Use the Summer to Prep Your Chimney for the Fall

Summer is the best time for chimney repairs and other maintenance. This will have your system prepared for the fall and winter, when you use it most. Here are services to ask your chimney sweep about: 

• Chimney Cleaning
  You should have your chimney cleaned once a year, at bare minimum. Doing so will help prevent fires and other hazards.
• Chimney Relining
  A chimney liner protects the masonry walls from heat, potential damage and corrosion. Stainless steel and aluminum liners help best protect your chimney.  
• Mason Repairs
  Be sure to have your sweep take a look at the pointing, chimney crown and smoke chamber. All these materials can over time deteriorate because of moisture.
• Gas Logs
  Gas logs turn on and off when you want. Once installed, they are permanent, saving you the expense of wood.

Guardian Chimney serves New York and New Jersey with all these services and more. See what we can do for you by visiting www.GuardianChimney.com.

Ways to Prevent Summer Rains from Ruining Your Chimney

Summer weather is mostly gorgeous, but there will be times when the weather decides not to play nice, and make things wet for you and your family. It can also have adverse effects, however, on your chimney.

Water does more damage to chimneys than fire. This might seem odd, but your chimney is exposed to all the elements. The materials used – brick, mortar, tile, steel, cast iron, etc. – can be dilapidated faster if in constant contact with water.

What all can water penetration cause?

• Broken brickwork
• Ruined metal or masonry firebox assemblies
• Corroded dampers
• Rotted wood and wall coverings
• Damaged heating system
• Ruined mortar
• Cracked flue liners

These damages mean money from your wallet for masonry repairs and more.

How can you prevent water from damaging your chimney? At Guardian Chimney, servicing New Jersey and New York chimneys, we’ve found the following works best:

A stainless steel chimney cap

• Chimney Caps
  These are one of the least costly options to prevent water damage. A strong, well built chimney cap prevents water, and most other things, from entering the chimney’s interior.
• Replace or repair your Chimney Crown
  This covers and seals the chimney top from the flue liner to the edge. A proper crown will not crack, as it should be made of a strong cement fixture.
• Waterproofing
  Brick will absorb water, hastening the chimney’s decline. Vapor permeable waterproofing agents will allow water to escape.

For more suggestions on how to prevent your chimney from being damage, contact Guardian Chimney by visiting www.GuardianChimney.com.  

Chimney Fires...

Why Chimneys Catch Fire and Flue Inspections or Sweeping Is Necessary For Safety

Proper chimney and fireplace maintenance is an idea and task which is lost to many home owners. Despite many old-timers and other individuals making the claim that, "I've been burning wood and using the same chimney for over 20 years without any problems..." is all well and good, however, the home owner needs to realize that it is their own home which is at risk and no one else's house.

There are several different construction types of chimney, flue and stove units found throughout the country. While cleaning most chimneys utilizes similar methods, chimney sweeping is not the only aspect of chimney maintenance required for a safe home. Traditional brick home construction did not always include a chimney liner years ago. Over time many building codes have been amended to improve construction methods and safety.

Regardless of the type of heating source used or whether or not the chimney has a liner installed, chimney inspections are absolutely necessary in addition to sweeping in order to prevent the risk of a chimney fire. As time passes and a home ages mortar surrounding bricks or stones will degrade due to the harsh interior conditions with which a chimney is subjected. It also stands to reason that should a home owner have a fire in a stove or fireplace, the temperature outside is quite cold.

With the mortar and the brick or stonework expanding and contracting every year due to seasonal temperature fluctuations and rain, it is no wonder that the mortar will begin to become brittle and crumble away. Because the temperature of the flue gases begin to cool as they rise, creosote will form on the walls of the chimney flue due to condensation. Crumbling mortar is a problem in itself, but is often exacerbated by the formation of creosote, which is very flammable, on the interior walls of the chimney flue. The purpose of regularly scheduled chimney inspections is to prevent an expensive and hazardous situation from happening.

Reconstructing existing chimneys is not a cheap investment. It is much more economical to install a chimney flue liner before the brickwork begins to deteriorate. Not only can chimney liners reduce the amount of creosote deposits thereby improving safety, but will also allow greater ease in cleaning when it becomes necessary.

Many neighbors may shrug off a chimney inspection or cleaning based upon the past success of the lack of a chimney fire, but it is a realistic and serious gamble a home owner will be taking by not hiring a professional chimney sweep company to inspect and clean the chimney. Chimney inspections and cleanings will often be less than set of automobile tires. Every home owner should proactively protect their largest investment, being the home.

To learn more about chimney cleaning and inspections visit Guardian Chimney of NJ. Article independently authored by Dan Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Guardian Chimney. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.

Chimney Sweeps and Inspections

A House Fire Is Preventable With Proper Regular Home Maintenance

Winter season is practically here and with it comes bitingly cold temperatures. Many home owners do not give the fireplace much thought as long as the smoke does not back up into the home. There is a deadly and frightening risk which most home owners are most likely unaware. It is called the chimney. Whether the heating source uses anything from wood, pellets or coal to gas or oil, the chimney needs to be inspected regularly.

Many chimneys have a flue liner made from clay to help protect the actual brick and mortar of the chimney itself. Quite a few of the older homes have a chimney without any type of liner. Without a liner or even an older liner, the likelihood that erosion, acid-laden residue or creosote poses a serious danger to the property as well as those individuals living in the house.

Over time with any of the above mentioned fuel sources brick and mortar construction will erode. For those chimneys, which were not constructed with a stainless flue liner, years of heating can also contribute to further deterioration of mortar joints by expansion and contraction coupled with moisture. Clay flue liners are just as porous. As these parts age, cracks will begin to appear. Although the chimney and flue may appear to be quite intact and strong to the average home owner's inspection, these breaches can easily allow sparks, burning ash and carbon monoxide to penetrate into the attic and the living quarters. When this does occur the probable outcome is to be disastrous.

Newer chimney liners are designed with the acidity and other potential problems in mind. Existing chimneys can be retro-fitted with these newer stainless steel flue liners. Unfortunately, fitting a chimney with a new liner is not a do-it-yourself type of job. A professional chimney service company such as Guardian Chimney will need to be called.

At the very least a chimney and flue inspection needs to be carried out at regular intervals. Many times the home owner may be able to see some damage to the chimney stack from the exterior. If there are just a couple of cracks in the mortar or brick the inside is quite likely to be a disaster waiting to happen. From a purely financial standpoint, it is wise to contract with a qualified chimney sweep and inspection service. If an insurance company can site the poor condition of the chimney and show negligence on the part of the home owner for lack of proper maintenance, when a fire does occur, the insurance company may be able to deny a fair payment or any at all.

To learn more about chimney sweeps and inspections contact Guardian Chimney.

Article independently authored by Dan Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Guardian Chimney. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.

Basic Components of Your Chimney

Just as there are many types of chimneys, there are many types of chimney liners. And while the type of material the liners are made from may change, they all have the same purpose: To move combustible products such as smoke and gases, out of the home. If you are building a new home or having a chimney/fireplace added to your residence, you will need to consider the choices then make an informed decision. In addition, depending on what type of chimney you have- whether a factory built or masonry- the type of liner can vary, but only slightly. If you are not sure which type of chimney you have, here is a basic description of each:

• Masonry chimneys are typically built of brick stone or concrete blocks and can incorporate the traditional appearance that most associate with a chimney. These are usually more expensive than the factory-built chimney.
• Factory-built chimneys can be any of the following: Double-wall, mass insulated chimneys which have two layers of stainless steel with insulation between the layers; air cooled chimneys which are designed to allow for air circulation between the layers of metal; air insulated chimneys that like air cooled chimneys, allow for air flow but these work more as an insulator and combination's of any of these types. These usually have just one flue for venting combustible products. In addition, the inner wall of the chimney serves as the chimney flue.
• Regardless of the type of chimney you have, you can choose from an assortment of flues and flue liners. The flue is the vertical passageway that connects each fireplace or heat unit to the actual chimney. Typically, each fireplace and "appliance" will have its own flues. Currently, all building and safety codes require that all chimneys be lined. To help you determine what type of flue(s) will be best, consider these choices:
• Terra-cotta- These liners are made from baked clay, are usually 5/8 of an inch thick and look like 2-foot long square, rectangular of round tubes. These tubes are cemented together, end to end forming a long tube. They are also referred to as a tile or modular liner. Other products used to make the modular liners are volcanic pumice, cement or a combination of fireproof materials.
• Stainless steel- this is very popular for use in relining existing chimneys, but is also used in new construction. Stainless steel liners can have either a flexible or rigid metal tube that is encased in insulation. The metal allows for even constant heating and the insulation adds to level of warmth.
• Aluminum-If you have a gas fired furnace, this is a viable and economical option.
• Cast -in-place liners are a thick layer of cement-like material that is literally applied to the inside of the flue walls. A cast in place liner is installed by inserting a rubber tube into the existing chimney and then pumping the liner material in. Later on the tube is removed leaving a smooth finish.

For chimney maintenance and repair in New York and New Jersey contact Guardian Chimney. Article independently authored by Janet Slagell. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Guardian Chimney. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.

How to Maintain Your Chimney

There's nothing quite like sitting in front of a roaring fire on a cold winter's night! After all, the yellows, orange and blue flames are almost hypnotic as you watch them reach upward dancing with the air as the smoke drifts up the chimney. Yes, there is much to be said for the beauty of a well maintained fire. But more important, is how well maintained your chimney is.

Each year there are more than 45,000 chimney fires in America causing a staggering $23 million in property loss, not to mention the loss of life. More sobering, is that the large majority, if not all, of these losses can be avoided by taking preventative actions that ensure that the chimney is not at risk for fires. Rather than take the risk of becoming a victim, follow these steps of chimney maintenance. However, keep in mind that these steps do not negate the need for having a professional check and clean your chimney at least once a year!

The 3 C's of Chimney Maintenance

Before getting started on your chimney inspection, be sure to put on protective clothing, as well as eye and ear protection and gloves. In addition, be sure that if you have a wood stove or furnace that the unit has been turned off, and that you open clean out doors slowly as this is where soot will collect. Other items you may want to have on hand are binoculars, a flashlight and a mirror which can be angled to allow you to see up the chimney.

Conditions-Take a close look at the chimney, both inside and out. Do you detect anything that is wrong or looks out of place? If you have a masonry chimney you will need to look for any missing or loose bricks, chipped bricks or masonry joints, cracks, a leaning chimney or anything that does not appear to be safe or part of the original construction. If you note any visible damage, corrosion, bending, stains, or movement of the chimney in windy conditions then you need to call a professional.

Chimney Caps- Does your chimney have a cap on it? Moisture from the elements can seep into the chimney causing the tiles to dissolve and corrosive elements from exhaust to mix together ultimately resulting in weakening the liner. Be sure you have a good chimney cap to prevent this from happening. If you need to purchase a chimney cap, then be sure it is one with a screen mesh and has a lifetime warranty. The screen mesh will prevent animals from getting inside chimney as well as help keep sparks off of the roof. Again, having a cap professionally installed is the only sure way to know the job is done right.

Check for Leaks and Stains-Look for leaks and stains near the fireplace. Pealing wallpaper, dampness near the chimney, and stains on the walls are all signs that the roof flashing is faulty, or that there is missing or damaged flue liners, interior decay, or a surplus of condensation. To properly inspect the chimney, you must look inside as well as outside. When your chimney is professionally inspected, a camera and mirrors are used to ensure that nothing gets overlooked. Without specialized equipment and training, it's not evident when there may be a problem. A professional inspection from a certified service provider ensures that your home remains safe and secure.

If you have any questions or need chimney maintenance or repair, please visit Guardian Chimney or call today at 1-888-688-1388.

Article independently authored by Janet Slagell. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Guardian Chimney. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.

Fire Safety With Fireplaces and Chimneys - Inspections Are a Necessary To Save Lives and Property

Chimney and fireplace safety is many times overlooked. Many home owners believe that because a fireplace may only be used a handful of times per year, having a chimney inspected and cleaned regularly is not a priority. Making this assumption has greatly contributed to the loss of property and lives.

A sizeable percentage of chimney service companies will actually admit that a routine inspection or cleaning is necessary only every couple of years. Generally this is a true statement, but it largely depends on how frequently the fireplace and chimney has been used and the specific type of fuel or material being burned. A fireplace utilized more often, such as in northern climates, must be inspected more frequently than a fireplace used sporadically.

Wood is the most commonly used fuel source to burn. A natural byproduct of burning wood is creosote which will be deposited through the chimney stack and flue. It is this creosote that proves to be a fire hazard. Traditional chimney construction of yesteryear was essentially similar to a basic brick oven. The general insulating properties of brick were relied upon to protect the rest of the home. Unfortunately a brick chimney can help to quickly elevate the temperature as it radiates heat into the chimney thereby increasing the chances of igniting the deposited creosote.

Present day materials and efficient burning fireplaces can help minimize the hazards of airborne soot and the amount of byproducts being deposited along the walls of the chimney which allow for improved chimney safety and ease of cleaning. Chimney liners and flue liners of different materials, such as stainless steel simplifies the cleaning and can decrease the risks of extra high temperatures. Having an exterior cleanout door will also aid in the cleanliness during chimney sweeping.

Take note that a fireplace or chimney that is inspected does not necessarily mean that it needs to be cleaned. Many chimney sweep companies offer inspections as a separate service from cleaning. Bundling a chimney inspection with a chimney cleaning package, however, may yield savings and discounts. Surprising both services are exceptionally inexpensive compared to the alternative of having a home go up in flames. Before every winter season the home owner should do their share and perform a visual inspection of the exterior stack and the interior of the fireplace, but this is not necessarily a substitute for a professional inspection. Should any worn mortar, cracking or peeling of the exterior of the chimney stack be visible, the chimney should absolutely be inspected by a professional before first use of the season.

For more information reguarding chimney inspections and maintenance, please visit www.guardianchimney.com or call us at 1-888-688-1388.

Article independently authored by Daniel Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Guardian Chimney.

Determining the Best Type of Chimney for Your Home

Chimneys have been in use since the Romans began using tubes to draw the heat out of their bakeries. However, it was not until the 12th century in Europe when homes were built with chimneys. In fact, the oldest English chimney dates back to 1185 and is located in Conisborough Keep in Yorkshire. Chimneys were originally built from brick with venting caps (sometime called chimney pots) to control the downdrafts.

This style of chimney remained popular until the 19th century, when chimney liners were introduced; at which point the bricks were then placed around the liner. In America, chimneys were much the same until the late 1700s when the Rumford chimney was introduced. Today, however, there are 2 basic types of chimneys used in homes: Masonry Chimneys and Factory Built Chimneys.

The Masonry Chimney

The masonry chimney was designed to burn wood but in different ways than fireplaces, stoves or heaters. It typically burns through the wood in a two hour time frame which in turn keeps the home warm for approximately 1 day. The masonry chimney is typically made using a clay tile liner and then enclosed by block, brick or stone. And, while the work can be done by the homeowner, this is not highly recommend as it is imperative the masonry chimney meet specific codes and standards to ensure the safety of the residents. In regards to the chimney flue, it is recommended that the tiles used be made with round tiles rather than rectangular/square as they fit better and do not leak smoke or moisture. There are several advantages of the masonry styled chimney:

• A masonry heater/chimney does not overheat, but rather the heat is passed through to a masonry thermal mass which stores it to be released then radiated out slowly as needed.
• A masonry heater has a clean burn, which does not fill the air with chemicals.
• The masonry heater is extremely efficient, which helps lower energy costs.
• From an aesthetic viewpoint, the masonry heater is more pleasing to look at and can be finished with an assortment of hardware and finishes that can be matched to the homes décor.

The Factory Built Chimney

Factory built chimneys come in a variety styles and are easier to install and cost less. However, some of the factories built chimneys require a specific type of fuel, which can increase the cost of usage. The factory built chimney is sometimes referred to as the 650o chimney as it can accommodate continuous gas temperatures of up to 650o yet still work at peak levels. It was developed in the early 1980s and offers superior insulation and has a liner that is corrosion resistant.

When choosing a chimney be sure to avoid getting a factory chimney listed as a Type A, bracket chimneys, and air-cooled chimney or those that do not have a solid insulation going between the inside and outside layers as these are unsafe.

For additional information on the topic of Chimneys visit Guardian Chimney Sweep. Article independently authored by Janet Slagell. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Guardian Chimney Sweep. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.

How to Maintain Your Chimney

There's nothing quite like sitting in front of a roaring fire on a cold winter's night! After all, the yellows, orange and blue flames are almost hypnotic as you watch them reach upward dancing with the air as the smoke drifts up the chimney. Yes, there is much to be said for the beauty of a well maintained fire. But more important, is how well maintained your chimney is.

Each year there are more than 45,000 chimney fires in America causing a staggering $23 million in property loss, not to mention the loss of life. More sobering, is that the large majority, if not all, of these losses can be avoided by taking preventative actions that ensure that the chimney is not at risk for fires. Rather than take the risk of becoming a victim, follow these steps of chimney maintenance. However, keep in mind that these steps do not negate the need for having a professional check and clean your chimney at least once a year!

The 3 C's of Chimney Maintenance

Before getting started on your chimney inspection, be sure to put on protective clothing, as well as eye and ear protection and gloves. In addition, be sure that if you have a wood stove or furnace that the unit has been turned off, and that you open clean out doors slowly as this is where soot will collect. Other items you may want to have on hand are binoculars, a flashlight and a mirror which can be angled to allow you to see up the chimney.

Conditions-Take a close look at the chimney, both inside and out. Do you detect anything that is wrong or looks out of place? If you have a masonry chimney you will need to look for any missing or loose bricks, chipped bricks or masonry joints, cracks, a leaning chimney or anything that does not appear to be safe or part of the original construction. If you note any visible damage, corrosion, bending, stains, or movement of the chimney in windy conditions then you need to call a professional.

Chimney Caps- Does your chimney have a cap on it? Moisture from the elements can seep into the chimney causing the tiles to dissolve and corrosive elements from exhaust to mix together ultimately resulting in weakening the liner. Be sure you have a good chimney cap to prevent this from happening. If you need to purchase a chimney cap, then be sure it is one with a screen mesh and has a lifetime warranty. The screen mesh will prevent animals from getting inside chimney as well as help keep sparks off of the roof. Again, having a cap professionally installed is the only sure way to know the job is done right.

Check for Leaks and Stains-Look for leaks and stains near the fireplace. Pealing wallpaper, dampness near the chimney, and stains on the walls are all signs that the roof flashing is faulty, or that there is missing or damaged flue liners, interior decay, or a surplus of condensation. To properly inspect the chimney, you must look inside as well as outside. When your chimney is professionally inspected, a camera and mirrors are used to ensure that nothing gets overlooked. Without specialized equipment and training, it's not evident when there may be a problem. A professional inspection from a certified service provider ensures that your home remains safe and secure.

For additional information on the topic of Chimney maintenance and inspections visit http://www.guardianchimney.com.

What to do About a Smoking Chimney

If you have a fireplace then you are well aware that the beautiful centerpiece of your room is also one of the most dangerous. After all, everyone has heard stories of homes and lives being lost due to a fireplace blaze. There are many ways that a fireplace fire can get out of hand. In order to best protect your and family from trauma as a result of a fireplace fire, there are many things you can do as part of routine troubleshooting. Here are just some of the dozens of common problems associated with fireplaces and what you can do to address them. Many of these are simple actions, but others may require the services of a chimney professional.

What to Do about a Smoking Fireplace

Smoke pouring into the room is a result of a closed damper, a cold flue or a blocked flue. This is solved by opening the damper, priming the flue and cleaning the chimney.

If the fireplace smokes only during a low burn there could several culprits. The causes and solutions are:

• Exterior chimney and cold flue-install fireplace doors
• Chimney is too short - Add height to the chimney, this might best be done by a professional.
• Flue is too large - Add a sleeve.
• House is depressurized - Have an outside air source installed
• Air space between the chimney liner and the casing is too large- Re-line the chimney flue with an insulated liner

If there is constant smoke spillage, regardless of the level of the fire then it is likely a result of 1 or more issues. Typically these issues a will be: the house is depressurized, the smoke chamber is too small, the flu is too small or the damper is too low. These can be corrected by installing an outside air source, installing a smoke guard or fireplace doors and reducing fireplace openings.

If the fireplace smokes on damp, windy or rainy days it usually the result of the chimney either being too short, not having a cap on the chimney or that the flue is wet and cold. This is corrected by lengthening the chimney, installing a chimney cap and to "repair" a wet/cold flue prime the flue, and apply a water repellant.

If, when your fireplace is used, smoke enters another room of the house or another story of your home, here are some possible causes and solutions to consider:

• Check the downdraft in an unused second flue - Seal the flue
• Downdrafts in the second fireplace - Install a top-sealing damper(s)
• Breaks between adjoining liners - Re-line the chimney
• Inadequate chimney cap height - Replace or raise the cap the cut tiles to correct the height above the chimney's crown

Having a fireplace in your home is a beautiful feature, as well as practical-especially with the rising energy cost. However, like many other aspects of home ownership, in order for your fireplace to blessing they must be maintained.

Many websites provide additional information and videos on the topics of chimneys and fireplaces. One such site worth visiting is Guradian Chimney at http://www.guardianchimney.com.