How To Start A Fire In An Outdoor Fireplace
In today’s economic climate, many people are trying to find new ways to entertain at home. One way to do this is by creating an outdoor living space. An outdoor fireplace can be a lovely centerpiece to an outdoor living space, if you know how to use it properly. There are a few tricks to starting a fi……read more
I Use A Gas Furnace Do I Still Need To Clean My Flue
Yes. Gas does burn clean, but you may still run into issues with the cooler gases that condense quicker. This allows for the formation of hydrochloric acid and the potential for a corrosive coating to build up in your flue. There is also the common problem of animals and birds building nests in these smaller venting systems. If there is debris that blocks or partially blocks your flue, harmful gases can build up creating unsafe operating conditions for your furnace or stove.
The biggest problems come when a customer buys a new appliance and hooks it into an older venting system. The requirements may be much different for the newer stove or furnace, creating a serious mismatch with the older flue system. A professional needs to examine the total venting system to be sure everything is up to an acceptable standard. Dont count on your furnace installer or heating man to do this, it is not their job or field of expertise.
Why Should I Have My Chimney Inspected
According to the National Fire Protection Association, chimneys should be inspected or cleaned annually. The chimney and fireplace / furnace system is quite complicated and an inspection can alert you to a potential problem before it becomes a costly repair or a safety issue. Many times homeowners are unaware of problems that may exist. There are 3 levels of Chimney Inspections that can be done depending on each individual case. It is always a good idea to schedule your inspection and cleaning in the late summer or early fall, before you begin using the chimney or furnace during the heating season. At Northeastern Chimney, Inc., many of our customers request to be on a regular annual schedule for this work. Another important time to schedule an inspection is if you have changed to a new furnace or if you have just purchased the home and want to be sure about the condition of the chimney system.
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Chimney Sweep & Chimney Cleaning Services In Ct
CT Chimney Repair offers fast, complete and efficient chimney sweep service in CT. We use drop cloths to insure your home is kept immaculately clean during the process. All of our chimney sweeps in CT are done using HEPA Filter Vacuums, which keep all soot contained and are safe to use around people with allergies and asthma. Our professional standard Sweep/Cleaning includes the following:
Lyme Chimney Cleaning Safeside
Home » Lyme Chimney Cleaning. Safeside
Our Lyme, Ct Safeside team are well-trained, courteous, chimney experts to handle all of your chimney needs. We want to develop customer relationships that lasts a lifetime. That is why our services do not end with just one call. With consistent excellent customer service and fair pricing, you will call our Safeside Lyme chimney cleaning company again and again.
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Fireplaces Wood & Pellet Stoves
Chimney fires are REAL! Thats why it is important for solid fuel appliances and flues to be cleaned and inspected at a minimum of every year. The NFPA recommends the chimney to be swept after every 1 1/2 cords of wood & every 2 tons of pellets. Let our professional and highly trained sweeps/ technicians keep your fireplace or stove in tip top shape. Set up a cleaning today!
- Clean Drop Cloths Are Put Around The Entire Work Area
- Technician Performs Visual Inspection of Chimney
- Technician Thoroughly Cleans Out the Firebox
- Technician Cleans Off Smoke Shelf
- Removes Damper, Sweeps Insure Smoke Chamber, Flues
- Runs Brush/Rods Along Entire Length Of Chimney
- Removes up to 10 gal of ash/soot from clean out area
- Leaves Work Area Perfectly Clean, As It Was Before
Prefab Fireplace Inserts Can They Be Repaired Or Replaced
Many newer homes have a factory built fireplace that is installed in the wall with a framed wall outside the home that contains the venting system. These fireplaces are usually constructed using galvanized steel and last from 20 to 30 years on average. If you see gaps or cracks in the walls of your firebox area, rust or warped panels you need to have the system inspected and possibly repaired. If the prefab fireplace insert has reached its limit for use, we can also install a new fireplace insert that can fit right into the existing space. This does require extensive carpentry work in addition to the new fireplace insert, but it can be done with minimal intrusion to the home in a relatively short amount of time.
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Why Chimney Cleaning Is Important
Carbon Monoxide Exposure
Carbon Monoxide is deadly odorless gas that can kills over 5,000 people in the US every year. If your chimney flu or liner has blockages, Carbon Monoxide fumes can blow back into your home. Our trained professionals make sure your chimney functions correctly and that there is no risk of harmful fumes re-entering your home.
Chimney Fires
Every year homes are destroyed and families are devastated from chimney fires that could have easily been prevented. The soot on your chimney walls is made of flammable sulfur. If a blockage occurs, the heat in the chimney could cause the sulfur to ignite, causing a fire. Why risk it? Schedule a chimney cleaning today!
Puff Back Risks
A puff back happens when all of the soot from your flues come back into your home. Any nearby furniture, rugs, walls and property will be damaged when this happens. The cost of cleaning your home after a puff back could run well over $3,000! A simple chimney cleaning and inspection will save you the money and headaches caused from a puff back.
How Much Will A Old Lyme Chimney Sweep Service Cost
Unfortunately it’s difficult to provide an accurate estimate for the service of our chimney sweeps in Old Lyme without first knowing more about the condition, size, and materials of the specific chimney in question. All of these factors can play a major role in the amount of time required to perform chimney cleaning in Old Lyme as well as the expense of performing the cleaning. As a result we at Interas strongly encourage homeowners who are interested in hiring a chimney sweep in Old Lyme to schedule a completely free estimate with our local experts.
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Should I Be Concerned About Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide is produced whenever gas, oil, kerosene, wood or charcoal is burned. Higher levels can be produced when your chimney is not functioning properly. This odorless gas can accumulate to dangerous levels when a blocked chimney or flue prevents the gases from properly venting out and away from the home. Hundreds die needlessly every year because of undetected problems with fuel burning appliances, stoves or fireplaces. Flues should be inspected routinely for rust, blockage and defects that may allow gases to back draft into the home.
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning are headaches, nausea and fatigue. You should always have detectors installed in your home to guard against unsafe levels of this odorless, colorless gas. But dont just rely on the detectors, make sure that your venting systems are inspected and in good working order at all times.
Do I Really Need A Chimney Cap
Your chimney cap closed the door on excess water entering your chimney and the damage that it causes. It also keeps out birds, squirrels, raccoons and other critters that may think your chimney looks like a good summer home. A very common problem is when raccoons, squirrels, birds and bats try to make their home in your chimney. They can block proper ventilation and even enter your home, potentially spreading disease and wreaking havoc. Our strong mesh and caps will keep even the most determined critters out!
Leaves and other debris that storms and high winds can blow into your chimney are blocked out too. Blockages that occur from these causes are often the fuel for dangerous chimney fires. The chimney cap protects the home of the risk that sparks and airborne embers will land on your roof, causing a fire hazard.
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Old Lyme Chimney Reline
We were called out to provide a chimney repair estimate in Old Lyme, CT. The chimney was only partially lined and had areas of exposed brick. The top masonry cement crown was also in disrepair.
The chimney and furnace were separated into two different rooms by sheet rock drywall, connected with a thin single wall galvanized connector pipe without the proper clearances to combustibles.
We installed the chimney liner at the top of the chimney and pulled it down through the chimney system with a rope and nose cone technique.
We replaced the connector pipe with an insulated pass throughout tee and double wall high temp black stove pipe.
We completed the job by replacing the crown and reinstalling the existing chimney caps.
- Took the time to educate me about why a chimney needs cleaning. Very nice people.Marnie M. on September 18, 2020
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Pedro C.
Excellent service. They showed up on time and did a great job of sweeping the Chimney. The price was great and gave me related advice. Would use them again.Pedro C. on September 18, 2020
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Brian M.
Joe Capo and his partner were on time, courteous, and explained everything they were doing. I was greeted and told goodbye with a handshake. They laid drop cloths on theBrian M. on September 18, 2020
Chimney Repairs & Installations Old Lyme
At Top Chimney Sweep Service we offer a diverse variety of chimney repairs and four core installations. It is important to keep your chimney running correctly for your health and safety. If your chimney has internal damage, without proper care, your chimney will not be able to extract smoke or other fumes. The lingering smoke and fumes could circulate around your home, posing a serious fire hazard and health risk. Fires are not the only thing that you need to worry about. If you have a crack in the mortar of your chimney if not repaired water can make its way into your walls and ceiling. This can cause housing structure damage, and a need for serious renovation. There are plenty of risks involved with a chimney lacking care, but theres no need to worry with Top Chimney Sweep Service on the job.
We have the expertise to repair and install with precision made to last. Schedule a repair or installation with us today so we can help you prevent accidents before they happen.
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Questions To Ask Prospective Old Lyme Chimney Companies Near Me:
- Can you provide me with references?
- Are you licensed and insured?
- How do you charge, and what does that include?
- Can you give me a written estimate?
- How long have you been in business?
- What do your services include?
- What is your experience with similar projects?
- When can this job get done?
- Are there any important considerations or concerns you foresee with this project?
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Cleaning Oil & Gas Heating Flues
Its important for Oil burner flues to be cleaned and inspected every year. Gas burner flues should be cleaned and inspected at lease once every two years. These types of fireplace cleaning involves disconnecting the vent pipe from the burner and sweeping the oil flue with a wire brush from the roof down. It is then vacuumed out from the bottom. When this is done, we provide a 20 Point Fire Safety Inspection. Not only does this prevent fire and Carbon Monoxide risk, but it also increases the efficiency of the burner up to 33%.
- Clean Drop Cloths Are Put Around The Entire Work Area
- Technician Performs Visual Inspection of Chimney
- Runs Brush/Rods Along Entire Length Of Chimney
- Remove up to 10 gal of ash/soot from clean out area
- We then replace and reseal the furnace smoke pipe into the wall. We double check to be sure there are no leaks where carbon monoxide can escape.
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What Is That Whitish Discoloration On The Outside Of My Chimney
This deposit is called efflorescence. When gases leak out through a defective liner and onto your brick interior wall they deposit salts on the surface of the masonry. Water then dissolves and transports these salts through the joints and mortar to the exterior of the chimney where you see the white deposits. So these are the telltale signs of leaks in your liner and water problems in your chimney system. Repairs should be made immediately to prevent further deterioration of your chimney.
Why Does My Chimney Smell Especially During The Spring And Summer
The culprit that smells up your home through your chimney is creosote. As you read above, creosote is a natural by-product of burning fuel, especially wood. When the weather is humid and warm, the creosote odor gets stronger. Of course, chimney cleaning will resolve much of the smelly chimney problem, but not always completely. Odor neutralizing agents like baking soda or kitty litter put into the fireplace can help, but many times a deodorizing agent needs to be spread into the chimney.
Sometimes ventilation fans can be installed to reduce these problems. The fact that you have these odors may also indicate that your venting system is drawing too much air down the chimney or that your damper may be defective. There are also several structural defects that can show up as a smelly chimney, so as always we advise a thorough inspection to determine the root cause.
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Chimney Sweeping & Cleaning
Chimneys are more than just a ventilation system for your fireplace. They are also tied to your furnace. Thats why chimney maintenance is important, not just to keep your home heating system running smoothly but also for your safety. From soot to creosote build up, a dirty chimney, stove, furnace or boiler can cause fires, which may lead to devastating structural damage or worse! Old chimney liners can also cause carbon monoxide buildup that can cause illness or even death. Our Certified Chimney Sweepers can keep your home safe, clean and healthy with a range of services.
Your chimney is also connected to your furnace, so by not maintaining your chimney you can also damage your furnace.
Are All Chimney Sweeps Basically The Same
No. Just because someone says that they are a Chimney Sweep it does not mean that they are qualified. The chimney industry is not regulated by the government, but we do have professional industry standards that are certified by the CSIA and the NCSG . When we are talking about such a critical area of service to help keep your family and home safe, it does not make sense to take chances. Make sure you ask for proof of certification from the individual that is actually doing the work. At NEC, each one of our professional uniformed technicians always carries their certification credentials. Many less scrupulous companies may only have one certified person and advertise that their business is fully certified. Then they send out less qualified workers with insufficient training to your home to actually do the work. The chimney industry is plagued with these pretenders that offer extremely low prices, but actually deliver an inferior and unsafe quality of work.
The other obvious thing to insist on is that the company that you hire is fully insured. Dont be afraid to ask these questions of your chimney sweep company! With Northeastern Chimney, Inc., you will rest easier knowing that you invited a fully qualified, insured and certified sweep into your home. Our A rating with the Better Business Bureau should also set your mind at ease.
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How Often Should I Need A Chimney Sweep In Old Lyme
According to the National Fire Prevention Association, chimney sweeping in Old Lyme should be done at least once a year. That said, it’s often advisable for homeowners who use their fireplaces more frequently to seek out professional chimney cleaning in Old Lyme on a more regular basis to ensure that the quality and resilience of the chimney is maintained for as long as possible.
Why Is Water Is Leaking Into And Around My Fireplace Or Staining The Ceilings
Water is the major enemy of your fireplace system. It can seep in many places, cracking and corroding joints, mortar and brick. Excess condensation caused by improper operating flue systems adds water to your chimney. Cracks can let water in, un-capped chimneys invite water damage and defective flashing can allow roof leaks.
At the first sign of water, have an inspection! You will end up saving money and put an end to any potentially unsafe conditions. Many times if the problem is caught early the cost to repair is much less than a future cost to replace.
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Frequently Asked Questions And Answers
What are people saying about chimney sweeps services near Old Lyme, CT 06371?
This is a review for a chimney sweeps business near Old Lyme, CT 06371:
“I would really give them three stars but they got the extra star because they accommodated my last minute scheduling and came same day for just a chimney sweep. My father was the one who was home to let the gentleman in. As most other chimney companies we have dealt with in the past, they always insist that we need work that is thousands of dollars. I asked ahead of time if they accepted credit cards, as There was not time to run to the bank for cash before their arrival. When the gentleman showed up, he really pushed for cash which I felt was unnecessary as they accept cards. But he came did a good job, and left things clean. Would suggest paying cash to avoid the not so friendly attitude about paying with other means.”