Liz Dinkel 5/6/20 Liz Dinkel 5/6/20

Take Care of Chimney Maintenance Now!

With some unpredictable weather left, it’s time to think about the health of your chimney system. A lot can happen to a chimney over the winter, from creosote buildup to cracks expanding in masonry work. While you can expect creosote buildup from regular use, it is a fire hazard. A CSIA-Certified chimney sweep should remove it and inspect the chimney annually. Water intrusion starts to become a problem during in the spring, when newly exposed cracks from freezing and thawing appear. Our CSIA-Certified technicians know the ins and outs of maintaining fireplace and chimney systems in Colorado. This article covers a few chimney maintenance basics

Why should I have my chimney swept & inspected?

Creosote is a flammable by-product of wood combustion that builds up in the chimney. This black, tar-like substance is the most common cause of chimney fires and must be removed from the chimney every year after the regular burning season to ensure continued safe operations. Taking care of creosote buildup as the weather begins to warm in the spring is a great way to make sure it’s done ahead of the autumn busy season, when chimney sweeps experience a rush of business that pushes availability out by a few weeks.

What level of chimney inspection do I need?

A chimney sweeping and inspection on an annual basis keeps your fireplace system running efficiently.

During your annual service, our CSIA-Certified Chimney Sweeps inspect the chimney and fireplace to ensure that everything is in safe, working order. We offer three levels of chimney inspection:

Level 1: During a Level 1 Chimney Inspection, our technicians will inspect all the readily accessible portions of the chimney system from the fireplace to the flue. We will look for signs of damage, danger, and health hazards.
Level 2: During a Level 2 inspection, we perform a video scan of the flue and inspect areas not included in Level 1 such as attics and crawlspaces. We perform this inspection when you are selling a property or when there are changes to your system such as a new liner or appliance.
Level 3: During a Level 3 inspection, we go more in-depth, this level involves removing all materials around the chimney system such as doors, drywall and more. We suggest you have this inspection performed after a chimney fire or other problem with your fireplace or chimney.

During your annual service, we perform a Level I inspection. If you have any reason to suspect a safety issue with your system or are about to sell your property, consider a Level 2 or Level 3 inspection for your chimney system.

Why is my chimney leaking?

If your chimney is leaking,

now

is the time for you to take care of it.

As the snow melts, leaks in your chimney may become apparent. Water expands by a factor of between 9% and 10% when freezing. This may not seem like much; however, freezing expansion can exert tremendous force on materials containing or trapping water. In fact, one experiment measured this force at nearly 28,000 psi (≈193,000 kPa). This is a common cause of erosion in the natural world and has more than enough power to expand or create cracks in masonry.

During the freeze-thaw cycle, this physical mechanism can result in new or exacerbated leaks in your chimney system. If you notice water intrusion coming from your chimney, you should address it as soon as possible. Water damage only gets worse and the sooner it’s resolved the less expensive the repairs. Our technicians are skilled in masonry repair and can make sure your chimney system is watertight and protected from the elements.

Get in touch to schedule your chimney sweeping & inspection!

If you need your regular chimney sweeping and inspection, your chimney is leaking, or you are experiencing some other problem with your fireplace or chimney, we can help. We have over 20 years of experience servicing, repairing, and installing fireplaces, stoves, inserts, and chimneys in Colorado. Our technicians are certified by the CSIA or the NFI and can diagnose and repair gas, wood, or pellet appliances. To schedule your appointment contact us, by phone at (303) 679-1601,email at Office@MtnHP.com, or through our contact page.

We have overstocked stoves, fireplaces, & inserts that we are eager to get into your home. Check out our overstocked hearth appliances here!

Originally published on MtnHP.com, our fireplace retail outlet.

Liz Dinkel 11/30/18 Liz Dinkel 11/30/18

Which Level Of Inspection Does Your Chimney Need?

With cooler temperatures upon us, you’ll likely be hosting a gathering or two with loved ones. If you’re gearing up for a busy couple of winter months, then it’s time to ensure your fireplace and chimney are ready. Whether you’re spending the evening with friends and family, or you just want to cozy up alone with a crackling fire. The team at Mountain Man Fireplace & Chimney is here to help with all of your fireplace needs!An investment you’ll definitely want to make is a chimney inspection. Our qualified and experienced team is CSIA certified, and we can perform all three levels of inspections. Not sure what level you need? Learn more about what each level offers below, and give us a call today!

One, Two, Or Three?

So, what does each level of inspection entail? Well, the first is the most simple. A lot of fireplace owners do a great job investing in regular care for their system, and this maintenance tends to pay off when the time comes for an annual inspection. In a level one inspection, we’ll examine all readily accessible parts of your fireplace and chimney, checking for signs of damage and build-up along the way.If you haven’t made any major changes in construction or fuel type in the past year, and if you’ve regularly received care from a certified chimney professional, then you should be good to go with a level one inspection this fall.A level two inspection includes all the steps of a level one inspection, but we’ll also include a video analysis. With the use of modern equipment, we’re able to snake a camera up your flue. This gives us a thorough, accurate, and in-depth look at the inside of your system. Level two inspections are done when there’s been a big change to the appliance or if there’s been extensive damage due to storms or bad weather. They are also required in the transfer of property such as when you are buying a selling your home.Finally, there’s the level three inspection. These aren’t needed as regularly and are only done when parts of your fireplace need to be removed in order to find the source of an issue. We do our best to avoid this level of inspections, as it takes extreme measures, but sometimes it’s the only option, if we find that your system is life threatening to your home and family.

Inspections Lead To Safer Fireplace Use

Many people wonder if inspections are really necessary every year. We are here to reassure you that it's well worth the money and time. By avoiding a yearly inspection, it can lead to big damages that require a lot of extensive repair work and lots of time and money. They also ensure your system is not clogged or other issues. This helps to lower your risk of chimney fires, house fires, carbon monoxide leaks, and more hazards. Contact our crew today - we guarantee fast, efficient results!

Liz Dinkel 9/14/18 Liz Dinkel 9/14/18

Fall Chimney Maintenance & Sweepings

The leaves are starting to fall, temperatures will cool down soon here, and before we know it many of us will be engaging in apple picking, pumpkin carving, and all types of fun fall activities. Here at Mountain Man Fireplace & Chimney, we’re gearing up for fall weather too by helping homeowners all throughout our service area prepare their chimneys for the holidays that are fast approaching.

Investing In Your Annual Inspection

First things first, you’ll need to have an inspection done. The CSIA recommends investing in at least one inspection per year, as this will minimize the risk of further damage or troublesome issues that could put your home and family at risk. This is an easy step to take - all you have to do is call us and schedule an appointment!Once we check things over, we can let you know of any further work you may need to have completed. We’re CSIA certified and qualified to perform level 1, 2, or 3 inspections so, no matter what state your chimney is in, we can set you up right. When you work with us, you get nothing less than the best!

Do You Need A Sweeping Or Repairs?

Should our inspection reveal further issues that need addressing, our team is more than ready to handle it all. Many times there are cracks, holes, and other forms of deterioration that need to be properly addressed before homeowners can safely light their first fire of the year. In these cases, we will utilize our best tools and materials, ensuring a job well done, so you can feel confident moving forward with your burning season.Other times, we take note of excess creosote within a chimney system. Creosote can be very harmful when it accumulates and, no matter the texture or amount, it should be addressed promptly before any further issues arise. Creosote is known for being very flammable, so your chances of experiencing a chimney fire increase significantly when a lot of it is present.In these cases, a thorough sweeping will be necessary. Our team stays up-to-date and trained on all of the latest technologies and techniques in this industry, so you can rest easier knowing we’ve got you covered from top to bottom.

There’s No Time To Waste

Fall weather is upon us, so don’t put it off any longer - give us a call today! As you can imagine, we get really busy this time of year, as many homeowners get eager to put their fireplace to use. We want to ensure we can fit you in during a time that works well for you and that we can address any extra maintenance in a timely manner, so you’re not forced to put off that first fire of fall.Please give us a call, and we’ll get you set up right in no time!

Liz Dinkel 12/4/17 Liz Dinkel 12/4/17

Common Issues Found During Chimney Inspections

If there’s one thing we stress (especially this time of year), it’s that chimney inspections are vital for maintaining good chimney health. When you skimp on this regular maintenance, your system faces a lot more wear and tear, and it will break down at a faster pace, shortening the lifespan of your fireplace. Eventually, you’ll either have to say goodbye to cozy nights by the fire or invest in costly repairs and reconstruction jobs. Neither sound like a great option!Scheduling annual inspections is definitely the way to go. You’ll save yourself time and money, and you’ll keep any extra stress far away, too! Take the easy route this holiday season, and hire Mountain Man Fireplace & Chimney for all of your chimney, venting, and fireplace needs. We can help you out!

Excess Creosote

So, what do we usually come across in our inspection? It’s fair to wonder what issues you are avoiding by calling us in, and we love to keep homeowners up-to-date and educated on the chimney sweep world! One thing we check for is excess creosote. Creosote is one of the most harmful substances your chimney can come across and it’s known for its flammable nature. That means, the more you have of it, the higher your risk is for a chimney fire!Chimney fires can wear down your chimney fast and lead to bigger issues, such as gas leaks and house fires. The worst part is that many go unnoticed by the homeowner! It may seem hard to believe, but a chimney fire can be very quiet and sneaky, and many continue using their fireplace long after one has occurred. Since stray flames and fumes can easily escape through cracks and holes that form after a fire, this is highly dangerous!When we inspect your chimney, we’ll check for it all. If there’s creosote, we will take the appropriate steps to remove with the best tools and products available. And if we notice signs of a chimney fire, we can get things taken care of in no time! Our CSIA certified staff will get your fireplace back in working order, so that you can put it to use throughout the cold months ahead. Count on us today!

Necessary Repairs

Repairs are another issue we spot from time to time. If your brickwork or mortar is crumbling, we will fix it up, so that it looks and functions great again! We can also repair or replace any parts that seem to be out of order. This includes chimney caps, chase covers, dampers, and more! We’ll get you taken care of, no matter what !

Blockages & More

We can also take care of any blockages, that may be inhibiting airflow, and we’ll check your liner for any cracks, too. On top of that, we’ll make sure your crown is in top-notch condition! Once we’re through, all of your chimney issues will be resolved, and your fireplace will function better than ever this holiday season (and for many more winters to come)!Don’t put it off any longer… let us make your home safer this holiday season! Call now!