fireplacesandchimneysfan-blog

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nice set up

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Your chimney and your homes heat efficiency

The connection between your chimney and your homes heating efficiency

Is your fireplace as a main heating source for your home? Do you rely on it for supplemental heating?  Either way, your home’s overall energy efficiency will be largely determined by the efficiency of your chimney. It needs to be clean to operate optimally.  If its  in any other condition, it is not going to do its job. Here are some pointers.

1. Keep it clean

The cleanliness of a chimney directly affects the heat and the quality of combustion of logs in the fireplace.  Fire needs air to hit its peak combustion. With sluggish air flow, logs won’t burn completely, less heat will be produced, and smoke and toxins can back up into the room.

Over time, soot and creosote begin to build up within a chimney. Slow moving air exacerbates this build up. Less air means cooler fire equals poor combustion.  In addition, obstructions from outside such as bird nests, small dead animals, leaves, twigs and other debris can create blockages. Avoid blockages by having cap installed.  An annual chimney cleaning  is the only way to keep your chimney and fireplace running at high efficiency.

2. Air flow problems

Another situation to avoid is lack of interior air to create a draft. This causes fireplaces to operate inefficiently.  Chimneys have no motor or exhaust fan.  They operate by convection, or the rising of warm air.  For air in the firebox to rise, there must be a source of air being drawn into it.

If your home is particularly “air-tight,” you might experience drafting issues with your air flow.  One way to solve this is to slightly open a window or two to bring a small amount of air into the home.  Keep in mind that exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms and the exhaust from clothes dryers also can wreak havoc with air pressure inside the home, creating a perfect environment for fireplace backdrafts.  You may find it best to limit the use of these and other devices that draw air outside the house when running your fireplace. Combined issued could cause a blowback of soot into the house.

3. Periods of non-use

When the fireplace isn’t in use, energy efficiency in the home can be compromised.  Address this problem by making sure the damper is closed and sealed tightly any time you’re not burning a fire.  Another way to prevent interior heat loss is to have your chimney insulated.  When the masonry is cold, it transfers that cold to the inside of the flue and, eventually, into your home.  Tempered glass fireplace doors also prevent firand fireplace are getting sufficient and correct air flow, and that your home contains enough air to allow the unit to draft properly.

Advanced Chimney of long island, NY, can help you! Our certified technicians can perform inspection's cleaning and help you maintain your chimney and help your homes energy efficiency! Call 1-800-640-3583 with questions or to schedule a service visit.

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Crown Rebuilding

Crown Rebuilding and Chimney Crown Repair

The chimney crown is an important structure of your chimney. It is the area around the top of the chimney that shields the rest of the chimney underneath. It is not to the chimney cap. The cap is an attachment that is added to the top of the flue pipe to keep debris out of the chimney flue. The chimney crown tops off the masonry walls of the chimney with a small concrete roof that aids in preventing water from seeping into the bricks and mortar. This simple structure can actually save homeowners thousands of dollars in costly water damage repairs. If it is damaged we highly recommend a chimney crown repair.

Chimney Crown Sealing

If a chimney crown becomes cracked or damaged, water will seep into the masonry  of your chimney  thus deteriorating from the inside out.  Chimney Crown Repair, and/or sealing the crown, is the best solution for a damaged chimney crown. It can save you from dealing with costly structural chimney repairs that will likely occur if you do nothing.

Sealant can be applied to a chimney crown that has a few minor cracks. This waterproof seal helps keep water from soaking through the brick, mortar, and concrete that makes up your chimney. Large cracks are filled with high bonding patching material and then Crown Sealing is applied over the top of the entire crown. Once applied the sealant forms an impenetrable waterproof barrier. Its viscosity allows it to penetrate the pores in your masonry. When properly applied, these solutions can add up to 15 years to the life of a chimney crown that has begun to wear.

Chimney Crown Rebuilding

If your chimney crown has begun to show its age, it may be time to replace it. A new concrete chimney cap is the first recommendation. If the crown has pieces missing or is lacking structural integrity, you will need a chimney crown repair. Some inexperienced masons will  use mortar mix to create a new top for the chimney. The problem with this solution is that mortar mix will crack and leak very quickly. It is not a weather resistant material. A cement chimney crown that is properly designed to overhang the outside dimensions of the chimney structure is the best solution.

Cast in place concrete crowns that are reinforced with steel are also good solutions. Crowns can even be made of metal or stone as well. As long as they are water-tight and weather resistant they will serve you well and protect your chimney for years. The top surface of the chimney crown is constructed to slant away from the center.This  diverts as much water away from the chimney as possible. This design helps keep water from running down over the bricks of the chimney, keeping your chimney structure as dry as possible.

In severe cases, where collapse is possible, you will likely need it completely rebuilt. The point is to avoid this!

If your chimney crown is in need of repair, please Advanced Chimney of Long Island. We can offer free inspections and recommend the best solutions.

We also offer Fireplace Blower Installations, Stainless Steel chimney caps and liners, Liner replacement, Furnace Cleaning, inspections, Sweeps, masonry repairs and many other services. Come by and Visit Advanced Chimney or call 1-800-CHIMINEY

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FIRING UP THE ‘WOW’ FACTOR

According to a recent Domain article, there is a simple way to enhance your property to make it stand out in the competitive real estate market.

After collating the responses of design and interior experts, Domain found that having one special, stand out feature that brings a bit of ‘wow’ to your home is likely to make all the difference if and when the time comes to sell.

Read more

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New Home owner? 6 things that should be checked during a fireplace inspection

If your a new home owner you most likely had your home inspected. These inspections are a must and very informative. However they are general and cant really dig in to a home that is still for sale. If you have a fireplace we highly suggest you have a fireplace inspection by a professional. You chimney should be swept and checked for leaks, caps, liners, crevices, and damage inside and out. After all your staring a fire in your home and the point is for it stay contained and to keep you and your home safe. These professionals will not only clean the chimney of built-up creosote but will alert you to defects  in the flue or firebox that can be downright dangerous.

There are a lot of bad things that can happen with a  malfunctioning fireplace — the worst being a chimney fire that can spread to  the roof structure and cause major damage.

Here’s a list of things a good chimney sweep will inspect:

There  should be a cap (Stainless Steel Chimney Cap preferred) with a screen on the chimney to prevent weather elements from coming down the chimney. This also prevent birds or other critters from nesting there possibly blocking the chimney or getting into your house!

They will look at the condition of the bricks and mortar. It’s possible the  bricks exposed to the weather need to be reset, The mortar needs repairs and pointing, of a host of other problems like spalling and efflorescence. These are much less costly to repair if caught early and your chimney may be saved with a simple waterproofing.

The sweep will check out the flue liner (again hopefully a stainless steel liner) and note excessive creosote buildup or cracked flue tiles. If the chimney hasn’t been swept recently (it probably hasn’t) they will recommend that it be cleaned before laying your first fire of the season. The leading cause of fires from wood-burning fireplaces, inserts or wood stoves is creosote deposited on the walls of the chimney flue.

If the fireplace has glass doors, the sweep should inspect the gasket material  around the door opening. Defective gaskets should be replaced to ensure proper operation of the fireplace.They should also check for airflow to make sure your fire is burning at optimal temperature and leaving less creosote residue. This is especially important if you have an insert or a wood stove, which are meant to be airtight. If an airtight appliance is operated without these gaskets effectively sealing the openings, excess air can leak into the firebox creating an over fire     condition, which may permanently damage the appliance.

As part of the service the sweep should clean the fireplace blower if you have one. Blowers do not have a filtering system so they can become clogged and less efficient from dust, hair and small debris. Excessive dirt will shorten the life of the blower and may be a fire hazard.

The inspection may reveal broken or deteriorated brick lining in the firebox. Replacement of the damaged bricks may or may not be necessary depending on the severity.

While this is going on Replace the batteries and  test any smoke or carbon monoxide detectors you have in your home to ensure  these monitors are operating properly.

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When do i need my furnace cleaned?

Do I Need a Furnace Cleaning and Furnace Flue inspection?

Did you know that furnace flues need annual maintenance, no matter what type of fuel is used? Most customers often have the idea that the furnace cleaning, and flue, is handled by the fuel supplier. It is not. Its probably the number one surprise to our customers when we tell them that. You should never neglect your furnace flue. One reason is that debris can block the flue and cause soot to blowback into the house. This can lead to carbon monoxide fumes to enter you home. Carbon monoxide poisoning can result in illness and sometimes even death. An annual furnace flue inspection by professionals can help to ensure that it’s safe to use your furnace.

Life-Threatening Hazards Can be Avoided

Potential problems in the flue caused by a furnace are different from those caused by a wood-burning fireplace or stove. Oil and gas furnaces produce by-products and acids which can literally eat away the flue lining. This is when carbon monoxide poisoning can become a real and serious danger. Carbon monoxide is odorless and invisible, so it often goes undetected in homes until it causes severe illness. You should have carbon monoxide detectors in your home as well as smoke detectors. They are separate devices. You need both! They’re essential and check them routinely to be sure they are still working.

Other Potential Hazards

Not only do acids cause damage to furnace flues, chimney masonry can also suffer deterioration from acids and water damage.

Any type of blockage is bad. It introduces the same dangers causing carbon monoxide to find paths into the home. In a furnace flue inspection, birds’ nests and all types of debris are removed from the flue so that the heating system can operate safely.

When, or if there is a conversion to a gas appliance, building codes require that the flue be inspected and cleaned before the change is made. The accumulation of oil or coal soot will eventually lose its bond to the interior walls and drip down the flue. When aided by moisture problems in the stack, the gases produced by the new furnace can cause the clean-out and flue opening to both become clogged.

The size of the furnace flue must also meet requirements of the appliance; otherwise, a variety of problems can occur, such as too much moisture in the combustion gases in the flue. The sizing and configuration of the entire venting system is a crucial element to the safe use of your furnace. This is another important reason you should depend upon professional chimney technicians for installation and maintenance.

When to Schedule a Furnace Flue Inspection

Besides having an annual flue inspection to ensure that there is no blockage or damage in the furnace flue, the following are good times to have your furnace and flue checked:

Prior to moving into a new home

Before installing a new furnace in your home

While a furnace does not produce as much particulate build-up as a wood-burning fireplace, a cleaning is important partly because connections of your venting unit need to be removed and cleaned out. In addition, build up can cause your oil burner to run 30% less efficient. Getting it routinely inspected will keep you burner operating smooth saving you money!

Advanced Chimney’s technicians and sweeps are fully certified and trained to clean all types of furnaces and heating appliances. The continued safe operation of your heating system can be assured with a regularly scheduled furnace flue cleaning and inspection. We also do fireplace and masonry repairs as well as liners, caps and much more. Check out our services and feel free to give us a call  1-800-CHIMNEY

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List of some of the places we service

ALL OF NEW YORK STATE

Brooklyn

Queens

Commack

Farmingdale

Huntington

Islip

Shirley

Remsenburg

Speonk

West Hampton

West Hampton Beach

Quiogue

Quogue

East Quogue

Hampton Bays

South Hampton

Watermill

Bridgehampton

Sag Harbor

Northhaven

Sagaponack

Montauk

Wainscott

East Hampton

Ammaganset

Riverhead

Aquabouge

Jamesport

Laurel

Mattituck

Cutchogue

Southold

Orient

Rocky Point

Wading River

Center Moriches

Calverton

Eastport

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7 ways to properly maintain your chimney and fireplace

While it’s best to let a pro like Advanced Chimney inspect and clean the chimney, there are six things homeowners can do to improve their fireplace experience.

Clean the ashes from the fireplace as they build up. Don't let them accumulate over an inch.

Gather firewood about a  year in advance to properly season it. Cover it in the winter and rain.  When not properly seasoned it results in less flammable material collecting in the chimney.

If buying wood, Check it out, split some open. Ask the seller if its seasoned and check to make sure it is.

Make sure the damper is fully open before lighting a fire in the fireplace.

Burn nothing in the fireplace except dry firewood or CSIA-accepted manufactured logs. Never burn pressure-treated or painted wood.These have glues and chemicals added. It can be poisonous to you and the environment and leave nasty residue in your chimney. These chemicals will decrease the life of your existing chimney.

Make sure your fire is getting enough air. Burn fires that consume the wood. Burning wet or poor quality wood results in slow cooler fires thus more creosote builds up in the flue.

Top-down burn method -  Sometimes referred to as an upside down fire. This burns hotter, cleaner and produces less smoke than traditional fire-building methods. Place the largest logs on the bottom of the fireplace, then add a cross layer of smaller logs. Next, add some crushed newspaper and top it all with 1-inch of kindling. Light the newspaper, sit back and enjoy the fire.

Don’t forget that at Advanced Chimney inc we give free inspections, and do chimney waterproofing, can install a stainless steel chimney liner, do repairs, inserts and much more.

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Chimney Waterproofing, Why and When do i need it?

Why do you need Chimney Waterproofing

If you want your chimney to last your going to need some Chimney Waterproofing. Resistance to water penetration into the brick and mortar is key to your Chimney's lifespan. Water can cause deterioration, corrosion, efflorescence, spalling of the bricks, and if left unchecked will cause structural failure.

Erosion

Severe erosion and deterioration is caused by water penetration. Bricks will begin to crumble as the water damage becomes for severe. This is not safe and should be addressed immediate! After repairs are done, a water repellent treatment will protect the repair and rest of the structure against further damage.

Efflorescence

The white stains, on the bricks below, are called efflorescence. This indicates that water penetration and salts are present and migrating to the surface. In other words, its a sign that moisture problems are taking hold. Call Advanced Chimney inc immediately if you see this white staining. This means you certainly have a moisture problem. We will inspect and access the damage. Only then can we  make the proper recommendations, and then continue with a proper chimney waterproofing.

Spalling

Water also causes damage during the freeze/thaw cycles we experience in our area, leading to structural failure and spalling. This is when the face of the brick begins to separate and as a result may even fall off. If you notice pieces of brick laying at the bottom of your chimney, it’s time to call in the experts to prevent further damage.

Inspection

Advanced Chimney technicians will inspect your your chimney in detail.  Our Techs can spot hairline cracks and openings in mortar. These will most likely need to be repaired as well as treated. If the liner is letting moisture into your masonry, a new stainless steel chimney liner may be recommended.I The most common solution offered to reduce the amount of water entering your chimney is a chimney waterproofing. This is a coating of a water repellent solution that forms a barrier against moisture intrusion.Its knows also as a chimney sealer.

Your chimney is constantly battling elements such as driving rains, repeated freezing and thawing cycles and high winds. Another obvious preventative measure is a Stainless Steel Chimney Cap. Rain going down you chimney is a no no. If you dont have one get one. There are many benefits of stainless steel chimney. Our site has many details on this.

The other way moisture gets into your chimney is from the inside out. The gases that escape out your flue contain water vapor. That moisture will work its way through any breaches in the liner and thus into your masonry chimney walls.

Don’t forget to check Advanced Chimney Inc. chimney waterproofing long island page!

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Benefits and safety of a Stainless Steel Chimney Cap

stainless steel chimney cap

A stainless steel chimney cap should be installed if one isn't already in place. Chimney Caps have an important function in the proper functioning of a fireplace. It keeps animals, rainwater, leaves and debris out of the chimney, and the mesh around the cap sides acts as a spark arrestor protecting the roof from burning embers starting a house fire. It also improves proper airflow up the flue. This small amount of metal protecting your chimney can prevent numerous mishaps from taking place and save a homeowner thousands of dollars in unnecessary chimney repair or damage expense

Critters

Your chimney is warm and squirrels, birds,mice and raccoons know it.Basically anything that can fit in your chimney. If they can get on your roof they'll set up a nest next to or inside your chimney. A squirrels can make a nest 4 feet deep in a day therefore changing airflow and even blocking it completely. This can cause soot to build up in your house and even cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Equally important, nests are highly flammable as well a safe place that's connected right to the inside of your house. A stainless steel chimney cap with a wire mesh is an easy and important step to protect your home and family.

Moisture

Rain, snow, and ice are all bad for you chimney flue. They can mix with soot and cause deterioration. In addition, any moisture that is freezing and thawing is going to cause hard damage to your flue. We can install a cap that will keep the water out!

Sparks and Embers

I see sparks flying out of chimneys all the time. Sparks and embers start fires. These embers can land on your roof or catch a dry leafy tree branch right above your house. From there I don't think I have to describe the horrible possibilities and potential for high cost damage. Whenever you see sparks coming out of the chimney you should call us to inspect your chimney cap.

Advanced Chimney Inc. Specialists can inspect, recommend, and properly install your chimney cap. Give us a call and well get right to you! 1-800-640-3583

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re blogged this because Ive been Here. Coolest Architecture ever.

After Parc del Laberint, we took the metro to Diagonal (Passeig de Graçia) to tour La Pedrera. Like all of Gaudi’s bizarre and creative spaces, La Pedrera feels like an organic architectural landscape with elements that remind the viewer of the sea. One of the things I love most about Gaudi is his avoidance of straight lines. I can’t imagine what people must have thought of Gaudi’s works at the time that they were built. These buildings feel modern and peculiar to even our modern standards. In 1911, a building like this must have been the talk of the town. 

All photos mine.

Barcelona, September 14, 2017

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That’s a nice looking chimney!

Chimney Taormina, Sicily, Italy

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cool!

Melted

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Stainless Steel Chimney Liners -What they do and why to get one.

The Lifetime chimney supply's  Stainless Steel Chimney Liner is intended for use as a masonry chimney liner. Liners are available in several sizes, gauges and shapes to suit your specific chimney need. Our certified technicians will inspect your chimney and therefore be able recommend the proper system for your home. Not all Liners are the same so we choose the best! The lifetime stainless steel chimney liner is tested and approved for masonry chimneys serving gas, oil or wood.

Why do i need a Liner

There are several reasons to replace or get a chimney liner. DO NOT ignore them! For example, if you have an old home, you may not have clay tiles lining your chimney. Although that is no longer allowed, a chimney without tiles can leak soot and noxious gases, such as carbon monoxide, through cracks in the joints. In addition, liquid  creosote soaks into the mortar joints. This results in the real possibility  your whole chimney can go up in flames. Having cracks in the flue liner is equivalent to having no liner at all! Also the addition of an insert or new stove most likely requires a chimney liner.

Advanced chimney will inspect your chimney for the above purposes. On the other hand, if you see bits of crumbled liner falling from your chimney into your fireplace, that’s evidence enough that you need to install a new chimney liner. Do not use your fireplace until you have done so. You don't want to burn your home down. But disregarding the need for a new chimney liner will eventually result in just that. Its all about safety and so are we! Its why we want you to call us. We only offer the best.

Installation

Advanced Chimney Inc.’s technicians are licensed, certified, as well as trained. Our specialists will choose the correct liner for your chimney. It will be installed  professionally and cleanly.

Prior to installation, an inspection will take place ensuring the chimney is in top working condition. In addition, the flue will be cleaned of all debris that will  likely be problematic. Then relevant repairs will also take place. Once prepped, chimney liner installation can take place. In the event repairs are needed first, we will  provide you with an estimate. As a result your home will be safe!

Whether you’re building a brand new chimney or looking to restore an older chimney, Advanced Chimney Inc  is eager to help. We’ll install an effective, and safe chimney for your home. You can count on us to prepare the best option for your home. Our technicians will make sure its watertight, functional, and attractive! In other words, Advanced Chimney will do the right thing for your home and family!

If you install a chimney liner, you’ll not only protect your home and family, you’ll add longevity to the chimney structure. In the end, installing a new chimney liner is the kind of insurance that allows you to rest easy, knowing you can use your fireplace or wood stove safely.

Advanced Chimney is Licensed and Certified as well as a member of the National Fire Protection Agency and The National Chimney Sweep Guild! As a result, you can trust our technicians for all and any chimney of fireplace related service.We are also #1 for Long Island Chimney sweeps !

Call Advanced Chimney Today 1-800-640-3583

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Why Should you have your fireplace cleaned?

Why you should schedule a fireplace cleaning !

Creosote, the black or brown residue of combustion that collects on the inner surfaces of a chimney flue liner, is highly flammable. If allowed to build up, it can catch fire, causing cracks in “fireproof” brick, stone or clay flue liners and allow heat to reach nearby wood framing and other combustible materials in your home. A dirty chimney is the cause of many house fires each year.

Have your fireplace cleaning done preferably in late spring or early summer when heating season is over. That way, you’ll have enough time to schedule any repairs you may need before the heating season begins in the fall.

All of our sweeps are certified by

CSIA  (Chimney Safety Institute of America)

and/or Have membership in the

NCSG (National Safety Sweep Guild)

. These organizations promote professionalism in the industry by testing applicants and offering continuing education opportunities to keep members up to date on changing technology and fire safety. Your fireplace relies on your chimney to ensure your home stays warm, healthy, and free from damaging smoke. So its a good idea to get an inspection of your chimney and have it cleaned before the cold and snow.

Advanced Chimney Inc

is well prepared and educated to prepare you for the winter.

Creosote

is a category of carbonaceous chemicals formed by the distillation of various tars and pyrolysis of plant-derived material, such as wood or fossil fuel. They are typically used as preservatives or antiseptics.

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Don’t rely on a canary to let you know you have a chimney leak. Check your carbon monoxide detector and call ADVANCED CHIMNEY INC. We do inspections , chimney repair, sweeps, fireplace repair and much more.