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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.
July 29, 2010
Often homeowners don’t think about chimney maintenance issues until they need the warmth of their fireplace or wood stove. But there are some distinct advantages to taking care of chimney cleaning now when a cozy, hot fire is far from your mind.
Besides contacting the maintenance technicians before they become swamped with other work, your home will be safer and better able to handle any surprises that might come your way. These advantages make it more than worth your while to have chimney maintenance looked after in the warmer months.
Chimney sweeps like to have a good look at every aspect of your chimney system and that includes an inspection of your chimney from the inside out. While climbing on your roof is entirely possible in the fall, many chimney sweeps prefer to do so before September hits. Not because they want to enjoy the hot summer sun, but because they know that if repairs need to be done homeowners will appreciate knowing sooner rather than later.
If your chimney cleaning and inspection uncovers a problem with the structure or components that need to be replaced, the chimney sweep will let you know. If the chimney maintenance was completed in spring or summer you will have plenty of time to schedule and budget for the repairs. If it’s already into the fall months, the repair will need to be done as soon as possible to get your hearth ready for the heating season.
Chimney sweeps also like to clean the interior of your chimney before a large amount of rain has made its way in and mixed with soot and ash. This is a big advantage to spring chimney cleaning, but in many climates where a rainy autumn is common you will still be better to book the cleaning in summer.
If your chimney is emitting a distinctive, somewhat sour odor it will be a good idea to get the chimney cleaned earlier in the warm season next year. Rain and soot mixed together will often make that smell and an early cleaning eliminates it.
Your hearth will be safer and ready to greet a cold snap when chimney maintenance is done in the spring or summer. Blockages are removed and the chimney will be sparkling when winter arrives. You can rest easy knowing that everything is looked after, while many other homeowners scramble and hope that their chimney maintenance will be completed before the cold comes.
It’s worthwhile to note that many chimney sweeps offer discounts for chimney cleaning and maintenance done in the off season. They tend to have an open schedule in summer and might even be able to spend more time at your home giving advice and answering questions. For many different reasons it’s a good idea to get your chimney cleaning and inspection done during the warm months. Call a local chimney sweep today to book an appointment.
Fireplace Village provides chimney cleaning, chimney inspection and chimney repair service. Contact Fireplace Village today to schedule your annual hearth appliance and chimney cleaning service.
July 17, 2010
Over 20,000 house fires in 2005 could have been prevented, according to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). One of the essential maintenance steps that will help to keep your home and family safe is an annual chimney inspection.
Trained technicians will not only check your chimney for structural damage and wear, they will also find any blockages in and around the chimney. This simple procedure can be just the thing that prevents a fire from igniting inside your system and causing extensive damage.
During an inspection the condition of your chimney will be noted and those notes can be used to measure the wear and tear of the system. Repairs will be done in a timely, preventative manner helping to ensure your safety.
Even if your hearth is not in regular use, an annual chimney inspection is essential and an important investment for your home and family.
Fireplace Village provides complete chimney inspection, chimney cleaning and chimney maintenance service. Contact Fireplace Village today for pricing and appointments. Beat the fall rush and schedule your chimney inspection and cleaning today.
June 30, 2010
A fireplace is a valuable addition to any home. In the suburban city of Chelmsford, MA that fireplace is an essential way to keep your home comfortable and warm throughout the biting cold of winter. Enjoy the warmth completely by practicing proper hearth maintenance including fireplace repair and chimney service in Chelmsford, MA.
Look for a reputable chimney sweep in your area to schedule an annual maintenance visit. The technician will inspect the chimney, including all connections and fittings. If there is any wear or damage to the chimney, the sweep will advise you about all necessary repairs and should be able to take care of the repair or refer you to a company that can handle it for you.
Chimney service in Chelmsford, MA will also include regular cleaning of the chimney that will remove any creosote build up. By removing the creosote, your technician is also removing the dangers and risks that a build up poses.
Your wood burning fireplace also requires annual maintenance. For peak efficiency and maximum safety it’s important to have your fireplace looked over and cleaned at least once a year. Ashes will be removed, the firebox and glass doors will be cleaned and the operation of the unit will be tested. If anything is faulty or worn on the fireplace, the technician will either repair it on site or schedule another appointment to come back and do so.
Gas fireplaces should also be inspected annually to make sure that all connections and fittings are sound. This helps to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and other dangers from a gas leak. Gas fireplace repair may also be necessary and will be advised during the annual inspection.
If you have any trouble or problems with your fireplace or chimney during heating season it’s important to call a qualified technician out to your Chelmsford, MA home right away. You depend on your fireplace to provide heat and your chimney to help with safety and efficiency. Handling any necessary repairs and chimney service right away is vital to the entire system.
Many Chelmsford, MA residents don’t think about chimney service or fireplace repair until heating season is upon them. Make sure your home is safe before you need to stoke the fire by scheduling the annual maintenance well ahead of time. If your fireplace or chimney does need service you will be glad there is enough time to look after it before the cold sets in. Trust the professionals at Fireplace Village for complete fireplace and chimney care. Our Boston location proudly services the homes of Chelmsford, MA and the surrounding areas.
Keep your family cozy all year round with fireplace repairs and safe during heating season with chimney service in Chelmsford, MA. These essential maintenance tips will allow you to enjoy your hearth and home for much longer.
Fireplace Village provides fireplace, stove (gas, pellet and wood) and chimney maintenance, repair and cleaning services. Contact Fireplace Village today to schedule your annual inspection and cleaning. The National Fire Protection Association recommends annual inspection of all fireplaces, chimneys and vents. All hearth products should be inspected annually to ensure proper and safe operation.
June 25, 2010
Comfort is an essential part of your home and providing warmth and safety is a sure way to achieve that comfort. Every home in New Hampshire can stay warm throughout the coldest winter with a cozy hearth built in. But to provide the optimum comfort, homeowners need to look after chimney safety and service in New Hampshire as well.
Whether you have a wood burning fireplace, wood stove or gas insert, it is essential to look after the maintenance of the entire hearth. Cleaning and inspections should be done as specified by the manufacturer and homeowners should make sure they are operating the unit according to directions.
Taking care of the chimney service should be left to a professional chimney sweep. Not only are they trained to spot any potential problems, but they are familiar with current information and can give expert advice on any repairs needed. Using their trained eye, you can rest easier knowing that your chimney is working well when you need it to.
Fall, winter and early spring in New Hampshire finds many people tucked away in their homes closed up tight for the season. Practicing chimney safety is vital during these times. Because your windows and doors stay closed most of the chilly season, it’s important to have adequate ventilation for your heating systems. That means having a solid, clear chimney that you can depend on over the coming months.
Before your family needs to snuggle in and escape the cold, make sure to have a qualified technician inspect the entire chimney system. They will take a look at the liner, any connections to your unit (such as stove pipes and flues), as well as the vents and chimney cap. They will also have a closer look inside the chimney to assess the build up of creosote.
Creosote is a highly flammable substance that naturally builds up from regular use of a fireplace or wood stove. Once that build up reaches a certain level it can catch fire and cause a lot of damage, as well as pose a very high risk to your family.
The technician performing the inspection will recommend a chimney cleaning if necessary and will also advise you about any other potential dangers and repairs that need to be done. You can expect to clean your chimney and remove any creosote build up at least every year. Homes that enjoy their fireplace more often will also have to clean the chimney more often.
New Hampshire chimney services should be done by an experienced and qualified technician. The staff at Fireplace Village has the training and expertise to get the job done right and with a wide range of locations across New Hampshire, there is sure to be a technician available in your local area. For the optimum chimney safety, contact a local professional and take care of the hearth maintenance required.
Fireplace Village provides complete chimney cleaning and maintenance service. Contact Fireplace Village today for a quote or to schedule an appointment for your annual chimney service.
June 23, 2010
Your fireplace or wood stove is a source of comfort and provides a relaxing gathering place in your home. Keep your family safe and reduce the potential of dangerous, uncontrolled fires by tackling a natural condition in your hearth – creosote build up.
Creosote is basically the residue left from fire emissions, including tar and soot. As it condensates, a gooey substance sticks to the chimney liner or stove pipe and eventually, with the heat of your fire, turns into a hard glaze that is highly flammable.
After exposure to the high heat of your fire, that substance can ignite and will burn quickly. Should a fire start from creosote in your chimney, it can spread to the rest of your home fast and cause major damage. Even protective products like stove pipe thermometers and smoke detectors are not going to offer much help or warning when a creosote fire starts.
NFPA statistics state that over 3,000 civilian deaths in 2007 were caused by building fires. Many of those were likely a result of creosote build up in the chimney, an unavoidable result of burning wood. Industry experts say that even a 1/8” inch thick layer of creosote is a potential fire hazard and should be removed.
In both masonry and factory built fireplaces and chimneys creosote build up is a danger that needs to be looked after. With annual inspections, a qualified chimney sweep will inspect the level of the substance and determine whether a cleaning should be done. The entire system should also be looked over at that time to check for wear and damage to the area.
There are some products on the market that work to reduce creosote during a wood fire or serve to break down the existing build up into a chalky or dusty material. Although they can be very helpful, these methods and products don’t replace a manual cleaning with rotary tools, brushes and vacuums. Professional chimney sweeps will utilize both tactics to remove the creosote build up and possibly slow down the process after cleaning.
It’s important to note again that creosote cannot be avoided. It’s truly a natural condition of wood and wood pellet burning and if properly managed creosote shouldn’t pose a problem.
Burning smaller, hotter fires in your hearth and using seasoned and dried hardwood for fuel can help to cut down on creosote build up. Regular maintenance will remove the substance, but the very next time you use the fireplace it will begin to collect again. Manage the danger with the help of a professional chimney sweep and fireplace inspector.
Fireplace Village provides chimney inspection and chimney cleaning service. Contact us today to schedule your chimney cleaning appointment.
June 21, 2010
Regular maintenance is a reality with any hearth. Besides making sure your fireplace, wood stove, pellet stove or fireplace insert is clean on the inside and out, looking after the chimney is an essential element in maintenance.
Your chimney is the path taken by all of the emissions and smoke particles making their way outside. Creosote, ash and soot buildup are unavoidable and need to be removed from the chimney to ensure safe operation and optimum efficiency. Glaze can be especially dangerous. But how often is it necessary to clean the chimney and how can you tell when it is?
National Standards
The NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency) states that all chimneys and fireplaces should be inspected once a year and cleaning and repairs should be done as necessary.
For practical purposes that means you should book a Level 1 inspection annually. Expect to pay around $150 – 200 for a qualified inspection. You also need to act on the recommendation of your professional chimney sweep when it comes to cleaning and repairing the area. The costs for cleaning and repairs are based on the circumstances and the level of build up or damage found.
Inspections should be done even if you don’t use the fireplace on a regular basis, just in case animals and birds have made a home in your chimney or weather and age have caused any damage.
Amount of Buildup
Your factory built chimney should be cleaned once you can spot any noticeable build up of creosote. Once it has reached that level, the creosote is a potential fire hazard that can cause damage to the chimney as well as your home.
Open masonry fireplaces should be cleaned once an inspection finds a build-up of 1/8”. If there is glaze found in the chimney (a hard, shiny build up instead of chalky soot), the chimney should be cleaned right away.
Another recommendation in the industry is to have your wood burning fireplace or stove’s chimney cleaned after every cord of fuel is used. It’s also recommended that your chimney be cleaned at least every three years, no matter the level of use. This is done for safety and to ensure that the hearth is ready to go when called into use.
By following the set national standards and the advice of a professional chimney sweep, you can be sure that your fireplace, wood stove or fireplace insert is maintained for safety and the best performance. Investing in regular inspections and taking care of cleaning and repairs as they are found is the smart strategy for homeowners.
Not only will they cause trouble for themselves and require a quick rescue, but critters caught in your chimney also cause damage.
Birds are famous for building their nests inside, blocking the air flow. This causes any number of problems, from carbon monoxide build up to flue blockage and chimney fires.
Mammals like raccoons, mice and squirrels can get inside an unprotected chimney and destroy the flue liner. All animals leave their droppings around, a potential source of dangerous bacteria and noxious odors.
Chimney caps, available in galvanized or stainless steel, are a must for every chimney. They will block animals out and provide good draft and weather protection for your fireplace.
Fireplace Village provides chimney cleaning and and safety inspection service.
June 20, 2010
Making sure your family is safe within your home is an important responsibility. And taking care of the regular maintenance involved in owning a fireplace, pellet or wood stove is a big part of that responsibility. For very little financial investment your family can rest easy knowing that your home and hearth are operating safely.
The best way to approach regular fireplace and stove maintenance is by hiring a professional chimney sweep. Not only will this individual inspect the condition of your chimney and venting system, but they will remove any potentially dangerous build up and ensure your fireplace or stove is running at peak efficiency.
A Professional Chimney Sweep Has Industry Knowledge
Trying to inspect the chimney system on the fireplace yourself is a difficult proposition. An industry professional will know all of the elements in your particular model, as well as have up to date information from that manufacturer.
If they’re local, they will also know any common problems that occur due to the climate or conditions in your area. Experience and a working relationship with hearth manufacturers give professionals an edge that’s difficult to compete with.
A Professional Chimney Sweep Has the Latest Technology
Chimney sweeping involves dirt and dust. With the latest equipment designed to prevent your home from becoming an unhealthy mess during a cleaning and inspection, professional chimney sweeps make it look easy.
Ask your sweep about the best way to remove the specific build up from your chimney. Both chemical and manual treatments will be used based on the level of creosote in your chimney.
When climbing up on your roof for inspections and repairs, a professional will be trained in safety procedures and do the job quickly and efficiently using the proper equipment. Keep safely on the ground and let the pros tackle any risks.
A Professional Chimney Sweep Has an Eye for Detail
Because a qualified and experienced chimney sweep will have seen any number of hearths and homes, he or she will know exactly what they are looking at. There won’t be any guesswork involved and the sweep will know exactly when cleaning and repairs need to be done.
Small things that can become big problems later and minimal build up that can escalate to maximum danger will be spotted by a professional. Day to day cleaning and tidying of your hearth can certainly be done well by homeowners, but the trained eye of a professional chimney sweep is essential for full maintenance appointments and inspections.
Ask at your fireplace retailer and get referrals from friends and neighbors. Hire a professional chimney sweep to look after your routine maintenance and enjoy your fireplace or wood stove worry free.
Fireplace Village is the only full service stove shop in New England. Fireplace Village sells all hearth appliances and provides installation, repair, cleaning and maintenance services. In addition, we provide gas line connection and hook up service as well as chimney sweeping and cleaning services.
June 9, 2010
During regular maintenance visits your service technician will spend a lot of time inspecting the chimney system. This is to make sure that the venting, liner, caps and flashing are all clear and secure.
They are also watching for any damage that can be done by wind or water. Weather has a way of wearing down even the bricks and mortar that make up your chimney. Having annual maintenance performed will ensure you catch any needed repairs early.
Critters can also cause damage, with nests stuffed into venting and chimney caps chewed or clawed at. The technician will note that damage and recommend replacement parts if needed.
To keep your chimney’s strength and function at the top, have a regular maintenance and inspection visit scheduled.
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