The Chimney Inspection Process

For homes that use a chimney to push out exhaust heat, it's important to have regular inspections done on the chimney to make sure it is both structurally sound, and also to make sure that the airway is not obstructed in any way. Issues with either can raise safety concerns and increase the chance of a chimney fire in your home.

In some cases, a visual inspection will be sufficient. An inspection specialist can come in, take a look at and in your chimney, and conclude that things are working properly, and that your chimney can continue being used. There are other cases where a more thorough inspection needs to be completed. In these, a camera is used to look at the inside of the chimney and survey its interior for any potential issues. Areas that are great for video inspections include the smoke chamber, as well as the flue -- two areas that are responsible for many chimney fires that take place.

Interested in having New Jersey chimney inspection performed at your home? Get in touch with Guardian Chimney today. You can read us toll-free at (888) 688-1388.

Importance of Chimney Inspections

Not only is it important to have your chimney cleaned on a regular basis, but it's also a very good idea to have your chimney inspected. If you make a major change to your home, or you experience one that's out of your control, an inspection, such as a Level 2 chimney inspection, should be one of the first things you schedule.

One of the situations you should schedule a chimney inspection for is when you make a change to your heating system. This can be change from a wood-burning fireplace to a gas fireplace, or some other change that results in your chimney acting as an exhaust for a completely different type of heating system. It's important that your chimney is inspected to make sure it's safe to work with your new system.

Another situation is when your chimney flue is relined. Should this occur, you'll want to make sure nothing about your chimney was compromised during the process.

If you add or replace an appliance in your home that makes use of the chimney, this is another good time to have your chimney more thoroughly checked out.

Finally, if your home endures a heavy storm, whether it's wind, rain, snow, or hail, it's a good idea to have your chimney inspected by a professional once the storm has passed. It could have shifted or sustained damage during the storm that isn't visible to the naked eye, and operating your chimney in this condition could put you and your home in danger.

Schedule your New Jersey chimney inspection today by making a call to Guardian Chimney. You can reach us by phone, toll-free, at (888) 688-1388.

The White House Chimney Sweep

Photo credit: ericspitznagel.com

Did you know that the White House has a chimney sweep? For the past 19 years, through three presidential administrations (two terms of Bill Clinton, two terms of George W. Bush and one term so far of Barack Obama), Jeff Schmittinger of Waukesha, Wisconsin has cleaned the White House's 35 chimneys. The best part? Schmittinger has done it for free.

His job started in 1993, when he volunteered to clean the chimneys after hearing how bad the country's federal deficit problem was. President Bill Clinton took him up on his offer, and Schmittinger has been handling the duties ever since.

Does your home need a chimney cleaning of its own? Get in touch with Bergen County chimney sweeps Guardian Chimney today by calling (888) 688-1388.

Chimney Sweeps Celebrate in England

A 400-year tradition, the Sweeps Festival, was revived in 1980 and has been running strong for 32 years in Rochester, England. The festival, which harkens back to the Victorian chimney sweep days of old, includes Morris dancers and a Jack-in-the-Green ceremony that helps it stick to tradition. Here are a few photos from the festival (photo credit: Huffington Post).







The profession of the chimney sweep is a proud, storied tradition and we're always happy to see its roots celebrated. Need a chimney sweep of your own? Contact Bergen County chimney sweeps Guardian Chimney today at (888) 688-1388.

100-Year-Old Letter to Santa Found in a Chimney

When a home goes a long time without a chimney inspection or cleaning, it tends to build up quite a bit of soot and dirt. It can also hold some mysteries that are a century old -- at least, that was the case for a homeowner in Dublin, Ireland.

During the installation of a central heating system in his home, John Byrne found this letter on a shelf inside his chimney.



The letter, written in 1911, was left for Santa Claus, and was written by two children who had lived in the home over 100 years ago. It asks for very simple things; a waterproof hood, a baby doll, and a long toffee, to name a few. One thing is for certain -- with a routine chimney inspection, this letter would have found much sooner!

Get in touch with Guardian Chimney today to schedule a Level 2 chimney inspection. You can reach us by phone at (888) 688-1388, or complete our contact form online.

Fun Chimney Sweep Facts

The chimney sweep trade traces back several centuries. Here are a few fun facts about chimney sweeps that we've collected.

• It is apparently good luck to see a chimney sweep on the day of your wedding. This story can be traced back to one lucky chimney sweep who fell off the roof while working, but fortunately became caught on the gutter. A young woman pulled him in through a window, and the two fell in love and later married.
• The town chimney sweep used to walk the streets on New Year's Day with a pig in tow. Why? Pigs are supposedly good luck charms, and chimney sweeps are as well (see the above fact).
• Chimney sweeps are often depicted as fellows who wear suits and top hats. They did not try to dress in such a fancy manner on purpose, however. Originally, chimney sweeps started to wear suits and hats because they were passed down to them by far more wealthy undertakers.
• The term "light a fire under you," is thought to have originated from the use of small children as chimney cleaners. Many of the children understandably did not enjoy being forced to clean chimneys, and some sweep masters would force the children into the chimney flue and then light a fire to "help" them reach the top of the chimney. It was a cruel practice that did not stand the test of time, thankfully.

Does your chimney need a good cleaning? Get in touch with the team at Guardian Chimney today! You can call toll-free (888) 688-1388, or complete our online contact request form.

A Brief Chimney Sweep History

The profession known as "chimney sweeping" really took off in England in the 17th and 18th centuries. During this time, the fireplace was catching on as a great way to keep homes heated in cold temperatures. In fact, the English were such big fans of fireplaces that they started having them installed in every room of the home for optimal heating. The multiple fireplaces often connected via a maze of pipes to one chimney, and these pipes became dirty and clogged with soot very quickly.

Thus, the chimney cleaning industry was born.

Chimney sweeps initially swept chimneys at no cost to the homeowner. Instead, the chimney sweep sold the soot from the cleaning to farmers as fertilizer, and profited that way. When chemical fertilizers started to become popular, chimney sweeps were forced to begin charging for their services. They did quite well, too -- it's said that over 1,000 chimney sweeps served Victorian London.

Times are obviously a bit different now. We have multiple sources of heat, such as gas and electricity, that are more popular, but the chimney sweep trade still survives, and keeping your chimney clean is just as important in 2012 as it was in the 1700s. If you're interested in having your chimney inspected and cleaned, be sure to contact Guardian Chimney today at 1-888-688-1388.

Save big! Coupons from Guardian Chimney

In need of some chimney work, or a chimney cleaning? This month, Guardian Chimney is helping you get that work done at an even better price than usual.

Our special chimney discounts for this month include:

• $50 off Level 2 Video Inspection
• 10% off any Chimney Masonry Repair
• $25 off Chimney Cleaning
• 10% off any Chimney Relining

You don't need to print off any coupons; just mention one of these deals when you contact Guardian Chimney and we'll give you the discount automatically. Our number is (888) 688-1388, or you can reach us through our online contact form.

What is a Chimney Sweep?

The phrase "chimney sweep" might conjure up fun images of a dancing Dick van Dyke, but in reality, the job of a chimney sweep is a very important one. A dirty or damaged chimney system presents a serious danger to your home and health -- a chimney sweep is tasked with cleaning your chimney, performing any necessary repairs, and visually inspecting your chimney system to make sure everything is in proper working order.

Homeowners in Bergen County NJ have trusted Guardian Chimney with their chimney maintenance needs for over 16 years. Prior to beginning your chimney cleaning or repair, someone from Guardian Chimney will complete a free estimate, letting you know how much the project should cost before any work is started. When the job is finished, you, your loved ones, and your home will be much safer.

Ready to have your Bergen County chimney cleaned, serviced, or inspected? Give Guardian Chimney a call today at 1-888-688-1388.

Free Estimate from Guardian Chimney

Your chimney ventilates smoke from your fireplace into the outside air, but not all byproducts of a fire make it out of the chimney. Dirt, dust, and soot can build up inside your chimney, creating a very serious fire hazard. Your chimney can also become damaged due to storms or other events. If you feel your chimney might present a danger to your home and your loved ones, call the most trusted chimney maintenance and repair company for Bergen County residents -- Guardian Chimney.

For over 16 years, Guardian Chimney has helped thousands of families in New Jersey, including those in Bergen County, safeguard their homes through professional chimney cleaning, maintenance and repair. Guardian Chimney offers customers a free estimate, giving them a price for repairs and service before the job even begins at no cost.

If you'd like to have your chimney cleaned or otherwise repaired for the winter season, contact Guardian Chimney at 1-888-688-1388.

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.