Chimney Cleaning
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Four Pathways to Chimney Damage
Did the crown erode and let water in? Did the mortar weaken, allowing the crown to settle… causing a cracked crown letting more water in.
Hiring a chimney professional
In checking your chimney, a chimney professional can check all of the visible components of the chimney for damage, needed maintenance, and fire safety. A chimney professional is trained to look for dangerous or questionable conditions that a homeowner could easily miss.
Older woodstoves still in use
Since EPA-certified stoves are a recent phenomenon, there are lots of older, pre-EPA stoves in use including Franklin woodstoves, non-airtight stoves and some that are airtight.
Fireplace stains
A fireplace with white stains or black stains is unsightly. Sometimes this is caused by water; other times, by smoke. Tips for cleaning your fireplace.
Fireplace odors
As a general rule, in any case of fireplace odors, a chimney cleaning is in order if you haven’t had it done recently (and certainly, if it has been over a year and you use the fireplace). A buildup of soot in the chimney will increase odor problems significantly.
Smoking fireplaces part 6: fireplace smoke enters rooms
Fireplace smoke enters other rooms in your home. How does this happen and some tips on fixing the problem.
Smoking fireplaces part 5: fireplace smokes on wet days
Wet chimney flues are much harder to heat than dry chimney flues. This is because it takes an enormous amount of heat to convert water to steam. The water absorbs so much heat that the flue doesn’t warm up effectively. The tall column of cold air in the flue wants to sink, drawing smoke into the house.
Smoking fireplaces part 4: smokes on windy days
A fireplace that smokes on windy days is subject to its own set of problems and fixes. This article will look at a number of those problems an how to fix them.
Smoky fireplaces, part 3: constant fireplace smoking
The fireplace smokes all the time. This happens regardless of the weather conditions. What can be done?
Smoking fireplaces part 1: smoky fireplace startups
Do you have a “non-working” fireplace because your fireplace has a smoking problem? How to handle smoking fireplace problems.
Cleaning up
After you have enjoyed the fire in your fireplace, it is time to clean up. Here are some things you need to know.
Chimney Maintenance
At least once each year you should have your chimney checked and cleaned if necessary, by a chimney professional.
