at risk. The chimney can also crack even if you aren’t using it.

If you haven’t used the chimney for a while you shouldn’t light fire in it before you hire a chimney inspection contractor to inspect it. The professional should check all the areas of the chimney and clean it. The professional should also repair any bricks that might be loose or cracked.

You don’t need to inspect the chimney after installing a metal liner

While metal liners get rid of many chimney problems such as chimney leaking and many others, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t inspect the chimney. Remember that even in the presence of the metal liner creosote can build up becoming a fire hazard.

You should hire a chimney contractor at least once a year to inspect and clean the chimney.

Pine results to increased creosote deposition

If you have been reading about chimney cleaning you must have come across the above statement. Studies done by the University of Georgia have found that pine isn’t the cause of increased creosote deposition—low burning temperatures are the cause.

This means that if you burn pine at high temperatures your chimney won’t have a lot of creosote deposition. To increase the burning temperatures you should burn dry and seasoned wood. This is wood that has dried for about a year.

You don’t need fancy cleaning brushes to clean the chimney

While it’s creative to use tree branches to undertake chimney sweeping, you won’t achieve the same results as when using specialized cleaning brushes. To avoid trouble you should hire a chimney cleaning professional who will not only give your chimney a thorough sweep, but one who will also inspect and repair any faulty areas.

Conclusion

These are chimney cleaning myths that you should be wary of. Always hire a professional to clean the chimney and your chimney will not only last for long, you will also live with peace of mind as you will know that you are safe.

The post Blog first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

It’s spring, and for most of the country, that means rain and more rain.  As homeowners, we know when our roof leaks and when the windows aren’t as tightly sealed as they should be.  When chimneys leak, many times, we are oblivious to the problem.

Below are some indications your chimney may be leaking.

• Are there water stains on the walls and ceiling around your chimney?
• Is there standing water or excess moisture in the firebox?
• Can you hear dripping water coming from inside the chimney?
• Are musty or moldy odors coming from your chimney?
• Are you noticing cracks in the brickwork outside on the chimney itself?

All of these are good indications that your chimney needs help.  Many homeowners wonder why the damage wasn’t more visible.  How did this happen?

A variety of factors can contribute to chimney leaks.  Without the benefit of regular chimney inspections, these problems can go undetected until it’s too late.

• Loose-fitting or missing chimney flashing:  The chimney flashing is a series of metal strips installed around the outside of the chimney to protect the structures around it.  If the flashing is bent, has a broken seal, been damaged by animals, or is missing altogether, water is getting into your home.
• Chimney Cap: This cap is placed on the top of the chimney to prevent rain, leaves, and other organic debris and animals from entering your chimney.  If this cap is missing, your chimney is being exposed to nature and its elements.
• Weakened or cracked brickwork: Temperature change and weather contribute to the degradation of the masonry of your chimney.

Any one of these circumstances can result in costly repairs.  Having your chimney inspected at regular intervals will alert a homeowner to problems before they become huge headaches.

There are a few measures to staying proactive with your chimney.

These are suggestions before the problems start.

• Have your chimney cleaned and inspected regularly.  With frequent high winds in spring and summer, this is a must.
• Make a visual inspection periodically.  Animals can do a serious amount of damage in a short time frame.  If you aren’t afraid of heights, get a ladder and check the flashing and the chimney cap.
• Pay close attention to the masonry.  Your chimney weighs approximately 5 to 7 tons.  Flooding can weaken the ground beneath your chimney and cause shifting.  If cracks and broken bricks along with a leaning of your chimney are present, call a chimney expert immediately.

From the outside, your chimney might not look like much, however, it has many components.  In Central Connecticut, Northeastern Chimney, LLC is the leading chimney service provider.  We offer all services concerning your chimney, cleaning, video inspection, masonry, cap repair and replacement, and flashing repair.  Our staff is licensed and insured, and our company provides continuous training in the most up-to-date techniques and equipment.

Our service experts arrive on time in clean, well-equipped trucks.  Our technicians have freshly laundered uniforms, and all have a name tag with their picture on them.  We like to leave your location cleaner than we found it.

Chimneys need yearly inspections and cleaning; Northeastern Chimney, LLC is here to help.  37 Cody St, West Hartford, CT 06110 | (860) 233-5770

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

A structurally sound chimney is essential for keeping your home and family safe even when you’re not using the fireplace. However, here in the Greater Hartford region, we see our share of extreme weather conditions ranging from freezing rain, snow, and ice in the winter to hot and humid summers with strong storms that can damage the chimney. Here are five chimney repairs that need immediate attention.

Damaged Chimney Cap

The chimney cap is a metal cover that protects the chimney from external elements like water, small animals, and debris. Since it is installed at the top of the chimney, it takes the brunt of severe weather conditions that can damage the cap or blow it off the roof entirely.  When the chimney cap is damaged or missing, water will leak inside the flue and run down into the fireplace. It can cause severe damage to the interior masonry, chimney liner, damper, and firebox. Replacing a damaged chimney cap is inexpensive, but it can save thousands of dollars
in chimney repairs.

Worn Chimney Flashing

When the chimney flashing is worn or damaged, it requires immediate repair to prevent damage to the attic, roof, ceiling, and walls. The chimney flashing is sheet metal that seals the seam between the chimney and roof. When the flashing corrodes, rusts, warps, or is improperly installed, moisture can leak through the gap. A build-up of snow and ice in the winter can also weaken the flashing and surrounding masonry. Many homeowners are unaware that the chimney flashing is damaged until they notice water stains appearing on the walls and ceiling around the fireplace, often mistaking it for a roof leak.  Your chimney professional should make necessary repairs as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

Cracked Chimney Liner

Since cracks in the chimney liner increase the risk of fire and exposure to toxic fumes, it is a type of chimney repair that needs immediate attention. Most chimneys are lined with clay tile to protect the masonry from high temperatures in a fireplace. Intense heat, creosote, and moisture can accelerate its normal wear and tear, potentially exposing nearby combustible materials to the high heat in the fireplace. The chimney liner should be repaired or relined to restore the integrity of the flue.

Chimney Crown Cracks

The cement chimney crown tops the entire masonry structure. Its sloped design helps deflect precipitation away from the chimney. Like all porous materials, the cement crown is susceptible to cracking, due to weather conditions, house settling, and age, allowing water to leak inside the chimney between the masonry and flue pipe.  Chimney cracks will continue to worsen as absorbed moisture will freeze during the winter, further expanding the cracks. Minor cracking in the chimney crown can be easily repaired with a bonding material and waterproof sealant, but extensive damage may require a chimney crown rebuild.

Rusted Damper

The damper is a metal device that regulates airflow in the chimney. Moisture intrusion, usually due to a deteriorating or missing chimney cap or chase cover, can cause the damper to rust impeding its operation. A rusted damper may not close completely, reducing your home’s energy efficiency. A properly functioning damper is also essential for venting the smoke and fumes when using the fireplace.

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