© Expert Chimney Services 2016
Expert Chimney Services
Welcome
Expert Chimney Services is our full-time business. expertchimneyservices@outlook.com (315) 469-5004 4800 McDonald Road Syracuse, New York 13215 Expert Chimney Services has been serving Syracuse and surrounding communities in Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga, and Oswego Counties on a full-time basis for over 40 years. We are Syracuse's longest-established and most experienced chimney service. We are fully insured…and our employees are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America. Our chimney sweeps have over 100 years combined experience on chimneys in the Syracuse area. We are a family-owned, full-service, full-time chimney company....it is not a part- time job or a weekend project! Expert offers three levels of chimney inspection as well as chimney sweeping, chimney caps, chimney re-lining, animal proofing, and major chimney repair. We sell and service fireplace inserts and wood stoves. Let Expert Chimney replace your old wood fireplace with a new gas fireplace. Our public office located at 4800 McDonald Road (near Kelley's Restaurant at the intersection of Velasko Road, south of Western Lights and northwest of Onondaga Hill) is open weekdays for your convenience. We are members of The Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce, The National Chimney Sweeps Guild, and The National Fire Protection Association. Our chimney sweeps have passed certification testing by The Chimney Safety Institute of America; only those who are certified may display the CSIA logo you see at the left. Read unsolicited reviews by customers as they currently appear at the Business Finder on syracuse.com.
Professional Chimney Sweeps inspect chimneys,
clean chimneys, do repairs, and relining. Some
sweeps also do restoration work, masonry,
chimney and fireplace building, and installation of
wood and gas burning appliances. Sweeps who
have the proper education know the current codes,
and who have the latest methods and equipment,
and current standards in the industry.
Do you have a wood fireplace that you want to upgrade?
Modernize…replace it with a safe, efficient, and low-maintenance gas fireplace. Call Expert…. celebrating 40 years providing Central New York with expert chimney service.
Same owner-operated since 1979.
© Expert Chimney Services 2015
Expert Chimney
Welcome
Expert Chimney Services is our full-time business. expertchimneyservices@outlook.com (315) 469-5004 4800 McDonald Road Syracuse, New York 13215 Expert Chimney Services has been serving Syracuse and surrounding communities in Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga, and Oswego Counties on a full-time basis for over 40 years. We are Syracuse's longest-established and most experienced chimney service. We are fully insured…and our employees are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America. Our chimney sweeps have over 100 years combined experience on chimneys in the Syracuse area. We are a family-owned, full-service, full-time chimney company....it is not a part-time job or a weekend project! Expert offers three levels of chimney inspection as well as chimney sweeping, chimney caps, chimney re-lining, animal proofing, and major chimney repair. We sell and service fireplace inserts and wood stoves. Let Expert Chimney replace your old wood fireplace with a new gas fireplace. Our public office located at 4800 McDonald Road (near Kelley's Restaurant at the intersection of Velasko Road, south of Western Lights and northwest of Onondaga Hill) is open weekdays for your convenience. We are members of The Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce, The National Chimney Sweeps Guild, and The National Fire Protection Association. Our chimney sweeps have passed certification testing by The Chimney Safety Institute of America; only those who are certified may display the CSIA logo you see at the left. Read unsolicited reviews by customers as they currently appear at the Business Finder on syracuse.com.
Modernize…replace it with
a safe, efficient, and low-
maintenance gas
fireplace.
Do you have an older
wood fireplace?
Same owner-operated since 1979
© Expert Chimney Services 2016
Expert Chimney Services
About Expert Chimney
We serve the communities of: Amber ● Apulia ● Auburn ● Baldwinsville ● Bennett's Corners ● Bernards Bay ● Borodino ● Brewerton ● Bridgeport ● Camillus ● Canastota ● Cardiff ● Carterville ● Cato ● Cazenovia ● Central Square ● Chittenango ● Cicero ● Clay ● Cleveland ● Constantia ● Cortland ● Delphi Falls ● Dewitt ● East Syracuse ● Elbridge ● Erieville ● Fabius ● Fairmount ● Fayetteville ● Fenner ● Fulton ● Hastings ● Howlett Hill ● Jack's Reef ● Jamesville ● Jordan ● Kirkville ● LaFayette ● Lakeland ● Lakeport ● Liverpool ● Lysander ● Mandana ● Manlius ● Marcellus ● Marietta ● Martisco ● Mattydale ● Memphis ● Meridian ● Mexico ● Minoa ● Mottville ● Mycenae ● Navarino ● Nedrow ● Nelson ● New Woodstock ● Niles ● North Syracuse ● Onondaga Hill ● Onondaga Nation ● Oran ● Orchard Village ● Oswego ● Oswego Bitters ● Otisco ● Parish ● Pennellville ● Perryville ● Peru ● Phoenix ● Plainville ● Pompey ● Preble ● Rose Hill ● Schepp's Corners ● Sennett ● Skaneateles ● Skaneateles Junction ● Skaneateles Falls ● Solvay ● Southwood ● Spafford ● Split Rock ● Sullivan ● Syracuse ● Taunton ● The Valley ● Truxton ● Tully ● Union Springs ● Vesper ● Warners ● Weedsport ● West Monroe ● Westvale ● And points betweenExpert Chimney Services is accredited in the community and by
National associations.
We are proud of our reputation in the Central New York community.
Peace of mind for you comes first when you hire Expert Chimney Services. We are fully insured with policies issued for each job. This includes liability insurance and workmen's compensation insurance. When you contract our services, you are issued Liability Insurance Document Workmen's Compensation Insurance Document
In 1979, you could expect the Expert technician to show up in traditional chimney sweep attire with
his tools and equipment loaded into a well-used Ford Econoline van.
4800 McDonald Road, Syracuse, New York 13215 (315) 469-5004
The Syracuse Herald-Journal has passed on but Expert keeps sweeping....
Expert Chimney Services has been in business for over 40 years, having been established by Jock Rotella and managed exclusively by him. Chimney cleaning, chimney restoration, chimney liners, fireplace inserts, wood stoves, chimney inspection, and animal proofing are our full-time business, handled by seasoned professionals with over 95 years of total experience with chimneys in the Syracuse, New York areaMike Ladd, our sweep
with over 28 years
experience, was
interviewed by Laura
Hand of CNYcentral.com
© Expert Chimney Services 2015
Expert Chimney
About Expert Chimney
We serve the communities of: Amber ● Apulia ● Auburn ● Baldwinsville ● Bennett's Corners ● Bernards Bay ● Borodino ● Brewerton ● Bridgeport ● Camillus ● Canastota ● Cardiff ● Carterville ● Cato ● Cazenovia ● Central Square ● Chittenango ● Cicero ● Clay ● Cleveland ● Constantia ● Cortland ● Delphi Falls ● Dewitt ● East Syracuse ● Elbridge ● Erieville ● Fabius ● Fairmount ● Fayetteville ● Fenner ● Fulton ● Hastings ● Howlett Hill ● Jack's Reef ● Jamesville ● Jordan ● Kirkville ● LaFayette ● Lakeland ● Lakeport ● Liverpool ● Lysander ● Mandana ● Manlius ● Marcellus ● Marietta ● Martisco ● Mattydale ● Memphis ● Meridian ● Mexico ● Minoa ● Mottville ● Mycenae ● Navarino ● Nedrow ● Nelson ● New Woodstock ● Niles ● North Syracuse ● Onondaga Hill ● Onondaga Nation ● Oran ● Orchard Village ● Oswego ● Oswego Bitters ● Otisco ● Parish ● Pennellville ● Perryville ● Peru ● Phoenix ● Plainville ● Pompey ● Preble ● Rose Hill ● Schepp's Corners ● Sennett ● Skaneateles ● Skaneateles Junction ● Skaneateles Falls ● Solvay ● Southwood ● Spafford ● Split Rock ● Sullivan ● Syracuse ● Taunton ● The Valley ● Truxton ● Tully ● Union Springs ● Vesper ● Warners ● Weedsport ● West Monroe ● Westvale ● And points betweenExpert
Chimney
Services is
accredited in the
community and by National
associations.
We are proud of our reputation in the Central New York community.
Peace of mind for you comes first when you hire Expert Chimney Services. We are fully insured with policies issued for each job. This includes liability insurance and workmen's compensation insurance. When you contract our services, you are issued Liability Insurance Document Workmen's Compensation Insurance Document
© Expert Chimney Services 2016
Expert Chimney Services
The work we do...
Q: How do I know if he really cleaned my chimney? In the past, sweeps we’ve hired have always gone on the roof, checked the flashing, the mortar and all the workings of the chimney and then cleaned the chimney from the top of the house. Today, this sweep came in, looked into my fireplace from the bottom and said we don’t need it clean because he can still see the bricks. We asked to have it cleaned anyway. He then grabbed a wire brush and simply rubbed away any buildup from the main opening to the fireplace without even going up into the chimney to clean anything. Am I way off base, or did the sweep charge me without cleaning my chimney? A. Our past experiences with chimney sweeps sound as though the sweep did the job he was hired to do. However, your most recent experience sounds a bit odd. If the sweep agreed to do a complete sweeping and only cleaned the brick in the fireplace firebox, you did not get the service that you paid for. A complete chimney sweeping includes the chimney flue and smoke chamber.Chimney Cleaning
Chimney Inspection (3 levels)
Animal Proofing
Chimney Repair
Chimney Restoration
Chimney Relining
Gas Fireplace Installation
Wood Stove Installation
What About Chimney Relining?
The homeowner posed these topics about chimney relining: I am in the process of accepting bids from various companies to have my chimney relined. I need some education on proper fit of the area between my furnace and the flue. My furnace has an 8" exhaust. Most of the estimates I have received involve the technician fabricating some sheet metal that funnels down from the 8" pipe to connect to a 6" liner that then goes up the chimney. The furnace in question is an oil furnace boiler that does double duty as my water heater. Most of my estimates for liner replacement are predicated on use of 6" stainless steel tubes to bypass the eroding masonry that now exists. They would then hook up directly to my furnace which currently uses an 8" exhaust to connect to the chimney. I am not sure how this will be accomplished in all cases, but I have been advised of several different methods. One company pointed out that the difference between the size of the existing exhaust pipe and the liner could negatively affect the draw of the chimney. They stated that the inside of the chimney needed to be gutted, after which it would be able to accommodate a 7" liner. This would result in the difference between the exhaust pipe and the liner of only 1" and that would be sufficient to ensure proper draw. I have also been told that most modern furnaces use a 6" exhaust port. This further complicates matters, since the furnace I now have is very old and the end of its service life is probably sooner than later. A 6" liner would fit easily inside the brick chimney, but accommodating a 7" stainless liner would necessitate rebuilding the chimney. This would increase the cost by 100% over other estimates. My question is, can I use a 6" liner with an 8" exhaust pipe from the furnace and still safely operate my furnace? This leads me to several different scenarios: Do I pass down a liner through the chimney but not connect it directly to the exhaust port of the furnace? Do I connect to existing machinery with a 6" liner or a 7" liner? If I connect with a 7" liner and later have to replace the furnace, am I faced with having to replace the 7" liner with a 6" liner so as to fit the new exhaust? Do I preemptively replace the furnace and the liner at the same time? My furnace is approximately 15- 20 years old, but has been well-maintained and currently has no real problems. As a bit of history, I currently own my house outright and WILL be moving within five years to a different location entirely. I do not want to sink any money into this house that is not necessary. I absolutely want to ensure that my furnace operates safely so I don’t just camouflage problems so I can sell my problems to someone else. I also want an honest job done for a reasonable price. Could you offer me your opinion of which option to focus on?" ADVICE FROM CSIA’S TECHNICAL DIRECTOR: If you go with the 7" liner, and the sizing charts allow it that would be a reduction of only one size. When you go to sell your home, this reduction of one size from the previous 8" liner could be justified with sizing charts. The building inspectors will often allow for a reduction of one size if it is an engineered system.If you have occasion to change out the furnace, the 7" would be a step up of only one size and it
should work just fine. You might consider having the flue insulated to reduce condensation inside the
flue, especially with the future new appliance that would be a higher efficiency unit. Learn more
about chimney liners here.
AFTER AN EXTENDED CONVERSATION VIA EMAIL, THE HOMEOWNER MADE THE FOLLOWING DECISION: Your advice tells me that the cheap way (put in the least expensive 6" liner and keep the furnace I have) is not a good idea from a safety perspective and it is not a long term fix of the overall problem. The 7" liner would work, but it would set me up to select the most expensive solution, vis-a-vis the liner, and then I would spend more money later adapting a new furnace should the need arise. The difference in cost between putting a 7" liner in the existing chimney and a 6" liner is $1,100. If I put in the 6" liner, I can put the $1,100 into the purchase price of a new furnace that already requires a 6" liner. Then, in five years when I go to sell the house, it will have a five year old, high-efficiency furnace instead of one on its last legs. A new more-efficient furnace will also allow me the added benefits of fuel cost savings over that five year period. A 6" liner will allow me room to follow your suggestion to insulate the flue. And last, but certainly not least, for the next five years, every time I hear the furnace kick on I won’t have to worry if it is going to break down on me or fill my home with carbon monoxide.Expert Chimney Services is a family-owned, full-time business. It is
not a sideline or a temporary weekend project.
We have the most modern, safe, and reliable equipment. We show up "on time" in a clean, late-model, properly-equipped
vehicle. Our staff brings to you decades of continual, accredited experience with chimneys in the Syracuse area. We know why
you call us the first time and will help you plan for a safe, clean chimney for the future.
4800 McDonald Road, Syracuse, New York 13215 (315) 469-5004
Replace Wood Fireplace with Gas
© Expert Chimney Services 2015
Expert Chimney
The work we do...
Q: How do I know if he really cleaned my chimney? In the past, sweeps we’ve hired have always gone on the roof, checked the flashing, the mortar and all the workings of the chimney and then cleaned the chimney from the top of the house. Today, this sweep came in, looked into my fireplace from the bottom and said we don’t need it clean because he can still see the bricks. We asked to have it cleaned anyway. He then grabbed a wire brush and simply rubbed away any buildup from the main opening to the fireplace without even going up into the chimney to clean anything. Am I way off base, or did the sweep charge me without cleaning my chimney? A. Our past experiences with chimney sweeps sound as though the sweep did the job he was hired to do. However, your most recent experience sounds a bit odd. If the sweep agreed to do a complete sweeping and only cleaned the brick in the fireplace firebox, you did not get the service that you paid for. A complete chimney sweeping includes the chimney flue and smoke chamber.Chimney Cleaning
Chimney Inspection (3 levels)
Animal Proofing
Chimney Repair
Chimney Restoration
Chimney Relining
Gas Fireplace Installation
Wood Stove Installation
What About Chimney Relining?
The homeowner posed these topics about chimney relining: I am in the process of accepting bids from various companies to have my chimney relined. I need some education on proper fit of the area between my furnace and the flue. My furnace has an 8" exhaust. Most of the estimates I have received involve the technician fabricating some sheet metal that funnels down from the 8" pipe to connect to a 6" liner that then goes up the chimney. The furnace in question is an oil furnace boiler that does double duty as my water heater. Most of my estimates for liner replacement are predicated on use of 6" stainless steel tubes to bypass the eroding masonry that now exists. They would then hook up directly to my furnace which currently uses an 8" exhaust to connect to the chimney. I am not sure how this will be accomplished in all cases, but I have been advised of several different methods. One company pointed out that the difference between the size of the existing exhaust pipe and the liner could negatively affect the draw of the chimney. They stated that the inside of the chimney needed to be gutted, after which it would be able to accommodate a 7" liner. This would result in the difference between the exhaust pipe and the liner of only 1" and that would be sufficient to ensure proper draw. I have also been told that most modern furnaces use a 6" exhaust port. This further complicates matters, since the furnace I now have is very old and the end of its service life is probably sooner than later. A 6" liner would fit easily inside the brick chimney, but accommodating a 7" stainless liner would necessitate rebuilding the chimney. This would increase the cost by 100% over other estimates. My question is, can I use a 6" liner with an 8" exhaust pipe from the furnace and still safely operate my furnace? This leads me to several different scenarios: Do I pass down a liner through the chimney but not connect it directly to the exhaust port of the furnace? Do I connect to existing machinery with a 6" liner or a 7" liner? If I connect with a 7" liner and later have to replace the furnace, am I faced with having to replace the 7" liner with a 6" liner so as to fit the new exhaust? Do I preemptively replace the furnace and the liner at the same time? My furnace is approximately 15-20 years old, but has been well- maintained and currently has no real problems. As a bit of history, I currently own my house outright and WILL be moving within five years to a different location entirely. I do not want to sink any money into this house that is not necessary. I absolutely want to ensure that my furnace operates safely so I don’t just camouflage problems so I can sell my problems to someone else. I also want an honest job done for a reasonable price. Could you offer me your opinion of which option to focus on?" ADVICE FROM CSIA’S TECHNICAL DIRECTOR: If you go with the 7" liner, and the sizing charts allow it that would be a reduction of only one size. When you go to sell your home, this reduction of one size from the previous 8" liner could be justified with sizing charts. The building inspectors will often allow for a reduction of one size if it is an engineered system.If you have occasion to change out
the furnace, the 7" would be a step
up of only one size and it should work
just fine. You might consider having
the flue insulated to reduce
condensation inside the flue,
especially with the future new
appliance that would be a higher
efficiency unit. Learn more about
chimney liners here.
AFTER AN EXTENDED CONVERSATION VIA EMAIL, THE HOMEOWNER MADE THE FOLLOWING DECISION: Your advice tells me that the cheap way (put in the least expensive 6" liner and keep the furnace I have) is not a good idea from a safety perspective and it is not a long term fix of the overall problem. The 7" liner would work, but it would set me up to select the most expensive solution, vis-a-vis the liner, and then I would spend more money later adapting a new furnace should the need arise. The difference in cost between putting a 7" liner in the existing chimney and a 6" liner is $1,100. If I put in the 6" liner, I can put the $1,100 into the purchase price of a new furnace that already requires a 6" liner. Then, in five years when I go to sell the house, it will have a five year old, high-efficiency furnace instead of one on its last legs. A new more-efficient furnace will also allow me the added benefits of fuel cost savings over that five year period. A 6" liner will allow me room to follow your suggestion to insulate the flue. And last, but certainly not least, for the next five years, every time I hear the furnace kick on I won’t have to worry if it is going to break down on me or fill my home with carbon monoxide.
© Expert Chimney Services 2016
Expert Chimney Services
Frequently Asked Questions
About Chimneys
How often should I have my chimney cleaned?
A: This a tougher question than it sounds. The simple answer is: The National Fire Protection Association Standard 211 says, "Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents 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." This is the national safety standard and is the correct way to approach the problem. It takes into account the fact that even if you don't use your chimney much, animals may build nests in the flue or there may be other types of deterioration that could make the chimney unsafe to use. The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends that open masonry fireplaces should be cleaned at 1/4" of sooty buildup, and sooner if there is any glaze present in the system. Factory-built fireplaces should be cleaned when any appreciable buildup occurs. This is considered to be enough fuel buildup to cause a chimney fire capable of damaging the chimney or spreading to the home.What is Level 3 Creosote?
I have an 80 year old home that was a longtime rental house. I have lived here five years and have been using the fireplace for four of those years. I do not know how long it has been since my chimney was swept (potentially decades, if ever). I just had a chimney sweep at my house and he informed me that the creosote in my chimney was quite thick (he used the term "level 3" creosote). He also said that in the smoke chamber, the brick is stepped (instead of smooth) and that there is a lot of dangerous buildup in there. He recommended two applications of an acid cleaning (which he said are not entirely foolproof, and work better above 45°F) and that we use a chemical when we burn our fire to help "chalkify" the creosote buildup. He showed me the buildup inside with a light and everything he said seemed to make sense. Does this sound like it's on the up and up? I can't find any info on this acid cleaning and I would like to know if this sounds like it is the proper course of action in a case like mine. Answer: What you have described sounds pretty typical. In addition to the chemical treatment that you mentioned, professional-grade chemicals, usually in the form of a powder, can be applied by chimney sweeps to help change the nature of the glazed creosote to a form that can be removed by a professional with a brush Both forms of these products require some heat such as you would find in a small fire in the fireplace. If the creosote is gummy, about the only way to deal with the creosote is with a chemical treatment or with an acid application. Acid applications are not as commonly used since they are harder to apply and have to be neutralized a few days after application. If the creosote is crusty or fractures when hit (as opposed to gummy) a rotary cleaning can be helpful.
When I build a fire in my upstairs fireplace, I get
smoke from the basement fireplace...why?
EA: This has become quite a common problem in modern air tight houses where weather-proofing has sealed up the usual air infiltration routes. The fireplace in use exhausts household air until a negative pressure situation exists. If the house is fairly tight, the simplest route for makeup air to enter the structure is often the unused fireplace chimney. As air is drawn down this unused flue, it picks up smoke that is exiting nearby from the fireplace in use and delivers the smoke to the living area. The best solution is to provide makeup air to the house so the negative pressure problem no longer exists, thus eliminating not only the smoke problem, but also the potential for carbon monoxide to be drawn back down the furnace chimney. A secondary solution is to install a top mount damper on the fireplace that is used the least.How common is it
that chimney liners
cannot be seen
from inside the
fireplace using only
a flashlight? Is
there some
standard building
requirement for
the flue and the
fireplace that you
can't just look up
from the fireplace
and see the sky or
chimney cap at the
top of the chimney?
Flues are allowed to have up to 30 degree offsets. In most cases this will make a direct visual observation of the flue impossible. A video scan would be required to evaluate the flue condition. The height of the chimney flue is not a factor. There is a big difference in what is observed between a visual inspection and a video inspection, even in short flues.
Safety First
Chimney safety
tips from the National
Fire Protection
Association
• Use only dry, split, seasoned wood in a fireplace or wood stove to avoid build-up of creosote, an oily deposit that catches fire easily and is the cause of most chimney fires and a large share of home heating fires in general. • Only use paper or kindling wood to start a fire. Do not use flammable liquids. • Use a sturdy screen for a fireplace to prevent sparks from flying into a room. • Have a chimney swept a minimum of once annually if burning for heat, or once every two years if burning casually. • Use a chimney cap with a screen to keep animals, snow, rain or debris from entering a chimney. • Allow ashes from a fireplace and wood stove time to cool before disposing of them in a metal container. Keep the metal container a safe distance from your home.
I heat with gas.
Should this
chimney be
inspected too?
Without a doubt! Although gas is generally a clean burning fuel, the chimney can become non- functional from bird nests or other debris blocking the flue. Modern furnaces can also cause many problems with the average flues intended to vent the older generation of furnaces. We suggest you check the areas on gas and carbon monoxide for more information.
A quick course in Chimney 101
© Expert Chimney Services 2015
Expert Chimney
Frequently Asked
Questions About Chimneys
How often should I have my chimney
cleaned?
A: This a tougher question than it sounds. The simple answer is: The National Fire Protection Association Standard 211 says, "Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents 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." This is the national safety standard and is the correct way to approach the problem. It takes into account the fact that even if you don't use your chimney much, animals may build nests in the flue or there may be other types of deterioration that could make the chimney unsafe to use. The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends that open masonry fireplaces should be cleaned at 1/4" of sooty buildup, and sooner if there is any glaze present in the system. Factory-built fireplaces should be cleaned when any appreciable buildup occurs. This is considered to be enough fuel buildup to cause a chimney fire capable of damaging the chimney or spreading to the home.What is Level 3 Creosote?
I have an 80 year old home that was a longtime rental house. I have lived here five years and have been using the fireplace for four of those years. I do not know how long it has been since my chimney was swept (potentially decades, if ever). I just had a chimney sweep at my house and he informed me that the creosote in my chimney was quite thick (he used the term "level 3" creosote). He also said that in the smoke chamber, the brick is stepped (instead of smooth) and that there is a lot of dangerous buildup in there. He recommended two applications of an acid cleaning (which he said are not entirely foolproof, and work better above 45°F) and that we use a chemical when we burn our fire to help "chalkify" the creosote buildup. He showed me the buildup inside with a light and everything he said seemed to make sense. Does this sound like it's on the up and up? I can't find any info on this acid cleaning and I would like to know if this sounds like it is the proper course of action in a case like mine. Answer: What you have described sounds pretty typical. In addition to the chemical treatment that you mentioned, professional-grade chemicals, usually in the form of a powder, can be applied by chimney sweeps to help change the nature of the glazed creosote to a form that can be removed by a professional with a brush Both forms of these products require some heat such as you would find in a small fire in the fireplace. If the creosote is gummy, about the only way to deal with the creosote is with a chemical treatment or with an acid application. Acid applications are not as commonly used since they are harder to apply and have to be neutralized a few days after application. If the creosote is crusty or fractures when hit (as opposed to gummy) a rotary cleaning can be helpful.
When I build a fire in my upstairs
fireplace, I get smoke from the
basement fireplace...why?
EA: This has become quite a common problem in modern air tight houses where weather-proofing has sealed up the usual air infiltration routes. The fireplace in use exhausts household air until a negative pressure situation exists. If the house is fairly tight, the simplest route for makeup air to enter the structure is often the unused fireplace chimney. As air is drawn down this unused flue, it picks up smoke that is exiting nearby from the fireplace in use and delivers the smoke to the living area. The best solution is to provide makeup air to the house so the negative pressure problem no longer exists, thus eliminating not only the smoke problem, but also the potential for carbon monoxide to be drawn back down the furnace chimney. A secondary solution is to install a top mount damper on the fireplace that is used the least.How common is it that chimney liners
cannot be seen from inside the
fireplace using only a flashlight? Is
there some standard building
requirement for the flue and the
fireplace that you can't just look up
from the fireplace and see the sky or
chimney cap at the top of the
chimney?
Flues are allowed to have up to 30 degree offsets. In most cases this will make a direct visual observation of the flue impossible. A video scan would be required to evaluate the flue condition. The height of the chimney flue is not a factor. There is a big difference in what is observed between a visual inspection and a video inspection, even in short flues.
Safety First
Chimney safety tips from the National
Fire Protection Association
• Use only dry, split, seasoned wood in a fireplace or wood stove to avoid build-up of creosote, an oily deposit that catches fire easily and is the cause of most chimney fires and a large share of home heating fires in general. • Only use paper or kindling wood to start a fire. Do not use flammable liquids. • Use a sturdy screen for a fireplace to prevent sparks from flying into a room. • Have a chimney swept a minimum of once annually if burning for heat, or once every two years if burning casually. • Use a chimney cap with a screen to keep animals, snow, rain or debris from entering a chimney. • Allow ashes from a fireplace and wood stove time to cool before disposing of them in a metal container. Keep the metal container a safe distance from your home.
I heat with gas. Should this
chimney be inspected too?
Without a doubt! Although gas is generally a clean burning fuel, the chimney can become non-functional from bird nests or other debris blocking the flue. Modern furnaces can also cause many problems with the average flues intended to vent the older generation of furnaces. We suggest you check the areas on gas and carbon monoxide for more information.
© Expert Chimney Services 2016
Expert Chimney Services
Further Reading and Links of Interest
National Chimney Sweep Guild
National Fireplace Institute
Pellet Fuels Institute
Omni-Test Laboratories - heaters, furnaces, fireplaces tested and certified
Chimney Safety Institute of America
Skaneateles Chimney Service
Expert Home Inspection - NACHI home inspector in Syracuse
The Clark/Rotella Team at Coldwell Banker Prime Properties
Expert Radon Service
Embroidery Workshops - Nadine Knecht
Havanese Puppies
Public golf course in Camillus - West Hill Golf Course
1955-2005 Ford Thunderbird Registry
1950-1980 Lincoln Registry
Syracuse Community Links of Interest
© Expert Chimney Services 2015
Expert Chimney
Further Reading and Links of
Interest
National Chimney Sweep Guild
National Fireplace Institute
Pellet Fuels Institute
Omni-Test Laboratories -
heaters, furnaces, fireplaces tested and certified
Chimney Safety Institute of America
Skaneateles Chimney Service
Expert Home Inspection - NACHI home inspector in Syracuse
The Clark/Rotella Team at Coldwell Banker Prime Properties
Expert Radon Service
Embroidery Workshops - Nadine Knecht
Havanese Puppies
Public golf course in Camillus - West Hill Golf Course
1955-2005 Ford Thunderbird Registry
1950-1980 Lincoln Registry
© Expert Chimney Services 2016
Expert Chimney Services
Contact us!
Expert Chimney Services
4800 McDonald Road Syracuse, New York 13215 (315) 469-5004 Jock Rotella, President Expert Chimney Services' showroom is open Monday through Friday, 9:00AM to 5:00PM or by appointment.
expertchimneyservices@outlook.com
Send your job photos, questions,
and comments to us.
(315) 469-5004
© Expert Chimney Services 2015
Expert Chimney
Contact us!
Expert Chimney Services
4800 McDonald Road Syracuse, New York 13215 (315) 469-5004 Jock Rotella, President Expert Chimney Services' showroom is open Monday through Friday, 9:00AM to 5:00PM or by appointment.
You can send pictures of your project
to Expert Chimney.
expertchimneyservices@outlook.com
