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

How Firefighters Handle Chimney Fires

Have you ever wondered how firefighters handle chimney fires? Typically, they are the first responders to a chimney fire and as a result they have a lot of chimney fire knowledge!
The most common cause of a chimney fire is creosote buildup. Creosote is a byproduct of burning wood, and is highly combustible. If a chimney has a good amount of creosote in it the creosote can catch on fire causing a chimney fire. You will want to have your chimney cleaned at least once a year to remove any creosote buildup.
Creosote can build up in the following ways:

• Restricted air supply
• Below normal chimney temperatures

Chimney fires have distinct characteristics:

• Rumbling/roaring noise – the sound is similar to a freight train
• Flames and sparks
• Dense smoke
• Combustion seeping through existing cracks in the chimney mortar

It is important to keep in mind that even if your chimney is not displaying the signs listed above you could still have a chimney fire.
Now you might be wondering how firefighters deal with chimney fires. Below are the main steps they follow when extinguishing a chimney fire:

• First and foremost they enter the establishment and rescue all victims.
• Once everyone is safely out of the establishment they monitor the oxygen levels for CO.
• Remove as much smoke from the house as possible.
• Be prepared with a hose in case the fire extends into the structure.
• Close air intakes to stop/slow the flow of oxygen to the flue.
• Extinguish the fire.

Call Superior Chimney Services, Corp. so that we can help to PREVENT a chimney fire in your home! We can be reached at 877-244-6349.

Reference: http://www.fireengineering.com/articles/2011/07/chimney-viscuso-terpak.html

Drafty House & Fireplace Cold Draft Entry Solutions

Also known as down drafts. Fireplace cold drafts may be attributed to a multitude of different things. Most fireplace cold drafts are due to internal negative pressures, which are likely induced by other forced air systems & other exhausts in your home. Other fireplace cold draft factors may include exterior barometric pressures, stack location on your home (inside or outside), a whole house chimney (stack) effect, dynamic wind loading, or wind downdrafts.

A true understanding of fireplaces requires extensive knowledge of airflow patterns, pressure differentials, and actual fireplace construction techniques. A Superior Chimney CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) Certified Chimney Sweep can assess your chimney and its termination environment to pin point the cause(s) of your fireplace cold draft and prescribe the resolution.

Heated air has lower density than cold air, so the warm buoyant air in your house wants to rise through the roof, while the cold heavy air in your unused fireplace chimney wants to flow downward causing a drafty house. If there are pathways in the upper stories or roof to allow the rising warm room air to escape, that warm air will flow up and leak out of your house and replacement air will flow down the chimney and in through your fireplace (fireplace cold drafts). The stack effect is more pronounced in taller, leakier houses and in houses with cold draft chimneys(like chimneys on outside walls, exposed to outdoor temperatures for their entire height & length).

Rainy weather also accelerates the stack effect causing fireplace cold drafts, because the wet air entering the chimney is heavier than the dry air in the house.

For more information visit our website!

Masonry Waterproofing Chimney Saver

Also known as waterproofing, defy masonry saver, or water repellant. Your chimney is highly exposed to the elements and, if left unprotected, is highly susceptible to structural deterioration and the need for brick chimney repairs. It is important to address this problem before serious damage occurs. Superior Chimney can apply chimney saver to your masonry, which prevents water penetration & absorption. It is a 100% vapor permeable masonry waterproofing agent that prevents & retards brick "flaking", and brick chimney repair needs.

Advantages of masonry waterproofing chimney saver: 

• Minimizes/eliminates/retards brick masonry deterioration. 
• Prevents water penetration & absorption from saturating brick masonry. 
• Preserves & maintains existing & restored brick masonry. 
• Eliminates future brick chimney repair costs. 

The elements - All the brick and other materials that make up your home are protected by the roof & eave, all that is, except your chimney. The chimney sticks up above the roof constantly exposed to all the elements; rain, snow, and the freeze & thaw cycles of winter - all the while needing masonry waterproofing.

Unprotected - Most chimneys are constructed of porous masonry and metal materials including firebrick, high temperature mortar, fire clay tile, steel, and cast iron. Masonry materials are very porous and absorb large amounts of water causing brick chimney repair needs. Common brick is like a sponge, absorbing water and wicking moisture to the chimney interior. All of these materials will suffer accelerated deterioration as a result of water penetration & absorption without masonry waterproofing.

Structural deterioration - Water damage to your masonry chimney is sometimes a slow subtle process. The problem is often not evident until it has become quite serious. Preventative maintenance (masonry waterproofing) before serious damage occurs is cost effective. Brick chimney repair is not a cost any one wants to endure!

Prevents water penetration & absorption - Chimney saver has been developed specifically for use as a masonry waterproofing agent for chimneys, which retards water damage and prevents brick chimney repair needs. This masonry waterproofing agent has been formulated to be vapor permeable, which means that it allows your chimney to breathe out, but not in. Thus, water that has penetrated your chimney, or moisture that has originated from inside, is allowed to escape, while the masonry waterproofing agent prevents water from entering from the outside, which causes brick chimney repair needs.

* Masonry waterproofing chimney saver will save you the major expense of brick chimney repairs or rebuilding of the entire chimney in the not too distant future, and as such represents a wise investment in your home.

- Superior Chimney Services, Corp.

Brick Masonry Chimney Rebuilds

Brick masonry chimney rebuilds cover a vast majority of chimney repairs. Listed below are the different categories that fall under, or are also known as, brick masonry chimney rebuilds.

1. Chimney reconstruction
2. Brick chimney repairs
3. Fireplace chimney repairs
4. Partial chimney rebuilds
5. Roof line up chimney rebuilds
6. Total chimney rebuilds.

Many different things can cause damage to your chimney, and can lead to the need for a rebuild:

•  Cracking
•  Water leaking
•  Element exposure
•  Usage
•  Time
•   Lack of preventative maintenance

Preventative maintenance is key! Here at Superior Chimney we can apply chimney saver to your chimney. It is a waterproofing agent that helps to preserve the integrity of your chimney and to prevent the need for chimney repairs in the future.

IMPORTANT: Paint should not be used as a masonry waterproofing agent because it can trap moisture and vapors inside your chimney. This can lead to deterioration and the need for chimney repairs.

Visit our website for more information or call us at (877) 244-6349.  

Chimney Odors & Fireplace Smell Solutions

Also known as smoke odors, campfire like smells, chimneysmells, or fireplace odors. Fireplace smells & chimney odor problems may be attributed to a multitude of different things. 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 chimneysmoke or fireplace smells downstairs? The tight sealing, energy top mounted damper may help reduce or minimize the airflow (fireplace smells) coming down your chimney. A true understanding of fireplaces requires extensive knowledge of airflow patterns, pressure differentials, and actual fireplace construction techniques. A Superior Chimney CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) Certified Chimney Sweep can assess your chimney and its termination environment to pin point the cause(s) of your fireplace smell and prescribe the resolution. Visit our website for more great information!

What is the importance of a chimney sweep?

Chimney sweeps are very important as they test the worthiness and integrity of your chimneys firewalls. An annual chimney sweep will help to protect your home from chimney fires.

“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.”

- NFPA 211 (National Fire Protection Association)

There are three primary purposes in completing a chimney sweep. They are as follows:

1. Integrity purposes – While cleaning the chimney a certified chimney sweep will stick a rod up the chimney to remove any dirt and debris. In the process if anything alarming falls out, such as fire clay tile joints, brick, etc. then further measures will have to be taken to restore the chimney to useable condition.
2. Cleaning – The actual cleaning of the chimney is extremely important. When wood burns it creates soot, also known as creosote. The creosote can coat the inside of the chimney and cause fires. It is extremely flammable. The creosote MUST be cleaned out in order to prevent chimney fires.
3. Obstruction free assurance – Unfortunately, animals such as birds, squirrels, bats and raccoons commonly live in chimneys. They 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.

Remember the cleaner your chimney is, the less likely it is that they will catch on fire! Call us for a chimney sweep and inspection at 877-CHIM-FIX (877-244-6349).