Fireplace repair in Minnesota Archives %%

Chimney Services MN

Chimney Caps - The Pros And Cons

Code 211 of NFPA (Nation Fire Protection Association) says that a chimney inspection and fireplace inspection of all chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be done annually.
Chimney inspections and fireplace inspections are required upon the sale or transfer of a property, per NFPA 211 (Nation Fire Protection Association).
Each year unsafe fireplaces & chimneys cause significant numbers of injuries and deaths, and account for more than $200 million in property losses. Your fireplace & chimney system are an important part of your home heating system. Make chimney inspections & fireplace inspections a regular part of your home maintenance schedule.
For safe and efficient operation, your fireplace & chimneys need annual service, including chimney inspections or fireplace inspections, by one of our CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps. Our technicians will verify that your fireplace & chimneys are free of obstruction and combustible deposits.

*Here at Guardian Chimney Solutions we offer three levels of chimney and fireplace inspections; Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3.

Level I Inspection (Chimney Inspections & Fireplace Inspections) – This inspection is recommended when your fireplace, chimney, and venting system are easily accessible and when you are planning to maintain its current use. In general, this level of chimney inspections or fireplace inspections are performed in most homes. In a Level I inspection our CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps will verify that your fireplace & chimney structures are sound, free of obstructions, and combustible deposits, such as creosote.

Level II Inspection (Chimney Inspections & Fireplace Inspections) – The addition of a new home heating appliance or a change in the type of fuel you are burning requires a Level II inspection. This inspection level is also required upon the sale or transfer of a property or after an operating malfunction or external event that is likely to have caused damage to your fireplace & chimney. The scope of Level II chimney inspections and fireplace inspections include that of the Level I inspection plus the inspection of accessible portions of your attics, crawl spaces and basements. It may also include a performance test such as a smoke test or a pressure test and possibly an interior fireplace & chimney video inspection, if recommended by our CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps.

Level III Inspection (Chimney Inspections & Fireplace Inspections) – When a Level I or Level II inspection suggests a hidden hazard and the evaluation cannot be performed without access to concealed areas, a Level III inspection is recommended. This type of inspection confirms the proper construction and condition of concealed portions of your fireplace & chimney structure as well as its flue. Level III chimney inspections and fireplace inspections are generally necessary when investigating an incident that has caused damage to the fireplace, chimney, building, or where a hazard is detected and suspected.

Chimney Repair - The 5 Most Common Chimney Issues and How to Fix Them

Hydraulic Lime Mortar On a Chimney Cap? As a company, we are committed to the challenge of using sustainable building methods in our historic restoration projects. Sometimes we are asked specific technical questions as to how these two objectives are reconcilable-how can we use historic methods over modern techniques to stand the test of time? Recently, we received just such a question: "I am committed to using the sustainable and historically accurate natural hydraulic lime mortar on my chimney cap, but how will the natural lime mortar hold up in the long run?" This is a valid question. After all, Portland is harder than natural lime mortar, right? So although it is historically accurate, how is it sustainable to use a softer material on a chimney, one of the hardest to reach places and one of the most vulnerable spots on your historic house? Shouldn't your chimney, of all places have a durable and water proof cap? Beautiful homes, that have been meticulously maintained, have often been found to have small plants growing out of the chimney. First let's consider a few of the attacks a chimney has to endure. The most obvious is the extreme exposure to all forms of moisture: rain, snow, dew and frost. Constantly varying temperatures throughout the year, from cold winter nights to scorching hot summer days add an additional assault on the chimney-the constant expansion and contraction takes its toll. In the dead of winter, when the furnace kicks on and 400 plus degree air suddenly hits a 15 degree chimney flue, then what happens? The resulting pressure has an effect much like putting an untempered glass into a hot oven: it cracks. This expanding and contracting phenomenon has another destructive effect; the clay liner which your chimney is built with will expand upward as it heats up then contract back down as it cools. This effect may further compromise your chimney's structural integrity. As if this was not enough, a surprising attack comes from another part of nature. A chimney is a natural resting place for birds. We have seen the corrosive effect that bird droppings have on the integrity of a chimney cap. While we won't attempt to address all of these issues here, we will address the basic way that we apply a chimney cap. Needless to say, the chimney has a very difficult and challenging life and it would be advisable for the responsible homeowner to inspect a chimney for integrity-much as he would inspect his gutters for leaks. Just as a leaky gutter will ultimately wreak havoc on any masonry construction, a leaky chimney will do the same. Add the chimney cap to the schedule of five year maintenance checks. Eventually, you may have to repair it, or even replace it completely. As I like to say, a chimney cap replaced in time can save nine. So, now let's go back to the historical use of hydraulic lime mortar on the chimney cap instead of Portland. Portland is harder and water proof right? Doesn't that mean it will last longer, and need fewer repairs? It's a good theory. But there are more destructive forces at work on a chimney cap than just moisture. Recall our description of one of the most destructive attacks: thermal expansion and contraction from the flue gasses as they heat a very cold chimney. Portland may be harder, but hardness doesn't handle that kind of expansion very well, it cracks easily and once it cracks it doesn't heal. Earlier, we raised a concern that natural lime mortar is softer, right? But now we see that the softness is a positive thing because it will permit more movement than Portland. If it does crack, it heals itself! This is how it works chemically: the content of natural free lime actually attracts to itself and thus it self-heals, sealing the crack. The tried and true method we use to apply a chimney cap is as follows: We apply three coats of mortar. The first two coats consist of two parts course concrete sand, one part 3.5 natural hydraulic lime mortar, and one handful of natural hair or fiberglass. The third and final coat we apply is proportioned as follows: two and one half parts sand, one part 3.5 natural lime mortar, this final coat has a bit more sand; no fiberglass or hair. This method will allow the first two coats to act as a stronger mixture-the fiberglass acts as a rebar of sorts-and the final layer seals the fibrous ends so they won't act as a wick for water absorption; we don't want a conduit for moisture. For a few weeks after the new chimney cap has been applied, it should be covered from moisture-depending on the temperatures-and should be kept damp in hot temperatures. While the exact method of applying a new chimney cap may vary extensively, we have found that our method works quite well and lasts for many years. It is our commitment to balance the use of natural and sustainable products, while enabling the use of historically accurate products and procedures.

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Chimney Damper Installation  Minnesota

This a tougher question than it sounds. The simple answer is: 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.” This is the national safety standard and is the correct way to approach the problem. It takes into account the fact that even if you don’t use your Chimney Damper Installation  much, animals may build nests in the flue or there may be other types of deterioration that could make the chimney unsafe to use.

The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends that open masonry fireplaces should be swept at 1/8″ of sooty buildup, and sooner if there is any glaze present in the system. This is considered to be enough fuel buildup to cause a chimney fire capable of damaging the chimney or spreading to the home. Factory-built fireplaces should be swept when any appreciable buildup occurs. The logic is that the deposit is quite acidic and can shorten the life of the fireplace. Chimney Damper Installation  Minnesota

Chimney Damper Installation  Minnesota , fast, affordable & reliable

Common Chimney Repairs

The fireplace is a beautiful and functional part of your home, but it is also potentially dangerous. Without proper cleaning and maintenance, your fireplace and chimney could turn into major fire hazards. Hiring professional chimney cleaners can help keep your family safe. Chimney inspectors and cleaners can visit your home regularly for routine maintenance and repairs. Chimney Hazards It is simple enough to keep your fireplace clean and in good shape, but your chimney is another matter. It might be more difficult to tell if your chimney has structural damage or physical blockages within its shaft without the appropriate tools. One common problem with traditional chimneys is the build-up of creosote. This substance, produced by burning wood and coal in fireplaces, is highly flammable. Creosote is usually dark brown or black in appearance, and can appear dry and flaky, tar-like and sticky, or shiny and hard depending on the type of fuel you burn and the amount of condensation that occurs inside your chimney. Allowing creosote to build up inside your chimney may result in dangerous chimney fires. These can be slow-burning fires that cause severe damage to your chimney's internal structure. The only way to detect these fires is the low, rumbling sound (similar to the sound a low-flying plane makes) coming from the chimney. They may also be dangerous, explosive fires that even your neighbors will probably see and hear. Even modern gas chimneys that do not use wood or coal for fuel have their own share of problems. Rust, corrosion, and other forms of natural deterioration can still pose risks like carbon monoxide leaks. Old chimneys made of stone or bricks often require reinforcement or rebuilding. These are prone to crumbling during earthquakes or eroding during rainstorms, especially if part of its structure wore out over the years. Preventing Chimney Problems Keeping your chimney clean and repairing structural problems as soon as they start developing is the best way to prevent chimney fires and other complications. Hire experts providing chimney cleaning services in your area for these tasks. You can perform minor repairs yourself, but it is usually better to call on chimney cleaning professionals to make sure every part of your chimney is in good shape. Companies offering chimney cleaning often offer chimney repairs and inspection as well. Inspections come in three levels: Level I for standard annual inspections, Level II for more in-depth inspections of the chimney and the rooms close to it, and Level III for thorough examinations after a Level I or II reveals physical obstructions or structural damage. Level III inspections determine the type of repairs your chimney requires. Finding Professional Cleaners Many companies and individuals offer chimney cleaning or chimney repair in Long Island, but you should not just hire the first ones you see. Check out their licenses and insurance coverage first. Their cleaning licenses prove their efficiency, while insurance coverage helps you deal with accidents that may occur during the cleaning, inspection, or repair process.

Chimney Repair - The 5 Most Common Chimney Issues and How to Fix Them

There is nothing quite as comforting as a roaring fire on a cold winter day to warm your heart and your home. A fireplace is something your entire family can enjoy. But you need to make sure chimney repair and maintenance is done correctly in order to ensure your families safety. The Importance of Chimney Repair A chimney is designed to draw the smoke and gases produced by a fire up and safely out of your home. This is extremely important since some of these gases are dangerous. One of the most dangerous is carbon monoxide which in large enough doses can kill. A second important function of the chimney is to contain the excess heat from a fire until it can be vented to the outside air. Most of your home is combustible. If the chimney does not get this extremely hot air outside without leaks it can easily cause a fire in your home. This is why it is so important for you to make sure that any needed chimney repair is done correctly in order to keep you, your family and your home safe. Here are some important tips to ensure that your fireplace is working correctly and avoid some common chimney repair issues. Creosote Buildup Creosote is an oil that is produced when wood or other solids are set on fire. Over time the creosote can build up on the inside of your chimney. If there is too much buildup it can ignite and cause a fire in your chimney. Blockage Another common chimney repair issue is having a blockage in the flue of your chimney. This can be caused by debris from material dislodging in your chimney or even by animal nests. Blockages, even small ones affect the efficiency of your chimney in getting smoke, gases and heat out of your home. Cracks Or Holes In The Flue Some of the gases from a fire are quite corrosive and over time can damage your chimney flue and create the potential for blockages or even allow dangerous gases to seep into your home. Make sure that your flue gets an annual inspection to ensure that it is working correctly. Brickwork Problems Another problem is caused if the flue starts to leak and erode the masonry and brickwork around the exterior and require extensive chimney repair work. Too much of this can cause major structural damage which will make your chimney repair much more expensive. Chimney Cap and Chimney Crown The chimney cap and crown basically make up the roof of the chimney that surrounds the flue and keeps water and debris from getting into the chimney. If this is cracked or missing pieces it can allow water damage to the inside of the chimney and even damage the ability of the flue to channel gases and heat out of the home. This area also keeps animals, debris and weather out of your flue. Conclusion If you see any of these problems when you inspect your chimney, you need to see that any needed repair is made before the fireplace is used. While you may be able to fill small cracks, you should consult a professional for any larger issue. It is always recommended that you have your chimney cleaned, inspected and any needed chimney repair work done at least once a year to ensure its safe operation. To ensure the safety of your family make sure that you have carbon monoxide detectors in your home. These should be placed on each floor or at a minimum on the floor where your family sleeps. Check them regularly to make sure they are working properly to protect your family from even low levels of carbon monoxide. By taking care of any needed chimney repair as soon as you see it the costs for the repairs will be much less than if you let the problem get larger. Make sure that your chimney is inspected regularly and it will give you years of safe use.

Chimney Damper Installation  Locally serviced and operated in Minnesota

Chimney Caps and Chimney Liners For a Safe and Secure House

Chimney caps come in many different sizes, shapes and materials. So which one is right for you and why should you get one? These two questions are the most commonly asked questions home owners ask me regarding chimney cap installations. These may seem like simple questions, How ever they are from simple answers I will explain the answers to both of these questions in laymen terms. Chimneys come in many sizes and shapes. To further make the issue more complex the flue that raises out the top of your crown also may vary in the height. So the first step is to find out what proper size cap you need. A common mistake is to install a cap that mounts onto the chimney flue. These are commonly sold at Home Depot and Lowes. These caps are only suitable for single flue. Even still the lid of the chimney cap must over extend over your chimney in such a way that when it rains the rain falls off to the sides of your chimney and not on the top of your crown. If you refuse to follow my advice and install one of these Home Depot Specials, When it rains the water will fall in a more focused way on specific spot on your crown. This will speed up the wear and tear. To make matters even worse in some cases the water that falls now may actually fall down your flue. This is the worse thing that could happen as when your flue wears down you run the risk of carbon monoxide leakage inside your home or even a fire. Liners are the only solution to fix this problem when you have issues like this. A liner installation will run a cost from $1500 to $3,000 and up! The bottom line is in most cases you need a custom cap made for your chimney. This is not that pricey usually this runs a cost of about $400 give or take. When a chimney cap is installed properly it will protect your chimney crown for decades to come as well as your chimney flue from the elements. In addition to this you will never have to worry about small animals making a nest or home in your warm chimney. This is a common problem in New England. Every home should have a chimney cap on their chimney it is one of the best decisions you will ever make for you home.

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Chimney Damper Installation 

Chimney Services MN

Chimney Caps - The Pros And Cons

Chimney Repair - The 5 Most Common Chimney Issues and How to Fix Them

Chimney Damper Installation Minnesota , fast, affordable & reliable

Common Chimney Repairs

Chimney Repair - The 5 Most Common Chimney Issues and How to Fix Them

Chimney Damper Installation Locally serviced and operated in Minnesota

Chimney Caps and Chimney Liners For a Safe and Secure House

Chimney Damper Installation

Chimney Damper Installation  Minnesota , fast, affordable & reliable

Chimney Damper Installation  Locally serviced and operated in Minnesota

Chimney Damper Installation 