If you’ve noticed a crystallized white substance or a whitish (or even brown, yellow, or green) powder around your chimney, you’re not alone. This is a common experience for homeowners with masonry chimneys, especially very old ones. And the substance itself can generally clear away just by brushing it, or it may even clear away on its own as the weather changes.
2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Chimney Inspection’
White Deposits around the Chimney: Is Efflorescence a Big Deal?
Monday, November 30th, 2015Is It Time for a Chimney Inspection?
Tuesday, October 27th, 2015Your chimney may seem to be in good condition from the outside, but looks can be deceiving. It’s likely that your chimney has some amount of wear and tear from the previous year’s use and a period of no use over the summer months. Whether that’s a small amount of creosote built up inside of the chimney or damage to the masonry, it could mean a fire risk in your home.
Don’t Fall for a Chimney Cleaning Scam
Monday, October 26th, 2015Whether you use your fireplace most nights or only a few times during the winter, chimney sweeping is so important to your home safety. Cleaning the chimney rids it of creosote and other harmful deposits that could lead to a chimney fire. During the initial inspection, the chimney sweep may discover an issue with your chimney that needs prompt repair, protecting your home from danger. But some companies prey on those who know little about chimney cleaning or have never had it done professionally before, scamming customers and putting their homes in further jeopardy. Look out for these scams so that you know your next chimney cleaning is completed properly.
Is Your Chimney Finally Out of Commission?
Monday, October 12th, 2015You may have been told by a home inspector that your chimney should be capped and remain unused. A damaged chimney cannot properly vent hazardous combustion byproducts away from the home, such as carbon monoxide. Cracks in the chimney liner or in the masonry can also allow fire to spread to the home quickly, which is why an impaired chimney should never be used. However, when you get in touch with a chimney professional, you may find that there are a couple of options available to you.
What You Must Do for Your Chimney and Fireplace before Winter
Tuesday, September 29th, 2015Fall is finally here, which means the nights are getting cooler and soon you’ll be able to lounge in front of the fire of your fireplace. But are your fireplace and chimney ready for the fall and the long winter ahead? Make sure that these parts of your home are safe and efficient by following our tips. For more information, contact a local chimney sweep!
What You Should Know When Selling a Home with a Chimney
Monday, September 28th, 2015If you’re ready to sell your home, you know there’s a lot of work that leads up to the final transaction. Putting your home on the market involves selecting a real estate company to work with, staging your home for an open house, and boosting the curb appeal as well. You also have to disclose some important information about your home, and if there is a chimney on your property, the new buyer has a right to know about its condition.
Safety Tips to Keep in Mind for Your Chimney
Monday, September 14th, 2015We know how wonderful it can be to cozy up to the fireplace on a cold evening. We also know that safety is your number one priority, and using your chimney for the first time this upcoming season may be a little nerve-wracking. That’s why we’ve put together this list of safety tips we think every homeowner should keep in mind.
Cooler Weather Is Approaching: Is Your Chimney Prepared?
Monday, September 7th, 2015You take your car in for regular inspections and oil changes so that the unexpected repair need does not appear at a dangerous time: while you’re on the road. Similarly, regular maintenance of your chimney helps to ensure that performance and safety issues don’t pop up while you are using your fireplace or stove, when a chimney fire is a real concern for your home.
What Does It Mean to Be a Certified Chimney Sweep?
Monday, August 10th, 2015Hiring the right technician for any job can seem like the luck of the draw. Thankfully, you have a valuable resource to help ensure that your chimney sweep is completely qualified for the job. The Chimney Safety Institute of America’s online chimney sweep locator tool is one way to find a technician who will have your safety and comfort in mind, armed with all of the latest industry knowledge and the proper tools for the job.
The Basics of a Basic Level 1 Chimney Inspection
Monday, August 3rd, 2015Perhaps you did not notice anything unusual with your chimney or fireplace the last time you used it. Even so, your chimney still deserves attention from a professional chimney technician, who can make sure it is safe to use for the upcoming heating season. A chimney may not have many moving parts, but that doesn’t mean it cannot run into trouble. Chimney fires are responsible for a large number of home fires each year, and regular Level 1 inspections help to prevent this from happening to your house.