Chimney Soot as a Contaminant

Soot is a powdery black dust that will stick to the inside of your chimney and build up in there. If there is enough of it, it can escape into the air and cause lung and respiratory risks. This is why it can be a dangerous contaminant. Inhaled in large amounts, soot can irritate your lungs and cause multiple other health issues. A clean chimney is the only way to prevent this from occurring.

Regular chimney cleaning performed by Los Angeles CA chimney sweeps is recommended to ensure the safety of your family. Contact the professionals today to schedule a cleaning! And of course, don't forget to keep up with our blog for more information on chimney best practices.

Common Causes of Fireplace Draft Problems

Fireplace and wood stove drafting and venting issues can potentially endanger your family as well as your home. While many homeowners attribute the smoke backup to a "bad" fireplace or stove, the problem usually lies in the flue or chimney. The following is a common cause of fireplace and stove draft issues.

Blockages:
Leaves, bird nests, creosote buildup, and other debris inside the chimney can reduce the size of the flue opening enough that your stove or fireplace can no longer draft properly. A professional cleaning by a licensed chimney sweep is the best way to ensure that your fireplace flue remains unobstructed. We also suggest installing a fireplace cap to prevent birds, animals, and debris from getting into your chimney. For more information, call a company that specializes in custom fireplaces in Lewistown PA.

Common Causes of Fireplace Draft Problems

Oversized or Undersized Flue:

The size of the fireplace flue is determined by the size of the fireplace opening. As a general rule, the flue should be at least one-tenth the cross-sectional area of the fireplace opening. For example, if you have a fireplace measuring 40" x 24", you need an 8" x 12" flue. With wood stoves, the flue needs to have the same cross-sectional area as the stove's vent opening.

 In either case, a flue that is too small will not be able to accommodate the amount of warm air rising from the fireplace or stove, which means that the smoke backs up into your home. A flue that is too large may not draw fast enough. Common solutions include reducing the size of the fireplace opening or installing a chimney liner to reduce the size of the chimney. If you need a chimney installation or chimney cleaning in York PA, click the link to speak with a professional.

Water in the Fireplace?

Under normal circumstances, your fireplace should stay dry even during heavy rain. If you notice water pooling at the bottom or dripping from the flue, there's likely a leak inside the chimney. Luckily, most of these leaks can be fixed by installing or repairing a chimney cover. However, if the water has permeated through the sides of the chimney, a full restoration may be needed.

Contact a professional in Hawaii dryer vent cleaning and chimney services today to schedule a chimney cleaning. 

Importance of Commercial Roofing Insulation

Commercial roofing insulation acts like a protective blanket that's wedged between your roof’s surface and the roof deck to trap heat or cool air in. It's used to reduce the transfer of heat.  Proper roof insulation can protect your roof from mold, mildew, and high energy costs. A poorly insulated roof causes higher energy bills because you’re HVAC system needs to be constantly running to maintain your indoor comfort.

Air naturally travels from warm areas towards cooler areas, and insulation restricts this natural movement. So, during the winter insulation will prevent the cold air from coming into your facility through the ceilings. It works the same way during the summer – keeping the cool air inside and preventing it from moving towards warmer areas. If you need commercial roofing in Charlotte MI, click the link to speak with a professional. 

Install a Fence to Keep Critters Out of Your Garden

Eating veggies from your own garden is satisfying, but you want to make sure a rabbit or squirrel isn't getting to your veggies first! So, you should build a fence around your garden to keep any critters out. Use pressure treated lumber to build a sturdy rail-and-post enclosure that prevents animals from stealing your food. You can use mesh wiring to wrap around the lumber posts, and use that for the gate as well. If you need help with this, contact a fence company in Bluffton IN who will be able to help you.