Clean Sweeps of Michigan's Blog

Say Goodbye to Hearth Stains with Paint N Peel

Fireplaces can add charm and character to any home; many older or historic houses have beautiful, stately fireplaces that are the focal points of the home. However, dirty or discolored masonry can turn a focal point into an eyesore.

Many times, stained masonry does not reflect problems with fireplace performance or efficiency. Despite this, dirty interior masonry can affect how homeowners feel about – and how often they use – their fireplace.

Cleaning fireplace masonry used to involve hours of scrubbing with harsh chemicals. Now, homeowners have an alternative with Chimney Saver Paint “N” Peel fireplace cleaner. This fast and easy to use product can help restore original masonry in less time – and with less elbow grease.

How Paint “N” Peel works

The Paint “N” Peel  process is easy and involves minimal disruption to your day to day life. The fireplace technician begins by applying a thick coat of Paint “N” Peel using special brushes. After application, it is left to cure and dry for 6-12 hours.

Because harsh chemicals and solvents are not used in Paint “N” Peel, there is no need to worry about leaving your home or avoiding the living room or hearth room after it has been applied. The product is environmentally friendly and has no unpleasant odor; this allows you to go about your normal routine without the air quality being affected.

As Paint “N” Peel dries, it forms a thick film. This can be easily peeled away from the brick after the product has completely cured. As it is peeled away it takes away years of staining from smoke, ash, and soot, leaving behind masonry that is restored to its former beauty. While mostly used on interior masonry, Paint “N” Peel can also be used on chimney exteriors as well as other masonry structures.

What sets Paint “N” Peel apart

Removing stains from masonry used to involve buckets of harsh chemicals, hours of scrubbing, or being forced to paint over the original bricks. Harsh solvents often affect the air quality in your home; many need hours of setting time, require windows and doors to be opened to increase airflow, or leave behind lingering odors that affect air quality. Likewise, painting over the brick cannot be undone; while this covers the staining, paint also permanently alters the original brick.

Many homeowners try to clean exterior masonry using a power washer. While this is often able to remove stains, it can cause significant damage to the masonry. The combination of water pressure and moisture can cause cracks and holes to form in the masonry, leading to potential long-term damage. Paint “N” Peel is an easy to use, non-damaging alternative to other masonry cleaning methods.

If the masonry of your fireplace is stained, there are alternatives to painting the brick or resorting to caustic cleaners. For more information on how Paint “N” Peel can remove stains from your fireplace or chimney, contact Clean Sweeps of Michigan today.

Keep The Cold Out With A Chimney Damper

The damper is an important part of the anatomy of the chimney. While most of us know that it must be open when the fireplace is in use, few homeowners understand the importance and purpose of this part of the chimney system.

What is a damper?

The chimney damper is the metal barrier between the firebox and the rest of the chimney structure. The damper sits at the top of the firebox and is opened when the fireplace is in use using a lever, chain, or pulley. Dampers are designed to prevent smoke and gas from backing up into the home when the fireplace is in use and the damper is open, while also keeping moisture and unconditioned air out of the home when the damper is closed.

Two types of dampers

There are two types of dampers that are used in fireplaces in homes: throat dampers and top sealing dampers.

– Throat damper: Throat dampers are a traditional part of fireplace structure; they sit between the firebox and the flue and are opened when the fireplace is in use. Chimneys with throat dampers also require a chimney cap, or the metal hood that covers and protects the top of the flue.

– Top sealing damper: Top sealing dampers are a relatively new fireplace innovation and are beginning to be installed in more homes. These dampers are installed on the top of the flue, replacing the chimney cap; just like a throat damper, the top sealing damper is opened and closed when the fireplace is in use to allow gas and smoke to draft. Top sealing dampers are useful in helping to reduce a home’s heating and cooling costs as the entire chimney are sealed from outside air.

Is my damper damaged?

Dampers are made of metal and designed to be extremely sturdy; despite this, they can become damaged from years of use or overexposure to heat or moisture. The following are three signs your damper may be damaged.

– Broken lever. A broken pulley or lever is the most common sign of damper damage. If the lever breaks while the damper is open, it can allow animals, debris, and cold air into your fireplace at all times; if it breaks when closed, it can prevent you from using your fireplace entirely.
– Loss of airtight seal. When closed, the damper should create an airtight seal between the flue and the firebox. If you can hear or feel air coming through the closed damper it may need to be replaced; this can happen from overexposure to heat or from being bent or twisted when forced open or closed.
– Rust. Rust can occur when water from a chimney leak has pooled on a damper. Rust on a chimney damper should be addressed in two ways; first, the source of the chimney leak should be identified and repaired. Second, the damaged damper should be removed and replaced.

Keep the cold out this winter!

A functioning damper can protect your fireplace and keep cold air out of your home this winter. For more information on installing a new top sealing damper or to have your damper inspected for signs of damage, contact Clean Sweeps of Michigan today!