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.

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.

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.

Improve Fireplace Safety & Efficiency With A Sweeping

Are you ready to ensure your fireplace performs to the highest standards this winter? Schedule a sweeping with the expert team at Mountain Main Fireplace & Chimney! Our CSIA certified staff is ready to help you out soon and, with temperatures dropping more and more with every passing week, you need to make certain you’re ready for anything. Give our qualified team a call today!

Removing Creosote

One of the most important aspects of sweeping a chimney is the removal of excess creosote. Creosote is one thing you don’t want a lot of in your chimney! As you burn fires, more and more builds up, until your fireplace is no longer safe for regular use. It’s best to clean this substance out on a regular basis, so that everything functions as smoothly and as safely as possible all year round.Why is it so dangerous? Well, creosote is very flammable and, when it catches fire, you’re looking at some pretty serious damages to your chimney’s interior. Chimney fires melt mortar, crack brickwork, and weaken your structure considerably, leaving you with a poor-functioning fireplace and some expensive repair costs.Chimney fires also put your home and loved ones in danger. Every time you light a fire after a chimney fire has occurred, you leave your home vulnerable to stray flames that now have multiple pathways to escape the chimney and catch adjacent woodwork on fire. Along with this, toxins and fumes that normally exit through the top of the chimney are now able to enter your home, thus affecting the wellbeing of those living in it.

Removing Blockages

Another important part of a chimney sweeping is the removal of any blockages that may be hindering air flow. Dirt, debris, animals, and nesting materials are all things that can clog things up, and they need to be removed on a regular basis to ensure proper functioning. We will inspect your system and ascertain whether or not there are issues that may cause problems for you when lighting a fire.Failing to remove obstructions will result in smoke and toxins backing up into your home, which is less than ideal and can trigger health issues. Call us in right away, so we can get you ready for the colder months ahead!

Checking For Repairs

We will also look around to make sure there are no cracks, holes, or other issues with your masonry that may cause problems down the line. Fireplaces make a great asset to any home, but when things are not functioning as they should, you’re left with a lot of extra stress. As you bring in this new year, let us help you out by creating one less thing to worry about. Schedule your annual sweeping with us today!

Is Your Chimney Ready For Santa?

With Christmas just weeks away, homeowners everywhere are facing some long to-do lists. Between gift wrapping, meal prep, decorating, and more, it can be hard to find the time to get it all done! That’s why you should count on the experts at Mountain Man Fireplace & Chimney to set you up right this holiday season. We can ensure your chimney is clean and soot-free for Santa’s arrival. Schedule your annual inspection and cleaning today!

Benefits Of A Clean Fireplace

Impressing Mr. Claus is not the only reason to have your fireplace and chimney checked out. There are countless reasons to get your cleaning in right away.

• Clearing Blockages: When temperatures start to drop, birds and other outdoor creatures start scoping out warm places to store food and nest down for the cold winter months. Unfortunately, chimneys are an ideal spot for these little critters. The more these nesting materials pile up, the bigger issues you will face when trying to light a fire.

A certified chimney professional knows where to look and how to remove these things as efficiently as possible. They will ensure nothing is blocked off, so you can gain the peace of mind you desire when lighting your fires. Kiss smoking issues and harmful toxins good-bye by calling us in right away!

• Preventing Fires: Cleaning out creosote on a regular basis is vital for maintaining chimney health. It is a highly flammable substance and having a lot of it puts your chimney and home at a heightened risk for fire. When most think of a chimney fire, they picture a big, obvious event, but that is not always the case. Sometimes, these will occur without anyone realizing it!

Regardless the situation, an out-of-control fire will cause lasting damage to your chimney and puts your family in harm’s way. Don’t take the risk – schedule your cleaning today.

• Impress Guests: Keeping your home and family safe is always our number one priority, but we want to make sure your décor looks good, too! Fireplaces are often considered the focal point of a room or living area. Have yours cleaned today, so that your home will be in great shape for any holiday parties or events.

Friends and neighbors will rave about your great taste for weeks on end, and you can relax and enjoy your evening, knowing your fireplace is in the best condition possible. Pick up the phone and give us call, so we can set you up right.If you are ready to get that cleaning in, depend on Mountain Man Fireplace & Chimney. We have been serving this area for 15 years and we continue to receive great reviews from countless satisfied customers.Impress your friends, family, and, most importantly, Santa Claus by getting your professional chimney cleaning in now. Thanks for working with us!

Schedule a Chimney Sweep this Summer

As summer’s hot temperatures continue to rise outside, very few homeowners are using their fireplaces for anything other than decoration. While it may still be too hot to enjoy a fire, fall will be here before we know it! This year, schedule your chimney sweeping for the summer to make sure your fireplace system is ready to use in the fall.

Why choose summer chimney maintenance

Very few homeowners pay attention to their fireplaces when the weather outside is warm. What many may not know, however, is that the warm months of summer make for one of the best times of year for chimney maintenance!Because the temperatures outside are warmer, few people are using their fireplaces. This means that homeowners experience no breaks is usage while the chimney is being swept or when waiting for repairs. Likewise, some masonry repairs cannot be done in cold or wet conditions, making the summer the ideal time for chimney maintenance.If all you need is a chimney sweeping, summer is the ideal time of year to schedule your appointment. Summer is traditionally considered a “slow” season for chimney sweeps; for homeowners, this means shorter wait times and greater availability of convenient appointments!

Why having a chimney swept is important

The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends that all homeowners have their chimneys swept at least once per year. Even if you take excellent care of your fireplace, use an alternative fuel such as gas, or rarely use your fireplace it is still recommended to have an annual chimney sweeping.If you use your fireplace as a primary heat source or keep it burning for most of the winter, your chimney may need to be swept more than once per year. In addition to a regular annual sweeping, fireplaces should be swept anytime the sooty buildup in the flue is greater than 1/8th of an inch. This amount of buildup typically occurs after burning one full cord of wood; if you use more than this amount each season, talk to you technician about scheduling additional chimney sweepings.Having your chimney regularly swept is an important part of ensuring your family’s health and safety. When chimneys are swept, creosote buildup within the flue is removed. Created by fuel burning fires, creosote is extremely flammable; when ignited by sparks or embers from the fire, creosote ignition is the leading cause of chimney fire.Excessive creosote buildup can also cause chimney odors, especially during the warm and humid months of summer. In addition to creating an unpleasant odor within your home, this can also affect the air quality. This is especially dangerous for those with respiratory problems such as asthma.While very few homeowners use their fireplaces during the summer, we shouldn’t forget our chimneys just because the weather outside is hot. This year, schedule summer chimney maintenance in order to prepare your fireplace system for the fall. Contact Mountain Man Fireplace & Chimney here today to schedule your summer chimney sweeping!

Have Your Chimney Cleaned In Time for Santa

As the holiday season approaches, the fireplace often becomes the focal point of many family celebrations. Fireplaces have even made their way into several of our most popular Christmas songs and stories as we roast chestnuts over an open fire and hang our stockings by the chimney with care.Often the most important role fireplaces play during the holidays is to aide in Santa’s arrival. To help the big man in red slide down your chimney without getting covered in ash and soot, have your chimney cleaned in time for Santa’s arrival!

How often should chimneys be cleaned?

According to the National Fire Protection Association, “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.” Additionally, the Chimney Safety Institute of America also recommends that all fireplaces, flues, and chimneys should be cleaned and inspected at least once per year.Even for fireplaces and chimneys that are only infrequently or seasonally used, an annual cleaning is an integral part of making sure your fireplace system is still able to safely operate. Likewise, most homeowners lack the training, expertise, and tools to be able to correctly clean their chimney systems themselves. Even contractors, roofers, and other handymen may not have the appropriate knowledge to ensure your chimney is properly swept. Instead, homeowners should only trust their chimneys to certified chimney sweeps who can completely remove creosote, soot, ash, and other debris. This allows your fireplace to be able to burn more efficiently and with a greatly decreased risk of chimney fire.

The importance of chimney inspections

Even homeowners who regularly have their fireplaces and chimneys swept should consider having a chimney inspection. A chimney inspection will be able to identify any emerging issues or pinpoint the cause of ongoing problems such as leaks or drafts.Most homes with well maintained chimneys and fireplaces receive a Level I inspection. During this level of inspection, technicians will inspect the accessible areas of the interior and exterior of the chimney structure. This includes the firebox, masonry of the chimney structure, and fireplace hardware such as the damper and flue. If any additional problems or areas or damage are discovered, a more intensive Level II or Level III inspection may be recommended.

Why is preventative maintenance important?

Homeowners often wait until they are experiencing problems to have their fireplaces or chimneys cleaned or inspected. By this point, however, there may already be extensive damage that will cost considerable time and money to repair.Instead of waiting until there is a problem, homeowners should have annual preventative maintenance completed. Doing this lengthens the life of both the chimney and fireplace, allowing them to be safely enjoyed for years to come. While an annual cleaning or inspection may seem like an unnecessary expense or a service that homeowners can do themselves, investing in annual preventative maintenance can save you money in the long run by identifying issues before they become major problems.At Mountain Man Chimney, our CSIA certified chimney sweeps will be able to clean and inspect your chimney in order to keep them in their best possible working condition. If you have not yet had your chimney swept this year, and live around Littleton, contact us today to get your fireplace and chimney in pristine condition before Santa’s big arrival!