by Billy Sweet | Dec 11, 2017 | Chimney Maintenance
Boston might have had a slow start, but the area will be seeing more winter weather going into next week and extending into Christmas! Homeowners with fireplaces are probably using them for heat already, as well as ambiance during holiday festivities—setting up a tree, wrapping gifts, or just spending time with family. This is the favorite time of year to enjoy a fireplace, and it’s important to make sure it’s ready for burn season before you light it. It’s important that your fireplace and chimney are safe and functioning properly to have the least impact on the environment (and your wallet), but the most benefits to your family.
Professional Services
Your chimney system can last your lifetime and the life of your house, but only when it’s properly maintained. Chimney industry professionals and organizations like the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)recommend routine maintenance in order to have the safest and most efficient fireplace possible.
Chimney Sweeps – Routine chimney sweeps keep the fireplace and chimney clean of ash, soot, creosote, and debris that can slow the airflow through the flue. A clean chimney is an efficient chimney.
Chimney Inspections – Annual inspections keep the chimney working properly. There are large portions of the chimney system that a homeowner will never see, and problems can occur that a homeowner would not know to look for. When you schedule a chimney inspection, a certified professional comes in and assesses it from top to bottom. A properly functioning chimney is a safe chimney.
Finding Chimney Services in Boston
When it’s time to schedule services for your chimney system, you don’t have to search far. By clicking over on CSIA.org, you can input your zip code and a complete list of CSIA certified professionals comes up. Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep is at the top of the list!
Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep has been sweeping, inspecting, and caring for the chimneys of New England for over 30 years. We provide homeowners, realtors, property managers, and business owners with the highest level of customer service and care. We not only work in the area, but we live here, and it’s our priority to keep our neighbors safe and to educate our communities about fire and chimney safety.
Before you hire an amateur to construct, repair, or service your chimney system, find out what Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep can do for you. Our CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps specialize in CSIA inspections, chimney sweeps, installations, repairs, and rebuilds. We are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America as well as the National Fireplace Institute [http://www.nficertified.org/], and members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) and the Massachusetts Chimney Sweep Guild. Our training, experience, and certifications make us better at providing chimney care in Eastern Massachusetts, Southern New Hampshire, and the Portland, Maine area.
Call Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep today at 617-469-4528 or schedule online.
by Billy Sweet | Aug 4, 2017 | Chimney Maintenance
As summer winds down, the evenings become cooler and cooler until the A/C is off for good. The fall, leading into the holidays, may be the most popular for fireplaces. So start now, and you’ll be ready.
Routine Maintenance
Follow the advisement of industry professionals and have your chimney routinely swept. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) also recommend annual inspections for the safest and most efficient chimney system. These appointments may be the only time throughout the year that a certified chimney sweep has access to your chimney, and can identify weaknesses, concerns, and hazards. Not sure you need an inspection? Familiarize yourself with the CSIA inspection and when to schedule yours.
Schedule Repairs NOW
You have a few more weeks to get repairs and upgrades completed before burn season starts. Scheduling necessary repairs and services now means you can avoid the fall rush. If you wait until fall, you may not get an appointment when you need one. Don’t get left in the cold. Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep offers all of our chimney services year-round because we know summer is a great time for chimney work!
Waterproofing
Your chimney is subject to weather year-round, but is especially vulnerable during the winter, when snow sits on the chimney and flashing and melts slowly. During these months, water is also subject to a freeze/thaw cycle that can damage your masonry from the inside out. Once water penetrates the masonry, it freezes, expands, melts, and repeats this process, breaking through the masonry each time. This freeze/thaw cycle causes spalling and serious water damage to the chimney interior. If left unchecked, rain will have direct access to the chimney system this spring. The best way to prevent water penetration this winter is to make sure your chimney has an effective cap, crown, and flashing – all checked during your inspection.
Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep also applies a vapor-permeable sealant for added water protection. In fact, we apply this sealant for FREE on all of our masonry repairs because we know it works, and our first priority is your safety. This waterproofing sealant protects your masonry all winter long, decreasing winter damage and preventing chimney leaks. By protecting your chimney this winter, you will have a more efficient fire and safe chimney.
Is your fireplace and chimney ready for winter? Then the only thing left to do is to prepare your fuel. Do you have a wood fireplace, insert, or stove? Then you should have already started gathering properly seasoned wood. If you are unsure about fuel, appliances, tools, or fire safety, you can contact a Billy Sweet professional now. Call 617-469-4528 or use our convenient online form.
by Billy Sweet | Jul 21, 2017 | Chimney Maintenance
Your chimney system should be in good shape to be both safe and efficient through the winter. However, if your chimney is damaged during the off-season, it can result in higher electricity bills, cause warm drafts, and even leaks and other damage in your house! The best way to protect your home and chimney from damage year-round? Schedule annual inspections. It’s at these vital appointments that a chimney expert assesses your chimney system, taking note of weaknesses and damage – often diagnosing problems before damage occurs.
Avoid The Fall Rush
If you schedule your inspection now, you will have time to make necessary repairs, preventative measures, and cosmetic changes before the fall rush. The “fall rush” refers to the months between October and January when chimney companies are busy, so it can be difficult to get an appointment. During this time chimney sweeps are busy with emergency calls and repairs. Due to the tight schedule during the fall rush, waiting to schedule your inspection can mean you don’t get the appointment time, technician, or even chimney sweep company you’d like. Don’t settle for second-best. Choose the best company and schedule today!
Allow Time For Repairs
By scheduling your chimney inspection now, you still have over two months to complete necessary repairs before cold weather returns. It’s a nuisance to make repairs during burn season. This is because you can’t light a fire safely until repairs are made. Efficiency will be down, and fire and health risk will be up.
Get your inspection, chimney sweep, and repairs completed during the off season! Then you can rest assure knowing your fireplace and chimney is ready for fall. In addition, you don’t have to worry about an unexpected issue. This is because our technician will diagnose and assess any potential hazards in the system and deal with them, before burn season. Making necessary repairs before the fall means you don’t have to dip into holiday shopping funds for chimney repairs. When you schedule your inspection during the summer, you also have more time to come up with the money for any necessary repairs.
Preventative Measures
The sooner you have your chimney system cleaned and inspected, the sooner you can close it out for summer. If you haven’t done this already, you need to! First schedule a chimney sweep and inspection with your trusted and certified chimney expert. Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep offers both services, paying attention to the likely problem areas. When our technician is finished with your chimney, it won’t be accessible to critters, won’t stink, and will be ready for fall in a few short months.
For more information about preventative measures that can prolong your chimney’s life, click here. We are always looking to help our customers stay safe in Eastern Massachusetts, Southern New Hampshire, and Portland, Maine. Find out how we can help you by calling now. Speak to an expert by dialing 617-469-4528 or schedule an appointment using our online scheduling tool.
by Billy Sweet | Jul 7, 2017 | Chimney Maintenance
Your chimney is designed to last, but there are some factors that can cause serious damage, deterioration, and even require a rebuild. Water penetration is one occurrence that can shorten the life of your chimney and cost you a fortune in repairs. It’s easier to avoid the leak in the first place rather than repairing the damages that are inevitable if measures aren’t taken to prevent it.
Water and Your Chimney
Masonry chimneys are significantly affected by water penetration because of their make-up. Masonry is constructed of various materials, all of which are adversely affected by water. In fact, if water penetrates your masonry it can destroy the system from the inside out causing:
- Rusted fireplace accessories and doors
- Rot and decay of adjacent wood and wall coverings
- Water-stained and weakened walls, ceilings, floors, and masonry
- Deteriorated central heating and duct system
- Damaged flue liner
- Collapsed hearth support and chimney structure
- Deteriorated metal or masonry firebox assemblies
- Chimney settlement
- Rusted damper and firebox assemblies
- Clogged clean out area
What You Can Do
The best thing you can do for your chimney system is to schedule routine maintenance. When you schedule a regular chimney sweep and annual inspection, a system weakness is more likely to be caught before it becomes a leak. You may not notice that your chimney cap is crooked or that your flashing is loose, but a chimney expert will. Necessary repairs can be made before a leak occurs, causing a drop in efficiency, increased fire risk, and even health concerns. In addition to scheduling these important appointments, you can assess your chimney yourself at intervals that are convenient for you.
What To Watch For:
- Listen for water.
If you can hear dripping in your fireplace or distantly in the chimney system, then you have a problem. Call a professional.
- Look for water.
You can see signs of water on masonry. On the exterior you might see white stains on the brick. This means water has penetrated, leaving minerals on the outside surface. In the interior it can look like mold in the firebox – and it probably is. If you see or smell mold or mildew in your system, this is a health risk and means a serious leak has occurred. Call a professional!
- Check that the chimney is capped.
Don’t overlook the cap because it’s on the roof. You can see it from the yard, and will notice if it’s crooked or missing. You can even use binoculars to make certain it’s in good shape. Even between service appointments, Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep will come out and replace a missing cap.
Hire a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® (CCS)
Billy Sweet Chimney Sweeps repairs leaks, installs and replaces faulty caps, crowns, flashing , and damaged components. We put customer safety and comfort first, and we know that water leaks put families at risk. For good measure, we offer waterproofing services that gives your chimney the added protection it needs for another year of seasonal weather.
If you suspect a chimney leak, call Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep today at 800-248-4900 or request an appointment online using our online scheduling tool!
by Billy Sweet | Nov 10, 2016 | Chimney Flashing
One of the most detrimental things that can happen to your chimney is a leak. However, water damage does not stop with merely a drip in the chimney or a trickle along a wall. By the time the average homeowner sees these types of signs, there is already extensive damage that is unseen to the untrained eye. The very best way to prevent this type of damage from occurring is to keep up with regular chimney maintenance: chimney sweeps, and inspections. It’s during these appointments that an expert chimney sweep will find damaged or missing parts and can repair them.
Common Chimney Issues
If you notice water damage to your chimney system you should schedule an appointment with a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® (CCS). It’s likely that the first thing your chimney sweep will check is the flashing. This is because it’s often installed incorrectly.
What is Flashing
Flashing is made up of multiple sheets of very thin metal, either stainless steel, aluminum, or copper. These sheets are meticulously placed at the intersection of your chimney and roof to reinforce and water proof this vulnerable part of the roof.
Common Problems with Flashing
The material used and the placement of the material is specific to each roof and chimney. In addition, the type of roofing material, slant of the roof, and common weather for the area should determine how your chimney sweep installs your flashing. Many homeowners make the mistake of hiring an amateur, or an unqualified general contractor or roofer to install flashing in order to save money. This is not recommended. When installed incorrectly, the flashing will have a shorter life, and cause problems sooner.
Other common issues with the flashing:
- It’s missing. This is not acceptable. There is no substitution for flashing.
- It’s damaged duet to weather-wear, poor materials, or animal tampering.
- Caulk is loose. This can cause water penetration and cause the metal sheets to slide away completely.
Call the Professionals
When the chimney flashing is damaged or missing it should be treated with the utmost importance. If the flashing is damaged, you should assume that water is penetrating your home, and most likely your masonry. Water causes extensive damage to the entire chimney system, and should be avoided and prevented whenever possible.
Winter weather in Massachusetts and Maine means there is ample opportunity for water to enter your chimney if the flashing is damaged. Avoid the hassle and damage by letting Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep repair your chimney flashing now. With more than 30 years of experience, you don’t have to wonder if the job is done right. Chimney flashing is custom work and our certified chimney sweeps are trained and experienced in installing, repairing, and replacing flashing.
You can find out more about how chimney flashing repair can benefit your New England home by calling Billy Sweet at 617-469-4528. You can also request an appointment online for your convenience.
