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
by admin | Sep 14, 2017 | NJ Chimney Inspection
Many Hopewell NJ homeowners overlook the importance of getting a Hopewell chimney inspection. This is because, to the naked eye, a chimney rarely shows signs of wear and tear. You may see a little erosion on your chimney’s outdoor brick sides, but you probably can’t see any of the most common issues that occur on the inside. Below are a few reasons why you should seriously consider undergoing regular Hopewell chimney inspections.
Why Regular Hopewell Chimney Inspections Are Necessary
- Cracks & Can Holes Form: When the lining of your chimney is exposed, it can begin to deteriorate. If you aren’t proactive, you may need to react to a chimney leak, which allows dangerous gases to enter your home. Such structural damage is one thing that can quickly be remedied by scheduling a yearly Hopewell chimney inspection where professionals will deem whether relining is necessary.
- Creosote Can Build Up: Creosote (a natural byproduct formed as wood burns) and soot can build up in regularly used chimneys and fireplaces, which can cause a fire or health problems. The best way to prevent toxic substances from forming is to regularly have a Hopewell chimney inspection done by professionals.
- Debris Gathers In Your Flues: The absence of creosote or animals inside the structure doesn’t always mean you are free of a chimney problem. It’s also important to have the professionals inspect the flue, which is a vent that sits at the top of the chimney and pulls smoke out of the fireplace. Creosote tends to build heavily in this area of the chimney.
Looking for Hopewell Chimney Inspection Services?
If you are looking for the best Hopewell Chimney Inspection 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.
Mercer County Chimney Sweeps Home Page
by admin | Sep 5, 2017 | NJ Chimney Inspection
Are you looking for a Mercer County chimney inspection specialist to come take a look at your chimney? The health of your chimney directly impacts the overall health of your home. For this reason, it is vital to ensure that you take good care of your chimney by having it inspected on a regular basis. Unfortunately, many home owners neglect their chimneys by letting them go years and years without a proper inspection. This can be dangerous whether or not you use your fireplace. Homeowners that do not use their fireplace run the risk of serious damage to their roof and pest invasion. Those who do use their fireplaces regularly run the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and house fire. Bottom line: if you have a chimney, it needs regular inspection. Today, we will be looking at some other important reasons to contact a local Mercer County chimney inspection specialist.
The Importance Of Mercer County Chimney Inspection
Mercer County Chimney Inspection | Protect Your House and Loved Ones
There is nothing more important than keeping your home and family safe while enjoying your fireplace or wood stove during the winter. Your chimney acts as an important ventilation system that allows smoke, toxins and dangerous fumes to escape the home. A clean chimney means a safer, more efficient fireplace and home heating appliance.
As with all fossil burning appliances, a certain amount of residue from creosote and soot stick to the flue and masonry inside the chimney with each burning fire. When the creosote gets too thick, the heat and burning embers from the fire is often all that it takes to spark a fire in the chimney. There are many cases where Mercer County chimney inspection would have prevented many of the reported house fires.
Mercer County Chimney Inspection | Efficient House Heating
Your fireplace efficiency decreases when additional creosote is deposited in the chimney. The additional circulation of cooler air reduces energy efficiency requiring you to burn more wood more often to stay warm.
Additionally, small birds, rodents and insects can clog the flue preventing the escape of toxic fumes. And since the toxic fumes have difficulty escaping a clogged chimney, the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning (the silent killer) increases. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) reports that there are more than 200 carbon monoxide poisoning deaths each year. A professional Mercer County Chimney Inspection by a certified chimney sweep will significantly increase the efficiency of your fireplace and other home heating appliances so that warm air stays inside and the dangerous fumes stay outside.
Mercer County Chimney Inspection | Save Money On Masonry Repairs
A wood-burning fireplace can reach temperatures of 1100°F or more. This creates ash, bits of wood, soot and other particles that are by-products of the combustion process that can cover the flue liner, smoke shelf, damper and masonry with dirt, grime and contaminants. Professional chimney cleaning helps to reduce wear and tear on these components so you can prevent costly chimney repairs from having to replace them prematurely. In addition, a thorough top to bottom chimney cleaning can help uncover minor masonry problems before they develop into larger and more expensive chimney repairs.
Mercer County Chimney Inspection | St John Chimney Sweeps
If you are looking for the best Mercer County chimney inspection services, look no further than St. John Chimney Sweeps. For more than 2 decades, St John has been providing countless homeowners with the best Mercer County chimney inspection services available. St John’s 100% satisfaction no-mess guarantee leaves customers with peace of mind knowing that their chimney is always safe and ready for use. 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). For more info, or for a free estimate, contact now at (609) 737-0133 or visit the website.
Mercer County Chimney Sweeps
by admin | May 3, 2017 | NJ Chimney Inspection
Your Mercer County chimney may look like it’s in great condition on the outside, the inside could be in need of crucial repairs. So how does one know when these repairs are needed? Get a professional Mercer County chimney inspection to give you peace of mind. A Mercer County chimney inspection includes a camera scan of the flue, where possible. Professionals will also check to see if your chimney is functioning properly or if it needs repairs before you can burn safely. Here are a few reasons why it’s important to schedule a Mercer County chimney inspection.
Importance of a Mercer County Chimney Inspection
- Cracks in the Flue Can Cause a House Fire. Your flue is the liner inside your chimney that carries heat, toxic fumes and smoke out of your house. Over time, cracks and deterioration may develop from excessive heat or from having contact with water. Drops of water can cause your flue to deteriorate faster when your chimney is not properly covered with an approved spark arrestor, commonly known as a flue cap. A cracked flue leaves your home exposed to heat and embers reaching combustible materials, or toxic fumes entering your home. A professional can give you a Mercer County chimney inspection to check your flue for damage.
- Masonry Cracks Let the Outside In. If your chimney is made of brick, masonry repairs may be needed to keep it strong and stable. After years of heating and varying weather temperatures, masonry can deteriorate and cracks begin to develop. The damper should be tested to make sure it can be opened and closed. A Mercer County chimney inspection can offer a detailed analysis of your masonry and recommend repairs to keep your chimney strong and structurally sound.
- Creosote and Animal Nests Cause House Fires. Creosote accumulates from burning wood or solid fuels and can lead to a chimney fire if not removed. Animals may use your chimney as a nest and should be removed before use. A Mercer County chimney inspection or cleaning will make sure your chimney is clear and safe for burning.
- Water Damage Leads to Expensive Repairs. If your chimney or flue is not properly covered with a flue cap, water will enter your chimney and can cause faster deterioration of your flue and can mean you’ll need to pay for a replacement flue sooner. During a Mercer County chimney inspection, your chimney sweep will check the condition of your chimney including the masonry, crown wash, the flue cap and recommend appropriate repairs. This may range from minor masonry repairs, installation of your flue cap, replacement of the top cement known as the crown wash.
- You Don’t Know When the Last Inspection Was Done. When you buy a new home, you may not know when the last owner got a Mercer County chimney inspection or cleaning. In this case, it’s important to schedule a sweep and scan before you burn. This gives you a current benchmark on the health of your chimney, and you’ll be informed if there is need for current or future repairs for safety and optimal performance of your system.
Looking for Expert Mercer County Chimney Inspection Service?
St. John Chimney Sweeps has been providing satisfied 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.
Mercer County Chimney Sweeps
by admin | Apr 6, 2017 | NJ Chimney Inspection
Mercer County chimney inspection is one of the most important things you can do to keep your home and family safe. If your chimney does not function properly, you run the risk of a deadly house fire. Lighting a fire inside your home fireplace needs to be approached with caution and care. Your chimney provides ventilation to keep your house from filling with smoke, carbon monoxide and soot particles. During a fire, all these things travel through your chimney flue to the outside of your home. Over time, these substances begin cling to the sides of the flue and can have a corrosive effect the brick or stone work of your chimney. This can be extraordinarily hazardous when combined with moisture because of a missing chimney cap or a leak. Today we are going to be taking a look at chimney inspections; the different types of inspections and the importance of keeping your chimney clean and functional.
Mercer County Chimney Inspection | What is a Chimney Inspection?
To ensure that your chimney is working properly, the Chimney Safety Institution of America (CSIA) recommends yearly inspections to ensure that everything is working properly and to avoid the risk of chimney fire. You should always prioritize having your chimney inspected even if you are not suspicious of a problem. Many times, it is not easy to detect the beginning if an issue. There are three levels of chimney inspection. If you are not noticing any problems such as cracks in the chimney, a missing cap, or a smokey house, you only need a preventative maintenance, also known as a level 1 chimney inspection.
Three Levels of Mercer County Chimney Inspection
Level 1 Inspection – If your chimney looks and functions the same way as it did last year, and there are no holes or cracks in the stone work, then a level 1 inspection is best for your situation. This type of inspection is for chimneys that have not undergone any changes during the last 12 months. Level 1 is also the way to go if you are not planning to change use of the chimney or the frequency of fires. This type of chimney service includes an inspection of the exterior and the readily accessible parts of the appliance and chimney connection. The chimney sweep company will look for the overall health of the structure and the flue. During a level 1 inspection, the flue is not cleaned, however your chimney sweep company will verify that it is free of blockages and combustable materials. If you would also like your chimney swept, you can ask the technician when he comes.
Level 2 Inspection – This type of inspection involves a little bit more than a level 1. A level 2 inspection is recommended if there have been changes to the chimney including new appliances or changes in the type of fuel used for fires. Level 2 inspection is also recommended if you have just purchased a home or if the home has been subject to a natural disaster such as an earthquake, or tornado. In addition to everything included in a level 1 chimney inspection, level 2 will examine your chimney from the attic, basement and any smaller crawl space areas. The chimney sweep company will ensure that your chimney is free of damage and combustible materials, however, they will not open doors, panels, or coverings in this inspection. If the chimney sweep company finds a reason for concern during a level 2 inspection, they will probably recommend a level 3 inspection.
Level 3 Inspection – This type of inspection is the most thorough inspection you can have done to your chimney. This includes uncovering certain areas of your home or chimney area to access to hard to reach areas. A level 3 inspection is performed only if there is serious structural damage or safety concerns. After the thorough inspection, your chimney sweep company will determine the next steps that need to be taken to get your chimney back in working order as soon as possible.
St. John Chimney Sweeps |Mercer County Chimney Inspection
Mercer County chimney inspection company, St. John Chimney Sweeps is a comprehensive chimney and fireplace company for both residential and commercial customers throughoutMercer County. Every employee on our team is highly trained and fully certified, enabling us to perform our jobs with expertise. All staff members in the office are very professional, courteous, and are experienced in the chimney industry so we can answer all your questions. Contact us at (609) 737-0133 for estimates on our chimney installation and sweeping services.
Mercer County Chimney Sweep