After you burn a fire the wood will eventually cool down. When it cools down, you create creosote. Creosote is a liquid that gets attached (or condenses) to the inner wall of your flue or connector pipe. The creosote will dry out and become hard and become one of 3 stages. Stage 1 (velvet soot), Stage 2 porous and crunchy in makeup or Stage 3, shiny, rock-hard chimney glaze. The more fires you have, the more build up you are creating.
If this happens to your chimney you will need to have a De-glazing done. This is a two steps process. Mike’s Mobile uses a product called ACS (Anti Creosote Spray). We recommend that our effected customers make a few fires over the course of a few weeks and spray this the ACS into their fire. ACS changes the chemical make up of the creosote and weakens it. We can then come out to your home and clean your chimney.
Your 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.
A 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.