The Importance of Chimney Liners

Chimney liners are the passageway in the fireplace or furnace flue through which gases (carbon monoxide) and smoke travel out of your home. Chimney liners protect your family and home from dangerous gases and smoke, so needless to say chimney liners are an essential part of your chimney! We highly recommend having stainless steel chimney liners installed in your chimney.

Below is a list of the advantages of stainless steel chimney liners.

• Stainless steel chimney liners have a lifetime warranty.
• Stainless steel chimney liners provide superior fire protection for your home.
• Meet code requirements for safe operation and resale.
• Stainless steel chimney liners are one long continuous piece - not sectional (no connectors or fireplace mortar joints to shift or separate like clay tile chimney liners).

Superior Chimney's CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) Certified Chimney Sweeps can provide this chimney service. They are trained, tested, and Nationally Certified to inspect your chimney liners. Call Superior Chimney Services, Corp. today at 877-CHIM-FIX (877-244-6349).

Why Do I Need a Chimney Cap?

Chimney caps provide protection from water intrusion damage, animal entry, spark escape (spark arrester), down drafts, etc. Much like the sidewalk & street, water intrusion with expansion & contraction causes cracks. This is undesirable in the firewalls of your chimney.

Below is a list of the benefits of chimney caps:

• A rain cap keeps out rain & snow - eliminating chimney linerSuperior chimney raccoon saturation, frost, & ice formation.
• Chimney caps keep animals and their nesting out of your chimney.
• The spark arrestor of a chimney cap stops stray sparks from leaving your chimney.
• Chimney caps help to eliminate & minimize wind downdrafts that can cause fireplace smoke backup.

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

Angie's List Super Service Award 2014

We're proud and excited to announce that we've been awarded the Angie's List Super Service Award for 2014. Superior Chimney Services, Corp. has won the Angie's List Super Service Award every year since 2006. You're all the best - we couldn't have done it without all of our great customers - THANK YOU!

FAQ: Do I Need to be Home for the Appointment?

Yes, chimney sweeps and full inspection of fireplace chimney, furnace flue, and dryer vents require interior home access. Most importantly, if something comes up during the inspection, your presence and our certified technicians visual equipment will give you first hand knowledge of what, where, when, why, and how to rectify the issue.

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

FAQ: Can I Prevent Future Costly Chimney Repairs

Yes, preventative maintenance is the best kind! We've found that water is a chimney's worst enemy. As odd as it may seem, chimney leaks cause more damage to masonry chimneys than fire. (Chimney leaks cause costly fireplace chimney repair needs - Waterproofing saves you money!) There are many services & applications, which prevent water penetration & absorption into your masonry chimney. They will help to preserve & maintain its existing integrity & appearance. Call Superior Chimney Services, Corp. today at 877-CHIM-FIX (877-244-6349). We will answer your questions and schedule a time to inspect your chimney.

What is a Clothes Dryer Vent Sweep?

Also known as dryer exhaust sweeps, dryer duct cleanings, or dryer vent sweeps – Dryer vent cleanings remove the lint buildup in your vent, which bypasses the lint trap of your dryer unit. This shortens your dryer unit life, extends dry times, and may cause a dryer fire.

Lint Buildup Takes More Energy (Money) To Dry Your Clothes: If your dryer isn't drying your clothes like it used to, you probably don’t need a new dryer (big relief!) – just a standard or pressurized mechanical dryer vent cleaning! A dryer vent clogged with lint reduces airflow so your dryer can't dry clothes as efficiently or quickly as it used to. An inefficient dryer uses more energy, thereby costing you more money. Dryer vent cleanings save you money.

Dryer vent cleaning prevents dryer fires: Dryer fires have been of the leading cause of home fires throughout recent years. A dryer vent clogged (fully or partially) with lint reduces airflow escape. This causes heat build up and then ignition (a dryer fire). Lint is a boy scouts favorite material for starting fires; after all, it is highly flammable! Dryer vent cleanings prevent dryer fires and save lives.

Contact Superior Chimney Services, Corp today at 877-CHIM-FIX (877-244-6349). We will answer your questions and schedule a time to complete a clothes dryer vent sweep.

How Often Do I Need My Chimney Cleaned?

We know, we've posted about this topic before, but it's very important and stands to be reiterated.

Chimney 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." Annual inspection with a fireplace chimney sweep as required. This is the National safety standard!

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

Fireplace Firebrick Heat Reflector Shields

Today we want to explain what Fireplace Firebrick Heat Reflector Shields are and what they do.

Over time, with use, your firebox rear firewall will crack, pit, fireplace mortar joints begin to fail & recede, and firebricks start to loosen up as a result of direct combustion heat expansion & contraction exposure and/or water intrusion. If not repaired and/or protected, fire worthiness & integrity compromise will soon occur causing the need for fireplace chimney repairs.

Advantages of the heat reflector shield:

    20-40% more heat radiated into your home.
    Prevent expensive fireplace chimney repairs to fireplace mortar & firebricks.
    Preserve & maintain remaining & restored fire worthiness of fireplace mortar & firebricks.
    Covers soot stained rear firewalls improving overall fireplace appearance.

Crack, pit, fireplace mortar joints begin to fail - In an unprotected fireplace, heat is absorbed into the firebox back wall which causes the firebricks to crack and the fireplace mortar that holds the firebricks together to breakdown, leading to expensive fireplace chimney repairs.

Direct combustion heat expansion & contraction exposure - when burning a fire, the fire requires oxygen to burn.  So it draws air in from the room.  As the air is drawn into the firebox, it pushes the heat and flame towards the rear firebricks of your firebox. This causes an immense amount of expansion of the firewall. Then, as the fire dies out, your firebricks begin to contract (cool).  This process is repeated every time you use your fireplace.
   
Water intrusion - your rear firewall will also crack as a result of water leaks coming down from the top of the fireplace chimney.  Firewalls & firebrick are very porous as they are intended to withstand the very high temperatures of combustion.  This means that they are very absorbent of water. Water saturation combined with direct combustion exposure is a recipe for a very fast progressive rate of fire worthiness and integrity breakdown. Superior Chimney's heat shield will protect & aid in fireplace chimney repair prevention.

Worthiness & integrity compromise - If your firewall is beyond repair and preservation, it must be replaced or rebuilt. The heat reflective shield is a recommended install after fireplace chimney repair or reconstruction of the firebox to aid in prevention of fire worthiness & integrity loss re-occurrence.

Superior Chimney's heat shield protects the rear firebricks and fireplace mortar of your firebox from needing fireplace chimney repairs. It prevents direct combustion heat expansion & contraction exposure, which greatly minimizes expansion & contraction of firewall firebricks and fireplace mortar. Furthermore it helps to preserve & maintain remaining & restored integrity.  Your back firewall will no longer absorb all of the heat because the heat reflective shield will radiate the heat back into your home, where it should be!

A fireplace with Superior Chimney's heat reflector shield protecting it; the back wall of the fireplace is exposed to 1/3 less heat.  The heat is radiated into the room where it should be and damage to the fireplace mortar and firebricks is significantly reduced or stopped! You'll feel the difference!

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

How to Protect Your Chimney from Water Leaks

Water is a chimney's worst enemy. Chimney leaks, fireplace leaks, and water damage may be from exterior water intrusion caused by no chimney cap, crown cracks & deterioration, mortar joint deterioration, cracking in the masonry construction, flashing & roof leaks, shoulder slab gaps, foundation cracking, and/or flue gas condensation (over or under sized chimney liners).

Masonry water damage caused by chimney leaks is sometimes a slow, subtle process. Chimney leaks are often not evident until it has become quite serious.

Protect your investment from chimney leaks:

• Have professional grade chimney caps installed.
• Repair or replace a damaged chimney crown.
• Repair deteriorated brick & mortar joints.
• Repair or replace a leaky flashing.
• Have your chimney waterproofed!

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

Common Question: Why Do I Need to Have My Chimney Cleaned?

Chimney sweeps are for integrity purposes, cleaning, and obstruction free assurance. Creosote, also known as soot, is a natural byproduct of burning wood. As the smoke goes up your fireplace chimney, creosote clings to the inner walls of your chimney. Creosote is highly flammable and causes chimney fires. An annually chimney sweep with inspection helps to provide safe continuous use as recommended by Code 211 of the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association).

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

Brick Masonry Chimney Rebuilds

Also known as chimney reconstruction, brick chimney repairs, fireplace chimney repairs, partial chimney rebuilds, roof line up chimney rebuilds, or total chimney rebuilds. Cracking, water leaking, element exposure, usage, time, and lack of preventative maintenance render your chimney structurally vulnerable, inviting the need for fireplace chimney repairs, and/or requiring a chimney rebuild. You may have to start over with a chimney rebuild and a waterproofing protection plan.
As odd as it may seem, chimney leaks cause more damage to masonry chimneys than fire. (Chimney leaks cause costly fireplace chimney repair needs - Waterproofing saves you money!)
Superior's chimney rebuilds include set up (scaffolding in most cases), tear down & disposal, Brick Masonry Chimney Rebuilds and code reconstruction of your existing chimney. These classifications are the most common of required chimney rebuilds:

• Partial chimney rebuilds: small chimneys (no scaffolding) or only the top few courses of a large chimney (+ new crown).
• Flashing area up chimney rebuilds: Substantial mortar and/or brick deterioration has eliminated the possibility of a tuck pointing (tuckpointing) restoration. The structure is torn down to the flashing area near the roofline, and then the chimney rebuild commences (+ new crown).
• Total chimney rebuilds: Complete tear down of the outer layer of the brick on a chimney (+ new crown). In most cases the firebox, hearth, and smoke chamber do not have to be removed (minor brick chimney repair is usually sufficient). Total chimney rebuilds are necessary when the chimney is leaning, has severe mortar deterioration or severe brick spalling has occurred from ground level up, etc.

A chimney crown is of the greatest protection for the masonry construction beneath it by helping to prevent the need for fireplace chimney repairs & chimney rebuilding. It is the top element of a masonry chimney rebuild (cement slab). It protects the top of the chimney starting at the fire clay flue liner & hangs over the chimneys edge (drip edge). Most masonry chimneys that have "crowns" are built inadequately. These "crowns" are constructed from common mortar mix, the same mixture used to lay the bricks of the chimney. This mortar is not designed for and will not withstand years of weather abuse without cracking, chipping or deteriorating; situations that allow water to penetrate the chimney and cause the need for fireplace chimney repairs & chimney rebuilds.
All the brick and other materials that make up your home are protected by the roof and eave, all that is, except your chimney. The chimney sticks up above the roof constantly exposed to all the elements; rain, snow, wind, freeze & thaw cycles of winter, etc. Masonry materials deteriorate very quickly when they absorb moisture and are exposed to the freeze & thaw cycles of winter, causing undue stress; integrity loss, fireplace chimney repair & chimney rebuild needs.
Chimney leaks & water penetration cause interior and exterior damage to your home and masonry chimney. Water inside your chimney causes rust in steel and cast iron, weakening or destroying the metal parts, and compromising fire worthiness - all creating fireplace chimney repair or chimney rebuild needs.

* Repeated and/or improper brick chimney repairs, fireplace chimney repairs, and chimney rebuilds are of the largest causes of needing a chimney rebuild.

PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE:

Superior Chimney can apply chimney saver, which has been developed specifically for use as a waterproofing agent on masonry chimneys to aid in preservation of integrity preventing brick chimney repair needs. This formula is vapor permeable, which means that it allows your masonry chimney to breathe out, but not in. Thus, water that has penetrated your masonry chimney, or moisture that has originated from inside, is allowed to escape, while the waterproofing agent prevents water entry from the outside. Read more about masonry Chimney Saver & how it can prevent brick chimney repair needs & chimney rebuilds.
Call Superior Chimney today at 877-CHIM-FIX (877-244-6349). We will answer your questions and schedule a time to inspect your chimney.

Enervex / Exhausto Fireplace Fans

Also known as Enervex fans, chimney fans, chimney exhaust fans, fireplace fans, or chimney smoke fans. Exhausto chimney fans are an easy and 100% effective solution for chimney smoke problems including draft problems, improperly sized flues, low termination heights, poor design, negative pressure problems, and more.

Advantages of exhausto fireplace fans:

• No fireplace smoke in the house - 100% guaranteed.
• Extremely quiet operation - uses as much energy as a regular light bulb.
• Maintenance free motor.
• Can be coated a variety of colors to compliment any exterior.
• Also acts as a ventilator to clear the home of other odors (cigarette smoke, stale odors, etc.).
• The White House has an exhausto fireplace fan on every chimney. (Trusted proof!)

Advantages of exhausto fireplace fans:

• No fireplace smoke in the house - 100% guaranteed.
• Extremely quiet operation - uses as much energy as a regular light bulb.
• Maintenance free motor.
• Can be coated a variety of colors to compliment any exterior.
• Also acts as a ventilator to clear the home of other odors (cigarette smoke, stale odors, etc.).
• The White House has an exhausto fireplace fan on every chimney. (Trusted proof!)

100% effective solution - Even difficult chimney smoke problems such as poorly proportioned corner fireplaces, see-through fireplaces, back drafting fireplaces, and odors from your chimney are solved with Superior Chimney's exhausto fireplace fans. The only 100% guaranteed resolution to all chimney smoke problems!

Call Superior Chimney today at 877-CHIM-FIX (877-244-6349). We will be able to answer any questions you might have about Enervex / Exhausto Fireplace Fans.

Chimney Odors & Fireplace Smell

Do you have a funny smoky smell in your home? If so, it might be due to your chimney!

Fireplace smells come from creosote deposits in your chimney, a natural byproduct of burning wood. Chimney odors are usually worse in the summer - so if you're not experiencing this issue now you might be soon! - when the humidity is high, on rainy days, and/or when the air conditioner is running.

How do the smells occur? Air travels 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 and into your home.

Below are a few causes of pressure change and fireplace smells.

1. Inefficient damper closures.
2. New furnace, boiler, and/or water heater.
3. New windows and/or doors.
4. Home additions.
5. A change in your roofing ventilation (attic fan).
6. Stove range exhaust fans.
7. Dryer vent exhausts.
8. A neighboring structure's height increase.

Call Superior Chimney today at 877-CHIM-FIX (877-244-6349). We can schedule an appointment to assess your chimney and its termination environment to find the cause(s) of the fireplace smell and give you a resolution.

How Often Do I Need My Chimney Cleaned?

You'll want to clean you chimney based on how much you use it. Basically, 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." Annual inspection with a fireplace chimney sweep as required. This is the National safety standard!

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

Preventing Deteriorated Brickwork on Chimneys

Did you know that deteriorated brickwork weakens the chimney's integrity? If the brickwork on your chimney becomes deteriorated it can allow cold drafts, water and insects to invade your home.

Not to worry, we can help prevent this from happening!

Superior Chimney can apply chimney saver, which has been developed specifically for use as a waterproofing agent on masonry chimneys to aid in preservation of integrity preventing brick chimney repair needs. This formula is vapor permeable, which means that it allows your masonry chimney to breathe out, but not in. Thus, water that has penetrated your masonry chimney, or moisture that has originated from inside, is allowed to escape, while the waterproofing agent prevents water entry from the outside. Read more about masonry Chimney Saver & how it prevents brick chimney repair needs.

Important Tip: Paint, or any non-vapor permeable water sealer, should never be used as a waterproofing agent because it will trap moisture inside your masonry chimney, accelerate deterioration, and cause brick chimney repair needs.

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

The Importance of Chimney Dampers

Superior Chimney's top fitting fireplace dampers are chimney caps & chimney dampers in one. Below is a list of the benefits of our fireplace dampers.

• Seals in your heat in the winter & air conditioning in the summer.
• Seals out animals, birds, and insects.
• Seals out rain, snow, sleet, and hail.
• Helps prevent sparks from landing on your roof, potentially causing a home fire.
• Eliminates/minimizes wind downdrafts (closed/open).
• Much more efficient than traditional throat-mount chimney flues.
• Handle is easy to reach, see, & easy to use.
• Most consistent opening height on market (free flow design).
• Lifetime Warranty.
• Made in the USA. 

Call Superior Chimney today at 877-CHIM-FIX (877-244-6349).  

Chimney Leaks and Fireplace Leak Rectification

You might not think about it often, but chimneys are constantly exposed to the elements. They stick right up into the sky with nothing to protect them. This leaves them vulnerable to rain, ice and snow. Chimneys that don’t have chimney caps, and/or are cracked and deteriorating are more vulnerable to the elements. You might wonder why it matters if your chimney absorbs too much water. It’s rather simple, when water seeps into a chimney it will expand and contract through freezing and thawing, which in turn causes undue stress, cracking, chimney leaks, and fireplace leaks. In order to protect your chimney from chimney leaks we recommend following the steps listed below.

1. Have professional grade chimney caps installed.
2. Repair or replace a damaged chimney crown.
3. Repair deteriorated brick & mortar joints.
4. Repair or replace a leaky flashing.
5. Have your chimney waterproofed!

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

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.