Clean Sweeps of Michigan's Blog

When it comes to keeping your chimney in good condition, there are a number of parts and pieces that are all needed to work together. One such piece is the storm collar; while you may not recognize the name, storm collars are instrumental in preventing chimney leaks and interior moisture damage to your chimney and home.

A storm collar is a flexible metal ring that is required any time a chimney passes through a roofline. Storm collars are not typically used in masonry chimneys; instead, they are most commonly used with stoves or prefabricated fireplaces that have a chimney pipe.

Storm collars are designed to fit around round chimney pipes just above the chimney flashing; they also feature screws or tabs that allow the storm collars to be tightened to fit your exact chimney. Because the upper edge of the storm collar is exposed, it is important that it is sealed to create a watertight barrier between the chimney and the storm collar.

The angled design of storm collars help keep water from rain, snow, and other moisture from seeping straight down the chimney pipe. Instead, moisture is directed away from the chimney and onto the roof where it can safely run off. While storm collars direct moisture away from the chimney pipe, chimney flashing is still needed in order to prevent any leaks. By sitting on top of the flashing, the collar and flashing work together to prevent leaks and water damage to your chimney and home.

One common cause of storm collars failing is the deterioration of the caulk or seal around the top of the collar. Not using the right kind of sealant is the primary cause of this kind of deterioration; storm collars need to be sealed with a high temperature sealant in order to withstand the heat of the chimney pipe. Using a regular, waterproof sealant or caulk may be able to keep moisture out, but typically cannot hold up against the heat of the chimney pipe.

Storm collars may also fail because of the metal they are made of. Galvanized metals rust more quickly; if you notice rust stains on your roof or walls near the chimney, the storm collar may have begun to deteriorate. Instead, choose a new chimney cap made of a durable metal such as stainless steel. While stainless steel collars are more expensive, they will last longer than galvanized models.

A chimney storm collar is an important part of keeping your chimney – and home – moisture and leak free. If you have a deteriorating storm collar or if your pipe chimney is missing a storm collar altogether, contact Clean Sweeps of Michigan today. Our highly trained staff of chimney experts can help you select and install the right storm collar for your home and chimney.

A beautiful fireplace can be a wonderful focal point in your home. Unfortunately, if your masonry is dirty or stained your fireplace might not be drawing the right kind of attention.

Whether your fireplace and chimney is stained from years of exposure to the elements, smoke, ash, or soot, dirty masonry can have a negative impact on your home’s curb appeal or design aesthetic. In the past, the only options for cleaning masonry were using harsh chemical cleaners or painting over the stained masonry. Now, homeowners have more choices; Paint N Peel products allow homeowners to restore the natural beauty of with masonry without the use of harsh chemicals.

Chimney Saver Paint N Peel fireplace cleaner is designed to restore your natural masonry without the use of harsh chemicals or paint. Because of its special formula, Paint N Peel is able to remove years of buildup on masonry without damaging the bricks and mortar of the fireplace or chimney.

Unlike many masonry and fireplace cleaners, Paint N Peel does not contain any harsh chemicals or solvents. Not only does this make the product environmentally friendly, but it can also be used inside your home without affecting the air quality or leaving behind a harsh chemical smell.

Outside your home, one of the most common methods for removing chimney stains is power washing. While using a power washer to clean your chimney might remove surface stains, the combination of pressure and water can cause long term water damage to your chimney.

While Paint N Peel can be used on both your interior and exterior masonry, there are restrictions on when it can be applied. Because it can only be applied outdoors when the temperature is between 45 and 95 degrees, spring and fall are often the best time of year to have the product applied.

The process of restoring your masonry using Paint N Peel is extremely simple and can be done with minimal disruptions to your day to day routine. To begin, a thick coat of Paint N Peel is applied to the masonry using specially designed brushes. The product is then allowed to dry for 6-12 hours; however, because Paint N Peel is environmentally friendly and has no harsh chemical odors you do not need to worry about the air quality in your home being affected.

As Paint N Peel dries, it forms a thick, non-hazardous film. When the product has cured completely, the film can easily be peeled away; as it is peeled back from the masonry, years of smoke, ash, and soot staining come off with it.

If you have a dingy fireplace or chimney, you have options beyond just painting the masonry a new color. Restore the beauty of your existing brick by using the Paint N Peel fireplace cleaner; contact Clean Sweeps of Michigan today to learn more about Paint N Peel and schedule your appointment!