Don't Wait to Fix Chimney Leaks
Ahh, springtime! The snow is melting, the trees are budding, the flowers are blooming, you’re stuck at home; and your chimney is leaking. Have you been spending more time at home and heard a persistent, unfound dripping? After a Colorado winter, with months of snow and ice sitting against your chimney, spring is when we notice the new leaks. Call your local fireplace and chimney experts to fix it.
Our Chimney Safety Institute of America Certified technicians will perform a thorough leaky chimney inspection to determine where the water is coming in, and how to stop it. We are an essential business and are still open to make sure your family is safe and warm. If you suspect your chimney of allowing water into your home, don’t wait, call us today. We can solve your chimney problems!
Exposure to the Elements Causes Chimney Leaks
Most people are unfamiliar with the parts to a chimney system that can allow water in. The weak points of a chimney vary depending on whether it’s a masonry or factory-built chimney. Most parts of the chimney degrade with time, UV rays from sunlight, hail damage, and the repeated freezing and thawing of a Colorado spring. There are usually several suspected weak points when there are signs of water intrusion. This fact makes identifying exactly where the water is coming from a challenge. Often, the location of apparent water damage does not reveal the actual location of the source of the leak.
Weathering in masonry joints and bricks is a common source of chimney leaks in Colorado.
Weathering in masonry joints and bricks is a common source of chimney leaks in Colorado.
Why do masonry chimneys leak?
If you have a masonry chimney you may believe that it will last forever, but that is simply not true. Masonry chimneys are susceptible to degradation and chimney leaks just like any other material. This degradation happens faster than most people expect with the unpredictable winter and spring weather in Colorado. We see damage to masonry chimneys from rain and hail; however, the freeze/thaw cycle is most destructive, that is why it’s so important to keep water flowing off and away from your chimney.
Masonry chimneys are made of flue tiles which are supported by cinder blocks and stone or bricks. They also have a concrete crown at the top. The concrete crown is designed to be the “lid” to your masonry chimney, it keeps water out and sheds the water away from the sides of the chimney. Concrete crowns should have 2-inch overhang with a drip edge which prevents water from running down and eroding the mortar joints between the stones or bricks. If you’re missing a 4-5” thick concrete slab with an overhang and drip edge atop the masonry, that’s a strong indicator of water intrusion problems. We can pour a new concrete crown for your chimney or apply Crown Coat to seal any cracks you may have in your chimney crown.
When your crown isn’t deflecting water away from the sides of your chimney, water seeps through your mortar joints. This problem becomes even larger when the moisture freezes and expands. Freezing water expansion exerts tremendous pressure on surrounding masonry materials, creating cracks which then allow more water in. As this cycle continues, the damage compounds with each freeze and thaw. Eventually there may be no mortar left at all, allowing rain or snow melt directly into your home. Our chimney experts can repair water damage to masonry and mortar, keeping your chimney leak free and maintaining the integrity of your home.
What causes factory-built chimneys to leak?
If you don’t have a masonry chimney, you’re still at risk of chimney leaks. If you have a framed wooden box, called a “chase” enclosing your venting, those materials can also wear out and allow water into your home. The top of a chase system must have a proper cover, chimney cap, and storm collar. The weakest point of the chase is the sheet metal chase cover.
Chase covers are more susceptible to rain and hail damage than masonry chimneys. Over time, dents form and the cover sags on top, collecting water and rusting through. A new chase cover is sloped from the center with drip edges designed to shed water away from chase. If water runs down the sides of your chase, it can enter through gaps in the façade on your chase. Chases are also flashed to the roof line, that can be another area water sneaks its way into your home.
A CSIA-Certified chimney sweep from Mountain Man Fireplace & Chimney inspects a chimney for leaks.
If your factory built chimney or the chase around it is leaking, you should seek the help a CSIA-Certified professional like the technicians at Mountain Man Fireplace & Chimney.
What do I do about chimney leaks?
Whether your chimney is masonry or you have a chase and factory-built chimney, a proper chimney cap is your first line of defense against a leaky chimney. If you look up at your chimney and there isn’t a cap, call us right away! The structure around your flue may be tight but if you’re missing your cap or you have a damaged or improperly sized cap, it allows water straight into the home. Water intrusion from a chimney leak due to a missing cap can damage both masonry and factory-built chimneys. This damage has repercussions that affect not just your fireplace and chimney system but other parts of your home as well.
Our leaky chimney inspection evaluates your entire chimney or chase. If you don't address damage from a chimney leak quickly, it only gets worse. That’s why it’s crucial that any leaks are located and repaired immediately. If you notice any suspicious water stains, or hear dripping and can’t find the source, protect your home and your investment, call us right away!
Call us if your chimney is leaking!
Our technicians are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America and the National Fireplace Institute. They have the experience to take on your leaky chimney problems and any other fireplace or chimney needs you have. We also have industry specific techniques, such as special flashing for sealing the uneven edge where masonry chimneys meet the roof line. Put our 22 years of experience working on chimneys in the foothills to work for you!
If the one thing about spring that you are not enjoying is a mysterious water leak, we can help! We can also take on your other fireplace and chimney needs from sales and installation to annual service and repairs. As a business that is essential to your home and family’s safety, we’re open for business and booking appointments. Give us a call today at (303) 679-1601. You can also reach us at Office@MtnHP.com.
Originally posted on MtnHP.com, our sister site.
What Kind Of Fireplace Do I Have?
With over 20 years in the hearth industry, we get one question more than any other—“What have I got?” or “Is this a factory-built fireplace or a wood stove insert?” or “Is this a gas log set or a gas fireplace” or “It looks like a wood burning fireplace, is it?” No one in our industry intentionally set out to create a set of descriptions that lack clarity and uniformity, but that’s how it ended up. We’re here to help!
Masonry vs. Factory-built Fireplaces
This is the interior of a masonry fireplace during the installation of a wood burning insert.
This is the interior of a masonry fireplace during the installation of a wood burning insert.
Determining whether you have a masonry fireplace or a factory-built unit can be confusing. Both types can have steel fireboxes and both can have fire bricks lining the inside of the firebox; however, there are a few ways to tell what you have. If you see an orange or gray ceramic flue tile at the top of your chimney, then you have a masonry fireplace. Most masonry fireplaces in Colorado have a steel damper that pivots forward and back via a lever inside the firebox. If you find a round steel pipe sticking up at the top, then you probably have a factory built fireplace.
This newly installed factory-built fireplace is a great example of a wood burner installation.
This newly installed factory-built fireplace is a great example of a wood burner installation.
Fireplace vs. Insert
To be an insert, a hearth appliance must be designed for installation inside a firebox that was built to burn cordwood.
This may be the toughest one for a homeowner to distinguish. While we do “insert” a factory built fireplace into the wall during installation, these appliances are different from “inserts." An insert fits into an existing firebox that previously burned cordwood. A built-in fireplace commonly has a region of black metal around the firebox – and so does a wood stove insert. If you find that the black panel around the fireplace can move, then you probably have an insert.
Gas Fireplace vs. Gas Logs
Much like factory-built wood burners, hearth appliance installers frame gas fireplaces into the wall. This is distinguished from a gas log set, which we install in a wood burning fireplace. This choice is even more confusing when you add in the difference between natural vent gas fireplaces and direct vent gas fireplaces. A couple of key tell-tale signs: if your appliance terminates horizontally, it can only be a direct vent gas appliance, not gas logs. If there is sand under the logs and you have to reach into the firebox to turn the burner on, then it’s a gas log set.
Our certified technicians installed this beautiful Mendota FV46 Gas fireplace in Fairplay, CO.
Our certified technicians installed this beautiful Mendota FV46 gas fireplace in Fairplay, CO.
Lined or Unlined Wood Stove Insert
Since 1984, the National Fire Protection Association Standard 211 has required wood stove inserts installations to have a pipe running at least up into the bottom of the chimney and it has recommended that a steel chimney liner (a pipe inside the chimney) run continuously from the stove exhaust up to the top of the chimney. If you have a liner that runs all the way up, it’s correct. If your chimney isn’t lined, we will remove the insert from the firebox during sweeping operations to remove the soot and creosote from the flue.
Chimney vs. Vents
Wood burning chimney systems meet a higher standard and degree of protection than vents. Gas and pellet venting cannot properly vent a wood burning fireplace, stove or insert. However, nearly all chimneys are adaptable for venting a gas or pellet appliance.
For more fireplace & chimney help, call us!
With this information, you should be better able to determine what kind of hearth appliance you have. If you still have questions, feel free to reach out or to schedule a chimney sweeping and inspection. For all of your fireplace and chimney safety needs, schedule with us via our website, call us today at (303) 679-1601, or email us at Office@MtnHP.com. Semper Fi!
What Does Spring Mean To You?
We all know “Spring” in Colorado is more of a concept than a season. Winter holds onto our foothills communities long after we get pictures of flowers and baby animals from our friends and family elsewhere. Spring here is more like “less-winter”, and we get through it by cozying up next to the fire.
We all know “Spring” in Colorado is more of a concept than a season. Winter holds onto our foothills communities long after we get pictures of flowers and baby animals from our friends and family elsewhere. Spring here is more like “less-winter”, and we get through it by cozying up next to the fireplace.
Spring cleaning for your fireplace!
We can fix your broken fireplace (you know you’re
still going to need it for a few more weeks).
To you, Spring may mean the perfect season for catching up on overdue maintenance, deep cleaning, and organizing in your home. To us, that’s what it means too! We can help you cross your fireplace and chimney off your Spring to-do list—and you can help us make some room in our store!
We can fix your broken fireplace (you know you’re still going to need it for several weeks yet), we can perform the necessary annual service on your hearth appliance, or we can replace your outdated fireplace, stove, or insert.
Save on a new stove & help us with our spring cleaning!
Mountain Hearth & Patio (our fireplace retail store) is doing some Spring cleaning too! For our Spring Cleaning, we have several overstocked models we are eager to get into your home. Not only can you have the fireplace, stove, or insert of your dreams, it will also be safe, beautiful, warm, and saving your money on your energy bills.
If you’ve ever thought about that room in your home that is consistently chillier than you’d like- we have a solution for you! A new Hearthstone Stowe gas stove can warm that space with its thermostat settings, keeping your room consistently comfortable. This stove heats up to 800 square feet (74.32 m²)! We have this model on overstock in beautiful matte black finish which will compliment any style.
Is your outdated wood stove leaving you out in the cold? We can help you fix that! We have EPA-compliant, high-efficiency wood burning stoves, inserts, and fireplaces! These units are designed to heat your home and look good too. Replacing your inefficient wood burning hearth appliance with one that heats better, uses less wood, and is better for air quality is easier than you think.
A new wood stove comes with a tax benefit!
Does Springtime make you think of tax season? Taxes are nearly always dreaded, but it doesn’t have to be that way! We have good news that will make Springtime a little brighter. There is a new tax credit available for those who purchase a 75% efficient or higher solid fuel hearth product. We have many wood and pellet-fueled appliances that qualify! Some qualifying appliances are overstocked in our showroom right now! With a new biomass fireplace, stove, or insert purchased before 12/31/2020, you can get up to a $300 tax credit. Learn more about the biomass stove tax credit.
Our NFI-Certified installers put this Heartstone Shelburne into a home in Evergreen, CO.
Our NFI-Certified installers put this Heartstone Shelburne into a home in Evergreen, CO.
Get in touch with Mountain Man for all your fireplace & chimney needs
If you’re happy with how your fireplace is holding up, make sure you take care of it after it has kept you comfortable all winter. Spring is the best time for annual maintenance! Not only do you avoid the long wait times of Autumn, but there is a scientific advantage to getting your chimney cleaned in the Spring. The soot and creosote that accumulates during the burning season is highly acidic. Combined with the humidity of Spring and summer, this is corrosive and causes degradation to your chimney system. Getting your chimney cleaned right after the burning season ends is the best way to prevent this damage.
Do you think that because you don’t burn wood you don’t need an annual cleaning? You are mistaken! Your gas fireplace, insert, or stove also needs an annual Spring Cleaning and inspection. This helps to maximize your appliance’s performance and keeps your home safe too.
Our NFI-Certified installers put this Heartstone Shelburne into a home in Evergreen, CO.
Our NFI-Certified installers put this Heartstone Shelburne into a home in Evergreen, CO.
You may wonder, how do you service something that burns gas? The process is different but just as important. With a gas unit, our certified technicians clean the glass, logs, inside the firebox, and refresh the burner media. We also perform an inspection on the appliance to check that all the components, like the pilot and thermocouple, are working well, and we check for gas leaks to keep your family safe.
Our technicians are certified for specialties in wood, gas or pellet fuel. For basic repairs, we may even be able to solve your problems that very same day. You can be confident in our technicians, who are always in uniform, with ID badges and lettered trucks. Every day, our certified technicians are keeping families safe and warm with these fireplace services.
Come by our showroom to find out more!
This Spring, we’ll help you check your fireplace and chimney
off your Spring-Cleaning list!
This Spring, we’ll help you check your fireplace and chimney off your Spring-Cleaning list! Get your chimney cleaned, your hearth appliance evaluated, a leaky chimney inspection, and discuss a new appliance with just one phone call to Mountain Man Fireplace & Chimney at (303) 679-1601. We have been servicing and installing fireplaces in the Foothills and Denver Metro for over 20 years.
You’re invited to see for yourself! Visit our showroom at 7001 Highway 73 in Marshdale. Give us a call at (303) 679-1601 or email Office@MtnHP.com.
Post originally published on MtnHP.com, our retail site.
More Than 60% Of Home Buyers Prefer A Home With A Fireplace
A great fireplace brings great value and desirability to a home. Here in Colorado, a fireplace can be a crucial source of heat for many homeowners looking for energy savings and a source of beautiful ambiance for those seeking a classic Colorado-living experience. In a study by Angie’s List, 63.15% of home buyers surveyed reported that the presence of a fireplace was an important factor in their decision whether to buy a home. It’s not just that; 40% of participants said they’d pay more for a home with a fireplace than without a fireplace. The value of a modern fireplace goes beyond just the sale of the home, often generating a significant return on investment in savings on energy costs over time.
FireplaceX DVS installed by Mountain Man Fireplace and Chimney in Golden
How does a fireplace effect home value?
The National Center for Real Estate Research states that “fireplaces have a strong, positive effect on selling price with each fireplace adding about 12 percent.” Other studies have produced dollar amount estimates, with Angie’s List reporting that home buyers were willing to pay between $1,000-$10,000 more than they would for a comparable home without a fireplace, depending on the location of the fireplace and the quality of the fireplace itself.
Mendota FV46 installed by Mountain Man Fireplace and Chimney in Fairplay
The value that a fireplace adds to a home is not just monetary. It’s hard to argue against the benefits that a fireplace brings to a homeowner when it comes to ambiance and energy efficiency. This can be an important point to bring to a buyer’s attention in the selling process, especially in Colorado.
According to the Angie’s List study, wood burning fireplaces are the most popular type of hearth appliance by far. These appliances may require a bit more maintenance and care to burn properly, but they are a draw for many potential home buyers. Contrary to popular belief, you can still burn wood in Denver. However, for home buyers who want more convenience, a gas fireplace is a great option, offering easy startup and consistent heat in thermostat mode.
When selling a home, how do you prepare the fireplace?
If you’re about to list a home with a fireplace, it’s important to have the fireplace and chimney cleaned and inspected. Doing this work before you list a home can save you a lot of time and money later in the process, catching issues in the flue or in the appliance before they throw a wrench into the works at closing time.
Getting repairs done and ensuring that the fireplace is functional and safe prior to selling the home can make or break a purchase for some buyers
We provide central Colorado with three levels of inspection:
Level 1 Chimney Inspections (Also Our Pre-Listing Inspection)
During a Level 1, or Pre-Listing, Inspection we inspect all the readily accessible interior and exterior portions of your chimney system (from the firebox to the flue) will be inspected closely, and checked for signs of damage, danger and health hazards (such as carbon monoxide intrusion).
Level 2 Chimney Inspections
When a property is being bought or sold, it is necessary to have a more thorough Level 2 inspection, which includes access to areas that aren’t included in a Level 1 inspection (like attics and crawl spaces) and video scanning of the flue. You’ll also opt for a Level 2 inspection if there’s been a change to your system, like a new flue liner or a new appliance.
Level 3 Chimney Inspections
If a problem is found in a Level 1 or Level 2 inspection, you may need an even more in-depth Level 3 inspection, which can include the removal of materials around the chimney system, like doors or drywall, for a more thorough look into the system.
As with any other part of the home, getting repairs done and ensuring that the fireplace is functional and safe prior to selling the home can make or break a purchase for some buyers, especially those who make the fireplace a priority. Not only that, having the fireplace inspected can prevent last minute costs to the seller in the selling process.
Get in touch with Mountain Man Fireplace & Chimney, Inc.
If you’re planning to sell your home or you’re a realtor preparing a home for listing, don’t forget the fireplace! Mountain Man Fireplace & Chimney and Mountain Hearth & Patio have spent over two decades executing top-quality fireplace sales, service, and installation in Central Colorado. Our technicians are certified by the CSIA and the NFI and specialize in the maintenance of wood, gas, and pellet burning appliances.
Contact us through the form on our website, give us a call at (303) 679-1601, or email us at Office@MtnHP.com to schedule your appointment.
Benefits Of Scheduling A Chimney Sweep Early
Since spring has finally arrived, most of us have cleaned out and shut up our fireplaces for the season. Even if you don’t plan on using your fireplace again until things cool down in the fall, springtime may be the best time to have your chimney swept! 
Having your chimney swept early helps you beat the rush in the fall - our busiest season - and ensures that your fireplace is ready to use when you’re ready to use it. Below are just a few of the benefits of scheduling a chimney sweep early.
The importance of annual chimney sweepings
According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, homeowners should have their chimneys swept at least once per year. Likewise, National Fire Protection Association Standard 211 also states that, "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."Annual chimney maintenance like sweepings and inspections are an important part of keeping your fireplace burning safely and efficiently. During a chimney sweeping, your certified chimney sweep will use special hoses and brushes to remove ash, soot, and creosote that has built up in the flue after a year of use. Removing creosote is especially important as this byproduct of combustion is extremely flammable; creosote ignition is the leading cause of chimney fire, and removing it during an annual sweeping is one of the best ways to prevent chimney fires from occurring.Chimney inspections can also keep your fireplace burning safely. During an inspection, your certified sweep will check all accessible interior and exterior parts of the chimney for signs of damage or deterioration. Inspections can help identify minor problems before they require serious - and costly - repairs.
Benefits of scheduling a chimney sweep in spring
Even if you aren’t currently using your fireplace, spring is a great time to have your chimney swept. Below are just a few of the benefits of scheduling a chimney sweep early.- Have your chimney ready in the fall. By having your chimney swept in the spring, there will be no delay waiting for services when temperatures cool off again in the fall.- No delays in repairs. Many masonry repairs can only be done in mild weather conditions ; this can cause delays in getting repairs done during the fall and winter. Mild temperatures and a lack of severe weather can keep repairs on track.- Convenient appointment times. Because spring is a typically “slow” season for chimney sweeps, customers are more likely to get a convenient appointment time. This also means you most likely won’t have to spend weeks waiting for an appointment to open up.Don’t wait until fall to have your chimney swept! Schedule your chimney services during the spring and have your fireplace be ready to use again in the fall. Contact Mountain Man Fireplace & Chimney today to schedule your spring chimney sweep appointment.
Fire pits are Safe and Fun for your Home
As the spring weather leads to warmer temperatures, many homeowners have stopped using their indoor fireplaces for the season. However, there is still a way to enjoy a wood burning fire without overheating your home – adding a fire pit!
Benefits of adding a fire pit to your home
Fire pits have continued to increase in popularity in recent years. They add value to your home, can be used year round, and add character and ambiance to your backyard. Below are just some of the reasons why you should consider adding a fire pit to your backyard.• Entertainment: Fire pits make a great focal point for outdoor entertaining. Adding a fire pit immediately creates an outdoor living space that can be used all year long. In the summer, guests can enjoy the beauty and ambiance of a wood burning fire, while in the winter it can be used as an additional heat source for outdoor events.• Value: Adding a fire pit is an excellent way to add value to your home. Outdoor living features such as fire pits are especially attractive to potential buyers. In addition, adding a fire pit can give your backyard a unique look and feel, setting it apart from similar homes.• Individual style: Your fire pit can be specially designed to fit your unique style. There is a wide variety of options available when building a fire pit, and almost everything can be customized. Homeowners can choose from a wide variety of building materials and styles, and can even choose what fuel source they want to burn.• Outdoor cooking: roasting hotdogs or toasting marshmallows over an open fire no longer has to be reserved for camping. A backyard fire pit allows these camping treats to be enjoyed throughout the year. Kids – and kids at heart – will all enjoy making s’mores, hotdogs, kabobs, and more.
Fire pit safety considerations
Many homeowners – especially those with young children – may worry that fire pits are not safe. However, there are a number of ways to make using a fire pit a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.• Check local building codes or neighborhood restrictions before building. Different areas have different requirements for fire pits, such as being built a minimum of 10 feet from all structures or requiring building permits based on size.• Build away from fences, low hanging branches or bushes, or other structures to avoid accidental fires.• Consider installing outdoor lighting near the fire pit for increased visibility at night. Low wattage, energy efficient LED lights are a great way to add enough light to see more clearly without ruining the ambiance• Follow the same burning rules outdoors as indoors. If you wouldn’t burn it in your fireplace, don’t burn it in a fire pit. Use seasoned firewood and avoid soft woods like cedar or pine, which can throw sparks as they “pop”Fire pits make excellent additions to any backyard or outdoor living space. If you’re ready to create a beautiful outdoor living space for your home, contact Mountain Man Fireplace and Chimney today!
Fire Safety 101
Does everyone in your household know what to do in case of a fire? Are you taking all possible steps to prevent this? This should help you get prepared.