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June 29, 2011
The warm months of summer are one of the best times to book a chimney inspection. Because you are not using your fireplace or wood stove, this process won’t disrupt the comfort level in your home. And a clean chimney won’t produce those musty odors that plague many homes throughout the humid months of summer.
But the number one reason for booking your chimney inspection in the summer is related to repairs and overhauls. If the technician finds a serious problem – whether it’s with the masonry, chimney cap, flue liner or another component – repairs can be done more easily and efficiently now. The chimney professionals aren’t in the middle of their busy season and can take their time doing a careful job. Parts are available and your home will be ready for a clean, safe heating season once all is said and done.
Book your annual chimney inspection in the summer and take advantage of perfect timing. You won’t regret it come October. Call Fireplace Village today and speak to an experienced, professional technician about this important maintenance step.
December 13, 2010
All chimneys need annual inspections. Inspections uncover chimney cleaning needs and chimney safety and code issues.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has created a nationwide standard for chimney and venting system inspections, which has been adopted as part of the Fire Code for New Hampshire and many other states. The New Hampshire State Fire Code states specifically; “All persons installing, maintaining, repairing or operating solid fuel heating appliances shall comply with the requirements of NFPA 211″. NFPA 211 contains provisions for chimneys, fireplaces, venting systems, and solid fuel–burning appliances, including their installation. The standard applies to residential as well as commercial and industrial installations. The code recognizes 3 levels of chimney inspection and the times that each inspection is appropriate. A Level I inspection is part of every cleaning that Fireplace Village conducts. A Level II inspection is required for Real Estate transactions or when changing appliances. A Level III inspection is the most thorough, usually problems can be determined with a Level I or II.
From NFPA 211 Table 14.3.1, “Selection of inspection type”
Level I
Scope: Inspect readily accessible areas of the chimney, structure, and flue; lack of obstruction or combustible deposits in flue; basic appliance installation and connection.
Degree of Access Required: Readily accessible portions of chimney exterior and interior, accessible portions of appliance and chimney connection.
Circumstances: Annual inspection as required by Section 13.2; during routine cleaning of chimney flue, upon direct replacement of connected appliance with one of a similar type, input rating and efficiency.
Level II
Scope: All subjects of a Level I inspection; proper construction and condition of accessible portions of the chimney structure and all enclosed flues; proper clearances from combustibles in accessible locations; size and suitability of flues for connected appliances.
Degree of Access Required: All accessible portions of the chimney exterior and interior, including areas within accessible attics, crawl spaces, and basements, and accessible portions of the appliance and chimney connection; includes inspection by video scanning or other means.
Circumstances: Upon addition of removal of one or more connected appliances or replacement of appliance with one of dissimilar type, input rating, or efficiency; prior to relining or replacement of flue lining; upon sale or transfer of the property; after operating malfunction or external event likely to have caused damage to the chimney.
Level III
Scope: All subjects of Level I and Level II inspections, proper construction and condition of concealed portions of chimney structure and enclosed flues, proper clearances from combustibles.
Degree of Access Required: External and internal portions of chimney structure, including concealed areas of the building or chimney; includes the removal of components of building or chimney were necessary, but only as necessary to gain access to the areas that are the subject of the inspection.
Circumstances: Where necessary for the investigation of an incident that has caused damage to the chimney or building; where a hazard detected or suspected as the result of a Level I or Level II inspection cannot be fully evaluated without access to concealed areas.
Fireplace Village provides chimney cleaning and repair services including Level I chimney inspection service.
November 22, 2010
Problem is caused from water liquefying the minerals in the mortar causing them to leach out to the surface. This can be from rain being absorbed on the outside or from moisture evaporating from inside your chimney to the exterior walls. If the white streaks are from the chimney absorbing water on the exterior the solution is to apply a water proofing product to stop the absorption. If caused from moisture on the inside, the problem could be a damaged or improperly sized flue. The first step is to inspect your chimney to determine where the moisture is coming from.
Fireplace Village provides chimney inspection and cleaning services. Contact Fireplace Village today for professional chimney service.
October 2, 2010
Although modern fireplaces are designed and built for safety there is a certain amount of care and attention that homeowners must practice to ensure their family is entirely safe. Booking an annual fireplace inspection and service is one of the most important things.
Besides burning clean, seasoned hardwood and practicing proper loading and cleaning out processes, homeowners usually trust the professionals to make sure their fireplace is working safely. An annual inspection is the perfect time to get that assurance.
Once a trained technician has thoroughly inspected your fireplace and performed all of the scheduled maintenance, you will be informed of any issues or dangers that may have cropped up. Then, with the support of professional hearth technicians, any repairs will be handled quickly and efficiently.
That annual service will also involve chimney cleaning and sweeping, which removes potentially dangerous creosote build up. Avoid the risk of chimney fire with the periodic removal of this hardened soot. Contact the professional staff at Fireplace Village today to book your annual fireplace inspection and service. Your family will be safer for it.
September 20, 2010
Getting your chimney cleaned annually is an essential step in home safety. It is vital to have the creosote build up removed at least once a year preventing chimney fires that can result in terrible, costly damage. It’s also important that you hire a trained and insured chimney sweep to do this job right, every time.
A chimney sweep should be properly trained and experienced and up to date on the latest models, technologies and industry news. As a licensed chimney sweep they are held accountable for their work and that gives you the assurance of a thorough job.
With the proper insurance, your chimney sweep is protecting himself as well as protecting you. Insurance lends credibility to the business and reassures you of a job well done.
Fireplace Village is a fully licensed and insured Chimney Sweep company with experienced technicians on staff. Give us a call to book your annual maintenance and chimney cleaning – you can trust in our expertise and the license and insurance that’s behind it.
September 16, 2010
When the time comes for your annual chimney cleaning and inspection be sure to trust in the qualified and licensed staff at Fireplace Village. Experienced chimney sweeps are on staff, ready to provide the full service to your chimney system and offering top to bottom clean.
Along with this safety procedure that is essential for removing creosote, your chimney should be inspected on an annual basis. The chimney sweeps at Fireplace Village are also trained to perform thorough inspections and will provide you with a detailed report on the state of your chimney.
If there are repairs needed, trust in the knowledgeable staff at Fireplace Village to handle them for you. From installation to annual chimney cleaning, inspections and any necessary repairs, the technicians at Fireplace Village are among the most experienced in the area. Trust in our industry knowledge and get only the best chimney sweeps to ensure the safety of your family.
Contact Fireplace Village today to schedule your annual chimney inspection and cleaning. Fireplace Village provides cleaning, inspection and maintenance service for all hearth appliances including, wood stoves, gas stoves, fireplace inserts and pellet stoves.
August 24, 2010
Look forward to a comfortable, warm heating season this year by scheduling your chimney inspection and cleaning in the fall. This visit will ensure your hearth and fireplace are in peak condition, just in time for the cooler weather.
Your chimney service technician will inspect the flue of the chimney, as well as the vent, cap and structure of the chimney. All creosote and build up will be removed, whether that is with chemicals or using machinery. Sometimes they are used together to tackle stubborn build up.
Hiring the same chimney sweep year after year is a good idea in order to accurately track the wear of your chimney structure. This will give you a better idea of when repairs are necessary.
Call before the sweeps become overly booked for the heating season. That way you won’t be disappointed and your home will be ready for the first cold snap. Fireplace Village has qualified, trained chimney sweeps on staff.
Email Fireplace Village at customercare@fireplacevillage.net or call us at 603-645-6263 for chimney service and cleaning pricing or to schedule your annual inspection and cleaning service.
August 4, 2010
It can happen to the best of us. Waiting to have your chimney cleaning done until the cold weather has set in is a very bad idea. Not only will the chimney sweep be very busy and you’ll have to wait for an appointment, but they will be tight on time and you may need the fireplace before it’s actually ready.
The rainy fall can do real damage to your chimney as well, causing routine chimney maintenance to be more extensive and costly. When wetness leaks on and mixes with soot, hard creosote will form and be an enormous pain to eliminate. Also any maintenance that your annual chimney inspection discovers will need to be looked after right away with no time to waste.
Chimney cleaning is actually best done in the spring or summer, well before you’re even thinking of another heating season. This is a great time, and not just for the sake of the chimney sweep up on your warm roof. It’s also a good time to get a discounted rate and be confident that the technician will spend a decent amount of time on your home, ensuring a thorough chimney cleaning and inspection.
Fireplace Village provides chimney cleaning, chimney inspection and chimney repair services. Call 603-645-6263 or email us for pricing and appointment availability.
July 27, 2010
During your annual inspection the chimney sweep may discover a problem within the chimney system. Although it depends on many different factors including usage, climate and type of fuel burnt, there are four common chimney maintenance issues that are likely to come up over the life of your fireplace or wood stove.
1) Repairs to the Damper
The damper is a flap within the chimney system that closes up the flue. This is helpful to keep warm air inside when the fireplace or stove is not in use. During a cozy fire the damper can be opened to create the proper air mixture. Alternatively, in a gas stove or gas fireplace insert chimney system the damper may be permanently opened to allow carbon monoxide to disperse.
If there is wear or damage to the damper it’s important to look after it right away. This component is extremely important to safety and the efficient use of your fireplace.
2) Repairs to the Flue
The flue is probably the area where most common chimney maintenance issues occur. This is the liner inside your chimney that directs the heated exhaust out into the air. When the flue is cracked, split or damaged in any way, the whole system will break down. It can also become blocked by nests and other debris.
Your chimney may need to be relined at some point due to breakage. Don’t use the fireplace without a properly working flue or you risk serious damage. Creosote build up most often occurs on the flue and it also needs to be looked after immediately by chimney sweeps, reducing the risk of chimney fire.
3) Repairs to the Mortar Crown
Way up on your roof where the chimney goes through the roofing material and extends into the air is a spot called the mortar crown. This area blocks water from coming into the flue and causing damage. Almost like concrete, the mortar crown can crack and split letting the moisture down inside the chimney to cause damage.
Have a chimney maintenance professional repair the area right away to protect your chimney and fireplace.
4) Repairs to the Firebox
On traditional open faced fireplaces the firebox is constructed of bricks that will wear and crumble over time. You should have the bricks repointed and the firebox rebuilt if this problem is discovered. On new, enclosed models the firebox may be made of cast iron or a ceramic substance. Often any problems with those units will be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. Your chimney maintenance specialist can assess any damage to the firebox and report back to you.
Everything in your home needs maintenance and a chimney is no exception. Be sure to book your annual chimney inspection and make the necessary repairs right away. Your family’s safety depends on it.
Fireplace Village is the only full service stove shop in New Hampshire and New England. Fireplace Village provides all hearth and chimney related service including chimney inspection, chimney cleaning and chimney repairs. Contact Fireplace Village today to schedule your annual chimney inspection and cleaning.
July 23, 2010
While you are enjoying the warmth of summer, the local chimney sweeps are gearing up for another season of making homes safe and efficient. These professionals will be visiting houses in your neighborhood, performing the annual chimney cleaning and inspection service that a fireplace, gas or wood stove needs to operate well.
When you book a chimney cleaning visit there are certain things you can expect to happen. Be sure that you hire professional certified chimney sweeps to do the work and try to obtain a reputable reference when looking for one. Don’t trust a casual or “under the table” chimney sweep to look after this important aspect of your home’s safety.
With professional chimney sweeps you can expect them to look over and work on the system from the interior and the exterior of your home. They should make every effort not to make a mess in the area around your hearth, but it could possibly happen even with precautions and the latest equipment. Chimney sweeps will also need to get on your roof and make a thorough inspection. Some may clean from up there. Be ready to have a space cleared out for their ladder or scaffolding.
Chimney cleaning is done with different equipment in different circumstances and for unique reasons. Some chimney sweeps use automated vacuum systems, along with chimney brushes both long and short. Other times they will use only brushes or different hand operated tools. Sometimes it is necessary for your chimney sweep to use a chemical to breakdown the existing creosote and allow it to be vacuumed or wiped away.
Although professionals may use them and they are available to homeowners, do not use those chemicals in place of an annual chimney maintenance service. They are good in a pinch when you need to make a quick clean or want to breakdown the build up before a pro chimney cleaner comes. But maintaining a schedule of regular annual chimney maintenance is the wisest choice for homes with a hearth.
The chimney cap, liner and all venting will also be inspected and any blockages or debris will be moved. A thorough inspection of the flashing and the basic structure of the chimney will also be done.
After your chimney cleaning the fireplace is generally ready for use. All creosote build up has been removed and the entire system has been inspected for damage and wear. You will likely receive a report of the repairs needed and can go over your options with the technician at the time. Keep that report for future reference.
Chimney cleaning appointments are straightforward, but do take a certain amount of time to be done properly and with enough attention to detail. Look for a company with good staff and a stellar reputation and book your chimney cleaning visit today.
Fireplace Village provides chimney cleaning, repair and maintenance service in New Hampshire. Contact Fireplace Village today to schedule your annual chimney inspection and cleaning.
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