Fundamental Chimney Education

Your chimney works hard to guarantee you and your loved ones have a reliable source of heat throughout the colder seasons. However, because of how hard they work to keep your space warm, they often require more  upkeep than other forms of heating. Not only do regular cleanings aid in increasing the efficiency of your chimney, but they also better guarantee it’s operating as safely as possible! Below are some highlighted benefits of keeping up with adequate chimney cleanings: 

Considering carbon monoxide is invisible and odorless, it can be very  difficult to determine if its levels are too high. When things like creosote, twigs, dirt, and other debris build up in your chimney, it  hinders its ability to properly release toxins and smoke from the fire — another byproduct is the production of carbon monoxide which can have deadly consequences. 

If your chimney is kept properly clean, it allows for a more thorough and efficient burn. When this is the case, it improves your home’s overall warmth, creating a more comfortable atmosphere for you and your loved ones to enjoy. If your chimney is clogged, it prevents an adequate amount of oxygen from reaching the burning wood. 

Unfortunately, smoke can be blocked due to debris and other contaminants that will then push it back down and into your home. Luckily, you will  always be able to tell when smoke is infiltrating your home, but it doesn’t make it any safer! Smoke can make it difficult to breathe, and it is not safe to inhale. Both smoke and ash can also do damage to your home, resulting in costly repairs that could have been avoided. 

This depends a lot on how much you use your fireplace or stove. The National Fire Protection Association says, “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.” So, even if you don’t use your chimney a whole lot – birds, squirrels, raccoons and other critters may have been using your chimney making it unsafe to use without clearing out the debris.

Ideally, before the start of the burning season during the spring, summer or early fall is a great time to get your chimney inspection and/or chimney cleaning. Before you think about building a fire or starting up your furnace because the weather has changed, is the time to call  your chimney sweep. Maybe you forgot the early cleaning before starting  to use the fireplace, stove or furnace? Don’t wait until the fall, we can do your chimney cleaning or inspection any time of year.

• A full inspection of the chimney/furnace flue
• An assessment of the top of the chimney (checking for cracks or damage to the brick, mortar, or cement crown)
• A check on the flashing (checking for leaks or gaps)
• An inspection of any attached appliances (checking for damage or improper connection)
• An overview of any issues we find, as well as estimates for each recommended fix for your consideration
• A full sweep of the flue, as well as the attached appliance

The functions of a chimney liner for a wood-burning fireplace or stove include the following:

• Protecting the home from exposure to dangerous temperatures and toxic fumes.
• Protecting the brick and mortar of a chimney structure from damage caused by heat and toxic combustion gases.
• Chimney liners help to ensure proper venting of toxic fumes created by fires.

The burning of creosote is indeed what keeps a chimney fire fueled, but  the heat is so intense that the chimney liner is usually damaged.  Home fires have occurred many times after a chimney fire because  homeowners didn’t realize that the liner had been destroyed and  combustible parts of the home were exposed to extreme heat. 

If there is a small crack or any type of breach in a chimney liner, it is unable to perform these important functions. Liners deteriorate over  time in the best conditions. If there is moisture in the flue,  deterioration accelerates because the mix of water and the toxic, acidic  materials in creosote wear away the liner material. 

If you are having a new fireplace or wood stove installed in the existing fireplace, it is vital for the chimney flue to be within the size range recommended by the appliance’s manufacturer. If the flue is incorrectly sized for the appliance, the chimney won’t operate efficiently. With the appliance failing to properly exhaust combustion fumes, toxic  gases are likely to enter the home.                           

Caps keep out water. 

Water is no friend of your chimney,  but without a cap, there’s nothing to prevent snow, ice, and rain from  getting down into your chimney flue and causing damage. A properly  fitted cap will work to protect this area and can also provide  protection against snow and ice pileup on your chimney’s crown, another  area vulnerable to water damage and leaks.

Caps keep out pesky animals and birds.   

Animals often enter chimneys in search of warmth and shelter. They make nests inside of chimneys during the summer months, and head in to escape the bitter cold of winter. Not only is this bothersome to you and your family, it is also be dangerous for the animals, as baby animals and birds can get stuck in the chimney or fall down into the fireplace and die. If your chimney’s uncapped, there’s nothing stopping animals from calling your chimney their home

Caps keep out leaves, pine needles, and other flammable debris.
Flue blockages can cause smoke problems and chimney fires, especially if the blockage is caused by flammable leaves and pine needles from nearby  trees. A cap will work to keep debris out, so you don’t have to worry!

Caps prevent sparks from leaving the chimney and causing fires.
Chimney caps are often referred to as “spark arrestors” because many  include wire mesh guards, which prevent hot ash and floating embers from  exiting the chimney and potentially causing a fire on your roof or in nearby trees or shrubs. Without a cap, those sparks and hot ash can easily get loose and run wild.