Environmental Chimney Sweep Inc.

Basic Chimney Sweep & Repair Blog

All About Chimney Liners

According to the CSIA, problems in your chimney’s flue can present serious risks to your home and family, because it’s no longer able to perform its primary function: to safely contain and vent the products of combustion to the outside of your home.

Give Basic Chimney Sweep a call to schedule an inspection to determine the current condition of your chimney liner.

Give Basic Chimney Sweep a call to schedule an inspection to determine the current condition of your chimney liner.

By Ronald Caillais on May 18th, 2014 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , | Comments Off on All About Chimney Liners

Keeping Water Out

We at Basic Chimney Sweep use a vapor-permeable waterproofing agent, which allows the chimney to breathe. Water is prevented from entering from the outside while still allowing water that has penetrated along with the vapors produced during usage to escape as well.

We at Basic Chimney Sweep use a vapor-permeable waterproofing agent, which allows your chimney to breathe.

Your chimney is potentially one of the most taken-for-granted parts of your home. You know it’s there but rarely pay it very much attention. It’s one of those things that you expect to be there for you when you need it but may not give it much thought in the meantime. Not very many homeowners give much thought to keeping the chimney’s exterior in tiptop shape; “it’s all just cosmetic,” we think. This thought process isn’t one to be ashamed of, but it is one to be corrected.

Your Chimney’s Inherent Flaw

Chimney materials – brick and mortar – are, by nature, porous. As such, they experience hastened deterioration as a result of prolonged exposure to and contact with water and the elements. The freezing and thawing process—during which time water that has penetrated the various chimney materials freezes and expands—quickly deteriorates the overall construction of your chimney.

Stopping the Dreaded Freeze-Thaw Cycle

One way to limit the impact the freezing and thawing cycle has on your chimney is to prevent as much water as possible from penetrating the materials as possible. Water in your chimney can also cause rust on steel and cast iron parts, ultimately weakening or destroying them over time. The exterior of your chimney is constantly getting battered from the weather. Harsh weather conditions can have a negative effect on your chimney.

Should I Consider Waterproofing?

By waterproofing your chimney, it will repel up to 99.9% of the water that would otherwise penetrate the brick and/or other materials. Waterproofing is a true preventative measure that can add years to your chimney’s life. Because it’s not a requirement, many homeowners de-prioritize it; this is a big mistake! There are many issues that can develop as a result of water being on and getting in to your chimney, and, as such, swift and immediate action should be taken to ensure that you’re not faced with unnecessary and avoidable repairs bills.

Unless you simply want to get rid of your chimney sooner or later, there really is no excuse for not waterproofing it. This one simple thing can help ensure that both the water outside won’t enter your house through the chimney and that you are able to enjoy your fireplace for many years to come. It’s time to look at the condition your chimney’s exterior is in, get it repaired if necessary, and have it coated with a waterproofing product. Contact the certified service professionals at Basic Chimney Sweep & Repair today for more information or to schedule an appointment!

By Ronald Caillais on April 29th, 2014 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , , , , | Comments Off on Keeping Water Out

What is Chimney Relining?

Whether you are moving into a new home with a fireplace or you have lived in your home for years, your chimney should be inspected before winter arrives in all its glory. In addition to needing a good cleaning, your chimney liner may be compromised. After years of use, it is a good idea to have it checked by professional to ensure it is still in workable condition.

Chimney Relining Will Extend the Life of Your Chimney

Every chimney has a lining. This lining can be made from clay tiles, metal, or it can be cast-in-place. Clay is rather inexpensive and has a lifespan of about 50 years, but extreme weather conditions can sometimes cause structural problems, such as cracking. One sign of a compromised clay liner will be fallout in the fireplace.

A cast-in-place liner is usually used as an alternative to clay. The cement is poured into the flue, creating a cast mold. Some prefer this to clay as fireplaces with this type of liner tend to burn cleaner and create less of creosote buildup inside, which as you know, is very dangerous and can cause a house fire to occur.

The last type of chimney liner is a metal liner. This tends to get the best feedback from professionals, as they believe it lasts longer and is much easier to install. The cost can be a bit more than the other alternatives, but the lifespan is also longer. In other words, a single installation should last throughout your ownership of the home with little danger of needed repair. Relining with this method can be done with either rigid or flexible stainless steel.

If your chimney needs relining, you will have to decide which type of liner you prefer. It is a good idea to go over all three types of liners with your technician to see what they are more experienced installing and which type will be safer for your particular fireplace.

By Ronald Caillais on October 16th, 2012 | Tagged with: Tags: , | Comments Off on What is Chimney Relining?

How Do I Know if My Chimney has Structural Damage?

There are definitely warning signs when it comes to chimney damage. There are some that are not visible and need professional investigation, but there are definitely some signs that you can look for to know if you are in need of further inspection. Chimney damage is definitely not something to be casual about. If you see signs of a damaged chimney, the safety of your home and even your family may be in danger.

Is Water a Problem? Any type of water or moisture in the chimney is an immediate concern. Water in your chimney can come from many sources. If there has been heavy rain, chimneys retain much water. Chimneys are commonly built from brick and mortar, which like a sponge, can hold a lot of water, but will eventually reach its maximum and begin to leak into your firebox and even into your home. Some of the damage may not even be visible or apparent without further structural investigation. Rust is caused by water, therefore any type of rust is a definite warning sign, whether it be in the chimney itself or maybe even in the damper or firebox. Clay Tile Chimney Liners are also in danger of cracking due to water leaking into the tiles, which can be caused by even a very small crack.

Water damage in any part of your chimney is a major warning sign. No matter where the moisture is located, it is important to search it out and find the source.

Mortar Schmortar. Who needs it? Your chimney does. Deterioration in the mortar between the bricks is commonly caused by water and regular wear and tear. It can also be caused by weather changes and even just the natural settling of the houuse. Mortar deteriation can be a serious problem. When the mortar is damaged or breaking off, it allows water to get behind the bricks and cause structural damage, allowing pieces of the chimney to fall away from the brick structure. This is often caused by the freezing and thawing weather, which causes the bricks to contract and expand.

Fire, The greater danger. Continued use of a chimney after a fire can put you and your home in great danger. There is usually damage beyond the obvious fire damage that you see. Fires effect the creosote deposits, causing cracking to the tiles and the liner. It will continue to build up, making normal use very unsafe. You must have a thorough inspection after a fire, even if it seems that there was no permanent damage incurred.

By Ronald Caillais on September 8th, 2012 | Tagged with: Tags: , | Comments Off on How Do I Know if My Chimney has Structural Damage?
Please call us at 828-243-0098 to schedule an appointment today. All Major Credit Cards Accepted.
National Chimney Sweeps Guild Chimney Safety Institute of America