chimney repair Archives - Lords Chimney

Fireplace Energy Efficiency Tips for Winter Heating

As Texans know, enjoying mild winters doesn’t mean there’s never a chill in the air. And when colder temperatures set in, homeowners here can enjoy the warmth and ambiance a fireplace provides. The attractiveness of a fireplace as a heat source, however, can be undercut by inefficiency.

That’s why it’s wise to think about ways to maximize the quality and efficiency of your fireplace and chimney performance – not only for potential savings on utility costs, but for the long term enjoyment of all this desirable home system has to offer. Need professional advice or service? We’re here to help – call or book online now.

original infographic stating 3 tips to boost fireplace efficiency - invest in annual professional maintenance, schedule repairs swiftly, and practice good burning habits

Fireplace Efficiency Tip 1: Invest in Annual Professional Maintenance

Experts agree that the best thing you can do for your fireplace all-around is keep it well maintained. This entails annual inspections, sweepings, and smart updates and fixes.

Annual inspections by a CSIA-certified professional help ensure things are operating as they should. An inspector will check for cracks, blockages, deterioration, or structural issues. These issues, if present, can lead to heat loss, ventilation issues, and premature system breakdown. Having them identified early on can lead to swift remediation and a well-running system.

Having your chimney professionally swept is also essential to ensure it’s free from buildup that can block airflow and cause inefficiency (and present potential fire hazards). A clear chimney allows smoke to exit your living space as it should, and it promotes clean, efficient blazes.

Fireplace Efficiency Tip 2: Invest in Repairs & Upgrades

If an inspection reveals components that are damaged or worn, replacing them promptly is a good move. A damaged chimney cap, for instance, is a weak link that can allow debris into your system and cause blockages. Or a damper that no longer seals well won’t do as much to guard against inefficient air movement. Basically, you need each part of your chimney system to do its job well to maximize efficiency.

If your fireplace doesn’t have fireplace doors, installing them may be another smart system move. Glass doors designed for fireplaces are a fairly easy improvement, and they can significantly improve temperature regulation by creating a barrier to keep warmed or cooled air in your home – right where you want it.

Sometimes, an entire fireplace upgrade will be beneficial, even if all parts of your chimney system are intact. That’s because the chimney industry, like others, benefits from advances in engineering and technology. Consider adding a fireplace insert to your open fireplace, for instance, for more warmth in your living space. Inserts are designed to fit into existing, open fireplaces, and boast a range of benefits:

Typically, they come with blowers to help circulate air throughout the room.
They promote an efficient burn.
They don’t allow as much heat loss as a traditional fireplace, reducing the amount of energy needed overall.
They also reduce drafts.
They provide a chance to introduce system changes or new features, like a change in fuel type.
They tend to be much more eco-friendly than older systems.

Fireplace Energy Efficiency Tip 3: Be Mindful of Burning Practices

How can you, the homeowner, ensure efficiency when using your fireplace?

Always open your damper when your fireplace is in use, and always close it when it isn’t. This will allow your fireplace to do its job, guiding smoke and combustion gases safely outside of your home, and help reduce energy loss when you aren’t using your system. If you struggle to remember this step, consider having an automatic damper installed.

Another important tip for wood-burning fireplaces is to use only well-seasoned firewood as fuel. Burning non-wood items (such as packaging, plastics, cardboard, or magazines) or treated wood can release toxins into the air in your home and increase the risk of an uncontained fire. And burning wet or green (freshly cut) wood is inefficient – your fire will spend its energy trying to zap the excessive moisture content rather than giving you a nice, cheery blaze. This means a weaker, smokier fire that is more likely to cause tarry creosote deposits inside your chimney.

Another efficiency consideration is air leaks at the edges of your fireplace. Over time, the seal around your fireplace might degrade, which can cause undesirable air exchange through the leaks. Seal these gaps with a suitable, high-temperature sealant to minimize or eliminate this issue.

Partner with Lord’s Chimney to Keep Your Fireplace Running Efficiently

Fireplaces add beauty and warmth to a home that goes beyond temperature regulation, but that’s no reason not to get the most warmth and energy-saving benefit that you can. A chimney system is surprisingly complex, and its role in keeping your home safer while you enjoy your fireplace is vital. That’s why we’ve invested over a decade in learning the industry inside-out.

If you have questions about system efficiency, require a chimney cleaning or inspection, or are looking for an installation or upgrade, we’re the team to call on. Expert, local, customer-oriented service with your safety and needs in mind – that’s what you can expect from Lord’s Chimney. Reach out now.

Do I Need a Professional for Fireplace Repairs? Or Can I DIY?

Owning a home can be a dream come true, but it definitely comes with a hefty price tag. Between the mortgage, property taxes, and insurance, it’s no surprise many homeowners explore do-it-yourself (DIY) solutions for repairs and maintenance.

Before you grab your toolbox, though, let’s talk about chimney and fireplace repair – and when a DIY approach can be a safe bet versus when it’s best to call in a licensed professional.

Why Fireplaces Need Specialized (Professional) Attention

At first glance, you might think your fireplace is just a cozy spot to relax on a chilly night. After all, you build a fire and the smoke goes up the chimney. Doesn’t sound too complicated, right? But if you take a closer look, you’ll actually find that your chimney and fireplace are a complex system that requires special attention to function safely and efficiently.

Within that system, numerous components work together to prevent smoke inhalation, chimney fires, and even structural damage to your home. This includes the firebox, flue, chimney cap, chimney crown, and damper…just to name a few.

On top of helping your system function safely and efficiently, a certified chimney technician’s regular maintenance can help extend the lifespan of your fireplace and chimney. By catching minor issues early on, you can prevent them from turning into expensive repairs down the road. Let us help you keep your home safe and warm for years to come! Call or book online today.

When To Call a Professional for Fireplace Repairs

Let’s be honest – tackling home improvement projects can be incredibly satisfying. I mean, who doesn’t love crossing something off that never-ending to-do list…all while saving a buck or two in the process? But when it comes to fireplace repairs, it’s important to know when to call in the experts. Here are some indicators that your fireplace needs a chimney technician:

Visible Damage: Cracks in the firebox, chimney liner, or clay flue tiles can compromise safety and allow smoke or gases to leak. A certified professional can assess the severity of the damage and recommend repairs or replacements.
Deteriorated Mortar: Crumbling or missing mortar joints between the bricks weaken the entire structure. Professionals can use a technique called tuckpointing in order to restore the structural integrity and improve the overall appearance of your fireplace and chimney.
Water Damage: Signs like rust, stains, or a white, powdery substance known as efflorescence can indicate leaks. Having a professional come in to properly diagnose the source of the leak and make repairs will prevent further damage.
Poor Draft: A weak draft that forces smoke back into your home can be caused by a blockage or other airflow issue. Having someone to come inspect your flue is a good place to start!
Smoky Smell: The only thing worse than smelling smoke while the fire is burning is to smell smoke even after the fire is out. This red flag could be caused by a multitude of things ranging from creosote buildup to a damaged flue liner.
Difficulty Starting or Maintaining a Fire: If your fireplace struggles to ignite or keep a fire going, there could be issues with airflow, creosote buildup, or a broken or malfunctioning damper. Let a professional help get your fireplace burning optimally.
Gas Fireplace Concerns: Gas fireplaces always require specific expertise. After all, natural gas is a flammable substance, and any issues with the gas line, burner components, or ignition system can pose a serious safety hazard. So if you have concerns about your gas fireplace not igniting, emitting unusual odors, or displaying abnormal flame patterns, call someone that is trained in gas fireplace repair.
Annual Maintenance: Even if your fireplace seems functional, scheduling an inspection and sweep once a year is highly recommended. During these appointments, a certified chimney technician will identify any potential problems early on to ensure a safe and cozy fireplace all season long.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional at Lords Chimney

When it comes to your fireplace and the safety of your home, peace of mind is priceless. At Lord’s Chimney, our team of certified sweeps and technicians understand the importance of a safe and efficient fireplace. That’s why we offer comprehensive solutions to meet all of your fireplace concerns. We want you to feel confident turning to us every time a need arises.

All of our technicians are highly trained and experienced in diagnosing and repairing all types of fireplace and chimney issues. Whether you’re experiencing a minor chimney leak or need help troubleshooting issues with your gas fireplace, we would be happy to help.

Give Lord’s Chimney a call today at 346-250-4453 or request an appointment on our website.

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!

We Fix Leaky Chimneys!

Whether it’s a musty or moldy smell, a soft drip-drip sound coming from the chimney, or a puddle of water at the bottom of the firebox, a leaky chimney is a problem that cannot be ignored. Left unrepaired, even minor chimney leaks can create major damage throughout your fireplace system.

Thankfully, leaky chimneys don’t have to be a chronic problem. Identifying the source of the water entry and fixing your leaky chimney as soon as possible can prevent serious water damage to your fireplace system or home.

What causes chimney leaks?

Chimneys are built to stand strong against the elements; however, there are still a number of points where water can work its way into the chimney system. The following are some of the most common causes of chimney leaks.

Chimney cap: The chimney cap protects the top of the chimney and keeps moisture, animals, and debris from falling into the chimney. A damaged chimney cap can allow water into the flue, causing damage throughout the fireplace and chimney structure.

Chimney crown: Often confused with the chimney cap, the chimney crown is a mortar slab that seals the top of the chimney. Chimney crowns should have small overhangs as well as be built with slightly sloped edges to prevent water from pooling on the top. Chimney crowns can deteriorate over time due to prolonged exposure to the elements; this creates cracks that allow moisture into the chimney.

Flashing: Flashing is the watertight metal strips that seals the joint between the chimney and the roof. Over time, flashing can lose its seal due to overexposure to the elements; flashing can also be damaged by storms or animals.

Masonry damage: Without regular maintenance, bricks and mortar can begin to deteriorate over time. The freeze thaw process – which causes water in bricks to freeze and expand – is the most common cause of water damage to masonry.

Fixing a leaky chimney

When it comes to fixing a leaky chimney, the most important step is to find and repair the cause of the chimney leak. Repairing the water damage without first removing the cause of the chimney leak will only lead to recurrent water problems. By uncovering the root cause of the chimney leak, you can rest assured that the water damage will not return once the necessary repairs have been made.

For chimneys with damaged masonry, tuckpointing may be used to repair or replace damaged bricks and mortar. During the tuckpointing process, small areas of damaged masonry are carefully removed before the new bricks and mortar are put in; this can help strengthen the chimney structure and help avoid the costs of rebuilding the entire chimney.

Another great way to prevent chimney leaks and water damage is by having your chimney waterproofed. Professionally waterproofing a chimney can seal and protect the masonry from water damage while still allowing the bricks to retain their semi-porous nature.

If you have a leaky chimney, trust the experts at Lords Chimney to repair it. Contact us today to schedule an appointment so we can help resolve your chimney leaks!

Chimney sweeping logs are no replacement for a certified chimney sweep!

Every time you burn wood in your fireplace or wood stove, condensation forms on your chimney’s flue. That condensation forms a dark, tar-like, highly combustible substance called creosote. When creosote builds up in your chimney, it can lead to a damaging and dangerous chimney fire, or it can force carbon dioxide back into your home, endangering your family.

Creosote sweeping logs promise a solution. They claim to reduce creosote buildup in your chimney simply by burning them in your chimney. Some such logs carry the seal of approval of the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), but even the CSIA acknowledges that the logs are not a replacement for your annual chimney sweeping and inspection by a CSIA-certified chimney sweep.

Creosote sweeping logs don’t remove all creosote

Creosote sweeping logs work by sending chemicals up your chimney that react with the creosote, causing it to flake away and fall back down your chimney to your firebox, where it either burns up or can be swept away. At best, the logs only remove up to 60 percent of the creosote from you chimney over a 15-day period. That means that creosote still can build up to dangerous levels within your chimney, blocking smoke from leaving your chimney and potentially igniting a chimney fire.

Additionally, many fireplaces aren’t a straight vertical channel. That means creosote can fall to and gather on your chimney’s horizontal surfaces, where it can build up. If your chimney is a straight vertical line, the creosote that falls into the firebox can cause flare ups that can harm your hearth or someone standing near it.

Creosote sweeping logs can’t spot problems with your chimney

Your annual chimney sweeping is more than just a cleaning. Your certified chimney sweep also inspects your chimney for structural damage, water leaks, crumbling mortar, and other problems. A creosote sweeping log simply can’t help you identify and solve problems with your chimney. Missing your annual chimney inspection gives small problems, like a minor leak, time to grow into a major problem that potentially will be expensive to repair.

More importantly, your certified chimney sweep looks for problems that could lead to a chimney fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. That includes animals that have nested in your chimney or chimney fires that have gone undetected.

Schedule your annual chimney sweeping today!

While the CSIA recognizes that creosote sweeping logs can be a valuable piece of chimney maintenance, eliminating some creosote in between professional chimney sweepings, replacing your annual chimney sweeping and inspection with a creosote sweeping log is dangerous both for your home and your family. If you’re overdue for your annual chimney sweeping and inspection, call the CSIA-certified chimney sweeps at Lords Chimney. We’ll make sure that your chimney is creosote-free and ready to burn safely this winter.

« Older Entries

Over 20 years
of Service