by sunshine | Nov 6, 2022 | Mercer County Chimney Sweep, NJ Chimney Inspection, NJ Chimney Repair, NJ Chimney Sweep
The National Fire Prevention Association 211 codes state the “Chimneys must be inspected and cleaned annually as necessary by a certified chimney sweep”. Most homeowners assume that their furnace company includes chimney cleaning as part of their maintenance process, but that is not true.
Problem
Chimney neglect will cause significant damage and endangers your family from carbon monoxide poisoning. Oil and gas furnaces and hot water heaters rely on the chimney for proper venting of exhaust. Although gas and oil appliances do not create creosote that wood-burning appliances do, they still produce soot. Soot is a highly corrosive substance that can damage chimneys and increase carbon monoxide levels in your home.
Furnace Flues can become blocked which allows a blowback of soot into your home and poisonous carbon monoxide to seep into your living space. If the furnace is in the basement, the levels can build up to dangerous high levels undetected. Scheduling an annual chimney sweep inspection and placing a carbon monoxide detector in the basement will save lives.
Monitoring
During the winter months, the furnace can not be cleaned without turning off the heat. During the winter, long running cycles produce soot and harmful substances that cling to the inside of the chimney. The accumulation of these substances restricts the escape of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and water vapor.
The furnace produces acidic condensate that will literally eat away at the flue lining in the chimney. If a clay liner begins to deteriorate, the broken bits can fall into the furnace damaging the operating mechanism. Chimney blockages will send the carbon monoxide straight into the basement, then the home living area.
The fumes are invisible, odorless, and tasteless. Carbon Monoxide can only be monitored by a detector designed for that purpose. A carbon monoxide detector is built into some brands of smoke detectors, and the battery should be changed twice a year when the clocks fall back and spring forward.
Cleaning
Fireplace flue cleaning and chimney sweeping refer to the same process. During the service, the technician generally uses a stiff-bristled brush or other chimney cleaning system to brush the inside of the flue to remove buildup from its walls.
Chimneys are havens for creatures and cause dangerous obstructions. Even if your chimney has a hood, creatures can access the funnel and flue. Smoky brown cockroaches are good flyers and can work their way down into the home where they like to live. They like flat roof areas and chimneys – this is how they enter structures. A chimney screen’s holes allow safe smoke ventilation, but nothing else can squeeze through it like fleas or cockroaches. One problem with screens is that pests can bite through them over time. To account for this issue, you could install both a chimney cap and a chimney screen with an annual chimney sweep inspection to ensure both layers of protection are intact.
If you have a chimney in New Jersey, chances are you’ll have Stink Bugs. The heat from buildings will escape from chimneys and vents and they will find their way in as they are attracted to warm areas in cold nights. Beetles and ants can crawl through the cracks of older fireplaces, especially if they’re built with brick. Wasps will nest in your chimney. Exterminating insects in the chimney by spraying will deter infestation. A more permanent solution is installing fine mesh screens, top sealing dampers, and by sealing cracks in your chimney’s exterior with mortar.
Raccoons, squirrels, birds, bats, and other larger pests can use the chimney itself as nesting spots. The chimney cap needs to be steel or copper lid with a mesh wire opening on its underside and installed at the mouth of your chimney. A professional Chimney sweep will remove the hood, replace it with a mesh wire cap, and remove the obstructions from the funnel and the flue.
Bees should not be exterminated; they should be preserved. Unlike wasps, bees are purely vegetarian in both the adult and larval stages. Bees gather nectar from flowers as a source of carbohydrates, as do many wasps. They fulfill their protein needs by collecting pollen. Most species of bees are valuable pollinators, and honeybees are an essential partner in the production of food crops for people.
More than 80% of U.S. food crops are pollinated by honeybees. In New Jersey, blueberries, cranberries, pumpkins, squash, strawberries, soybeans, cucumbers, peaches, and apples are among the many crops that benefit from honeybee pollination. Although wild insect pollinators such as wasps and other bee species help in native plant reproduction, only honeybees live in managed colonies of sufficient numbers for effective pollination of commercial crops. Only honeybees can be transported to large areas of blooming crops for pollination services. The past two decades have seen dramatic declines in the number of honeybees, due to the introduction of parasitic mites, diseases, and habitat loss. Visit NJBeekeepers.org to find out about bee-friendly plants you can cultivate. If a beehive sets up home in the top of your chimney you need a professional chimney sweep and a bee wrangler to remove the entire hive. The New Jersey Bee Association lists bee wranglers who can help.
Venting
A crucial component to the safe operation of your furnace is the proper configurations and size of the entire venting system. Homeowners often forget that when they purchase a new HVAC or furnace system, they need chimney sweep professionals to assess their new system. Manufacturers requirements specifically indicate the proper flue size for the safe operation of their system. If the flue size is incorrect excessive moisture and combustion gases will build up. Moisture is a huge enemy to your ventilation system.
If the system is being converted from oil to gas, building codes require a chimney sweep assessment, cleaning, and inspection prior to installing and operating the new system.
Timing
Spring, summer, autumn are great times to have your chimney sweep service. An annual inspection and cleaning by a CSIA- certified company will ensure the ventilation system is adequate and chimney is safe. Their assessment will also check gaskets and joints are intact.
In winter, the heat will have to be stopped for the chimney sweep to complete his inspection and service. Snow does not stop chimney sweeps. Before any sweeping is done, a visual inspection is performed to determine if the flue needs to be swept. Roof access is not needed to make this determination. Additionally, sweepings are generally performed from the base, making outside weather conditions irrelevant when it comes to running our brushes.
References
https://njbeekeepers.org/swarmremoval/swarmremoval.html
![How to Know if Your Chimney Needs a Cleaning]()
by admin | Mar 9, 2018 | NJ Chimney Sweep, Uncategorized
Do you have a wood or coal burning fireplace? If so then you have fireplace that will need to maintained and cleaned regularly. Every family loves a warm fire on a cold winter night, but each fire leaves deposits of soot among other sticky chemicals along the flue pipe of you chimney. These things are highly flammable and need to be cleaned out periodically. Here are some Hopewell Chimney Sweep tips to know if your chimney needs to be cleaned!
1.Hopewell Chimney Sweep | Does your fire light slowly?
If your fire is taking long to light and when lit it is unable to burn at a strong flame, then that is a good sign you may need to have your fireplace cleaned.
2. Is there smoke filling the room when a fire is lit?
If your fire is creating smoke that is coming out into the room, then it is unable to properly go through the chimney and be released. This is another good tell that you desperately need to have your chimney cleaned. A build up of soot and creosote can be dangerous, and when left uncleaned it could be the cause of a fire backing up your chimney, putting you and your family in danger.
3. Is there smoke filling the house when a fire is lit?
If it has reached the point that not only one room may fill with smoke but it starts filling into other rooms then this is a definite sign you need to have you chimney cleaned. This is not something you want to delay. If you have reached this point then it is imperative if you would like to continue to be able to use your fireplace, that you have it swept. Be safe and call or look into more information for your fireplace needs.
4. Can you feel cold air, and do you smell and foul odors?
When you have no fire going and you have a chance, go up to your fireplace and examine it. Do you feel cold air flow coming through? Do you smell any awful smells? These are both signs that you should have someone come in and sweep your chimney. Try to be aware of these things as a home owner with a fireplace.
Hopewell Chimney Sweep | Do Not Delay
I know many of us might only have a fire once a year during the holiday season, if we are blessed to have enough time in our busy schedules to do so. It may be a luxury, but to keep your chimney clean and in well working condition, it is a necessity. If you are a homeowner then you are well aware that your house is an investment. You have put money into it and one day whether it be you or your children, you are going to be looking to either get money back from this investment or past it on for generations. Do you not want to keep it in the up most condition as possible? Well taking care of your chimney is a part of that maintenance. When a family is looking to purchase a home and they always wanted that beautiful fireplace, they are going to ask if it has been maintained and well taken care of. So do not continue to push off having your chimney cleaned. Hopewell Chimney Sweep is a Mercer County Chimney Sweep company that is here for you. Don’t push it off until a routine maintenance becomes a big issue that costs much more money and time to fix. You want your investment, more importantly your home, to be safe, secure, and clean.
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![How to Know if Your Chimney Needs a Cleaning]()
by admin | Jan 16, 2018 | NJ Chimney Sweep
Finding the best Hopewell Chimney Sweep Company is one of the most important things a homeowner can do for the maintenance of their home. Regularly having your chimney swept will give your house that clean feel and will allow you to avoid various issues that arise from a dirty chimney. Nothing beats a clean burning fire during the chillier months! If you are not sure if your chimney needs a cleaning, check out these signs:
Signs That You Need a Hopewell Chimney Sweep Company
- Cold Air or Strange Odors: If you notice a draft of cold air or strange odors coming from the room where your fireplace is, it’s time for Hopewell chimney sweeping service. Creosote is a material that remains once wood or kindling has been burned in the chimney, and it can build up if the amenity isn’t cleaned regularly. Creosote can clog your chimney and keep the flue from closing properly. This can allow cold air to rush through your chimney, and the wind will bring with it the strange odors into your home.
- Slow to Start: When you light a fire, do you notice a delay before the flame is lit? Additionally, does the fire not burn vibrantly once it’s caught on? These are additional signs that you’re in the should consider Hopewell chimney sweeping service. Debris, creosote, and ashes can clog your fireplace and chimney, leading to slower starting times.
- Smoke Issues: Lastly, when lighting a fire, be wary of smoke in your home. If your chimney is backed up with creosote or debris, smoke can get trapped inside it and filter back into your home. Smoke can then fill the room where the chimney is. If left untreated for too long, it can then seep into the entire house. This is a major health hazard for you and your family that should be avoided at all costs.
Looking for the most Excellent Hopewell Chimney Sweep Company?
If you are looking for the best Hopewell chimney sweeping service, you’ve come to the right place! For well over 20 years, St John has been providing hundreds of satisfied homeowners with safe chimneys and cozy winters. Our licensed and insured company is also a member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) and most of our quality products come with a lifetime warranty. St John is an honest family owned company that takes pride in our positive reputation in the community. For a free Hopewell Chimney Inspection estimate, contact now at (609) 737-0133 or visit the website.
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![How to Know if Your Chimney Needs a Cleaning]()
by admin | Jul 11, 2017 | NJ Chimney Sweep
If you are a homeowner living in the Hopewell NJ area, Hiring a Hopewell chimney sweep is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your roof and house. If you neglect your NJ chimney, you run the risk of many complications that range from roof damage to rodents living in your house to losing everything in a fire. If you can’t seem to remember the last time you had your chimney inspected or swept, or if it has been a long time, now is the perfect time to schedule a specialist to come and inspect your chimney. Today we will be looking at some signs that your chimney is in need of chimney sweep services.
Signs You Need Hopewell Chimney Sweep Services
- Soot is building up inside your fireplace. It is normal for some soot to be in your fireplace. However, any accumulation over 1/4 of an inch can be dangerous. You need to call an expert Hopewell chimney sweep for an assessment of you notice an excess buildup because buildup in the fireplace means there is buildup in the chimney too. Countless house fires are started because of excess soot buildup every year. The residue that builds up inside the chimney is highly flammable and it is very dangerous to leave it inside your chimney.
- Strong unpleasant smells from your fireplace. If you start to notice strange powerful smells when you turn on the furnace or light a fire, your chimney may be clogged. Most furnaces require access to the chimney to properly ventilate. If it becomes blocked, the fumes can seem into your house. Not only does this smell bad but it can also lead to health problems including carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Winter is near and you haven’t had your chimney inspected. Individuals generally utilize their chimneys during the colder months. The increased use results in more soot buildup. Because of this, the smartest thing to do is to get your chimney inspected by a Hopewell chimney sweep well before the cold weather arrives. This will ensure that your winter is warm and safe!
- Your fireplace is visually worn out. Regardless of whether you’ve just purchased a home and aren’t sure about the fireplace, or just haven’t given your fireplace the time of day for a year or two, if your fire place looks old a unsafe, it is best to contact a Hopewell chimney sweep to an inspection. It is always better to be safe than sorry. This will also allow you to identify other issues, such as missing mortar or other structural damage to your aging chimney.
- You don’t use your fireplace very often. Just because you don’t use your chimney very often doesn’t mean you can get away with neglecting it. You should always schedule maintenance once a year to keep your home safe, cleaner and fire-free.
Looking for a Qualified Hopewell Chimney Sweep?
If your looking for a trustworthy and reliable Hopewell Chimney Sweep, look no further than St. John Chimney Sweeps. St Johns has provided numerous home owners with Hopewell Chimney repair services over the past few decades. We take pride in providing our valued customers with our 100% satisfaction no-mess guarantee. Many of our quality products have a lifetime warranty. We are honest family owned company that always gives thorough explanations before we do any work. Our licensed and insured company is also a member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG). Call now for a free estimate at: (609) 737-0133 or visit our website.
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![How to Know if Your Chimney Needs a Cleaning]()
by admin | May 3, 2017 | NJ Chimney Sweep
Most people think that if they can shine a strong flashlight up their Mercer County, NJ chimney and see a clear path, they’re in the clear. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. Creosote appears as a shiny substance, so a lot of people think if the interior of their chimney is shiny, it’s clean. You may not see any visible signs of dirt or creosote, but it’s still there. Here are four really good reasons to hire a Mercer County chimney sweep this year for your chimney.
Reasons to Hire a Mercer County Chimney Sweep
Mercer County Chimney Sweep
Mercer County Chimney Sweep | Prevent House Fires
The top few feet of the chimney is where it accumulates first then slowly builds down the flue. One single ember or spark has the potential to start a chimney fire if it travels up and meets the creosote. A chimney fire can quickly spread to the interior of your home and prove catastrophic.
Mercer County Chimney Sweep | Identify Potential Problems
The chimney and fireplace or wood burning stove work together as a single appliance. All appliances require maintenance from time to time and the chimney and fireplace are no exception. a Mercer County chimney sweep can identify potential problems like cracked flue tiles or other interior damage and repair them before they become a very costly problem.
Mercer County Chimney Sweep | Complete Your Home Maintenance
Hire a Mercer County chimney sweep to clean and inspect your chimney as a final step of your spring cleaning regimen. You’ll have a clean chimney that doesn’t smell like creosote, soot, or smoke, and you’ll be able to finish up the last of the cleaning in no time.
Mercer County Chimney Sweep | Improve the Quality of the Air in Your Home
Creosote makes the diameter of your chimney’s flue smaller as it builds. This reduction in size causes smoke and dangerous gases to back up and enter your home. You may not notice them at first but eventually then you’ll see discoloration on your furniture or you’ll notice soot in areas that it shouldn’t be. This means that the air quality has been compromised and a good chimney cleaning will help prevent future issues.
After you find a company with a good reputation, you can confidently hire them knowing that you made an informed decision. Having the same company perform maintenance year after year is beneficial to you because they will know of any past damages or work that has been done. This insures that you have accurate gauge of the condition your chimney and fireplace is in.
Hiring a Good Mercer County Chimney Sweep Company
Not all Mercer County chimney sweeps are equal. You want to find a company that has your best interest in mind and isn’t preoccupied with simply making money off of you.
A Good Mercer County Chimney Sweep Company Identifies Future Issues
A good chimney sweep looks for future problems in addition to existing chimney. Some chimney companies only look for blaring problems. They ignore minor problems in the hopes that they can charge more when the minor issue becomes a major problem later. The best chimney sweeps look for signs of future problems and make recommendations. Doing so often results in lower repair costs. It is always cheaper to address minor chimney issues before turns into major repair needs.
A Good Mercer County Chimney Sweep Company Provides Comprehensive Services
You want to choose a Mercer County chimney sweep company that can help you in a variety of different areas. Doing so allows for you to take full benefit of their expertise. Otherwise, you will ultimately end up hiring more than one company which can be quite a pain.
Some of the most common services offered include:
- Cleaning of chimney
- Masonry repairs
- Flashing repair
- Waterproofing of chimney
- Crown and caps repair
- Purging of smoke chamber
In addition to cleaning the chimney and fireplace, it is also beneficial to look at any other services that the company might offer, such as dryer vent cleaning. After all, once you find a company, it’s best to rely on them for various other services around your home as well.
A Good Mercer County Chimney Sweep Company Has a Superb Reputation
You should always look into the reputation of the Mercer County chimney sweep company you’re considering. Your research should include sources such as online reviews, testimonials and their membership with professional organizations. Past customer reviews are a powerful resource. If a large number of homeowners in your area have good things to say about the company, you are likely to have a similar experience. Positive reviews will help you makes sure that the company understands how to sweep a chimney in a professional manner. Taking a little bit of time to investigate the company before you hire them will ensure that you get the best services at the best possible price.
A Good Mercer County Chimney Sweep Company is Fully Certified
As you search for the best company to handle your chimney, make sure that you hire a fully certified chimney sweep. This is especially true when working with a bigger company as opposed to a sole proprietor. You don’t want to run the risk of having shady work done that is not guaranteed.
A Good Mercer County Chimney Sweep Company Has Experience
Before you hire any company, check to see how long they have been in business. You shouldn’t hire a company that has less than 5 years of experience. If you can find online reviews or customer testimonials, read as many as you can. You can also ask neighbors, friends and coworkers in your area if they have had any experience working with the company in question.
A Good Mercer County Chimney Sweep Company Is Listed on BBB
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see how the company in question ranks. The BBB does a great job keeping track of reputable companies in your local area. You can also find out if the company has a past record of being reliable and if there are any unresolved issues involving he company. You can find lots of valuable info just by looking through the Better Business Bureau website.
A Good Mercer County Chimney Sweep Company Is Licensed
Companies who provide chimney services need to be licensed. You want to make sure that the business that you choose is licensed and insured. Being licensed shows that they are professional and have taken the proper steps to be compliant with the regulations. If you allow a company to come in and they are not licensed or carry adequate insurance, any damage could potentially be your responsibility.
A Good Mercer County Chimney Sweep Company Gives Free & Accurate Quotes
You also need to ask for a quote for the services that you require. Pricing should be relatively straightforward. When you get into repairs and installations, the company might need to come out and provide an inspection before they can provide a quote. Most companies charge for inspections and cleanings. However, they should not charge a fee to provide a price quote. Unfortunately, there are some cases where a quote cannot be given without performing a full inspection.
Looking for the Best Mercer County Chimney Sweep?
St. John Chimney Sweeps has been providing satisfied Mercer County NJ area home owners with chimney liners & chimney services for well over 15 years. We pride ourselves in our 100% customer satisfaction no-mess guarantee. Many of our quality products have a lifetime warranty. We are honest and efficient, providing thorough explanations for all our work. Our licensed and insured company is also a member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG). Call now for a free estimate at: (609) 737-0133 or visit our website.
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