Clean Sweeps of Michigan's Blog

Why You Need A Chimney Cap

While all chimney components serve an important purpose, few protect your chimney as well as the chimney cap. Because of its location at the top of the chimney, however, chimney caps are often overlooked. Understanding the importance of the chimney cap, especially during the spring, can help ensure yours stays in good condition and can protect your fireplace system for years to come.

What is a chimney cap?

Chimney caps are fitted hoods made out of metal such as aluminum, stainless steel, or copper. They are designed to cover and protect the top of the flue. While chimney caps have a solid top which keeps moisture out, they feature mesh or wire sides; this allows smoke, hot air, and gas to safely vent while keeping animals and debris out of the chimney.

Is my chimney cap damaged?

Few of us spend much time on our roofs; because of this, chimney cap damage may go unnoticed until signs of the damage begin to appear. Chimney cap damage is often discovered through a chimney inspection. Chimney leaks, blockages caused by leaves and branches, or animal entry can all be caused by chimney cap damage.

Repairing and replacing your chimney cap.

If your chimney cap is damaged, it may need to be repaired or replaced. Because chimney caps come in a variety of sizes and styles, it is important to have a chimney professional help you find the right cap for your chimney.

While chimney caps serve an important purpose in protecting your home, they can also add a decorative flair to your roofline. Different metals, sizes, and styles can create a unique look that complements your home’s exterior while still protecting your chimney system.

Why you need a chimney cap this spring.

While a chimney cap is an important part of your chimney all year long, it is especially important in the spring for two reasons:

1. Animal entry.
   Spring is known as the season of baby animals, and an unprotected chimney is an inviting nesting spot for many animals. Birds, squirrels, roof rats, and many other animals will attempt to nest in a chimney; chimney swifts, a protected migratory bird, are known for nesting in chimneys each spring and are protected by law. While a nesting animal might not seem like a hassle, they can cause strong odors, damage to the flue and other chimney components, and chimney blockages.
2. Water entry. April showers bring May flowers – and chimney leaks.
   Heavy spring rains can cause chimney leaks if your home has a missing or damaged chimney cap. Even small amounts of water can damage interior fireplace components; the firebox and damper, for example, are built to withstand heat but are easily damaged by moisture.

This spring, don’t let your chimney go unprotected. Have your chimney cap inspected to ensure it keeps moisture and animals out of your flue. For more information on the importance of your chimney cap or to schedule your next chimney inspection, contact Clean Sweeps of Michigan today!

Firebrick Patterns For Interior Fireplaces

Building a new chimney system or giving an existing fireplace a major facelift? If so, customizing your fireplace allows you to create a focal point unique to your home and style. Many homeowners focus on details such as the masonry or stone of the chimney or the style of the mantle. However, there is another way you can customize your fireplace. The interior lining of the firebox.

Firebrick linings and safety.

The firebrick lining of the firebox is one of the most important safety features of any chimney system. Firebricks are made of refractory ceramic materials that can withstand high temperatures. In addition, they reflect heat back into the room, and prevent heat exposure to surrounding building materials. Firebrick linings are used in hearths for both manufactured and masonry chimney systems; because of this, both types of fireplaces can be customized using firebricks.

Most manufactured fireplaces require ASTM C-27 approved firebrick lining of 1 ¼” thick or 2 ½” thick. This requirement both insulates and protects the fireplace and surrounding building materials. While 2 ½” thick firebrick must be used on the fireplace floor, either 1 ¼” or 2 ½” firebricks can be used on the firebox back wall and sides.

Firebrick patterns.

While safety is the most important part of firebrick installation, there are a number of ways to customize the look of your firebox. In addition to choosing different colors or sizes for your firebricks, different patterns can also be used to turn your ordinary fireplace into a design focal point. The following are five firebrick patterns that can bring your new fireplace to life.

1. Standard herringbone.
   Standard herringbone is created when firebricks are laid in alternating directions, creating a “V” pattern. The strong visual effect of this pattern will turn your fireplace into a design focal point in your home.
2. Split herringbone.
   Split herringbone uses the same pattern as standard herringbone, but uses the narrower 1 ¼” firebricks on the walls and back of the fireplace while keeping 2 ½” firebricks on the floor. This creates a unique, custom, handcrafted appearance to the firebox.
3. Basket weave.
   Basket weave is an Old English pattern that has made a resurgence in popularity in recent years. The alternating horizontal and vertical pairs of firebricks create a vintage look that fits in perfectly in homes with rustic designs. Add additional visual interest by alternating contrasting or complementary colors.
4. Stacked bond.
   Stacked bond, also known as stand bond, is by stacking firebricks in continuous horizontal and vertical lines. While seemingly simplistic, the continuous lines of this pattern create a simple, understated look that is causing stacked bond to become increasingly popular.
5. Running bond.
   The most traditional firebrick pattern, running bond is created by alternately stacked horizontal firebricks. This simple pattern continues to be popular due to its low cost and ease of installation; minimal cutting creates minimal waste when using the running bond pattern. Spice up this traditional firebox pattern by choosing a unique firebrick color or firebrick size.

Contact us!

If you are refurbishing your existing fireplace or preparing to install a new heating appliance, consider creating a firebrick pattern as a way to add design appeal to your fireplace. For more information on adding a firebrick pattern to your fireplace construction or installation, contact Clean Sweeps of Michigan today.