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.