by sunshine | Mar 12, 2024 | Mercer County Chimney Sweep, NJ Chimney Inspection
When’s a smart time to have your chimney cleaned? For one, it’s when you’re not actively using your chimney, putting the decision to have it swept in the spring or summer seasons. However, you’ll come to know that the earlier you have your chimney swept, the better—for many good reasons.
Spring clean your chimney
Imagine that it’s cold out, snowing sideways, and you’ve spent the entire winter day looking forward to gathering around your fireplace that night. When you go to use it, you realize there’s something wrong. Suddenly, your beloved fireplace is out of commission for weeks until you can get a professional to have a look. Being proactive in caring for your chimney means never having to deal with this situation.
Protect your chimney
Damaged flue liners, billowing smoke, cracked masonry, and dangerous fumes—these are all problems that can be spotted during a normal chimney inspection, and having your chimney cleaned will bring any issues forward for analysis. After all, you wouldn’t take your car on a long road trip without having its oil changed first, would you?
Get Rid of Buildup, Nests, and Pests
During the winter, animals burrow, build nests, and find shelter from the cold weather. That shelter could very well mean your chimney. Having your chimney cleaned in the spring can clear out any nests, debris, and blockages. All of these blockages contribute to greater, more hazardous issues like constricted airflow or chimney fires.
Why clean in the springtime?
With nicer weather, animals don’t need to hunker down in your warm chimney as often. Still, without a chimney cap, your chimney is subject to debris and potential blockages even in the spring, summer, or the fall. When you have your chimney cleaned in the spring, your chimney professional will recommend installing a chimney cap to prevent debris from becoming a problem. They’ll install a cap if it’s needed, too. Now, when you go to use your fireplace in the cooler weather, you won’t have to worry about your chimney being obstructed with your chimney cap’s protection.
No More Fireplace Odor
You know that smell. The one that drifts through the house, a mix of chemically smelling soot that lingers around the mouth of your fireplace. That’s the buildup of the residue known as creosote in combination with soot. The smell is noticeable when the chimney isn’t in use, which makes spring and summer months the time of the year when you’ll start smelling this odor.
Having your fireplace and chimney professionally cleaned means immensely reducing this odor that wafts through your house. You can say goodbye to smelly fireplaces that stink up your living areas and a more important bonus—you’ll rid the chimney of dangerous creosote buildup, which if there’s a significant presence, can cause a chimney fire and toxic air pollutants.
Repairs
Warmer weather is better, chimney cleanings and inspections reveal any problems your chimney may have. While the most basic of these issues can be resolved on the spot like creosote buildup, installing a chimney cap, and giving a chimney the cleaning it needs, there are other problems that demand a lot more attention. A damaged liner or flue needs to be addressed as soon as possible. It’s much better to have this work done when spring rolls around because you won’t be exposing your house to the cold outside temperatures. Even though chimney professionals can work in all conditions, it does make it easier and safer to address chimney issues when the roof isn’t slippery with ice or covered in snow.
Exterior masonry repairs
Although, if your chimney needs exterior masonry repairs, it is important to get this taken care of during the warmer months. Once the temperature begins dropping masons will not be able to complete these repairs without jeopardizing the integrity of the chimney.
Chimney Sweep Availability
Professional chimney sweeps find themselves particularly busy in the fall. It’s the season where homeowners are thinking about the looming winter months, the cold it will bring, and the fires that they’ll have to stave off the weather. It doesn’t take very long for chimney sweeps to have a fully booked schedule. Being proactive about your chimney’s cleanliness and health means getting a chimney sweeper to conduct an inspection and cleaning early on.
You’d be surprised about the lead times in the fall months. Making sure there’s plenty of opportunity to have this crucial job done before then can protect your chimney from experiencing serious issues before you light that fire and protect your family from the dangerous, sometimes fatal, fumes and combustion byproducts.
Spring clean your chimney
Safety and Protection Spring cleaning isn’t just for getting the dust bunnies out of your house or finally washing your windows. It’s about cleaning and caring for all the critical features your house has, and the chimney and fireplace should be at the top of the list. Improper care of chimneys can mean toxic fumes like carbon monoxide leaking into your living spaces, sometimes undetected, and putting you and your family at risk. It means problems that are neglected that could worsen your chimney’s integrity if not reckoned with right away.
When you put cleaning your chimney at the top of your spring to-do list, you can resolve and prevent major chimney issues. We’ve dedicated ourselves to making sure your home is safer and cleaner after we’ve completed every project.
Contact us
St John Chimney Sweeps Address 1613 Reed Rd D1, Pennington, NJ 08534 Proudly Serving Mercer County, Somerset County, Hunterdon County, & Surrounding Areas
Website http://www.stjohnchimneysweeps.com/
Email: stjohnchimneysweeps@verizon.net Phone Number: (609) 737-0133
Two Different Chimneys
by sunshine | Feb 12, 2024 | Mercer County Chimney Sweep
It’s curious how some people react when I tell them I’m a chimney sweeper. ‘Oh really? Do they still exist?’… is the type of reaction from this minority. I guess that’s because it’s such an ancient trade and they tend to think of Victorian chimney sweeps or Old Bert from Mary Poppins. It can surprise them that sweeps are still engaged in work. These people tend to fall into two categories: those who don’t have an indoor fire, or those who do have an indoor fire but don’t realize chimneys need regular sweeping.
Modern Chimney Sweeps
The simple fact is that chimney cleaners, or rather sweeps, belong to a profession that’s entirely relevant to the modern age, especially when everyone is so concerned about climate change and air pollution.
Chimney sweeping is proven to benefit the environment by ensuring that flues are efficient for consumption. That means harmful gas is able to leave safely and, as long as the consumer is burning dry wood at a high burn rate, the most efficient use is being made of the wood as a fuel energy source. The sheer numbers alone in my client contact book shows that chimney sweeping is definitely an in-demand and contemporary trade.
Professional
A modern chimney sweep should look entirely professional. A tradesman such as St John’s Chimney Sweep who has completed a number of chimney sweep courses with a trade body such as the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps. Chimney sweeps do look different these days. We use vans, not horses and carts; power sweeping brushes or fit-for-flue sized manual brushes, not old mops; CCTV not boy or girl sweeps; proper overalls not 19th century sooty clothes; and we are accredited with proper trade organizations, not drinking pals at the local tavern!
Chimney sweeping has developed over centuries and its current evolved form is a highly respected profession, which involves fire and carbon monoxide gas risk safety assessment, reliable sweeping methods and sound recommendations on related matters such as bird’s nest removal, chimney flue repairs, and wood burner efficiency.
Chimney flues need to be kept clean to stop risks of carbon monoxide via flammable soot clogging up the inside of the structure. You also want to avoid bird nests, which can be dangerous for consumers by blocking the flue. And the appliance itself needs to be maintained properly and in good working order.
Contact us
St John Chimney Sweeps Address 1613 Reed Rd D1, Pennington, NJ 08534 Proudly Serving Mercer County, Somerset County, Hunterdon County, & Surrounding Areas
Website http://www.stjohnchimneysweeps.com/
Email: stjohnchimneysweeps@verizon.net Phone Number: (609) 737-0133
Two Different Chimneys
by sunshine | Jan 18, 2024 | Mercer County Chimney Sweep
If you haven’t lit your fireplace yet this season, it’s only a matter of time. Right now, the most popular question our chimney sweeps are being asked is, “How can I tell if my chimney or fireplace needs cleaning?” After all, you don’t want to schedule a chimney cleaning service if you don’t need one, but you also don’t want to put your family and home in danger of a fire.
Signs that your chimney needs to be swept
While unattended fires are the main cause of fireplace-centered house fires, fireplaces that aren’t properly and regularly maintained and serviced fireplaces are a close second. Make sure your fireplace and chimney are inspected annually, preferably in fall or the beginning of winter to check for any obstructions from animal nests during spring and summer. That being said, if you recently moved into your home, you may want to schedule a chimney and fireplace inspection any time of year.
Whether you are a heavy or light fireplace user, the signs that your chimney needs cleaning aren’t always crystal clear since you can’t easily see inside it. Here are seven tell-tale signs that indicate your chimney or fireplace needs cleaning:
Your fireplace smells like a campfire. You detect the smell of burned wood coming from the fireplace even when it isn’t lit.
Fires burn oddly. When you light a fire in your fireplace, it just doesn’t burn as well as it once did.
It takes more effort to get a fire going and keep it going. It’s more difficult to get a fire started, which might be because your chimney is clogged, and airflow is restricted. Fire requires oxygen.
Smoke fills the room. Even with the flue open, smoke from the fireplace waifs through the room.
The fireplace damper is black. A black damper indicates creosote buildup. Creosote may appear as a buildup of soft and flaky soot. In more advanced stages, it condenses into a hard, shiny substance that clings to surfaces in a tar-like fashion.
Fireplace walls have oily marks. You notice oily spots on your fireplace’s walls, also a sign that creosote is present.
There’s evidence of animals. You hear animal noises coming from your chimney or see signs of animal nesting (which can be trickier to do if the nest is inside the chimney). Birds and squirrels are the most common culprits for making homes in your chimney.
If you’re experiencing any of the signs listed above, you know it is time to schedule your fireplace and chimney cleaning. However, what if it’s been a while since you had it cleaned and you don’t see any glaring signs? How often you need to clean your chimney depends a great deal on how much you use it.
How Often Should You Get Your Chimney Cleaned?
There are two schools of thought from leading organizations. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), your fireplace and chimney need to be cleaned when there is 1/8″ of creosote and/or soot buildup inside the chimney liner. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) promotes annual chimney cleaning no matter how often you use it.
We recommend once a year chimney cleaning for wood burning fireplaces. Some homeowners schedule service for spring, but the majority schedule right before cold weather sets in so that the chimney is cleared of any nests or debris.
Gas fireplace chimneys need to be cleaned, too. Gas fireplace chimneys should be inspected and cleaned annually. Gas fireplaces won’t accumulate any soot or creosote in the chimney since you are not burning wood, but any animal nests and debris might still be present.
Chimney and Fireplace Cleaning is Dirty Business
Cleaning fireplaces and chimneys is a dirty business, which is why most homeowners hire chimney sweeps. Not only is it dirty work, but chimney cleaning is best left to the experts to ensure it’s done correctly. Look for chimney sweeps who are credentialed by the National Chimney Sweep Guild or the Chimney Safety Institute of America, like St John Chimney Sweeps.
Contact us
St John Chimney Sweeps Address 1613 Reed Rd D1, Pennington, NJ 08534 Proudly Serving Mercer County, Somerset County, Hunterdon County, & Surrounding Areas Website http://www.stjohnchimneysweeps.com/ Email: tact usstjohnchimneysweeps@verizon.net Phone Number: (609) 737-0133
Two Different Chimneys
by sunshine | Dec 17, 2023 | NJ Chimney Repair, NJ Chimney Sweep
Santa Claus is coming to town – and soon! You better make sure your chimney is safe for the big man’s arrival. How may you ask? We’ve made a list for you – it’s time for you to check it twice!
Santa safety
Do you have a chimney cap? While it might make things more difficult for him to squeeze down the chimney, chimney caps also keep animals and other debris from getting into the chimney. If you don’t have a chimney cap, you should get one up soon! Don’t worry, Santa’s magic powers will still let him slip in!
Is your flashing adequate? Flashing is placed around the chimney to prevent leaks. It keeps water from getting between the chimney and roof. You definitely want to make sure your flashing is checked before we get hit with any snow.
Is the mortar on your chimney intact? The mortar is what holds bricks together in brick chimneys. Mortar can deteriorate over time, so be sure that you have it checked every so often.
Take a look inside the chimney. Is it clean? Are there any nests? Often, buildup accumulates inside the chimney. Also check to see if there are loose, missing or crumbling tiles.
Keep the area near your chimney clear for Santa’s sleigh! If you have any trees near the chimney, make sure its branches are at least 15 feet away.
Inspection
Consider having a chimney inspection to make certain your chimney is safe. A reputable, licensed chimney sweep company can take a look inside your chimney with a camera to see if there are any signs that repairs are needed so Santa can make a safe arrival!
Our recommendation is to address smaller items now to make the chimney safe for Santa and prevent any major issues but delay any extensive work on the interior until summer when prices can be lower.
Keep in mind that many chimney companies recommend work that does not need to be done, so if you have any questions, please feel free to ask us for our opinion. We’re always happy to help you and any of your friends and family with anything chimney related!
Does Santa Claus need a clean Chimney?
As we head into peak fireplace season, bear these tips in mind:
Keep the area in front of the fireplace clear of paper and debris. It can be tempting during the holidays to place decorations and gifts close to the fireplace but keep them at a safe distance.
Don’t burn your Christmas tree (pine creates more creosote) or throw wrapping paper, boxes, or trash into the fireplace. This may be fun, but it can be dangerous!
When cleaning out the fireplace after the big day, place the embers in a metal container and allow them to cool outside for 24 hours before disposal.
Of course, every home should maintain smoke and carbon monoxide detectors inside and outside of bedrooms. Replace the batteries each season and test them regularly. Replace your detectors every ten years.
Contact us
St John Chimney Sweeps Address 1613 Reed Rd D1, Pennington, NJ 08534 Proudly Serving Mercer County, Somerset County, Hunterdon County, & Surrounding Areas Website http://www.stjohnchimneysweeps.com/ Email: stjohnchimneysweeps@verizon.net Phone Number: (609) 737-0133
Get your chimney ready for Santa Claus
by sunshine | Nov 20, 2023 | NJ Chimney Inspection
NO! You cannot smoke your turkey in the Chimney even with the flu open. Thanksgiving is by far the worst day for house fires in the U.S. There were 1,600 reported home cooking fires, a 238% increase over the daily average, on Thanksgiving 2017, according to the U.S. Home Cooking Fires report released by the National Fire Protection Association. That’s more than three times the number of home cooking fires on a typical day.
Can I smoke the turkey in the chimney?
The leading cause of these fires is unattended cooking, according to the report. With people preparing multiple dishes, often with lots of guests and other distractions in and around the kitchen, it’s easy to see why the number of home cooking fires increases so dramatically. Fortunately, the vast majority of cooking fires are highly preventable with a little added awareness, and by taking simple steps to minimize those risks.
The following is a list of tips for cooking safely on Thanksgiving based on the advice of the association and the American Red Cross.
- Never leave the kitchen unattended while you’re cooking on the stovetop. Turn off the stove if you need to step out of the kitchen.
- Keep flammable items, such as towels, oven mitts and wooden utensils, at least three feet away from cooking areas.
- Make good use of cooking timers to keep track of when a dish should be done and to remind yourself the stove or oven is on.
- Avoid wearing loose or hanging clothes or accessories that could easily come in contact with a heat source.
- Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the stove and from hot foods and liquids.
- Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove so they don’t accidentally get bumped when someone walks by them.
- Stay in the house when you’re cooking turkey and check on it regularly.
- Fires can start when the temperature gets too hot. If you’re frying food and start to see smoke or if the grease starts to boil, turn the burner off and carefully remove the pan from the heat source.
- Keep a pan lid or cookie sheet close in case of a fire starting in your pan. Use the lid or cookie sheet to cover the pan and put out the fire, and make sure to leave it in place until the pan has completely cooled.
- For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed until you’re confident the fire is completely out. Stand to the side when you open the door just in case and call the fire department if you have doubts or concerns.
- Check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving the house to make sure all appliances, burners and ovens are off.
Oven Roasted Turkey
When preparing your kitchen for a delectable thanksgiving, Turkey prep is at the top of list. Before actually cooking your turkey or any other food, ensure it is COMPLETELY THAWED to prevent a fire or explosion hazard. Below are a few more useful tips to also to prevent fires:
- After testing your food, immediately close the oven door
- Keep your oven mitts and other cloth and paper out of the way of the burners.
- Keep a fire extinguisher, baking soda and metal lids nearby to put out fires quickly.
- NEVER use water on grease fire
Campfire Roasted Turkey
Campfire Roasted Turkey must always be cooked outside. Food cooked in a fireplace tastes marvelous, better than food cooked in most conventional ways today—the charcoal [grill] included,” says Suzanne Goldenson in the preface to her revised edition of The Open-Hearth Cookbook: Recapturing the Flavor of Early America. “And with a few minor exceptions—large cakes, soufflés and other delicate confections—most anything one could desire to eat can be easily prepared in a fireplace.”
Tools
- A multi-pronged fork that can be used to roast hot dogs or marshmallows.
- Wide fireplace shovels that can be used for making raclette or roasting chestnuts.
- A wire holder at the end of a long handle for making grilled cheese sandwiches.
- A cooking “crane”—a swiveling metal bar that can be mounted on a fireplace wall to swing out over the fire holding a cast iron pot to cook everything from soups to stews.
- Sturdy trivets that can be placed at the edge of the fireplace as a base for skillets or pots to cook meats and vegetables beside the flames.
Ingredients
- 8-12 pound Turkey
- salt and pepper
- seasonings
Preparation
Serves 8 to 10 people. Season the turkey with salt and pepper and a seasoning blend (if desired). Place a meat rack in the bottom of a 14″ deep Dutch oven, spray with oil. If stuffing turkey, pack loosely. Place turkey on the rack. The sides of the turkey should not be touching the Dutch oven. Cover and start on low hook over medium fire. When the turkey begins to cook (steam and sizzle), raise to higher #2 hook and continue cooking. When the meat thermometer reaches nearly done stage, remove from fire, add top coals to brown and finish cooking. Roasting time for 8 to 12 lb. turkey is 2-3/4 to 3 hours, if stuffed 3 to 3-1/2 hours. Turkey is done when internal temperature reaches 180°F, stuffing 165°F.
Campfire Roasted Turkey
Of course, there are dangers to cooking inside that you won’t face on an outdoor grill. The main one is setting the house on fire. Cooking flames should be small anyway, and easily flammable articles, including loose clothing, should be kept well away. You’ll also need caution to avoid burns both from the fire and from superheated cookware. From cooking your bird to creating a cozy atmosphere, there are a ton of fire hazards for the holiday season. Make sure your chimney is clean and ready for a cozy fire.
Contact us
St John Chimney Sweeps Address 1613 Reed Rd D1, Pennington, NJ 08534 Proudly Serving Mercer County, Somerset County, Hunterdon County, & Surrounding Areas
Website http://www.stjohnchimneysweeps.com/
Email: stjohnchimneysweeps@verizon.net Phone Number: (609) 737-0133
