Chimneys can be quite difficult to wrap our heads around.
Not to mention the dust, smoke, and tar that gets deposited around the flue lining and under our nails when we try to clean it.
We understand just how important your chimney is to your home. After all, it offers an effective ventilation system and efficient heating.
From some common issues, such as, “Is it normal for the rain to come down a chimney” to some difficult queries like, “How to tell if your chimney needs to be serviced, cleaned, or repaired,” our ultimate guide to chimney services will explain everything you need to know.
So, without any further ado, let’s get right to it.
Chimney Services
Every chimney needs special care and attention. After all, it’s what keeps us safe from smoke, toxins, and fumes while keeping us warm when the relentless winters come calling.
In this article are some of the main chimney services offered by professionals such as OHA Chimney Sweep & Repair:
Chimney Servicing
A healthy chimney begins with a good fireplace and suitable fire logs. Hence, servicing your fireplace and getting fire logs that create less smoke is essential.
Other chimney parts that need regular servicing include:
- Venting fireplaces
- Venting woodstoves
- Fireplace inserts
- Venting furnaces: oil and gas
Chimney Inspection
Every great service begins with a hard inspection. So, it’s a no-brainer that we are going to help you learn the best chimney inspection service and methods. This will ensure your chimney lasts longer and saves you money for years to come.
What’s A Chimney Inspection
It is a thorough service where your chimney’s health is determined. It also evaluates the overall venting condition of your chimney and if it’s fit to use.
There are 3 types of chimney inspections:
- Level 1
Level 1 is a basic inspection.
A certified company, like OHA Chimney Sweep & Repair, will readily examine the state of your chimney’s immediate surroundings, including the exterior and the interior. As the technician conducts his basic test, he will be looking for a few things:
- Chimney structures soundness
- Appliance application
- Connections
- Presence of any obstructions in the vent or combustible deposits
When Do You Need Level 1 Inspection?
Level 1 inspection is needed when your existing chimney system has not changed in the last few years, your usage has not drastically changed, and the appearance of the chimney does not show signs of significant wear and tear.
- Level 2
Level 2 chimney inspection is very similar to Level 1. However, Level 2 requires fair use of technology.
What makes Level 2 different from Level 1 is a more in-depth visual inspection that relies on the use of camera and video equipment. Additionally, Level 2 inspection often offers an exploratory inspection of the attic, basement, and other accessible crawl spaces.
When Do You Need Type 2 Inspection?
Level 2 inspection is done when there are certain changes made to your chimney, including:
- A switch in the type of burning fuel, for example, if you switched from wood burning to gas
- If a relining has taken place. Relining is when flue’s shape or size is changed in any way
- Most importantly, a type 2 inspection is necessary at the time of sale or purchase
- An operational malfunction also warrants a type 2 inspection
- Some experts suggest getting a type 2 inspection after a heavy storm, chimney fire, or a mild earthquake
- Level 3
Level 3 includes all the components of Level 1 and Level 2. In addition, Level 3 inspection also includes removal and addition of construction material to the chimney since Level 3 is mostly for concealed areas.
Thus, if there is a need to break down some parts of the chimney and relay some bricks, Level 3 procedure would be required.
Chimney Sweep & Repair
Chimney sweeping is both an art and a science. You must wonder why we are making such a claim.
Chimney sweeping and repairs are done like they were done at least 100 years back – traditional, old-school, and effective. While many new devices have arrived, brushes and rods continue to be the best tools for sweeping a chimney clean.
Before we continue with the fun part, there are several significant guidelines from the Chimney Safety Institute of America and the National Fire Protection Association. The guidelines encourage chimney services to visually inspect flue. The visual inspection helps determine if there’s a need for sweeping and the type of rods and brushes required for the job.
Steps To a Chimney Sweep
Chances are you are going to consult or hire a professional sweeping company.
Here’s what you can expect them to do:
- Initially, a visual inspection will most likely be conducted
- In the second step, dust is eliminated. The surrounding area is prepped with a drop cloth, a vacuum is brought out, and additional dust control measures are taken
- A brush, which is attached to a semi-flexible rod, is inserted past the damper area. Additional rods are attached to the rod until the brush reaches the peak, ensuring no spot or speck is left untouched
- Often, a regular sweep is followed by a more thorough and aggressive clean, such as a chemical clean
Chemical Clean
You must have had those days when you tried to clean the chimney, at least some of it, and found that dust and smoke are a little too hard to handle.
To give your chimney a squeaky-clean service and get rid of stubborn dust, professional chimney cleaning services bring in chemicals.
As wood burns in your chimneys, a by-product, commonly referred to as creosote, begins to form a hard layer. It is mostly formed along the chimney duct. With time, untreated creosote undergoes pyrolysis, due to exposure to heat. What started off as creosote forms a bubbly and tar-like layer that seems impossible to remove.
Once creosote forms and undergoes pyrolysis, chemicals – as strong as those from Breaking Bad – have to be used. Chemicals are effective at removing creosote as they dissolve the layer.
Traditionally, the heat was used to remove such stubborn creosote. But since the heat could often damage the chimney and create more issues, chemical cleaning proves to be a better alternative.
Ultimately, before you consult a chimney cleaning service, like OHA Chimney Sweep & Repair, for a chemical clean, you can refer to the checklist below:
- How much creosote is deposited in the chimney? If it’s thick, it’s a sign to call a chimney cleaning service
- How long has it been since you’ve not had a chimney cleaned? If the answer is for more than five years now, we think you should make the call right now
- Moreover, flue gas temperature is also an important indicator of understanding when you might need to call in professionals for chimney sweep and repair.
Chimney Repair
Having done an investigation and a deep clean, the next natural step is chimney repair.
Fireplaces, whether they rely on wood or gas, are symbols of ultimate luxury and cozy living. Hence, daily maintenance and repair must become a part of regular house cleaning and inspection.
When Is the Right Time for A Chimney Repair?
Deciding to get your chimney repaired is a secondary consideration. The first concern is understanding when to get your chimney repaired.
The following quick list will help you understand what signs to look for before deciding to get a chimney repair.
- Dense smoke
- Cracking sounds that are accompanied with popping noises
- Damaged flue tiles
- Creosote buildup that has undergone pyrolysis
- Any visible damage to the exterior of the chimney or to the bricks
There are some major signs too:
- Efflorescence or White Staining
White stains are a sign that there’s excessive moisture present in the chimney. Moisture is a non-suspecting culprit as it silently affects the internal structure and quality of the chimney. In other words, moisture weakens the chimney and its structure from within.
- Rust
Rust is also caused by moisture. Normally, rust is visible. But if rust isn’t visible for any reason, you can simply check the damper. If the damper doesn’t close as it should, it could be due to rust build-up.
- Weak Mortar Joints
Mortar joints that are in chimney masonry are susceptible to damage. Damaged mortar joints are also a sign that your chimney needs repair.
- Shaling
Shaling is when small pieces of thin slices of chimney tiles are found collecting in the fireplace. This means the flue is damaged and needs a quick repair.
Once you have narrowed down the repairs you need to do, you can determine when to call a chimney repair company such as OHA Chimney Sweep & Repair. We believe springtime is ideal for any construction or maintenance work on the chimney.
- Damaged wallpaper
Wallpaper around the walls near your chimney can serve as litmus paper. If the wallpaper appears damaged, cracked, or peeled, it could mean there is internal damage to the walls or linings of the chimney, and a quick repair would be warranted.
Chimney Maintenance
Before getting to a chimney repair, educating house owners about chimney maintenance is more valuable. This is because regular maintenance can prevent any costly repairs or, in the worst-case scenario, a complete chimney replacement.
There are two options available when it comes to restoring a chimney.
- Partial Rebuild
- Complete Rebuild
Partial Rebuild
It is for minimal damage that affects only a fraction of the chimney, such as the crown. It is only beneficial if the damage is at the top and minimal.
Complete Rebuild
A complete rebuild is necessary when there is extensive damage, especially to both the crown and the outside bricks.
Cost of Rebuilding
While the costs vary greatly, the range is between $1,000 to $30,000.
Some factors that affect the cost are:
- How much work your chimney needs
- Size and number of chimneys, fireplaces, or flues
- Built type i.e., your chimney is masonry chimney or a factory-built chimney
However, the best rebuild program is the one you don’t need at all! How do you do that?
You can follow 3 simple steps to prevent a need for rebuilding, whether partial or complete.
- Installing A Cap
Installing a quality chimney cap is the first step toward solving a hundred issues. A quality cap keeps the excessive water and unwanted debris out.
- Waterproofing Your System
In addition to installing a cap, you can improve the structure of the chimney crown so that it prevents water from entering through the small cracks.
- Flue Liner
A quality flue liner that is composed of clay tile and cast in cement or stainless steel offers tremendous protection to the inner masonry preventing damage to chimney’s structure.
Chimney Tuckpointing
Every house with a great fireplace and a chimney knows what chimney tuckpointing is. If you don’t, this could be your best – and perhaps the only chance – to learn everything about tuckpointing.
Mortar is added between the bricks. Over time, these mortars become weak and damaged. Thus, mortars have to be replaced by a stronger and newer mortar compound.
The process of replacing a damaged mortar compound with a new mortar compound is called chimney tuckpointing.
Importance of Tuckpointing
Just like bricks ensure your chimney stands stall, mortar joints ensure the same. Thus, to keep bricks joint together and standing strong, mortar joint health is essential to keep a track of.
Chimney tuckpointing is not needed on a regular basis. This means if you find excessive moisture between bricks and mortar receding, you can call a chimney service company and get work started.
Mortar damage is most common in areas with a lot of snowfall since water seeps into the bricks, freezes, and expands, causing the mortar joints to deteriorate.
How to Tell Your Mortar Needs Replacement
Here’s an easy-to-follow checklist to help you decide if you need a chimney tuckpointing.
- Crumbling mortar
- Missing mortar between bricks
- Discoloration of mortar
- Loose bricks that move upon touch
- Cracks in bricks or mortar itself
The next big sign is a chimney leak. Damp sections in the chimney, a strong odor, water in the firebox, and rested fireplace are all signs that your chimney can use some mortar compound replenishment.
How To Improve Chimney Efficiency
Let’s understand how you can improve your chimney’s efficiency and reduce the chances of fatal fires.
Parging
Parging is an umbrella term used to refer to the process of addressing any structural inefficiencies in your chimney’s design.
It includes removing the jagged edges by smoothing them out and repairing any masonry damage to bricks and mortar, like cracks and gaps between them.
Importance of Parging
Jagged surfaces allow moisture to deposit, reduces airflow, and lead to a build of combustible deposits.
Hence, parging the surfaces improves the structural quality, improves airflow efficiency, and prevents any chances of a fire outbreak or carbon monoxide poisoning.
According to National Fire Protection Association, buildup of creosote is a leading cause of residential fires. Parging addresses creosote buildup as well.
In a nutshell, parging can help you save your and your loved one’s life.
How to Know If Your Chimney Needs Parging
Parging is absolutely necessary for corbeled masonry.
For other chimney homeowners, a level 2 inspection is mandatory before assessing a need for parging. Alternatively, if your chimney’s smoke chamber has not had an inspection in the last two years, this year would be an ideal time to get some advice for a parging.
Chimney Maintenance During the Summer
Closing the chimney during the summer is the first step.
When you close the fireplace and chimney during the summer, you make it impossible for small animals and insects to crawl inside your home.
Furthermore, air-conditioning during the summer would be more effective as the cool air would not escape through the vent or chimney.
Lastly, closing and sealing the chimney properly keeps rainwater and moisture away, thus, ensuring chimney’s structure’s longevity.
Before you close your chimney for the season, you must take the following maintenance tasks as a precaution.
- Schedule a chimney inspection
- Get a chimney cleaning service
- Turn off the pilot light
- Close the damper
How Wood Affects Efficiency
The type of wood that you use as fuel can impact your chimney. Since wood contains water that evaporates and boils upon burning, the moisture can get retained along with the chimney.
Therefore, use woods that are seasoned and have been dried for 6 to 12 months.
Watch for Airflow Restrictions
Any obstructions that are caused by leaves, stuck animals, or creosote prevent a smooth airflow.
A good airflow is necessary to maintain a fire and prevent any dangerous backdraft. Hence, checking for obstructions is a vital step in improving chimney efficiency.
Warming Flue
Warming the flue prevents creosote buildup and helps maintain a proper fire.
To warm the flue, you can simply light a piece of cardboard and hold it under the flue until the draft reverses and goes up the flue, out of the chimney.
Parting Thoughts
A chimney is an integral part of the house. Not only is it structurally important, but functionally as well. To make sure your chimney works effectively and stands the test of time, do follow our guide.
In case you need the help of professionals for chimney sweeping and repair, look no further than OHA Chimney Sweep & Repair for quality chimney services.