Come on a Tour of Your Chimney

Whether you're the owner of a home with gas heating, an oil furnace, a wood fireplace, a coal stove or a pellet stove, your home likely has a chimney for ventilation purposes. All of these chimney types need chimney inspections regularly, or else your home is exposed to a number of potential dangers. You may not be able to see problems with your chimney, but that doesn't mean they aren't there.

To educate our customers, we've put together this guided chimney tour that takes a look at your chimney and explains its ventilation process, as well as where potential problems can show up if you don't have your chimney cleaned and inspected on a regular basis.

Why Go With Gas Fireplace Logs?

There's no question that a fireplace adds a certain charm to the room it's in. The look of the flames jutting up through the logs, and the crackling sounds the fire makes as it burns create a "homey," comfortable feeling.

Unfortunately, not everyone has time to chop wood or even start a fire. This is one of the major benefits of gas logs -- logs that resemble normal wood logs, but are actually fed with a gas line. This means you don't have to lug a bunch of logs into your home, mess around with kindling as you try to get a fire going, and shove a bunch of wood into your fireplace.

Instead, you have a fire that can instantly turn on when you want it, and off when you don't. And, with gas logs, you still get the same look, feel and sound of a conventional fireplace, but without the mess and required clean-up.

Gas Logs Growing in Popularity

Fans of gas logs are increasingly finding themselves surrounded by new converts daily.

Today's Sacramento Bee features an article titled, "Modern gas fireplaces offer increased efficiency, more options." The gist of the piece is this: more home builders and home owners are switching over to gas fireplaces, opting to bypass using wood in the fireplace for better efficiency and more choice in terms of placement and design.

Gas logs in particular are mentioned in the article:

"Gas logs give the look of a full fire for a lot less – $300 to $600. These logs are a popular option for otherwise unused fireplaces."

If you have a fireplace you wood in and you want to step it up in the areas of efficiency and mess (come on -- you know you're sick of cleaning up those wood chips), gas logs are definitely the way to go.

Fireplace FAQs

Here are some of the most common questions we get asked about fireplaces:

Can a fireplace that burns wood be converted over to gas?

Yes, and this is becoming more popular as natural gas is cheap and burns cleaner. Just make sure a professional handles the work.

Will a fire place increase the value of my home?

Exactly how much depends on your location, but in general, fire places could produce a 130% return on your investment should you decide to sell.

What is the cost of heating a gas fireplace?

It depends on how much you will use your fireplace, but using natural gas can save you up to 75%.

Guardian Chimney is New York fireplace pros. Find out more about how we can help you at www.ChimneySafetyAuthority.com. 

Preparing Your Fireplace for Winter

Soon enough, it will be time yet again to pack away the shorts and flip flops for the sweaters and snow boots. Yes, old man winter is coming back to town, and your fireplace should be ready for his arrival.

So, what should you do? You should have had in the spring or fall called for chimney cleaning services, to avoid damage your chimney during the season. Old soot and creosote needs to be cleaned annually.

Other things you should to prepare:

• Install a chimney cap to keep out birds and rodents from taking refuge in your chimney
• Begin to gather firewood and store it in a dry place. Or save money by purchasing a gas fireplace log
• Have the fireplace damper inspected to ensure it properly opens and closes
• Have the mortar and tuckpointing examined.

New Jersey fireplace experts Guardian Chimney can make sure you’re set for winter. Contact us today at www.GuardianChimney.com. 

Measuring Fireplace Logs

If you want to install a gas fireplace log, you’ll need to know the size of your fireplace. Measure only the usable fire place space.

• Masonry Fireplaces: Measure the back width, depth and front width
• Prefab/Metal Fireplace: Measure the back width, depth and front width, but do not measure the edge as it cannot be used.

Guardian Chimney is New York fireplace logs experts. Learn more about what we can do at www.ChimneySafetyAuthority.com. 

Fireplace Logs FAQs

Here are some of the more commonly asked questions we get about fireplace logs:

What’s the difference between a vented gas log and a vent free gas log?

Vented gas logs are the most popular gas log type, but they must be installed with a chimney limiting heating efficiency. Vented logs resemble a real wood fire more than their vent-free counterparts.

Vent free gas logs don’t require you to have a chimney, and are an efficient source of primary heat. They are equipped with sensors that detect when oxygen is depleted, and may require special permits to be obtained. They are unable to be positioned, unlike vented logs.

Can I install gas logs in my fireplace?

With few exceptions, most gas logs are not safe to place in gas fireplaces, as they were designed for wood burning fireplaces. Vented logs can be installed in any wood-burning fireplace. Ventless ones can be installed in any wood-burning fireplace, must be burned with the tamper closed.

How does a gas log safety pilot work?

It’s basically the same premise as a safety pilot for other appliances. The pilot has a valve body attached directly to the burner, with two separate, gas-controlling valves. When lit, the thermocouple is used to power an electromagnet to hold the pilot valve open.

New Jersey fireplace logs installer Guardian Chimney can make sure your home is prepped for the cold months. Contact us today at www.GuardianChimney.com. 

More Chimney Sweep Facts

We love interesting chimney sweep facts and superstitions. Here are some more of our favorites about chimney sweeps:

• Wear a top hat like an old time sweep, and you’ll receive good luck.
• Sweeps used to tie with rope a goose and lower it to clean the chimney. (Note: Guardian Chimney does not sweep chimneys with geese).
• Shake a sweep’s hand or touch his coat and the good luck he has will rub off on you.
• Children would steal bristles from a sweep’s brush and carry them around for luck.
• An old wives tale suggested that once a chimney fire occurred, the chimney is cleaned. (Note: This is not true).

If you want to see a professional New York chimney sweep in action, enlist the services of Guardian Chimney by visiting www.ChimneySafetyAuthority.com. 

Chimney Sweep Facts

We chimney sweeps have an interesting profession. We’re so interesting, in fact, that there are a number of interesting chimney sweep facts out there. Here are some of our favorites:

• It’s lucky to meet to a sweep by chance. If you make a wish when you see one, it will come true.
• Lucky is the bridge who sees a sweep on her wedding day.
• The patron saint of chimney sweeps is St. Florian.
• It’s good luck to kiss a sweep.
• When you see a sweep on top of a home, you’ll know that home has been blessed.

Need luck and a New Jersey chimney sweep? Contact Guardian Chimney today by visiting www.GuardianChimney.com.  

More Chimney Cleaning FAQ

I don’t use my chimney. Do I need to have it cleaned?

Yes. Birds and other pests could have taken home in your chimney.

Will a chimney cleaning leave dust all over my house?

A professional sweep should have a vacuum or other system designed for dust control. Your home should be in the same shape it was before the cleaner arrived.

What are the rust stains running down the side of my chimney?

You probably have a prefab fireplaces with a chase top (the metal covering) to block water from entering the chimney’s interior. Sun, rain and others take their effect on the chase top, and time wears the coating off. The metal then begins to rust and rain will carry it down the side, leaving stains. The best way to fix the issue is to replace the top with a new one, as many are now made with stainless steel, which resists rust.

What is a chimney liner?

It’s a stainless steel tube inserted to draft a furnace, woodstove or fireplace. With one, the heat would transfer through brick and mortar, causing the chimney to deteriorate.

What’s the difference between a Level I and Level II inspection?

A Level I Inspection is a visual inspection with basic digital photography, and is recommended for a chimney under continued service. A Level II inspection is required when any changes are made to the system or the property changes hands. It’s done with a closed-circuit video camera.

Guardian Chimney is a New York chimney cleaning company. Learn more about their services at www.ChimneySafetyAuthority.com. 

Chimney Cleaning FAQ

Here are some of the most common questions we get asked about our chimney cleaning services:

What is a chimney sweep?

A chimney sweep is a cleaner of ash, soot and other dirt from chimneys. The term dates back to the Industrial Age, when the number of homes with chimneys grew. In Great Britain, sweeps have become something of a good luck omen, with folklore having it that a bride who sees one on her wedding day is lucky.

What kind of qualifications or certifications do sweeps need to have?

Many states require successful completion of the certified chimney sweep examination from the Chimney Safety Institute of America. To continue education, a New York chimney sweep, New Jersey chimney sweep and ones in other states can take further instruction courses.

How often do I need chimney cleaning services?

It’s recommended by the National Fire Protection Agency that your chimney undergo a yearly inspection, with cleaning and repairs done as necessary. You should also have your wood stoves and/or fireplace inserts, if needed, inspected and cleaned every year. Open fireplaces need a consistent maintenance and cleaning, with experts recommending a cleaning every two to three for each cord of burnt.

Do I need to have my chimney cleaned if I heat with gas?

Yes. Gas is a clean burning fuel and won’t leave ask and soot, but your chimney might become non-functional from bird nets and other debris. Another problem is modern furnaces can cause issues, as most flues are intended to vent older furnaces.

What should I do if my fireplace smells?

The stench is most likely the result of creosote deposits, a natural woodburning byproduct. The summer humidity tends to make the smell worse. A good cleaning usually won’t completely solve the problem, and preferred solutions vary. Air being drawn down the chimney is the real problem, and a damper can help reduce air flow.

Should I have concerns about carbon monoxide poisoning?

The real danger about carbon monoxide is that it’s not easily detected. Your home should be outfitted with at least two carbon monoxide detectors, but these are not a substitute for routine maintenance. Carbon monoxide issues are almost always the result of poor ventilation, with block chimneys being one of the largest causes.

Need a New Jersey chimney sweep? Contact Guardian Chimney by visiting www.GuardianChimney.com. 

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.  

Have Your Chimney Cleaned This Spring & Summer by Guardian Chimney

Your chimney becomes neglected during the warm months. A cozy fire is not needed as much, so we often put the chimney to the back of our mind, and only worry about it when fall arrives.

However, especially in cases where there is no chimney cap, your chimney can become filled with debris, like leaves and animal nests, or suffer water damage from rain entering the chimney flue.

Don’t let this happen. Just because it’s warm inside doesn’t mean your chimney is invulnerable. Contact Guardian Chimney, the New York and New Jersey chimney experts, today at 1.888.688.1388 or visit www.GuardianChimney.com to set up a time for a chimney cleaning or to have a chimney cap installed.

Guardian Chimney Can Prevent Pests from Entering Your Chimney

Spring has sprung. The air is warm, the snow is gone and your chimney is being used less by you. It’s being used, however, by others for a different purpose.

The warmer seasons provide a perfect opportunity for pests – birds, squirrels, raccoons, etc. – to take refuge in your chimney. At Guardian Chimney, the chimney cleaning and masonry repair experts for New York and New Jersey, these are the pests whose nests we encounter most often (note: Guardian Chimney does not offer pest removal service. You should contact an animal control expert to have the birds or rodents removed):

·        Chimney Swift – Chimney swifts are grey birds that breed May through July. Their chosen habitat is open structures, like open chimneys. Chimney swifts are a near threatened bird species, and therefore are protected by the Migratory Bird Act of 1918. What this means is that if chimney swifts have taken residence in your chimney, they can only be removed with proper permits.

·        Squirrels – These rodents are amazing climbers and can crawl into anything, especially open chimneys. Once down inside the chimney flue, squirrels make shelter and nests inside your chimney.

·        Rats – If you’re hearing scraping sounds from inside your chimney, then you might have a rat problem. Like squirrels, rats will make your chimney their home, building a nest and raising their rat families in your masonry’s secure confines.

·        Raccoons – For squirrels and raccoons, a chimney is no different than a big hollow tree. Raccoons love chimneys because they are safe and dry, a perfect living environment. Once they’ve established a nest, they will likely begin to have a litter.

·        Bats – Hearing twittering and rustling from inside the masonry, especially at night? Then you might have a bat problem. Bats love to take shelter in chimneys, especially those that have pulled away from the house. An easy way to tell if these creatures of the night have entered your chimney is to see if there is subtle dark staining around openings. These marks are caused by oils in the bats’ fur.

How do you prevent pests from entering your chimney? The best way is a custom-made chimney cap from Guardian Chimney. Our stainless steel, galvanized or copper tops will not only prevent rodents and other pests from entering your chimney, but it also will reduce the amount of leaves and other debris that can enter the chimney’s top.

Call Guardian Chimney today at 1.888.688.1388 or visit www.GuardianChimney.com today to learn how chimney caps can prevent a total obstruction of your chimney. You can also contact us today to schedule a chimney cleaning if you’ve recently eradicated your pest problem.

24 Hour Emergency Service from Guardian Chimney

If it’s midnight and you have a problem with your chimney, who are you going to call? The answer is Guardian Chimney. We offer 24 hour emergency service for all chimney problems. Visit www.GuardianChimney.com.

Guardian Chimney offers chimney maintenance and chimney repair services to areas in New York and New Jersey. Call us today at 1.888.688.1388 or visit us now at www.GuardianChimney.com! 

What Is A Chimney Sweep?

Historically, mentioning the term "chimney sweep" conjures the mental image of a soot covered character with a broom. Many people mistakenly assume that there's not much to the job beyond sweeping the inside of a fireplace chimney, but nothing could be further from the truth.  

Different styles of chimneys are built from various materials, each vulnerable to its own defects, maintenance considerations and environmental damage.  Chimney sweep services involve not only the cleaning, but the inspection, preservation and repair of your chimney so that your house stays safe and sound. 

Guardian Chimney serves  New York and New Jersey with chimney cleaning, chimney relining, mason repairs and other chimney services, alleviating current and future problems. 

A bit of trivia regarding chimney sweeps:

• What is a chimney sweep? A professional who will not only leave a chimney “clean as a whistle,” as noted once by Bart Simpson, but will look for problems and complications and suggest remedies. Guardian Chimney’s staff is comprised of professionals, trained in the latest industry technologies.
• If superstition is to be believed, sweeps are lucky. According to the BBC, “A uniquely British, and somewhat unusual, superstition is having a chimney sweep present at the wedding for good luck; it is not unknown for some couples employ a sweep to attend their wedding. This apparently dates back to the time of King George III. The king was riding his horse in a royal procession when a dog suddenly appeared and started biting his horse's legs, causing him to lose control of his rearing mount. A man rushed out from the crowd, regained control of the horse, and disappeared back into the crowd. Later, when the procession had ended, the King wanted to thank personally the man he believed had saved his life. All that he could discover about the mystery man was his occupation, that of a chimney sweep. The king decreed that from that day all chimney sweeps should be considered as lucky.”   

Whether you believe in luck or not, hiring a chimney sweep service to clean and inspect your chimney annually will help ensure that you reduce the risk of structural failure and chimney fires. 

Call Guardian Chimney today at 1.888.688.1388 for professional chimney maintenance and chimney repair services in New York and New Jersey. Free Quotes can be obtained at www.GuardianChimney.com. We look forward to working with you and showing you the true professionalism of chimney sweeps.

Receive a Free Consultation from Guardian Chimney

At Guardian Chimney, we’re not interested in wasting your time. We know how busy you are, and how precious your time is.  That’s why we offer each and every client a free consultation for chimney cleaning, chimney relining or chimney mason repair.

Visit www.GuardianChimney.com and fill out our simple form. We’ll be shortly in touch to set up a time to meet with you.

Guardian Chimney offers chimney maintenance and chimney repair services to areas in New York and New Jersey. Call us today at 1.888.688.1388 or visit us now at www.GuardianChimney.com!  

Money Saving Coupons from Guardian Chimney

Guardian Chimney is pleased to offer the following services for a discount this month:

• $100 off a Level 2 Chimney Video Inspection
• 10% off any Chimney Mason Repair
• $25 off Chimney Cleaning
• 10% off any Chimney Relining

Visit www.GuardianChimney.com to learn more.

Guardian Chimney offers chimney maintenance and chimney repair services to areas in New York and New Jersey. Call us today at 1.888.688.1388 or visit us now at www.GuardianChimney.com!  

Get a Free Estimate from Guardian Chimney

Is your chimney dirty? Do you have need of chimney relining or want to install a chimney cap? Could you use a gas log?

Guardian Chimney, serving New York and New Jersey with chimney cleaning, chimney relining, mason repairs and other chimney services, would love to work with you. That’s why we offer all clients Free Quotes through www.GuardianChimney.com. You shouldn’t have to pay to know how much something will cost and you shouldn’t have to waste time and energy waiting for a estimate. We want to perform the service not only professionally, but also quickly.

Call Guardian Chimney today at 1.888.688.1388 for professional chimney maintenance and chimney repair services in New York and New Jersey. We look forward to working with you!

Get a High-Tech Video Chimney Inspection from Guardian Chimney

Guardian Chimney is proud to offer high-tech, high-quality chimney video inspections to our clients in New York and New Jersey.

We use a high-quality, color video camera system to check the condition of your chimney. This gives us the ability to inspect the interior elements of the flue and see things in accessible to the naked eye.

To learn more about our chimney video inspections, visit www.GuardianChimney.com.

Guardian Chimney offers chimney maintenance and chimney repair services to areas in New York and New Jersey. Call us today at 1.888.688.1388 or visit us now at www.GuardianChimney.com!  

Take a Guided Tour of Your Chimney with Guardian Chimney

Your chimney, like most, appears to be in fine condition. That view is only from the outside.

At Guardian Chimney, we offer a Guided Tour of your chimney. Sure, the masonry appears fine, but you won’t be able to see your chimney lining eroding or if moisture has leached through to your home’s interior walls. Go to www.GuardianChimney.com to take our Guided Tour.

Guardian Chimney offers chimney maintenance and chimney repair services to areas in New York and New Jersey. Call us today at 1.888.688.1388 or visit us now at 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.