5 Summertime Chimney Myths

Did you know there are several myths about fireplaces and chimneys that have been passed from homeowner to homeowner? We’ve heard many of these tales over our years of service. Here are five misconceptions about chimney ownership and summer maintenance that you should know:

Myth #1 - I didn’t use my fireplace this winter so I don’t need a cleaning and inspection this summer.

Even if you haven’t used your fireplace, it’s still important to have your chimney system inspected and serviced before you burn another fire. Cracks could have formed in the masonry, causing structural damage; moisture inside your chimney system could have created a number of issues; and animal nests could be inside your flue, creating dangerous blockages.

Myth #2 - Now that my fireplace is closed up for the season, I can forget about it until next fall.

While your fireplace might be taking a much-needed break after a busy burning season, the critters in your yard are very busy and on the prowl, looking for a place to shelter. A chimney without a cap is like hanging a “vacancy” sign to birds, racoons, and even squirrels to hunker down and build nests inside your chimney.

Myth #3 - Cleaning my chimney at the end of winter prevents bad smells.

The wet, humid air of summer that comes down your chimney brings with it odors from excess moisture, residual creosote trapped in porous bricks and mortar, animal remains, or outside debris. While a chimney cleaning is the best method to remove odor-causing debris and soot, there are other processes to help prevent that campy fireplace smell, such as waterproofing, replacing your damper, or installing a glass door.

Myth #4 - Leaving the damper open cools my home.

An open damper actually delivers hot outside air straight down your chimney and into your room, forcing your air conditioner to work harder to compensate for the constantly flow of warm air. This in turn leaves you with an overworked cooling system and higher utility bills.

Pro Tip: Even closed dampers can create drafts. If your damper has been damaged by water, animals, or has lost its seal due to age, it may be time for a replacement. Contact our CCP-certified chimney specialists to learn the benefits of a new damper.

Myth #5 - Metal liners don’t require cleaning.

While metal liners require less maintenance, they still need periodic cleaning. Creosote and other corrosive combustion gases can accumulate and cause blockages, regardless of its composition. Also, many liner warranties can be voided without annual chimney inspections.

Chimney Cleaning, Inspection, Service, and Repair in NH and MA

Whether we’re performing an inspection, sweeping a chimney, or installing a cap, the CCP-certified chimney experts can make your chimney system safe and enjoyable to use. Let us help you with your chimney needs. Contact us today.

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Now is the Time to Repair Your Chimney Masonry

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…for masonry repair. Warm spring and summer days allow mortar to properly cure. So if you are in need of chimney repairs, now is the time to do it! Schedule your work this summer so you’ll have peace of mind knowing your system will be safe and ready to use when those frosty fall evenings begin.

Common Chimney Masonry Problems

Wear and tear on your masonry can compromise your chimney’s structural integrity and performance. Although your chimney is built to withstand year after year of exposure to tough conditions, any number of problems can occur that may require masonry repair or restoration. Here are some of the most common masonry problems:

Cracks

Cracks and crevices in your masonry can occur from moisture penetrating the masonry or from the shifting and settling of your chimney. This can cause leaks that not only infiltrate your chimney and fireplace, but also your attic and ceiling, causing costly damage.

Spalling

When bricks begin to flake, crumble, or fall from your masonry, it’s called spalling. As water enters the masonry and weakens it through a cycle of freezing and thawing, it loosens the mortar around the brick and pushes the brick out in pieces. Spalling creates gaps in the masonry that compromise your chimney’s structural integrity.

Mold and Algae Growth

Moisture and dirt that are trapped in the masonry create the perfect environment for mold and algae growth. Both thrive on moist conditions with little or no air circulation – such as inside cracks of your chimney’s masonry. A CCP-certified chimney expert can identify if the growth of these contaminants originates from moisture within your masonry.

Staining

Staining is almost always the result of water damage. Water traveling through the masonry is visible from the exterior as a dark stain. If your chimney looks wet, contact us for an inspection, as masonry staining could indicate there is structural water damage within your system.

Prevent Masonry Issues with Annual Inspections

Most masonry issues can be prevented with regularly scheduled appointments with a chimney professional. We recommend cleanings and annual chimney inspections with our chimney technicians to help you monitor and identify any potential problems before they cause serious damage.

Chimney Masonry Repair, Inspections, Cleaning, and Service in NH and MA

If you need masonry repair work done or have questions about your chimney masonry, contact Admiralty Chimney to schedule an appointment. Our CCP-certified chimney team can assist you with all of your chimney masonry needs.

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How did your Chimney do this Winter?

Spring is the perfect time to see how your chimney fared from harsh winter weather conditions. The effects of snow, wind, an d ice can wreak havoc on chimneys. Even a small crack can allow water to leak inside, causing damage to your system. We recommend giving your chimney a good once-over every spring to avoid the surprise of costly repairs.

Schedule a professional inspection.

Booking an appointment with a CCP-certified chimney specialist gives you peace of mind knowing you’ll receive an expert assessment of the structure and operation of your system. During the inspection, your chimney technician will check the entire system, including those hard-to-reach components, such as the flashing, crown, and cap, looking for signs of wear and tear. They’ll also remove creosote buildup leftover from the winter season.

Look for signs of chimney wear and damage.

While you’re out and about in your yard, take a good look at your chimney’s exterior, noting any changes in the bricks or structure. Pay close attention to:

• Crumbling or Chipped Bricks at the Base Bricks are porous and susceptible to moisture. The presence of a white, chalky stain, known as efflorescence, means excessive moisture has penetrated your masonry. Contact a chimney professional for further inspection, as moisture can quickly deteriorate your bricks.

• Surface Cracks in the Bricks and Mortar Inspect the exterior of your chimney structure for cracks. Even a small breach can allow water to seep in, causing bricks to crumble, break apart, or spall—weakening the structure of your chimney. Large cracks could mean your chimney is seriously compromised and needs professional help right away.

Chimney Inspection, Cleaning, Service, and Repair in NH and MA

For over twenty years, homeowners like you have trusted Admiralty Chimney’s team of CCP-certifield chimney professionals. We have the skills, expertise, and customer service to maintain and care for all of your chimney needs. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment.

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