Why Your Chimney Requires Regular Inspections

Many people wonder how often they should have a chimney inspection. The answer depends - how often do you use your fireplace or wood burner?; do you use unseasoned (wet) wood often? (that is, wood that you can get from your yard); is the chimney air supply restricted? (lingering chimney smoke increases residue building); is debris falling into the chimney?; or is the chimney brick or liner cracked due to moisture freeze and thaw cycles?

As a matter of being a safe and responsible homeowner, working with a reputable chimney professional for regular inspections will not only give you the knowledge to safely use your wood burning appliances, but to also prevent a destructive fire that could cause loss of property or life. Here is a checklist of what a good chimney inspection will provide:

* Evaluation of the venting system looking for blockages
* Inspection of chimney interior looking for residue build-up and cracks
* Visual inspection of fireplace or stove for cleaning
* Inspection of roof and attic for structural disrepair pertaining to chimney
* Observation of sources of debris or animal infiltration to system
* External chimney condition from weather abuse and moisture penetration

If you need chimney cleaning in Long Island NY, click the link to speak with a professional.

What To Look For In A Chimney Company

It's important to realize that certain standards and abilities offered by those you entrust your chimney to are crucial:

• Are they licensed and insured?
• Have they been in the industry more than a few years?
• Are they members of (and/or recognized by) trade associations?
• Do they have a website with detailed information about their company?
• Do they offer residential and commercial services? 
• Do they offer financing? (bonus!)

When unexpected problems occur with your chimney, you don't want a rookie on the roof. Have regular maintenance and inspections done experts in chimney repairs in Los Angeles. The safety of your home and family is worth it!

Other Uses For Roofing Shingles

When you hire a contractor to build you a new roof, there is likely excess roofing that wasn't used during the process. So, what should you do with the excess bundles of shingles. Here are some options:

• Use them as roof material for smaller projects like a bird house, gazebo, dog house, or shed. 
• Save some excess for repairs on your roof in the future. Anything can happen to your roof, so it's best to always be prepared for disasters. 
• Get creative and use it to create kitchen utensils like wooden spoons.  

If you need a roof inspector or have any questions about roofing, contact a roof inspector in Sarasota FL. 

One Common Chimney Issue That Needs Repair

Many homeowners usually don't think of their chimneys as something that needs constant maintenance, but in reality, they come with a set responsibilities that need to be addressed yearly. To ensure that your chimney remains in tip-top running shape, enlisting the service of professionals is highly recommended. Unfortunately, many owners of chimneys do not notice any issues until they present themselves. One issue that arises is obstruction.

A problem often faced by homeowners are obstructions of their chimneys. Quite often, animals like to build nests within the chimney or debris may get lodged within the structure. Obstructions are quite dangerous due to the possibility of starting an unwanted fire when in use. Having a professional install a chimney cap or crown is an easy preventative way to keep your chimney. If you need gas logs in Wilmington NC, click the link.

The Most Important Thing A Chimney Inspection Will Tell You

Having your chimney inspected will tell you a lot. Flues and masonry in need of repair, damage to stovepipe components and heating device/flue compatibility can all be identified. But there is one piece of information an inspection can tell you that may be the most important of all.

If you live in an area where wood stoves and fire places are the norm, you probably know someone who has experienced a chimney fire. The fact is, chimney fires are surprisingly common and most people don't even know they have had one. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America the indicators of a fire include loud cracking and popping noises, lots of dense smoke and an intense, hot smell. Sometimes the fire can be heard, even outside the house, and manifests as a pronounced roar or sounding like a passing freight train or low flying aircraft. Flames or sparks can occasionally be seen shooting out the top of the chimney. If you need dryer vent cleaning in Hawaii, click the link to talk to a professional.

Proper Chimney Building: Not A Job For Amateurs!

Many people forget about the importance of proper safety precautions to take when installing and maintaining a chimney. Since you're reading this, what should you do about your chimney?

First, realize that chimney building is rightly a complex task, with numerous critical details requiring a professional's expertise. Second, realize that preventative maintenance is also the rightful domain of trained personnel. Once built, a used (or even unused) chimney develops maintenance issues that require attention. These include, but are not limited to: chimney sweeping, animal invasions, water leakage problems, fireplace repairs, ventilation concerns, and carbon monoxide concerns. 

Knowing all of this, you'll surely want to hire a professional to handle these complex tasks. Contact a Chimney Sweep in Long Island NY today.

Chimney Inspections

It is not possible to install a chimney and forget about it. Like other home essentials, it requires routine care from professionals who know how to deftly head off problems. We recommend having at least one of three, distinct, chimney inspections each year. For most folks, a level one inspection is suggested either before or after the start of the heating season. Those individuals who’ve had the fortune of being able to remodel, restore or purchase an old brownstone would be better off with a level two or three inspection, given the home’s layout.

Yes, prices do vary for these types of chimney inspections but it’s well worth it in terms of energy efficiency and homeowner or renter safety. Don’t delay in scheduling your chimney inspection and any necessary repairs, have it taken care of by your local Winthrop ME chimney service.

Invest in Chimney Building for Your Office to Improve Your Work Experience

Building a chimney might not be a common project for homeowners to undertake, but it is one that you should definitely consider when you enjoy the prospect of having a fireplace in your home. If you work at home and spend a large portion of your time in your home office, you might think about getting professional chimney built in your office, which can provide you with quite a few work-related benefits.

Provides White Noise for Better Focusing

When you have your fireplace going, you will naturally create white noise for the room. Although some people like to work in silence, you may find it easier to focus with some noise in the background. If you find listening to music is too distracting, the crackling of the fire may be a good solution for you to achieve a higher level of concentration.

Ideal for Those Who Work at Nighttime

A fireplace in your office is a great choice when you normally work at nighttime. During the day, the fireplace will generally be used to create white noise and a nice ambience (and keep the room toasty in cooler weather!). However, at night, a fireplace combined with some nice table lamps may give you a better ambiance than a ton of bright lights filling the room.

Keep Your Hands Warm for Handwork

Whether you do art, crafts, computer work, or something else, you will find that having warm hands is essential to work properly. Cold hands lead to stiff movement of your joints, which slows down your work. But, with a fireplace in the office, you can enjoy a heater that gives more than just heat to the room.

If you want to learn more about building a chimney, contact your local chimney sweep in Hawaii.

Five Things You Should Know about Chimney Building

If your goal is to enjoy a warm, toasty fire this winter, you’ll first need to ensure you have the right chimney. There are a few things you should know about chimney building first. Here are just five we thought were worth mentioning:


* Your chimney is likely the heaviest part of your home, which is why it should have adequate support. An eight to twelve-inch concrete footing located slightly below your home’s foundation is recommended.

* A standard chimney is 32 inches by 32 inches, and forms an internal square that is eight inches on all sides. The exact size of your chimney will depend on the open area of your fireplace, and should be based on guidelines provided by the Brick Industry Association.

* The walls of a chimney should be at least four inches thick; however, eight inches is recommended. Chimneys that are eight inches thick will withstand changes in temperature better, and are much less prone to cracking or breaking.

* Natural stone and brick are recommended over concrete because these materials are better able to withstand high temperatures. If concrete blocks are used, they should be filled with a heat-resistant concrete for added protection.

* The top of your chimney should extend at least two feet above your roofline. It must also be at least two feet higher than any other object or structure that is within a ten-foot radius of its center.

Adding a chimney to an existing structure is far more complicated, and can involve moving wiring and plumbing lines in addition to providing adequate support. Permits and inspections are sometimes needed as well. One of the best ways to ensure your chimney is safe and meets all local building code requirements is to contact your local chimney sweep in Long Island NY.