Chimney News & Information September 2016

If there has been a noticeable unpleasant odor in your home that seems to be coming from the fireplace and chimney, there are several things that could be the source. During the summer months, chimney odors are more common because of the constant use of your air conditioners. On top of that, weatherization techniques to keep the cooled air from escaping can cause negative pressure in your home. This said negative pressure can affect the draft in your chimney and push down air from the chimney into your home. This air can bring along terrible smelling chimney odors.

Creosote

If the unpleasant odor in your home smells like fresh asphalt or charcoal, the source of this smell is most likely creosote. When you burn wood in your fireplace, creosote gradually develops in the chimney during the condensation process that occurs as smoke exits the chimney. Creosote can quickly build up into large amounts, thus causing a multitude of problems. Easily the most dangerous problem is an exponentially higher risk of a chimney fire. The Chimney Safety Institute of American has issued a statement that creosote is the leading cause of chimney fires. Not only is creosote extremely flammable, but it also releases a very strong odor, that is worsened by heat and humidity. To reduce your risk of chimney fires by way of creosote build-up, call Guaranteed Chimney of Westchester today for an approved and certified chimney cleaning.

Water

Is the unpleasant odor musty? If so, you could have standing water on the smoke shelf and this could be the primary source of your chimney. Being vigilant in keeping water out of your chimney is crucial to the lifespan of your chimney and you need to have a chimney cap professionally installed on the top of the chimney to prevent water from constantly building up. Without a chimney cap, you could have leaves caught in the chimney, which only make the odor worse.

Dead Bird Or Wild Animal

It's an unfortunate reality, but several different types of animals do get caught in chimneys-especially if there is no chimney cap. If an animal is stuck or unfortunately dies in your chimney, you will definitely know that this is the source of the odor. A chimney cap not only prevents water damage to your chimney, but the mesh metal sides will stop animals from invading the flue. Guaranteed Chimney has a wide array of chimney caps that can be installed-based on budget and preference and once you have picked out your new cap, one of our experts will have it installed immediately to keep your chimney, your home and your family safe.

If your chimney is emitting any of these odors, please call Guaranteed Chimney of Westchester and remedy the problem immediately!

Chimney caps installed by our professionals at Guaranteed Chimney of Westchester are certainly an affordable installation and an installation we classify as necessary for your chimney. Every chimney needs a cap and without one your chimney is essentially a large hole that leads directly into your home. These caps protect your home from many hazards and also allow your fires to burn longer and extend the life of your chimney before needing repairs. Without proper capping, here are issues that may arise:

1. Loose Debris - A properly installed chimney cap will keep animals, leaves and all other debris in the area from falling into the chimney. If you do not have a chimney cap or one that needs repairing by one of our professionals, your chimney will be subject to leaves, sticks and even animals-which can lead to dangerous blockages.
2. House Fires - Don't have a chimney cap? What happens to the burning embers that rise from your fire and travel to the top of the chimney flue? Without a proper cap, these embers exit the top of the chimney and can land on your roof  as well as your neighbor's roofs and lead to serious fires.
3. Water Damage - The enemy more dangerous than animals and debris to chimneys without caps is in fact, water. Without a properly installed cap; ice, snow and rain will all fall down through the flue. This will lead to extensive damage within the interior of the chimney-which will be costly to fix, along with any other damages that resulted from the damaged chimney. When the water thaws and freezes, cracks in the chimney lining will begin to show. The chimney crown will become worn down and damages to your house will start to occur.
   

Types of Chimney Caps:

There are several types of chimney caps that our chimney experts at Guaranteed Chimney of Westchester can install for you. The most basic chimney caps will protect your home against weather damage-although we suggest you upgrade to a wind-resistant cap to prevent downdrafts into your home. A cap with protective screening to guard against animals intruding is also a good investment.

There are many different materials to choose from when having a cap installed as well. Galvanized steel rusts quicker than most materials, which causes all attachment screws to rust and and come loose with a strong wind. Aluminum caps, break down easily and can be damaged by animals. Given this plethora of knowledge, our experts suggest installing a stainless steel chimney cap as the maintenance on them is minimal and the look doesn't go out of style.

Save money down the road by having a chimney cap installed today!

Each and every year thousands of fires occur in homes with chimneys. These accidents happen because of improper chimney cleaning and maintenance. As a homeowner who uses their chimney, no matter how little or how often, it is a must to be as knowledgeable as possible regarding the maintenance of chimneys. All chimneys should be inspected annually and have cleanings done twice a year. Here are five tips for maintaining your chimney:

1. Use the Correct Wood - Only well-seasoned wood should be used in your fireplace during the winter months. Once the wood is cut, it should be used between 6-12 months. The wood you use for your fireplace should always be stored in a raised location until it is ready to be used. Treated woods and flammable fluids can cause severe chimney problems.
2. Clean the Hearth - The top of your chimney must be cleaned often-much more often than the normal annual cleaning your chimney should receive. The hearth of the chimney holds materials that can cause fires which can spread throughout your house. Safely remove any branches or debris from all areas 15 feet from the chimney. The best way to prevent this accumulation is installing a chimney cap, which our chimney specialists can do.
3. Remove the Ashes - Once the fire burns out, safely remove the ashes from the fireplace after each time the fireplace is used. The debris should then be tossed in a metal bucket so that the embers can completely burn out.
4. Better Equipment - If you have a fireplace/chimney system that was built before 1992, it needs an upgrade immediately. Upgraded units are in fact pricey, but they help homeowners save a ton of money every year due to their increased efficiency. Newer units are also easier to clean which is an added benefit.
5. Extra Tips - Don't start a fire before you clean the chimney. Hire a professional chimney sweeper annually. If your chimney is old either have it repaired and upgraded or hire a sweeper more frequently.