These 8 chimney maintenance tips will help ensure that your fireplace and chimney are well taken care of and working properly. Don\u2019t worry about anything because Vertical Chimney Care is here to help!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Have a Functioning Fireplace Damper<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Your fireplace damper<\/a> makes a huge difference in your home\u2019s energy efficiency. When you\u2019re not using your fireplace, the dampers should be closed to keep outside drafts from getting into your home through the chimney.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your damper isn\u2019t closing, it\u2019s going to reflect on your energy bills. It\u2019ll be much harder for your furnace or air conditioner to achieve your desired temperature because they\u2019ll constantly be in battle with the drafts. They\u2019ll end up using more power to heat or cool your home and the price of your electric and heating bills will skyrocket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you use your fireplace, the dampers need to be open. If your dampers are broken and can\u2019t open, you can\u2019t use your fireplace. The damper will trap the smoke in your home causing you to breathe in carbon monoxide which is very bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Having your dampers fixed or replaced when they\u2019re not working properly is crucial. When getting a replacement fireplace damper, make sure it fits properly \u2013 it must be snug and not have any gaps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moisture and the elements can be major problems for your chimney. They can weaken the structural integrity of your chimney, cause mold and even damage the walls and floor around your fireplace. You\u2019ll need to make sure your chimney waterproofing, chase cover, crown and flashing are all functioning properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Start by waterproofing your chimney<\/a>. Adding a water sealant to the outside of your chimney will prevent moisture from breaking down the bricks and mortar and sneaking into you home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Obviously there\u2019s a large hole at the top of your chimney which allows smoke to escape. You don\u2019t want to seal that hole but you also don\u2019t want rain and snow from getting into your home. What can you do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n For prefabricated chimneys, chase covers<\/a> are a great addition. It covers the top while still allowing smoke to escape through a small pipe. Most prefabricated chimneys come with galvanized steel chase covers which have a tendency to rust. Replace it with a stainless steel, copper or aluminum chase cover so you don\u2019t have to worry about rust again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For masonry chimneys, you\u2019ll need to get a crown<\/a>. It\u2019s a concrete cover that prevents anything from getting into your home. Like chase covers, the smoke escapes through a pipe coming from the crown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The flashing is where the chimney meets the roof. Without a sealant going around the meeting point, moisture can seep into your home. Make sure your flashing is in good condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No matter what type of fireplace you have, you\u2019ll need your chimney swept in order to keep your home safe. The question is, how often do you need a chimney sweeping<\/a>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n While there\u2019s no specific amount of time to get your chimney cleaned, there are a few things to consider. The amount you use your fireplace will determine how often you have your chimney swept. Once the chimney liner<\/a> has 1\/8\u2033 of soot, it needs to be cleaned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re not sure how to measure soot, there\u2019s an easy metric you can use \u2013 your chimney should be cleaned every 50 burns. This differs from the type of fireplace you have. For instance, a gas log fireplace needs to be swept less often than a wood burning fireplace. About 50 burns is a good place to start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is one of the more unique chimney maintenance tips. Replacing a wood burning fireplace with a gas log fireplace could be safer for your home. Gas logs burn much greener than real logs \u2013 they produce a less harmful smoke and are extremely energy efficient. In fact, they have a 92%-99% efficiency rating<\/a> vs the typical 60%-80%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not only is that safer for the efficiency, but it\u2019s safe for you. Since the gas log fireplace<\/a> is burning up to 99% of the gas used, there\u2019s less soot in your chimney. That means you can go longer between chimney sweeps and you\u2019re less at risk of fires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t think you\u2019re sacrificing beauty for efficiency. For a time, gas log fireplaces lacked the elegance of a wood burning fireplace, but things have changed. Now, the hand painted, ceramic gas logs are made to look identical wood logs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The bricks and mortar joints of your chimney play a crucial role in avoiding water damage inside of your home. However, they begin to crack and crumble over time and give moisture an entrance into your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chimney tuckpointing<\/a> is the act of repairing mortar. If you notice that your mortar is crumbling and the bricks are starting to become loose, then you\u2019re in need of chimney tuckpointing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure you get a waterproofing sealant for your chimney stack. This will help keep the mortar and bricks protected from moisture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just looking at your chimney isn\u2019t enough to spot problems \u2013 some are underlying and need a professional to find them. Having a chimney inspection<\/a> once per year is crucial to ensure your chimney\u2019s safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are three levels of chimney inspection to consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many different chimney and home maintenance<\/a> tips but these are our 6 favorites. They cover everything from minor chimney inspections to completely changing how you use your fireplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n by Full Service Chimney<\/a> | Mar 17, 2021 | Chimney Maintenance<\/a>, Fire Safety<\/a> If you own and operate any type of fireplace, you must practice frequent chimney maintenance. Like motor vehicles, both fireplace and appliance utility flues<\/a> routinely need servicing over their lifespan. While we would all like to avoid the expense and hassle, maintenance on your chimney is inevitable and imperative. Failure to do so puts your system, home, and family at risk. This blog post will set you and your heating systems up for success by answering the most notable chimney maintenance frequently asked questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n People often look for the cheapest and most convenient options available. Of course, that can sometimes work effectively with regular upkeep or minor repairs; however, sufficient knowledge and skills aren\u2019t nearly as readily available when it comes to the inner workings of fireplace systems<\/a>. That\u2019s why you must choose Certified Professionals and we\u2019re here to help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Table of Contents<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The most essential way to maintain your chimneys is by having them inspected at least once per year. If you\u2019ve recently purchased a new stainless steel liner<\/a> system, then it likely comes with a warranty. Depending on the manufacturer, a chimney liner warranty could be 10-20 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At Full Service, our stainless steel liner systems are under a lifetime warranty with professional installation. An annual inspection is a requirement to fulfill the liner warranty claims if needed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A fireplace and its chimney flue need swept<\/a> and inspected<\/a> at least once per year. Please keep in mind that this is only the minimum recommendation for the proper upkeep of your burning system, no matter what type of fuel you use (gas or wood). It\u2019s also true for any gas appliance that has a flue pipe which also requires regular maintenance for performance and safety.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Other systems that need annual cleaning are gas furnaces or water heaters, and wood stoves. The same is true for oil burners, but we don\u2019t see too many of those in our Midwestern area<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Suppose your fireplace is experiencing poor fire performance, animal entry<\/a>, a strong campfire smell, or oil spots on the walls. In that case, it\u2019s a definitive sign that you need to schedule a professional inspection and cleaning. Failure to act on these warning signs can lead to dangerous situations in your home, such as fires and carbon monoxide entry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You must be able to identify these warning signs successfully. So let\u2019s take a closer look at each sign:<\/p>\n\n\n\n GET A CLEANING<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The average cost of an annual chimney cleaning is $200 to $350. Some companies are more expensive than others, but the prices vary primarily due to the type of system being serviced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If your systems showing signs of malfunction or damage your local certified sweep<\/a> may suggest that you get it fixed or replaced. To promote transparency during inspections, our technicians take photos and videos to ensure you understand what\u2019s going on within your flue where the bulk of issues are hidden from the view of hearth and home owners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The process of sweeping a chimney goes in these general steps: <\/p>\n\n\n\n WARNING: Please keep in mind that this is a VERY brief overview of the process. There is far more to sweeping than just merely cleaning out your flue. Performing these steps is much more complicated and requires extensive knowledge of chimney types<\/a>, fireplace types<\/a>, professional equipment, and sweeping practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes, in most cases, you can absolutely have your chimney cleaned from the bottom. Sweeping from the top can be dangerous and a lot of work. You\u2019ll be required to safely climb a ladder, walk across the roof, disassemble the cap<\/a>, and clean the flue using the correct methods and equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sweeping from the below is just as detailed in terms of technical knowledge. Still, it\u2019s much easier if you don\u2019t feel comfortable on a roof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As we said before, you need to schedule an inspection before doing chimney maintenance and repair work. But if you insist on sweeping your fireplace, we recommend that you clean from the bottom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes, if you\u2019re a competent DIYer, you technically<\/strong> could clean your flue yourself. But even if you\u2019re a DIY expert in all things, you should still hire a professional<\/a> to conduct an annual inspection and cleaning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While DIY typically implies that you\u2019ll save on price, professional sweeps utilize various industry tools and specialty equipment<\/a> during their cleanings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are also serious safety concerns involved. While cleaning, exposure to creosote and other dangerous carcinogens is constant. In some cases, sweeping from the roof is the only option. That\u2019s dangerous and scary for people of all ages! <\/p>\n\n\n\n A few of the tools and equipment needed for proper cleaning<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n For more detailed information on the considerations involved with cleaning and chimney maintenance tips, check out this blog post<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your chimney should be cleaned and inspected at least once a year according to the Chimney Safety Institute of America<\/a> (CSIA) and other veteran professionals. It should also always be swept when any amount of glazed creosote is present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Experts worldwide have told customers that exact statement a thousand times. And we\u2019ll continue to say it because it\u2019s an essential aspect of wood-burning and gas fireplace chimney maintenance. As a fireplace owner, you should follow this maintenance tip religiously. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Certified Sweep cleaning from the bottom<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you use a wood-burning fireplace year-round, your system may need cleaned 2 to 3 times per year. Of course, the more fires started, the more creosote that will be built-up. Spending a couple hundred dollars on inspections and cleaning is better than worrying about putting your family and home at risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While the CSIA gave their accepted product status to chimney cleaning logs, they don\u2019t really work as an effective cleaner. It may sound great, but $15 cleaning logs are not, and never will be, a substitute for hiring a professional sweep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Cleaning logs won\u2019t properly clean your system, but that doesn\u2019t mean they\u2019re useless. As you can read more in our creosote sweeping blog, they can play a vital role in the chimney maintenance process. To minimize creosote follow these maintenance tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n SUGGESTED READING<\/strong>: We have an entire post dedicated to this if you\u2019re interested to learn more<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You should never leave a gas fireplace<\/a> on all night. We understand that your fireplace provides warmth and comfort throughout the house, but it can quickly turn hazardous overnight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Natural gas, propane, and wood-burning fireplaces produce a poisonous gas called carbon monoxide<\/a>, commonly known as the silent killer. It\u2019s a fatal gas that\u2019s odorless, colorless, and can fill up a room in a hurry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To ensure carbon monoxide safety, you need to educate yourself on direct vent, ventless<\/a>, and insert run-time specifications. Those run-times vary mainly depending on the manufacturer\u2019s instructions and local authorities having jurisdiction. But no matter what, never leave a fire running in an unattended room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gas Fireplace<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n You can become an expert on all things fireplaces, yet, accidents can still happen. Leaving your gas fireplace on overnight is a possible one. That\u2019s why you need at least one smoke and carbon monoxide detector in a room where a fireplace is present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If carbon monoxide is leaking through your furnace<\/a>, that likely means that your heat exchanger is cracked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A heat exchanger is a metal shield that distributes air from the furnace. When the furnace heats up, the metal shield expands. When the furnace cools down, the metal shield contracts. As this keeps happening over time, cracks can develop within the shield, causing carbon monoxide to leak out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can avoid potential furnace carbon monoxide leaks by scheduling annual inspections, replacing air filters, and checking your carbon monoxide detectors.FURNACE SERVICE<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Chimneys can catch fire<\/a>, and, unfortunately, they are far too familiar. Over 25,000 chimney fires happen per year. Many of which led to hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage to your home. Not only can they destroy your system, but they can also ruin your home. They truly epitomize why you should take chimney maintenance seriously. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These fires typically occur due to an abundance of creosote build-up or debris catching fire inside the flue. Restricted air, improperly seasoned firewood<\/a>, and cool temperatures in the system encourage creosote build-up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Make Sure your Chimney is Waterproof<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Know When to Have Your Chimney Swept<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Gas Log Fireplaces Are Better for Your Chimney Than Wood Burning Ones<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Make Sure Your Mortar Joints and Bricks Aren\u2019t Crumbling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6. Have Your Chimney Inspected Once Per Year<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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These Chimney Maintenance Tips Will Save You Money and Keep Your Home Safe<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Top 12 Chimney Maintenance FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Chimney](\"https:\/\/fullservicechimney.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Full-Service-Chimney-Truck-in-front-of-stone-house.jpg\")
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How To Maintain Your Chimney Systems<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How Often Does Your Fireplace Need Maintenance<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
How Can I Tell if My Chimney Needs Cleaning?<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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What is the Average Cost to Have a Chimney Swept? <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How Do You Sweep a Chimney?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Can I Clean My Flue from the Bottom? <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Can I Clean My Chimney Myself? <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
![\"Chimney](\"https:\/\/fullservicechimney.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/What-is-the-average-cost-to-have-a-chimney-cleaned.jpg\" "\\"What")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHow Often Should I Clean My Chimney?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Full](\"https:\/\/fullservicechimney.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Full-Service-Chimney-Cleaning-Near-You.jpg\" "\\"Full")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDo Cleaning Logs Really Work?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Is it Okay to Leave a Gas Fireplace on All Night?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Vibrant](\"https:\/\/fullservicechimney.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Is-it-okay-to-leave-a-gas-fireplace-on-all-night.jpg\" "\\"Is")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat Causes a Furnace to Leak Carbon Monoxide?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Can Your Chimney Catch Fire?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Home](\"https:\/\/fullservicechimney.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Can-your-chimney-catch-fire.jpg\" "\\"Can")
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