Blog

9 Signs Your Chimney Needs an Inspection

building-219901_1280 Your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to your home. But if it’s not maintained properly, it can become a source of danger to your home and family. An improperly maintained chimney can lead to a fire that starts inside your chimney, causing damage to your home and belongings – and, possibly, even injuries or death to you and your family members.

Here are some signs that you need to schedule a chimney inspection with a professional chimney sweep, like those at T.J.’s Chimney Service in Greenfield, Ind. – regardless of how often you use your chimney:

You notice smoke flooding into your home when you light a fire in your fireplace.
A layer of soot has built up on your furnishings.
Dark smoke is constantly flowing from your chimney – a sign of creosote issues.
You hear chirping or animal noises coming from your flue. Or, you can see debris used for nest making, such as twigs, grass, etc., in your fireplace.
You smell a foul odor coming from your fireplace.
You’ve had a fire in your chimney. A chimney fire can melt mortar, crack tiles, cause liners to collapse, warp metal flues, and damage the outside masonry materials.
Your chimney has sustained storm or wind damage, such as cracks in the chimney, brick pieces or full bricks have come loose, damage to chimney caps, or metal chimneys have warped, buckled or become detached.
You notice cracks in the masonry or mold accumulation, especially following winter.
You’ve moved into a new home that has a chimney. Unless the previous homeowner indicated when they last had the chimney inspected, it’s a good idea to schedule an inspection to check for chimney issues yourself.

If you see any of these signs or it’s been a year since your last chimney inspection, call T.J.’s Chimney Service at 317-455-5310 to schedule your chimney inspection appointment. An inspection typically takes less than 2 hours. Our chimney professionals will thoroughly examine your chimney and fireplace – giving you peace of mind that your home and family will be safe the next time you light a fire.

Water Can Damage Your Chimney

by TJ Robinson Leave a Comment

ice-570500_1280 Now that it’s May, the weather is finally warming up – which is a good thing if you don’t like snow and ice. But spring typically brings rain. While the roof and walls of your home protect you from rain, snow and ice, your chimney is constantly exposed to the weather. And moisture of any kind can damage your masonry chimney.

Your masonry chimney is constructed using a various masonry and metal materials, like brick, mortar, clay tile, steel and cast iron. Prolonged contact with water can cause these materials to deteriorate. For example, brick and mortar absorb water like a sponge. During the winter, the water freezes and expands. Cracks can form, deteriorating the mortar. Once the mortar cracks or breaks off, water can seep behind the bricks, causing structural damage to the chimney. Even in heavy rains, the brick and mortar can only hold so much water, which can leak into your firebox or even your home.

Water penetration can cause interior and exterior damage to your masonry chimney as well as your home. Some examples of damage include:

Chipped, fragmented or flaked brickwork
Deteriorated mortar
Cracked or deteriorated flue liner
Tilted, collapsed or settled chimney structure
Stained chimney exterior
Water-stained walls and ceiling
Deteriorated metal or masonry firebox assemblies
Deteriorated central heating system
Collapsed hearth support
Rusted damper assemblies
Rusted fireplace accessories and glass doors
Rotted wood mantle or interior walls
Ruined wall coverings

If you notice any of these signs of water damage, contact the chimney professionals at T.J.’s Chimney Service, located in Greenfield, Ind. Even if you just suspect water damage, you need to take care of the problem before it gets worse – costing you more money, and, possibly, placing your family in danger. The professionals at T.J.’s Chimney Service can search for and find the source of the water damage and make recommendations for any chimney repairs. Call us today at 317-455-5310 to schedule your inspection!

What Is a Level 1 Chimney Inspection?

by TJ Robinson Leave a Comment

It used to be when you had a chimney service technician inspect your fireplace, stove or venting system, they determined the scope of work that was performed. However, recently, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) developed minimum chimney standards that no longer leave the tasks performed during a home heating appliance inspection up to the tech. Now, there are three levels of inspections designated by the NFPA.

In this article, we will explain what a Level 1 inspection includes as outlined by the NFPA and the Chimney Safety Institute of America.

A Level 1 chimney inspection is the most common type of inspection. A Level 1 inspection is recommended if you use your chimney regularly and it’s not experiencing any problems.

During a Level 1 inspection, a chimney service professional, like those at T.J.’s Chimney Service, will examine the readily-accessible portions of your chimney’s interior and exterior. What we mean by readily accessible is – the technician won’t require any tools to gain access to your chimney to perform his inspection.

The technician will perform a basic inspection of your chimney structure, such as the joints, flue liner, connectors, chimney crown and interior walls – anything that’s not hidden behind a door, panel or other covering. During his inspection, the tech may use some common tools, such as a screwdriver, pliers and/or a flashlight, to perform his examination. But don’t worry, he’ll make sure no damage is done to your chimney structure or finishes.

He will check the fundamental installation of your fireplace as well as the clearance level between the firebox area and any combustible materials, like the wood in your fireplace mantle. He will examine inside your chimney to make sure no obstructions exist from leaves, twigs or animal nests. And he will determine if your chimney has any creosote buildup and the stage or type of buildup, which will determine what he needs to do to clean your chimney.

At T.J.’s Chimney Service, we perform Level 1 chimney inspections to help ensure the safety of you, your family and your home. Contact us today to schedule your Level 1 chimney inspection and cleaning today. We service homes in the Greenfield, Ind., area and surrounding counties.

6 Ways to Control Spring Allergies

by TJ Robinson Leave a Comment

adult-19033_1280 Spring has finally arrived in Indiana. The temps are getting warmer. The grass is getting greener. The daffodils are blooming. And the trees have buds on them and are bursting into flowers. But with the arrival of spring also comes seasonal allergies, causing your nose to run and your eyes to water.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, the most common indoor and outdoor seasonal allergy triggers are:

Tree, grass and weed pollen
Mold spores
Dust mite allergens
Cat or dog dander

But here are some tips to help you manage your seasonal allergies instead of suffering through them.

Educate yourself about over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Oral OTC antihistamines and nasal sprays and inhalants can be effective in managing seasonal allergy symptoms. Talk to your doctor for recommendations. If your allergy symptoms aren’t controlled, try switching OTC medication brands. Note: Decongestants don’t work as well with allergies since they’re designed for short-term use – seven days or less. Also long-term use of short-term nasal decongestants can lead to rebound nasal congestion.
See an allergist if OTC medications don’t work. An allergist can help you find out what exactly you’re allergic to and make a treatment recommendation.
Take your medication early in the day. In order for your medication to work, it needs to be in your system before you head outside.
Wear a protective allergy face mask when you’re working outside. For mild allergies, a simple disposable paper mask may work. Or, if you have more severe symptoms, use a respirator mask with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.
Watch pollen counts. If the pollen counts are high or it’s windy outside, plan to stay indoors as much as possible.
Reduce the allergens circulating throughout your home. Outdoor allergens can get inside, no matter what you do. Use a high-efficiency furnace filter (MERV 11 or 12). Install a HEPA air purifier in your home. Contact T.J.’s Chimney Service in Greenfield, Ind., to have your air ducts professionally cleaned. Air duct cleaning removes dust, dirt, pollens, and pet hair and dander found inside your home’s duct system, so less of these allergy-aggravating particles will circulate throughout the air in your home. Call T.J.’s Chimney Service today at 317-455-5310 to schedule your air duct cleaning appointment.

8 Brick Fireplace Cleaning Tips

by TJ Robinson Leave a Comment

wall-364683_1280 Do the bricks surrounding your fireplace look dark and dirty – especially the more you use your fireplace? Unfortunately, unsealed brick, which has a dull, flat appearance, is a porous material. That means soot, dust and dirt can penetrate into the cracks and crevasses of the bricks. Soot and dirt that has been absorbed into older bricks that haven’t been cleaned in a long time, unfortunately, can be harder to clean.

Soot is a black powder that’s produced when wood burns incompletely. Soot is hard to clean, because the particles are very small and difficult to remove completely. Plus, it easily stains most materials.

However, there are some tips you can try to clean your brick fireplace, so it can look great again.

Clean safely. Wear rubber gloves to protect your skin. Wear goggles to protect your eyes from any possible splatters. Wear an apron to protect your clothes. Make sure the room is well ventilated. Follow all cleaning product directions. Never mix cleaning chemicals together.
Make sure the bricks around your fireplace are cool to the touch. There should be no fire burning in the fireplace.
Lay down a drop cloth or plastic sheeting to protect the surrounding surfaces.
Remove the grate and any fireplace accessories.
Use a heavy, coarse brush on the bricks to loosen dirt and soot particles.
Use your fireplace brush, ash shovel and bucket to remove all ash.
Vacuum the bricks and hearth with a brush attachment to remove loose dirt and dust. Also, you may want to try the slanted head attachment to remove dirt and dust between the bricks.
Apply a brick fireplace cleaning solution or make one of your own (using these recipes). Commercial fireplace cleansers can be purchased at most home improvement stores. Make sure the cleaning solution is compatible with your fireplace bricks. Scrub the brick with a nylon scrub brush. First, try cleaning a small spot on the brick to see if it cleans the brick effectively. If not, try a different cleanser. Make sure to scrub the mortar between the bricks, too. Rinse the cleaner away with water. Let the bricks dry thoroughly. Don’t scrub damaged or deteriorating bricks as this can cause even more damage.

In the future, as soon as your bricks become dirty, wipe the soot away. This will help keep your brick fireplace looking like new.

And don’t forget to make sure the inside of your fireplace is inspected and swept at least once a year, too. Schedule an appointment with the chimney professionals at T. J.’s Chimney Service by calling 317-455-5310 today.

Safety Tips for Factory-built Fireplaces

by TJ Robinson Leave a Comment

Gas Fireplace430x335 (2) Is your home less than 50 years old? Was your home’s design one of a half a dozen new build designs in a planned neighborhood? Does your home have a fireplace or multiple fireplaces? Well, chances are your home features a factory-built fireplace.

Factory-built fireplaces – often called pre-fab fireplaces – are constructed and assembled in a factory where they must meet rigorous testing standards established by the Underwriters Laboratories and the American Gas Association. They are then transported to the building construction site and installed by a professional fireplace installer.

While properly installed, factory-built fireplaces have an excellent safety record, there are some things you should and shouldn’t do when operating your factory-built fireplace to keep your family and home safe.

Before you start a fire in your fireplace:

Open the damper, so the fire will have proper air flow.
Don’t overload the fireplace with too much firewood. Otherwise, a burning log could roll out.
Always burn well-seasoned wood – never wet or green wood.
Never burn your Christmas tree in your fireplace. A dry Christmas tree can cause a hot fire that may warp the metal used in the construction of your fireplace.
Don’t use too much paper in your fireplace, especially paper with colored inks that contain harmful chemicals you could breathe in.
Do not use flammable liquids, like gasoline, kerosene, lighter fluid, etc., to start a fire.

Once a fire is going:

Close the screen to keep any sparks from flying out that could start a house fire or burn loved ones or pets.
Close the glass doors only when the fire is almost out.

Other tips to heed:

Never install a free-standing or insert-style wood stove into a factory-built fireplace and chimney system – unless the insert has been tested and listed for use in a factory-built fireplace AND it has been approved by the chimney system manufacturer (not just the stove manufacturer). Installing an insert that’s not designed to be used with your factory-built fireplace could cause a house fire.
Have your factory-built fireplace inspected and cleaned at least once a year by a professional chimney sweep company, like T. J.’s Chimney Service. T. J.’s Chimney Service is certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America, a non-profit, educational organization that’s dedicated to chimney and venting system safety. Contact us today to schedule your annual, professional chimney inspection and cleaning.

When Should You Repair or Replace Your Chimney Cap?

by TJ Robinson Leave a Comment

stork-675308_1280 When was the last time you or a professional chimney sweep – like those at T. J.’s Chimney Service – inspected the chimney cap covering your chimney or flue? Last year? A few years ago? Never?

A chimney cap is the rectangular or round device that fits onto the top of your chimney or flue. Chimney caps have a flat, rounded or peaked roof on top and mesh screens around the sides. They can be made of stainless steel, galvanized steel, copper or aluminum. Depending upon the style of the chimney cap you have installed and the material it’s made from, chimney caps can last from a few years to a lifetime.

Some signs that it’s time to repair or replace your chimney cap include:

Your chimney cap has blown off or loosened during a storm or strong winds.
The top of your chimney cap is warped and is pulling away from the sides.
The chimney cap or mesh screen is heavily rusted.
There are holes in the screens or the screens are separating from the rest of the cap, enabling birds and animals to get in.
Creosote has built up on the screens.
The turbines on a draft-enhancing chimney cap are clogged or have stopped turning.
You’ve had a chimney fire that’s warped and damaged the chimney cap.
Water is leaking in around your flue.
Debris has gotten in and clogged your flue.

If any of these conditions exist, the professionals at T. J.’s Chimney Service, located in Greenfield, Ind., can inspect your chimney cap and flue and evaluate the situation. They can give you a recommendation on whether your chimney cap can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced.

However, don’t worry. Our professionals can offer options based on your needs and budget. New chimney caps range in price from around $40 to over $100, depending upon the style and cap construction materials. Aluminum and galvanized steel chimney caps are usually less expensive than stainless steel or copper caps. However, stainless steel chimney caps are more durable and often come with a lifetime warranty.

But, don’t wait too long to take action if you’re experiencing any of the chimney cap problems above. A damaged chimney cap makes your chimney vulnerable to water dam age which can lead to crumbling mortar in your chimney walls or rusted metal components inside your chimney.

Contact the chimney cap experts at T. J.’s Chimney Service today to schedule your chimney cap inspection.

What Is a Factory-built Fireplace?

by TJ Robinson Leave a Comment

Gas Fireplace When you think about a fireplace, you probably think of one made of bricks or stones. But did you know that, for over 50 years, many fireplaces used in the construction of new homes are actually made in factory?In fact, factory-built fireplaces now make up about 75% of all types of fireplaces used in home construction per the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors.

But what exactly is a factory-built fireplace? Well, it’s just that – a fireplace that’s been engineered to a specific design, manufactured in a factory and installed in a home at a later date.

Also called prefabricated metal fireplaces, zero-clearance fireplaces or “builder boxes,” most factory-built fireplaces are made of sheet metal and have round, metal chimneys. However, pre-manufactured masonry fireplaces are also available. Made as a complete system, pre-fab fireplaces have a firebox that’s enclosed within a steel cabinet and a steel chimney or flue. They also may have insulated walls, glass doors, an air-cooled pipe and blowers that circulate the heat from the fire.

They’re called zero-clearance fireplaces, because they’re typically installed within inches of combustible materials, like wood framing, drywall or siding. You can tell if you have a factory-built fireplace in your home by checking the outdoor enclosure around your fireplace and chimney. If the enclosure is covered with siding – and not brick or stone, chances are you have a factory-built fireplace. Also, if the front of your fireplace opening has a black metal facing and large visible louvers, you probably have a pre-fab fireplace. If you’re not really sure, you can always have a pro, like those at T.J.’s Chimney Service, check it out and tell you what kind of fireplace you have. Just know that factory-built fireplaces are safe and efficient.

While factory-built fireplace models vary, most generate heat in one of two ways.

Standard radiant heat method. The fire heats the fireplace which emits infra-red radiation. This radiant heat heats the room and you.
Circulating air method. Heat transfers to the air as it moves across the hot surfaces of the fireplace. Louvers and a blower are used to force the air along the fireplace’s hot walls and then the heated air is pushes out into the living space. Since heat rises, fresh air circulates in to replace it, therefore, circulating the air.

Regardless of whether you have a masonry or factory-built fireplace, normal maintenance and cleaning are necessary to ensure your fireplace operates safely and efficiently. At least once a year, hire a professional chimney sweep, like those at T.J.’s Chimney Service of Greenfield, IN, to inspect and clean your fireplace. Contact them today to schedule your appointment.

How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

by TJ Robinson Leave a Comment

Imagine receiving a frightening phone call from your elderly grandparents, who live out-of-state and are calling to tell you that they love you, but they’re dying. That’s precisely what happened to Ariane Townsend. And if she hadn’t of called the fire department in her grandparents’ hometown, they would have likely died of carbon monoxide poisoning.

During the phone call, Ariane’s grandparents told her that they were nauseous and vomiting. They were having problems breathing and were very weak. And based upon the phone conversation, they were very confused and not making much sense. The call ended with her grandfather telling her that they were dying, but they loved her. And with a final “bye-bye,” he hung up.

About 45 minutes later after calling the fire department, Ariane received a call back. Her grandparents were suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning and were being transferred to the hospital. A massive bird nest in their home’s chimney had caused the build-up of carbon monoxide in their home.

Since carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless and tasteless, many people don’t realize the toxic gas is building up in their home until it becomes too late. In fact, every year, over 400 people die from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. Luckily, Ariane’s grandparents weren’t added to that statistic.

Here are some things you can do to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in your home:

Install a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector alarm in your home.
Check your carbon monoxide detector regularly to make sure it’s functioning properly. Replace the batteries regularly.
Leave your home immediately if the alarm goes off and call 911.
Make sure that all gas, oil or coal-burning appliances are properly vented to the outside, so carbon monoxide can’t build up in your home.
Never patch a vent pipe with tape or something else. Have it repaired by a qualified service technician.
Have your gas, oil or coal-burning appliances inspected by a qualified technician every year.
Have your chimney checked and cleaned every year by a professional chimney service, like T.J.’s Chimney Service. Call 317-455-5310 to schedule an appointment for a chimney inspection and cleaning.
If you suspect you may have a carbon monoxide leak, stop using the appliance you believe may be causing the problem. Open doors and windows to ventilate your home.
Seek medical attention immediately, if you think you may have carbon monoxide poisoning – you’re feeling dizzy, light-headed, fatigued or nauseous.

As the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” So take steps to ensure Ariane’s grandparents’ story doesn’t become your own. Get your chimney inspected and cleaned today by T.J.’s Chimney Service, located in Hancock County, IN.

5 Benefits of Cleaning Your Dryer Vent

by TJ Robinson Leave a Comment

clean-571679_1280 How many loads of laundry do you do each week? According to Proctor & Gamble Co., the average U.S. household does 600 loads of laundry each year. And a 2007 survey of 2,500 Whirlpool customers found that 78% of those surveyed do about nine loads of laundry a week. That’s a lot of dirty clothes that we’re washing and drying. While you’re throwing your laundry into the dryer, how much thought are you giving to cleaning your dryer vent?

Sure, most people know that lint collects in the dryer’s lint filter. And they may even be cleaning out the filter before or after each load. But do you know that lint can become trapped inside your dryer and your dryer’s vent system?

Cleaning your dryer vent is a home maintenance task that you really should be doing to protect your home and family. Here are some benefits you can gain by regularly cleaning your dryer vent:

Reduced risk of a house fire. Lint is a leading cause of combustion and accounts for 28% of all residential dryer fires, according to the National Fire Incident Reporting System. From 2007-2011, dryers accounted for about 15,200 fires, 30 deaths, 460 injuries and $216 million in property damages per the National Fire Protection Association. Failure to the clean dryer vent is a contributing cause in many dryer fires.
Lowered energy costs. Lint buildup in your dryer vent means your dryer will take longer to dry your clothes. And that means, you’ll have to run your dryer more, which leads to higher utility bills. By cleaning your dryer vent, your dryer will run more efficiently and save you money.
Increased life of your clothes. When your dryer vent is blocked, your dryer can overheat, damaging the fibers in your clothes. Additionally, you’ll have to run your clothes through your dryer longer, which can cause the clothing fibers to wear out faster.
More time to do the activities you enjoy. On average, a full load of laundry takes about 50-60 minutes to dry. But when your dryer vent is clogged, it may take twice as long for clothes to dry. A clean dryer vent means you can finish your laundry quicker, so you have more time to do what you want to do.
Extended dryer life. A blocked dryer vent can cause your dryer to work harder, which means it can wear down faster, requiring costly maintenance repairs. Also lint buildup can cause your dryer to overheat, damaging sensitive sensors. Properly maintained dryer vents enable your dryer to work more efficiently, extending the life of your dryer.

At T.J.’s Chimney Service, we recommend that you should have your dryer vent cleaned professionally at least every 18-24 months. But you need to consider how often you run your dryer. A family of five requires more loads of laundry than one person or a couple. So depending upon your laundry needs, you may need to clean your vents more often. Call us today at 317-455-5310 to schedule your dryer vent cleaning appointment, so you can start reaping the benefits of a clean vent system.