Constant fireplace smoking is the topic of this article. It is one of the most valued features in our homes. And all too often, the fireplace is labeled “non-working” and sits unused, because the homeowner doesn’t know what to do about a smoking problem. Here I will show how most smoking problems can be handled […]
Smoking Fireplaces Part 3: Constant Fireplace Smoking Read More »
Author – Todd Woofenden While there are differences among the various types of fireplaces, you will find several common parts. An understanding of the basic terminology is helpful. Outer hearth This is the technical term for what we usually call the hearth. It is the part of the hearth that extends out into the room,
Masonry chimneys are more complicated than most people think. And even more so when there is a fireplace to consider! The structure is carefully designed to conform to proportions and standard building practices per the NFPA 211 Standards and International Residential Code. If a chimney isn’t built or maintained correctly, it may not work properly,
The soot scene with Bert the Chimney Sweep in the movie Mary Poppins was funny on screen. but one that people dread when thinking about their own homes. Black soot covering everyone and everything in its path as it falls out of the chimney and into the parlor is what many homeowners imagine when they
Author – Marge Padgitt Homeowners have asked chimneys.com for information on what types of flue lining systems are available for masonry chimneys and what the advantages or disadvantages are among them. As a chimney contractor, we have used all types of lining systems so I’m familiar with each. In this next series of articles I
Author – Marge Padgitt Negative house pressure is a common problem that can cause fireplaces and wood-burning appliances to smoke, and gas appliances to backdraft deadly Carbon Monoxide gas. This is probably the least understood house issue, but one that usually can be corrected. All houses have a positive pressure plane, a neutral pressure plane,
Negative House Pressure Can Cause Multiple Problems Read More »
Author – Marge Padgitt Most homeowners who purchase historic homes recognize the fact that older structures need a lot of work. There are structural issues to deal with as well as cosmetic, and the larger the home, the more problems to address. However, few homeowners realize the extent to which the chimneys will need to
Author – Marge Padgitt I’m surprised at the number of inadequate and incomplete chimney inspections I see from some chimney companies in my area. The main reason for doing an accurate and thorough inspection report is to notify the homeowner of potential problems that could be safety hazards, but a second very good reason is
Author – Marge Padgitt Chimney fires are all too common, and often go unnoticed by the homeowner at the time of the event. According to a recent poll by the Midwest Chimney Safety Council, and average of 1.5 fire-damaged chimneys are found every day that a chimney sweep works if he/she usually sweeps four to
A Chimney Fire Can Cause More Damage Than Expected To Masonry Chimneys Read More »