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Chimney Doctors FAQs
This page lists commonly asked questions with regard to chimney cleaning, chimney repair, fireplace drafting, chimney height, smoke problems, fireplace smoke guards and other questions of interest. The solutions to these problems are covered by Chimney Doctors throughout most of Southeastern Wisconsin.
Q. How often should my chimney be cleaned?
A. If you burn for heat, or have frequent fires (3-4
times a week during the burning season) your chimney should be cleaned yearly.
If you burn a half of a cord of wood or more your chimney should be inspected
on a yearly basis and cleaned when necessary. Even if you do not burn very
often , NPPA states that all chimneys should be inspected annually.
Inspections are done to check for creosote build-up, blockage, cracks, and any deterioration of the chimney.
Q. How is a chimney cleaned and is it messy?
A. The chimney cleaning can be done from the top and from the bottom (most commonly done from the bottom). A high speed rotary "brush" expands (centrifugal force) while inside the chimney and scrubs the entire flue area, the smoke chamber above the damper, and the firebox. This new system (2005) cleans much better than the old fashion hand & wire brushes. A vacuum is set up at the bottom to collect all the dust and debris before it enters your home. Chimney Doctors offers a No Mess Guarantee!
Q. What should and should not be burned in a chimney?
A. Creosote, is much higher in
unseasoned wood and in high pitch woods like pine and spruce, so these should
be avoided. Burning hardwood like oak and hickory is best. Birch can be used to get the
fire going. Also, use only wood that has been drying out at least six months --
if the ends are not cracked, the wood is not dry enough.
Never burn any type of painted wood that would give off toxic fumes. Avoid wood like plywood that is put together with glue. A minimal amount of paper is OK to start a fire, but avoid glossy paper or paper with color print. Large amounts of paper like Christmas wrapping should not be burned because it creates a large flame that can reach creosote deposits and start a chimney fire. *The top of the flame should always be visible.
Q. Why do I need a chimney cap?
A. Chimney caps are vital for several reasons including:
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To Stop Rain - The Chimney Cap prevents rain from entering the chimney, causing damper and firebox rust leading to expensive repairs
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To Stop Birds & Animals - The Chimney Cap will not allow birds, squirrels or other animals to enter the chimney.
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To Discourage Back Draft - Where certain wind conditions exist, the Chimney Cap will discourage downdrafts.
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To Arrest Sparks - The wire mesh reduces the amount of sparks and large ash that is normally blown into the air and onto rooftops.
Q. How do I know what type of chimney cap to get?
A. Insist on a Stainless Steel cap. Aluminum or galvanized caps can be ripped of by animal and will rust over time leaving ugly stains on the chimney. Stainless steel caps usually come with a life time warranty. Your chimney professional will be able to size and install a chimney cap for you.
Q: With the rising cost of fuel prices, is there anything I can do to make my fireplace more efficient?
A. There are a few options you have to increase the heat
output of your fireplace. The first option is to install a wood burning insert.
This option can be costly and you would lose the aesthetic value of your
natural fireplace. The most economical option would be to install a cozy grate
heater ™. You simply place your logs on the grate and the thermostatically
controlled blower circulates the warm air into your living space at a rate of
40,000 BTU's of heat per hour. This is a very cost effective way to bring more
heat into your home. Feel free to call us for more information and a free
quote.
Q: I've been noticing that there is a strong odor of soot and ashes coming from my fireplace on hot, humid days. Sometimes the odor is also strong after it rains. What's causing this and how can I get rid of it?
A. The first thing to do is have your chimney and fireplace cleaned if you haven't had it done in a while. If you have recently had a cleaning, then there could be some underlying issues causing the smell. These include: making sure your damper is closed, lack of a raincap at the top of your chimney, moisture problems within the chimney, your smoke chamber may have corbelled brick (which allows creosote to build up), or your chimney could be too short which doesn't allow enough draft to draw smoke and odors up and out.
Q: With the rising cost of heating, is there anything I can do to minimize heat loss in the area of my fireplace?
A. Most fireplaces/chimneys were originally built with a
cast iron damper. Unfortunately these types of dampers warp and rust over time,
preventing your fireplace from becoming properly sealed. Installing a
top-sealing damper can dramatically cut your energy costs by preventing cold
air from ever entering your chimney because it's sealed off from the
top.
Chimney Doctors services the following Southeastern/Madison Wisconsin Communities: |
Rick's Firewood Service |
Air Duct Cleaning Service
"Clean Air Matters" |
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