The Chimney Expert

Avoid Chimney Cleaning Scams!

2010-11-08T16:55:00.000-08:00

If you’re newer to the chimney cleaning world, like you just bought a house or you just haven’t needed a cleaner before, make sure you find a reputable chimney cleaner to get the job done right!

Usually a scammer will contact you in a direct, non-threatening way, like via phone or email. Their offer for a full chimney cleaning is ridiculously low, and they will use your previous owners’ names as references, saying that they’ve serviced that chimney before.

Once they arrive they will most likely they will tell you there is damage that needs to be repaired, or an otherwise-perfect lining needs to be replaced. They might also talk about carbon monoxide poisoning and how your current (an nonexistent!) damage is creating a conduit for these poisonous gases. If they make this claim, demand they show you proof, something that will be easy to see on the instruments they’re using.

What should you do?

First, keep a clear head about you. Be careful and reserved, and do your research before hand! In some localities, the fire department may inspect chimneys for free. It never hurts to find out from your local city hall or chamber of commerce.

When it comes to hiring a separate company, here are some tips from the National Chimney Sweep Guild and the Chimney Safety Institute of America:

- Don't fall for low prices. A legitimate company probably won't take a ladder off the truck for $39. An inspection will probably cost about $75, and a chimney cleaning should go for at least $150 and take at least an hour.
- Always ask for -- and check -- references.
- Don't let anyone pressure you into fast action. Shop around and get two or three bids before you make your decision regarding which company to use.
- Check to make sure the company is licensed and doesn't have a lot of complaints. Not all areas require licensing, but many do. It may be worthwhile to consider if the chimney sweep is certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America.
- Make sure the company has up-to-date liability insurance.

Call today to discuss all of your options, schedule a routine inspection and maintenance check with The Chimney Expert at 414-350-4263.

Prepping your chimney for fall.

2010-10-03T19:20:00.001-07:00

Now that fall is upon us and the cool Wisconsin breezes are bringing the chilly reminders that winter is right around the corner, it’s time to prep your fireplace and chimney for work!

It’s important to make sure your chimney and fireplace are clean and free of cracks or other problems that could prove disastrous later on. A chimney that is not in good repair and well-maintained can waste energy and even become a safety hazard.

Traditionally, chimneys have been built of brick and mortar, lined with fireproof flue tiles and capped with mortar to seal the top against the weather. Newer, easier-to-install types are made of metal and come as part of prefabricated kits.

Inspect your chimney at the beginning of each heating season. Shine a flashlight up inside and look for obstructions such as leaves or birds’ nests; also, check for soot buildup.

Burning highly resinous wood such as pine will cause flammable creosote (a sap-like material) to build up on the inner walls of the chimney. Be sure to look for any missing or cracked flue tiles.

From the outside or the roof, look for crumbling mortar, loose or missing bricks, or flashing that has pulled away from the roof and the chimney. Have all these issues addressed immediately before lighting your first fire. This will ensure that you have a safe and working fireplace for the winter, something that won’t cause you woes as the waxing winter winds come through!

Call today to discuss all of your options, schedule a routine inspection and maintenance check with The Chimney Expert at 414-350-4263.

It's not just larger critters that can get into your chimney...

2010-08-31T19:05:00.001-07:00

The end of summer means many things. One of the more frustrating and noisome occurrences at the end of summer (although they’re around all summer long), are the bees, wasps and hornets.

As the summer temperatures begin to wan, such insects start to look for places to hibernate for the winter. There’s no better place than a chimney flue to make that happen!

No one wants this, of course, for the glaring reason that hornets in your chimney could mean eventual hornets in your home. As it gets colder, your house is warmer, and they will eventually migrate to the warmer parts to stay alive.

While a chimney cap helps prevent critters of a larger size, insects can still make it through the grate to set up shop. A damper installed to seal off the top when it is not in use can help avoid this problem. Not only will a top sealing damper help with climate control in your home by keeping heated and cooled air in the home, it will eliminate the possibility of bees and even bats from squeezing through.

These top sealing dampers not only save you money on your energy bill, they allow you the peace of mind that comes with knowing that nothing is inserting dangerous nesting material into your chimney that could cause a fire to occur in the flue system of the chimney. If a chimney fire occurs, often times there will be damage to other parts of the home as well, making for a very costly repair that is life threatening to those who live inside the home.

Call today to discuss all of your options, schedule a routine inspection and maintenance check with The Chimney Expert at 414-350-4263.

The Leaning Chimney.

2010-08-06T08:50:00.001-07:00

Why is my chimney leaning? What can I do to repair it? Unfortunately, the answer to those questions is not easy, nor will it be inexpensive to repair.

As the grounds move below your house, as the weather changes and moves from harsh winter winds to unbearable heat to hail and floods, chimneys are certainly not impervious to the ill effects. Just like a house that settles over time, a chimney is no different, and depending on the construction, a chimney can crack, lean or separate just like any part of a house’s exterior or foundation. A leaning chimney is especially dangerous, as falling chimney can bring down that whole side of the house down with it!

Hire a dependable fireplace contractor to inspect your entire chimney, outside and in. If the outside is leaning, chances are your inside will need to be replaced with your new chimney. The chimney flue is likely to be damaged and unsafe, as well as the fireplace box, hearth and support system.

If the existing chimney can be salvage, that is, if it’s simply bad chimney footing, the flue can be realigned, stabilized and then the cracks in the box and hearth can be mended. If a brand new chimney needs to be constructed, the process involves removing the chimney and footing, reconstruct the footing, exchange or update any ventilation hardware, and rebuild the chimney properly.

Call today to discuss all of your options with The Chimney Expert 414-350-4263

Chimney Caps in Summer are Important!

2010-06-01T14:01:00.000-07:00

Aside from weather protection and a barrier to miscellaneous debris, a good chimney cap can keep all the little critters out of your home. It’s almost summertime, and this is prime breeding time for birds, squirrels and raccoons. Raccoons, in fact, can breed through fall!

The cheapest and easiest way to keep your flues clutter and riff-raff free is to install a chimney cap. Standard chimney caps come in a variety of materials—steel, stainless steel, brass, copper or aluminum, to name a bunch—and come pre-made for standard sized flues. This could cost you less than $100, with installation. Of course, you can get as crazy as you want with aesthetics or mechanics. A chimney cap and draft inducer combo could cost you up in the thousands!

Call today to discuss all of your options with The Chimney Expert 414-350-4263

Check your Chimney

2010-01-29T05:21:00.000-08:00

Your house is one of the largest investments you make during your lifetime. You take pride in it, keeping it tidy and in good repair. But one of the things that can often be overlooked is something that you rarely see – the inside of your chimney. Soot and creosote build-up inside the chimney after evening fires keep your home warm and cozy during the winter. This puts you, your family, and your home at risk for uncontrolled chimney fires, weak and damaged flue linings, and other unseen dangers like carbon monoxide. These can all be devastating, but they are also preventable. Regular checks and cleanings by your Chimney Expert will dramatically reduce the risk of fire and damage to your home. When’s the last time someone checked your chimney?

http://thechimneyexpert.com

Chimney Service Milwaukee Wisconsin

2009-11-08T07:23:00.000-08:00

It is extremely important to choose a chimney professional wisely because proper care and attention to service will protect your home from unnecessary fires and carbon monoxide poisonings. Here are some questions that should be asked to ensure that the person hired is an experienced and credible chimney service technician:

How long has the chimney sweeping company been in business?

Does the company offer current references?

Does the company or individual carry a valid business liability insurance policy to protect your home and furnishings against accidents?

These simple questions will help you choose the best chimney service provider and keep your home safe!

If you have more questions, please call:
The Chimney Expert
Fred Nohelty
414-3504263
http://thechimneyexpert.com