How often should a chimney be cleaned?Your chimney should be cleaned and inspected at least once a year according to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and other veteran professionals. It should also always be swept when any amount of glazed creosote is present. Summer is a great time to check your chimney.
What is chimney flashing?Flashing is a thin metal sheet with sealant on one side. It prevents water from getting into the plywood at the base of the chimney. The flashing seals any opening between the chimney and external or internal wall.
Why shouldn't I just clean my gutters myself?Cleaning gutters requires the use of ladders and sometimes access to the roof. As per the National Safety Council's statistics, falls are the primary contributor to unintended fatalities and injuries within households. These incidents result in more than 6,500 annual deaths and a staggering two million hospital-associated injuries yearly.
When should I clean gutters in WNC?If you have open gutters, ie, no covering, gutters need to be cleaned at least twice a year – in the spring and in the fall. If you have pine trees near your home, needles will need to be removed every three months to reduce the potential for clogging the gutters and downspouts. For covered gutters, a visual inspection will let you know when they need attention. Give us a call to help you decide when it is time to clean.
Does my chimney need a liner?NFPA enforces that chimneys must have a liner that is able to contain the materials of combustion. Remember that you may have a liner but if it is not in good shape it is basically useless. Have your chimney inspected today.
Do I need a chimney cap?A chimney cap protects your chimney from any debris or wildlife entering your chimney. It protects your chimney from nesting or deposits of leaves and other flammable material.
When is the best time to have my chimney cleaned?Spring is the best time of year to have your chimney services done. Once autum arrives, most chimney business are very backed up. Also, you should have your chimney serviced directly after the winter months of heavy usage so dangerous creosote does not sit in your chimney for an extended period of time.
How do I know if I need my dryer vent cleaned?
A dryer that takes more than one cycle to dry your clothes.
If your clothes are hot after one cycle of drying.
Dryer is hot to the touch while it is on.
Lint accumulation around and behind the dryer.
Your laundry room is humid or warm while using your dryer.
Musty smelling clothes in the dryer.
Increasing amount of time to dry a load of clothes.
Do I really need to clean my dryer vent?Yes, dryer vent fires are one of the leading causes of home fires in the United States. An average of 15,000 dryer fires are reported annually causing more than $110 million in damages. ALL dryer vents need to be cleaned at some point. Safety first!
How often should I clean my dryer vent?How often a dryer vent needs to be cleaned varies. While appliance manufacturers recomment every year, it is more common to inspect every 1-3 years. Some factors to consider:
The age of your dryer: if it is more than 10 years old it may need to be cleaned more often.
A vent that has several bends or elbows will collect more lint than a straight run.
A full size dryer has better flow than a compact or stackable dryer.
If you are using the dryer frequently, it will need to be cleaned more often.
Dryer vents that are 5 feet or fewer in length will not need to be cleaned as often as a dryer vent that has a length of 15 feet or more. The longer the vent, the more it will build up with lint.
What is tuck pointing?Tuck pointing is needed when mortar is worn away on your chimney. The bricks become loose, making it easier for water to enter. This can cause very expensive damage. Gaps in the chimney must be restored or moisture will further weaken them. Damaged mortar needs to be removed, and fresh mortar needs to be applied. Eventually, all chimneys will need some repair. Bricks last for a much longer time than mortar.
Can my chimney catch fire?Chimneys are susceptible to fires, unfortunately, a widely encountered issue. Each year, more than 25,000 chimney fires transpire, resulting in substantial damage to homes that amounts to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
These incidents not only jeopardize the chimney system but also pose a threat to the entire house. They underscore the crucial significance of treating chimney maintenance with utmost seriousness.
These fires typically originate from the accumulation of creosote or the ignition of debris within the flue. Factors such as restricted airflow, improperly seasoned firewood, and cooler temperatures within the system contribute to the formation of creosote buildup.
Should I use my pressure washer on shingles?Don't use a pressure washer on your shingles. The algae is embedded in the granules of your shingles and you would need to use too much pressure to wash the algae away, taking excess granules with the algae. This method will shorten the life of your roof, causing you to replace it much sooner than necessary. Let All Phase Chimney Sweep clean your shingles from above the source, not from below.
How much experience do you have in chimney sweep?After working in the field for many years, Bill Penley purchased All Phase Chimney Sweep in 2005 and has been satisfying customers throughout WNC since.
Do fireplace inserts save on heating bills?You can save money on your energy bill if you install a fireplace insert. A more efficient wood-burning heating system means less gas, oil, or electricity is required to heat your home. When the insert is not in use, the closed air tight glass doors will prevent heated inside air from escaping up through the chimney and also stops cold outdoor air from getting into the home, whether hot or cold this cuts your energy costs.
Does an insert work better than an open hearth?Fireplace inserts are much more efficient than open fireplaces. With open hearths a lot of heated room air is pulled into the fire, a process which results in an energy-wasting, quick-burning fire. Fireplace inserts have a sealed, air tight door system which generates more heat because the fire burns much slower and the heat isn’t wasted. The efficiency of fireplace inserts can be as much as 80%.
In addition, EPA-certified fireplace inserts can reduce wood-burning emissions to practically zero, meaning that your environmental footprint is much smaller than with an open hearth fireplace.