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Keep Pests and Debris Out with a Chimney Cap

Some homeowners, particularly the older generation of homeowners, have never felt the need for a chimney cap. For the most part this is also the generation that cleaned the chimney Keep Pests and Debris Out with a Chimney Cap- Suffolk NY- Chief Chimney Service INCthemselves, and probably never saw damage because they didn’t know what to look for.

Really there is no way to prevent water damage when the chimney cap is missing. During a full year Long Island receives around 49 inches of rain on average. That is a lot of water in the chimney. More than that, with rain and other weather comes debris and animals seeking refuge. Keep pests and debris out with a chimney cap. It’s a simple and inexpensive preventative step you can take to avoid extreme costs later.

Why is it so Important?

The chimney cap is a simple and effective preventative measure that homeowners can have easily installed and it works exceptionally. The cap fits over the chimney crown and covers the flue opening, while allowing ventilation for the vapors and other byproducts from the fire. Chimney caps not only keep weather and critters outside, but also prevents sparks from leaving the chimney and igniting nearby debris. When the cap is missing, it is recommended to have it replaced immediately.

Risks of Pests and Debris in the Chimney

During stormy or freezing days, your chimney is warm and inviting to certain animals. Pests like squirrels, chipmunks, and even raccoons and opossums can make a home in your chimney. Once inside they can become trapped and die, as well as obstruct the chimney flue with nesting materials. A dead animal in the chimney will most definitely cause blockage, but it will also stink! Also, the nesting materials, like other types of debris can cause chimney issues and raise risks to the home as well.

If your chimney flue is left open with no cap it is likely that debris will fall into it. Twigs and leaves are easily ignited, and can cause serious fire danger if allowed into the chimney flue. Once inside the chimney, both outside debris and animals are hard to remove and should be done so by a certified chimney sweep.

The Professional Advantage

It’s always best to hire a professional chimney expert when you need a chimney check-up. Chimney professionals know what to look for, understand certain risk factors, and can assess and repair quickly. At Chief Chimney Services we pride ourselves in offering the best services on Long Island for all of our neighbors with chimneys and fireplaces. When we send out a chief chimney sweep you can rest assured that you will get the a recommendation based on safety and efficiency. If your chimney is missing a chimney cap, our sweep can offer the best options and you can make a installation plan right then.

Don’t wait until burn season to have your chimney assessed. Call Chief Chimney Services or contact us online to schedule an appointment to assess your chimney cap.

By John Pilger on August 2nd, 2016 | Tagged with: Tags: , , | Comments Off on Keep Pests and Debris Out with a Chimney Cap

Your Stinky Chimney: Chimney Odors and What to Do About Them

You want your fireplace to offer the ambiance you expected when it was installed, along with efficiency and safety to boot. That isn’t too much to ask. When your chimney stinks it’s not only Your Stinky Chimney Chimney Odors and What to Do About Them IMG- Sulfolk NY- chief chimney Service INCinconvenient, but it also points to a bigger problem that should be dealt with right away.

What a Stinky Chimney Means for You

A chimney that is working properly shouldn’t stink–if it does, there is an issue inside. By identifying the type of smell, it can be easy to diagnose.

 

  • A musty, dank odor means there is moisture in the chimney. When moisture gets into the chimney it mixes with soot, resulting in an unpleasant odor. This is a common cause of a stinky chimney, and homeowners should be aware of this and call a professional right away because water can wreak havoc on your chimney .
  • A singed, smokey odor means there is a draft problem, or some bad burning habits on the part of the homeowner. If there is a draft problem it might be as simple as opening a window in another part of the house to replace air in the house. However, it can be a bigger problem, like a liner that is the wrong size, or a chimney that is the wrong height. If this is the case, the odor will persist until the problem is fixed, and these repairs should be done by a professional. If the odor is the result of poor burning practices, it is the easiest fix. The only fuel that should be burned in your fireplace or appliance is exactly the fuel it is designed for.

 

If you burn cord wood, you should only burn seasoned wood that has been cut, set aside, and dried for a number of months before burning. Burning wood that is not dried properly can cause incomplete burning which can contribute to draft problems as well as soot buildup. Also, trash and other items should never be burned in the fireplace. These items do not burn completely and pose a threat to the chimney system and the home.

What You Can Do For a Stinky Chimney

  1. Call a Professional

Even if you are able to correct the problem by cracking a window to improve the draft, or by using the proper wood, you should call a professional and have your chimney checked out. Depending on how long the odor has been present, there may have been damage caused to the chimney. For instance, both a draft problem and improper fuel can cause creosote buildup on the flue lining. This will continue to stink, as well as may cause flue blockage, and threat of fire.

If the odor was caused by moisture in the chimney a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® (CCS)  can assess the cause and the damage. The chimney may need to be relined, resurfaced, or waterproofed to prevent further damage.

 

  1. Remember Maintenance

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends regular chimney sweeps and annual chimney inspections to insure the chimney system is operating at it’s best efficiency and safety. These are preventative steps that you can take as a homeowner to prevent costly damage later.

To learn more about how your chimney works and reasons why your chimney isn’t working, visit with a professional today. Chief Chimney Services is available for consultation, chimney sweeps , and inspections. Schedule your appointment online today.

By John Pilger on July 19th, 2016 | Tagged with: Tags: , , | Comments Off on Your Stinky Chimney: Chimney Odors and What to Do About Them

5 Reasons to Have Your Dryer Vent Cleaned

In America 85% of households own a tumble dryer, and neglected dryer vents are the leading cause of heating-appliance house fires. These fires don’t just cause damage, but cause hundreds of 5 Reasons to Have Your Dryer Vent Cleaned IMG-Suffolk NY- Chief Chimney Service, INCinjuries and dozens of deaths per year. As a homeowner, it’s better to prevent this damage by scheduling regular maintenance for your dryer vent.

1. Protect your family against carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon Monoxide is a natural byproduct released when fuel is burned, which is toxic to humans. Carbon monoxide escapes through the dryer vent safely outside the home unless there is a problem. Unfortunately carbon monoxide is odorless and if a leak occurs a homeowner may not know until it’s too late. A professional will check for carbon monoxide leaks in your dryer vent during a regular cleaning and can correct this damage before it harms your family.



2. Nesting animals cause blockage and odors in the dryer vent

Since dryer vents sometimes only have a metal flap to cover the outside vent, this allows easy access for small animals to nest. The animals are drawn to the dryer vent because it’s warm and seemingly safe, but they often end up dying. If this occurs they can not only become trapped and die in the dryer vent, but they also leave behind nesting materials in addition to the lint already present.

3. Leaking ducts can lower efficiency as well as cause carbon monoxide poisoning

As ducts leak heat and vapors from the hose, the flow slows and blockage is more likely. Also a leaky dryer vent causes the dryer to work harder in order to get the job done, costing your family more time, energy, and essentially more money.

4. Let a professional check for correct size and installation of dryer vent.

Oftentimes during a hasty move or after a large purchase, homeowners don’t bother with professional installation. A dryer vent should work efficiently and without leaks if it is installed correctly. However, if the hose is too small for the appliance, it is more likely to experience blockage and low efficiency.

5. Prevention today saves money tomorrow.

A standard dryer vent cleaning is cheaper than the cost of fire damage and injury. It’s cheaper than making a claim to your home owners insurance, and the nuisance of doing without a dryer during repairs. With any household appliance it is best to take steps of prevention to ensure that safety is first.

The reasons to have your dyer vent cleaned regularly far outweigh the cost, and Chief Chimney Services offers an affordable cleaning. It’s important to hire a CSIA Certified Exhaust Technician®  because they are trained in the safe installation of dryer vent ducts and experienced in repairs.

Chief Chimney Services offers only the best professional service and expert technicians to keep your dryer vent clean and efficient. This is the best way to ensure your safety and the safety of your family.

Call Chief Chimney Services today and schedule your dryer vent cleaning.

By John Pilger on July 5th, 2016 | Tagged with: Tags: , , | Comments Off on 5 Reasons to Have Your Dryer Vent Cleaned

Beat the Fall Rush and Get Your Chimney Inspections and Repairs Done Now

In the chimney and fireplace industry, late spring and summer is considered the off-season. This is when burning season has finished and emergency calls decrease to a standstill. It frees up the Beat the Rush and Get Your Chimney Swept Now IMG- Suffolk, NY- Chief Chimney Serviceschedule for the chimney sweep companies, and allows customers the freedom to get work done at their convenience.

The Fall Rush

When the weather becomes cool some homeowners need to have their chimney swept or inspected before use. Others may be caught without proper wood to burn, and decide to burn wood that isn’t suitable, essentially causing problems in the chimney system. Still others may have had a chimney sweep or inspection in the spring or summer, but forgot to followup for some repairs. So instead of using the fireplace for home heating, they have to wait until the chimney sweep can fit them in to have repairs made. The fall rush is not a great time to need a chimney sweep.

Tips and Tricks to Beat the Rush

It’s not hard to beat the fall rush, but it will save you a headache in the long run. Here are a few tips to get you going:

—Summer Appointments
Homeowners can simply schedule inspections and repairs during the off-season. By scheduling your chimney appointments now, you are more likely to prevent costly damage to your chimney, fireplace, and home or property. Also, if your chimney needs repairs, it’s a good idea to hire a professional to make the repairs now, before an entire summer of rain and warm weather can possibly penetrate the chimney.

—Forward Scheduling
Homeowners can schedule appointments in advance, so they’re taken care of when they need them. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends a yearly, level 1 inspection for homes that have had no changes. Since this is also a requirement of most homeowners insurance, it’s not something you can or should avoid. So schedule in advance. Schedule a year in advance, and don’t worry about it for a year!

—Preventative Measures
There are many things a homeowner can do to prevent problems with the chimney. For instance, choosing proper wood for burning in the fireplace, and also by choosing NOT to burn non-organic substances. Burning trash, clothes, plastic, or treated wood is never a good idea.

Homeowners can also discuss preventative measures with their chimney sweep. Chimney sweeps and inspections are very important measures to take, but waterproofing is also a very easy and inexpensive way to prevent a lot of damage.

The old Benjamin Franklin saying is true: “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” By preventing damage, you won’t need to make an emergency call to your chimney sweep in the middle of the fall rush.

Call Chief Chimney Services today to schedule your appointment now.

By John Pilger on June 21st, 2016 | Tagged with: Tags: , | Comments Off on Beat the Fall Rush and Get Your Chimney Inspections and Repairs Done Now

Benefits of a Chimney Video Inspection

If you own a home or business with a fireplace and chimney system, there are a few things you need to know. First, the maintenance of the chimney Benefits of a Chimney Video Inspection- Suffolk NY- Chief Chimney Service Incsystem is of top priority and ensures the safety of your family or customers. Second, proper maintenance of your chimney system protects your property. Basically, this preventative maintenance is essential for buildings with chimney systems.

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends regular chimney sweeps and annual chimney inspections by a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® (CCS). It’s during these important inspections that problems are discovered, and can be addressed and repairs can be made before burning season.

Routinely, the three types of inspections are done various ways. A level 1 inspection is an inspection of everything readily accessible to the inspector and should be performed yearly if no changes occur with chimney use. A level 2 inspection is required if changes have been made to the system or if property has been sold or transferred. A level 2 inspection includes everything readily accessible as well as everything that is accessible around chimney interior and exterior, including attics, crawl spaces, and basements. A level 3 inspection is required if there are concerns in a level 1 or 2 inspection, and may require removal of components of the building or chimney to gain access to worrisome areas of the chimney system.

Video Technology and Chimney Inspections

Because the chimney is a closed system, and a large portion of it is hidden from the naked eye, only a professional should assess them. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) states that all Level 2 inspections are to include a video surveillance of the inside and outside of the chimney system and Chief Chimney Services is equipped to do just that.

Chief Chimney Sweeps are CSIA certified and trained in NFPA protocols. Our CCTV (closed-circuit television) video camera system records in real-time and provides a professional-grade surveillance picture. This allows our chimney sweeps to see a detailed picture of the entire interior and exterior of the chimney, and since it’s in real time, they can assess problem areas thoroughly as soon as they see them. Homeowners also receive video footage to assist in real estate or insurance reports.

Other Benefits to Video Surveillance

In addition to video footage, when you hire Chief Chimney Services to perform your inspection, you will receive a detailed report. Our reports are thorough and accurate with the help of our video inspection, and make it possible for our chimney sweeps to provide a repair plan, detailing each crack, gap, obstruction, deterioration, creosote buildup, or other damage.

We at Chief Chimney Services put customers above all else and understand the importance of a safe and functional chimney system. With our video inspection system, we will provide the answers you’re looking for and get your chimney back to work in no time! Call and schedule your video inspection or make an online appointment today!

By John Pilger on June 7th, 2016 | Tagged with: Tags: , , | Comments Off on Benefits of a Chimney Video Inspection

Spring Cleaning: Fireplace and Dryer Vent Maintenance

While you are jumping into spring cleaning around your home or business, it’s important to remember your fireplace and dryer vents. Proper cleaning and maintenance of your fireplace and dryer vents is essential for efficiency and safety.

Your Fireplace

Spring is a great time to have your fireplace cleaned for a couple reasons. First, warm air in a dirty, moist chimney can cause odors to permeate your home. Second, spring begins the off-season of most chimney sweep companies. Third, spring begins animal nesting season, and animals love to take shelter in the safety of a chimney. Unfortunately animals nesting in a chimney can be quite a nuisance, and can cause damage to and blockage in the chimney system. During a chimney sweep with a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® (CCS) any animals, leaks, or damage will be discovered.

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends regular chimney cleanings, and annual chimney inspections for safe and efficient use of fireplace and chimney.

Spring Cleaning Fireplace and Dryer Vent Maintenance - Smithtown NY - Chief Chimney

Your Dryer Vent

Your dryer vent cleaning and maintenance is just as important as your fireplace, and often overlooked. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) educates and trains professionals and certifies them for safety standards in chimney safety, AND dryer exhaust through the CSIA C-DET certification.

Cleaning your dryer vent is not as simple as just removing the lint from the lint trap. The dryer vent itself needs to have adequate air flow to allow for safe operation. The dryer will also work less efficiently if the dryer vent isn’t cleaned regularly. During these regular cleanings other problems can be discovered and dealt with.

  • Animal Nesting
    Animals often seek shelter in the warmth and protection of a dryer vent. They can block the air flow through the vent, as well as leave nesting material in the vent that can be highly flammable.
  • Leaking Ducts
    When dryer ducts are stretched through the house they can become damaged and leak. If they are held together with tape, the adhesive can come loose with high temperatures, and also leak. These leaks cause a lack of air flow, and can lower the efficiency of the dryer itself.
  • Carbon Monoxide
    Although there may not be a fire in your dryer vent, a blockage may be releasing carbon monoxide into your home. Carbon monoxide is undetectable and can cause brain and organ damage, and even death.

When to Call the Professionals

Don’t wait until there’s a problem with your fireplace or dryer vent to call a professional. Part of home maintenance includes keeping up with regular cleanings and inspections to prevent problems before they happen.

While you are spring cleaning, don’t forget to schedule your cleaning and inspection for your fireplace and dryer vent. Fire safety starts with prevention, and prevention can save your money, damage, and possibly your life. If you’re a homeowner in Suffolk County and are ready to have your fireplace and dryer vent cleaned, call Chief Chimney Services today !

By John Pilger on May 23rd, 2016 | Tagged with: Tags: , , | Comments Off on Spring Cleaning: Fireplace and Dryer Vent Maintenance

FAQ: Smoke and Draft Problems

As a homeowner you want your fireplace or stove to be an efficient heating system. If you have noticed a smoke or draft problem, then your heat system is probably not working correctly. This means the gases aren’t rising fast enough through the chimney. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) mentions 100 reasons your fireplace doesn’t work and most of them could be brought back to smoke and draft problems.

FAQ Smoke and Draft Problems - Smithtown NY - Chief Chimney

What Causes Smoke and Draft Problems?

The cause of a smokey chimney can be as simple as a household appliance competing with the chimney’s ventilation or the house being too tight for the gases to vent. It can be more tricky than this sometimes, however.

For instance, if a chimney is leaky or dirty, the smoke can be obstructed and won’t rise as fast. This can be a fire hazard, because the debris left on the walls of an unclean chimney is highly flammable. When the gases and smoke from the fire rise too slowly, the heat can ignite this debris called creosote.

This can also be a problem if proper wood isn’t being burned in the fireplace or appliance. If wood isn’t properly seasoned it won’t burn completely, causing more debris buildup, and causing the smoke to rise too slowly.

What Does it Mean?

If your chimney is releasing smoke into your home you may experience health hazards such as a range of asthmatic symptoms, cough, itchy eyes, and even hospitalization. It also means your chimney is less efficient, and a possible fire hazard.

What Can I do if I Suspect a Problem?

If your chimney system is less efficient or if you have a smoke problem, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® (CCS). An experienced chimney sweep should be able to diagnose a problem and recommend a fix. As a homeowner you should remember to schedule regular cleanings and annual inspections of your chimney. Having your chimney swept is an important factor in chimney safety and efficiency.

How Can We Fix it?

A professional not only can diagnose your chimney smoke and draft problems, but can also make the necessary repairs to get your system back to highest safety and efficiency. At Chief Chimney Services we are experienced in repairing smokey chimneys for problems ranging from: flue obstructions, creosote buildup, improperly-functioning damper, poorly-designed fireplace, airtight homes, and competing appliances.

The most important thing a homeowner can do is to schedule an appointment with a certified professional who will offer professional services and expert advice. When you depend on your fireplace for home heat during the winter, you want it to be efficient and safe. Don’t wait to make an appointment to have your smokey chimney diagnosed today.

By John Pilger on May 6th, 2016 | Tagged with: Tags: , , | Comments Off on FAQ: Smoke and Draft Problems

Plan Your Masonry Repairs Now

Spring is a great time to jump into annual cleaning: carpets, garages, yards, and more. While you are in spring cleaning mode, don’t forget about your chimney. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)  recommends periodic chimney sweeps and annual inspections. It’s at these appointments that a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® will be able to detect a problem before it becomes a bigger problem.

There are a couple of reasons why spring is the perfect time for your masonry repairs.

Plan Your Masonry Repairs Now - Smithown NY - Chief Chimney

Season Changes and Weather

The weather is finally warm enough to light your last fire. This is a great time to have your chimney cleaned, so that your fireplace or furnace doesn’t stink in the heat and humidity of summer. Having your chimney swept and inspected in the spring also leaves you the summer to make extensive repairs if damage is detected.

Spring also starts the off-season for chimney sweep companies. You can schedule routine maintenance and repairs easily, as chimney sweeps have less emergency calls at this time. Some masonry repairs can be completed in as little as a day, and others may take more, but scheduling during the off-season allow homeowners more freedom in availability.

Common masonry damage includes:

  • Water damage which leaves holes and gaps in the masonry, causing internal deterioration and discoloration of the bricks
  • Poor design and improper installation causes smoke problems in the home, as well as fire hazard
  • Age causes regular wear-and-tear on masonry chimneys
  • Environmental changes such as storms, natural disasters including tornadoes and earthquakes, and drastic temperature changes can dramatically reduce the life of your chimney
  • Chimney crown damage or improper seal can cause a leaky chimney, which wreaks havoc on masonry

If your chimney has damage that needs to be addressed, this is the time to repair it. A wet spring is not a good combination with a damaged or leaky chimney. Scheduling your repairs today will save you money in the long run because damage only gets worse with time.

Common Masonry Repairs

Some masonry repairs may be more cosmetic than anything—repairs you’d consider before putting your home on the market or renovating. These repairs are also best scheduled at this time of year. The weather and temperature make it possible for the chimney sweep to work easily, and the chimney to remain cool during the repair. Cosmetic repairs can range from mortar repairs, brickwork, and restorative stonework, to minor cleaning and water proofing.

Other repairs can include tuckpointing, which is needed when the mortar between the bricks is cracked or damaged. The mortar is carefully removed and new mortar is packed in. The chimney sweep works meticulously to match the color, composition, and strength of the existing mortar so the finished product looks seamlessly matched. Brick re-facing is a masonry repair in which bricks are removed and replaced one-by-one because they have begun to spall or lose its facing.

No matter your masonry repair needs, there is no better time than spring, and with chimney repairs, sooner is better than later. Schedule an appointment with Chief Chimney Services today.

By John Pilger on April 22nd, 2016 | Tagged with: Tags: , , | Comments Off on Plan Your Masonry Repairs Now

FAQ: Why Fix a Leaky Chimney?

You wouldn’t second-guess a roof repair when you find a leak. Rain buckets are never a compliment to home decor, and there is the urgency of water damage to worry about.

A chimney leak is just as urgent as a roof leak, if not more. Your chimney works in a very specific way and is built to properly ventilate the home and protect from life-threatening gas accumulation. Even if your chimney doesn’t have a visible leak, a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® (CCS) should discover it during your regular chimney sweep or annual chimney inspection. An experienced and certified chimney sweep will not only find the leak, but detect the damage and provide a detailed report and recommendations.

 

Why a Leaky Chimney is a Big DealThe Importance of Good Chimney Flashing - Suffolk NY - Chief Chimney

Water intrusion not only wreaks havoc on a masonry chimney, but also can cause unpleasant odors in your home, and raise the risk of flue fire. Fixing a leaky chimney now can prevent a high-cost repair later.

Masonry does not withstand water penetration. A small crack leads to a larger crack, and more damage follows when water continually freezes and thaws, expanding the spaces in the masonry. When this water enters the chimney’s interior it has access to the working parts of the chimney system, constructed of steel and cast iron. The water causes rust damage, destroying the metal parts.

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) warns homeowners that water penetration can cause interior and exterior damage to your home and masonry chimney including:

  •  Rusted damper assemblies
  •  Deteriorated metal or masonry firebox assemblies
  •  Rusted fireplace accessories and glass doors
  •  Rotting adjacent wood and ruined wall coverings
  •  Water stained walls and ceiling
  •  Clogged clean out area
  •  Deteriorated central heating system
  •  Stained chimney exterior
  •  Decayed exterior mortar
  • Cracked or deteriorated flue lining system
  • Collapsed hearth support
  • Tilted or collapsed chimney structure
  • Chimney settlement

An Ounce of Prevention

The famed Benjamin Franklin quote applies to your chimney: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

We at Chief Chimney Services are experienced and able to repair your leaky chimney. We can repair, replace, and rebuild any part of your chimney if needed. However, we believe that preventing water damage is an essential part of chimney maintenance, and we proudly offer chimney waterproofing services.

ChimneySaver water-repellant products  are designed and tested for chimney application. It is no ordinary sealant, and should only be applied by a professional. ChimneySaver water-repellent products are designed specifically to keep water out, while allowing vapors and air molecules to escape.

Other products that Chief Chimney Services recommends, installs, and services are chimney caps and chimney flashing. The chimney cap keeps water from entering the chimney opening, while allowing smoke and gases to escape. Flashing directs rain water away from the chimney and down the roof.

As a homeowner you don’t want to find out you have a leaky chimney after the damage is done. Hire a professional to waterproof your chimney now, and remember to schedule your routine chimney sweepings and inspections. Contact Chief Chimney Services today!

By John Pilger on April 8th, 2016 | Tagged with: Tags: , , | Comments Off on FAQ: Why Fix a Leaky Chimney?

Is a Storm Collar Right for You?

As a home or business owner you want to take all reasonable measures to prevent damage to your chimney system. If your home or business has a pre-fabricated chimney, you will need a storm collar, sometimes called a chimney collar.

Is a storm collar right for you - Smithtown NY - Chief Chimney

Courtesy Jerry Isenhour

What Is It?

A masonry chimney will have a chimney cap on top of the masonry that keeps the outside OUT. The chimney cap is designed to allow smoke and gas to vent out, but keep moisture, weather, debris, and animals from entering the chimney opening. The chimney cap fits specifically onto a masonry chimney.

Similarly, the storm collar, or chimney collar, is specifically designed to fit over a pre-fabricated chimney. Unlike the chimney caps which fit to the top of the masonry chimney, the storm collar fits over the chimney piping of a pre-fabricated chimney. It should be professionally installed, and works with the flashing to keep the water running away from the chimney and roof intersection as well as to keep it out of the chimney opening.

Do You Need a Collar?

The short answer is YES. If you have a pre-fabricated chimney you need a storm collar. This is not an area where home owners should cut corners. Without the collar, weather and debris can fall into your chimney, allowing for accumulation of soot and debris that eventually restrict air flow. This will slow the ventilation of hot gases and can cause chimney fires. It can also cause a smoky fireplace as well as make it harder to start and keep a fire burning hot. When you depend on your fireplace of stove for home-heating, it is important to make sure it is efficient.

Benefits

Our CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps at Chief Chimney Services have experience in the Long Island, New York area since the 1980s. We are familiar with the climate, seasonal patterns and risk factors of having a chimney system in the area. We recommend storm collars to our customers with pre-fabricated chimneys and provide expert installations, repairs, and replacements of these products. Long Island can have heavy snow and strong gusts of wind, especially during fire-burning season. Providing the same function as a chimney cap, a storm collar:

  • Prevents animal inhabitation, so that animals aren’t nesting (or dying) in the chimney, causing obstruction.
  • Prevents water damage that wreaks havoc on a masonry chimney, and can cause creosote buildup in pre-fabricated chimneys.
  • Prevents wind gusts and draftiness that keep the smoke and gas from rising up the chimney as it should.
  • Prevent flue blockages. Covering the chimney can prevent flue blockages for all the reasons mentioned above, and more. When the chimney is unprotected, debris can also fall into the chimney opening, causing blockages.If you’re ready for your annual chimney inspection and have questions or concerns about your chimney and storm collar, a Chief Chimney Services expert is standing by. Call or schedule an appointment today.
By John Pilger on March 25th, 2016 | Tagged with: Tags: , , | Comments Off on Is a Storm Collar Right for You?