How Do You Clean a Chimney?

Posted on July 10, 2012 by Joshua

Chimney cleaning is a must, and it is imperative that you do it regularly. Not just for cleanliness, but also for safety. A clean and safe chimney will not only add beauty to your home, but it will also add peace to your life and less worry.  Clean chimneys are your best defence against a devastating chimney fire. Cleaning does not involve just removing the dirt and flammable creosote, but it is also about cleaning the appliance in a safe and proper way. Here are some of the methods used by chimney professionals.

First, the materials such as shaft and brushes are prepared. Then, for protection, they wear safety glasses. A tarp is used to cover the chimney opening. Next comes the unlocking of the metal door called damper which can be seen inside the fireplace. This is located above the firebox and this is the one that foils frosty air to enter in your home if the chimney is not lit. Next step is taking out the spark arrestor or also called chimney cap. This is the one that keeps the spark from absconding.  After that step, gather all the chimney rods and brushes them down to the chimney in a short up and down motion. In cleaning the flue that can be seen amidst the hearth and smokestack, use a short brush. You can also utilize a vacuity cleaner or petite broom and dust-pan to get rid of vestiges and creosote. Next is brushing the floor using a solid and dry kind of brush then use it in cleaning the creosote that is trapped at the damper. Though the used of vacuum hose you clean the smoulder shelf of the chimney.

Vacuuming all the filth and debris inside the chimney and the fireplace should be done in a careful way so your chimney will not only look like so clean and shinny but it also should connote a feeling of safe after the cleaning process.

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Repairing Fireplace Mortar

Posted on July 5, 2012 by Joshua

Having fireplaces at home is really beneficial. They can keep you warm whenever you feel cold. You and your family can enjoy quality time whenever you are in the living room or in the library once your fireplace starts that wonderful fire. You can have endless conversations with your friends and tasty coffee breaks with them with the use of the fire that your fireplace is emitting. Fireplaces can give you countless advantages for your home experience that is why it is just fair to take care of it and keep it clean. Your fireplace is connected to your chimney and when the chimney gets damaged, you know that it may cause bigger trouble. Leaving your chimney cracked and damaged for a long time might cause explosive floors and walls. To address these problems, here are some steps that you can consider when repairing a fireplace mortar.

First, you must remove all the unnecessary dirt and objects such as the broken mortars and other debris. This would serve as the preparation for the whole repair and would help you see other parts of the chimney which are damaged. The next step to take is make or mix the mortar which you would use to replace the damaged ones. Make sure that the replacement you have would be resistant to the heat that the appliances you have connected to the chimney would produce. These should be high quality mortars. Next, you shall now apply the mortar in between the spaces of the bricks and in between the cracks. You should fill in all the damages and keep all the bricks intact. Make sure that you do not leave any space or all your efforts would just go to waste. After that, let the mortar dry up. The estimated time for waiting for it to dry is one to two days. Once the mortar is all dry, you can now make it look neater by using a brush to remove all the unnecessary dirt and debris. Always remember to start fixing your mortar as soon as you see a small damage. Do not wait for it to get worse so you can avoid replacement.

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The Evolution of the Chimney

Posted on June 28, 2012 by Joshua

When I was younger, I dreamt of being visited by Santa Claus, and give me my Christmas presents personally. They said that Santa Claus will come down from the chimney wall and will secretly sneak my presents under the Christmas tree. With that information, I made it a habit to stay near the fireplace from where I know our chimney is connected. When I grew older, the idea made me smile. However, my knowledge about Santa’s passage widens when I had a research project on architectural history; it is the evolution of the chimney.

A long time ago in the Roman Era people enjoyed the convenience of having pipes inside their houses that keeps the smoke from filling up the whole house. However, everything came to an end, when the Roman Empire fell; most people went back to their old ways of keeping themselves warm. The cold and chilly nights obliged them to put up fire inside their houses. It started with a simple bonfire where they assemble in the place where it could heat up the whole shelter. The inconvenience of having this bonfire inside are countless; of course the suffocating smoke stuffing  the whole place is number one, not to mention the embers and ashes that can will eventually dominate your place. To let the smoke out that makes the villagers bore a hole on their ceilings. However, most of their roofs are having that black ashen trademark. As time passed by, people were also embracing development and so as their houses.  Influences from different invading cultures gave birth to two-storey houses. With this design, the homeowner cannot afford to put a bonfire in the middle of their house because they cannot just simple poke their ceiling because there is another floor. This dilemma of not heating the whole place gave the people the idea to excavate in their walls and build fire, and then they poke a hole in the external part so the smoke can be vented out. Men were naturally smart that they develop a venting system that brings the smoke outside the house. It was developed further when the houses needing chimneys are getting larger in sizes.  Thus they created a way in which all the flues and smoke piping are interconnected and smoke will eventually be released in one main outlet on top of the roof.

Modernization also allowed the structure of the chimneys to evolve and be more stylish. However, the traditional ones are more appealing for they somewhat give an ambiance of being in the medieval times. This part of our home, though sometimes we find it insignificant but it also reminds us on how intelligent men were and how they struggled to survive. A simple chimney evolution can make us see how ingenious and smart men are.

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Creosote is Dangerous

Posted on June 21, 2012 by Joshua

Plenty of by-products are released when a fireplace is in use. One of the most dangerous materials that you can get when you have a fireplace at home is the creosotes.  You cannot immediately see the danger that it can bring because it is not that dangerous yet if it just went in small amounts. These are the black silky materials found in the chimney. They are caused by incomplete combustion. You cannot blame the fireplace for releasing such but there are certain ways to minimize its production. One way is to use the proper firewood for the fireplace. These are inevitable materials. They will always be there so long as you are using your fireplace. The only thing that you can do is to maintain it properly so that it will not bring more danger to the family. Below are the possible dangers that you and your family may encounter if you do not take good care of the creosotes in the chimney wall.

You will not like it when creosotes pile up in the chimney. There is a big possibility that the entire structure would explode because of this. In fact, most of the causes of explosions are caused by this material. It is not the fireplace that can catch the entire place in deep trouble. Most of the time, bad maintenance of the chimney is enough to put the entire place at risk. There are also great chances for chimney fires to take place. These are highly combustible materials because of the fact that they are products of incomplete combustion, too. You cannot tell whether it will light up. Sometimes, large fires cause creosotes to light up the chimney. It is important to watch this often. Cleaning it after using the fireplace is a very nice idea. Plus, there are chances that people who might inhale creosote may suffer from different respiratory problems. These are tiny materials that are possible to be brought by the wind to the different places in the house. This may trigger allergies, too. You will no longer enjoy the warm and cozy place you have if you do not take the creosotes away.

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3 Reasons Why Summer is the Best Time to Clean Your Chimney

Posted on June 12, 2012 by Joshua

One thing most people don’t think about in the summer is getting their chimney cleaned. It just doesn’t seem to be that important among vacation time and keeping the kids busy. However, it is the best time of the year to get chore done and out of the way and here are three reasons why.

1 – You Are First in Line

Because so many people wait until the weather starts to turn to even think about getting the chimney swept, when you call and make that appointment, you will be one of the first people of the season. There’s no waiting for someone to get out to you and most time slots are available so the sweeps come out at your convenience and not when they have an opening in their schedule.

2. – The Early Bird Gets the Discount

Most companies that have seasonal businesses run specials during their offseason. For the person looking for a deal then it’s a natural time to go to the website or call the company and see what type of special is running. For those who need a deal this is a must time of the year to get services like chimney inspections and cleaning completed at a reduction in cost. In the current economy this is a no brainer.

3 – Sweeping Early Reduces Odors

When the heat of summer mixes with creosote, soot and ash it can cause a terrible odor in your home. Add that to down drafts that can come down the chimney appliance and you have a mix for some very uncomfortable, smelly days that sprays and other arousals won’t cover up or eliminate. The short and right answer is to eliminate the creosote, soot and ash as soon as the freeze/thaw cycle is over.

If you add a chimney leak or water of any kind the odor becomes even worse. If this damp mix is left for long periods of time, mold can develop, which can potentially lead to upper respiratory issues.

The take away is there are some very good reasons to get your chimney cleaned during the summer months. Why don’t you make that call and just get this one chore out of the way right now.

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Each Home Should Have This Fire Safety Checklist

Posted on June 4, 2012 by Joshua

The safety of your family must really be preserved. No one can afford to have even one family member or relative to get hurt by anything. However, there are a lot of factors that can bring damage to you and your family and one of these factors is fire. Fire accidents occur during the most unexpected times and that is why it is important that every family takes the safety precautions to avoid fire accidents. To help you remind yourself on the things that you must consider, here is a checklist of some fire prevention actions that you can take.

You should regularly check whether your electrical-operated home appliances are still working perfectly. If they are not working well anymore, replace them immediately to avoid any kind of accident. It is also important to have smoke detectors at home. If you already own one, you should check monthly whether it is still functioning. If not, see if the batteries are not working anymore and buy new ones if the batteries are obviously drained. Corrosive and flammables must be placed in a separate area to prevent explosions. Unwanted chemical reactions might take place, as well, when some incompatible liquids are mixed with each other. Every home must have at least two multi-purpose fire extinguishers, as well, one outdoors and one indoors. You must have one at the garage and another at the kitchen. The kitchen is where usual fire accidents happen. You must also have plans in case actual fire accidents take place. These plans should be relayed to all members of the family so they would have an idea on what to do when this unwanted circumstance happens. Also, when you light up or burn candles and cigarettes, be sure that you have already put their lights off after using them. This is most likely to happen especially if they’re thrown near flammables or papers which can easily burn. Always be reminded that the safety of your family is a very important thing. Fire accidents can’t just take the things that you have earned for years. They can also take the lives of your loved ones.

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Types Of Chimney Bricks

Posted on May 29, 2012 by Joshua

There are a lot of safety tips available for human beings that they can use for their chimneys. You can even increase its possibility to stay strong by maintaining it at a regular period. Applying the right materials for it is one of the best steps so that it can withstand each and every difficulty that it may encounter. Bricks are the most important component of the chimney. They hold the entire chimney that is why it will cause you no good to use below the standard chimney. There are several types of bricks that can be used for the construction of different facilities. However, there are only two types available for chimney building.

These two classifications are separated by their ability to stay sturdy even with the presence of the different temperatures and exposure to extreme weathers. The first type to be discussed is the normal red bricks that are used very often. This brick is made up of clay. It is not commonly seen in a home depot because it is constructed right at the construction site. The masons are the one capable of reproducing them. It is very easy to use produce them because all you have to do is mix all of its components. You can see these bricks in different facilities like in a cabin, bodega and many others. It may in fact be used in almost any structure that human beings want. The downside of this type of brick is that it collapses after using it for a quite long period of time. It also requires a lot of maintenance because of the possibilities that it will crack when exposed to different temperatures. Another material used to build bricks is the special type. They are called special because they are made up of different elements that will be resistant to different forces of nature. It is very suitable for a chimney because of the many chemical and mechanical reactions that take place inside it. It is not like the normal bricks which are made up of clay. They may have water repellent that enables them to be sturdy even if they are exposed to so much water.

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Remodeling Your Fireplace

Posted on May 21, 2012 by Joshua

People often don’t think about the fireplace when they are looking for home improvement projects. However, this is one of the most important places in the house, especially during the winter season. The fireplace combats the cold weather, and gives the entire home a warm feeling. Plus, it helps save you on your utility bills. With such a big role, your fireplace really deserves a makeover, right?

If you want to save time and money, you might want to clean and organize your fireplace instead of having a new one. You can just brush the area where it needs to be cleaned and paint the outer part. Or you can also replace the bricks or the tiles that surround your fireplace.

If you have the budget, of course you can just tear your old fireplace and built a new one. However, you need to make sure that you plan it before you actually destroy your fireplace. Search for some designs over the Internet. You can pick the most practical one for you to easily construct your new fireplace. Do your survey on which of the many materials for a fireplace will best fit your budget.

If you want your fireplace remodeling to be done perfectly, hiring a good fireplace builder will be a good idea. They can really give you the fireplace design that you want to achieve. But, if you are in a budget and you feel that you can do it yourself then, go ahead let your creativity to do the job for you.

If you have more budget and you want to replace your old traditional fireplace with an electronic one, you can always opt to have the best one by shopping. Electric fireplace is easy to install and is very easy to clean.

The very reason why you need to renovate your fireplace is for it to jive with the entire theme of your home. A nice fireplace will not just add beauty and appeal but as well as give the heat that you need the entire cold season.

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The Ventless Fireplace

Posted on May 11, 2012 by Joshua

Ventless fireplaces are quite popular and common in the modern household of today. They are maintenance free and clean since they do not require any firewood. These fireplaces can be operated using gas, electricity or gel fuel. Those who have the old school fireplaces can now rejoice. There is a way to convert the traditional firewood-based fireplaces into a ventless one. This is a good and eco-friendly option that does not require any fossil fuels for burning. What’s good about it is that it is cheap and it can be assembled in your home without going to all the hassles. These fireplaces come in different designs that would most definitely add charm and class to your home.

There are some things to consider first before purchasing your own eco-friendly fireplace. The ventless fireplace doesn’t need a chimney and wood for burning. However, there are different kinds of fireplaces to choose from. The electric fireplace runs on electricity alone. It is very safe and easy to use as well. The temperature may be controlled with a simple press of the remote control’s buttons. It is also portable so you can move it whenever you want.

The gas-operated fireplace on the other hand is dependent on the propane, gel or natural gas it needs for fuel. These fireplaces come in many trendy designs and great styles to choose from.

Safety precautions are probably the most important considerations for you when it comes to the ventless fireplace. It is important that you choose one that would fit the area where you plan to install it to prevent carbon monoxide build ups in the room. You should always make sure to switch off the fireplace before going out of the house to avoid some major mishaps. Although DIY is a great way to save up on money, it’s still best if you leave it to the pros.

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Grilling Safety For Your Barbecues

Posted on May 3, 2012 by Joshua

Nothing beats cooking outdoors. The smell of fresh air mixed with the tasty scent of grilled barbecue is ecstasy for the outdoors man. Every year families go out into their backyards ready to grill their tender barbecue meat. Every year there are also escalating cases of grilling fires occurring. There were 8,000 fire related grilling incidents that happened from the 2005-2009. With the rise of grilling fire cases, outdoor grillers are advised to be careful when grilling their barbecue outdoors. Before, you start grilling your barbecue. Here are safety tips for grilling outdoors.

Watch out for potential fire hazards around your grilling area. It is best that you prevent problems rather than waiting for them to happen. Check your surroundings first for any flammable substances or materials before you start grilling barbecue.

Place your grill away from your home, deck railings or any other overhanging branches.

Do not let your children or pets get near your grill. As much as possible, keep them three feet away from the grilling area. Keep them occupied and let them play inside the house while they wait for the barbecue to cook.

Always remove the grease or any fat build up after you use your grill. Clean carefully your grill and in trays below your grill.

Never ever leave your grill unattended. Don’t be stupid and leave your grill cooking for itself while you chat with your friends. Always be attentive to avoid accidents.

When you are using charcoal grills, be sure to let the charcoal cool off before you throw away the metal container.

Propane grills are very dangerous to use. Before you start grilling, check the propane tank first for any leaks. Try applying light soap to the hose along with a water solution before turning on the grill. Always be cautious when using propane because it is an extremely flammable gas.

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