Tag: chimney repair

Why You Should Hire a Chimney Sweep

A reputable chimney sweep will be able to inspect your fireplace and flue. Clean Chimney Sweep Charleston will also clean your chimney and, if necessary, repair any damage.

Chimney sweeps work hard to help keep families safe from carbon monoxide poisoning. In the past, chimney sweep boys were often abused and even died from their work.

Your chimney is a safe and efficient way to heat your home and must be regularly maintained. It can become clogged with creosote, the flammable soot that is a natural byproduct of burning wood. This build-up can cause problems for your fireplace, fireplace inserts, and the chimney itself including a reduced flue size, decreased air flow, and odors. Regular cleanings from a qualified sweep can help to prevent these issues and keep your family and pets safe.

The most important thing to remember about a chimney sweep is that they are trained and certified professionals. They should be members of the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) or the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG), both of which promote professional standards in the industry and ensure that their technicians are well-trained. They should also be insured to cover any damage caused while working at your home.

During a chimney sweep visit, you can expect the chimney sweep to protect your home by laying down a drop cloth or plastic in their work area and using a dual HEPA filter vacuum to decrease the amount of soot that gets on your carpet and walls. They will then use a tool that resembles a giant bottle brush to clean your chimney. They may start from the bottom up or from the top down, depending on how dirty your chimney is.

They can remove soot, animal nests, and other debris with the brush and scraper and will also wash your chimney liner if it is exposed. The liner is typically made of clay or steel and must be cleaned to avoid rusting and to keep it in its best condition.

Many homeowners don’t realize that there are unscrupulous chimney contractors out there who will perform less-than-quality work for a low price. These uncertified chimney sweeps will often try to sell the homeowner on expensive chimney repairs that aren’t necessary. They can also damage the chimney with improper methods and put the family at risk of fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, and other dangerous consequences.

The job of a chimney sweep wasn’t always like it was romanticized in Mary Poppins or other popular movies. Early chimney sweeps were usually young boys who worked hard in squalid conditions. They had to climb hot chimneys and often got stuck, suffocated, or died in the narrow chimney flues. They frequently slept in basements and covered themselves with filthy soot sacks.

Inspection

The National Fire Protection Association recommends that you have your fireplace, chimney and venting system inspected and cleaned at least once a year. This is especially important if you use the fireplace often, and especially if you burn solid fuel (like wood or pellets) in your fireplace. Solid fuels produce a toxic byproduct called creosote, which can clog your chimney and increase the risk of fires.

A certified chimney sweep will use a flashlight to look for damage, obstructions, and creosote buildup, and will let you know if your chimney needs to be swept. Chimney sweeps also carry a dual HEPA filter vacuum, which they will run throughout the entire sweeping process to keep dust levels low in your home. The chimney sweep will either start from the flue and work their way up, or they may start on the roof and work their way down, depending on the type of chimney you have. The goal is to scrape all of the coatings, ash and creosote from your chimney lining so that it falls down into the fireplace and can be removed. The sweep will then clean the fireplace and vacuum up any debris.

If your chimney and/or venting system requires a Level 2 inspection, the chimney sweep will verify that the chimney structure is sound and free of blockages and combustible deposits (including creosote glaze). This level of inspection is recommended after any change in the fireplace or stove; before a sale or transfer of ownership; or following a significant weather event like an earthquake.

Before the chimney sweep comes to your house, it is best to prepare for their visit by moving any furniture a few feet back from the fireplace and covering it with plastic or a drop cloth. You should also make sure the fireplace and chimney are cool, as the sweep will need access to them. You should also make sure you are there when they arrive, as the sweep will need to introduce themselves and explain what they will be doing. This is an excellent time to ask any questions you have about your fireplace and chimney.

Repair

As the fireplace and chimney business grew in popularity, many people began to turn away from gas and electricity and returned to traditional wood burning fireplaces for warmth and nostalgia. Unfortunately, those that don’t get their chimneys cleaned and inspected regularly run the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and house fires. These fires are caused by dirty chimneys that contain a flammable residue called creosote.

When left unattended, creosote can crack “fireproof” brick, stone and clay chimney flue liners. This allows chimney fires to reach combustible materials in the home such as wood framing and drywall. Chimney fires can cause serious and expensive damage to homes.

A reputable chimney sweep should clean the entire chimney system. This includes the flue liner, chimney cap and masonry. They should also inspect the entire system to look for problems. They should make a report of their findings and recommend professional repairs.

Many chimney repair services are available. These can include repointing chimney mortar, repairing brick or stucco masonry, installing new flue liners and fixing leaking chimney caps. Some companies offer a comprehensive chimney service and can perform all of these services, saving you time and money.

You can save money by performing some of the chimney repair services yourself, but if you’re not experienced or qualified, it’s best to leave this type of work to the professionals. It’s best to hire a reputable and licensed chimney sweep that is a member of the CSIA or NCSG (National Chimney Sweep Guild).

You can find out about a chimney company’s reputation by interviewing them. Ask about their experience, education and licenses. Also ask about their prices and whether or not they use video scanning, which can help you see what is inside your chimney. A reputable chimney service will explain their charges and recommend any additional repairs. It’s also a good idea to ask about their warranty on repairs and cleanings. Many sweeps offer a lifetime warranty on their chimney cleaning and chimney lining services. They may also offer a money back guarantee on their work. This way, you can feel confident that you’re getting the best chimney care.

Maintenance

In addition to cleaning chimneys, sweeps offer a range of maintenance services that can keep your fireplace functioning at its best. Chimney sweeps are trained to detect underlying problems and can make recommendations for necessary repairs. A poorly functioning fireplace and chimney can not only be a fire hazard, but it can also be costly to your home’s structure. A clean and properly maintained chimney will be safe to use for years to come.

A chimney should be cleaned on a regular basis to ensure that it remains in good condition. In fact, according to the CSIA, open masonry chimneys should be swept every 12 months, or more frequently if there is a high level of soot buildup or glaze present in the chimney system.

Chimney sweeps remove the flammable creosote coating that accumulates during the burning of wood, fossil fuel, and other materials in a fireplace or wood stove. This is a dangerous, thick coating that can clog the chimney and reduce its efficiency. Chimney sweeps use a special tool called a chimney brush that looks like a giant bottle brush and scrapes the accumulated creosote off of the chimney lining. They will usually put down a drop cloth and a shop vac to decrease the amount of dust in your home and will wear masks and goggles for their own safety. They will typically start their work either at the flue or on the roof and will finish by cleaning the smoke chamber, damper, firebox, and chimney crown.

As an added service, many professional chimney sweeps will provide a report of their findings once the cleaning is complete. This is an important document that should be taken seriously, as it can help prevent future chimney issues from occurring. This document will also help you decide if your chimney is in need of repair, or if you should install a new one.

While chimney sweeping may seem to be an archaic profession, it was once considered an essential job in the 19th century. Children as young as four were used to climb into hot flues to sweep away the soot and ash. In addition to being unsafe and unhealthy, this practice was a major cause of soot lung disease in children. By 1875, there was enough concern that Acts of Parliament were passed to restrict the employment of child chimney sweeps.

June 16, 2023

Chimney Repair: Signs That You Need a Chimney Sweep

It is important to have your chimney inspected on a regular basis so that small cracks and deterioration do not turn into larger problems. When these problems are left unattended, they can lead to smoke, fumes, and carbon monoxide entering the living space of your home.

Minor damage can be repaired with a process called tuckpointing or red rubbing. However, more serious issues may need to be fixed with a flue replacement or rebuild. Visit Website for professional help.

Mortar joints are essential to the structural integrity of brick walls and chimneys. They provide a buffer against the movement of the brick and stresses from elements such as temperature changes. Over time, however, these mortar joints can begin to crack and crumble as they age. The damage is not immediately noticeable, but left unattended, it can cause significant problems with the overall structure. Mortar joint cracks are often caused by moisture, but they can also result from expansion and contraction or minor ground settlement. It’s important to repair these areas quickly to prevent water penetration and further deterioration of the masonry structure.

The first step in repairing a damaged mortar joint is to clean out the old mortar. While wearing protective safety glasses, use a cold chisel and hammer to remove the old mortar from the wall or chimney. Work carefully to avoid damaging the surrounding brickwork or causing other problems. When finished, blow out all dust and debris and dampen all cavity surfaces. Next, mix a batch of latex-fortified mortar, tinting it with pigments as necessary to match the existing color. Apply the new mortar with a pointing trowel. Smooth the mortar as you go, creating a finished edge.

To protect the new mortar from further deterioration, mist it with water several times throughout the day. This helps to keep the mortar moist, which will allow it to cure properly. It is important to use the right type of mortar for your project. Traditional tuckpointing uses lime-based mortar that is similar to the original material used in the brick construction of your home. This is the best option to preserve the historic brick structure and add longevity to its life.

Although tuckpointing can be done as a do-it-yourself (DIY) project, you’ll likely save time and money by hiring a professional. Be sure to hire a reputable, licensed, and insured contractor who has experience working on a variety of different structures. A qualified mason will be able to assess your structure and recommend the right repair method. Be sure to ask for references and a portfolio of past work.

White Stains

White stains are not only unsightly; they are also indicative of serious problems with your chimney structure. Often mistaken as a sign of aging, they actually indicate the presence of water within the brick. Also called efflorescence, the powdery, salt-like deposits are formed when moisture seeps into brick and mortar through tiny fissures or hairline cracks. The water combines with the soluble salts in the bricks and then evaporates, leaving behind those white discolorations that you may notice on your chimney. While they may not be as severe as black stains, white deposits are still an indication that you need to schedule an appointment with your local chimney sweep.

Efflorescence is a natural occurrence that occurs on many types of masonry structures, including concrete blocks, clay tile, and even some basement walls. The process is typically slow and gradual, but as the water penetrates the bricks, it can cause structural damage to the masonry structure. In many cases, a leaking chimney may not be obvious and will go unnoticed for quite some time. Chimney leaks are often caused by the deterioration of the chimney crown or chimney flashing, but they can also be a result of other underlying issues, such as a damaged liner or a cracked, crumbling masonry structure.

Water that infiltrates the masonry of your chimney will eventually find its way into your home through walls, floors, and ceilings, creating rot, mold, and other forms of destruction. It’s important to schedule a professional inspection as soon as you begin to notice masonry damage, such as spalling brick or crumbling mortar joints. Chimney leaks never get better on their own and will only become more severe if left untreated.

If you’re noticing signs of water damage to your chimney, such as white stains or rust, it’s imperative that you call Oliver Twist Chimney & Fireplace right away to schedule an appointment for a chimney repair service. Moisture can cause major structural damage to traditional masonry chimneys as well as metal factory-built chimneys, and it’s never a good idea to try to address these issues on your own.

Rust

Unsightly rust stains are a common chimney issue caused by moisture and failure to stay on top of routine maintenance like annual chimney inspections. While it may be tempting to tackle a chimney repair project yourself, it’s a job that requires the proper tools and equipment to be completed safely. Many homeowners don’t have access to ladders that are tall enough to reach the peak of a chimney, and trying to get to the bottom of a chimney can cause serious injury if you fall. In addition, using power tools to try to remove rust stains can damage the brick and mortar of a chimney, requiring costly repairs later on.

Chimneys rust in the same way as other metals, such as car parts or kitchen appliances. When metal components like the chimney cap, chase cover, and flue liner corrode, they can dislodge bits of soot and other combustion debris from the lining and expose the masonry to water, which causes it to deteriorate. A rusted chimney is also more likely to leak, which can cause a host of problems, from moisture intrusion and mold to structural damage.

Rust can also form on the flashing, which is installed where a chimney meets the roof to prevent water from entering the home. Most flashing is made of copper or PVC, which are rust-resistant, but steel can rust as well. If you see rust stains on the flashing or in the area where it meets the chimney, you should contact a professional chimney contractor to have it replaced.

Another area of a chimney where rust can be dangerous is the chimney crown, which is the masonry that covers the top of a chimney. A chimney with a damaged crown can leak and create a fire hazard inside the fireplace, and it’s an area of the chimney that must be repaired as soon as possible.

While there are DIY chimney repair kits available that can help you fix certain chimney issues, hiring a professional is the best option for homeowners. Professional chimney contractors have the training and equipment to complete a variety of chimney repairs quickly and efficiently, and they’ll be able to identify and address any other problems that may arise during the repair process.

Leaning

A few hairline cracks in mortar joints don’t necessarily indicate the need to repoint or tuckpoint, but when the mortar begins to crumble and fall out of the cracks, it should be repaired before it contributes to further deterioration of the brick wall or chimney. It is also a good idea to have a sample of the historic mortar analyzed if the building is of particular significance. This will give the repointing contractor a guide for matching the strength of the new mortar mix.

May 31, 2023