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Chimneys are known to last for long periods of time. When they develop problems, they pose great health risk to the people living in the house. To avert any danger you should undertake chimney repair as soon as possible. There are two main chimney repair options that you can go with:

Rebuilding

Rebuilding depends on the extent of the damage. If the outer brick facade is faulty you should remove the bricks and replace them while leaving the chimney liner in place. In some cases you may need to tuck the outer bricks and repair the crumbling mortar.

When doing the rebuilding work you should ensure that you follow the local building codes. You should also ensure that the work is done by a qualified chimney repair professional.

To be sure that you are doing the right thing, you should ensure that chimney inspection is done on every step. For example, you should ensure that the inspection is done when you demolish the old chimney, when the chimney is ready for framing and bracing, and when the entire project is complete. As rule of thumb you should ensure that the inspection is done by a certified chimney inspector.

Relining

Liners prevent gases from leaking from the chimney into the living space. Although, liners are durable, they are susceptible to leaking and dangerous cracking. One of the ways of relining the chimney is replacing the tiles and resealing them.

Another way is relining the chimney with heatproof concrete. Here you should ensure that the original tiles remain in place. You should apply a layer of concrete on them in order to seal them. You should note that relining with concrete requires special handling; therefore, you should ensure that the chimney contractor you hire is experienced enough.

Stainless steel chimney liner is one of the most popular liners used in relining a faulty chimney. You should note that the steel liner isn’t designed to reinforce a broken chimney as the metal is too thin. You should only use stainless steel liners when your structure is in good shape. If the flue has any jogs, you should install flexible liners.

After installing the steel liners you should rebuild the chimney with stucco or brick finish. To add extra warmth, you should pour heatproof concrete between the stainless steel liner and the outer brick facade.

Conclusion

These are the chimney repair options that you should go with. As mentioned above, you should ensure that the chimney repair work is handled by an experienced chimney repair professional.

The post Blog first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

It’s always best to avoid making chimney repairs in winter, and that’s not just because it means your fireplace won’t be usable for part of the wintry season. The nature of masonry materials is the primary reason winter chimney repairs are not recommended. Actually, in the past, masonry repairs were only doable with temperatures above 40ºF. Although there are now ways to get around this limitation, chimney repairs in winter are still far from ideal.

How are Wintertime Masonry Repairs Possible?

Cold, wet weather is the worst environment for making chimney masonry repairs. The repairs can still be done, however, because new masonry materials are now available that can be used in frigid temperatures. Also, experienced chimney sweeps have the supplies and know-how to use tarps effectively and keep the masonry materials warmer as well as drier. Heaters are used to provide necessary warmth for curing of the masonry materials. The results are not as long-lasting as performing chimney repairs in summer, but winter repairs on a chimney can work in a pinch.

When Masonry Repairs Should Not be Delayed

If you have large cracks in your chimney or it is leaning, putting off repairs is worse than making winter repairs. Whenever possible, it is always important to prevent moisture from getting into the chimney system. If water gets into the masonry, a destructive process begins. During each freeze-and-thaw cycle of winter, the water inside the masonry expands and contracts. This movement also creates shifting of the masonry, causing irreversible deterioration over time.

Another reason to avoid allowing rain, sleet, and snow to pour directly into your home through a damaged chimney system is because your home interior can also suffer damage. Also, of course, until this type of damage is repaired, the fireplace should not be used. This may mean that you spend a winter without your favorite part–warm, glowing fires on icy winter days. If you have a modern, efficient fireplace, putting the fireplace out of commission also means higher winter utility bills.

How to Avoid Chimney Repairs in Winter

If you have chimney inspections in spring or early summer, you’re able to schedule needed repairs at the best possible time of year. This will give you the pleasure of being prepared with your favorite heating appliance before winter arrives.

Scheduling your chimney inspections and repairs in warm months also allows you to beat the rush. Year after year, qualified chimney sweeps stay quite busy from fall through the end of winter. Emergency repairs are difficult to squeeze into already busy work schedules. However, just as qualified chimney sweeps can make winter masonry repairs work when necessary, they can also find ways to meet their customers’ needs in busy times.

Call Northeastern Chimney LLC

Our chimney sweeps at Northeastern Chimney LLC are all CSIA-certified, which means they have the training, knowledge, and experience to provide top-notch chimney services as well as peace of mind. Whether you need chimney repairs in winter, chimney cleaning, installation of a new fireplace or stove, or any other chimney services, give us a call! We’re here for you year-round, and we’ve served the central Connecticut area since 1987. Call Northeastern Chimney LLC today at 860-233-5770.

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

Installing a new factory-built fireplace to bring better heating to your home than a current open masonry fireplace is a smart move. But like with all fire-based appliances, there are some potential dangers you should be aware of beforehand.

Today’s pre-made fireplaces are built much safer than those in past decades. As to efficiency, the EPA makes sure they adhere to the highest standards. What follows are some of the ways that factory-built fireplaces still may present a danger in your home.

Faulty installation

Fireplace safety can be compromised when the unit is improperly installed. This usually happens when the work is done by someone who lacks the necessary knowledge and tools.

Both gas and wood fireplaces have various components that must be checked during installation to ensure they’re working properly. This is especially true where venting systems are concerned. A typical “handyman” or someone even less experienced may not know how to perform necessary safety checks.

Installed too close to combustible materials

Beyond making sure every part of the new factory-built fireplace is in good working order, the location of the installation must be chosen wisely. Modern fireplaces made by top manufacturers are built to be safe in “close proximity” to sheetrock, beams, insulation and other materials of the home – but “close proximity” can mean different things.

Fireplace manufacturers specify how close to combustible materials their units can safely be installed. It’s the responsibility of the installation technician to know these specs and place the appliance accordingly. Ignoring this step can result in damage to the home and possibly a devastating house fire.

Not cleaned and inspected regularly

Any fireplace can become a danger to a home and the people living in it when it isn’t inspected, cleaned and maintained on a regular basis. For a gas pre-built fireplace, you should schedule an annual safety inspection by a certified professional and have any needed repairs taken care of promptly. Gas fireplace maintenance includes basic cleaning according to
the manufacturer’s instructions.

For wood fireplaces, flammable creosote needs to be removed from the venting system at least once a year. Only a CSIA-certified chimney technician should do this job. Wood pre-built fireplaces also require annual inspections to check for signs of malfunction and component damage so repairs can be made.

A neglected fireplace can quickly become a dangerous fireplace, because many of the issues that may arise are ones the homeowner normally won’t be aware of until a serious problem exists. This is why regular inspections are so important.

Real estate fireplace inspections

Finally, if you’re moving into a new home that has an existing factory-built fireplace, you’ll want to make sure it has had a Level 2 inspection. This inspection is standard when a home is being sold and is often referred to as a real estate inspection or video chimney inspection. A Level 2 chimney inspection should always be performed by a certified fireplace technician, not a general home inspector.

By being aware of the guidelines above, you’ll be taking all the right steps to get the most enjoyment and longest life out of your gas or wood factory-built fireplace.

Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace of Kansas City, KS, is available year-round to help with all your fireplace and vent system needs. We provide CSIA-certified chimney and vent cleaning, fireplace and chimney repairs and complete inspections for all types of factory-built and other heating appliances. Speak with an expert today at (913) 236-7141.

The post Factory-Built Fireplace Dangers You Should Be Aware Of appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

What is Chimney Repointing?

When a chimney is beginning to deteriorate but the bricks are still in good condition, chimney repointing may be the best solution. Chimney repointing is when we partially grind out the mortar joints between the bricks of a chimney and fill them in again with new mortar. Since the brick is still in great shape, replacing the mortar can give a chimney new life. Some people confuse chimney repointing with chimney rebuilding. Read our blog on chimney rebuilding versus repointing to understand the difference between these two services!

Benefits of Chimney Repointing

Chimney repointing can prevent water leaks and save you the thousands that it would cost to rebuild your chimney! It will make your chimney look fresh and new while also making it stronger, safer, and more structurally stable. If repointing is a possibility for your chimney, it is certainly a beneficial route to consider.

Chimney Repointing Services in Boston, MA

Are you interested in having your chimney repointed? Boston’s Best Chimney is a full service chimney company that serves the Boston and Greater Boston area. We have over thirty years of experience in chimney repointing and more. To learn more about having your chimney repointed, click here or call (781) 893-6611.

Now, we’ll discuss some signs that your chimney may need to be repointed.

Signs That Your Chimney Needs to be Repointed

Cracks

Whether large or small, a crack can allow water to enter your chimney, which will cause damage. Cracks can also threaten the structure of your chimney, no matter how small they may be. Chimney cracks may mean that your chimney needs to be repointed. We recommend scheduling an inspection if you see cracks in your chimney. This will allow our team of professionals to assess the state of your chimney and recommend the next best steps to take.

Discolored Mortar

When mortar is deteriorating or has become weathered, it may change color. If you notice that some or all of your chimney’s mortar is a different color than it used to be, this is cause for concern. A chimney inspector will evaluate the chimney’s bricks and mortar to determine whether or not repointing is the best response.

Flaking Mortar

Flaking occurs when pieces of mortar begin to fall off as a result of being weak and old. This means that the mortar can’t stay together anymore and that it should no longer be trusted to hold the pieces of your chimney together.

Rusty Firebox or Damper

Fireboxes and dampers often rust because of an excess in moisture. Often in these situations, water is being let into a chimney because of cracks in the mortar. If you notice rust on your firebox or damper, schedule a chimney inspection so that a professional can look further into this issue.

Damaged Wallpaper

Excess moisture in your chimney can also cause the surrounding wallpaper to be yellowed or damaged. Moisture in this type of situation may be caused by cracks in your chimney’s mortar and call for your chimney to be repointed. A chimney professional can help you to determine the direct cause of any moisture near your chimney.

At Boston’s Best Chimney, we recommend that homeowners have their chimney inspected annually, or if they suspect any issues. If you have seen any of the warning signs above in your chimney or if you think that your chimney might have other problems, click here or call (781) 893-6611 to schedule a chimney inspection.

The post When Do I Need Chimney Repointing Services? appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

It’s always interesting to learn what’s been on everyone’s priority list. Interesting to find out that projects around the house has been the #1 task. I guess if we’re stuck inside, best to make our time useful. The #1 task for this past week? Outdoor holiday lights.

Saturday’s are the day to make the round of Zoom calls. The Pandemic has given me reason to connect with family and friends that live far away and out of State. I’ve enjoyed it, I must admit, keeping in touch more than just the annual holiday card.

Of course, there was a chimney or a fireplace story amongst the callers. A friend, located in the Chicagoland area, spent time Saturday decorating the tree with the kids. They made it special by listening to Christmas music and attempting to sing along to the words. As the rain came down, and the music played, he realized there was another rhythm playing in the background. A steady rhythm too. Because it was a consistent beat, he didn’t think anything of it…until they were done decorating and turned off the music.

As he usually does on a Saturday night, he went to the fireplace to start a cozy warm fire. Eh…maybe not today. He found his fireplace with a puddle of water.

Ah. The extra rhythm.

So how did it get into his fireplace? Water is a very intelligent form of nature. It finds the smallest of places, sneaks inside, and decides which path on the indoor maze it should take. Let’s take the obvious.

Chimney Flashing

There is a purpose for chimney flashing. It keeps water from entering where the chimney meets the roof. Because it isn’t seamless from the chimney to the roof, the flashing needs to act as that sealant. However, flashing adheres to the brick with caulk. As we know with our kitchen and bath, caulk doesn’t last forever. That’s one of the reasons to have your chimney checked each year.

Chimney Crown

The chimney crown is a cement slab on top of the chimney. This helps keep rain and snow from entering your home. Just like a sidewalk or driveway, cement cracks. When it does, water knows how to take advantage and find its way in.

Chimney Cap

It’s the most obvious, especially if you’ve read a few of our articles. A chimney cap not only keeps rain and snow, but critters, leaves and debris.

Mortar Cracked or Missing

This is one that is not so obvious looking from the ground up… Mortar, or the filling in between bricks, can crack and pieces of the mortar can fall out. When this happens, water will find its way in.

Save the Chimney with Chimney Saver

One way to help preserve the chimney and slow down the deterioration of the brick and mortar is with Superior Chimney’s Chimney Saver. It seals or waterproofs the chimney, repelling water and snow.

Schedule an appointment for a chimney inspection and sweep so you’re ready when the big snow comes…or even more rain. Call today at 877-244-6349.

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

Rental property landlords need to regularly maintain and update their properties to remain competitive and maximize rental income. Like wood flooring and stainless-steel appliances, fireplaces are also a very desirable and sought-after home feature that can increase property value. A 2017 survey by Angie’s List found that a fireplace adds about $5,000 to the property value. In addition to an increase in property value, properties with a fireplace rent at a premium, thus increasing rental income as well. However, there are some liability and safety issues to consider before investing in a fireplace for your rental property.

Consider Installing a Fireplace Insert

Fireplace inserts are self-contained heating appliances that offer a traditional fireplace ambiance at a fraction of the cost, making them an excellent choice for rental properties.  Fireplace inserts are available in several different fuel types, including wood, pellets, gas, and electric. Zero clearance fireplaces are an excellent fit for homes, condos, and townhomes that don’t have space for a traditional fireplace. Fireplace inserts are also cleaner, safer, and easier for tenants to operate and maintain.

HOA Regulations

Condominium and Homeowner’s Associations may have rules and regulations that limit or restrict the size and types of fireplaces and other heating appliances that could be installed in your rental property. For instance, they may prohibit installing a chimney but may allow landlords to install a vented or ventless fireplace insert. Landlords also need to check if COA/HOA approval is required before installing a heating appliance.

Liability Insurance

Landlords should also consult with their insurance carrier before installing a fireplace or heating appliance in a rental property. An insurance rider may be necessary to protect the landlord from liability in the event of accidental injury or property damage while using the appliance. Otherwise, the landlord may be held personally liable for property damage or injuries caused by the tenant. Also, it’s a good idea to require tenants to obtain a Renter’s Insurance policy to cover their possessions in the event of a fire.

Rental Agreement

Accidental injury and property damage can occur when a tenant doesn’t know how to use or maintain an appliance properly. Landlords should consider updating the Rental Agreement to include safety precautions and instructions on using the fireplace. Make sure the tenant understands their responsibilities for safely operating, maintaining, and caring for the appliance.  Tenants also need to know who to call if there is a problem with the fireplace.

Annual Maintenance and Inspection

Whether you’re installing a wood or gas masonry or prefab fireplace or an electric fireplace insert, landlords should have a certified fireplace technician inspect and clean the fireplace at least once per year. The fireplace should also be inspected before a new tenant moves into the property. Annual maintenance and inspections are essential to ensuring the appliance is safe to operate. It will also enable the landlord to uncover damage that may have been caused to the unit due to tenant misuse or neglect before any deposits are refunded.

The post Fireplace Considerations for Landlords, Property Managers & HOA’s appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

As a homeowner, you’ve come to realize that if you have a fireplace, the smoke needs to go somewhere, and preferably not in your home. Smoke or gases from your gas fireplace or woodburning fireplace goes up the chimney and out of the home.

Have you thought about where or how the exhaust from your gas heating appliances such as a furnace, boiler or water heater go? These heating appliances rely on the chimney to vent, or get rid of, exhaust gases.

Appliance Venting

We all have furnaces and hot water heaters. Depending on the age of your home, you may still have the ‘octopus’ or the old boiler system to heat the home. A family member of mine continues to use the original boiler…about 50 years old…and I think it takes up half the basement. Okay, maybe not that much, but needless to say, it is huge.

Regardless of age of the furnace, boiler or hot water heater, the combination of fuel, air and ignition is what creates combustion and heats the air or water. The combustion creates byproducts. As fireplaces creates byproducts or the black sticky, gooey creosote, furnaces and hot water heaters create carbon monoxide, condensate and other emissions. The difference is simple: you can ‘see’ and sometimes ‘smell’ creosote/smoke, but the corrosive deposits from furnaces or hot water heaters are not necessarily visible in the chimney. This is one of the many reasons to have the chimney swept and inspected annually.

All Chimneys Need to be Ventilated

Regardless if you use your fireplace or not, the chimney flue vent lining needs to be in proper working order. To keep moisture from building inside of the chimney, good draft, or venting, needs to occur inside of the chimney – This is a chimneys primary function. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, combustion of one cubic foot of natural gas requires more than 10 cubic feet of air to supply adequate oxygen.

The National Fire Protection Association requires that every chimney have a chimney liner. Superior Chimney recommends a stainless steel chimney liner. A stainless steel chimney liner is safe and durable for wood burning, gas or oil appliances. We also take the time to ensure that the chimney liner is a continuous piece of metal ensuring the safe passage of smoke and gasses while eliminating excess condensation which can appear as a leak. As you know, with any slight crack, or loose joint, smoke and moisture will find its way to the weak spots creating problems over time. Keep in mind the stainless steel chimney liner also protects from deterioration or corrosion build up on the chimney structure itself. With all of the time we’re spending in our homes, let’s keep it as safe and secure as we possibly can. Contact Superior Chimney today at 877-244-6349.

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

We want to take a moment to let you know how thankful we are to have customers and colleagues like you. We wish you and your family nothing but the best this Thanksgiving and throughout the holiday season.

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, many of us turn our attention to the joy of decorating our homes with holiday decor. Decorations do create a warm, welcoming, and celebratory environment to support your family meal.

Those of us with fireplaces know that a fireplace can be the central gathering place in the home because of their warmth and charm. Therefore, the mantle and hearth of a fireplace can be an ideal place for Thanksgiving decorations.

Please keep these safety tips in mind:

Eliminate all flammable items before lighting a fire

Many of the decorations we see around fireplaces this time of year are likely flammable. We recommend either not using flammable materials like paper, sticks, and leaves or removing them before starting a fire. Just because the above is not in direct contact with the flame doesn’t mean they can’t catch fire from exposure to heat or flying sparks.

Do not decorate your screen or fireguard

Do not place decorations directly on your fireguard. Your fireplace screen is meant to prevent sparks from your fireplace from igniting items in the room around it. Putting things directly on the screen can quickly ignite a fire outside the fireplace. In addition to this, always ensure your fireguard is in place while enjoying a fire.

Utilize only flame-retardant decorations

We are often tempted to bring the outdoors in and use natural materials for decorating during the fall season. While natural materials like pumpkins, gourds, and pinecones can be used safely from the fireplace (3 feet), there are many synthetic flame-retardant decorations sold in stores, and we recommend those the closer they are to the actual flame.

Have your fireplace inspected annually

Without a doubt, the biggest step you can take in safely operating your fireplace is ensuring it is inspected annually and cleaned as needed. It is a serious risk for a chimney fire and other issues that can destroy your home or sicken your family if you don’t take your fireplace seriously.

If you haven’t scheduled your annual chimney inspection with us, contact us today or give us a call at 781-893-6611.

The post Thanksgiving Greetings for a Safe and Warm Holiday – Safety Tips as you Decorate for the Holidays appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

As people social distance this winter, they will be spending more time than usual at home. Having a working fireplace can make time spent inside cozy and comfortable. Whether you use your chimney all of the time or you are using it for the first time in several years, we are here to help you. At Best Chimney, we want you to enjoy your chimney and we understand the importance of having a safe and properly functioning chimney.

Are you looking for a chimney service in the Boston area? Click here or call (781) 893-6611 to get in touch with Boston’s Best Chimney.

Now, we’ll walk you through how to prepare your chimney for winter.

Get Your Annual Chimney Inspection

We recommend having your chimney inspected every year to ensure that it is clean. If you have not used your chimney in several years, read our checklist on using an old fireplace before you get started. This will help you spot possible damage to the chimney or fireplace, soot or creosote buildup, and clearance to any combustibles!

Have Your Chimney Swept 

Along with an annual chimney inspection, we also recommend having your chimney swept by a chimney service company as needed. Having your chimney swept can help professionals to identify potential problems with your chimney. It is also helpful for clearing debris that is stuck to your chimney, because debris can cause blockage and ultimately carbon monoxide leaks in your home.

Check Your Alarms

Check your smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector batteries before you begin using your fireplace. Your smoke detector will let you know if excess smoke builds up in your fireplace and it will of course alert you in case of any kind of fire. Your carbon monoxide detector will let you know if there is a leak in your home which is essential, given that carbon monoxide is odorless and deadly.

Clean Out Ashes 

If you still have ashes remaining from last winter, be sure to clear them out of your fireplace. Once you begin using your fireplace, clear out the ashes at least once a week to avoid buildup and to ensure that you never have more than an inch of ash. Make sure that the ashes are cold before you clear them out, since they can remain hot for a few days after you burn a fire.

Check for Damages 

A thorough chimney inspector will check for damages, you can take an initial look at your chimney before the inspector arrives. Begin by checking for loose bricks, signs of water damage (such as water or condensation inside of the fire box), and cracking in your chimney liner. Though we always recommend hiring a licensed chimney company with expertise and professional equipment, it is also helpful for you to be aware of chimney warning signs.

There are many ways to prepare your chimney for the winter. Most importantly, hire a chimney company to inspect and sweep your fireplace. Are you wondering how to find a reliable chimney company? Check out our blog on 5 Questions to Ask a Chimney Company. Boston’s Best Chimney is certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America and has been in business for over thirty years. Click here or call (781) 893-6611 to get in touch today!

The post How to Prepare Your Chimney for Winter appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Preparing for the Thanksgiving holiday is turning out to be a bit different. Gone this year is the uncle who throws crumbs of food and bits of trash in the fireplace. Or the kids that like to poke the fireplace logs sending sparks in every direction.

This year, we get to create our own scene. Once you and your family have finished the delicious meal, now it’s time to make the rounds of Internet calls. Whether you use Zoom, Facebook, Skype or any other system, one thing is for sure…you need a warm, inviting, good-looking background.

The fireplace is the perfect go-to background, especially when you can see and hear the crackling of the fire. Put a little extra time in decorating around the fireplace, and of course, include the cookies and pumpkin pie. To ensure chaos isn’t erupting behind you, make sure your fireplace and chimney is ready to go.

Begin with a Chimney & Fireplace Inspection

By getting a chimney inspection you’ll help to ensure smoke goes up and out of the house, debris is not blocking it and any animals are safely living outside of your chimney. You certainly don’t want your online guests to think you smoked the turkey in the fireplace.

Chimney backup or a Smokey fireplace is usually caused by an insufficient draft in the flue. However, there are lots of other reasons for smoke backup including the partially open dampers, too small of a flue or a dirty chimney. This is one situation that’s best left to a certified technician to identify and repair.

Debris knows how to make its way into the chimney. Leaves, twigs, paper, plastic, and anything else flying around on windy days, has this special radar, and when it finds a chimney, it’ll try to make its way in.  If the chimney doesn’t have a chimney cap, or if it was blown off or shifted from the high winds, debris found a new home! 

Animals are wonderful to watch outside. We’ve watched a couple of the squirrels in our yard go from a lean body to a very plump size, all in preparation for winter. What comes next is a cozy place to sleep. The chimney is a perfect. It’s warm and protects the animals from the outdoor elements. If there isn’t a chimney cap or if the cap is loose or moved in a way to squeeze in…perfect!

What is a 14 Point Inspection?

A 14 point chimney inspection for your fireplace tells us a story about the events that occurred over the past year’s freeze and thaw cycle. It reveals to us any wear and tear, the frequency of use and the age of the chimney. This is great information to have in order to stay on top of any necessary chimney repairs and know the current conditions of worthiness for use.

Since the chimney is high on the roof, we take pictures of your chimney to show you the current condition. If any repairs are needed, you can see it for yourself. You have a little time before the ‘live’ internet chat on Thanksgiving Day. As part of your preparations, get your chimney swept and inspected today. Call 877-244-6349.

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