Chimney and Fireplace Smoke Problems and Solutions

Have you ever noticed that your fireplace has dark soot stains above where you burn your fire? Does your home ever fill with smoke or smell like smoke while the fireplace is in use? If so, you may have a chimney and fireplace smoke problem. Not to worry, we can help!

There are many reasons that fireplaces smoke. Below is a list of the most common reasons.

• The damper is fully open.
• The firewood is green or wet from rain or snow.
• The chimney is dirty.
• The chimney isn’t tall enough.
• The flue isn’t large enough for the fireplace opening.
• The chimney is on an outside wall of the house.
• The home can be too tight or too loose!
• There’s also a chance there were design problems when the fireplace was built.

Call Superior Chimney Services Corp. today, so one of our CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps can assess your chimney and its termination environment to pin point the cause(s) of your fireplace smoke back up and prescribe the resolution!

The Importance of Dryer Vent Sweeps

Is it taking longer than normal for your clothes to dry? If so, there’s a chance your dryer vent is overdue for annual cleaning. When the dryer vent is filled with lint and dust it reduces air flow capacity, so your dryer isn’t able to dry clothes as quickly and efficiently as it should. It’s important to have your dryer vent cleaned annually because if it gets clogged with lint a fire can occur. Did you know that dryer fires have been of the leading cause of house fires over the past few years? A dryer vent clogged (fully or partially) with lint reduces airflow escape. In turn this causes heat build-up and then ignition, which means a dryer fire. Concerned your dryer vent might need to be cleaned? Call Superior Chimney Services, Corp. today at (877) 244-6349, and we will have to clean for you in no time!

Why Get a Chimney Sweep?

Does your house have a chimney? Well, if it hasn’t been swept in over a year, it needs to be! You might say you only use your fireplace on special occasions, or extra cold nights, so you don’t need to have your chimney swept once a year. Well, the truth is, no matter how often you use your chimney it should be swept at least once per year. Why? Read the reasons listed below!

• A CSIA Certified technician will be able to examine your chimney for fire worthiness. If your chimney is blocked by debris, or excess build up it’s a serious fire hazard. Additionally, you could be breathing in fatal amounts of carbon monoxide if all of the smoke is unable to escape.
• It isn’t uncommon for animals such as birds, squirrels, bats and raccoons to live in chimneys. The animals build their nests in chimneys and this causes blockage. Along with the nests, excessive creosote buildup and broken/collapsed chimney liners can clog the chimney. These obstructions have to be removed in order to prevent chimney fires. Freeze & thaw cycles of winter deteriorate chimneys.
• Preventative maintenance is key! If you have cracks in your chimney a licensed professional will find them and repair them before they turn into a bigger issue.

Call Superior Chimney Services, Corp. to schedule a chimney sweep to ensure your chimney is in tip top shape! We can be reached at 877-244-6349.

How to Prep Your Fireplace for the Cold Season

Fall has arrived, and you know what that means – chilly weather! Now is the time of year to start prepping your fireplace for the cold season. Read the tips below to learn about the best ways to prep your fireplace for the season!

• Call Superior Chimney Services, Corp. so that we can sweep & inspect your chimney. When we sweep your chimney we remove creosote and soot that has built up over the past year.
• Be sure the damper opens and closes sufficiently & efficiently.
• Are there cracks in the fire mortar of the brickwork in your fireplace? If so, have the cracks repaired immediately! If you don’t, a fire could occur.
• Make sure raccoons, squirrels, birds or bats and other small animals haven’t made a home in your chimney! If they have, make sure the animals are removed, and have a chimney cap installed to keep more animals from inhabiting your chimney.
• Be sure to have plenty of wood stocked up for the winter months. Don’t worry about having too much because you can always save it for summer campouts, or for next winter.

Call Superior Chimney today at 877-CHIM-FIX (877-244-6349). We will answer your questions and schedule a time to inspect your chimney.

Resources: http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-prepare-your-fireplace-or-woodstove-for-win.html

What You Need to Know When Burning Wood

Most of us burn wood in our fireplaces, so it might seem simple, however there are several safety tips you will want to keep in mind. This blog post offers some safety tips and tricks to keep your family safe and your fire burning safer!

• Get an annual chimney check: Have your chimney swept by a certified service technician. This helps to reduce the amount of creosote obstruction and build up in the chimney.
• Keep it clear: Make sure branches and leaves are at least 15 feet from the top of the chimney.
• Install a chimney cap: This will keep debris and animals out of the chimney.
• Choose the right fuel: Choose well-seasoned wood. Warning: never burn Christmas trees or treated wood in a wood stove or fireplace.
• Build it right: Do not use flammable liquids. Make sure there’s a supporting grate in your fireplace.
• Keep the hearth area clear: Do not keep furniture or other items near the fireplace.
• Use a fireplace screen: Fireplace screens will catch sparks and flames, and prevent them from catching onto your floor or carpet.
• Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Make sure there are detectors throughout your home. Check them bi-annually.
• Never leave a fire unattended: Be sure to extinguish the fire before going to bed.
• The CSIA recommends annual inspections: Have your chimney inspected on a yearly basis! (The Chimney Safety Institute of America)

Call Superior Chimney today at 877-CHIM-FIX (877-244-6349). We will answer your questions and schedule a time to inspect your chimney.

Resource: http://www.csia.org/homeowner-resources/When_You_Burn_Wood.aspx

FAQ: How Often Do I Need My Chimney Cleaned?

If you have a chimney you've probably wondered how often it needs to be cleaned. Read below to learn more!

Cleaning intervals are based on usage. The more wood burned the more creosote accumulation within. It is recommended to sweep your wood-burning chimney after every face chord of wood burned. The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) code 211 says, "Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary." An annual inspection with a fireplace chimney sweep as required. This is the National safety standard!

Call Superior Chimney today at 877-CHIM-FIX so that we can get your chimney cleaned and ready for the cold season!

Why Do Chimneys Emit Fireplace Smell over the Summer?

During the summer have you ever noticed a smoky or almost campfire type smell in your home? If so, don’t fret, this isn’t unusual and can be prevented!

Fireplace smells come from creosote deposits in your chimney, a natural byproduct of burning wood. Chimney odors are usually worse in the summer when the humidity is high, on rainy days, and/or when the air conditioner is running. A good chimney sweep may help minimize your fireplace smell, but will not solve your problem.

Creosote absorbs into the porous masonry construction inside your chimney, embedding the fireplace smell beyond the masonry's surface (much like the walls of your firebox stain black with use). A chimney sweep will remove the surface buildup of creosote to prevent an ignition (chimney fire), but the chimney odors remain absorbed into the masonry surface causing fireplace smells.

The real problem is air coming down the chimney, a symptom of overall pressure problems. As air moves down through your chimney, it brings the inner fireplace smells & chimney odors along with it. It is likely that your chimney is just the victim of a negative pressure problem.

Some causes of pressure change & fireplace smells entry are:

• Inefficient damper closures.
• New furnace, boiler, and/or water heater.
• New windows and/or doors.
• Home additions.
• A change in your roofing ventilation (attic fan).
• Stove range exhaust fans.
• Dryer vent exhausts.
• A neighboring structure's height increase.
• When you burn upstairs do you get chimney smoke or fireplace smells downstairs?

Call Superior Chimney today at 877-CHIM-FIX so that we can assess your chimney and its environment to find the cause(s) of your fireplace smell and prescribe the resolution.

Why is Preventative Maintenance Important for My Chimney?

Taking care of your chimney now will help keep your family and home safe. It will also save you money!
Preventative maintenance is key because it helps to prevent issues from occurring, and helps to keep your chimney in tip top shape for years longer! In addition to lengthening your chimney’s life span, preventative maintenance will help to prevent chimney fires.

Preventative Maintenance Steps:
1.    Once a year have your chimney swept by a CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) certified chimney professional. The chimney sweep will clean any dirt, debris and creosote out of the flue. The chimney technician will also let you know if they notice anything within the chimney that needs to be fixed.
2.    Once a year have your chimney inspected by a CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) certified chimney technician. A certified chimney sweep will make sure there is no damage to the fire walls, i.e.: cracks and gaps.
3.    Install a chimney cap. This will help prevent animals, nesting, and debris from getting into the chimney. 
4.    Be sure to only burn seasoned wood. Wet wood can cause more creosote to build up and heighten chimney fire risks.

Call Superior Chimney today so that we can schedule a time to inspect your chimney! We can be reached at 877-CHIM-FIX (877-244-6349). We look forward to hearing from you!

What Causes Rust Stains on the Sides of Chimneys?

Have you ever looked up at your chimney, noticed rust stains on the side, and wondered how they got there? Well, if so, you’ve come to the right place for more information!
Rust stains on masonry chimneys are most commonly the result of chimney flue cap construction materials which rust/corrode (galvanized). Then, rain water will carry the rust down the side of the chimney, staining it. Solution… Call Superior Chimney today for a stainless steel cap replacement!
Rust stains appearing on pre-fabricated chimneys are most typical. Pre-fabricated chimneys have a metal covering, known as a chase top (or cap), which prevents water from getting into the wood framed chimney chase. The metal coverings tend to be cheaply made on-site, and as a result the metal coatings wear off from rain, sun and other elements, which expose the metal. Eventually the metal will begin to rust. Unfortunately, when it rains the water will carry the rust down the side of the chimney, staining it.
How do you solve this? Simple! Replace the old, rusty metal covering from your chimney with a brand new stainless chimney chase top (or cap). Call Superior Chimney today, and our custom shop will fabricate the right stainless steel chase cap replacement for your chimney!

“Spring Cleaning” for Your Chimney

Spring is almost here, and you know what that means, cleaning! Today, we aren’t going to talk about regular spring cleaning; we are going to talk about ‘spring cleaning” for your chimney. With the warm weather right around the corner (hopefully!) you will want to have your chimney swept, for both maintenance and aesthetic reasons.

During the summer your chimney may begin to smell if it hasn’t been swept out. The rain and humidity can cause the odor of creosote accumulations to spike during the warmer humid months. The smell will flow through the chimney and to the interior living space of your home. Having your chimney swept during the spring will help to eliminate this smell.

Winters freeze-thaw cycle will inevitably damage the exterior of your chimney. In the springtime, having the cracks repaired and/or seals replenished will make a world of difference in the appearance & longevity of your chimneys structure.

Also, consider that spring is the best time to have masonry work done - chimney or otherwise.  If your chimney appears to be crumbing, cracking or has seen better days it is time for a restoration plan.  Beat the fall rush (the end of construction season for the year) and take advantage of “early bird” type offers and flexibility of scheduling in the beginning of masonry season this spring!

Call Superior Chimney today to see how you chimney has “weathered” this past winters freeze & thaw cycles! We look forward to hearing from you at 1-877-CHIM-FIX (1-877-244-6349).

Resources:

http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2245&dat=20070323&id=xJIzAAAAIBAJ&sjid=UyEGAAAAIBAJ&pg=5687,2841041

Water and Freeze Thaw Cycles Effect on Masonry Chimneys

Masonry chimneys are constructed of many different materials, all of which are effected by water. Below is a list of some of the different types of materials that are used in building masonry type chimneys.
1. Brick
2. Mortar
3. Concrete
4. Concrete Block
5. Stone
6. Flue Tile
7. Steel and Cast Iron

When water seeps into chimneys it can erode the mortar joints and then weaken the bricks. During winter, the freeze/thaw cycle really affects the material make up of chimneys because it causes the chimney to expand and contract. This causes cracks, missing mortar and gaps.
In order to prevent water damage to your chimney we have two suggestions:
1. Invest in a chimney cap. Chimney caps are rather inexpensive, and are a great way to prevent water from entering your chimney. In addition, a chimney cap prevents birds, raccoons, and other animals from making their home in your chimney!
2. Waterproof your chimney! The plus of using water repelling agents, is that they allow chimneys to breathe! Meaning moisture that is already in the chimney is able to escape, but no new moisture is able to enter.
Call Superior Chimney Services, Corp. at (877) 244-6349, for more information!
                                   

Resource: http://www.mastermasonry.com/chimney.htm