Home > What You Should Know > Chimney News & Information

deneme bonusu veren siteler deneme bonusu veren siteler bahis siteleri

Subscribe

Via Email:
RSS Feed

Archive



Keeping Animals Out Of Your Chimney?

Posted On: September 13, 2017

Seeking Shelter From Cold Weather

With Winter approaching, all sorts of animals will be finding places to brave the chilly temperatures. One of the most popular places for these animals to hide is in your chimney where they can be snug, warm, and protected from the elements. Although shelter is making the animals happy, these animals are giving chimney owners headaches. Here are some ways to keep critters from dwelling in your chimney.

Chimney Caps

Fully functional chimney caps are incredibly important. They help preserve ventilation, block moisture from seeping in and create paths for combustible heat to escape. However, they are your best bet keeping animals out of your chimney liner. Most chimney caps are stainless steel because of their light weight and high durability.  Caps and chase covers also shield your liner from the outside environment cutting off birds, bats and even raccoons from entering.

Dampers

Making sure your damper is closed while not using your fireplace is a surefire way to keep animals from nesting or getting stuck in your chimney's flue. The damper is what allows heat and smoke to escape out of the top of your flue. If your damper is left open, it provides animals with excellent access not just to your chimney, but to your fireplace and the rest of your house! Making sure your damper is closed and in top working condition is vital in keeping your chimney and home critter-free. 

Schedule Yearly Chimney Inspections

Animals can enter and dwell in chimneys often without your notice. This is why having a chimney cleaner inspect your chimney for any traces of animals including hair, feathers and feces is necessary. Their professional inspection will let you know if your chimney is in proper order or if it may need some repair.

If you suspect your chimney may have some new tenants or if you need a free estimate for any services, please call Guaranteed Chimney of Westchester at (866) 528-1324 today.


Share
0

Chimney Waterleaks

Posted On: June 30, 2017

Emergency: There is water coming through the chimney!

Damaged Chimney Cap

Your chimney should be always topped with a metal cap that prevents water from flowing  down the chimney flue. These chimney caps take a lot of abuse from the weather in the Northeast, but get the job done to keep your chimney dry. Without a chimney cap in place, water can flow freely down your chimney’s flue and into your home - causing catastrophic damages.


Compromised Chimney Flasing

Chimney Flashing wraps around the base of your, you guessed it, chimney! Where the chimney meets the roof-line is where the flashing is installed and it prevents water from entering your home through the gap between the chimney and the roof. Failing flashing is one of the most common causes of a chimney leak and can lead to much bigger problems inside your chimney and home.

Leaky Masonry

Chimney masonry, as is the case with all masonry, is porous. The masonry materials soak in all of the moisture that it comes into contact with. During the winter months, the moisture trapped inside the chimney’s bricks and mortar freezes and expands, which leads to the masonry cracking and crumbling. The freezing and subsequent thawing damage can be subtle until rainy spring weather sends water through these cracks in the chimney and down your flue.

Call Westchester Chimney today for Emergency Chimney Service - there is no one better!




Share
0

What's That Smell in my Chimney?

Posted On: May 16, 2017

Everyone has heard the line that April showers bring May flowers and while that is all fine and dandy, the constant rain that the Northeast experiences can also bring horrendous odors through your chimney and into your home.

Most homeowners usually stop thinking about their fireplaces after the months begin to warm up and they can no longer remember the last time they set a fire in their fireplace. From here until the colder months arrive, their chimney is an afterthought, and we are here today to tell you that your chimney should never be an afterthought.

While you are trying to itemize your spring cleaning list and enjoy as much of the warm temperatures as possible, your chimney should never be neglected. Problems within your chimney can lay dormant without proper care and maintenance.

During the warmer months, especially when there is an uptick in rainy days, the abundance of water can enter through your chimney if there are any leaks or cracks in your chimney damper, it makes it even easier for water to seep through. Your chimney flue might also need replacing (all services provided by the experts at Chimney Company Westchester!) If any of this moisture from outside comes into contact with the buildup of creosote deposits in your chimney, a smoky odor may develop, which could enter into your living space if there is a draft present.

On top of that, creosote left unattended can cause severe house fires and can degrade the integrity of your chimney liner if left in place over the warm weather months without removal

Our #1 goal is to keep your family and your home safe, so give us a call today to schedule your annual chimney inspection and sweep - beat the rush and put your mind at ease!

Share
0

Was There a Fire in my Chimney?

Posted On: May 09, 2017

Most homeowners we work with are often surprised to find out that their chimney had a fire that they didn’t know about. Most chimney fires are quiet and slow burning. The only sign is the damage left behind. These quiet, slow-burning chimney fires are usually caused by either a stray spark or high temperatures that ignite major creosote buildup in the chimney. Creosote is a highly combustible substance that often looks sticky and tar-like. It is produced by burning wood. Damages caused by these fires include:

  • Cracked or collapsed tile flue lining
  • Warped or damaged metal flue lining
  • Melted mortar
  • Melted or damaged roofing
  • Heat damage to ceilings, walls, or structural beams near the chimney

The most dangerous consequence of a chimney fire is that it creates pathways for carbon monoxide to enter your home and destroys the defenses that protect against a future house fire. If the damage is not repaired, a stray spark or second chimney fire could easily escalate to a house fire.

Due to the high risks, it is important to call us at least once a year to inspect your chimney and make any necessary repairs. If you aren’t on the lookout for warning signs, you could unknowingly put your home and family at risk. Here are signs your chimney may have had a fire:

Signs You Had a Chimney Fire

• Shards or flakes of creosote on the ground, around the roof or in the firebox

• Pieces of creosote that look puffy or like honey comb

• Broken or cracked pieces of flue tiles

• Damaged or melted roofing material

• A discolored or disfigured chimney cap/rain cap or chase cover

• Cracks in the masonry on the outside of the chimney

• Heat damage to a TV antenna or dish

• Warped metal components like a metal damper, smoke chamber connection pipe, flue liner, or factory-built chimney

You can always count on the highest level of professionalism and customer care from our experts at Guaranteed Chimney of Westchester. If you live in Westchester, Long Island or the five boroughs and think your home has had a chimney fire, give us a call at immediately.

Share
0