Prepare Your Home for Spring with Screens and Security Doors

Get ready because Spring will be here before you even know it! Be prepared for the upcoming warmer temperatures with some new screens! From window screens, door screens, security doors and windows, to even energy-saving solar screens, Mike’s Mobile Screens & Chimney Service can help!

sacramento-spring-screens

Image Courtesy of  Sacramento Vagabond Inn

 

Depending on the of screens that you choose, they can upgrade the look of your home, save you some money on your energy bills, and give you added privacy as well as security. So what do we offer?

Screen Doors

Retractable/Rollaway Screen Doors
Our Retractable/Rollaway screen doors are an “inside mount” style which offers superior aesthetics and durability when compared to a “surface mount” style (which protrudes 5+ inches outside your door frame). We have the combined knowledge of thousands of disappearing screen door installations and are be happy to come out and show you a display of an actual door.

Sliding Screen Door
Our sliding screen door offers an all-metal construction with steel wheels, bearings and a metal lock.  Many of our customers opt for Solar Screen in their doors to take advantage of the added durability it offers. The doors are built with inside corners and adjustable wheels for a perfect fit!

Swinging Screen Door
Our swinging screen doors have many styles and colors to choose from. These are the best swinging screen doors on the market and we can fit them to virtually any door- and French sets are no problem! All doors come with a pneumatic closure installed at no additional charge and a 10 year warranty* you can even customize your door even more by adding a Solar Screen!

Window Screens and Window Screen Repair

Our custom window screen frames are all-aluminum constructed with mitered inside corners- no cheap plastic corners like the other guys use along with pull tabs and springs. We charge flat rates, so getting a solid estimate with no hidden fees is easy and hassle free!

If you screen is torn, don’t worry! We also offer screen repairs and replacement window screen frames! Just like most of our other screen products, you can opt to re-screen your screens with Solar Screen due to its durability.

Pet Screens

Our pet doors are made to LAST, unlike those flimsy plastic kits from the hardware store that are just going to cause you problems. Pet doors are directly installed into your screen or sliding door and won’t crack or warp during the harsh seasons like Winter and Summer!

Solar Screens

Are you looking to lower your home’s energy bills this upcoming Spring and Summer? Solar screens are a unique, heavy-duty woven mesh that blocks 80-90% of the sun’s hot rays before they enter your home’s windows and doors. They can help lower the temperature in your home by as much as 15 degrees! 

Call Mike’s Mobile Screens & Chimney Service today to get scheduled for an appointment!  
Follow us: [wp-svg-icons icon=”google-plus-4″ wrap=”i”]  [wp-svg-icons icon=”facebook-2″ wrap=”i”]  [wp-svg-icons icon=”instagram” wrap=”i”]

Fireplace Safety: Decorating 101 for Christmas

 

 Fireplace Safety Tips for Holiday Decorating  

xmas fireplace safety
 

Although a beautifully decorated hearth is a Christmas tradition, those decorations can pose a fire hazard if placed too close to your fireplace. Before decorating for the upcoming holidays, there are a few fireplace safety tips you should know.

 

Follow the 3 Foot Rule

Both the Chimney Safety Institution of America and the National Fire Protection Association recommend creating a 3 foot zone around your fireplace. Combustible materials such as decorations, paper, throw pillows and blankets should be kept beyond the 3 foot zone. This also includes you Christmas tree. Both synthetic and real trees can catch on fire if they are placed too close to the fireplace.

 

Do Not Hang Decorations from the Mantle

Ribbons, garland and greenery dangled from the mantle provide a beautiful effect to your hearth and fireplace, but it can also be dangerous. Don’t let decorations to dangle from the mantle, as hanging flammable materials too close can ignite either from the heat of your fireplace or from an errant spark.

 

 

xmas decors xmas decor
 

 

Remove Stockings Before Lighting a Fire

Hanging up stockings in front of the fireplace is a holiday tradition, however make sure that you carefully remove them from the mantle before you light your fireplace. And, remember to observe the 3 foot rule and place the removed stockings safely away from the hearth.

 

 

xmas stockings

 

Fire-Resistant Decorations

A great option for decorating your hearth is to purchase decorations that are manufactured or treated to be fire resistant. These can make a great option for decorating your hearth as they are safer to use. Keep in mind that fire-resistant doesn’t mean that these objects won’t burn, it just means that they are less likely to accidentally ignite. You should still observe fireplace safety tips when placing fire-resistant decorations on your mantle or near your fireplace.

 

Use a Spark Guard

A spark guard is a great option for making your hearth safer this winter season if you have an open-hearth fireplace. What is a park guard? A spark guard is a mesh screen placed over the fireplace opening to prevent embers from crackling out of the fireplace. It can help keep your Christmas decorations, furniture and flooring safe from sparks.

 

sparkguard
 

Keep a Fire Extinguisher on Hand

Even if you have followed all of the other tips for safely decorating near your fireplace, you still should have a fire extinguisher on hand. Make sure that the extinguisher is operational and current and that everyone in the home knows where the fire extinguisher is and how to use it in case of an emergency.

xmas extinguisher
 

If you need help preparing your hearth for the winter holidays, call Mike’s Mobile Screen & Chimney Service today! (877) 520-3595

Follow us: [wp-svg-icons icon=”google-plus-4″ wrap=”i”]  [wp-svg-icons icon=”facebook-2″ wrap=”i”]  [wp-svg-icons icon=”instagram” wrap=”i”]

 

Why You NEED a CO and Smoke Detector

Beginning July 1, 2011, the Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention act (Senate Bill SB1483) requites all single-family homes with an attached garage or a fossil fuel source to install carbon monoxide alarms. As well as per building code 310.9.1of California all residence must have smoke alarms.

As reported by the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) Approximately 200 people are killed by accidental CO poisoning with an additional 5000 people injured. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) also reported that three out of five fire deaths are the result of no smoke alarm present in home.

Smoke alarms should be installed in the following locations:

  • Each bedroom
  • Immediately outside the sleeping rooms and areas
  • On each level of home and basements (not including crawl spaces) and livable attics.
  • In dwellings with split-levels that have a door between adjacent levels, an alarm shall be located on each level.
  • Smoke alarms are not required in garages

Smoke Alarm

Carbon Monoxide Alarms (CO) should be installed in the following locations:

      • Immediately outside the sleeping rooms an areas.
      • On each story, including basements and livable areas.
      • They are not required in garages.

CO Alarm

 

Do I Really Need a Chimney Cap?

Chimney CapYour chimney cap closes the door on water entering your chimney and the damage that it causes. It also keeps out animals such as birds, squirrels, raccoons and other critters that may think your chimney looks like a good summer home. Storms that blow high winds can blow leaves and other debris into your chimney. These are blocked when you have a cap. Blockages that occur from these causes are often the fuel for dangerous chimney fires. The chimney cap (or guard) protects the home of the risk that sparks and airborne embers will land on your roof, causing a fire hazard. Yes, you really do need a chimney cap.

What Causes a Chimney Fire?

 
Mike's Mobile Screen & Chimney Service

Chimney fires are usually caused by the accumulation of creosote in the chimney. Creosote is a natural by-product of burning wood. It accumulates in the flue over time and is highly flammable. Creosote is especially likely to accumulate when wood is not burned at the proper temperature. Since creosote is flammable, when it accumulates on the walls of your flue, hot flue gasses can ignite it. The result is a chimney fire. Depending on the condition of your chimney, such a fire can pose a significant threat to the rest of your house. Flames from the fire can find their way through cracks in your clay chimney liner or mortar and ignite framing around the chimney. They can also spill over onto the roof and cause a fire there.

Is Your Fireplace Damper Broken?

What is a Fireplace Damper?

Masonry Throat DamperA fireplace damper is usually located at the throat of the chimney (masonry) just above the firebox. The damper is a lever meant to seal your fireplace when not in use. This is so heated air from your home will not escape up the chimney. An open or broken damper can add substantial costs to your heating bill each year.

 

 

How Does a Damper Work?

Most dampers have a metal to metal seal which isn’t ideal. Even when new this can cause air to leak through. As the fireplace gets used, the metal plates warp from the effects of heat and moisture. This seal will worsen and more watm air will escape from your home and up into the chimney.

Is There Something That Can FIx This Problem?

Yes! Replacing an out dated masonry damper with a Lock Top damper will save you money. Lock Top dampers are top mounted dampers that create a seal with a sillicome rubber gasket. When you close these dampers the warm air is seal in in your.

Lock Top Damper

 

 

 

 

 

How Can  Get a Lock Top Damper For My Home?

Mike’s Mobile Screen & Chimney Service offers Lock Top dampers to its customers. Call us today and get a free estimate over the phone! You can reach us toll free at (877) 520-3595

Getting Started With Fire Building

fireplace safetyThink small when it comes to starting a fire. First be sure that your chimney is ready for a fire. Have your chimney inspected and cleaned annually. Once you have determined that you can safely burn a fire, you will need to prepare the fireplace. Make sure that your damper is completely open.

Pick small pieces of wood and make sure that the wood is not over flowing your fireplace grate. This will ensure that you have enough room between the fireplace and the grate on all sides.

Listen carefully. Sizzling is a sign that the wood that you are burning still has water. This will cause extra smoke that can enter into your living room area.

Pick out proper wood for burning fires. Make sure that your wood meets the following criteria:

  • Seasoned Firewood (Excess Moisture Takes Energy Out of a Fire)
  • Proper size (Pieces Must Not be Oversized or Hanging Out of Your Fireplace)
  • Pieces may need to be cut to fit properly

How to Save on Natural Gas Costs

Natural Gas Costs - Mike's Mobile Screen & Chimney Service

Natural Gas costs have increased 400% over the last 34 years. That is a striking number because Natural Gas powers so many things inside a home. When prices fluctuate, it’s not good. Do not feel the financial heat! Use our energy saving tips to keep cost down while keeping the efficiency high.

Mike’s Mobile Screen & Chimney Service can help you make your home more efficient. Call us today to schedule an appointment! Our toll free number is (877) 520-3595. We can give you an estimate on an EPA certified wood burning stove, ventilation set ups, top mount dampers, and cleaning your dryer vent!

Winter is Coming Sacramento!

Mike's Mobile Screen 7 Chimney - Sacramento

Winter will be approaching shortly and that means some us of will be using our fireplaces. Homeowners should have their chimney and fireplace inspected by a professional annually to ensure safe burning.

Mike’s Mobile Screen & Chimney Service is a chimney sweep company in Sacramento California. We offer a full service to our customers including: chimney cleanings, inspections, repairs, rebuilds, masonry work and much more! Mike’s Mobile Screen & Chimney Service also serves surrounding areas including: West Sacramento, Davis, Carmichael, Citrus Heights, Cameron Park, El Dorado Hills, Rocklin, Folsom and more!

Call Mike’s Mobile today and set up an appointment! (877) 520-3595

Winter is Coming!

Chimney Sweeps – Winter is Almost Here!

 

Guess what time it is?!

It’s time to get your home’s chimney and fireplace inspected! Summer has officially drawn to a close and Fall has already begun! Which means your home’s heating appliances will be heavily used this upcoming Winter!

Do you know why it is important to have your home’s heating appliances ready before the cold season approaches?

Well it is recommended by the National Fire Protection Association that homeowners should have their chimneys cleaned and inspected annually. If you haven’t had yours swept yet, don’t wait until the very last minute to schedule your needed inspections and repairs! Here at Mike’s Mobile Screen & Chimney Service, we offer a full chimney services. Mike’s Mobile also does the following services to our customers including: chimney cleanings, inspections, repairs, fireplace rebuilds, masonry work and much more! Our company also serves the surrounding areas including: West Sacramento, Davis, Carmichael, Citrus Heights, Cameron Park, El Dorado Hills, Rocklin, Folsom and more!

Click here for more information on our other services

Call Mike’s Mobile today and set up an appointment! (877) 520-3595

[wp-svg-icons icon=”facebook-2″ wrap=”i”] [wp-svg-icons icon=”google-plus-3″ wrap=”i”]