MAINTENANCE

CLEANING - Masonry Fireplace

Your masonry fireplace needs regular care and cleaning to assure a safe and efficient fire. Creosote, a flammable tarlike substance that accumulates in the chimney and flue, should be removed by a professional, eliminating the worry of at least one potential fire hazard. A routine cleaning throughout the wood-burning season will eliminate a potentially dangerous accumulation of soot, ashes, and creosote tars.

We cover the area around the fireplace with drop sheets then inspect the fireplace, box, and damper. We close the damper and seal the front of the fireplace with plastic. We then go on roof and remove the chimney cap so we can Inspect the chimney and flue from the roof. We then brush the Flue from the roof using the appropriate cleaning brushes, the smoke chamber is also brushed and cleaned thoroughly. We remove the front cover seal and vaccuum out the debris from the smoke chamber, shelf, and firebox. We then clean up the whole area and remove tarps.

CLEANING - Woodstove

Use of a wood stove requires regular attention to a few maintenance procedures; Proper cleaning of the chimney to remove creosote deposits, and regular inspection of the installation and handling of ashes. Stove pipe is subjected to high temperatures and will corrode in time. It must be checked periodically and replaced when it appears to be corroding beyond safe limits.

We cover work area in drop sheets, nspect appliance, certification, floor pad, and stove pipes. We go on roof, check for signs of deteriation and stability. We clean the Flue with the appropriate cleaning brushes and reinstall the chimney cap. We go back inside and clean the woodstove and remove any debris. We remove, clean, and inspect the stove pipes, then reinstall properly. We then clean up any remaining debris and remove drop sheets.

CLEANING - Inserts

All inserts must have an approved stainless steel liner connected from the insert collar to the top of the flue, by code, in order to properly clean system.

We cover work area in drop sheets, inspect appliance, connections, clearances, and liner. We remove baffle and close door. There must be a stainless steel liner from appliance to top of chimney. We go to the roof and inspect the chimney, liner, and cap. We then use the appropriate brushes to clean the Flue. The cleaned liner is then inspected and cap is reinstall. The insert is then cleaned from the inside and all debris is removed. We reinstall the baffle, clean up any remaining debris and remove drop sheets.

W.E.T.T. INSPECTIONS

We at The Chimney Company are often called upon to provide W.E.T.T. inspections on wood burning sytems and appliances.

PROBLEM AREAS - Blockages & Animals

It is important to clean and inspect your system on an annual basis to prevent problems such as animals and blockages.

Screen "Key" caps if necessary.

Install metal caps on clay flues.

Properly flash liners on top of flues and caps.

PROBLEM AREAS - Smoke

There are numerious reasons as to why a system smokes or backdrafts. The following diagrams illustrate some of the common problems and remedies that exist.

Outside installations may backdraft more due to cold weather.

A lock top can be used to prevent smoke from exiting one flue and coming down the adjacent flue.

Revolving vents help induce the draw using the wind.

PROBLEM AREAS - Chimney Fires

Chimney fires normally occur due to the lack of regular maintenance and/or improper combustion.

Unlined brick chimneys require an approved chimney liner for safe use. Unlined inserts are also a common cause of chimney fires. A stainless steel liner is required by code.

CAPS

A chimney cap is intended to prevent animals, birds, rain, and snow from entering the chimney. It can also help to prevent downdrafts. Here are some examples.