September 5, 2010

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Chimney Cleaning Frequency

March 1, 2010 By chimneyadmin 1 Comment

Having been in the chimney business for so long now, it is hard to keep track of the number of people who ask how frequently the chimney needs to cleaned. Many people think that it is based on number of uses. Others think that is has to do with whether or not you can stick your head up and see any debris or nesting. Although there are a few ways to gauge how frequently to have the chimney swept, these are not it.

alograckFor starters, after having burned through one cord of wood, you’ll know that it is time to get your fireplace swept. This pictured log rack has the dimensions 46″h x 14″d x 87″l and holds one half of a cord of wood.

Another code that sweeps follow is that of the Chimney Safety Institute of America (www.csia.org), which states that after having accumulated 1/4″ of creosote build up the chimney should be swept, but sooner if any glazing occurs. This is a fairly difficult way to determine when the chimney should be swept, but is great if you are new to the home and are unsure about the chimney’s use over the years.

Finally, one last method of judging when the chimney should be swept has been procured from the National Fire Protection Association (www.nfpa.org). Clause 211 states that “Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary.” This particular code takes into account that, even if your chimney has a stainless steel chimney cap, critters can still damage the cap enough to enter the chimney and fill it with debris that jeopardizes the integrity of your entire home. There also may be other types of deterioration occurring in the flue system. Generally the rule of thumb is to have it inspected before each burning season that you decide to use your fireplace. For the best tools to clean your chimney with, read Chimney Cleaning Tools – Buyers Guide.

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Service Your Chimney Before Peak Season

February 25, 2010 By chimneyadmin Leave a Comment

Nothing is more exciting to a chimney sweep company than wood burning season, those cold months of the year when people light up their fireplaces and prepare for hibernation. However, nothing is more frustrating to a homeowner than calling all the chimney sweeps in your area just to hear that they are booked out for a month or two.  Taking the initiative to get your chimney swept early can really help out, and in more ways than one.

Often times, chimney sweep companies will offer discounts for chimney sweeps done in the off season. Discounts of up to $100 have been reported nationwide. The peace of mind of having the service done before you even begin burning it for the season as well as the money off the total cost is priceless.

When it is cold out, most masonry products will freeze. By having your chimney swept before peak season, you will have to opportunity to repair the exterior of the chimney before the weather is bad enough to actually utilize the fireplace. It is a bit of a pickle when the sweep who comes out to your home says that there is damage that must be repaired before the chimney is used, but the temperatures prevent any masonry work to be completed. Service your chimney early to prevent these problems from occurring.

Creosote buildup left over from the burning season actually eats away at the flue system, increasing the likelihood of a repair. This build up in your chimney combined with the heat and humidity that are characteristic of the summer months will corrode away the flue liner and wear away at mortar joints on the top of the chimney.

The humidity of the summer and spring also causes odors. Because the water vapors in the air react with the creosote causing the pungent odor to permeate through your home via the flue system. These odors can also be beaten using Anti-Creo-Soot products to reduce the volume of creosote in the flue system. If  you’re thinking of cleaning your chimney yourself, take a look at our article called Chimney Cleaning Tools – Buyers Guide.

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The Importance of A Chimney Inspection

January 12, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

Home & Garden Pic's 224When you have your fireplace serviced, whether you have a regular, open, wood burning fireplace, gas logs, or an insert, many things are being checked out. The flue is checked for combustibles, clearances are checked to be sure that they are up to code, and they evaluate floor protection. Basic installation methods are often not followed and a certified service technician will evaluate your system according to code standards.

Gas logs require regular service. Carbon deposits must be removed and if there is debris or other combustible material in the chimney with will have to be swept and inspected. Dust and other small particles must be removed from the logs and the burner to prevent odors and keep the logs running properly.

Often times a chimney sweep will suggest a creosote removing product, such as Anti-Creo-Soot, to use with every fireplace use to reduce and actively remove creosote glazed in the flue system.

Clearance issues are always of great importance. Combustibles can never be far enough away from the fireplace opening. Pay strict attention to the instructions given with your particular fireplace, as a mantle cleared to be placed 12” above a certain fireplace must be positioned 22” above a particular gas log set.

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Finding a Good Contractor- How to Get the Most Out of Your Chimney Sweep

January 12, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

serviceman2When it comes to installing new gas logs, a new fireplace, or a whole new chimney altogether, it is very important that you “shop” around for the contractor that is going to fit your needs, your price, and your standards.

After deciding what it is you’d like to have done, whether that be to install an insert, add new gas logs, or construct a whole new chimney, obtain estimates from as many sources as possible! Call all the companies in your area- most companies give free estimates and would love to have the opportunity to work on your home.

Ask for references from friends, family members, and neighbors who have used the company and always check and double check the contractor you choose for credentials. If the company isn’t listed with the Better Business Bureau, or even listed in the phone book at all, it is often not wise to go with this company.

Finally, go with your gut instinct. If something doesn’t feel right about a particular company or contractor, no one is forcing you to use them. Go with the company that fits your budget and your criteria for someone you’d like working in and around your home. Also, be sure to ask about any warranties that they offer on their service and what type of warranties come with the products they plan on using or installing in your home. This will help you out down the road if something goes wrong with the appliance, a leak occurs, or something else out of your control occurs.

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