Category Archives: Smoking Issues

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!