Clean Sweeps of Michigan's Blog

Get Ahead By Making Your Annual Appointments

While we are still in the middle of the extreme heat and long days of summer, fall will be here in the blink of an eye! Make sure your fireplace is ready. How? By making your annual sweep and inspection appointments now.

Protect your chimney with annual maintenance.

Our fireplaces and chimneys need regular TLC in order to burn their best. Having your chimney swept and inspected once per year is one of the best ways to help your fireplace burn safely and efficiently.

Why your chimney needs to be swept annually.

During the burning season soot, ash, and creosote can build up in the flue. A chimney sweeping removes any buildup and debris in the fireplace and flue. The result? A chimney that is clean and ready to use.

Removing creosote is one of the most important aspects of a chimney sweeping. Creosote is a naturally occurring byproduct of combustion; while burning all fuel sources can produce creosote, creosote buildup is most commonly seen in wood burning fireplaces. Having creosote removed by a certified chimney sweep is important, as it is extremely flammable. Ignition of creosote in the flue is the primary cause of most chimney fires!

Do you use your fireplace as a primary heat source in your home? If so, you may need to have your chimney swept more than once per year. In addition to an annual sweeping, chimneys should be swept when there is 1/8th of an inch of accumulation of soot. This amount of accumulation typically occurs after one full cord of wood has been burned.

The importance of annual inspections.

There are very few homeowners who are brave enough to climb onto their roofs; likewise, most chimneys are difficult – if not impossible – to see completely from street level. Due to this, chimney damage can go unnoticed for long periods of time. Chimney inspections are the best way to stay apprised of the condition of your chimney – without the risk of climbing on your own roof!

“A chimney inspection is like an annual dental check-up,” says Ashley Eldridge, Director of Education for the CSIA. “It’s preventative maintenance that helps minimize potential hazards.”

Chimney inspections are an important part of your chimney maintenance – no matter how often you use your fireplace. Since chimney damage can occur whether you use your fireplace one or 100 times during the year, all homeowners should have an annual inspection done.

Inspections are often the first line of defense in identifying chimney damage. Minor damage such as small masonry cracks or shifting chimney caps can often be quickly and easily repaired, protecting your chimney from further damage and saving you money on costly future repairs.

Schedule your appointment today!

On long and hot summer days, using your fireplace may be the furthest thing from your mind. However, scheduling annual chimney maintenance now will ensure your fireplace system is safe and ready to use this fall. To schedule your next chimney sweeping and inspection, contact the experts at Clean Sweeps of Michigan today!

Rain Caps

When it comes to keeping your chimney in good condition, few parts are as important as the rain cap. While rain caps are known by many names – including chimney cap, chimney cover, animal guard, or spark arrestor – their purpose is the same: protect the top of the flue from water, animal, or debris entry.

What is a rain cap?

Rain caps are metal guards with mesh or wire sides that are designed to fit over and cover the top of the flue. When installed correctly and undamaged, rain caps help keep moisture – as well as animals and debris – out of the chimney. However, rain caps can deteriorate over time due to shifting, settling, extreme weather, or simply long term exposure to the elements.

Five reasons you need a rain cap

The following are five reasons why your chimney needs to have a rain cap.

1.  Minimize moisture damage: Water can be one of the most harmful forces to your chimney system; while exterior masonry is designed to withstand the elements, the delicate mortar and metal components of the flue and firebox are easily damaged by moisture.
2. Keep animals out: A cool, dark chimney can be an inviting hideout or nesting ground for many small mammals and birds. However, the presence of animals can cause serious damage to your home and chimney.
3.  Block downdrafts. When using your fireplace on a breezy day, wind can blow smoke, gas, ash, and soot back down the chimney and into your home. However, a rain cap protects the top of the chimney against extreme downdrafts caused by the wind.
4.  Stop sparks: While chimneys are designed to vent smoke and gas, they can also be used to prevent sparks from escaping up and out onto your roof. The mesh sides of the rain cap serve as a spark arrestor, protecting your roof – and those of your friends and neighbors – from any hot sparks or coals that blow up the chimney.
5.  Keep out debris: Leaves, twigs, branches, and even Frisbees can all fall into unprotected chimneys. Metal rain caps protect the top of the flue and keep debris from falling in and causing chimney blockages.

Signs your rain cap isn’t working

With all that a rain cap does to protect your home and chimney, it is important that they work correctly. Below are a few signs that your rain cap may be damaged, needs to be repaired, or needs to be replaced.

• Water entry: The presence of water in your flue or firebox often indicates a leak surrounding the rain guard. A chimney inspection can identify the source of a leaky chimney as well as assess the condition of your rain guard.
•  Chimney blockages: If your chimney isn’t drafting properly or smoke is backing up into your home, you may have a chimney blockage. Chimney blockages are most often caused by animals or debris such as leaves falling into the flue.
• Animal entry: The presence of an animal in the chimney is a surefire sign that your rain cap is damaged – or missing altogether. After having the animals safely removed by a wildlife professional, it is important to repair or replace the rain guard to prevent them from coming back.All chimneys can benefit from having a quality and well-fitting rain cap installed. For more information on rain caps and why your home may need a new one, contact Clean Sweeps of Michigan  today!