|
|
November 29, 2011
Regular chimney maintenance is crucial to the safety and well being of your family. Not only does effective chimney care remove creosote build up and prevent chimney fires, it also ensures your chimney is operating at peak efficiency. But homeowners wonder how much effective chimney care will cost?
Hire an experienced chimney sweep to inspect and clean your chimney at least once a year. A thorough inspection will cost between $40 and $70 per visit, depending on your location and the condition of the chimney. This price does not include the chimney sweep service, which will add another $60 to $130.
For less than $200 per year you can rest easy knowing that your chimney is clean and your fireplace or wood stove is running at peak efficiency. Keep your family safe from the threat of chimney fire by scheduling annual inspections and chimney care. The investment is well worth it.
November 20, 2011
Wood fires create a cozy warmth and comfort that is difficult to match. But they also present certain dangers that could result in injury and property damage. Using your fireplace or wood stove responsibly is the best way to avoid these dangers and regular chimney maintenance is an essential part of the process.
Most experts would agree that wood stoves and fireplace inserts need to be inspected and cleaned at least once per year. If you use the hearth as the main form of heat that inspection should occur more often – perhaps at the beginning and end of each heating season.
A licensed professional should always conduct chimney maintenance. And the use of chimney cleaning products does not replace a thorough inspection and cleaning. Stay safe and enjoy the warmth created by your wood stove or fireplace with responsible and regular chimney maintenance.
November 15, 2011
When it comes to your home and hearth the National Fire Protection Association is the recognized authority on safety. This organization publishes recommendations that apply to every homeowner with a furnace, fireplace and/or stove. The NFPA acknowledges that regular chimney maintenance is of utmost importance and provides a unique and necessary level of safety.
The NFPA recommends that your chimney be inspected on an annual basis. This thorough inspection should be performed by a licensed technician and should include a chimney cleaning. Vents and fireplaces are also to be inspected every year, according to the NFPA. Don’t forget your furnace flue – many technicians offer inspections covering all of the essentials.
These minimum recommendations will provide a safer atmosphere for your family, preventing fires and dangerous conditions such as carbon monoxide poisoning. Contact a local professional and have your chimney maintenance looked after before the heating season gets into full swing.
October 26, 2011
A clean fireplace will be more enjoyable to use. It also creates a more attractive living space and will, in the end, save you money on fireplace maintenance and chimney cleaning. Be sure to follow these three tips for having a clean fireplace.
1) Burn only seasoned firewood. Put your garbage and recycling in the proper spot and keep it out of your hearth. Other objects and materials create excessive ash and soot build up, while seasoned firewood is the most efficient and safe substance to burn.
2) Vacuum the ashes and sweep the hearth area on a regular basis. Wait until the hearth has cooled for at least twelve hours and then use an ash vacuum. Remove the ashes carefully and as completely as possible. Sweep around as needed. Dispose of all debris in a safe manner.
3) Stay on top of your annual fireplace inspection and chimney cleaning. This is perhaps the most important step in having a safe and clean fireplace. It will reduce the risk of chimney fire and create the optimum burning conditions in your hearth.
Chimney cleaning and fireplace maintenance go hand in hand to help homeowners get the most out of their hearth. Enjoy the flames, bask in the heat and don’t forget to practice these three tips for having a clean fireplace.
October 25, 2011
Chimney caps are essential for keeping your chimney free of critters and organic build up. Leaves, dirt and branches can easily get bundled up together, jamming into your chimney and causing potentially serious issues. Nests and animals looking for shelter can also cause problems.
Wood burning fireplaces and gas fireplaces alike should be equipped with the proper chimney. And that chimney should have a top quality chimney cap installed. But how do you choose the best one for your home?
There are three basic types – galvanized steel (often painted black), stainless steel (painted or unpainted) and copper. While the copper chimney cap displays an ageless character, it will discolor over time and carries a fairly hefty price tag when compared to the other types.
Galvanized chimney caps are durable and affordable. The treated and painted steel is bound to last for quite a few years, even against extreme weather conditions. Stainless steel chimney caps are almost twice the price, but are designed for a lifetime of use. Stainless steel is impervious to corrosion and will maintain the shape and appearance for decades.
Deciding which chimney caps are best for your hearth involves taste, budgets and specific needs. Stainless steel is recommended for a reliable, good looking investment in chimney safety.
October 19, 2011
Creosote occurs naturally when burning wood fires for home heating. Emissions naturally travel up the flue and out through the chimney. But along the way a form of condensation occurs and the tar-like liquid forms into creosote. A thorough chimney cleaning is the only way to remove creosote build up effectively and the best way to prevent chimney fires.
Creosote actually comes in a variety of forms with various appearances. It can look like soot, a powdery blackish gray substance that coats surrounding surfaces. Creosote may also look like a dark gummy substance, similar to charred marshmallows. Most often creosote is apparent in its hardest form, a dull glaze that requires the attention of a trained technician or chimney sweep.
If you see any evidence of creosote, schedule your chimney cleaning right away. Regular chimney maintenance is recommended even if creosote is not in sight, since this build up is highly dangerous for your home and family.
October 12, 2011
Ignoring regular chimney maintenance is not a good plan. You may save a few dollars in the short term, but skipping maintenance can result in one of these three serious issues:
• Creosote Build Up – this sticky soot occurs naturally, but a build up can easily lead to a chimney fire and accelerated corrosion of your stovepipe.
• Masonry Deterioration – aged and slightly damaged bricks will deteriorate quickly in the extreme temperatures of winter.
• Damage to Your Home’s Interior – damaged chimneys may allow excessive moisture into the home, staining drywall or paneling and possibly causing efflorescence on your chimney walls.
Keep your family safe by keeping up with regular chimney maintenance. A reasonable investment will allow you to avoid the dangerous and potentially very expensive occurrences outlined here.
September 29, 2011
Maybe you’ve seen the commercial for clean burning store bought logs. Some of these products are even labeled chimney sweep logs. But will your hearth still need regular chimney maintenance after burning these products? The straight answer is yes. Without a doubt.
The manufacturers of these convenience products still recommend regular chimney maintenance performed by a certified chimney sweep. This process will remove any creosote build up in your flue and is essential to ensure the safety of your family. Store bought logs and clean burning products might produce less smoke and ash, but they will never replace a thorough, physical cleaning done by a trained professional.
Don’t skip your chimney maintenance, no matter what products you are burning in the hearth. Be safe and take care of your fireplace or wood stove before heating season begins.
12 steps to save hundreds on your energy bill, included a great energy savings suggestion relating to the fireplace chimney flue.
Damaged fireplace damper
The problem
Ten to 20 percent of warmed air from your home can be drawn into the chimney flue, passing around a rusted, stuck, or loose-fitting damper.
How to spot it
With the damper closed, hold a lit candle inside the firebox and watch the flame. If it gets beaten around or blown out, air is flowing up the chimney.
How to stop it
Hire a chimney sweep. In addition to giving the chimney a good cleaning, lubricating and checking the damper is usually part of the $90 to $200 service call. In the off-season, when the fireplace isn’t in use, you can seal the flue completely with a balloonlike plug, such as the Fireplace Draftstopper ($55; batticdoor.com), that you inflate and insert up the chimney just in front of the damper. When cold weather starts again, simply deflate the plug for easy removal.
The payoff
Reduce your annual heating bill by up to $500.
September 27, 2011
Homeowners often wait until fall to schedule chimney maintenance. After the initial inspection and cleaning your chimney sweep or technician may let you know that a mortar crown repair is needed. What does this chimney repair project encompass and why is it necessary?
Mortar crown is the term for the cap on your traditional brick chimney. This concrete-like portion of your chimney keeps the water out and protects the integrity of your brick chimney. If cracks develop or the mortar deteriorates water leakage can occur inside your home, as well as inside the chimney.
Mortar crown repairs need to be tackled immediately, before the wet conditions of later fall and winter are upon us. Your chimney maintenance technician will let you know whether they can handle the repairs or whether you will need to call in a mason. Either way, get this task complete immediately to ensure your chimney will be solid and strong this season.
Older Posts »
|
