Is Gas Fireplace Installation Right for You? Lords Chimney in Spring, TX Is Here To Help
Just north of Houston, is the vibrant and welcoming community of Spring, TX. Known for its warm southern hospitality and scenic beauty, Spring offers a beautiful balance of suburban comfort and vibrant culture.
The heart and soul of the town is Old Town Spring. It was originally a railroad hub in the 19th century that has now transformed into a charming and bustling historic district. The carefully preserved 19th century architecture now houses over 100 local businesses.
Throughout the year, Old Town Spring comes alive with a variety of events and festivals, such as the Annual Texas Crawfish and Music Festival, Old Town Spring Tasting and Wine Walk, and Safe-Tober Fest – a family favorite where the Spring Fire Department, Harris County Sheriff, and Texas State Troopers make a special guest appearance and allow visitors and residents to get an up-close look at the vehicles that help keep the community safe.
Those that are lucky enough to call Spring, TX home know how important unity is in building a strong, resilient community. This shared sense of togetherness makes Spring more than just a place to live – it’s a close-knit family that supports and looks out for one another. And we’re proud to be a part of that.
When you’re needing someone you can trust to care for your fireplace, look no further than Lords Chimney. We specialize in maintaining and servicing fireplaces and chimneys, ensuring your family’s safety and warmth during those cozy Texas evenings. Give us a call today at 281-497-4000 or conveniently book an appointment online.
How Do I Properly Maintain a Wood-Burning Fireplace?
Whether you’ve recently bought a home with a wood-burning fireplace that you’re intimidated to use, or you’ve neglected to maintain the old one you’ve got, understanding the basics of fireplace operation and maintenance is essential to ensure both the safety and enjoyment of this wonderful and cozy heat source.
Our first and most important advice to you in maintaining a wood-burning fireplace is to never neglect scheduling yearly chimney inspections and sweeps. We, along with the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), recommend this because these services are essential in helping us identify potential issues – like creosote buildup, blockages, or structural damage – early and allow us to address the necessary repairs before they become hazardous and more costly to resolve.
On top of regular chimney sweeps and inspections, there are a few other things we recommend you do in order to better maintain your fireplace system. This includes:
- Ash Removal: Make sure to empty the fireplace ash regularly and store it in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid. This helps prevent any remaining hot embers from accidentally igniting.
- Use Only Dry & Seasoned Wood: Seasoned wood has been cut and dried for 6-12 months. When it isn’t dry, it is considered “green” wood and will not burn as cleanly or efficiently, creating more soot, smoke, and creosote in the process.
- Install Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors: If a smoke and carbon monoxide detector isn’t in the vicinity of your fireplace already, it is recommended that you have one installed to monitor indoor air quality.
- Perform Your Own Inspections: Periodically check the accessible parts of your fireplace and chimney for any signs of cracks, deterioration, or leaks. If you notice anything concerning, seek professional advice from a certified chimney sweep to assess and address any potential safety issues promptly.
Luckily for you, the certified chimney technicians at Lords Chimney specialize in restoring, repairing, and maintaining wood-burning fireplaces. From safety inspections to chimney cleanings, we’re here to help you make the most of your fireplace. Call or book online today.
Can I Convert My Wood-Burning Fireplace to a Gas Fireplace?
Let’s face it – wood-burning fireplaces are a lot of work. Not only do you have to purchase a special permit in order to cut down a tree, but you also have to chop, store, and haul the firewood. With that kind of time and energy commitment, it’s no wonder many homeowners are ditching their traditional fireplaces for more convenient and hassle-free heating alternatives, like gas fireplaces, stoves, inserts, and logs.
But is a wood-to-gas fireplace conversion even possible? With Lords Chimney, a gas fireplace installation is no problem at all. However, there are a few things to consider first.
- Type of gas fireplace. There are three different “types” of gas fireplaces – direct vent, vent-free, and gas logs. Each type of fireplace has its own requirements and different features. It is best to consult with a certified chimney technician beforehand to make sure you are choosing the best option for your needs, while also choosing the one that best suits your home.
- Building codes and regulations. Did you know vent-free fireplaces are not allowed in certain states? Even though that doesn’t apply to us here in Spring, TX, it is important to note so you can further research local regulations and ordinances. Sometimes this may include requirements for permits, venting, and safety inspections. You know the common saying, “Measure twice, cut once?” Well in this case, we say, “Check twice, install once.”
- Location and clearances. Where is the ideal location for your gas fireplace? Is it in close proximity to combustible materials? Is it going to be a safe distance from walls, furniture, and other objects? It’s no secret that fireplaces are hot, and we want to make sure the heat doesn’t accidentally catch anything else in close proximity on fire.
- Structural considerations. How is the structural integrity of the chimney you plan to connect to your gas fireplace insert? Will your home be able to support the weight of the fireplace and any additional components? We may need to consider masonry repairs before attempting a new installation to ensure safety and proper functionality.
- Gas supply and line installation. Only a licensed professional will be able to tell you if it’s possible to install a gas line in your home – or tap into an existing gas line in order to run a new line to where your new gas fireplace will be.
- Maintenance and cleaning. It’s true that gas fireplaces require less maintenance. However, don’t confuse that with no maintenance. It is still recommended that you have your gas fireplace inspected and swept at least once a year.
- Warranty validity. Most gas fireplace appliances come with a warranty from the manufacturer. In order to ensure it remains valid, make sure your gas fireplace is installed and maintained properly by a licensed professional.
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Why Homeowners Trust Lords Chimney for All of Their Chimney & Fireplace Services
We don’t like being called Know-It-Alls, but we do in fact have a vast amount of knowledge and expertise to help answer your questions and provide valuable insights on a wide range of chimney- and fireplace-related issues. You have probably seen Lords Chimney company vehicles out and about in Spring, Rayford, Westfield, Avonak, and Porter Heights performing the following services:
- Chimney Inspections: Level 1 inspections are the most common and often requested. But we also offer level 2 and level 3 inspections if there’s evidence of a problem or a further evaluation is needed. We use special cameras that provide a 360 degree view of your chimney so you can rest assured we are catching every minor crack and crevice in those hard-to-see areas.
- Chimney Sweeps: Using a series of rotating brushes and high-powered vacuums, we are able to clean every component of the chimney – the firebox, smoke chamber, damper, smoke shelf, and flue liner.
- Chimney & Fireplace Repairs: From diagnosing smelly and smoky chimneys to pressure washing, tuckpointing, and beyond, we’ve got you covered for it all.
- Chimney Leak Resolution & Brick Repair: The problem with water leaks is they continue to spread to all accessible areas, potentially causing extensive damage and increasing repair costs if not addressed quickly. So don’t let minor leaks turn into major headaches. Instead, take immediate action by calling Lords Chimney today at 281-497-4000.
- Chimney Relining and Repair: A chimney liner acts as the first line of defense inside your chimney against smoke, toxic gases, and high temperatures. When it comes to repairing or relining your chimney, we have two options – stainless steel line installation and HeatShield® resurfacing. Let us help you weigh the pros and cons of each.
- Fireplace Replacements & Facelifts: As we have already talked about, Lords Chimney specializes in everything from chimney repair to chimney restoration. We are meticulous in the way we assess, repair, and restore chimneys, ensuring that every detail is handled with precision and expertise.
- Dryer Vent Services: Similar to your chimney, the dryer vent functions to eliminate potentially harmful fumes and gases from your home. A clogged dryer vent restricts air flow, which can lead to overheating, reduced appliance efficiency, and even fire hazards. If you’re currently trying to figure out the last time you had your dryer vent inspected and cleaned, it’s probably been too long. We can help!
We Can Keep Your Home Safer
At Lords Chimney, we take pride in being part of this community, offering an abundance of knowledge and expertise in fireplace maintenance and chimney services.
Whether you’re enjoying the festivities in Spring, TX or cozying up by your fireplace on a chilly evening in a nearby town or city, remember that we are here to assist you every step of the way. If you have any questions or need assistance with your chimney and fireplace, don’t hesitate to reach out to Lords Chimney.
Give us a call today at 281-497-4000 or book an appointment now directly on our website.
We happily travel to Kingwood to provide our professional chimney, venting, and masonry services to these citizens in our service area.