Chimney Maintenance Archives

Fire Safety & Maintenance

Keeping the focus on safety

Our clients’ safety is important to us, and at Lords Chimney, we want to do everything we can to help you minimize the possibility of fire hazards in or around your chimney system, from regular chimney maintenance to necessary repairs. That also includes helping you develop short-term and long-term fire safety plans that add up to a cleaner and better-performing system.

Maintenance Sets The Stage

This list of smart practices will help you continue using your heating appliance as safely as possible.

Every Time You Use Your Fireplace

Use the right fuel

Wet or green wood results in an increase in creosote in your flue, and more creosote means a bigger chance of creosote ignition. Use kiln-dried or seasoned firewood (or make sure you dry your own wood for at least a year before using it) — that helps you achieve the optimum small, hot fire, creating the lowest levels of creosote. Stay away from burning trash, Christmas trees, cardboard boxes or anything else that isn’t seasoned firewood, too — and never ever try to speed up lighting your fire by using any kind of flammable liquid.

Don’t leave your fire unattended

If you’re burning wood, it takes a while for the fire to thoroughly extinguish. Don’t leave a smoldering fire alone — if sparks or embers get out of the firebox or another problem arises, you need to be there to handle it.

Use a spark screen

Fireplace screens are affordable and useful — placed in front of the fire, they can create a barrier between flames/embers and your living area and the people and pets in it.

Keep things clean

Make sure you clean wood ash regularly, in the right way: Deposit ash in a metal bucket, and allow it to cool completely before disposing of it a safe distance away from your home. Whatever fuel you’re burning, keep the area around your fireplace or stove clean — keep a good distance between the appliance and anything flammable, from furniture and window coverings to decorative items.

Things You Should Schedule Annually

Chimney sweeping

Creosote will build up as you use your wood fireplace or stove, and it needs to be regularly removed from your flue for both safety and performance reasons. A cleaner flue is a safer and a more efficiently venting flue, and Lords Chimney can help.

Chimney inspections

If something goes wrong in your chimney system, you want to know about it — damaged parts and components can lead to leaks and water damage, dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and fire hazards. So keeping up with your recommended annual chimney inspection is important.

If a cracked flue liner, third stage creosote or any other issue is limiting your chimney’s safety and efficiency, Lords Chimney can find the problem and suggest and complete the work necessary to fix it.

Don’t Forget About Your Dryer Vents!

We talk a lot about fire safety associated with fireplaces, stoves and chimneys, but your dryer vent needs your attention too. Lint-clogged dryer vents can become a serious fire hazard — according to estimates from the National Fire Protection Association, dryers or washing machines were involved in nearly 17,000 home fires in 2010, and the most prominent cause of those fires was a failure to clean.

As you use your dryer, lint slowly builds up along the ducts, and over time, that build-up can begin to constrict the vent. That blockage allows heat to build up, and since lint is extremely flammable, that heat can cause it to ignite.

Keeping your dryer vents clean limits that possibility — and Lords Chimney can help with dryer vent cleaning services.

If you have any questions about safer fireplace, stove and chimney practices – or dryer vents – Lords Chimney is always here to help. Just give us a call!

Why Do I Need a Chimney Company?

So, you have a fireplace, but it doesn’t get much use. You use it once or twice a year (maybe on a colder day or around the holidays), but other than that it mainly serves as an attractive focal point in your home. Because of this, it shouldn’t need much professional care or maintenance. …right?

Wrong! In fact, believe it or not, refraining from using your fireplace typically causes it to deteriorate more quickly than if you use it on a regular basis.

Like a washer, dryer, refrigerator, or other appliance, your fireplace needs regular attention, no matter how often it’s used. This especially goes for metal prefabricated fireplaces. Learn more below, and be sure to reach out with any questions! We’d love to do all we can to help you out.

Preventing Damages

Think of your fireplace like a car. If you let a car sit in your driveway for years on end without ever starting it up or taking it on a drive, would you expect it to work perfectly when you eventually try to drive it again? Not likely. Fluids likely will have pooled, your battery will probably be dead, and there’s sure to be weather-related wear and tear.

The same goes for your fireplace. Rust and warpage will occur more than usual during long periods of unuse, along with countless moisture-related damages, such as mold growth, deterioration, decay, stains, and more.

What happens when we experience another freeze or you just feel like starting a cozy fire after these issues have occurred? Like the car that was left abandoned, the system is simply not going to function correctly. In fact, you may experience dangers such as smoke and fume backup, an increased risk of house fire, exposure to harmful gases, and more.

Saving Money Long Term

When we come in to inspect your chimney, we’ll look for things like holes, gaps, signs of animal life, warpage, rust, and more. If we can spot and resolve these issues while they’re still small and manageable, the lifespan of your fireplace could be extended significantly.

We’ll also look for parts that need replacing. Some things, like the chimney cap, are fairly easy and inexpensive to replace if spotted in time. That said, if you ignore a broken cap, your system will be exposed to harmful things (like storms, rain, curious animals, and more) that cause a lot more damage overall.

In the end, purchasing a new chimney cap to ensure your system stays protected is a lot cheaper than investing in a time-consuming and costly rebuild or relining job. And the sooner we can react, the better shape your system will stay in, thus preserving resale value and ensuring you can use it when you need to.

Avoiding Unwanted Visitors

Critters in your fireplace? This means something is wrong up top. Animals should never have easy access to your fireplace, and once they get in they can cause a lot of damage. Along with this, animals that are unable to escape may pass away, leaving you with an even bigger mess on your hands.

Another problem has to do with bird’s nesting materials. If birds set up camp in your chimney (an ideal spot for them), the twigs, leaves, and materials that make up their nests can clog things up and affect airflow. A system that cannot properly vent doesn’t do anyone any good. Be sure to get a sweep in to look things over so you can avoid those uninvited guests – especially this time of year.

Assisting in Insurance Claims

If your chimney was damaged due to a natural disaster like a lightning strike, hurricane, tornado, earthquake, flood, or something similar, your insurance company should be covering the costs to repair it. Unfortunately, they often look for ways around this.

If you have no records on your fireplace, then your insurance company could easily deny your claim stating that there’s no proof the damage caused was due to the event that had just occurred.

That said, if you have a report from your chimney company showing that at the last yearly inspection your system was just fine, getting that money you need for repairs, restorations, and replacement parts won’t be such a challenge.

Ease the Home-Buying Process

Before buying a home, we strongly advise getting a video inspection. This ensures you don’t get caught with big repairs after you finalize the sale.

Home inspectors will tell you if you should have it cleaned or have something looked into, but there’s no way for them to gauge just how extensive certain damage can be. All too often people sign the papers on their dream home, only to realize later that they’re now responsible for thousands of dollars worth of repairs.

Also, keep in mind that if you bought a house and no one has ever used the fireplace, there’s typically a reason for that. The previous homeowner may have used it once only to have something go wrong and never use it again. And if you see freshly painted brick? There are likely smoke stains underneath.

In the end, getting that level 2 inspection done is always worth the peace of mind you gain in the end.

Give Us a Holler

The big takeaway from all of this? If you want to use your fireplace at all – even once – you need an inspection. Even if the system is brand new or rarely used, an inspection is vital. Professional insight can make all the difference when it comes to how safely and efficiently your system operates down the line.

Anything specific you need covered? Send us a message! We’d be happy to answer any and all of your questions. You can reach out to us through our website, give us a call, or even follow us on Facebook or Youtube. It’s Lords Chimney’s goal to keep you as up to date and informed as possible!

Common Questions About Chimney Sweepings & Inspections

If you find yourself wondering about chimney inspections, sweepings, and more, check out some of the more common inquiries we get by reading below.

When Should I Schedule My Chimney Sweep & Inspection in Houston?

two people's feet with cozy socks on them propped up by a fireplace Most people start thinking about scheduling their inspection right around the time school starts and people start bringing out pumpkin decor. When fall is just around the corner, families start planning for the holidays, and homeowners suddenly realize that they better make sure their fireplaces are in good working order.

Unfortunately, because everyone tends to think the same thing at the same time, we get a lot of appointment requests throughout September, October, and November. That means, as things fill up, repairs and inspections will book out later and later as the year progresses – and if you want a well-working fireplace by Thanksgiving and Christmas, it’s much more likely to happen if you get in touch with us on the earlier side.

Long story short: We recommend staying ahead of the curve by scheduling your inspection during late spring or early summer. May, June, and July are all ideal months to get your maintenance booked in a timely manner, and you’ll be more likely to get your appointment on a day and time that’s convenient for you.

What Are the Levels of Chimney Inspections?

There are three different levels of chimney inspection designated by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). A CSIA-certified chimney sweep can help advise you on what level of chimney inspection your home needs.

Level I: A level I chimney inspection is the simplest kind of chimney inspection and is all that is needed for most homes that receive regular fireplace and chimney maintenance. During these, the chimney tech will visually inspect all accessible portions of the interior and exterior of the chimney for signs of deterioration or damage.
Level II: Level II chimney inspections are used if there has been a major change to the fireplace system, or if you are preparing to sell or purchase a home. This kind of chimney inspection often involves the use of technology such as closed-circuit cameras as well as accessing areas of your home such as attics, basements, or crawl spaces.
Level III: A Level III chimney inspection is the most in-depth – and most invasive – type of chimney inspection. For this reason they are only recommended in cases where serious structural damage is suspected, such as after an earthquake, chimney fire, or other natural disaster. During a Level III chimney inspection, portions of the chimney structure may need to be removed in order to better access areas of damage.

Do I Need a Chimney Inspection Every Year?

The National Fire Protection Association Standard (NFPA) 211 says, “chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances.“

Yes – an inspection should be completed every year to ensure optimal functioning. This way if there are small problems (like a small leak, crack, etc.), we can catch them while they are still minor and relatively easy to fix. If you wait until the issues are big and obvious, they will be much more expensive and time-consuming to fix.

Hiring a certified chimney professional is always your best bet and ensures you don’t wind up paying more for the home than you should. And you’ll have all of your bases covered when it comes to insurance, too – well worth it!

All in all, preventative maintenance is always better on your budget, schedule, and stress levels, so don’t hesitate to get that yearly inspection on the books!

What Influences the Need for Inspections? Regular Use or Weather?

The short answer here is… both! If you put your fireplace to lots of use, then you’ll definitely want it checked over for damages and build-up because both of these things can lead to some serious and dangerous issues down the line.

But bad weather will often lead to some major problems, too. Hurricanes, tornadoes, and the like can compromise your structural integrity a great deal, and by documenting your structure both before and after a natural disaster, you ensure your tracks are covered when it comes to getting compensation from your insurance company.

What Are Signs I Need a Chimney Inspection?

Other than experiencing a chimney fire, most signs of creosote build-up aren’t all that obvious. You won’t truly know where you are at until you get an official inspection completed by a team of qualified sweeps.

Do Creosote Sweeping Logs Work?

When it comes to creosote sweeping logs, the name can be a bit deceiving. While they can make the creosote in your chimney easier for the professional to remove, they don’t actually remove the harmful substance.

These products should never replace an actual professional sweeping, and they will not clean your chimney. All in all, they’re not bad for your chimney, but they may not be worth the money you pay for them.

How Can I Pick the Right Chimney Company?

There are a few main things to keep in mind when hiring a sweep.

The first is whether or not they’re trained (and trained correctly). A surefire to know this is by checking for proper certifications and memberships from organizations like the CSIA, the NFI, and the NCSG.
You’ll also want to make sure they use an actual camera to look your system over, have a physical office that you can check in with if issues arise, and hold all necessary insurance and liability policies.
Take some time and check out online reviews. What customers are saying, and how the company responds to these comments – both good and bad – says a lot.

Do I Need a Chimney Inspection Before Moving?

If you are moving out of a house with a chimney, moving into one with a chimney, or both, scheduling a level 2 inspection is necessary before any final decisions are made. This more in-depth look into your chimney will ensure all parts are working properly, and that no extra repairs are needed before the buying or selling process begins.

We want to help all of your major life transactions go as smoothly as possible. Invest in an inspection from us and get the guidance and reassurance you deserve!

What Can I Expect When I Hire Lords Chimney?

When it comes to providing you with quality service, the staff at Lords Chimney goes above and beyond – and we check all the boxes.

We implement all of the proper footwear and coverings, so that your home stays clean and damage-free throughout our entire inspection process.
We will use top of the line equipment to search every nook and cranny and, should you need a cleaning, we’ll get that covered, too!
Don’t worry about a mess. We’ll clean up everything, so your home will look just as good as it did before our arrival.
Should we note any necessary repairs, we will offer sound advice as far as proceeding forward.

All in all, here at Lord’s Chimney, we believe communication is a key component in quality customer service, which is why you get an actual picture or video of the technician that is coming to your home, along with their certifications.

Call or Book Online Today

You can bet that we’ve got everything necessary to provide you with the highest level of care, so don’t hesitate to reach out now.

Call or book online today.

The Value Of Your Chimney Liner

Chimney liners are an important part of your chimney’s construction. They offer added protection, allowing you peace of mind when putting your fireplace to use. For anyone with a chimney, having it lined is highly recommended by various safety organizations. Learn more about chimney liners below!

What A Liner Does

So, what does a chimney liner do? There are a few main things that the CSIA highlights, as far as the purpose your liner serves. First of all, they help to ensure other parts of your home don’t catch any stray flames. Without that protective shield, heat can quickly move to the woodwork in your home and catch fire.

Secondly, chimney liners keep your chimney standing strong. They offer a barrier for your brickwork and mortar, ensuring they aren’t affected by the intense heat of your fireplace. Without a liner, your entire structure will weaken considerably in a short time period. Also, when things like this break down, gases are given more pathways for entering your home and causing illness.

Lastly, a liner will help your fireplace function more efficiently. When it comes using your appliance, you want everything to work right every single time. By hiring a reputable company to perform a yearly inspection, you can rest easy knowing your liner is still doing its job to the best of its ability.

Is Your Liner Missing?

As you can see, liners serve a very important purpose. If your system is missing a liner, it is vital that you invest in some professional services right away! Get an inspection done, so that a certified tech can evaluate your current needs. A good sweep will know just what you need to move forward and engage in regular chimney use, and they can set you up with everything necessary to have a well-run appliance.

How Can Lords Chimney Help?

At Lords Chimney, we strive to provide the best of the best. Our CSIA certified staff knows what to look for and how to perfectly size up your chimney, so that you can invest in the right liner for your specific needs. When it comes to this piece of your chimney’s setup, getting the right dimensions, materials, and quality is important! We can get the job done right, so you don’t have to worry about the safety of your home and family any longer.

Now Is The Time To Call!

With the fall season fast approaching, now is the time to call us in! We can examine your unique situation, then set up further appointment for resolving any issues. Ensure your fireplace and chimney are ready to go for the upcoming holiday seasons. Contact us today!

Summer Stink And Your Chimney

If you own a fireplace, you may notice some bad odors creeping into your home as outdoor temps rise and humidity increases. Dealing with these nasty smells is never fun. However, Lords Chimney has solutions for you! Learn more below. Afterwards, contact us today to see how we can help you out!

✔️ Scheduling a Cleaning

sweeping brush coming out of a masonry chimney First things first, you’ll want to get your annual cleaning scheduled. This is so that any soot, creosote, or other debris is properly removed. By doing this, it ensures your fireplace is safe for regular use. In addition, it can do a lot when it comes to minimizing odors! You see, all of these materials smell less than ideal. When negative air pressure sweeps down your chimney, it brings these nasty odors with it! Remove creosote and say good-bye to a lot of the nasty smells you’re facing.

When scheduling your cleaning, you’ll definitely want to ensure your sweep is CSIA trained and certified, like the staff at Lords Chimney. Count on us for care you can trust!

✔️ Control Air Pressure

While a cleaning will definitely help, you still may find yourself facing some issues with smell. To put a final stop to this, you’ll need to find a way to control the air pressure in your home, so that outside air doesn’t keep coming down your chimney. Introducing new air somewhere else in the home (i.e. opening a window) may help, but that still doesn’t always solve the problem.

We recommend installing a top-sealing damper. This will seal off your chimney, so that downdrafts are no longer a problem. Top-sealing dampers also keep bad weather, animals, and dirt/debris out of your chimney, ensuring your entire appliance in better condition all year long.

At Lords Chimney, we have the products you need! We sell and install top-sealing dampers, and we will be sure to set you up with the right size for your specific situation. Trust in our experts to set you up right!

✔️ Avoid Water Issues

Excess moisture and water in your chimney can trigger some big issues and bad smells, so taking the proper precautions and investing in preventative maintenance beforehand may help eliminate bad odors. There are lots of things we can do to keep water away for good. Replacing your chimney cap, fixing your flashing, rebuilding your crown, tuckpointing, and waterproofing are all effective services that stop moisture from entering your chimney system.

✔️ Check for Animals

a woman grabbing her nose because of a bad odor Sometimes, the issue doesn’t lie with high temperatures or humid days at all. It’s not uncommon for animals to nest in your chimney, especially if you haven’t used it much lately, and sometimes these animals wind up stuck. If a critter passes away in your flue or chimney, you’ll definitely face some serious odors. If your system has been recently cleaned, and you know everything is sealed up tight, consider this option.

Fortunately, there’s an easy, affordable, and effective way to ensure animals stay out for good. By having our team of experts install a chimney cap, you guarantee yourself high-quality protection at a price that won’t break the budget. Chimney caps are placed over the flue, so no animals can work their way in, and they are known for keeping out water and excess moisture, too.

Still Have Problems? Give Us a Call

If you have tried everything, and you are still noticing nasty odors, there are still a few things that may be going on. Excess moisture, decaying animals, and debris build-up/clogs are all reasons why your chimney may stink. It’s best to hire a professionally trained chimney expert to assess your situation and locate the true cause of the issue.

We want to help! Let us find what’s causing stink in your chimney and help you resolve it. You don’t need to deal with chimney issues any longer. Let us set you up right, so you can enjoy your fireplace to the fullest all year long! Call on our staff today or visit our website to learn more. We can’t wait to serve you!

Choosing A Chimney Cap

Operating a chimney without a chimney cap can trigger countless issues for your chimney and fireplace. If you are missing a chimney cap or if your chimney cap is broken, then the time to get a new one installed is now!

How To Choose

There are a few factors to take into account when picking out your new chimney cap.

Consider the following

Size: Ensuring that your cap is the appropriate size for your chimney is vital in ensuring it does its job properly. At Lords Chimney we can help you find the perfect cap for your needs!
Fireplace Type: Whether or not you have a prefabricated fireplace makes an enormous difference as far as what type of cap you need installed. We can help you find a cap that works for your specific type of fireplace.
Style: Looking for something to showcase your personal style or taste? We can customize a cap to fit it with any décor! We want you to be able to showcase your home, so it gains the attention it deserves. Call us now for more details and to learn what we can do for you.

Benefits of Chimney Caps

Choosing to go without a chimney cap causes lots of problems. Check just some of the many benefits you gain by having yours installed right away.

Moisture Control: Moisture and masonry? Not a good combination. Too much water exposure can mean bad news for your chimney over time. The brickwork will wear down, water damage will occur in your home, and mold and mildew could accumulate. Save yourself tons of hassle and repairs costs down the line by investing in a sturdy cap today.
Keeps Animals Away: Pesky woodland critters and birds love to nest in chimneys. If an animal enters and does not make it out, you’ll be faced with nasty odors and pest accumulation.
Prevent Fires: A chimney cap will stop any stray sparks or embers from escaping onto your roof and potentially creating a house fire. Keep your home protected by investing in a chimney cap today!
Ensure Good Air Flow: When leaves, twigs, and other materials get into your chimney, they can cause blockages that lead to smoke back-up and poor air circulation. On top of this, a home without a cap invites downdrafts, which also causes a lot of problems with air flow. Keep everything consistent and say good-bye to debris build up now – give a call and we can help.

Any more questions? No problem! The staff at Lords Chimney is standing by, ready to help you out with any and all of your chimney and fireplace needs. Check out our long list of services below, then give us a call today! You won’t regret choosing us!

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