West Hartford Modified Chimney Rebuild
We were called out for an estimate to rebuild a chimney in West Hartford, CT. Chunks of brick were falling off the chimney and rolling down the roof. You can see one sliver still on the roof. The top portion of the chimney was in major disrepair in the area that needed to support a heavy blue stone cap. Our customer said they have had birds in the chimney once before so they wanted to change out the slate cover with a screened chimney cap. We explained the chimney cap also does a better job keeping out rain and snow, which has been a contributing factor to this chimneys deterioration. They wanted to keep the look and the style of the brick, and we were able to find almost the exact same style. Three days later, a new chimney was born! Check out our photos below!
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Tolland Custom Brick Chimney Rebuild
Tolland customer invited us out because his chimney never drafted right and had excessive soot staining on exterior brick. It turned out the fireplace chimney flue tiles were broken and hot flue gasses and soot were bleeding through firebox.
During chimney tear down we found the chimney not built to code, as is common in almost all of CT , where there wasn’t the proper thickness of masonry between the fireplace and combustible wall. The wood behind the chimney was also rotted through from water.
Customer didn’t want the chimney to look brand new. We get asked all the time if we can build with used brick or antique brick for aesthetic purposes. Our Tolland County customer wanted a custom old-style brick that looked aged and worn. We came through for him using ‘Old Barkhamstead’ brick that we were able to obtain from one of our many masonry yard contacts. Custom brick rebuilds are our specialty and our master masons love building them.
For more information on Tolland’s #1 chimney repair and rebuild company, click here!
Wethersfield Chimney Rebuild
Customer in Wethersfield had popped bricks due to water damage. These particular bricks were very porous, soaking up water and during freeze-thaw cycles , the brick faces chipped out. Water also leaked into the interior of the fireplace during very heavy rains, most likely through the shoulder areas when gutters overflowed.
We tore the chimney down and rebuilt it with all new severe weather brick and installed water impervious blue stones on the chimney shoulder to eliminate water soaking through the brick. Many chimney leaks occur in these areas.
What Does a Chimney Liner Do?
A chimney liner is a critical element of the chimney. The chimney liner will guide the combustion that is created in the chimney and guide it away from the chimney. It is a major element of the chimney and provides safety for your home.
Benefits of a Chimney Liner:
- Reduces Fire. It reduces fire because a chimney liner forms a barrier between the fire and the chimney. This barrier, the chimney liner will reduces fires that can occur in an overheated and extremely hot chimney.
- Prevents Harmful Toxic Gases. The chimney liner will take harmful toxic gases such as carbon monoxide and guide it out of your home. If the chimney liner is damaged or there is no chimney liner in your chimney, then the toxic gases can enter your home; this can be deadly and dangerous.
- Energy Efficient. The chimney liner provides energy efficiency. The chimney liner will reduce any heat loss.
- Provides Safety. The chimney liner provides safety to a home. The chimney liner protects the joints and the structure from overheating, which causes house fires.
A chimney liner is a critical element of the chimney. The chimney liner provides safety, energy efficiency and so much more. If you have a home that was built before the 1940’s, then more than likely your chimney doesn’t have a chimney liner. It is important that all homes have a chimney liner for their chimney. The chimney liner should be maintained and inspected often to provide safety and security for your home.
Safeside Chimney are the chimney liner specialists. Call Safeside Chimney to have your chimney liner inspected and maintained.
For more information on Conneticut’s chimney specialists, click here!
What Does a Chimney Cap Do?
Chimneys keep a home warm and cozy along with adding appeal and beauty to any home. A homeowner wants to provide warmth to their family along with safety, and that is why it is important for every chimney to have a chimney cap.
A chimney cap is a metal box that sits on top of a chimney. The benefits of one include:
- A chimney cap will prevent rainwater from entering the chimney liner. Rainwater can damage cause deterioration to the liner and the chimney.
- The chimney cap will prevent limbs, leaves and debris from entering your chimney.
- A chimney cap will prevent wildlife from entering your chimney. Birds, squirrels and raccoons are always looking for a place to build their nest, and the chimney is the perfect choice for these animals. The chimney never has any people around it and the animals have a dark, quiet place to live. A chimney cap will prevent any wildlife from building a nest in your chimney.
- A chimney cap can prevent a fire. Embers can fly up the chimney, then land on your roof. This is dangerous and deadly, but a chimney cap prevents embers from exiting the chimney.
- The chimney cap can promote a long life to your chimney liner. The chimney cap will keep rain and debris from entering the liner. These items cause damage to a chimney liner.
A chimney cap is affordable and will save a homeowner costly repairs later. It should be installed by a professional who is trained and qualified. Safeside Chimney are the professionals to install your chimney cap. Give them a call today!
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Spring Cleaning Your Chimney
When spring finally arrives after a long, cold winter, homeowners are getting into the spring-cleaning mood. Spring cleaning your home gets dust, dirt and debris out of your home and is the perfect time to sanitize and scrub your home. The last thing the homeowner is thinking about with their spring cleaning is the chimney, but this is the perfect time to have it cleaned.
Cleaning your chimney while you are doing your spring cleaning will guarantee that your chimney has been cleaned and ready for winter. There are other benefits to cleaning your chimney at springtime.
- Creosote is deposited in your fireplace when it is being used. Creosote will build up in the liner of the chimney. The creosote can produce a sour odor that can be smelled in your home.
- Water can enter the chimney throughout the winter months. Ice, snow and rain create a moisture that can cause corrosion in the liner of the chimney, which leads to damage. A spring cleaning can identify any damages.
- Cleaning the chimney can save the homeowner costly repairs later. Many homeowners don’t clean their chimney until fall months. If there is major damage to the chimney, then the homeowner will have to wait to use the fireplace until the repairs have been made.
Spring is an excellent time to deep clean your home. It will remove dust, dirt and debris from your home, leaving your home clean and healthy. This will allow a professional chimney sweep to identify any damages.
Having a professional chimney sweep inspect and clean during your spring cleaning will allow for any repairs to be repaired, creosote to be removed and your home being clean and healthy. Call the professional chimney sweep company who is licensed, insured and certified in chimney sweeping. Safeside Chimney can provide an effective and efficient chimney sweep.
Call Safeside Chimney for all spring chimney sweep cleaning. Get your whole house clean and healthy when you have your chimney sweep done too.
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How Often Should I Clean My Chimney?
A chimney sweep will clean and remove built-up creosote, debris and soot from your chimney liner. It is important to have your chimney cleaned, because it will keep your chimney performing properly and keep your family safe and healthy.
How often should the chimney be cleaned?
The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends that the chimney should be cleaned when there is approximately 1/8” of soot buildup.
How would a homeowner know if there is 1/8” of built-up soot in their chimney?
It is very difficult for a homeowner to know if there is built-up soot in their chimney. A professional chimney sweep technician can examine the chimney and determine if the chimney should be cleaned. The chimney sweep technician will also be able to examine the chimney liner for any cracks or damages. This is important as the repairs can be done at the same time the chimney liner is cleaned.
A chimney should be cleaned at least once a year. The best time of year to have your chimney cleaned is summer or before fall begins. This will have your chimney cleaned, maintained and repaired before the heating season begins. A homeowner should never neglect having the chimney cleaned. Removing creosote, soot and debris from the chimney will keep your chimney safe and performing properly.
Safeside Chimney is the professional chimney sweep to call. Our technicians will examine the chimney for any damages or cracks, then repair them immediately. The technician will clean the chimney thoroughly. Call Safeside Chimney to schedule your annual chimney sweep.
For more information on Hartford’s chimney services, click here!
How Much Does it Cost to Get a Chimney in My House?
Adding a chimney to your house will add value, appearance and appeal. There are many factors that are considered for the price of having a chimney installed. The materials that will be needed along with the installation will determine the cost of having one installed in a house. A professional chimney company should be consulted. The professional will come to your home and inspect the area where you would like the chimney. The chimney contractor will estimate the cost of labor, materials and demolition, then give you a price. The price can vary for adding a chimney. The only certain way to know what the cost will be for adding a chimney is to call a professional chimney contractor. A professional chimney contractor will discuss your needs, preferences and budget.
The company to call for a new chimney is Safeside Chimney. We are the leader of installation of new chimneys. Give us a call today for the best price on a new chimney!
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How Do I know when I need a New Chimney Liner?
The chimney liner is an important component for the chimney. It keeps toxic gas, smoke and creosote from entering your home. Chimney liners occasionally need to be replaced.
What are the signs to let a homeowner know when they need a new chimney liner?
If your chimney liner has cracks or is broke, then it is time for a new chimney liner. Some chimneys have never had a liner added, and if your chimney doesn’t have a chimney liner, then you should have one installed.
How can a homeowner know if there are cracks in their chimney liner?
The only way to see is if you hire a professional chimney sweep company. A professional can inspect your chimney liner by using a video camera. The video camera can get inside the chimney liner and inspect the liner thoroughly. The professional will be able to show you the cracks that the video camera has picked up.
A thorough chimney inspection should be done once a year or if you are having a problem with your chimney fire. A chimney sweep company that is qualified and has the proper tools can do your inspection quickly and affordably.
Safeside Chimney has been providing chimney liner inspections for decades. The inspectors are licensed, qualified and insured. Call Safeside Chimney today and schedule a chimney liner inspection today. It’s better to be safe, than sorry.
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