Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of Services might be available?
- Details
- Category: FAQs
- Published on Tuesday, 06 March 2012 00:58
- Written by Administrator
Some of the following services are offered by many professional chimney companies, as well as other services not listed here...check with your local chimney professional to see if they offer these services:
*Chimney Inspection & Sweeping - Evaluate chimney condition inside & out to help establish whether or not chimney is suitable for use. Many companies offer video scanning services for hard to see areas of your chimney system. Sweeping will remove dangerous, flammable creosote from inside the chimney.
*Chimney caps - Installation of raincap/animal guards can prevent potentially damaging rain, snow, animals, from entering chimney, as well as reduce risk of blockage from debris from animals & leaves. Caps are made of high quality stainless steel, copper, aluminum, and galvanized steel. Stock or custom sized caps are available.
*Glazed creosote removal - Mechanical and/or chemical removal of the most dangerous type of creosote.
*Chimney flue lining/relining - Gives new life to unlined or damaged chimneys; to prevent the penetration of flue gas byproducts like carbon monoxide gas and creosote; protect from heat transfer to hidden combustibles surrounding chimney. Liner materials include: high quality stainless steel , cast-in-place poured masonry, and aluminum...check with your professional chimney technician to see which liner would be appropriate for your system.
*Dryer vent cleaning - A properly maintained clothes dryer vent will not only help reduce the risk of fire from overheating, but improve the efficiency and reduce times to dry a load of clothes. Poorly installed vents using the vinyl flex hose(now banned by many communities in new construction) can be corrected.
*Problem solving - A multi-point evaluation/inspection may help determine causes and solutions for poor performing systems, such as smokey fireplaces or woodstoves, water infiltration due to bad flashing, deteriorating masonry, water stains on interior walls due to condensation from furnace and/or water heater, animal nesting, debris blockage, etc.
*Masonry repairs - Repairs to masonry chimneys including: Crown repair - prevent water penetration through cracks or gaps in the top of your chimney... Pointing - restore the condition of the mortar between the bricks and/or stone... Rebuilding - many times, if the deterioration is too extensive for pointing, a partial rebuild of the chimney may be recommended...Waterproofing - application of a water repellent helps protect the masonry from water damage... *** Other forms of masonry repairs may include rebuilding of the firebox using methods and materials which will increase heat output from the fireplace.
*Appliance installation - Higher efficient woodstoves, fireplaces, gas logs, glass doors, grates, etc....are many additional services available to you. Ask your professional about options.
*Animal removal or prevention - Birds and raccoons are common uninvited guests. Either humane removal as allowed by law, or the prevention of them entering the chimney can be accomplished.
.........and many, more services may be available such as: gutter cleaning, power washing, damper replacement, and much, much more. Ask if you don't see it mentioned.