Clean Sweeps of Michigan's Blog

What To Consider When Building A New Chimney

Do you wish you could sit in front of a roaring fire to keep warm this winter? Have a fireplace in the living room but wish there was another one in a different part of the house? There’s still time to have a new chimney system built before cold weather arrives!

Building a new chimney is a major undertaking – but also comes with major payoff. While there are a number of things that should be considered before building a new fireplace and chimney, there are also a number of benefits.

Things to consider before building a new chimney

The choice to build a new fireplace or chimney is not one that should be taken lightly. While there are a number of benefits, it is still a major construction project. The following are a few of the things that should be considered before making the decision to build a new chimney system.

• Fuel choice. Wood? Gas? Pellets? Coal? Choosing the right fuel source is the first step in determining what kind of chimney system you need.
• Aesthetics. Building a new chimney allows homeowners unprecedented choice when it comes to designing the aesthetics of their new fireplace system. By working with our team of expert masons, you can design a fireplace that meets your heating needs – and fits into the style of your home.
• Building materials. Budget, style, and fuel source are just a few of the things that should be considered when choosing the building materials for a new chimney. Natural stone and bricks are the most popular building materials due to their durability and ability to withstand heat.

Benefits of building a new chimney

Building a new chimney system is a major undertaking that reaps major rewards. The following are three of the many reasons to build a new fireplace system.

1. Add value. There’s no way around it – building a new chimney and fireplace is a major investment. However, it also has major returns. The National Association of Realtors found that 40% of potential buyers would pay extra for a home with a fireplace. Likewise, a survey by the National Center for Real Estate Research found that “fireplaces have a strong, positive effect on selling price with each fireplace adding about 12 percent.”
2. Make damaged chimneys useable again. Chimney fires, settling, or years of neglect can make chimneys unsafe to use. By choosing to tear down and rebuild the chimney system, homeowners can make it safe to use their fireplace again.
3. Stand out from the crowd. A survey by the National Association of Homebuilders found that fireplaces are the second most requested home feature; adding one on to your home can make it more attractive to potential buyers if or when you decide to move.

There is still plenty of time to get a new chimney built so you can enjoy the benefits of a roaring fire all winter long. For more information about building the fireplace of your dreams, contact the masonry experts at Clean Sweeps of Michigan to set up a free consultation.

All About Paint N Peel Fireplace Cleaner

A well-maintained fireplace can serve as a beautiful design focal point in any room – as well as add value to your home. Unfortunately, dirty masonry can send the wrong message; while dirty bricks do not necessarily indicate a fireplace problem, it can draw the wrong kind of attention to your fireplace.

Both interior and exterior masonry can be stained from years of exposure to the elements, smoke, ash, or soot. While painting, power washing, or harsh chemical treatments were once seen as the only way to remove masonry stains, there is not a better option: Paint N Peel. Paint N Peel products offer an alternative – and extremely effective – way to restore the beauty of the original masonry without the use of damaging paint or chemicals.

What is Paint N Peel?

Paint N Peel is a product from the Chimney Saver line of products. It is designed to easily remove years of staining from masonry and can restore the beauty of your original masonry in as little as one day.

How Paint N Peel works

Paint N Peel is fast, effective, and easy to use; restoring masonry with Paint N Peel can often be done in as little as one day – and with minimal disruptions to your daily life.

A thick coat of Paint N Peel is applied to stained masonry using special brushes and applicators. The product is left to cure for between 6 and 12 hours. Because it is an environmentally friendly product, there are no harsh chemical odors while Paint N Peel is being applied or drying; this makes it safe and comfortable for you to stay in your home during the application and curing process.

As Paint N Peel dries, a thick, non-toxic film forms. When cured completed, this film can be easily peeled away from the masonry; as it is removed, it takes years of stains from smoke, ash, and soot with it.

Comparing Paint N Peel to traditional masonry cleaning methods

One of the most common methods for cleaning exterior masonry is power washing. While effective at removing surface stains, power washing can cause serious damage the both the bricks and mortar. The combination of water along with extreme water pressure can cause immediate damage as well as lead to long-term problems.

Unlike other masonry cleaners, Paint N Peel does not contain harsh solvents. Because of this, it is environmentally friendly and can be used anytime; the air quality in the home is not affected when Paint N Peel is used, and it leaves behind no chemical smell in the home.

Paint N Peel is also unique in that it can be used on both interior and exterior masonry. However, there are some restrictions on when it can be applied. Paint N Peel can only be used when the temperature is between 45 and 95 degrees; because of this, it is best to apply Paint N Peel during more temperate fall or spring weather.

If your fireplace or chimney are stained, there are options besides power washing or painting. Paint N Peel fireplace cleaner can help remove years of staining and restore the beauty of your original masonry. For more information on Paint N Peel products or to schedule your next appointment, contact Clean Sweeps of Michigan today!