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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.