Chimney Services ยป July 2012
Basic Chimney Sweep & Repair Blog
Your chimney is something that is going to need attention and effort to keep it clean. If you just bought the home, you may not be used to having one. Regardless, it is an important part of chimney ownership. Also, regular maintenance is going to prolong the usage of the appliance. No one wants to have to spend large amounts of money on chimney repairs, so when you think about the cost of a chimney inspection, remember that it is much more expensive to have to repair it down the road.
Besides the need to keep the chimney functioning properly, you also want to keep it working safely. Excessive buildup of creosote, as well as debris, can create a dangerous situation that just might result in a chimney fire. Since creosote is so flammable, you have to remember that any kind of buildup is dangerous. Also, leaves, branches, and animal nests are also likely to cause a fire. All it will take is one burning ember to climb up the chimney, and ignite whatever the obstruction is.
Another reason for regular chimney cleaning is the potential for odor problems. Chimneys that are not maintained become chimney that stink. All of that buildup, whatever the buildup might be, will inevitably cause the appliance to send foul odors down into your home. Honestly, who wants to deal with that? Just give us a call, and we will perform a chimney inspection and cleaning that will make your chimney start working the way it is supposed to.
It is important to remember that it is not a good idea to try an inspection yourself. Unless you have a trained eye, and the right equipment, you may not correctly spot the trouble areas that could be lurking. Give us a call, and we will thoroughly inspect your chimney. You will then be able to rest safely, knowing that your chimney appliance is working safely and efficiently.
Did you know that hundreds of Americans are killed each year by carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning? This colorless and odorless gas can cause you to get sick at lower levels, and can lead to death at higher levels. It can potentially come from many places: your gas powered furnace, exhaust from your car, kerosene heaters, and wood and gas burning fireplaces. The key for people when dealing with this potentially fatal problem is finding out where the problem is coming from to begin with. The only tried and true way to avoid a dangerous situation is to have your appliances that emit CO regularly inspected. CO monitors are also recommended, as they can alert you to the presence of carbon monoxide.
In a nutshell, carbon monoxide is produced anytime a fuel, such as wood, gas, oil, or charcoal, is burned. If the appliance burns at an efficient temperature, the heat will destroy most of the gas. This is why, in the case of wood-burning appliances, you will want to avoid wet or “green” woods that still contain much of their moisture. That moisture keeps the flame from getting hot enough to burn through the CO gas. Consistent chimney inspections can alert you to potential problems in your chimney that could be bringing about a dangerous scenario. There are many potential structural problems that the untrained eye simply cannot see.
Some of the visible signs that you may have a potentially dangerous carbon monoxide situation include:
- Sooting
- Loose or missing furnace pane
- Rusting or water streaking on vent/chimney
- Loose or disconnected vent/chimney connections
- Moisture inside of windows
- Loose masonry on the chimney itself
Here are symptoms of potential CO poisoning:
- headache
- fatigue
- shortness of breath
- nausea
- dizziness
- vomiting
- disorientation
- loss of consciousness
If you feel you or someone in your home is experiencing these symptoms, call emergency services immediately. This is not something to be cavalier with. Your fireplace and chimney are wonderful appliances that bring years of enjoyment and warmth. However, you must be aware of the potential problems that they can bring about. This will help you make wiser choices.
When going to choose firewood for your fireplace, make sure you know exactly what you are looking for. For instance, did you know that some wood is not good for your fireplace and chimney? Also, were you aware that some firewood needs to be seasoned for up to 2 years. Once you understand all of the facts about wood for burning, you are much more likely to make a wise choice that helps keep your home and family safe.
When choosing firewood, be sure to pick sufficiently dried hardwoods like oak, maple, or birch. Softwoods, like pine, burn more less efficiently. They emit much more creosote than hardwoods as well. Since creosote is so flammable, any amount of buildup could potentially lead to a chimney fire. Hardwoods, on the other hand burn hotter, and leave much less creosote on the lining of your chimney. Also, avoid using any treated wood or wood scraps from construction sites. You can’t be sure about what chemicals might be in the wood, and once it starts burning, it could emit dangerous chemicals and fumes into your living space.
Know who it is you are buying your wood from. Buying from a reputable dealer will give you greater assurance that the wood is sufficiently seasoned. Of course, it’s always a good idea to get wood from a kiln dried wood dealer. This wood has significantly less moisture left in the wood. Conventional seasoning takes longer, and can leave as much as 10% more moisture in the wood. When observing the wood you are looking to buy, look for signs that has dried out. Is the bark easy to pull off? Does the wood have a grayish color? Are the ends starting to split? These are all signs of well-seasoned wood.
Owning a fireplace and chimney is a responsibility that cannot be ignored. Apart from needing to properly maintain and clean the appliance itself, you also need to use best practices while you operate the chimney. This will ensure years of enjoyment and safety for you and your family.
