Clean Sweeps of Michigan's Blog

Looking to Add a Brick Chimney to Your Home or Business? Let Us Help!

Is your home or business missing the fireplace of your dreams? At Clean Sweeps of Michigan, our staff of dedicated, skilled masons specializes in new chimney construction. We can help you build the beautiful stone or brick chimney system you’ve been dreaming of!

Benefits of building a new chimney

Fireplaces are one of the most sought-after home features. 70 percent of real estate agents say that a fireplace adds value to your home, while 40 percent of buyers say that they will pay more for a home with a fireplace. Building a new fireplace can increase your home’s value. There are other benefits too including:

• Creating a cozy feeling in a living space or bedroom
• Provides additional warmth in the event of winter power outages
• Helps lower heating costs

Considerations when building a new chimney

Building an entirely new brick or stone chimney system allows you to design your dream fireplace. The following are a few things to consider when preparing to build a new chimney system.

• Fuel source. Burning different fuels requires different venting systems. Choosing your fuel source – as well as the type of fireplace or heating appliance – will influence the design of the chimney.
• Clearance from other combustible materials. Proper fireplace construction requires certain clearances between the chimney and other combustibles. Working with an experienced mason who is familiar with building codes and clearances ensures your new chimney will be safely constructed. If a beautiful fireplace cannot withstand the heat of a fire, it becomes an useless decoration.
• Chimney height. In order to vent safely and efficiently, chimneys need to be built to certain height requirements. Chimneys should be at least 3 feet above the roof and 2 feet higher than any other surrounding structures within 10 feet. This 10 foot-2 foot-3 foot rule ensures your chimney are able to draw in air for the fire while smoke and gas safely vent out.
• Building materials. While there are a number of materials available for fireplace and chimney construction, all building materials react differently to the exposure of heat, moisture, and the elements. Our masons can help you choose durable building materials that match your style and budget.
• Style and design. Do you want your new fireplace to be rustic, sleek or contemporary? Building a chimney system allows you to customize the design of your new heating appliance. This gives you the freedom to mix your style and functionality for a dream fireplace to warm your home or business for many years.

Contact us today!

If you are dreaming about adding a new chimney to your home or office, let the expert masons at Clean Sweeps of Michigan turn your dreams into a reality! Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and learn more about the benefits of building a new chimney.

Freshen Up With Paint “N” Peel

The fireplace should be the focal point of your living spaces – not an eyesore. While stained masonry has no impact on a fireplace’s performance, it can have a major impact on the home’s aesthetics. If the masonry surround of your fireplace is stained or discolored from years of exposure to soot, ash, and smoke, this can make the entire fireplace look dirty and dated. Likewise, exterior chimney staining can make a house look older and negatively affect your home’s curb appeal.

In the past, the only ways to clean masonry were to spend hours scrubbing, use harsh and abrasive chemicals, or paint the bricks. Now, homeowners have another powerful and simple choice – Chimney Saver Paint “N” Peel fireplace cleaner.

How is Paint “N” Peel different from other products?

Most methods of removing masonry stains are either time and labor intensive or permanently alter the look of the bricks and mortar. While many interior cleaners are designed for stained masonry, there are significant drawbacks. The harsh chemicals used can affect the air quality in your home. They also have to be left on for days, and they usually require extensive scrubbing to work.

Even the most popular methods of cleaning exterior masonry come at a cost. While power washing exterior bricks and mortar can remove stains, the combination of extreme pressure and moisture can cause serious damage to the masonry. Unlike other cleaning methods, Paint “N” Peel, is environmentally friendly. It does not create harsh chemical odors, scrub-free, and removes stains without damaging the masonry. This makes it the ideal choice for removing both interior and exterior masonry stains.

How does Paint “N” Peel work?

Paint “N” Peel fireplace cleaner is safe, fast, and easy to use. The fireplace professional at Clean Sweep will begin by applying a thick coat of it  to the stained masonry using special brushes and tools. Once applied, the product cures for 6-12 hours. Because there are no harsh chemicals, the air quality in your home will not be affected as it dries.

Once cured, Paint “N” Peel forms a thick film on the masonry’s exterior. Your fireplace professional can then easily peel away the product from the brick. As it is peeled away, Paint “N” Peel can removes years of stains from ash, soot, and smoke to reveal  the beautiful, original masonry underneath.

Paint “N” Peel Can Give Your Curb The Appeal

Paint “N” Peel is designed to be used on both the fireplaces and chimneys. Spring and summer are the perfect time to clean and restore masonry using Paint “N” Peel, particularly when used outdoors. As it can only be used when temperatures are between 45 and 95 degrees, spring and summer are the perfect time to restore your fireplace.

If the masonry of your fireplace or chimney have become discolored from smoke, ash, or soot, don’t spend hours scrubbing bricks using harsh chemicals. Instead, contact the masonry experts at Clean Sweeps of Michigan. Our Paint “N” Peel system can make your bricks beautiful again!