Our Company Blog

What Is Creosote?

What Is Creosote? The term creosote in relation to fireplaces and chimney occurs when the by-products of wood are not totally burned off and the residue travels in the smoke as a vapor. When it is cooled to a liquid it coats whatever it encounters. The wood-tar substance is a blackish brown sticky gooey oil mixture that builds up on the interior surfaces of your chimney and fireplace. It is extremely combustible. Due to the hazardous nature of creosote and its offensive odor, Chief Chimney Services takes special care to remove it and protect homeowners from fire and toxic gas risks associated with creosote.

The Hearth.com website explains, “Creosote buildup is pretty sneaky. You may not notice it at first but it tends to feed on itself. As it builds up, it restricts the flow in the chimney and/or stove pipes. This slows the smoke on its way out, allowing more time for it to cool and for the creosote to condense and deposit on itself thus further restricting the flow.”.

The fire hazard occurs when it is ignited by a hot fire. Pieces of the built up creosote can also become loose and flake and travel upwards to your roof, or down your chimney into your fireplace and into your home. No matter the direction, the result of burning creosote is no good. A traveling piece of burning creosote can bring on a dangerous and expansive fire.

The inspectapedia website lists these considerations about creosote build up:

• The temperature of the chimney. Consider long low smoldering fires make more creosote that hotter roaring fires
• The wood to sap ratio of the wood you burn, the greener the wood the more moisture and the more creosote
• The moisture content of the wood, wet wood burns more slowly and produces more creosote
• The chimney size, height, location, and construction materials also influence the buildup of creosote.

There are important things for homeowners to understand about creosote that you need to know if you are even considering to attempt to remove creosote buildup yourself. First, without the professional equipment and cameras a chimney professional uses, you are not able to view the entire length of your chimney and therefore you may not be aware of the buildup that occurs out of sight which still puts you at risk. There are two other considerations as well as access. Dislodging the creosote is extremely dangerous for several reasons. First, as you chip away at the creosote you may do damage to the underlying chimney structure. Worse you will be breathing the extremely toxic materials even if you wear a mask. Worst yet, if you dislodge the creosote it may travel in the smoke and downdrafts of future fires and ignite whatever it lands upon.

Creosote inspection and removal is critical to the safety and security of your home and best done by a technician certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America. CSIA certified technicians know the proper methods, cleaning agent, and tools to keep your chimney unblocked. Chief Chimney Services, Inc.wants to be your chimney professional. Contact us today!

Have Your Heating System Inspected After Cold Weather

Spring has sprung in Suffolk County! While you are busy breaking out your shorts and sandals and prepping your home for outdoor entertaining with family and friends, make sure your spring cleaning checklist includes having your chimney and heating system inspected. We had a long, cold winter this year and the type of weather we endured can take its toll on your chimney. At Chief Chimney Services we are happy to come to your home and do a thorough chimney inspection.

Why Have Your Chimney Inspected After Winter?

During winter a lot of things are happening outside that can affect what happens to your chimney on the inside. For example, when the weather freezes and thaws, this can cause the mortar in your chimney to expand and contract. The result of expanding mortar is often cracked and broken bricks inside your chimney.

A lot of simple masonry damage can remedied with some tuckpointing once the weather breaks. A professional chimney company can come to your home and tuckpoint, or force fresh mortar into the joints of your bricks in order to preserve the integrity of the chimney and prevent further breakage.

Another way winter weather can take its toll on your chimney is by water damage. If your chimney has not been properly capped, or if your chimney cap is broken then you may notice some water damage inside your chimney. Water can cause creosote build-up and can cause your fireplace or woodstove to work ineffectively. Having your chimney inspected after the long winter months can make sure any water damage is not extensive and can also remedy the problem before it becomes too serious.

During winter months, critters like birds and squirrels look for any place warm and dry to call home. Your chimney may have become home to these types of pests when the cold weather was here, and a professional chimney inspection and sweeping can remove these critters so they don’t wreak havoc on your chimney.

Hiring A Certified Chimney Sweep

The best way to prevent chimney damage is to have a professional, certified chimney sweeping company come to your home and take a look at your chimney. CSIA certified chimney sweeps are held to the highest educational standards in order to offer premium chimney sweeping services. Our certified chimney sweeps will come to your home and provide a thorough inspection and sweeping of your chimney just in time for the warm weather. Some things our technicians look for include:

• Rusting components such as dampers and flues
• Sticks, leaves and other debris
• Bird and squirrel nests
• Brick and mortar damage
• Shifting chimney structures

Contact Chief Chimney Services in Suffolk County today for more information about how we can inspect your chimney and fireplace as part of your spring cleaning. Tackling chimney care as part of your home maintenance can keep the integrity of your chimney intact, which can make starting fires in your wood-burning heating appliance that much easier next winter. Call the professionals and have your chimney inspected and swept by the best in the business today.

Now Is The Time For Masonry Repairs

Spring has sprung! At Chief Chimney Services in Suffolk County we are so excited to gear up for great season of chimney sweeping and inspection. We are sure that every homeowner has a long list of items on their spring cleaning checklist and we are grateful to be able to serve the area for another year.

While you are scheduling your professional chimney sweeping and inspection, consider tackling those chimney masonry repairs you have been putting off. Spring is the perfect time to take care of some basic chimney repairs and it is important to stay on top of any fireplace or chimney damage before they escalate into costly rebuilding. Hiring a professional chimney sweeping and repair company can save you money on costly repairs in the long run.

Winter Chimney Damage

Winter is tough on chimneys. Firstly, the weather is wet and cold, and the harsh elements of winter can wreak havoc on the masonry of your chimney. Bricks can last a long time, but mortar (the cement holding each brick together) is not as durable. Moisture from severe winter weather can seep into the mortar and cause it to crack, break and crumble. If you do not take proper precautions to repair this it can result in the bricks in your chimney shifting and crumbling, which can jeopardize the overall integrity of the structure of your chimney.

Another common chimney danger is when pests make their home in your chimney. Chimneys are typically warm and dry so pests like rats, mice and birds often make their homes in this environment. Some birds build nests right into the mortar of the chimney, which can cause it to crack and break and cause subsequent damage to the bricks. These common winter problems can be held at bay with some simple masonry repair work during spring.

Tuckpointing

Tuckpointing is probably the most common form of masonry repair. Tuckpointing is when mortar is “tucked” into the damaged mortar joints of your fireplace and chimney. The result is an easy repair that reinforces the bricks to avoid potential damage to the overall integrity of your chimney.

We have had a severe winter with a lot of wet weather and this can be particularly damaging to the mortar and masonry work of your chimney. Be a proactive homeowner by schedule a routine masonry repair to keep your chimney intact and your home looking beautiful.

Additional Benefits Of Tuckpointing

• Provides structural security to the chimney
• Restores beauty to the structure
• Waterproofs your chimney
• A simple, cost-effective repair
• Prolongs the integrity of your chimney while preventing major repairs

Tuckpointing and other types of simple chimney masonry repair are the best ways to prevent costly modifications to your chimney. Because the weather is so mild during spring, this truly is the best time to schedule a chimney inspection and masonry repair. A professional technician like those at Chief Chimney Services, Inc will come to your home, thoroughly inspect your chimney and answer any questions you may have about basic repairs. Schedule your chimney inspection and masonry repair today.

Troubleshooting Fireplace Draft Problems

When you need your heating appliances, you expect them to work and it can be frustrating when things aren’t operating properly. If you notice your fireplace is drafty, it could be a simple fix, or it could mean you need to make some repairs. Troubleshooting fireplace draft problems involves understanding how your fireplace and chimney work, and how to prevent your warm air from escaping. No matter what the issue may be, it is best to start with a professional chimney sweeping and inspection.

Has Your Fireplace Been Swept?

Make sure your chimney has been properly swept and inspected. A certified and reputable chimney sweeping company like Chief Chimney Services, Inc in Suffolk can help make sure your chimney is cleaned and inspected before troubleshooting additional problems. Once your chimney has been properly inspected and swept you can move on to troubleshooting additional causes for a draft.

A thorough chimney cleaning can also remove excess build-up of creosote, which can coat the flue. When the flue can’t open and close effectively, it can lead to a draft in your fireplace. Again, a regular sweeping of your chimney and fireplace can remove creosote and other debris to make sure all the moving parts of your chimney are working.

Using Your Fireplace Correctly

Many fireplace issues are corrected with some simple knowledge on how to operate your wood-burning appliance. Make sure your damper is closed when not in use to prevent cold air from pushing down your chimney. During the colder winter months, it may be necessary to prime the flue by lighting some newspaper and holding it up to the damper to warm it up before you start your fire. In other cases, you may need to clean and replace any connectors that go from the fireplace or woodstove to the chimney. Once you seal all the leaks, you can move on to other possible causes of your chimney draft.

Preventing Downdrafting

During colder weather, the most common cause of a drafty fireplace is a downdraft. A downdraft occurs when cold air blows across your chimney and eventually down your chimney and through your fireplace. Counteract the downdraft by replacing your chimney cap and making sure it is installed properly. Similarly, a chimney cap and proper damper use can prevent The Stack Effect, when the warm air from inside your home battles with the cold external air, which can cause a draft.

A professional chimney inspection company will help determine other causes of drafts including whether or not your chimney is leaky, which may mean you need some masonry repair. Your certified chimney inspection company can also inspect your damper and any stovepipe connectors that may need to be replaced. Many newer homes are built airtight, which makes fixing a drafty fireplace as easy as installing a chimney cap or closing the damper. However, in older homes masonry repair may be required. In either case, hiring a professional chimney inspector can alleviate your worries and fix your draft problem in on easy step. Contact Chief Chimney Services to fix your drafty fireplace today.

Carbon Monoxide Dangers

Your home is your safe place, where you and your family gather to spend time together and enjoy each other’s company. Because of this, you want to keep your home as safe and free from harm as possible. There are many dangers present inside a home, and a little due diligence, care and maintenance can help protect you and your family from harm.

Carbon Monoxide: A Silent Killer

Carbon monoxide is a big concern for many homeowners, because they know it is something to fear but don’t necessarily understand what it is. Simply put, carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that is extremely poisonous. Carbon monoxide is most commonly produced from fuels that have not been burned completely such as wood, oil, natural gas and charcoal. Appliances that use these types of fuel can leave behind carbon monoxide and should be handled with extreme care.

Carbon Monoxide And Wood-Burning Heaters

Fireplaces and wood-burning stoves are of particular concern to many homeowners because they can emit carbon monoxide. This is of even greater concern during the winter months when wood-burning appliances are more frequently used to heat homes across the US. Luckily for homeowners, there are many things you can do to prevent dangerous carbon monoxide from entering your home.

Safe Wood-Burning Practices

With some simple safe practices, you can alleviate the risk of carbon monoxide. First and foremost, use your fireplace or wood stove according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and only use wood-burning heating appliances you are completely confident you know how to operate. Unsafe handling of any wood stove or fireplace is a surefire way to use it incorrectly and unsafely.

Additionally, always store your wood outdoors where it is protected from the elements because seasoned wood that is properly dried will burn hotter than other types of wood. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends a moisture content of less than twenty percent. You want to burn fires that are as hot as possible, and dry wood, as well as dry kindling is the first step to that. Never burn wood that is rotted, moldy or wet. Other safe burning practices include:

Making sure your fires are lit in a well-ventilated area.

Never burning painted, pressure-treated wood or particleboard because these will emit chemicals.

Never burn household garbage in your heating appliance.

Regularly remove ashes from the firebox.

Burn fires as hot as possible. Remember, a smoldering fire may not be a safe fire.

You also want to keep your fireplace/stove and chimney as clean as possible to allow fires to burn extremely hot. A professional chimney sweeping company like Chief Chimney Services, Inc in Suffolk County is committed to keeping your chimney clean, professionally swept and free of any harmful residue. We want your fireplace to work efficiently, but more important than that, we are passionate about keeping you and your family safe from harmful build-up and the potential threat of carbon monoxide poisoning. Take every preventative measure possible when it comes to keeping your home safe, and start with a clean, efficient fireplace or stove that your family can enjoy for years to come.

Recent Bad Weather Could Damage Your Chimney

It’s been a winter of record-breaking weather in the Northeast United States. The Weather Channel is reporting some of the worst weather in years, and New York City has experienced some of the coldest temperatures in ten years. With the month of March expected to come in like a lion, many homeowners are concerned about the potential damage all this weather could be causing.

The Stack Effect

The cold weather could be affecting your heating bill, but beyond that harsh winter weather can also affect your chimney. During something called The Stack Effect, the cold air from the outside of your home battles with the warm air inside your home. When cold air is forced down your chimney and into your home (because of chimney leaks or a poorly capped chimney) this can force a back draft in your fireplace making lighting a fire almost impossible.

The Moisture Effect

Another major culprit of chimney damage is moisture. When there is an excessive amount of snow and/or ice like we’ve been experiencing in the Northeastern United States, this precipitation can make its way into your chimney. Not only can this make it very difficult to light a fire in your fireplace or stove difficult but it can also create a build-up of creosote. Creosote is a potentially harmful chemical build-up inside a chimney that occurs when a fire isn’t burning hot enough.

How You Can Protect Your Chimney From Winter Weather

Moisture and cold air are two of the main culprits causing chimney damage during the long and cold winter months. Luckily, there are certain precautions you can take to make sure you address chimney damage before it becomes a major problem:

After heavy snowfall, inspect the exterior of your chimney for any noticeable damage.
Inspect the interior of your home for water damage or peeling paint/wallpaper around your chimney or fireplace. This could signify a leak or other chimney damage.

Perhaps the best thing you can do to protect your chimney happens before winter sets in. Hire a professional chimney sweeping company like Chief Chimney Services in Suffolk County to inspect and sweep your chimney before the winter months. Your chimney sweeping company will make sure there is no major damage to your chimney and will keep it clean. Beyond that, your chimney sweeping company will:

Recommend a top-sealing damper
Re-line your chimney
Recommend and install a chimney cap

These easy add-ons can protect your chimney from harsh winter elements like cold air and moisture. After all, having an airtight chimney is the best way to protect against bad winter weather.

This winter has been one of the record books. Between the frigid temperature and immense amount of snow many homeowners can’t wait for spring to arrive. While you’re waiting out the storm, be sure to hire a reputable, professional chimney sweeping company to help you maintain your chimney and keep it in great working order. An airtight chimney will heat your home, as well as keep your loved ones safe while winter continues to rear its ugly head.

Spring Into Action

Spring Into Action This Spring & Have Your Annual Chimney Inspection

The importance of having a yearly inspection and evaluation of your chimney cannot be stressed strongly enough. When your health and safety are at risk, it is important make sure you call a trained professional to evaluate and clean your chimney and its components on annual basis. Chief Chimney Services, Inc. has earned the prestigious credentials of certified chimney sweep from the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) to perform a complete evaluation and inspection in order to keep your venting operating at peak capacity, controlling energy consumption and costs, and protect you from fire and toxic gas hazards.

Spring is the ideal time to have your inspections performed.

Our mothers and grandmothers used the end of winter to signal time for their spring cleaning. A thorough cleaning helped make the transition from the demands of winter to the demands of summer. Springtime is an excellent time to also have a professional inspection of your chimney performed.

The National Fire Protection Association Standard 211 says, “Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary.”

During the winter, you use your chimney more than other times during the year. The residue from your fires builds up in your fireplace and chimney. Not only that, the masonry of your chimney is subjected to temperature changes as the weather freezes and thaws. These temperature changes can cause cracks, leaks, and lose bricks which allow water, smoke, and toxic gasses to seep back into your home. In addition, since your chimney is warm, birds and animals may decide to make your chimney home for the winter and then may die or get trapped inside and cause dangers.

3 Levels of Inspection as described by the Chimney Safety Institute of America*

Level 1 Inspections –During a Level 1 inspection, your chimney service technician examines the readily accessible portions of the chimney exterior, interior and accessible portions of the appliance and the chimney connection. The technician will also verify the chimney is free of obstruction and combustible deposits.

Level 2 Inspections –A Level 2 inspection is required when any changes are made to the system. Level 2 inspections are required when property is sold or transferred. Fires, seismic events, and weather events are reasons for a Level 2 inspection.

Level 3 Inspection – Includes all the areas and items checked in a Level 1 and a Level 2 inspection, as well as the removal of certain components of the building or chimney where necessary. When serious hazards are suspected, a Level 3 inspection may well be required to determine the condition of the chimney system.

* See more here.

The Department of Consumer Protection echoes the recommendations of property experts, fire departments, insurance companies, and chimney professionals in all 50 states, “Have your chimney inspected and cleaned, preferably in late spring or early summer when heating season is over. That way, you’ll have enough time to schedule any repairs you may need before the heating season begins in the fall.”

The Importance Of Using A Company That Employs CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps

When you are a homeowner you understand you are taking on a certain set of responsibilities when it comes to maintaining your home. Making sure your appliances and heating/cooling systems are running efficiently and safely are necessary to ensure your home is operating in the best possible way. Having your chimney inspected and swept on a regular basis is one of the easiest and smartest things you can do when maintaining your home. Hiring a reputable company with CSIA certified chimney sweeps is also important in making sure your fireplace and chimney are in good hands.

What Is The CSIA?

The CSIA, or Chimney Safety Institute Of America is at the forefront of education and public awareness for chimney safety. The CSIA strives to make sure every chimney and venting system is properly cared for. By training and certifying qualified professionals to perform chimney sweeping tasks and by educating homeowners on the importance of having your chimney inspected and cleaned, the Chimney Safety Institute Of America helps prevent chimney fires, creosote build-up and carbon monoxide exposure in homes across America.

Importance Of CSIA Certification

Chimney Sweep Institute Of America Certification is the gold standard for industry professionals. When hiring a CSIA certified chimney sweep you can rest assured that they:

• Have met the highest level of certification for chimney sweeps
• Have paid the annual certification fee
• Meet the stringent credentials put forth by the CSIA
• Can provide referrals for excellent work
• Hold a certification recognized by builders, contractors and homeowners associations across the US

CSIA certified sweeps have attended training sessions as well as passed exams based on the most current chimney sweeping safety information. Additionally, when certified, all chimney sweeps agree and sign the CSIA Code of Ethics that ensures they uphold their duties according to the most current safety information.

Other Benefits of CSIA Certification Include:

• Ongoing training opportunities
• Education for home inspection and fire safety
• Support after chimney fires
• Support for military veterans

It’s not enough to have your chimney cleaned regularly. You want to look for a company that utilizes the best technology in the business, as well as the highest safety standards in the country. As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to hire a reputable company that cares enough about their employees and about the quality of their work to comply with CSIA certification standards.

Chimney sweeping professionals, like the ones at Chief Chimney in Suffolk, NY have been through the CSIA training course and strive to uphold the safety and quality standards this important organization promotes. When you understand the importance of hiring a CSIA certified chimney sweep you begin to realize that your fireplace heating system is quite literally the hearth of your home.

As a homeowner, you deserve the very best. Trust a company that wants to keep your family safe by making sure your fireplace and chimney are working efficiently and safely. By taking time to invest in a company that certifies its employees and maintains the rigorous standards set forth by the CSIA you can rest assured your chimney and fireplace will be maintained, cleaned and swept by the very best. For more information contact Chief Chimney today.

Advantages of a Top Sealing Damper

Around this time of year, the cost of the heating bills always spike wildly. No one wants to be cold during the winter, so sacrificing a few extra dollars to kick up the thermostat often seems worth it at the time. Yet when the bills come, a blanket suddenly sounds like a better choice. For those who rely on a fireplace to provide heat for the home, there are some options for cutting costs. One way to save some money is to utilize a top sealing damper.

This clip is courtesy of Richie Baxley at Environmental Chimney Service in Asheville NC.

The damper in the fireplace is a mechanism that controls the flow of air through the chimney. It is generally made of steel or ceramic to stand up to the heat of the fire and it opens and closes with a handle, pull chain or lever. Most fireplaces utilize the damper in order to vent the toxic fumes from the fire. Therefore, the damper should be open while the fire is burning and until the fireplace has cooled once the fire has been extinguished. Any other time, keep the damper closed to keep the warm air inside the house.

One common type of damper is known as the throat damper, which is located just above the firebox at the bottom of the chimney. These install very easily, so they are very commonly found in many homes. The other type, known as the top sealing damper, sits high in the chimney, and is less frequently seen. However, the top sealing damper does have its benefits.

The way these two dampers differ is based on the draft, or how the air flows through the chimney. Warm air rises, so when the fire starts, the warm air moves up through the chimney. This draws out the smoke and other toxic fumes while also pulling fresh, oxygenated air into the fire from the home, creating a steady flow of air. In a throat damper, the chimney is primarily filled with heavy, cold outdoor air, so the hot air moves more slowly up through the chimney at first. If the initial fire is too large, it could end up filling the house with smoke. On the other hand, the top sealing damper allows the chimney to fill with the warm air from the house prior to lighting the fire. Thus, when the fire starts, the hot air and smoke can move quickly up the chimney. This saves time and fuel when first lighting the fire, making the top sealing damper an easy choice.

For more information on a top sealing damper, contact the professionals at Chief Chimney Services, Inc. If you live in the area of Suffolk County, the experts at Chief Chimney can even install a top sealing damper in your chimney to help you save money right away.

Oil Furnace Flue Cleaning

With the start of the New Year have come bitterly cold temperatures, especially in the Long Island area. Most have rightfully taken shelter indoors, huddling under blankets with the furnace running on high. In order to keep that furnace functioning at its best, it requires some regular maintenance. Experts recommend having a technician service it yearly, but these service calls do not always include cleaning the flue for oil furnaces. If a flue cleaning is not performed, it is important to have it done anyway, even if that means a separate appointment.

When the furnace runs, the burned oil produces a variety of substances, not the least of which is soot. This soot is black and messy, and it is meant to be expelled out of the furnace through the flue. However, as the soot travels through the flue, it often clings to the interior of the flue. Over time, it builds up and can even close off the air flow through the flue. In turn, the toxic flue gases produced by burning oil are forced back into the unit and sometimes into the house. Breathing in these poisons can lead to long term effects like cancer from soot or short term issues like an irritated respiratory tract from carbon monoxide.

Another issue that arises from soot in the flue is the degradation of the flue lining. The carbon and sulfur mixture in the soot mixes with water vapor produced by the fire to form a highly acidic compound. If the flue lining is exposed to this compound for an extended period, it can cause damage. Ceramic flue tiles show damage by splitting, cracking or spalling, and stainless steel flue lining becomes riddled with holes after being eaten away by the acid. Damaged flue lining, no matter the material, can lead to flue gases leaking into the house or even structural damage to the flue. Fortunately, any issues related to soot in the flue can be avoided by having regular cleanings performed.

Not all of the soot vents from the furnace or clings to the flue lining. What does not ends up falling back into the furnace, sitting on vent. As soot is allowed to build up on the vent, the furnace must work harder to force air through the vent. In general, a clogged vent will cost the homeowner more money. It lowers the efficiency of the furnace, costing more in fuel consumption, and it shortens the life of the appliance, which has a significant replacement cost.

If your oil furnace flue has not been cleaned within the past year, or if it appears to need some extra servicing, contact a flue expert to schedule an appointment. For service in the Suffolk County area, contact Chief Chimney Services, Inc..