Top Signs that it’s Time to Service Your Chimney

Top Signs that it’s Time to Service Your Chimney

Do you know the last time you had your chimney inspected and cleaned by a chimney sweep? Staying on top of your chimney is important, especially if you use your wood fireplace on a regular basis. Failing to sweep it every so often or leaving damage unaddressed can cause serious risks, including a house fire. Beyond just not having it swept in a long time, there are some are signs that would indicate that it’s time to contact your local Mercer County chimney sweep for chimney services. Below we will go over what to look for so you’ll know if you need to sweep or repair your chimney.

Signs that You Need Chimney Services in Mercer County

1. Creosote buildup:

The build-up of creosote in your chimney can be a major sign that it’s time for a chimney sweep. Creosote is an oily substance that forms when the gases from your fireplace or wood stove heat up and condense on the chimney walls. Over time, this residue will accumulate and may even start to create flammable deposits known as chimney tar. If this happens, your chimney needs to be swept right away before it has a chance to cause a fire.

Chimney Repairs Mercer County NJ2. Rust and corrosion:

Another telltale sign of a dirty chimney is rust and corrosion on the metal parts of your chimney system, such as the damper and cap. If you notice these signs, it could mean that your chimney is blocked by soot and other debris, which can allow moisture to seep in. This can damage the metal components of your chimney over time, potentially causing leaks and further chimney issues down the line.

3. Smoke or odor:

If you’re noticing a lot of smoke billowing out from your chimney when you use it, this could be a sign that something is blocking the airflow at the base of your chimney. In addition to smoke, you may also notice an unpleasant odor coming from your chimney. If this happens, contact a chimney sweep immediately for a thorough inspection and cleaning to get rid of any blockages and prevent air flow issues in the future.

4. Cracks or gaps:

Another sign that your chimney is in need of a cleaning is if you notice any cracks or gaps in the chimney walls or components. These issues can allow water to seep into your chimney and damage it from the inside out, so it’s important to address them as quickly as possible by hiring a chimney sweep in Mercer County.

5. Chimney blockage:

If you’re noticing black, sooty buildup at the base of your chimney that seems resistant to removal with standard cleaning methods, it could be an indication that there’s something more serious going on. This could be an indication that you’ve got an obstruction blocking the flow of smoke and gases up and out of your chimney, and you should contact a chimney sweep as soon as possible to perform a thorough inspection and cleaning.

6. Loud creaking or cracking sounds:

Finally, if you hear any loud creaking or cracking sounds coming from your chimney, this could be a sign that there’s something wrong with the masonry of your chimney. This could indicate that there are cracks or gaps in the mortar joints, which can allow water to seep inside and damage the structure over time. Contacting a chimney sweep right away is the best way to prevent these kinds of issues from getting worse. With regular chimney inspections and cleanings by a professional chimney sweep in Mercer County, you can help keep your chimney in good shape and prevent chimney-related problems from occurring down the road.

Looking for an Experienced Chimney Sweep in the Mercer County, New Jersey Area?

Looking for the best Mercer County chimney cleaning services? Contact St. John Chimney Sweeps to inspect your fireplace and have it cleaned. St. John Chimney Sweeps has been in business for over 15 years. We are a full service chimney and fireplace sweeping and installation company in Princeton, New Jersey. We offer 100% customer satisfaction and a no mess guarantee. Our products also come with a lifetime warranty. The employees at St. John Chimney Sweeps go through an extensive training and have earned certificates, which permit them to do the job right. We are honest and efficient in all our jobs. We are also a licensed and insured company. St John Chimney Sweeps is the most trusted New Jersey chimney sweep company. We have the experience and skills to far exceed your expectations. Give us a call today. We encourage you to look through our website and see all we have to offer.

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Chimney sweeping is needed for furnaces

Chimney sweeping is needed for furnaces

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

Mercer County Chimney Repair Services

Mercer County Chimney Repair Services

Mercer County Chimney RepairDo you know if you are in need of Mercer County chimney repair? You can’t always tell by looking at it that your chimney isn’t safe and in working condition.  However, there are some visible signs that indicate Mercer County chimney repair may be needed.  Since chimney safety is part of safety from obvious fire hazards, every homeowner with a chimney should become familiar with telltale signs of damage.

Signs that You Need Mercer County Chimney Repair Services

  • Damaged Mortar Joints: It may require a rooftop vantage point to spot, but damaged mortar joints between chimney masonry is an issue which should be hastily repaired.  Failing mortar joints can mean accelerated damage to the chimney, since the condition exposes the bricks to greater amounts of moisture.  When water gets into small cracks in the masonry, they can turn into large cracks, particularly as a result of freezing and thawing. Ultimately, if the problem isn’t addressed, the chimney could collapse.
  • Rusted Damper or Firebox: Signs of moisture in a chimney or fireplace are red flags that the chimney isn’t operating the way it should.  Rust is one clue that there is too much moisture, and you may see rust in the firebox or on the damper.  You’ll know to take a close look at the damper if it becomes difficult to operate or if it isn’t sealing properly. Moisture in the chimney which causes rusting can create numerous problems, including causing flue tiles to crack.  A cracked or deteriorated flue lining is highly dangerous, since it could allow too much heat into vulnerable areas and cause a house fire.
  • Spalling Bricks: Spalling occurs when water enters brick, natural stone, or concrete and forces the surface of the masonry to pop out, peel off, or flake off.  Sometimes salt also pushes outward from the inside and causes spalling.  It’s fairly simple to spot spalling, since bits of masonry fall from the chimney.  The ultimate outcome of failing to repair spalling masonry is continued crumbling and eventual destruction of the structure.
  • Shaling Flue Tiles: Thin slices of chimney tile can begin to pile up at the bottom of the chimney, if the liner is damaged.  Cracked and shaling flue tiles are signs of a serious condition which, if not resolved, could result in a house fire. The flue lining of a chimney must be intact in order to safely use a fireplace.  Many people today are switching to stainless steel liners, which usually carry lifetime warranties. While shaling flue tiles can become evident, identifying cracked flue liners often requires an inspection by a professional chimney sweep who uses a special camera.  The camera can spotlight potential problems in the flue which are difficult if not impossible to see otherwise.
  • Cracked Chimney Crown: Another problem that requires a visit to the rooftop to spot is a damaged chimney crown.  It’s important for the crown to be in good condition, since it provides a first line of defense against outdoor elements.  When the crown is cracked, water gets in and freezes and thaws, causing larger cracks.  A damaged chimney crown allows moisture to seep between the chimney and the liner as well as into the chimney, which can cause shaling and spalling. A great preventative measure against this type of damage is to weatherproof the chimney crown.
  • Damaged Wallpaper: If you notice that the wallpaper is damaged in areas near the chimney, it could be because of excess moisture in the chimney.  Whether the moisture problem is caused by above-named conditions or others that are less obvious, you should look into Mercer County chimney repair sooner rather than later.

Looking for the Best Mercer County Chimney Repair Services?

If you are looking for the best Mercer County NJ chimney services, 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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Chimney Service in Mercer County

Chimney Service in Mercer County

Is it time for you to schedule for chimney service in Mercer County, NJ? To keep your chimney working smoothly and safely, it’s recommended to get routine inspections with the proper repairs or maintenance services if necessary. That said, you want to be sure that you’re choosing an experienced and reliable Mercer County chimney service for the job. Because a faulty chimney can create extremely dangerous situations, you don’t want to hire somebody who will cut corners or doesn’t have the proper knowledge when it comes to chimneys. If you’re looking for quality chimney service from a reputable company, check out these helpful tips below.

Chimney Service in Mercer County | How to Choose a Great Chimney Sweep in NJ

Get Recommendations from Friends or Family:

When it comes to finding a reputable chimney service in Mercer County, NJ, one of the best places to start is by asking your friends or family for recommendations. If somebody you know and trust has had a good experience with a chimney service in Mercer County, then chances are you will too. Don’t hesitate to ask around for chimney service recommendations from people you know.

Mercer County Chimney ServiceCheck Online Reviews:

Another great way to find out about chimney sweep is by reading online reviews. These days, it’s easy to find customer reviews for just about any type of business online. Simply do a quick search for “Mercer County chimney service” plus the name of the company you’re considering and see what others have to say. If you see a lot of positive reviews, that’s a good sign that the company is reliable and does quality work.

Ask for Insurance Documentation:

When you’re considering hiring a chimney service company, be sure to ask for their insurance documentation. This is important because it will protect you in case anything goes wrong during the chimney service process. A reputable chimney service company will have no problem providing you with their insurance information.

Get an Estimate in Writing:

Before hiring a chimney service in Mercer County, NJ, always get an estimate in writing. This way, you’ll know exactly how much the job will cost upfront and there won’t be any surprises later on. A good chimney service company should be able to give you an estimate without any problem.

By following these tips, you can be sure that you’re choosing the best chimney service company for the job. Don’t take chances when it comes to your chimney—hire a reputable and experienced company that you can trust.

Looking for an Experienced & Qualified Chimney Service in the Mercer County, New Jersey Area?

Searching for a great Mercer County chimney service? Contact St. John Chimney Sweeps to inspect your chimney and have it cleaned. St. John Chimney Sweeps has been in business for over 15 years. We are a full service chimney and fireplace sweeping and installation company in Princeton, New Jersey. We offer 100% customer satisfaction and a no mess guarantee. Our products also come with a lifetime warranty. The employees at St. John Chimney Sweeps go through an extensive training and have earned certificates, which permit them to do the job right. We are honest and efficient in all our jobs. We are also a licensed and insured company. St John Chimney Sweeps is the most trusted New Jersey chimney sweep company. We have the experience and the skills to far exceed your expectations. Give us a call today. We encourage you to look through our website and see all we have to offer. Our blog can guide you in the right direction with helpful tips and advice on chimney related services.

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Chimney Repair in Mercer County

Chimney Repair in Mercer County

Do you know if you need chimney repair in Mercer County? Many homeowners make the mistake of taking their chimney for granted by assuming that the structure is a worry-free part of the house.  However, problems can arise and a chimney in need of repair should be tended to as soon as possible.  A damaged chimney is a serious fire hazard.  Below are some of the more obvious signs that a chimney may be damaged.

Chimney repair in Mercer CountyChimney Repair in Mercer County | Efflorescence or White Staining:

White discoloration on a chimney is called efflorescence.  While it’s fairly simple to remove the staining, cleaning it doesn’t solve the moisture problem which causes the white residue.  Efflorescence is a clear indication of excess moisture in the masonry.  If it isn’t dealt with, premature deterioration of the chimney will likely occur, in addition to other potential problems related to moisture.

Chimney Services in Mercer County | Rust:

There shouldn’t be rust on your firebox or damper. If there is, it’s a clear sign that there is excess moisture in your chimney.  You may not notice rust on the damper readily but, if it doesn’t seal well or operate properly, it could be because it’s rusting. If there’s enough moisture in your chimney to cause visible signs of rusting, there could also possibly be serious damage, such as cracked flue tiles. It’s important to get the help of a professional chimney sweep, who can use a special camera to inspect the flue lining and ensure there isn’t a breach in the chimney system which could ultimately cause a house fire.

Mercer County Chimney Repair | Deteriorating Mortar Joints:

Damaged mortar joints between chimney masonry should be repaired quickly.  When the mortar deteriorates, the masonry is exposed to more moisture, which accelerates the deterioration of the entire chimney.  In freezing weather, the added moisture can freeze inside cracks in the masonry.  When moisture thaws and freezes in bricks, rocks, and cement, larger cracks can develop.  The entire chimney could collapse, if the damaged mortar isn’t repaired.

Central NJ Chimney Repair | Tile Damage:

If you start to see thin slices of chimney tile collecting in the fireplace, it’s a good indication that the flue is damaged.  The flue lining is essential to the safe operation of a fireplace and chimney.  Because of this fact, an annual chimney inspection is important.  Professional chimney sweeps can closely analyze your flue lining and spot problems that would otherwise go undetected.  For example, if the tiles are cracked but not crumbling, you probably won’t see visible signs of a breach in the chimney system.

Mercer County Chimney RepairChimney Repair in Mercer County | Spalling:

Spalling is an issue which occurs to the outside of the chimney and can be detected because you see bits of masonry around the bottom of the structure.  When moisture enters masonry, it can force the surface of the brick, concrete, or stone to peel off, pop out, or flake off.  It’s essential to replace damaged masonry to prevent continued crumbling and eventual destruction of the chimney.

Chimney Repair in Central NJ  | Damaged Wallpaper:

Wallpaper on the walls near your chimney can provide another visible sign of chimney damage.  If the wallpaper is damaged, it is usually a result of moisture in the chimney.  Repairs to the chimney or flue should be made as needed, before continuing the use of the fireplace.

NJ Chimney Repair | Chimney Crown Damage:

As with damaged mortar joints, it will be necessary to go on your roof to spot damage to the chimney crown.  The crown is an important part of the chimney structure, providing a first line of defense against harsh weather conditions.  If the crown is cracked, moisture could seep in and create larger cracks.  A damaged crown means that water can seep between the chimney and the flue lining, which could cause spalling and tile damage.

Looking for the Best Company for Chimney Repair in Mercer County?

If you’re looking for the best company for Mercer County chimney repair, Contact St John Chimney Sweeps today! At St John Chimney Sweeps we offer 100% customer satisfaction. We have been in business for over 15 years, and St John Chimney Sweeps is the only name you need to know for a full-service chimney sweeping and installation in the New Jersey area. Our employees have had extensive training and have earned many certificates that help them do their job with full expertise. We are efficient and provide a full explanation of the work we need to complete. Our licensed and insured company is also a member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild. We have been supplying expert sweeps, repairs and installation services to homeowners all across the state of New Jersey. Call us at (609)737-0133 to find out more about our free estimates. Let us take care of all your chimney needs!

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Chimney Caps Mercer County

Chimney Caps Mercer County

Wondering what the benefits are of getting Chimney Caps Mercer County? Chimney caps are important to help prevent unwanted issues with your chimney. If you want to use your fireplace without having problems that can affect your chimney or home, have a chimney cap properly installed. It is best to get chimney caps in Mercer County.

Chimney Caps Mercer County

Chimney Caps Mercer County | What is a Chimney Cap?

Homeowners with fireplaces in their home understand the importance of a good maintenance on their chimney with an annual chimney inspection. A chimney cap is on the top of your chimney. It is usually metal and covers the opening on top of your chimney. Chimney caps come in a variety of shapes and styles to match your chimney and the rest of the exterior of your home. There are numerous benefits to get a chimney cap installed on your chimney. Some of the benefits include keeping unwanted animals from coming in and building their home in the chimney. As well as moisture protection in your chimney.

Chimney Caps Mercer County | Water Out

It is extremely important to keep water and moisture out of your chimney. When water gets into your chimney, it can cause major damage and large repair bills. The brick in the chimney start to deteriorate quicker and other important parts become damaged. With a water buildup you have the issue of mold and mildew growing and becoming a greater issue. A chimney cap keeps all the rainwater out of the chimney keeping your chimney in good shape and protected.

Chimney Caps Mercer County | Drafts Stop

A chimney cap also protects your home by keeping any outside draft from coming into your home. Especially on a windy day, you can use your fireplace and be sure that all drafts will stay outside. Without a chimney cap, when using your fireplace your fire would be less efficient and also the smoke can come back into your home which can be dangerous. The installation of a chimney cap is to protect your chimney, your home and your family. When using your fireplace there are sparks that flow up through your chimney. When these sparks going up your chimney, they can touch your roof or nearby trees and cause a fire. With a chimney cap installed on your chimney, it catches any sparks shooting up your chimney and keep them from landing on your roof or anything nearby.

Chimney Caps Mercer County | Keep All Critters Out

A chimney cap keeps all animals and debris out of your chimney and therefore out of your home. Sometimes animals can get into your home through the chimney, but at times they can get stuck and eventually die in the chimney causing a blockage and/or smell of rotting. These things can damage your chimney. All the more reason to get that chimney cap installed. Leaves and branches can get into the chimney and sometimes are impossible to clean. If they are not cleaned out, you are unable to use your fireplace until it is cleaned, or it can cause backup and that can be dangerous. Getting a chimney cap installed is important, but having it installed correctly is even more important. When a chimney cap is installed incorrectly it will not keep moisture, drafts or animals from getting into your home. As a homeowner, we do not want things to damage and invade our home.

Searching for the best Chimney Caps Mercer County? Contact St. John Chimney Sweeps. We fulfill all chimney and fireplace sweeping and installation both to residential and commercial customers. All the employees on our team have in depth training and experience to perform our jobs with expertise. Contact us at (609) 737-0133 for an estimate.

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