Homeowners use their chimneys only during winter. This means that most of them neglect the chimneys during summer. While this is the trend with most homeowners, this shouldn’t be the case with you. Here are some of the things recommended by chimney repair professionals that you can do for your chimney during the hot months of the year:

Install a chimney damper

A chimney damper is located inside the chimney and it comes in handy during summer—when you aren’t using the chimney. The unit prevents animals and birds from getting access to your house. The damper has also been shown to prevent cool air from escaping the house. This aids in lowering your air conditioning bill. If your chimney doesn’t have a damper this is the best time to install it.

There are two main types of dampers that you can install: Throat and top sealing dampers. Throat dampers are made up of a metal flap and track. The flap is usually controlled by a lever and can move in different ways including: Up and down, side to side, or in and out. While throat dampers protect your house from animals and birds they don’t provide a tight seal thus don’t prevent cold air from escaping your house. The reason for this is because they are made from metal that doesn’t form a good seal.

Since they are made from metal, they tend to suffer from extreme summer heat. When it cools water droplets form on it and drips down the chimney walls. The dampers have been shown to warp over time thus failing to form a barrier between the fireplace and chimney.

Top sealing dampers sit at the top of the chimney. They are loved by many as they form a tight seal that not only prevents animals and birds from getting the chimney, but also prevents cool air from escaping.

Schedule chimney cleaning and inspection

Since you aren’t using the chimney, this is the best time to hire a chimney contractor to clean and inspect the chimney for any problems that might be there. When problems are identified during inspection you have ample time to repair them. Since you aren’t in a hurry, the chimney technician tends to do a great job.

Buy seasoned wood

If you have a wood burning fireplace this is the best time to buy seasoned wood in preparation for the heating season. As you know, burning seasoned firewood reduces creosote depositions. This reduces the frequency at which you hire a chimney company to clean your chimney.

The post Blog first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

There are a lot of questions being asked

about waterproofing the chimney. Many think it’s a ‘nice to have’ versus a necessity. We decided to ask the certified technicians about waterproofing the chimney, and here’s what they had to say.

Q: Should bricks be waterproofed? I thought that bricks need to ‘breathe’?

Bricks are a porous material which makes it a great entry point for moisture to enter and settle. However, they do not need to breathe and therefore should be waterproofed with Superior Chimney’s Chimney Saver product. This way the water repels off of the bricks, slowing the deterioration process while still maintaining the ability to breathe.

Q: I purchased a chimney cap. It keeps the inside of the chimney dry. Is it necessary to worry about the outside of the chimney?

A: Sometimes an analogy helps. Let’s say its pouring rain outside. You’re in your everyday clothes and you need to spend the next hour outside in the rain. You get ready by putting on a wide brimmed rain hat. Is the hat protecting the rest of you from the rain?

Q: I’ve never had a problem with my chimney. Why is it important now to do it?

A: Chimneys are a living, breathing functional part of your home and its structure. Deterioration is occurring each day reacting to the heat, cold, rain, snow, wind and freeze/thaw cycles of winter. It chips away at the brick and mortar causing it to crack and break down over time. Once a thorough inspection of the bricks and mortar are complete, we’ll inform you of the best way to repair (if needed) and install Chimney Saver. It will help to preserve and maintain the existing appearance and integrity of your chimney.  

Q: I have no idea what’s going on with my chimney. It’s simply too high to get up there.

A: We understand. We’re safety trained to assess the best way to get up on top of the roof to inspect the chimney. When we’re up there, we’ll take pictures of the chimney so you can see for yourself what it looks like. We’ll show you with the pictures and explain what is going on and how we will repair it, if there are any issues. Once all is good to go, then the Chimney Saver application can be applied for long term protection.

Q: Can I get it inspected?

A: Sure, call us at 877-244-6349. See you soon.

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

In addition to being clean, efficient and economical, a gas fireplace also requires less attention than its wood fireplace counterpart. While the fireplace is great, it tends to develop a number of problems that include:

Soot buildup

Unlike in a wood burning fireplace where black soot buildup is a by-product of the fire burning, soot on a gas burning fireplace is an emergency issue that should be addressed immediately by a certified gas fireplace repair professional. If there is soot on the fireplace it means that logs, venting system and firebox are clogged. This results to an inefficient fireplace. A clogged gas fireplace puts your house at the risk of fire.

In addition to soot, other items such as dirt, dust and dead insects also accumulate in the burner and fireplace orifices causing it to work inefficiently. To fix the problem schedule regular gas fireplace maintenance.

Fireplace wear and tear

Any device in your home undergoes wear and tear. According to chimney contractors, a gas fireplace also undergoes wear and tear. The wear and tear is more pronounced when it undergoes periods of no use and periods of high use. Due to wear and tear, it’s common for valves and gas connections to leak. It’s also common for gas logs and gas fireplace inserts to move from their intended place. To protect your home and keep the fireplace in perfect working condition, you should hire a chimney company to inspect and fix the fireplace once a week. You can hire the company more often if you actively use your fireplace.

Fireplace venting problems

Due to the warmth in the chimney, bats, birds, raccoons and squirrels build nests in it. The nests, especially those made by squirrels can block the chimney flue resulting to huge venting problems. In addition to nests, it’s also common for birds and animals to die in the chimney putting a further strain on your venting system. Just like in the above problems, the best remedy for this problem is regularly inspection of the vent and fixation of any problem. If there is anything that causes a blockage, remove it immediately.

Conclusion

While a gas fireplace is great, it comes with its responsibilities. Since it uses gas, it puts your house at greater danger of fire. Studies show that neglected gas fireplaces are highly susceptible to explosions. It’s also common to have fires if there are leaks or the fireplace components are malfunctioning. As I have said above, schedule regular inspection of the fireplace. For peace of mind ensure that the inspection is done by an experienced chimney repair company.

The post Blog first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

Many homes in the Kansas City area have masonry chimneys built with corbeled brick, and homeowners may need to parge their smoke chamber this summer. While your wood-burning fireplace was keeping your family warm and cozy in the winter, the smoke and fumes were passing through an area known as the smoke chamber as it travels up the flue to exit the chimney.

Due to its proximity to the firebox, the smoke chamber is a high-heat area.  The stair-stepped design of corbeling can create problems for homeowners, highlighting the importance of annual chimney inspections, especially in older homes. That’s because the exposed jagged edges can allow moisture to pool on the brick surface, accelerating masonry deterioration. It also reduces airflow efficiency and results in the additional build-up of combustible deposits, increasing the risk of fire and exposure to carbon monoxide fumes. If smoke chamber defects are not corrected, the high heat can ignite the creosote and cause a chimney fire. Even a small chimney fire can spread to nearby combustible building materials and cause a house fire. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), excessive creosote in the chimney is the leading cause of residential structure fires.

What is Parging

Parging is the process of smoothing the jagged edges and repairing any masonry damage like cracks or gaps in the brick and mortar. We use Heatshield® to make smoke chamber repairs because the cerfractory sealant increases the chimney’s integrity while resisting moisture, corrosive gases, and the extreme temperatures of the smoke chamber. It is UL listed and tested to ASTM C-199 and can withstand temperatures of over 2,500°F. A smooth smoke chamber surface reduces the build-up of creosote and soot deposits in the smoke chamber and reduces fire risk. It also improves the airflow efficiency in the chimney, making it easier for smoke and dangerous gases to vent out of the home.

Does My Chimney Need to Be Parged?

Both NFPA guidelines and the International Residential Code (IRC) state that if the inside surface of the smoke chamber has corbeled masonry, it shall be parged smooth. However, it is difficult for homeowners to determine whether their chimney needs parging without a chimney inspection. The smoke chamber is one of the many parts of the chimney system checked during an annual inspection. If it has been more than two years since your last chimney inspection, we highly encourage scheduling a level 2 chimney inspection this summer, including a video scan of the interior surfaces. A video scan can spot minor cracks and other imperfections in the masonry that are more difficult to see with a visual inspection allowing repairs before they can cause more severe issues.  When the Certified Chimney Sweep® observes corbeling in the smoke chamber, parging will be recommended to bring the fireplace and chimney into compliance with current building codes and to reduce the risk of fire and carbon monoxide exposure.

The post Parge Your Chimney Smoke Chamber this Summer appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

Chimney leak? “What do you mean? I don’t use my fireplace.” There are many homeowners that simply don’t use their fireplace. However, they do a great job of decorating all around it.  Just because you don’t use the fireplace doesn’t mean that chimney leaks can’t form.

Here are 5 ways chimney leaks form even if you’ve never turned on your fireplace.

1. Rain: Rain coming in right from the top! Chimneys without a chimney cap will get plenty of rain right directly into the chimney. A chimney cap fits snug around the opening of the chimney with includes a steel mesh to allow proper ventilation while eliminating animal entry and a solid piece of steel that extends over the mesh. This is to ensure the rain falls away from the opening.  Every chimney needs a chimney cap for the same reasons every home needs a roof!

A chimney cap does more than just keep rain out of the flue. It also helps to keep birds, animals and debris out of the chimney as well. Some people wonder, “How can debris get into the chimney?” Debris isn’t just garbage, it’s also leaves, twigs, windblown items and animal nesting to name a few.

2. Cracks in the Chimney Crown: If you don’t use your fireplace or had the fireplace inspected, then the words chimney crown wouldn’t mean too much to you. However, it’s a vital component to the outside chimney structure. A chimney crown is the cement slab that is located on top of the chimney. The chimney crown or the concrete slab has a purpose. It keeps the rain out of the chimney structure.

Cracks in the chimney crown occur when the structure shifts due to expansion and contraction in the freeze thaw cycles of winter months. For whatever reason for the shifting, it affects the chimney crown. Hairline cracks or even larger cracks is the perfect entry for even the smallest amount of water. As soon as it identifies the weak spot in the chimney crown, in the water goes!

3. Chimney Liner: If you have a newer home, chances are you have a chimney liner. However, if you have an older home, the situation may change. Let’s start there and take a look if there’s something lining your chimney.

Even if you’ve never used the fireplace, the chimney is still being used by your heating appliances. Condensation develops which causes deterioration of the bricks and mortar. One of the quickest ways to notice condensation is if you have your chimney glass doors closed and you see condensation or water droplets on the glass, that needs to be taken care of ASAP.

4. Chimney Flashing: On June 12^th, we talked about chimney flashing… what it is and when to repair it. Chimney flashing is what connects and protects the exterior of the chimney where the roofing system meets it. If the chimney flashing has come away from the home, it is exposed to water penetrating the inside of the home.

Chimney flashing looks like steps cut into the bricks, then sealed with caulk. But as weather has its own mind and way, these elements weaken bonds & seals causing leaks to occur.

5. Chimney bricks and mortar: Chimney bricks and mortar are pretty tough materials, but like any material over time outside in the weather elements, it begins to deteriorate. As it does the bricks and mortar form cracks. Water and snow have a way of quickly finding those small cracks and make their way in… Especially through the freeze and thaw cycles of our winter months

These 5 ways a chimney leak can from has nothing to do with you turning on your fireplace…or not. That’s way the CSIA, or the Chimney Safety Institute of America, encourages all fireplace owners to have it swept and checked each year. Keep your home, family and chimney safe by getting a sweep and inspection. Contact us at 877-244-6349 to have your chimney and fireplace checked today.

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

Gas fireplaces are loved by people with busy lifestyles. Unlike the traditional wood burning fireplaces, gas fireplaces are convenient, soot-free and don’t require you to haul, chop and store firewood. If you lead a busy life and would like to install a gas fireplace in your home, here are options that you can go with:

Gas fireplace inserts

If you have a traditional fireplace, gas fireplace inserts make it possible for you to upgrade the fireplace in a gas fireplace without constructing a new unit. In addition to this, the inserts have been shown to prevent heat lose in gas fireplaces. This results to your fireplace being energy efficient thus saving you plenty of money.

The inserts come in different styles such as modern, chic, traditional, contemporary and rustic. You should go with an insert that is perfect for the impression that you want to create. In addition to the units coming in different styles they also come in different sizes. To buy the right unit, take your time to measure the size of your fireplace.

Free standing gas stoves

They resemble the traditional wood stoves. In fact if you are not keen, you can mistake them for wood burning units. To give them a traditional look you have to install logs. You can buy the logs together with the gas stove or buy separately. Just like the traditional wood stoves, you have to clean them regularly. This is to prevent creosote from accumulating to worrying levels. In addition to this you also have to regularly hire a chimney company to inspect the stove and logs and ensure that they are in perfect working condition.

ZC gas fireplaces

Zero gas fireplaces are ideal if you are looking to heat a small space. They are unique in that you can place them directly against combustible materials or a few inches from the flammable materials. Since you don’t need any buffer zone, you can place them even close to your seat or bed. The units have been found to be highly efficient thus heat your home at a low cost.

They come in different styles and models. There are those made from heavy iron and other made from glass. For a great look, go for a unit that complements your home décor.

Conclusion

These are the options that you can go with if looking to install a gas burning fireplace. You should consult your chimney contractor and settle on the best appliance for your home.

The post Blog first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

Just like fireplaces, fire pits come in many shapes and sizes with the purpose of adding a little warmth and a lot of beauty to a backyard setting. Just about everyone enjoys a fire pit, but here are a few things to know and choices to make before you run out and have one installed.

Check with local zoning

Before taking another step, check with your city or county zoning office to make sure fire pits are lawful where you live.

Gas or wood?

Fire pits, whether pre-made or custom-built, can run on either gas/propane or wood fuel. Gas is easier to ignite and extinguish. Wood gives you the nostalgic look and aroma that many people love. With a gas fire pit, you’ll have to run a line to the appliance; with a wood fire pit, you’ll need to purchase (or chop yourself), haul and store logs.

Have it built in a factory, or constructed on your property

You can buy fine fire pits that are fully contained and ready to set up in your backyard. You also can have a contractor who’s experienced in fire-pit construction build you one with all your exact specifications. Shop around before making a decision on which way to go.

Safe placement

Technically, a fire pit can go anywhere in your backyard where there’s space for it, but safe placement is always the goal.

• Keep the fire pit away from walls of the house, fencing and other backyard items.
• Place the fire pit under the open sky, not beneath tree branches or building overhangs.
• Install the fire pit on flat ground comprised of pure dirt or cement, not on grass or in weedy areas.
• Make sure there’s distance between the appliance and shrubbery.
• Never place your fire pit near areas where accelerants (charcoal lighter, gasoline, etc.) are stored. Or better, never store combustibles near your fire pit.

Safe operation

Here are seven very important safety tips that will allow you to get years of enjoyment out of your new fire pit.

1. Burn only wood logs or gas to make your fires. Never use clothing, pressed board, furniture, household garbage, plastics, tree branches or packing materials in your fire pit.
2. Accelerants as mentioned above should never be used to get a fire going.
3. Never leave an active fire pit unattended.
4. Use hardwoods such as oak, beech and elm as they produce fewer flying sparks than redwood, spruce, pine and other softwoods.
5. Make sure children know to stay away from the flames; very young children need to be supervised at all times when fire pit is in use.
6. Avoid using the fire pit in heavy wind.
7. Keep a fire extinguisher handy and train responsible family members to use it.

By following these tips and making a few simple decisions, you’ll be ready to bring an exciting new fire pit to your backyard and enjoy it safely for many years to come.

Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace of Kansas City, KS hopes these tips help you in deciding if a fire pit is right for your home. For your indoors supplemental heating, we offer fireplace and stove installation, chimney cleaning and inspections and all types of repair and rebuilding work. When you need it done right, call Fluesbrothers first at (913) 236-7141.

The post What You Need to Know Before You Install a Fire Pit appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

A leaking chimney is a sign of trouble to your fireplace and home. When the chimney is leaking, the chimney remains wet for long. This results to chimney deterioration. A leaking chimney is an emergency issue and you should hire a chimney masonry repair professional as soon as possible to fix it.

Why your chimney could be leaking

Some of these reasons why your chimney could be leaking include:

Lack of chimney cover: From its name, a chimney cover is a unit that covers the chimney. It’s usually placed at the top of the chimney preventing water, birds and other animals from getting into the chimney. When your chimney doesn’t have a cover, water easily enters from the top and runs down the inside of the chimney.

Cracked flashing: A chimney flashing is made from aluminum and is placed at the area where the chimney pokes above the rooftop. The flashing is designed to function as a water seal; therefore, when it’s cracked, water easily finds its way into the chimney.

Cracked chimney crown: The chimney crown is the cement portion at the top of the chimney. It’s designed and installed to keep rain out; therefore, when its damaged or cracked, rain seeps into the chimney. Cracked bricks: Most of the chimneys are made from bricks. Due to old age or trauma the bricks crack thus allowing water to find its way into the fireplace.

What to do about a leaking chimney

The cool thing with a leaking chimney problem is that it’s easy to fix. The first thing that you should do is to undertake chimney inspection. This is to identify the cause of the problem. For ideal results hire a chimney professional to undertake the inspection. If your chimney doesn’t have a chimney cover, install it. If the cap is cracked, you can either remove it entirely and replace it with a new one or coat the cover’s top surface with a waterproofing agent.

If the flashing has become loose or has peeled up, nail, caulk and tar it back into place. In addition to this also consider coating all the exposed masonry surfaces with a clear masonry waterproofing sealer. Apply two coats using a garden sprayer set at low pressure.

Conclusion

This is what you need to know about a leaking chimney. As mentioned, if you have a leaking chimney, treat it as an emergency. For ideal results, work with an experienced and certified chimney contractor.

The post Blog first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

Now that summer is here, it’s a good idea to close the fireplace until the colder weather returns. Closing the fireplace for the season has many benefits. First, it will help prevent the conditioned air in your home from escaping through the chimney saving money on cooling costs. Second, it will keep the rain out of the chimney that can damage interior masonry and cause foul odors in your home. Third, closing the fireplace also prevents small animals and pests from climbing in the flue through a damaged or missing chimney cap. However, there are a few routine maintenance tasks that should be done when closing your wood-burning or gas fireplace for the summer.

Schedule a Chimney Inspection

Your chimney and fireplace need to be inspected annually, and getting it done during the summer will avoid the fall and winter rush when chimney sweeps are busiest. A chimney inspection is necessary to ensure your gas or wood-burning fireplace is safe to operate and is not a health or safety hazard. The chimney sweep will visually inspect the chimney, vents, and attached heating appliances. In addition, the chimney sweep will check ceramic logs, burner, connections, and fittings for gas fireplace owners. The chimney sweep will also check for creosote build-up and obstructions. Any deficiencies found during the inspection, like spalling brick, cracks in the chimney crown, water leaks, or other damages, can be repaired while the fireplace is not in use.

Chimney Cleaning

It’s also a good idea to clean the chimney before closing the fireplace for the summer. Small animals like birds, raccoons, and squirrels may have been hiding out in the chimney. Also, strong winds can blow leaves, twigs, and other debris into the vent. The decaying organic matter, along with the warmer temperatures and humidity, can cause foul odors to permeate your home. It can also attract pests.

Moreover, the creosote accumulating in the chimney throughout the winter hardens into a thick, tarry, and flammable substance that becomes extremely difficult to remove. It also contributes to foul odors.  A professional chimney sweep that is certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) has the training and professional equipment necessary to safely clean the chimney and your attached heating appliances, including gas and wood-burning fireplaces, wood stoves, furnaces, and inserts, per National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) industry standards.

Turn off the Pilot Light

Gas fireplace owners should also turn off the pilot light before closing the damper for the summer. Turning off the pilot light will reduce energy costs and wear and tear when you’re not using the fireplace. It is a simple process. First, locate the pilot knob and turn it to the “off” position. Also, turn the gas shutoff valve to the “off” position.

Closing the Damper

Most fireplaces have a damper that is installed in the chimney’s throat above the firebox. It is typically operated by a lever or a rotating screw-type rod. Close the damper by lifting and pulling the handle down or turning the rotating rod to the right. Some fireplaces have a top-mount damper that is installed at the top of the chimney. It is closed by pulling the chain and attaching it to the hook in the firebox. After closing the damper, visually check to ensure it has an airtight seal when shut. An airtight damper seal is essential for reducing energy costs and keeping water out of the chimney and firebox.

If you need help closing the damper or turning off the pilot light, contact the professional chimney sweeps at Fluesbrothers. We’ll be glad to schedule an appointment throughout our Kansas City Metro service area.

The post Do I Need to “Close” My Fireplace During the Summer? appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

When contemplating a backyard fire pit, it can’t be digging a hole in the backyard, throwing in some logs and a match. Aside from the obvious safety recommendations you need to follow just like you do with your fireplaces, inserts, and stoves, several factors need to be put into the equation to have a successful outcome.

• Personal taste
• Budget
• Ample space
• DIY or professionally built
• Local Fire Codes
• Insurance considerations
• Type of fire pit

Personal Fire Pit Taste

Personal taste and budget go hand-in-hand when contemplating any home improvement project.  Search the internet or home improvement publications to get some ideas for the type of materials (stone or brick) available.  Before reaching a final decision, make sure the components you need are available in your area.

What’s Your Budget?

This one is most often the deciding factor on size, style, and design.  There is little satisfaction in putting a budget-breaking fire pit in if it will cause financial ruin, so be realistic with all of your goals.

Do I Have Enough Yard Space For a Fire Pit?

Is there ample space to enjoy the fire pit?  Many municipalities require the fire pit to be a certain distance from homes (including neighbors), outbuildings, fences, and trees.  Fire pits need to have room between the fire itself and seating.  No one wants to get burned from sitting close to the fire.

DIY vs Hiring a Professional

The choice between a Do-it-Yourself or a professional project is many times the easiest decision.   Is there enough time to complete the project?  What kind of family disruptions will be created in the process of conclusion?  If the budget permits, many times, it’s just easier to let someone else do it.

Check Local Fire Codes

Local Fire Codes may prevent you from having a fire pit at all.  Check with the fire department in your area.  Each region has specific fire codes that must be followed.  Spending the money to build the fire pit and having the fire department say it’s not up to code and you must move it is not a pleasant scenario.  If you live in a wildfire area, these fire mandates may shut down the fire pit before it gets started.

Homeowner’s Insurance Concerns

Insurance considerations may have a say in how much you pay to insure your home and property.   Once again, if you live in a high wildfire, insurance rates may increase.  Often the addition of a sizable fire pit may increase the value of your home and cause rates to escalate.

Fuel Choice

The type of fire pit, not the design, but the fuel, is an option.  This decision cannot be after the firepit has been built but in the planning.  Many people enjoy a crackling fire; with its smells and sounds, it is relaxing.  The drawback is having to have a steady supply of firewood.  There is a propane or natural gas-powered fire pit; some would say it has no romance.  That may be true but, changing the propane tank takes a lot less effort than stacking wood.

Many homeowners think only of the design and the surroundings of a fire pit.  Consider all the above, ask around, and ask the local zoning commission when you have a strategy.  Make sure the design and type of fuel you are planning to use are within the building code.

For more questions, professional advice, and estimates, contact Northeastern Chimney, LLC. Also, give us a call to schedule or inquire about our chimney cleaning, inspections, maintenance and repairs.

Northeastern Chimney, LLC

37 Cody Street

West Hartford, Connecticut 06110

Phone: 860-233-5770

 

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