How to Maintain a Masonry Chimney

 

Maintaining a masonry chimney is essential for ensuring its longevity and functionality. A well-maintained chimney not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home but also plays a crucial role in the safety and efficiency of your heating system. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the various aspects of chimney maintenance, from identifying signs of damage to performing regular inspections and repairs.

Understanding the Importance of Chimney Maintenance

Chimneys are exposed to various environmental factors, including rain, snow, and extreme temperatures, which can lead to deterioration over time. Regular maintenance is vital for preventing costly repairs and ensuring the safety of your home. Here are some key reasons why chimney maintenance should be a priority:

Safety Concerns

A poorly maintained chimney can pose serious safety hazards, including the risk of chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Creosote buildup, a byproduct of burning wood, can ignite and cause a fire within the chimney. Regular cleaning and inspections can help mitigate these risks.

Structural Integrity

Over time, moisture can seep into the masonry, leading to cracks and deterioration. If left unaddressed, these issues can compromise the structural integrity of the chimney, potentially leading to costly repairs or even collapse.

Efficiency

A well-maintained chimney ensures proper ventilation for your fireplace or heating system. Blockages or damage can hinder airflow, reducing the efficiency of your heating system and increasing energy costs.

Signs of Damage to Look For

Being proactive in identifying signs of damage can save you from more extensive repairs down the line. Here are some common indicators that your chimney may need attention:

Cracks and Gaps

Inspect the exterior of your chimney for visible cracks or gaps in the bricks or mortar joints. These can develop due to thermal expansion, settling of the foundation, or freeze-thaw cycles. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent further damage.

Spalling Bricks

Spalling occurs when the surface of the bricks begins to flake or chip away, exposing the inner layers. This can be caused by moisture infiltration, rain, and freeze-thaw cycles. Spalling not only affects the appearance of your chimney but also compromises its structural integrity. If you see spalling bricks, have them replaced. If a large area of the chimney is spalling it may need to be rebuilt. Soft bricks are more susceptible to moisture penetration than hard bricks, but unfortunately, builders use soft bricks in many cases because they are less expensive. 

Effleorescence

Efflorescence

Efflorescence appears as white stains on the chimney surface, caused by the migration of salts to the surface due to moisture evaporation. While not harmful in itself, it can indicate underlying moisture issues in the interior that need to be addressed. In most cases, efflorescense is seen on the utility flue side where the water heater, furnace, or boiler are located. Inspection of the interior flues in the chimney are critical to check for washed out mortar joints, gaps, or even missing flue tiles, and properly sized flue liners. 

Water Stains

Look for water stains on the ceiling or walls near the chimney. These can indicate leaks caused by damaged flashing or deteriorated chimney crowns. If left unchecked, water intrusion can lead to mold growth and wood rot. The chimney should be inspected by a professional, who knows how to do leak checks and find the source(s) of the problem. 

Smoke and Odors

If you notice smoke or unpleasant odors entering your home when using the fireplace, it may indicate blockages or airflow problems. Common causes include creosote buildup or debris obstructing the flue.

Regular Inspections: A Key Component of Maintenance

Conducting regular inspections is crucial for identifying potential issues before they escalate. Here’s how to approach chimney inspections:

Frequency of Inspections

It is recommended to have your chimney inspected at least once a year by a qualified professional chimney sweep. This ensures that any signs of damage or deterioration are caught early.

What to Expect During an Inspection

During a professional inspection, the technician will assess the condition of the chimney structure, check for signs of damage, and recommend necessary repairs or maintenance. They will also inspect the flue for blockages, make sure the damper is functioning correctly, check for proper sizing of the flue liner, inspect the smoke chamber, ensure that the chimney cap is in good condition and more. A pro will use a chimney camera system to inspect the interior of the chimney and provide a written report with photos. 

Cleaning Your Chimney

Regular cleaning is essential for maintaining the safety and efficiency of your chimney. Here’s how to approach chimney cleaning:

When to Clean

Schedule a professional chimney cleaning at least once a year, or more frequently if you use your fireplace or wood-burning insert regularly. If you notice a buildup of soot or creosote, it’s time for a cleaning.

DIY Cleaning Tips

If you choose to clean your chimney yourself, ensure that you have the proper tools, including a properly sized chimney brush, a vacuum, tarps, and protective gear. Start by removing the fireplace grate and any ashes, then use the brush to scrub the flue from top to bottom. Note: we do not recommend doing this job yourself unless a pro is not available. 

Waterproofing Your Chimney

Applying a waterproof treatment can help protect your chimney from moisture damage. Here’s what you need to know:

Benefits of Waterproofing

Waterproofing helps prevent water absorption, which can lead to brick deterioration and weakening or deterioration of mortar. It is recommended to reapply the sealant every 2-5 years or when water no longer beads up. Professional chimney sweeps have access to professional-grade water repellent that is not available to the public.

Installing a Chimney Cover

A chimney cap serves as a protective barrier against rain, snow, debris, and animals entering your chimney. Here’s why it’s important:

Benefits of a Chimney Cover

A properly installed chimney cap helps prevent moisture damage and reduces the risk of chimney fires caused by debris buildup. It also keeps birds and animals from entering your chimney and making flammable nests or blockages.

Maintenance of the Chimney Cover

Regularly inspect the chimney cap to ensure it is securely in place and free of debris. If you notice any damage, consider replacing it promptly.

Monitoring for Damage

Being vigilant about monitoring your chimney can help catch issues early. Here are some tips:

Visual Inspections

Conduct monthly visual inspections of your chimney and fireplace. Look for loose bricks, cracks, or signs of water damage. If you notice any issues, contact a professional for further assessment.

Seasonal Maintenance

Perform seasonal maintenance checks, especially before and after the burning season. In the spring, inspect and clean your chimney to remove smelly creosote and assure it is ready for fall. Also check for any damage that may have occurred during the winter.

Safe Burning Practices

Practicing safe burning techniques can help minimize creosote buildup and protect your chimney. Here’s how:

Use Seasoned Wood

Always use seasoned hardwoods in your fireplace or wood-burning stove. These woods produce less creosote compared to unseasoned or softwoods, however, all wood creates creosote that must be removed at some point. Do not burn hedge or dry pine because these woods burn very hot and fast and can lead to a chimney fire. Check moisture content with a moisture meter and make sure it is at or under 20%. 

Avoid Burning Trash

Never burn trash, cardboard, wrapping paper, railroad ties, or other materials that can release harmful chemicals and contribute to chimney damage. Stick to burning only dry, seasoned wood.

Scheduling Professional Repairs

If you notice significant damage or structural issues with your chimney, it’s essential to contact a certified chimney professional for repairs. Here’s what to consider:

Choosing a Professional

Look for a chimney service provider with experience and positive reviews. Ensure they are certified and knowledgeable about masonry repairs.

Importance of Timely Repairs

Addressing chimney issues promptly can prevent further damage and ensure the safety and efficiency of your heating system. Don’t wait until minor problems escalate into major headaches.

Conclusion

Maintaining a masonry chimney is crucial for ensuring its longevity, safety, and efficiency. By conducting regular inspections, cleaning, and addressing any signs of damage promptly, you can keep your chimney functional for years to come. Remember, when in doubt, consult a professional to ensure that your chimney remains a safe and reliable part of your home.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the warmth and ambiance of your fireplace with confidence, knowing that your chimney is well-maintained and safe for use.

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Marge Padgitt is the co-owner of HearthMasters and HearthMasters Publishing. She was a Certified Chimney Sweep from 1990-2004, and an NFI Certified Woodburning Specialist from 2003-2024, when she semi-retired from contracting. Marge is the author of Wood-Fired Heating and Cooking, Your House is Killing You, and The Chimney and Hearth Pro's Resource Book. www.chimkc.com 

It's Spring Cleaning Time!

It's Spring Cleaning Time!

 Chimney Sweeping should be done in the Spring!

It's that time of year again - when chimneys serving fireplaces, wood stoves, or woodstove inserts should be swept to remove flammable creosote. Why not wait until Fall? For several reasons:

• Summer heat and moisture make soot in the flue smell bad

• Creosote is acidic, and it eats away at mortar in the flues of masonry chimneys.

• Fall is a busy time for chimney sweeps, so make it easy and do it now!

This type of service should be completed by a professional chimney sweep who knows how to do the job right and inspect the chimney after sweeping to assure that it is in good working order. Inexperienced persons do not have the training to do this job correctly. 

While at your home, ask your chimney sweep to inspect gas flues as well. Flues serving furnaces, boilers, water heaters, and gas logs or gas inserts also need to be inspected annually. Flues with damages or clogs can cause deadly Carbon Monoxide to back up into the home. 

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It's time to have your dryer vent cleaned!

Did you know that only 25% of lint is trapped in the lint filter? The rest is in your dryer vent, dryer, and connecting pipe!

There are over 45,000 house fires annually due to dirty dryer vents!

LINT IS FLAMMABLE!

If your dryer is not working properly, it is a sign that the vent and pipe need to be cleaned. This job should be done by a professional. 

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If you live in the greater Kansas City area, contact Hearthmasters at www.chimkc.com. 

Otherwise, do an internet search for professionals in your area. 

Everyone Needs a Wood-burning Heating Appliance for Emergency Heating

Every household needs an alternative method of heating for when the power goes out. Believe me, as one who has gone through this it is no fun when you are freezing in your house because the electricity went out for days. During an ice storm in Kansas City a few years ago some people had no power for two weeks. Besides being extremely uncomfortable, pipes will freeze and leak as well, which no one wants to experience. 

Gas furnaces need fans to work, so that is not an option. Gas heating stoves are an option - as long as gas is available. However, there is one tried and true heating method that has been around for thousands of years and that is cordwood. 

Cordwood can be obtained by purchasing it, or better yet, if you have your own property with lots of timber you may harvest your own. There is a third option for obtaining wood and that is that you may harvest up to three cords of wood per season from National Parks. A fourth option is to check Craigslist for fallen wood that people want to be cleaned up at no charge. 

Hampton wood-burning fireplace insert by Regency

Why Wood? 

•  Wood-burning stoves and inserts work without the use of electricity or fans (unlike gas furnaces or pellet stoves). Fans are optional and are good to use to distribute heat when electricity is available. 
•  Wood stoves and inserts produce TWICE the amount of heat (BTU's) than gas stoves or inserts!
•  Fuel is readily available either by using your own trees on site or purchasing through a firewood dealer.
•  No electricity is needed for a wood stove or insert to work! In case of emergency when the power is out you'll be able to stay in your home instead of going to stay with friends or family or going to a hotel.
•  With a freestanding stove you can cook on the top if needed.

Freestanding wood stove by Hampton

Emergency heating is not the only reason to burn wood. Use a wood-burning stove during fall and winter as a supplemental heating source to save money and provide a more comfortable, even heat. Radiant heat from a wood stove or masonry heater has more health benefits than a gas furnace or electric baseboard heater.

Good quality wood stoves aren't inexpensive - but they are worth the investment. A good stove will last many years. Note: beware of box store wood stoves that have thin metal, no warranty, and may burn out after a few seasons. 

New wood-burning stoves and inserts are 75%+ efficient which means that most of the heat is staying in your house rather than going up the flue as with a standard open fireplace. 

Tax Credit: 

Certain appliances qualify for the $2,000 tax credit in 2024 and beyond. Be sure to ask your wood stove dealer or chimney sweep about this. 

2,000 Year Old Painting of a Pizza Proves the Italians Created This Dish!

 

According to the BBC, the recently discovered fresco emerged on a partially destroyed wall within a Pompeii residence's corridor.

Researchers exploring the preserved Roman city of Pompeii have discovered an artwork that potentially shows an early version of what would become Italy's famous pizza.

Photo: Italian Ministry of Culture

The circular bread shown in the ancient fresco "could represent an early predecessor of today's popular dish," according to Italian heritage officials. However, it lacks the traditional toppings required to classify it as a true pizza.

The artwork was discovered in a residence's entrance hall adjacent to a bakery during current excavations at the southern Italian site. The find occurred this year during ongoing exploration of Regio IX, one of nine sectors comprising the historic settlement.

The structure had undergone partial excavation during the 1800s before work resumed in January this year—approximately two millennia after the volcanic disaster that consumed the city.

Experts at the Unesco-listed archaeological park indicate the newly-revealed fresco showing the bread, depicted alongside a chalice of wine, suggests it may have been consumed with fruits like pomegranates or dates, or enhanced with herbs and a primitive pesto preparation.

Site director Gabriel Zuchtriegel noted the artwork's portrayal of the contrast between "modest, basic fare" and "ornate silver platters." "It's impossible not to draw parallels with pizza, which similarly originated as humble fare in Italy's south before achieving global popularity and earning a place in fine dining establishments," he remarked.

Additionally, researchers recently discovered three human remains near the kitchen area's furnace within the building's service section, officials reported.

The Vesuvius volcanic catastrophe in AD 79 preserved Pompeii under volcanic debris, effectively freezing the city and its inhabitants in time. Since its 16th-century discovery, the location has provided invaluable archaeological insights.

The archaeological park lies approximately 23 km (14 miles) from Naples—the contemporary birthplace of the Unesco-recognized Italian pizza.

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Margie Padgitt is a 40-year veteran chimney business owner, author, and filmmaker living in Kansas City, Missouri. Contact: margepadgitt@gmail.com 

Safety Tips for the Holidays

 Tip #1: Inspections. Some people use their fireplaces year-round and others only build a fire during the holidays - but it is important to have the chimney inspected and cleaned if necessary no matter how much the fireplace is used. This is because things can happen during the year to make fire hazards such as birds or squirrels building flammable nests, masonry deterioration, unseen blockages, etc.

Tip #2: Stockings. In the photo above we see just two stockings hanging above the fireplace, but they are still too close to the fire. Stockings are a fire hazard, so please remove them before building a fire in the fireplace. Also keep all flammable items at least 36" away from the fireplace opening, whether it is wood or gas burning.

Tip #3: Don't Burn Dry Christmas Trees. If you're using a real tree this year, it will dry out by the time January 1 rolls around. Dry pine is the most flammable type of wood but a Christmas tree is the most dangerous. Check YouTube to see some crazy people put their trees into their fireplaces and see them start chimney fires and watch flames shooting out the top of the chimney. Not a good idea. Instead, cut the tree into very small pieces and use them for fire starter throughout the winter.

Tip #4: Don't Burn Wrapping Paper. Keep the pretty wrapping paper out of the fireplace because when it burns it releases toxic fumes. Any paper that has color on it will produce toxins, and that includes magazines, brochures, flyers, etc. As a rule of thumb, only burn cordwood in a fireplace. If you have gas logs, don't put anything in the fireplace.

Have a Safe and Happy Holiday Season!

Smoking Fireplaces and Negative House Pressure Problems

Many homes have negative pressure problems—this is common when homes are tightly insulated

or in large or multi-story houses. Not enough make-up air can get in the house for all of the things that need air, like fireplaces, wood stoves, gas ranges, furnaces water heaters — and people.

Fireplaces can smoke or smell when a second fireplace is used or when a furnace kicks on. This is because the furnace or fireplace needs air for combustion, and takes it from the place of least resistance which is often a fireplace. This is a house problem—not a chimney problem.

When an exhaust fan is used in the kitchen or bath, or the furnace is used, this makes the problem worse because air is being removed from the home.  You may notice cold air drafts coming from fireplaces, fireplaces that smoke, Carbon Monoxide backup from the furnace, gas fireplace, or hot water heater, or leaky doors and windows. These are all symptoms of negative pressure in the house. Sometimes unexplained illness and flu-like symptoms can be an indication of negative house pressure.

Carbon Monoxide is a serious and widespread problem and CO detectors only measure 9 ppm over 10 minutes before the alarm goes off. This means that the household could be exposed to low levels of CO, which is known to cause permanent brain damage or illness. 

Note: All homes need a CO detector on each level! 

Smoking Fireplaces are usually caused by a lack of combustion air and a negative air pressure problem in the house. Fireplaces and stoves on lower levels of the home often perform poorly since they are in the negative pressure plane. In some cases, an induced draft system may also be needed. 

Symptoms of Negative House Pressure: 

· Poor indoor air quality

· Smoking fireplaces and wood stoves

· Unexplained illness that stops when you leave the house

· Carbon Monoxide backup from gas furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, or stoves

· Mold and mildew in the house

· Leaking doors, windows, can lights, etc.

· Cold downdrafts in fireplaces

Fireplace Test:

· Place tissue paper, a newspaper page cut into strips, or a piece of saran wrap across the front opening of the fireplace and secure it at the top with tape.

· Open the damper

· Watch the paper—if it goes in toward the fireplace draft is good and there is no negative pressure

· If the paper goes out towards the room, a down-draft is occurring and this is an indication of negative house pressure on the floor where the fireplace is located.

· Slowly open a window in the room and watch the paper, it should reverse and go in towards the fireplace—this is positive indication that there is a negative pressure problem.

If you are experiencing any of the above issues call a professional chimney sweep or HVAC company to diagnose the problem and offer a solution. 

Solutions may include the addition of an outside air door for the fireplace or room, the installation of a draft inducer on a wood-burning stove, or the installation of a whole-house ventilator. 

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Marge Padgitt is the president of HearthMasters, Inc. in Independence, MO. She is a writer, publisher and speaker.  Contact her at margepadgitt@gmail.com. 

How to Avoid Chimney Fires

 

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, an estimated 32,200 home heating fires were reported to fire departments within the United States. These fires caused an estimated 190 deaths, 625 injuries and $442 million in property loss.  Home heating fires account for 500 deaths per year.

There are over 25,000 chimney fires in the U.S. annually, and three out of 10 house fires (44,000) are related to heating appliances. For this reason alone, it is important to keep chimneys maintained, but performance problems can also arise that are not related to hostile fires.

Note: A "Friendly Fire" is one that is intended such as a fire in the fireplace or a candle burning. It becomes a "Hostile Fire" when it reaches beyond its intended location.

ALL OF THESE FIRES ARE PREVENTABLE

It is important to remember that ALL wood creates creosote, even hardwoods. The creosote must be removed by brushing with a special wire chimney brush for tile flue liners, or a poly brush for stainless steel flue liners or metal chimney pipe. The wrong type of brush can damage metal liners.

Chimneys should be swept when there is 1/8" or more of creosote on the flue walls. This is difficult to see, so another rule of thumb is to have the chimney swept annually for open fireplaces or at least twice seasonally for inserts or freestanding stoves.

How to prevent chimney fires

• Have the chimney swept regularly by a professional chimney sweep, who will also inspect the chimney to be sure it is in good working order.
• Use only dry wood (check with a moisture meter) that has been seasoned for a minimum of 6 months.
• Never burn dry Christmas trees, wrapping paper, or newspaper as these items often cause fires.
• The use of a "Chimney sweeping log" may result in a chimney fire since it detaches creosote from the flue walls and brings it closer to the fireplace, but does not remove the creosote.
• Use inserts and freestanding wood-burning stoves according to the manufacturer's instructions by leaving the door closed during burning, and regulating air intake so it does not overfire the stove. Overheating can ignite creosote in the pipe or flue without direct flame.

Most chimney fires are not detected by the homeowner

Chimney fire damage is usually detected by a chimney sweep during sweeping and inspection. Telltale signs are broken flue liners, blown out mortar joints, buckled metal liners or pipe, white hot spots, and burnt honeycomb creosote. There may also be expansion breaks in masonry. With this in mind, we estimate that there are 10 times the official reported totals!

While there are chimney fire signs to watch out for such as a loud wooshing or freight train sound and flames shooting out the top of the chimney, chimney fires are usually of short duration and not noticed while people are out of the room.

Damaged chimney flue liners can allow Carbon Monoxide, creosote, and smoke to escape into the area outside the liner and possibly into the house, making a damaged chimney a potential hazard. This is why it is so important to have regular inspections completed.

For more information visit www.chimkc.com

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Marge Padgit is a veteran chimney contractor, writer, and podcast host. Contact her at margepadgitt@gmail.com