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What Do You Need to Know About Your Chimney Flue?

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  An essential part of any wood-burning fireplace or heating system, the  chimney flue  directs dangerous gases and smoke out of the home. For the flue to operate efficiently and to protect against possible hazards, proper maintenance is vital. We at A Step in Time Chimney Sweeps are experts in complete flue maintenance, from cleaning to repairs, ensuring that your chimney system is always in excellent condition and works securely and reliably. We offer skilled services that will guarantee your home is secure and your heating system works at its maximum effectiveness. Is There a Flue in Your System? Any kind of fireplace or equipment that burns wood needs to have a flue installed if you have a wood-burning fire. Smoke and waste gases escape the house through the flue, which might be situated inside a chimney or a straightforward flue pipe. For optimal airflow, the duct should be smooth and the right size to meet the capability of your fire system. Additionally, it requires it to be lin

Reasons to Switch to a Gas Fireplace

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  It’s simple to understand why gas fireplaces have grown more and more popular in recent years. These flexible heating options have multiple benefits over and above their appeal. The many reasons to install a gas fireplace will be covered in this blog. In addition to being a stylish and useful design element, gas fireplaces provide efficient and cost-effective heating for your home. Gas fireplaces, compared to conventional  wood-burning fireplaces , offer several different advantages that suit modern lifestyles. If you go with the best gas fireplace installation Service, you will have the best with you. How does a Gas Fireplace work? The three primary processes of a gas fireplace are exhaust, combustion, and air intake. The two main types are natural/b-vent and direct vent. Two sealed pipes are utilized in a direct vent fireplace; one is employed to pull in outside air for combustion while the other is utilized to send exhaust fumes outdoors. A natural/b-vent fireplace, on the other h

Causes of Chimney Odors

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  Chimneys are greatly responsible for several odors which are entering our home, making the environment of the home unpleasant. The odors can range from mildly annoying to highly disruptive, which can hamper the normal functioning of your living space. To have a safe and comfortable home, maintaining a clean and efficient chimney has turned out to be very important. There can be many reasons for these odors and it is very important to know the exact reasons to prevent and address them effectively. In this blog, we will go in-depth in understanding the various reasons for chimney odors along with some of the practical ways you can reduce the odor in each cause. Common Causes of Chimney Odors Creosote Buildup    One of the main reasons for chimney odors can be the buildup of creosote, which in simple terms is a natural byproduct of burning wood. This is mostly common in fireplaces where the stoves are made of wood. The smell of creosote depends on the stage of its buildup. Cerestore bui

Common Causes of Chimney Cracks

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  Some  chimney cracks  may be small issues. For example, natural shrinkage could be the cause of a hairline crack that sometimes shows up in bed cement. It’s easy to fix fractured mortar. Investigating into a cause is essential if a crack runs consistently through block or brick masonry. These materials are solid, with compressive good strengths. However, they are rapidly broken if under pressure. Wind pressure has become one source of stress which is a force that stretches or bends. What is A Crack in a Chimney? Chimney cracks can be small splits, hairline fractures, or significant separations in your cement, brick, or stone chimney. They may vary in size from chipped bricks to wide gaps. The cracks can run alone or in groups, and they can differ in broadness, length, depth, and position. If you have major issues or concerns, your home’s structural integrity may be affected. Very small cracks caused by expansion and contraction can be common. What are the common causes of Chimney Cra

Guide for Exterior Chimney Care

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  Homeowners should act to deal with a problem as soon as it becomes obvious, even if your chimney seems to be in good condition. To determine how many outside chimney issues develop gradually, a more thorough examination is required. In locations where vision is restricted like on or near the flue top, there are several common issues. A skilled chimney expert knows that even though a few cracked or broken bricks might not seem troubling, they may lead to structural, health, and safety issues. Maintaining your external chimney is essential as an outcome. What parts of the chimney’s exterior should be taken care of? Exterior chimney care involves taking care of the below-given parts: Bricks Performance and safety are directly affected by the overall condition of the chimney bricks. Bricks can eventually become loose, cracked, or spall (flaking) as an outcome of ageing and exposure to the weather. To identify these problems early on, routine inspections are important. If bricks become da

Causes of Chimney Soot Buildup

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  Have you seen any black stains on the walls surrounding your fireplace? That is most likely the result of creosote and soot accumulation inside your chimney walls. A significant problem with your chimney is soot and creosote buildup. Avoiding it can result in several health and safety issues. In extreme cases,  chimney fires  can arise from it. Before exploring the causes of soot buildup as well as the best methods to avoid it, it’s essential to understand what chimney soot is and why it occurs. We will additionally talk about creosote, its various stages, and how to deal with (and avoid) creosote accumulation. Now let’s get going. What is Chimney Soot? Chimney soot is a dark brown or black powder with an oily appearance. When natural substances, like coal or wood, burn inadequately, soot is produced. It is a dangerous substance that smells bad and comprises tiny metal particles, dangerous lefts, and waste. What are the ways to Prevent Soot Stains? There are different ways to prevent

Why Do You Need a Chimney Scan?

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  Your chimney may contain concealed parts, thus there may be risks that you are unable to reach some parts. For this reason, it’s very important to have an annual expert chimney sweeping and inspection. Analyzing the hidden parts of your chimney can still be difficult, even with the assistance of a professional  chimney sweep . You can arrange for a video chimney inspection with A Step in Time Chimney Sweeps. The Level 2 examinations include a video scan. What is a chimney scan? A camera fixed on a swivelling rod that is sent up the chimney by an experienced cleaner is used in a chimney video scan. This camera captures high-definition footage, which it immediately sends back to a monitor for analysis. When inspecting chimneys, chimney cleaners search for signs of creosote buildup, cracks, obstructions, or anything else that can impair their functionality or put them in danger. What are the reasons to have a chimney scan? Numerous reasons state a scan is a must. Let us have a look at a