Chimney and Fireplace Safety...

Inspections of the Flue and Masonry Can Reduce Fire Hazards

Fireplaces can provide that warm cozy feeling for a family, but that is only if it is in good repair. As the home ages settling will occur for both the main structure and the fireplace. Many times the hearth and fireplace can begin to settle and sag separately. As dangerous as this is the home owner can take steps to protect the home and family.

The first rule of thumb is that if there is any doubt regarding the operating condition of the fireplace, hearth and chimney, the home owner needs to contact a licensed chimney inspection company. Failure to have a chimney and flue inspected can likely end in serious property damage and cause major injury or death to the occupants of the house.

The home owner should make routine inspections of the interior and exterior of the firebox and chimney. The damper should also be in full working order. Any structure which is compromised should not be repaired by the layperson, but should be handled by a qualified and experienced chimney sweep and repair company.

For the protection of the home owner, ensuring the chimney service is fully insured is a start. There are additional checks the home owner can perform. Many chimney repair companies or chimney sweeps and inspection companies will hold additional certifications. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) are just a couple of examples of organizations which assist service companies in providing ongoing training and information on the best methods for servicing chimneys and fireplaces.

Many of the hazards associated with fireplaces can be unknowingly caused by the home owner. After the chimney and other physical parts of the structure has checked out ensuring the proper fuel source is paramount. There are many different types of fuels for varying types of fireplaces and stoves. With regards to the traditional masonry wood burning fireplace, the wood needs to be properly seasoned and stored prior to use.

Moist or "green" wood will not burn as efficiently as properly dried wood and will very likely create an additional fire hazard. It is imperative that the wood being used for the fire has been cut in the spring and dried in preparation for the following winter. Should the stored wood be subjected to excess moisture from rain and snow the results will be rotting wood. Attempting to burn rotted wood is very dangerous as large chunks of wood can break free and tumble out of the fireplace.

One other common oversight which home owners can make is to attempt to dry clothing, such as coats, gloves and shoes, on the hearth in front of the fireplace. Despite most home owners being familiar with "hanging the stockings by the chimney with care...", it is not a wise practice to employ. Sparks and burning ash can easily ignite most every type of clothing or the heat of the fire itself can melt most clothing material.

Although these warnings are not all inclusive, using common sense will go a long way. Whether the chimney structure is new or old, scheduled chimney and flue inspections need to be carried out at regular intervals. The best maintenance schedule will be determined by how frequently the fireplace is placed into use. Some professionals will recommend an inspection every two years while others will state annually. It is best to defer to the professionals and heed their experience.

For additional chimney safety and maintenance information visit Guardian Chimney of Montvale, 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.

Clean and Maintain Your Chimney to Avoid Disaster

Many people don't give much thought to their chimney. It seems like such a quaint addition to the home for use on romantic evening with a roaring fire. What is sometimes not commonly understood is that chimneys are more than just a simple tube for smoke and they need to be cleaned and maintained. Failure to maintain a chimney can result in injury or death.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported recently that upwards of 23,000 uncontrolled fires are caused annually. Most of these are the result of wood stoves, wood fires and related devices and almost 6,000 additional fires were attributed to chimney and chimney connectors related to heating systems connected to a chimney. Upwards of 360 people are injured or killed as a result. But how can you tell if your chimney needs cleaned?

You can easily check if your chimney needs cleaned with a simple test. First, make sure the airflow in the chimney is up. If air is flowing down the chimney, open a window on the same floor and wait until the flow reverses. While wearing goggles and a dust mask take the fireplace poker and scratch the surface above the damper. If the resulting scratch in the creosote is 1/8" deep the chimney needs cleaned. Do not use the chimney if the scratch is 1/4" deep or greater. This level of creosote possess a serious fire hazard.

It is best to hire a professional chimney sweep to clean your chimney. It is possible to do it yourself but the specialized and dirty nature of the job makes it very difficult for you to do a good job. Plus, a professionally will be able to spot mechanical or structural defects that you would be likely to miss.

When hiring a chimney sweep, be sure to inquire about their credentials and training. Are they certified and what kind of training has he or she undergone. Also, be sure to get reference from other satisfied customers. You do not want to be the first or second customer and be on-the-job training for a new chimney sweep. The charge, depending on your area of the country will be around $150 - $200.

Cleaning your chimney is very inexpensive insurance. Have your chimney inspected soon and protect your family from disaster.

For more information on chimney cleaning and more please contact Guardian Chimney or call today at 1-888-688-1388.

Article independently authored by Eric Parish. 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.

Fireplace Efficiency and Chimney Safety

There are several different types of fireplaces and fuel for having a fire. Likewise there are different types of chimneys. The type of chimney with which home owners are probably most familiar is the more prevalent traditional brick chimney. Fireplaces are always a big selling point for a home. Think of all the money that can be saved on heating bills by operating a fireplace.

The truth of the matter is that open masonry fireplaces are not the most efficient at producing heat for the home. Much of the heat is lost up the chimney flue. In recent years, however, there have been advancements in fireplace design and chimney design. There are also newer accessories available on the market, such as fans, which can be incorporated to help direct or circulate the heated air from the fireplace into the home.

In older homes fireplaces and wood stoves were common and almost a necessity. Today many contractors and home builders are doing away with fireplaces altogether. Those homes that have fireplaces need to be properly maintained. Unlike vehicles, fireplace and chimney maintenance is relatively inexpensive. Assuming the chimney stack is in good repair and is not crumbling, regular chimney cleaning is generally only required every couple of years. If the fireplace or wood stove is receives heavy use then more frequent cleanings may be necessary.

Regardless of light or heavy use, it is recommended that the chimney and flue should be inspected before every winter season when the fireplace will be used. A thorough inspection by a professionally certified chimney sweep will not only cover the interior of the fireplace and flue, but should also include the exterior condition of the chimney itself.

Things that a chimney inspection will take into account are cracks in the mortar and brick, which is a sign of possible dangerous conditions. Blockages, such as birds' nests and debris, are obviously another major problem. One likely solution is to have the chimney service company install some form of chimney cap. Clearly any obstruction provides a major fire and smoke hazard, as well as carbon monoxide poisoning for the home owner and family.

Another major concern is a moderate to heavy build up of creosote which is an immediate red flag indicating that the flue has not been maintained properly. Creosote is commonly referred to as soot, but also appears in other forms within a chimney flue where it is not readily visible. As the wood is consumed by the fire, soot and unburned carbon based by-products will be vented up through the chimney flue. As the temperature cools the higher the ash and soot rise, condensation takes place at the walls of the flue. This soot and ash then becomes deposited on the walls of the flue as soot, black crunchy material or a tar like substance, all of which are very combustible.

Again, a chimney and fireplace inspection should be performed regularly by a professional chimney service company. Many times these companies will offer a complete package, which may include an automatic cleaning, but may not be necessary. It is always best to err on the side of safety. Fortunately, the expense of proper maintenance in this case is affordable.

For additional information on the topic of chimney inspections and fireplace safety visit Guardian Chimney Sweep. Article independently authored by Daniel Elliott. 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.

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 Start a Fire in a Fireplace

Nothing can ruin a planned romantic evening by the fireplace like fumbling around trying to get the fire started in the first place. Although starting a fire is not overly complex, there are a few pointers to keep in mind.

First, make sure the flue is open! If you do not have it open you will quite rapidly have a smoke filled room! The damper is basically a door that open and seals the entrance to the flue. Usually there is a handle extending from the damper that you use to open or close the flue. You might instead have chains that you pull to open or close the damper. It is helpful to wear a glove when working the handle or chains as they are covered in soot. Having a soot covered hand isn't conducive to romance either.

Next be sure you are using dry wood. Green, or undried wood will burn but it is very much more difficult to get a fire started and keep it burning using it.

The real key to starting a fire is to start small. Place very small twigs and branches, called kindling, on the fire grate. Be a bit generous - it will take more than a few to get things started. In front and behind the kindling place medium sized logs. On top of these and perpendicular place very small logs directly above the kindling and place slightly larger logs to the sides. In this fashion, the kindling will catch fire and burn long enough to ignite the smaller logs. The smaller logs will then ignite the larger one at the sides. Also, by having everything sit atop the medium size logs you are providing room for air to reach the fire as well as providing fuel for the fire to grow larger.

To actually start the fire you can use newspaper but this is not recommended as the ink in the paper can cause build up in the flue and pose a fire hazard. It is best to use firestarter. This is composed of sawdust and wax or similar products. Plus, it burns much longer than newspaper to ensure a good start.

Be sure to close the fireplace screen once the fire is burning to prevent sparks from flying out.

Now sit back and enjoy your romantic evening!

For additional information on the topic of fireplaces visit Guardian Chimney. Article independently authored by Eric Parish. 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.

Inspect and Maintain Your Chimney to Avoid Expensive Repairs

A chimney is not something we think much about in modern times. Many years ago the fireplace was a central and functional part of the home. Today, a fireplace is mostly used to enhance a romantic evening or to complete the traditional holiday season look and feel. However, if you have a masonry chimney you can save substantial money by inspecting it on a regular basis.

Masonry chimneys are very tough items being made of stone or brick. However, over time, the mortar between the brick or stone slowly breaks down resulting from exposure to the elements. This is perfectly normal but you need to repair the mortar periodically to prevent serious damage from occurring.

As the mortar breaks down, water is able to cause progressively more damage to the chimney. Sections of the chimney will need to be rebuilt and, in extreme cases, the chimney may need to be torn down if neglected for long periods of time. This is expensive! You can avoid this by repairing the mortar through a process called "tuck-pointing".

The concept is very straightforward although the implementation calls for dusty, hard work. Basically, the chipping or cracking mortar between the joints is removed with a hammer and chisel. An electric grinder with a tuck-pointing blades can be used for big jobs. This grinding or chipping creates trenches around the brick or stone where new mortar can be installed.

Mix the mortar according the manufacturer's instructions. Place a liberal amount of mortar on a mason's trowel, rest the trowel against the chimney directly below a section you need to fill. Next, take a pointing trowel and use it to cut off a bit of mortar on the masons trowel and pack into the joint.

Once the joints are fully packed, remove the excess mortar. Finally, shape and smooth the joints by running a jointing tool across the new mortar. Clean the bricks with a brush once the mortar is dry.

Although not technically complicated, many people hire contractors for the job as it is manual labor intensive and involves heights. If you elect to hire a contractor for your job, be sure the company is licensed and bonded. Also, be sure to ask for references from previous customers.

Following these steps will ensure your chimney lasts for many, many years and does not end up costing you a small fortune in extensive repairs.

For additional information on the topic of chimney installation and repair visit Guardian Chimney Sweep.

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.

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Guardian Chimney announces new website design by 21thirteen design and SEO by WebDrafter.com.

Guardian Chimney provides exceptional chimney maintenance and repair services, as well as Level 2 video inspections to thousands of homes throughout the greater New Jersey and New York area.

Visit www.guardianchimney.com for more information!