Does My Dryer Vent Need To Be Cleaned?

Now that you know your dryer vent should be cleaned semi-annually, here are some things to look out for. You may need a dryer vent cleaning annually or as these issues arise.

  • When it takes longer for your clothes to dry than it used to.
  • If your dryer is running hot. (Check to see if the top surface is hot to the touch)
  • If you cannot remember cleaning your dryer vent in the past.
  • If you dry a lot of fuzzy blankets, or have multiple animals.

Paying attention to these things can reduce the risk of a fire and increase the efficiency of your dryer. These tips will help you keep your dryer working properly for more years.

Negative Pressure?

Chimneys use a lot of air to fuel their fires. This air has to come from somewhere. Some houses are so air tight that a negative-pressure system can develop, ensuring that your fire will not draft properly. This problem can be made worse by other appliances competing for the same air (i.e. Range hoods, bathroom vents, clothes dryers, forced draft services.

Fortunately this problem is very easy to diagnose. If your chimney is beginning to smoke you can crack a nearby window or door and the draft should fix itself. Mike’s mobile can install an air vent for makeup air if this is your problem. These vents can be closed when not in use so energy is not wasted.

Seasoned Firewood?

Seasoned FirewoodFirewood should be completely seasoned- any excess moisture in the wood takes energy out of the fire and can cause a weak draft. Firewood should be properly sized for the fireplace- it might be necessary to split logs to have smaller, dryer wood.

Homeowner’s Guide to a Smoking Chimney

Guide to Smoking ChimneysProfessional chimney technicians identify potential chimney problems when they do cleanings and inspections. Some problems, however, are more easily diagnosed with the homeowner’s help since you can identify them as they have to do with particular burning situations when we might not be around. The following guide is written especially for homeowners who have issues with a smoking chimney.

Consult with this checklist to gain control of your smoking chimney. If you’re still  having problems call Mike’s Mobile today and we can help!

 

Warning Signs Your Chimney Might Need Repairs

chimney inspection nfi csiaMike’s Mobile Chimney Sweep

Usually by the time the average homeowner notices a problem with their chimney, it has probably needed some repairs for quite some time. To avoid any future repairs (big or small) be sure to be on the lookout for these signs.  

  • Damaged Lining

Chimney Liner

 

Unfortunately, there are usually no obvious signs that a chimney liner is damaged. In some rare cases, you may notice broken masonry in your fireplace and the debris could be bits of a deteriorating flue liner that have fallen into the firebox. Because it is usually not obvious that a liner needs to be repaired, it’s important to have a reputable chimney sweep inspect your chimney’s flue annually. To avoid harmful hazards such as creosote on your liner and home, schedule a chimney sweep to remove the soot and creosote before it turns into Stage 3 and damages your liner.

  • Water Damage

Water Damage

 

From something as serious as crumbling masonry to something seemingly harmless like droplets of water, both are usually reasons enough to call over a professional chimney sweep to have a look at your chimney. A certified chimney sweep will also be able to inspect your flashing, the chimney cap as well as the crown which tend to be the common causes for a leaking chimney. Other signs of a leaky chimney include:

  Water stains on masonry, walls and/or ceilings.

  A musty odor coming from within the chimney,
   clogged cleaned-out area and/or wet ashes

  To avoid some water damage have your
    chimney waterproofed professionally.

  • Wear and Tear

Damaged firebox

 

The firebox/fireplace is usually the part of your home’s chimney system that receives the least amount of attention even though it withstands the most heat and abuse. If built with the incorrect materials or if affected by water penetration the masonry can be damaged which can be disastrous. In order to avoid disastrous damages to your firebox, assessing the firebox as part of your monthly home maintenance is the best way to stay on top of it. You can do so by removing ashes and by looking for cracks in your chimney’s masonry.  

For more information on other services Mike’s Mobile Screen & Chimney Service offers visit our website!

If you happen to realize that your home’s chimney does need to have some repairs done, schedule an appointment with us today at TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 877 520 3595!

How Often Should I Have My Dryer Vent Cleaned?

dryer-vent

If you’re wondering how often you should have your dryer vent cleaned; the answer is about every 2 years. According to The Consumer Product Safety Commission, 15,000 fires occur each year due to obstructed airflow because of lint buildup in consumer clothes dryers. Lint from textiles (clothes) is extremely flammable.

Not only is a clean dryer vent more safe, it’s also more efficient. A dryer vent clogged with lint reduces airflow so your dryer doesn’t dry as efficiently as it used to. An inefficient dryer wastes energy, wastes money and presents a fire danger to your home.

Check out our blog for more information about dryer vents.

What kind of a handle set do your security doors come with?

C5376BL-003Our Tru-Frame and Tru-View doors come with a proprietary slim line handle and deadbolt set. Our Viewguard and Steel security doors accept a standard lock-set. We at Mike’s Mobile recommend the homeowner buy their own lock set when ordering a door. Our technicians will be happy to install it for you when we come back out to install your door. We recommend this so there isn’t additional markup on the handle set and so you have time to buy the exact handle set you want for the door. Normally it Is best to get a set that matches or is at least the same brand as the set on your existing door for ease of re-keying.

Getting a Viewguard is as Easy as 1-2-3

viewguard-double-door

If you’re like Joyce F. of Sacramento you might just order not 1 or 2, but 3 at once. Joyce had 2 separate doorways that she wanted secured. She had a single door and a French door at her home. She also took advantage of an unpublished discount about ordering multiple items at once! (Until now. Oops!) Be sure to ask about a discount when you buy 2 or more Viewguard security doors at the same time.

Joyce, Thank you so much for choosing Mike’s Mobile. We think your doors look amazing. Do you agree? Tell us what you think.

Are you thinking of getting a Viewguard door for unparalleled security and airflow? Give us a call today at (877) 520-3595 and get your doors started.

viewguard-single-door

Can I Order Screens Straight From Your Shop?

Mike's Mobile Screen & Chimney Service Screen Shop

YES, you can order screens directly from our shop! We can repair your damaged screens or make you new ones. If you need new screens, and, are confident in your measurements you can call in your order and pick up screens straight from our shop located in Stockton, CA. We have the quickest turn-around in town (usually just 1-2 days) and our shop prices are about 1/2 of our mobile prices!

Please be confident in your measurements or bring in old old screens for us to copy if possible. Unfortunately, we cannot be responsible for wrong measurements on your part.

If you need help with your measurements, you can watch this video for a quick tutorial: