Chimney

Why Does My Chimney Stink?

During the summer, when we have hot, humid weather or lots of rain, you may notice an undesirable smell coming from your fireplace and chimney. This odor can be caused by a variety of reasons. Let’s explore some of the most common types of smells and the likely cause.

An asphalt or bad barbeque smell is probably due to creosote buildup. Creosote is a foul-smelling, flammable, corrosive substance that’s a byproduct of the wood-burning process.
A musty odor may be from rain water, ice or snow that’s gotten inside your smoke chamber, creating a moist environment.
A rotten, earthy smell could be from fallen leaves or other natural debris that’s gotten inside your chimney and combined with damp soot, and is now rotting.
A rotten smell of decomposition is likely from an animal that’s gotten inside your chimney and died or left animal scat.

If you have odors coming from your fireplace and chimney, contact the professionals at T.J.’s Chimney Service of Greenfield, IN. We can find the source of the smell and make recommendations for eliminating the odor.

Some solutions may be to:

Have your chimney professionally cleaned. Our chimney sweeps will remove any creosote buildup and decomposing leaves, animal nests and droppings, or dead animals. A professional chimney cleaning should eliminate most smells coming from your chimney. However, sometimes, creosote can soak into your chimney walls and may continue to smell some.
Have the professionals at T.J.’s Chimney Service install a top-mounted damper or chimney cap to the top of your chimney to keep rain and moisture out. Also, dampers and chimney caps will keep falling leaves and animals from getting into your chimney as well.
Correct negative air pressure in the home. Typically, chimney draft pulls any odors inside your chimney up the flue and away from the inside of your home. But if your home has a negative pressure issue, the smelly air can flow back into your home. This problem is often in found in newer, tightly sealed homes or when venting changes have been made. Some typical causes of negative air pressure are exhaust fans, central vacuum, additional chimneys, combustion appliance flues, range hoods and the installation of other household appliances. To correct negative air pressure in the home, you can: a) Keep a window cracked at all times to reduce the pressure; b) Close the fire damper when you’re not using your fireplace; and c) Have the professionals at T.J.’s Chimney service install a tight sealing, top-mounted damper onto the top of your chimney to reduce the airflow that comes down your chimney.

4 Causes of Chimney Crown Cracks

by TJ Robinson Leave a Comment

When was the last time you inspected your chimney crown? If you’re like most homeowners, you probably haven’t given much thought to your chimney crown. However, if your chimney crown is cracked and not repaired, damage to your chimney from water and other outdoor elements can quickly escalate, costing you thousands of dollars in repairs. Therefore, it’s important that your chimney crown is in good condition.

A chimney crown is the concrete slab that covers the top of your chimney. The crown protects your chimney from harsh weather like rain and snow. It keeps water from seeping into the chimney masonry walls and causing damage. The crown does this by redirecting the water to the outside of the chimney where it can fall to the roof or ground.

But just as the crown protects the chimney, the crown also needs to be protected. Because if a crown is left unprotected, it will eventually crack and deteriorate.

Some common reasons for cracks in your chimney crown include:

Improperly constructed chimney crowns.
Shifting of the chimney structure.
Concrete shrinkage as the water content in the concrete dries out when the crown was initially installed.
Freeze-thaw damage from water that’s absorbed into your chimney crown. As the water freezes and thaws – a process called expansion and contraction – the crown can crack and deteriorate.

Most chimney crowns have small cracks which need to be fixed, because they allow water to seep in. Then, during winter, as the water freezes and thaws, the cracks can become larger. Once bigger cracks appear, water can enter through these cracks into the masonry below, causing more extensive damage.

If your chimney is poorly constructed or has become cracked – allowing water to seep in or posing a fire hazard – contact the chimney professionals at T.J.’s Chimney Service. We will inspect your crown and chimney for damage – and we can build you a proper concrete chimney crown that we guarantee will not crack. Call us today at 317-455-5310 to schedule your appointment.

What Is a Level 3 Chimney Inspection?

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If you have experienced a chimney fire or major damage to your chimney due to a lightning strike, a severe storm or an earthquake, you should have your chimney inspected by a professional in order to assess the amount of damage done.

In these instances, the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends that you have a Level 3 Chimney Inspection completed by a certified chimney professional, like those at T.J.’s Chimney Service in Greenfield, IN.

A Level 3 Chimney Inspection is the most comprehensive type of chimney inspection. It means you have serious structural problems with your chimney system.

During a Level 3 Chimney Inspection, the technician will conduct a basic Level 1 Inspection of your chimney structure, examining all readily-accessible portions of your chimney’s interior and exterior, and will perform a Level 2 Inspection, inspecting accessible areas of chimney’s interior and exterior while looking for damage and other issues. But, as part of a Level 3 Inspection, the technician will also access concealed areas of your chimney or flue to look for hidden problems. Also during a Level 3 Inspection, the technician may need to remove specific components of the chimney and your home in order to gain access to your chimney to see what damage has been done. When necessary, this in-depth inspection may require the removal of:

Drywall adjacent to the chimney.
Exterior walls surrounding the chimney.
The chimney crown.
Interior and exterior chimney walls.

However, before any destructive action is taken to your home, the professionals at T.J.’s Chimney Service will explain what needs to be done before they do their inspection. Also they will talk with you about the reconstruction of your chimney and provide you with a job estimate for your review.

If you think your chimney has serious structural issues, for your safety, don’t delay in calling T.J.’s Chimney Service at 317-455-5310 to schedule your Level 3 Chimney Inspection.

Why You Need to Clean Your Oil-Fired Furnace Chimney

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Did you know that oil is the dirtiest burning fuel? If you have an oil-fired furnace, not only should you have your furnace inspected every year, you also need to have the chimney inspected and cleaned annually, because oil’s by-products of combustion can be very volatile and corrosive. And neglecting to clean your oil furnace can lead to significant deaths, injuries and property losses.

Spring or summer is the best time to have your oil chimney cleaned. During the winter, your oil-fired furnace can run for long cycles, which can produce soot that may adhere to the sides of your chimney. Eventually, this soot may fall to the base of your chimney or on top of your oil furnace. This soot can buildup and restrict the flow of flue gases such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide and water vapor. Over time, carbon monoxide (a tasteless, odorless, poisonous gas) can build up in your home with this soot buildup if your furnace is not properly vented or your chimney isn’t properly swept.

Additionally, soot is made up of carbon and sulphur. When this sulphur mixes with rain water or moisture from the flue gases that is absorbed into the clay flue tiles, these tiles will eventually start to deteriorate in a process called flaking or spalling. Sulfuric acid can also corrode metal chimney linings, too. Small pinholes can form in the liner compromising its integrity. In both clay and metal liners, this deterioration can lead to potential fire and health hazards.

Therefore, the National Fire Protection Association 211 codes state that “chimneys must be inspected and cleaned annually as necessary by a certified chimney sweep” like those from T.J.’s Chimney Service. Many people think that their furnace service technician will inspect and clean the chimney – but this is a misconception! The tech may shovel out the base of the chimney and brush the connector pipes, but the tech will not clean the chimney. The professional chimney sweeps at T.J.’s Chimney Service will inspect the entire chimney – the interior and the exterior – as well as clean the chimney.

So take care of your oil furnace flue this summer before the cold air returns this fall by calling 317-455-5310 to schedule your flue inspection and cleaning today. Our technicians can detect and correct any potential problems to ensure your chimney’s safe and efficient operation.

What Is a Level 2 Chimney Inspection?

by TJ Robinson Leave a Comment

chimney-444241_1280 If you use a chimney to vent a fireplace, wood stove, water heater, furnace or boiler that burns wood or fossil fuels, it’s critical that you perform regular chimney inspections and maintenance for the safe operation of your system. However, the type of chimney inspection you need depends on a number of factors.

Are you buying or selling a home that has a chimney?
Have you had a building fire?
Have you had a chimney fire?
Has an earthquake or strong storm damaged your chimney?
Have you had an operational malfunction with your chimney?
Are you making changes to your heating system, such as changing the fuel type that’s burned, or adding/replacing an appliance with a new appliance that is different from your current equipment or has a different input rating or efficiency?
Are you re-lining your flue?
Are you making changes to the materials that your chimney is made of?

If you can answer “yes” to any of these questions, the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends that you have a Level 2 Chimney Inspection completed by a certified chimney professional, like those at T.J.’s Chimney Service in Greenfield, IN.

A commonly recommended inspection level, a Level 2 Inspection is a more in-depth inspection than a Level 1 Inspection. However, in addition to everything that is done during a Level 1 Inspection, the chimney professional will:

Clean the flue system before his visual inspection.
Inspect all the accessible portions of the chimney’s exterior and interior, including attics, crawl spaces and basements.
Make sure there are proper clearances from combustibles in accessible locations.
Look for damaged masonry and cracks in the flue liner as well as other issues that may affect the safe usage of the system. If damage is found, it should be repaired.

During his inspection, the chimney technician may use still photography or video scanning equipment to examine the internal surfaces and joints of the flue liner. Other than a screwdriver, pliers and a flashlight, he shouldn’t need any other special tools to open doors, panels or coverings. So you don’t have to worry about any damage to permanently attached portions of your chimney, the structure or the finishes.

For your safety, ensure that your chimney is in good shape and operating as it should, by scheduling a chimney inspection with the professionals at T.J.’s Chimney Service. Call 317-455-5310 to make your appointment.

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.

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.

Creosote Buildup Can Cause Fires

by TJ Robinson Leave a Comment

Photo by Roberto Taddeo (cropped)

When was the last time you cleaned your chimney? A year ago? A few years ago? Never? Did you know that creosote can build up on the walls of your chimney over time? Creosote is the leading cause of residential chimney fires in the U.S. each year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Creosote is a foul-smelling, flammable, corrosive substance that’s a byproduct of the wood-burning process. Whenever you burn wood in your fireplace or stove, unburned wood particles, ash and gas vapors are released up the chimney in what’s commonly known as smoke. If the wood you’re burning isn’t sufficiently dried, steam can form, mixing with the smoke. As this steam rises up the flue, it cools the chimney, causing the gases in the smoke to condense and form liquid creosote that sticks to the inner chimney walls.

The four stages of creosote are:

Stage 1: Liquid. As the gas vapors cool and condense within the flue, liquid creosote forms. This liquid is black, gooey and tar-like. It can run down the insides of stove pipes and chimney flues, oozing out of any openings.

Stage 2: Soot. When dry, well-seasoned wood burns, a black or gray powdery substance called soot forms on the inside flue walls. Soot is the least combustible form of creosote and the easiest type for a chimney sweep, like those at T.J.’s Chimney Service, to clean away.

Stage 3: Porous and crunchy. This type of creosote appears as hard, glistening black flakes that stick to the inner chimney walls. While this type can be removed, it’s not easily brushed away.

Stage 4: Glaze. When liquid creosote condenses rapidly and coats a previous layer of creosote that hasn’t completely dried, it can form a thick layer of gooey tar. Eventually, this glaze hardens into a rock-like substance. As more fires are burned in the stove or fireplace, additional layers of glazed creosote can form. This type of creosote is very difficult to remove; and it’s highly flammable.

Over time, all forms of creosote can appear in your chimney system, causing buildup while increasing your risk for a chimney fire. Therefore, it’s important to have your flue system checked and cleaned annually to remove any creosote accumulation. Contact the chimney sweep experts at T.J.’s Chimney Service, located Greenfield, IN, to schedule your chimney inspection and cleaning. Remember: A clean flue doesn’t catch fire, so safeguard your home today.

Burning the Right Firewood Matters

by TJ Robinson Leave a Comment

Have you ever burned wood in your fireplace or wood-burning stove that caused your home to fill with smoke, or produced a bad odor, or irritated your skin? The firewood you choose can affect:

The efficiency of your fire.
You and your family’s health and safety.
Environmental protection.
The safety of your home due to increased chimney fire risk.

Before you burn your next fire, make sure you follow these tips, so you choose the right firewood.

Burn Dry Seasoned Firewood

When selecting firewood, knowing the moisture content of the wood is important. Select firewood that is dry and well-seasoned before you use it.

Freshly cut wood or “green wood” contains moisture – anywhere from 35% to 80%. Green wood shouldn’t be used fires since it:

Takes longer to ignite.
Doesn’t burn as efficiently.
Creates more smoke.
Produces creosote which can stick to the inside walls of your flue and lead to a chimney fire.

Use firewood that has been dried out or seasoned for at least 12 months. To season wood, cut and/or split the wood 12 months before use. Stack the wood to enable air flow on both ends of the wood. Cover the wood to keep it dry from rain and snow.

To burn more efficiently, seasoned wood should only have a moisture content of 15% to 20%. Use a moisture meter to test the wood.

Seasoned firewood will burn cleaner with less smoke and fumes while creating a hotter fire. Plus your flue will have less creosote buildup over time.

Woods to Never Use

Some types of wood you should never burn in your fireplace or stove include:

Leftover treated lumber or painted, stained or glued wood. Burning these woods can release chemicals and toxins, like lead or arsenic, that are unhealthy to you and your family as well as the environment. These chemicals and toxins can also damage your fireplace or stove.
Wood from poisonous plants. Burning poisonous plants, like poison oak, poison sumac or oleander, can produce smoke that may be irritating to your skin, nasal passages and lungs.
Rotted, diseased or moldy wood. Burning these woods can produce a horrible odor. Plus the bacteria, mold, mildew and fungus in these woods can make you sick.

By following these tips, you can ensure you’re building a fire that will burn efficiently while keeping you, your family and the environment safe.

Also remember to always have your fireplace or wood-burning stove inspected and cleaned annually by the professional chimney sweeps at T.J.’s Chimney Service in Greenfield, IN. Our professionals will ensure your fireplace or stove stays in top condition year after year. Contact us to schedule your appointment.

Carbon Monoxide—The Invisible Killer

by TJ Robinson Leave a Comment

Each year over 400 people die from accidental, non-fire-related carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, and thousands of people become ill from it. In fact, in 2010, U.S. fire departments responded to over 80,000 CO incidents in which CO was present in the building.

Carbon monoxide is a by-product of combustion. While most people think you can only get CO poisoning from faulty gas appliances, that’s not true. CO is produced any time a fossil fuel, like oil, gasoline, natural gas, coal, propane and other materials, is burned. Typically, CO is vented out of your home when you use fuel-burning appliances like a furnace, stove, water heater or fireplace. However, if your fuel-burning appliance is broken or incorrectly-vented, or you’re using it improperly, such as using a generator inside a home, CO can escape and back up in your home. CO can also build up when you have chimneys or flues that are wrongly fitted, cracked, blocked from animal nests and another debris, badly swept or not swept in a long time.

Carbon monoxide is an “invisible killer,” because it’s colorless, odorless, tasteless and non-irritating. So people don’t realize the toxic gas is in their home until it’s sometimes too late.

Therefore, it’s important to know the common symptoms of CO poisoning:

Headache
Fatique
Dizziness
Nausea
Shortness of breath

More severe symptoms from high levels of CO include:

Weakness or loss of muscular coordination
Vomiting
Chest pain
Mental confusion
Loss of consciousness

While CO poisoning can mimic the flu and other illnesses, if you experience any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.

To prevent CO poisoning from occurring in the first place:

Install a CO detector in your home and inspect it regularly to make sure it’s functioning properly.
Have all of your appliances checked yearly by a professional to confirm that they’re operating correctly.
Contact the CSIA-certified professionals at T.J.’s Chimney Service to ensure your appliance flues and chimney are in good working order by scheduling an annual chimney inspection and cleaning. We’ll make sure your flues and chimney are functioning properly and safely for your family’s peace of mind.