Tag Archives: Chimney

How Do You Clean A Chimney?

Chimney Cleaning Services on Roof of Home & Working

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Your chimney isn’t just where St. Nick makes his way down on a cold winter’s evening, it’s where warmth and fire can spread into the rooms of your home. Yet beyond the cozy comfort of a fire, a chimney is a home system that needs to be checked up on just like any other system of the home. With fire comes soot, ashes and other components that need maintenance and our chimney cleaning services to periodically be incorporated into the home maintenance routine. It’s in this way that your chimney can be kept in proper working condition without causing harmful toxins from infiltrating the house or damaging other areas of the home systems. Chimney cleaning is essential in maintaining the health and safety of any home systems. Here is some helpful information that can prove essential the next time you require chimney cleaning.

How often should you have your chimney cleaned?

Chimney cleaning can vary in timeframe dependent on how often you use your chimney. What’s more, even if you don’t use your chimney often there can be other occupants such as squirrels, birds or raccoons that could be nesting and creating debris in it. The bare minimum chimney cleaning according to the National Fire Protection Association should be once per year as this can correct any unnatural clearances, check for deposits, cleanliness duties and bring up any needs for repair. According to the Chimney Safety Insitute of America fireplaces or chimney cleaning should occur when ⅛ inch of sot buildup is seen in the flue and chimney system. As of such, even if the build-up is less then ⅛ inches if any glaze is seen chimney cleaning should still be done. This is because of the fact that any buildup of soot or creosote can spark a chimney fire. With heavy use fireplaces, you can expect such cases of gallon buckets of material being removed, that’s why it’s important to know of your chimney use and how that affects soot and creosote buildup to unsafe levels.

What dissolves creosote?

Creosote naturally forms from the burning of wood from a fireplace or wooden stove. This substance can build up in chimney flies which leaves a potential for chimney fires. It’s therefore essential to remove buildup at least once a year. One way to do this is to burn aluminum cans in hot fires which can loosen creosote so it flakes and falls down into the fireplace or firebox. Although this is a good method it doesn’t clean the creosote off fully and a chimney brush will still be needed to ensure cleanliness.

Do chimney cleaning logs really work?

Although chimney cleaning logs carry a chemical catalyst which can reduce early stages of creosote buildup of up to 60% with repeated use, they won’t magically clean and clear out the build-up of your chimney. Soot and creosote build-up will still need to be cleaned. 

Three Stages of Creosote Buildup

There are three stages of creosote build up that can affect the level of difficulty in cleaning it up. The first stage involves flaky soot that is easily removed with a chimney cleaning brush. The second stage involves more passage of time when flakes harden to tar which will need to be removed with specialized rotary tools. The final or third stage involves the creosote turning into a tar-like glaze that in most cases will require replacing the chimney liner.

Worker on Roof Repairing Brick for Chimney Cleaning Services

Chimney Cleaning Steps

  • Get the right cleaning tools.
  • Get special brushes for the firebox.
  • Spread a tarp to minimize mess, tape it around the hearth.
  • Create an opening and insert a vacuum into the tarp. 
  • Vent vacuum to the outside.
  • Brush the flue & relevant areas.
  • Run the vacuum to collect fall out.

Will a chimney fire burn itself out?

A slow burning fire may occur with your chimney and burn itself out yet this can be a danger as they aren’t as loud as free burning fires which sound like an airplane or other loud blazing noise. With a slow burning fire, you can still cause damage to your property as they still burn at high temperatures that can cause structural damage and catch on to flammable objects in your home.

How much does it cost to have your chimney cleaned?

A basic chimney cleaning or sweep can average $150-$250. Factors that can affect pricing can include the condition that your chimney is in, the type of chimney you have, if you have creosote buildup or if there are nesting/dead animals inside.

Contact A Professional For Assistance

When you’re in need of North Plainfield and Bridgewater, NJ chimney cleaning services than rely on DRX Duct Cleaning for chimney cleaning and inspection. Only through the help of a professional will you be able to have your chimney cleared of any potential dangers with your safety in mind. It’s important to realize that although some chimney cleaning equipment is available to the public only a professional will be able to determine if any build up or problems in your chimney would call for chimney cleaning and repairs. Learn more about Fireplace and safety tips & resources for homeowners. Chimney and venting certifications for industry professionals.

If you’re interested in chimney cleaning in North Plainfield and Bridgewater, NJ call (908) 755-2950 with DRX DUCT LLC!

How Do You Know When It’s Time to Clean Your Chimney?

Upmarket living room interior with a blazing fire, recessed overhead lighting, modular comfortable sofas and a trophy mounted on the chimney alongside a glass patio door

How Much Does It Cost to Have Your Chimney Swept?

Do you have a fireplace in your home? If you do and use it with some measure of frequency, you’re going to want to acquire some basic maintenance skills. Treating this important foundation structure properly is key to house maintenance. According to a survey of almost fifteen thousand nationwide homeowners, the average chimney sweep cost is approximately $228. This average is based on an average of numbers, with the price vacillating between $125 and $332.

If you have a wood fireplace, it is highly advisable that you keep regular maintenance. Build-up from years of neglect could total as much as $800. While using a wood-burning fireplace in the winter can lower your electric bills, smoke in the stack leaves remnants of ash and carbon residue. This residue needs to be extracted at least annually because it can lead to chimney fires, carbon monoxide leaks, and a troubling lack of airflow.

Is it Safe to Clean Your Own Chimney?

When safety precautions have been put in place, and with a repertoire of handy knowledge, a safe cleaning can be accomplished. It is advisable to clean your chimney in the fall, before the burning season begins. Whether or not you choose to undertake chimney cleaning in Bridgewater, NJ yourself is ultimately up to you. There are a series of considerations to take under advisement. First of all, never clean your chimney with an active fire. The chimney should be cool, and no fire should be present. Also, wear protective eye and mouth gear, such as a dust mask. This is because you do not want to breathe in these pollutants. DRX Duct Cleaning has the correct tools to get this job completed successfully.

Do Chimney Sweeping Logs Really Work?

Creosote is the name of the filmy residue that is deposited in a flue by burning wood. When a sweep commences, creosote is the substance that needs to be removed. Creosote is a huge fire risk. Creosote sweeping logs are available on the shelves of many big-box stores. You may be wondering, as a consumer, if these logs really work. The verdict is in: yes, creosote logs work, but only up to a point. Creosote sweeping logs dry up the creosote in the fireplace. Once the creosote dries up, soot particles naturally fall into the fireplace. Burning a creosote log makes the next fire safer, and the next chimney sweeping easier.

Modern living room with fireplace and a view to the coast

How Often Should You Sweep Your Chimney?

this really depends on how often you use your chimney. The job of the chimney sweeper is to remove soot, built up creosote from your chimney liner, firebox, smoke chamber, and damper. Even if you only have minimal use of your fireplace, you should get an annual chimney inspection to make sure that all your systems are in working order. The National Fire Protection Association states that, “fireplaces shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary.”

The CSIA, Chimney Safety Institute of America, has a more specific requirement, stipulating that fireplaces should be cleaned when there is an eighth of an inch of soot build-up found.

Common Issues

While it may not seem necessary to clean your chimney often, expect the following issues if you don’t:

  • Birds, squirrels, and raccoons making your chimney a makeshift home.
  • Blockages caused by branches, leaves, and outside debris. These blockages can cause critical problems.
  • Creosote possibly igniting a fire in your chimney due to the presence of build up.

Once again, creosote is a dangerous substance containing a high percentage of soot. The first layer of creosote can be removed with a chimney brush. If your chimney catches on fire, it is not a stretch for that fire to spread to your home, and for further damage to occur.

Metal roofing practically eradicates the chance of your roof catching on fire. Consult with a local, trusted roofer to begin a conversation to see if you would benefit from a metal roof.

What is Your Chimney Made Of?

In order to find out what it’s made of, let’s first diagram what kind of fireplace you have. There are two main types of fireplaces – masonry fireplaces and factory built fireplaces. A masonry fireplace possesses a firebox built of individual, generally yellowish firebrick, with a brick chimney above the roof. A prefab, or factory built fireplace generally has a firebox of cast refractory panels and generally speaking there is some metal visible in the room around the firebox.

Masonry composites are primarily made of brick and mortar. They usually have some sort of internal liner to protect the flue from damage. In factory made chimneys, the flue is made completely out of metal, and resembles a pipe or tube. This liner can be made out of clay tiles, aluminum or steel, or a cast-in place material.

The Flue

A flue is a duct, pipe, or opening that conveys exhaust gases from a fireplace. Flues can also transmit gases from a furnace, water heater, boiler, or generator to the outdoors.

How Do I Clean My Liner?

Cleaning a liner is a time-consuming process, but can be done. The first thing you need to do is remove the rain cap. Next, you will select the proper size nylon, poly, or natural bristle chimney brush to clean the liner. You will need to make sure that the brush head passes throughout the complete length of the liner, including the connectors, terminals and tees. Next, you will need to connect the cleaning brush to the end of the cleaning rod. Insert the brush down the flue from the top of the chimney. Guide the chimney brush up and down the flue.

You will want to add more cleaning rods to extend further down the chimney. After sweeping, use a shovel to remove the ash and creosote that has fallen from the flue.

The Brush

When choosing a brush for your fireplace, be sure to select a brush that fits accordingly with the size and dimension of your fireplace. The material of a chimney brush is usually composed of metal wire or polypropylene, and will suit the masonry or factory built origin of your fireplace. For masonry chimneys, metal wire brushes will be the ideal instrument for chimney cleaning. Likewise, for factory built chimneys, polypropylene, which will not be too harsh on the metal liner.

If you live in the North Plainfield and Bridgewater, NJ area, consult the professionals at DRX DUCT LLC for all your chimney needs. Call (908) 755-2950 today!

3 Reasons to Schedule Fireplace Chimney Cleaning

Chimney Sweep Standing on Roof of Home & Working

Chimney sweep standing on roof of home working

Fireplaces can be a wonderful luxury in modern homes, but they can also be incredibly dangerous if not properly maintained. One important part of maintaining the integrity of your fireplace is regular Fireplace Chimney Cleaning. Now that winter has passed and the weather is starting to get warmer, it is a great time to consider hiring a professional to clean your chimney. If you would like to schedule chimney cleaning in your home, contact the staff a DRX DUCT LLC. We are here to make sure the air quality in your home is the best that it possibly can be.

Benefits of a Fireplace Chimney Cleaning

There are many reasons to make sure your chimney is cleaned regularly. Here are some of the main reasons why this is such an important part of your home maintenance.

It Allows For Proper Ventilation
Fires produce smoke, carbon monoxide, and other harmful gases. If the chimney is blocked, these gases won’t be able to get outside your home and instead will fill your living room. This could have dire consequences for your and your family.

It Improves Overall Safety
Over time creosote and other debris can build up in your chimney. If it isn’t removed on a regular basis, it can create a fire hazard for your home. Regular chimney cleaning allows you to protect your home and family.

It Extends the Life of Your Chimney
Your chimney and smokestack can wear out over time. A regular chimney cleaning and inspection can help pinpoint problems and get them fixed before they cause significant damage and you have to get the whole chimney rebuilt.

If you have questions about the condition of your chimney or would like to schedule an appointment for chimney cleaning in North Plainfield and Bridgewater, NJ, call our staff at (908) 755-2950.

Do I Have To Clean My Hot Water and Furnace Chimney?

Every year around the time the temperatures begin to drop, we all start to think about getting our fireplace, wood stove and furnace chimney inspected and cleaned. There’s more than one chimney that we need to be aware of, though. The truth is, a clogged hot water or furnace chimney can be extremely dangerous. Properly venting any fuel burning appliance is something to take very seriously.

How To Check For Clogs

Do I have To Clean My Hot Water and Furnace Chimney?

Do I Have To Clean My Hot Water and Furnace Chimney? Find Out Below!

If heat is bellowing out from the bottom of the smoke pipe on your hot water heater, it can mean there is a clog in the flue to the roof. If it feels unusually hot, call in your heating professional right away.

Place your hand in front of the burner section of your furnace. The excessive heat felt in this area can also be an indicator of a problem in the chimney. Newer furnaces have updated safety mechanisms that shut down the furnace. However, blocked chimneys in older heaters can cause a buildup of carbon monoxide. This is a deadly gas that is colorless, and odorless. It is very dangerous.

Inspect at the ground level to be sure your chimney caps are intact. Over time, caps can rot and a decent gust of wind can even blow them away. This is an important part of the cooling system in a metal chimney. Additionally, it prevents animals from seeking shelter in its warmth and serves to keep the weather out. A cap on a masonry chimney will also prevent animals and keep the weather out.

If your furnace has a masonry chimney, it should also be checked. Water vapor is a by-product of the combustion of natural gas. This water vapor can saturate the masonry inside the chimney. Over time, the acids in the water can damage the mortar.

It’s a good idea to make checking and cleaning your water and furnace chimney a part of your routine home maintenance procedures. Call DRX Duct Cleaning at (908) 755-2950 to set up your inspection and water or chimney cleaning today! And remember, if you suspect a problem with your hot water heater, call your plumber immediately. If you feel there may be an issue with your furnace, contact your HVAC professional. It’s better to be safe than sorry!