CHIMNEY SAFETY | HEAT REFLECTORS

Good Solutions for Many Chimney Problems

Got chimney problems? We’re here to fix them.

Welcome to The Irish Sweep blog, where we share our chimney maintenance and repair expertise. Chimneys are an essential component of homes with fireplaces or wood-burning stoves, and proper maintenance is critical for their safe and efficient operation. Over time, chimneys can experience a range of issues, including creosote buildup and structural damage. However, there are effective solutions and preventative measures available to address many common chimney problems. In this blog, we will explore the most frequent issues that chimneys encounter and provide guidance on how to resolve them.

Smoking/Performance Issues

One of the most common chimney problems homeowners face is smoking or poor performance. When a chimney is not functioning correctly, it can lead to smoke backing up into the house, causing health problems and damage to the fireplace surround, furniture, walls and even ceilings. Poor performance can also result in low heat output, which can be frustrating for homeowners.

The Solution: There are several solutions to smoking or performance issues, depending on the underlying problem.

Check for creosote buildup: One common cause of poor performance is a buildup of creosote, a tar-like substance that forms when anything is burned. Creosote can reduce the airflow in the chimney, causing smoke to back up into the house. To address this issue, homeowners should have their chimney professionally cleaned at least once a year.
Check the damper: Another solution is to check the chimney’s damper, which regulates airflow. If the damper is not functioning correctly, it can lead to poor performance and smoking. If the damper is damaged or needs repair, a professional chimney sweep can provide a solution.

Safety Issues

Chimneys can also present safety hazards, particularly when they are not well-maintained. Safety issues can include fire safety, as well as structural safety issues.

Fire Safety

When creosote buildup or other debris accumulates in a chimney, it can ignite and cause a fire. These fires can quickly spread to the rest of the house, causing significant damage and posing a serious risk to residents.

The Solution: The best way to prevent chimney fires is to have the chimney professionally cleaned and inspected regularly. Homeowners should also avoid burning materials, such as paper, cardboard, and softwood, that can lead to excessive creosote buildup.

Check out our relevant resources on creosote and burning safety:

Structural Safety

Chimneys can also present structural safety hazards, particularly if they are not well-maintained. Over time, chimneys can deteriorate, leading to cracking, shifting, or collapse. These issues compromise the safety of the chimney and the rest of the house.

The Solution: To address structural safety hazards, homeowners should have their chimney inspected by a professional chimney sweep. A chimney inspection can identify any structural issues that need to be addressed, such as cracks, shifting, or other signs of deterioration. Trust us – you don’t want to risk the consequences of neglecting a structural problem.

Seismic Safety

In areas prone to earthquakes (hello, Bay Area!), chimneys can pose a significant safety risk if they are not adequately secured. During an earthquake, a poorly secured chimney can collapse, causing considerable damage and endangering residents. This is a major chimney problem that can cause serious harm if not addressed.

The Solution: To address seismic safety hazards, homeowners should have their chimney inspected by a professional chimney sweep. A professional can assess the chimney’s seismic safety and recommend any necessary repairs or upgrades.

Height Reduction

In general, a taller chimney without proper reinforcement poses a potential risk of collapse, especially in high-wind areas or earthquake-prone regions. This can raise concerns regarding seismic liability, efficiency, and fire safety.

The Solution: A professional chimney sweep can assess the chimney’s height and recommend any necessary height reduction measures, such as capping or shortening the chimney.

Mortar Issues

Another common chimney problem is deteriorating mortar, which can lead to gaps between the bricks or stones in the chimney. These gaps can allow water to penetrate the chimney, leading to further deterioration and damage.

The Solution:

Mortar issues are a common chimney problem, and they can lead to a variety of other issues such as smoking, safety hazards, and structural damage. Mortar is the material that holds the bricks or stones of a chimney together and it is water soluble. Over time, it can become cracked, loose, or deteriorated, which can cause problems with the chimney’s integrity. Here are some solutions to address mortar issues:

Repointing

Repointing is the process of removing old, damaged mortar and replacing it with new, fresh mortar. This is typically the go-to solution for mortar issues. A skilled chimney sweep can assess the extent of the damage and determine if repointing is necessary. If so, they will carefully remove the old mortar and replace it with new, high-quality mortar that matches the existing mortar in color and texture.

Tuckpointing

Tuckpointing is a more specialized form of repointing that involves adding a second layer of mortar to the joints to give the appearance of a very thin, well-defined joint line. Tuckpointing is often used for chimneys with intricate brick patterns, as it can enhance their appearance and improve the overall look of the chimney.

Waterproofing

Waterproofing is another option to address mortar issues. Waterproofing involves applying a product with a 10-year guarantee to the surface of bricks or stones to prevent moisture from penetrating the masonry and the mortar. This can help prevent further damage and extend the lifespan of the chimney. However, waterproofing is not a long-term solution for severe mortar deterioration, and it is essential to have the chimney inspected regularly to ensure the sealing product is still working effectively.

Rebuilding

If the mortar damage is extensive and severe, rebuilding the chimney may be the only solution. This involves completely removing the existing chimney and building a new one from scratch. While this is a more expensive and time-consuming option, it may be necessary to ensure the safety and structural integrity of the chimney. Please note, this may not be an option in your area as many cities will not issue a permit to construct a new chimney.

Cosmetic Issues

While cosmetic issues with chimneys are generally not safety concerns, they can detract from the home’s appearance and reduce its value.

The Solution: If cosmetic issues are a concern, homeowners may want to consider cosmetic repairs, such as painting or resurfacing the chimney. A professional chimney sweep can assess the extent of the damage and recommend the best course of action.

Whether the issue is smoking or performance problems, safety hazards, mortar deterioration, or cosmetic issues, there are effective solutions available to address these problems and keep chimneys in good working order.

Take Advantage of Our Chimney Promotions

At The Irish Sweep, we’re committed to fixing your chimney problems and helping our customers keep their chimneys in top shape. That’s why we’re offering two promotions to help you save on essential chimney services.

In April, we’re offering discounted services on chimney sweeping and dryer vent cleanings that will expire on May 31st of this year. This is a great opportunity to ensure that your chimney and dryer vents are cleaned and free of blockages and debris, which can improve performance, reduce the risk of fire, and ensure that your home is safe.

In May, we’re offering a discount of 15% on all open estimates for ceramic coating work that will expire on August 31st. Ceramic coating can help to protect your chimney from water damage and extend its lifespan, making it a smart investment for homeowners who want to keep their chimneys in top shape.

At The Irish Sweep, we offer a range of chimney services, including cleaning, inspection, repair, and restoration to fix your chimney problems. Our experienced chimney sweeps can identify and address any problems with your chimney, ensuring its safe and efficient operation. Contact us today to schedule a chimney inspection or to learn more about our services. If you have chimney problems, we can fix them!

Safety PSA: How Safe is Your Chimney With All This Rain?

Chimney safety in the rain is no joke.

The weather in California has been exceptionally rainy lately. The state has just experienced our ninth atmospheric river in a three-week succession of major winter storms, leading to flooding, landslides, and hazardous conditions. For residents of the state, it’s essential to be aware of the potential effects of the rain on our homes – particularly our chimneys.

In order to ensure complete safety from potential leaks, erosion, or falling debris, there are certain areas of concern that should be checked and monitored.

How Safe is Your Chimney With All This Rain?

Mortar, the material that binds the bricks of a chimney together, is water soluble. When exposed to moisture from rain, snow, and ice, mortar can become soft or eroded. This can lead to structural instability and damage to a home.

Watch out for these eight areas of concern for chimney safety in the rain:

Soft sheetrock around the chimney. Touch the sheetrock walls on either side of the fireplace fascia and determine if there are indications of moisture. If there is a leak near the ceiling, it is probably a flashing issue.
Moisture inside the firebox. Touch the inside of the firebox and see if the brickwork is moist. If it is, the culprit could be gutter, downspout or flashing issues.
Roof leaks & flashing leaks. Be sure to thoroughly inspect all roofing material for any signs of damage, as leaking or missing roofing material can compromise the stability of the chimney structure.
Heavy rain and hail pounding the chimney. Prolonged exposure to heavy showers can cause erosion over time, weakening the chimney walls.
No flue cap or a loose flue cap. Heavy winds can blow off or loosen a flue cap.
Efflorescence. This is a white powdery residue that can be seen when a chimney dries out after it has become wet.
Falling trees or branches rubbing against the chimney structure. Wet weather will make the tree branches heavier, and with high winds, it can beat a chimney down or cause serious damage. Make sure to pay special attention to any trees in close proximity to bedrooms.
Wind stress on the chimney. High winds can add extra stress to the chimney, particularly if there is an old TV antenna still attached.

By taking the time to inspect these areas of concern, California residents can rest easy knowing that their chimneys are safe and secure during this rainy season. In order to ensure complete safety from potential risks, homeowners should routinely inspect their chimneys for these areas of concern. A certified professional can also provide an inspection and determine if any repairs are necessary.

Preemptive Safety Checks

Taking safety measures now can prevent damage down the line. The Chimney Safety Institute of America outlines what we can do now to protect our homes and chimneys during wet weather.

Check the Gutters & Downspouts

Poorly sloped gutters and gutters that are broken or overflowing can cause water to collect and seep near the chimney. In addition, improperly placed downspouts might act like a funnel for unwanted moisture if not directed away from the structure’s base. All of these conditions have the potential to lead to mysterious pools of water around the chimney. Ensure that all gutter and downspout systems are in good working order. They should move water away from the chimney structure, not directly onto it.

Inspect The Roof

A properly installed and well-maintained roof is the first line of defense against water seepage. Inspect the flashing around the chimney, along with any sealants used in the installation. Also look for signs of cracking or wear that might indicate a need for repair.

Check the Base of the Chimney

The base of the chimney should be sealed and able to withstand moisture. Have a professional inspect any concrete or masonry blocks that have become cracked or weathered in order to repair them before they become damaged by water.

Post-Rain Safety Tips

Have a professional inspect the chimney after a heavy storm. This is especially important if any of the warning signs mentioned above have appeared.
Inspect the interior walls for water damage, corrosion, and staining.
Schedule an annual sweeping to ensure that moisture isn’t collecting inside the chimney liner or flue.
Check for any signs of mold or mildew.
Have a professional inspect the chimney if it emits any strange odors.

By doing these simple maintenance checks, homeowners can confidently protect their homes and chimneys from potential risks associated with wet weather.

Contact The Irish Sweep for any masonry repair, fireplace insert installation, chimney cleaning, and/or dryer vent cleaning. We offer these services to Bay Area customers in order to ensure their health and safety.

Why Consider Chimney Height Reduction?

Have you ever seen a really tall chimney column that just stands out in the neighborhood? We see them all the time and wonder if the residents are aware of their potential hazard. Did you know that the section from the roof to the top of the chimney can frequently be reduced in
height?

Potential Collapse Hazard

A taller chimney that is not reinforced is a potential collapse hazard in general, especially when living in high wind areas or earthquake country. With concerns particularly around seismic liability, efficiency, and fire safety.

Inefficient Chimneys

In general, an inefficient chimney can cause several problems and sometimes it is better to just get it removed or reduced in height. The Irish Sweep are experts in this area and have been spending many working days assisting their customers in chimney height reduction goals.

Reasons for Chimney Height Reduction

Prior to installing a gas burning fireplace insert. This is a perfect time to reduce the height as it isn’t required for proper performance.
Potential collapse hazard and seismic liability concerns. Especially if the chimney could collapse into a bedroom, frequently used living spaces and even where a car is parked in the garage or driveway.
Reclaim space. If the chimney is interior to the home, customers sometimes want to reclaim the space in their house particularly if going through a remodel.
Expert recommendation. If a structural engineer or similar profession deems this to be important.

How Ceramic Coatings Make Your Chimney Safer, and 3 Other Benefits

In this blog post, we’ll explain how ceramic coatings make your chimney safer – and the many other benefits of using them.

If you’re like most homeowners, you probably don’t think about the chimney until there’s a problem with it. And by then, it’s often too late. A broken or deteriorated chimney can lead to all sorts of safety and efficiency problems in the home, from hazardous flue gasses leaking into the living space to an increase in our energy bills due to draft problems. But ceramic coatings can help prevent all that!

How Does a Chimney Lose Integrity Over Time?

With time, even a lightly-used fireplace and chimney can start to deteriorate. Exposure to winds, extreme temperatures, and moisture can cause mortar joints to crack and separate, bricks to crumble or spall, metal dampers to rust through, and clay flue tiles to crack.

This deterioration can lead to all sorts of problems in our home. To stay ahead of damage and keep our chimney functioning efficiently, opt for a chimney inspection at least once a year. We can also prevent deterioration (and fix certain safety issues) by hiring professional services to apply ceramic coatings to our chimney.

How Do Ceramic Coatings Make Your Chimney Safer?

Applied inside a chimney, the ceramic coating seals any gaps or cracks. It covers an even ceramic layer that allows smoke and dangerous chemicals to escape straight out of the chimney’s crown. It also inhibits further acid corrosion and prevents damage that might result from it. This not only ensures that the chimney will continue to function properly but also gives us peace of mind knowing that no expensive repairs will sneak up on us.

Other Benefits of Ceramic Coatings

Lengthens the Chimney’s Lifespan

Ceramic coatings are designed to restore and repair the flue while protecting it against future damage. The heat-resistant, water-resistant, chemical-resistant ceramic surface decreases dangerous heat transfer that would otherwise damage an unreinforced fireplace.

Helps Prevent Chimney Fires

Poorly maintained flues and chimneys are one of the common causes of home fires. When creosote, a combustible byproduct of incomplete combustion, builds up in the flue, it can ignite and cause a dangerous chimney fire. Ceramic coatings help to prevent these types of fires by sealing and protecting the flue and preventing the buildup of creosote. The ceramic coating also makes it easier for the chimney sweep to clean the chimney!

Eco-Friendly and Cost-Effective Choice

Ceramic coatings are a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to protect a chimney. They are manufactured from recycled and natural materials, and are much more economical than rebuilding a chimney! Because the ceramic coating seals all the cracks and gaps in the chimney, often an increase in energy efficiency is noticed – which means we save money on our energy bill.

Our highly skilled experts offer a 20-year warranty on ceramic coatings. The coating will not crack or chip due to temperature changes and is highly resistant to water penetration, so you won’t have to worry about repair costs for a long time!

To learn more about the many benefits of ceramic coating, contact us today!

Why you Need a Home Inspection Chimney?

Before you buy your dream home, it’s important to get a full home inspection chimney. Home inspection chimney can uncover potentially life-threatening problems like toxic mold, faulty wiring that could cause a significant fire, or unstable structures just months away from collapsing. Often as buyers, we expect a professional home inspection chimney service to cover all aspects of the property, but the chimney needs a separate qualified evaluation for many safety reasons.

The health and safety of your family could depend on your decision to go through with a chimney inspection. Here’s some important information you need to know about why home inspection chimney are crucial when it comes to purchasing new homes.

What a home inspection chimney could uncover:

Potential Water Damage

Did you know that the foundation of a chimney is typically only 12 inches deep? That means that with earth movement from summer to winter, water damage from sprinklers, downspouts, and weather conditions could render your chimney foundation dangerous.

Neglected Spaces

Most inspections are carried out for the purpose of the loan lender or negotiations, and they may not always serve the buyer. Make sure that your home inspection includes often-forgotten spaces like the crawl space, basement, attics, chimney, fireplace, and loft area. A smart buyer can even use details from the full home inspection to negotiate with the seller.

Shifting from New Construction

Has the space around the chimney been newly landscaped, subject to digging, or under construction? Have there been significant earthquakes since the last chimney inspection? Shifting of the earth underneath or around the chimney could cause instability, which is why it’s important to make sure the inspection includes outdoor areas surrounding the chimney.

Instability from Cold Weather

With the drought and hotter weather, the hard soil can stabilize a chimney to some degree, but only temporarily. As cold weather moves in, dampness and moisture soften the soil around the base of the chimney, allowing movement in the structure which could render the chimney unstable. Even if the house is on a concrete slab and the chimney is surrounded by concrete, the concrete still absorbs the moisture and the chimney can still move. If your area experiences high winds, wet weather, and earthquakes, instability can be particularly dangerous.

Fireplace Inserts: Extra Credit

Once your fireplace and chimney have been thoroughly inspected and cleaned, you may be looking for ways to enjoy the ambience of a crackling fire. A fireplace insert is a fuel-efficient, heat-efficient method of doing just that. The closed combustion system of a fireplace insert can be 60% to 80% heat efficient, contrasting with traditional or older fireplaces that only convert 5% to 20% of fuel into usable heat. You can enjoy watching the flames through the glass doors of the fireplace insert while needing less firewood to keep them stoked.

Schedule a Home Inspection Chimney Now

Our services at The Irish Sweep can help you safely maintain and enjoy your wood-burning fireplace and chimney for years to come. To schedule an appointment with an expert, call us at (510)521-4088, or use this simple contact form by clicking here.

Is the Height of Your Chimney a Seismic Liability?

When was the last time you took a good look at your chimney? If you’re like most homeowners, it’s probably been a while since you gave it any thought. But a word of warning from a local chimney cleaner, the height of your chimney can actually become an earthquake liability, especially here in California. Should you reduce the height of your chimney?

Bay Area Chimneys

Chimney height reduction or seismic liability reduction are the same thing. In the Bay Area, we get most of our wet weather coming in from the south. What this ultimately means for homeowners is that south-facing chimneys deteriorate faster than they would if they were built on any other side of the house. Remember, the mortar that holds them together is water soluble. As a Lafayette chimney cleaner, this is one of the most dangerous things we see.

Reasons to Reduce Your Chimney Height

Over time, chimneys in our area become unsupported masonry structures that were exposed to the elements for a hundred years. Just think of what you would look like if you stood outside for decades in the rain and the sun!

A good reason to reduce the height of your chimney is to lower the risk of earthquake damage. More than a couple significant fault lines cross through the Bay Area, including the San Andreas Fault and 6 others that pose considerable risk. Just imagine the destruction of your chimney crashing into the yard, or in the direction of your neighbor’s home. Any Lafayette chimney cleaner will tell you what a serious hazard a leaning or broken chimney is.

Note that an unlined chimney is more susceptible to seismic activity, meaning it’s more likely to break during an earthquake. This is a good reason to reduce your chimney’s height and install a gas burning fireplace insert.

When Mortar Turns to Sand

Here’s an example of a broken chimney that had become a worrisome seismic liability. As you can see in the photo, this is an issue of poor water management around the perimeter foundation of the house. Because mortar is water soluble, chimneys wick up groundwater. So, if there are downspouts dumping water near the base of the chimney, it draws in the water, turning the mortar into sand. Of course, this process doesn’t occur overnight, but given enough time, it creates a dangerous situation that needs to be taken care of.

Bear in mind that the chimney is the heaviest part of any house, so this would be problematic even in states where earthquakes are uncommon. When the soil around the base of the chimney gets wet, that soft soil allows the chimney to sink. This is something most homeowners aren’t aware of, but it’s common knowledge if you’re a Lafayette chimney cleaner. It’s a glacially-slow process, but after enough rainy seasons have passed, it can weaken the entire structure. This creates a chimney that is more vulnerable to seismic activity. In fact, the chimney can be pulled apart from the fireplace fascia.

Talk to a Lafayette Chimney Cleaner

Gas-burning fireplace inserts don’t need a lot of height for venting, so you might consider installing one if you choose to reduce the height of your chimney. To schedule an appointment with The Irish Sweep, call us at (510)521-4088, or use this simple contact form by clicking here. Your safety is our number one priority. That’s why our team is taking special precautions during the pandemic. We look forward to hearing from you.