Middletown Chimney Pros
Below are some frequently asked questions (FAQ) about chimneys, chimney safety, and chimney care:
What are the benefits of cleaning my chimney (or having it cleaned)?
Chimney cleaning is essential for the protection of your family as well as the efficient running of your chimney. It is necessary to clean your fireplace and its components, including the firebox, smoke chamber, chimney liner, and damper. This will eliminate creosote and soot buildup, allowing smoke to flow easily through the chimney and out of your home.
How often do I need to clean my chimney?
We recommend that you have your chimney cleaned at least once a year - more frequently if you burn a lot of wood throughout the year. For the most part, it makes sense to combine a cleaning with an inspection because you'll save money and, if any problems are discovered, we can remedy them on the spot. In the long run, this saves you both time and money, and it is also safer for you and your family in the process.
Is there a best time of year to clean your chimney?
We recommend that you have your chimney inspected and cleaned immediately before your busiest burning season. For the majority of individuals, this means the winter – which is why we recommend an examination and cleaning in the late fall to early winter. This inspection and cleaning will help you to spot any problems early on, and you will be able to enter Winter with a clean chimney that will not pose a potential safety hazard throughout the year.
What is the recommended frequency of inspections for my chimney?
The answer to this question is dependent on a few factors. It goes without saying that annual inspections are always a good idea. However, there are a few things to take into account: Annual chimney inspections are recommended if you use your chimney frequently or if your chimney is more than ten years old. To save money, it's best to combine these services with a cleaning. Inspections can also be beneficial if you've experienced problems in the past (depending on the type of problem). In the event that you have recently adjusted your heating systems, assembled or installed a new stove or flue component, or made any other type of alteration, it is a good idea to have your system inspected. Even if you haven't used your chimney in a long time, it is a good idea to have it inspected. Animals and vermin have been known to create nests inside of chimneys in some instances, which can cause obvious problems when you want to light a fire! The safety and functioning of your chimney and its components can be evaluated by an expert to verify that they are safe and effective to use. "Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be checked at least once a year for soundness, free of deposits, and proper clearances," according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 211: It is required to do cleaning, maintenance, and repairs as needed."
Is it necessary to wipe the black soot off the walls of my firebox (fireplace) as part of the chimney cleaning process?
We do not provide this as part of our normal service. When businesses claim to be chimney sweeps, they are referring to the fact that they will clean in your chimney — not necessarily in your fireplace or stove. The goal of a chimney cleaning is to remove all of the buildup and creosote deposits that have formed inside the flue. This will allow you to burn wood in your fireplace without risking injury. In most cases, cleaning the brick or masonry inside your fireplace is a more time-consuming process that is not included in the overall cleaning process. We can accomplish it for an additional fee, but it is not included as part of our usual service due to the nature of the work.
My damper has failed me. Is it possible for you to fix it?
Yes, but the extent of the harm varies depending on the sort of damage. Dampers that have merely gotten disengaged (or unseated) from their mounting brackets can be repositioned back into position. It is necessary, however, to replace dampers that are physically broken or have holes in them (as a result of age, corrosion, rust, or other factors). As a matter of fact, this is an excellent time to replace your old inefficient damper with a brand new damper/chimney cap combination, which we highly recommend. Give us a call and we'll be happy to guide you through a couple different damper repair and chimney cap/damper installation alternatives.
I'm in the process of selling my house. Is it necessary to get a chimney check done first?
Despite the fact that most towns do not mandate a chimney inspection prior to a move, we believe it is a wise decision. It could also assist you avoid a difficult last-minute haggling situation over repairs if you weren't aware of a problem before it became a problem. Prior to relocation, we recommend that you have a Level II chimney inspection performed. Make certain that the completed report is handed over to the new homeowners, or that your agent has a copy of it.
Is it possible to have a chimney fire?
Indeed they are - fortunately, frequent cleanings and inspections can assist in avoiding these problems. In the United States alone, it is estimated that chimney fires or chimney-related concerns generate more than $220 million in damage each and every year. Chimney fires occur mostly as a result of the accumulation of debris in chimneys and chimney components. It is more dangerous and risky to have a fire when there is a buildup of creosote and soot in the chimney. Creosote is a tar-like substance that accumulates inside a chimney and is harmful to the environment. It is a natural byproduct of wood burning and can be removed with care. When it is not, however, it has the potential to combust. If this occurs, creosote can burn for an extended period of time, causing significant structural damage. Fires initiated by unclean, creosote-encrusted chimneys are the most common cause of house fires. Chimney fires occur when the creosote that has built up in your chimney and flue ignites. To avoid this, keep the inside of your chimney clean and remove any accumulation that has accumulated before it has a chance to catch fire.
What should I do in the event of a chimney fire?
Generally speaking, if you discover that your chimney is on fire, call 911 and make arrangements to evacuate your entire household. If you have a fire extinguisher on hand, you could try to extinguish the wood that is now burning in your firebox, but don't try to shove the extinguisher up your chimney. If a piece of burning hot material falls on you, it could cause serious injury or death. Once emergency services have determined that your home is safe, please contact us so that we can conduct an examination and make any necessary repairs.
Do the codes for my county and municipality apply to my chimney?
Yes. Today, most residences in the United States are governed by some form of code – and this is true of chimneys, as well. Fortunately, certified, trustworthy homebuilders will construct their homes in accordance with local building codes, so you shouldn't have anything to worry about. As we all know, codes are subject to change. These modifications can cause previously complying constructions to become non-compliant; this is something you should be aware of. Fortunately, qualified chimney repair and maintenance firms are on the lookout for new advancements and changes in code, and they can ensure that your chimney is properly maintained.
Is it really so awful to burn trash or other non-wood goods in my fireplace or stove?
Yes, and it has the potential to create disastrous circumstances. In part, this is due to the fact that firewood burns cleanly and leaves only a small amount of residue in your chimney, flue, and fireplace, which makes them quite safe. As a matter of fact, seasoned firewood should only emit a faint, practically clear cloud of smoke. When you use your chimney and liner to burn trash and waste, you create a black smoke that is full of chemicals and leftover material that can become caught in your chimney and liner. When this happens, damage to your chimney or stove might occur more quickly, posing a health danger to you and your family. While burning paper and wood together will not typically result in a poisonous combination, burning plastics, treated wood, chemicals, and processed materials together may result in a toxic cocktail of fumes and gases that may end up in your home or in the air. Large pieces of rubbish that have caught fire can also fall from the safety of your fireplace or stove, igniting the interior of your home (or mantel). It is best to stay away from all of this and avoid burning rubbish in your fireplace or stove.
What exactly does "seasoned wood" mean?
Simply described, "seasoned wood" is wood that has been exposed to the elements for at least six months before being used. If the wood has been chopped and cured for six months, it doesn't matter where it originated from; you'll have seasoned wood regardless of where it came from. Kiln-dried wood is a type of wood that is similar to seasoning wood. Kiln-dried wood is essentially the same as seasoned wood, but it has been dried in an oven for around 75 minutes, or until all but 10% of the moisture has been removed. Kiln-dried wood is particularly advantageous in that the method kills mold and mildew, as well as any bugs that may have invaded the wood during the drying process.
What is the benefit of stacking firewood?
Stacking firewood has a few advantages over other methods of storing wood. For starters, piled firewood is far easier to manage and takes up significantly less room than loose firewood. The ability to retrieve a few pieces of wood from a stack is far more convenient than pulling them from a pile, and piled wood takes up less room. More importantly, piled wood allows for better air circulation, which aids in the drying of the wood products. This is the natural process by which seasoned firewood is produced in a forest. Wood that has been stacked and dried for six months is considered "seasoned," and it is the only type of wood that should be burned in a fireplace or woodburning stove.
Is it possible for animals to construct their homes in chimneys?
Unfortunately, this is true. Animals have been known to build nests and construct homes in chimneys. If you have a sturdy cap on your chimney, you will be less likely to experience this problem. Animals have been found in chimneys that are either ancient, rarely used, or damaged in some way (either the brick and liner is cracked allowing small animals to enter, or the chimney is missing a cap). A chimney inspection is beneficial in this situation because our experts can determine whether there are animals or potentially dangerous obstacles in your chimney using a camera and light. We can then make the required repairs or improvements to guarantee that this does not happen again.
The smell of smoke is entering my home. What am I supposed to do?
When you have a fire going, do you notice (or smell) a thick cloud of smoke coming back into your home from outside? This is a red flag that you have a problem — one that could be life-threatening. This is referred to as "backdrafting," and it occurs when a chimney's operation is not up to standard. It is possible that your chimney has become clogged or has been damaged in some way. This may occur in rare situations due to the weather, depending on the architecture of the chimney and the presence of high, prolonged winds.
What is the procedure for having a chimney swept?
The procedure of cleaning your chimney to ensure that it is in the best possible and safest possible condition can be summarized as follows:
When I burn wood in my fireplace, there is a foul odor that permeates the room. What could it possibly be?
If you're simply burning seasoned, clean firewood in your fireplace, there's a fair possibility that the scent you're experiencing is the result of burning creosote coming from the chimney. When creosote burns, it can generate a terrible odor, which is particularly noticeable in humid situations. It is recommended that you have your chimney cleaned. You can also purchase in chimney deodorant logs (which, in most cases, are simply burned), which can aid in the elimination of foul odors.
Learn more about our commitment to chimney safety.
What are the benefits of cleaning my chimney (or having it cleaned)?
Chimney cleaning is essential for the protection of your family as well as the efficient running of your chimney. It is necessary to clean your fireplace and its components, including the firebox, smoke chamber, chimney liner, and damper. This will eliminate creosote and soot buildup, allowing smoke to flow easily through the chimney and out of your home.
How often do I need to clean my chimney?
We recommend that you have your chimney cleaned at least once a year - more frequently if you burn a lot of wood throughout the year. For the most part, it makes sense to combine a cleaning with an inspection because you'll save money and, if any problems are discovered, we can remedy them on the spot. In the long run, this saves you both time and money, and it is also safer for you and your family in the process.
Is there a best time of year to clean your chimney?
We recommend that you have your chimney inspected and cleaned immediately before your busiest burning season. For the majority of individuals, this means the winter – which is why we recommend an examination and cleaning in the late fall to early winter. This inspection and cleaning will help you to spot any problems early on, and you will be able to enter Winter with a clean chimney that will not pose a potential safety hazard throughout the year.
What is the recommended frequency of inspections for my chimney?
The answer to this question is dependent on a few factors. It goes without saying that annual inspections are always a good idea. However, there are a few things to take into account: Annual chimney inspections are recommended if you use your chimney frequently or if your chimney is more than ten years old. To save money, it's best to combine these services with a cleaning. Inspections can also be beneficial if you've experienced problems in the past (depending on the type of problem). In the event that you have recently adjusted your heating systems, assembled or installed a new stove or flue component, or made any other type of alteration, it is a good idea to have your system inspected. Even if you haven't used your chimney in a long time, it is a good idea to have it inspected. Animals and vermin have been known to create nests inside of chimneys in some instances, which can cause obvious problems when you want to light a fire! The safety and functioning of your chimney and its components can be evaluated by an expert to verify that they are safe and effective to use. "Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be checked at least once a year for soundness, free of deposits, and proper clearances," according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 211: It is required to do cleaning, maintenance, and repairs as needed."
Is it necessary to wipe the black soot off the walls of my firebox (fireplace) as part of the chimney cleaning process?
We do not provide this as part of our normal service. When businesses claim to be chimney sweeps, they are referring to the fact that they will clean in your chimney — not necessarily in your fireplace or stove. The goal of a chimney cleaning is to remove all of the buildup and creosote deposits that have formed inside the flue. This will allow you to burn wood in your fireplace without risking injury. In most cases, cleaning the brick or masonry inside your fireplace is a more time-consuming process that is not included in the overall cleaning process. We can accomplish it for an additional fee, but it is not included as part of our usual service due to the nature of the work.
My damper has failed me. Is it possible for you to fix it?
Yes, but the extent of the harm varies depending on the sort of damage. Dampers that have merely gotten disengaged (or unseated) from their mounting brackets can be repositioned back into position. It is necessary, however, to replace dampers that are physically broken or have holes in them (as a result of age, corrosion, rust, or other factors). As a matter of fact, this is an excellent time to replace your old inefficient damper with a brand new damper/chimney cap combination, which we highly recommend. Give us a call and we'll be happy to guide you through a couple different damper repair and chimney cap/damper installation alternatives.
I'm in the process of selling my house. Is it necessary to get a chimney check done first?
Despite the fact that most towns do not mandate a chimney inspection prior to a move, we believe it is a wise decision. It could also assist you avoid a difficult last-minute haggling situation over repairs if you weren't aware of a problem before it became a problem. Prior to relocation, we recommend that you have a Level II chimney inspection performed. Make certain that the completed report is handed over to the new homeowners, or that your agent has a copy of it.
Is it possible to have a chimney fire?
Indeed they are - fortunately, frequent cleanings and inspections can assist in avoiding these problems. In the United States alone, it is estimated that chimney fires or chimney-related concerns generate more than $220 million in damage each and every year. Chimney fires occur mostly as a result of the accumulation of debris in chimneys and chimney components. It is more dangerous and risky to have a fire when there is a buildup of creosote and soot in the chimney. Creosote is a tar-like substance that accumulates inside a chimney and is harmful to the environment. It is a natural byproduct of wood burning and can be removed with care. When it is not, however, it has the potential to combust. If this occurs, creosote can burn for an extended period of time, causing significant structural damage. Fires initiated by unclean, creosote-encrusted chimneys are the most common cause of house fires. Chimney fires occur when the creosote that has built up in your chimney and flue ignites. To avoid this, keep the inside of your chimney clean and remove any accumulation that has accumulated before it has a chance to catch fire.
What should I do in the event of a chimney fire?
Generally speaking, if you discover that your chimney is on fire, call 911 and make arrangements to evacuate your entire household. If you have a fire extinguisher on hand, you could try to extinguish the wood that is now burning in your firebox, but don't try to shove the extinguisher up your chimney. If a piece of burning hot material falls on you, it could cause serious injury or death. Once emergency services have determined that your home is safe, please contact us so that we can conduct an examination and make any necessary repairs.
Do the codes for my county and municipality apply to my chimney?
Yes. Today, most residences in the United States are governed by some form of code – and this is true of chimneys, as well. Fortunately, certified, trustworthy homebuilders will construct their homes in accordance with local building codes, so you shouldn't have anything to worry about. As we all know, codes are subject to change. These modifications can cause previously complying constructions to become non-compliant; this is something you should be aware of. Fortunately, qualified chimney repair and maintenance firms are on the lookout for new advancements and changes in code, and they can ensure that your chimney is properly maintained.
Is it really so awful to burn trash or other non-wood goods in my fireplace or stove?
Yes, and it has the potential to create disastrous circumstances. In part, this is due to the fact that firewood burns cleanly and leaves only a small amount of residue in your chimney, flue, and fireplace, which makes them quite safe. As a matter of fact, seasoned firewood should only emit a faint, practically clear cloud of smoke. When you use your chimney and liner to burn trash and waste, you create a black smoke that is full of chemicals and leftover material that can become caught in your chimney and liner. When this happens, damage to your chimney or stove might occur more quickly, posing a health danger to you and your family. While burning paper and wood together will not typically result in a poisonous combination, burning plastics, treated wood, chemicals, and processed materials together may result in a toxic cocktail of fumes and gases that may end up in your home or in the air. Large pieces of rubbish that have caught fire can also fall from the safety of your fireplace or stove, igniting the interior of your home (or mantel). It is best to stay away from all of this and avoid burning rubbish in your fireplace or stove.
What exactly does "seasoned wood" mean?
Simply described, "seasoned wood" is wood that has been exposed to the elements for at least six months before being used. If the wood has been chopped and cured for six months, it doesn't matter where it originated from; you'll have seasoned wood regardless of where it came from. Kiln-dried wood is a type of wood that is similar to seasoning wood. Kiln-dried wood is essentially the same as seasoned wood, but it has been dried in an oven for around 75 minutes, or until all but 10% of the moisture has been removed. Kiln-dried wood is particularly advantageous in that the method kills mold and mildew, as well as any bugs that may have invaded the wood during the drying process.
What is the benefit of stacking firewood?
Stacking firewood has a few advantages over other methods of storing wood. For starters, piled firewood is far easier to manage and takes up significantly less room than loose firewood. The ability to retrieve a few pieces of wood from a stack is far more convenient than pulling them from a pile, and piled wood takes up less room. More importantly, piled wood allows for better air circulation, which aids in the drying of the wood products. This is the natural process by which seasoned firewood is produced in a forest. Wood that has been stacked and dried for six months is considered "seasoned," and it is the only type of wood that should be burned in a fireplace or woodburning stove.
Is it possible for animals to construct their homes in chimneys?
Unfortunately, this is true. Animals have been known to build nests and construct homes in chimneys. If you have a sturdy cap on your chimney, you will be less likely to experience this problem. Animals have been found in chimneys that are either ancient, rarely used, or damaged in some way (either the brick and liner is cracked allowing small animals to enter, or the chimney is missing a cap). A chimney inspection is beneficial in this situation because our experts can determine whether there are animals or potentially dangerous obstacles in your chimney using a camera and light. We can then make the required repairs or improvements to guarantee that this does not happen again.
The smell of smoke is entering my home. What am I supposed to do?
When you have a fire going, do you notice (or smell) a thick cloud of smoke coming back into your home from outside? This is a red flag that you have a problem — one that could be life-threatening. This is referred to as "backdrafting," and it occurs when a chimney's operation is not up to standard. It is possible that your chimney has become clogged or has been damaged in some way. This may occur in rare situations due to the weather, depending on the architecture of the chimney and the presence of high, prolonged winds.
What is the procedure for having a chimney swept?
The procedure of cleaning your chimney to ensure that it is in the best possible and safest possible condition can be summarized as follows:
When I burn wood in my fireplace, there is a foul odor that permeates the room. What could it possibly be?
If you're simply burning seasoned, clean firewood in your fireplace, there's a fair possibility that the scent you're experiencing is the result of burning creosote coming from the chimney. When creosote burns, it can generate a terrible odor, which is particularly noticeable in humid situations. It is recommended that you have your chimney cleaned. You can also purchase in chimney deodorant logs (which, in most cases, are simply burned), which can aid in the elimination of foul odors.
Learn more about our commitment to chimney safety.