What Happens When a Chimney Flue Is Blocked?
A blocked flue is one of the quickest ways for a chimney to go from an inconvenience to an emergency. When exhaust cannot leave the house, it comes back in. That means smoke, soot and carbon monoxide in the rooms where your family sleeps and eats. What can block a flue Bird nests, leaves and […]
Animals in Your Chimney in Connecticut: Removal and Prevention
Animals use chimneys as shelter because they are dark, sheltered and tall. In Connecticut, chimney swifts, squirrels, raccoons and bats are the usual guests, and each causes blockage, damage or odor. Rooftop chimney inspection on a fall day Signs of Animals Scratching, chirping or movement sounds Nest debris in the firebox Strong, musty or foul […]
Why Is My Chimney Not Drawing? Causes of a Smoking Fireplace
If smoke rolls into your living room instead of up the flue, the chimney is not drawing properly. Draw is simply the pull of air upward through the flue, and when it fails, smoke, soot and carbon monoxide have nowhere to go but into the house. It is one of the most common service calls […]
Spalling Chimney Brick in Connecticut: Causes and Repair
Spalling is when the face of a brick flakes or pops off, and in Connecticut it is almost always caused by water that freezes inside the masonry. Left alone, spalling weakens the chimney and lets more water in. Water damage inspection on chimney masonry Causes Water absorbed by brick and expanding as it freezes Failed […]
7 Signs Your Chimney Liner Needs Repair Before Burning Season
Request a Free Estimates Share: Table of Contents A damaged chimney liner can create carbon monoxide risks, chimney fire hazards, smoke problems, water damage, and poor draft before the heating season even begins. Connecticut homeowners should schedule chimney inspections before burning season if the fireplace system has creosote buildup, water stains, draft issues, damaged flue […]
How Winter Weather Damages Chimneys in Fairfield County
Connecticut winters are hard on masonry. Coastal moisture, heavy snow and repeated swings above and below freezing all work on a chimney from the outside, while smoke, steam and creosote work on it from the inside. By the time you see a leak in the ceiling, the damage has usually been building for several seasons. […]
Chimney Inspection Cost in Connecticut: What to Expect
A chimney inspection in Connecticut typically costs about $100 to $350 depending on the level. A Level 1 visual check is the lowest cost, while a Level 2 camera inspection, required for most home sales, costs more because of the time and equipment involved. Why CSIA certification matters for chimney care Inspection Levels Level 1: […]
Is Black Soot From a Gas Fireplace Dangerous?
Yes, it can be. Black soot on a gas fireplace usually means the fuel is not burning cleanly, and incomplete combustion is also how carbon monoxide gets made. A light film of dust on the logs after a long summer is normal. Dark, greasy residue on the glass, the ceramic logs or the wall above […]
Can Summer Heat and Humidity Cause Chimney Odors in Connecticut Homes?
Request a Free Estimates Share: Table of Contents Yes, summer heat and humidity can make chimney odors worse in Connecticut homes. During the summer months, moisture, air conditioning, negative pressure, creosote deposits, an old ash pile, animal entry, and poor airflow can push smoke odors from the chimney system into the living space. These summertime […]
Should You Waterproof Your Chimney Before Connecticut’s Late-Summer Storms?
Request a Free Estimates Share: Table of Contents Yes, many Connecticut homeowners should consider chimney waterproofing before late-summer storms, especially if the chimney has cracked mortar joints, a damaged chimney crown, missing chimney cap, water stains, spalling bricks, or past water leaks. Summer storms, hurricane season, severe weather, and pressure changes can push rain into […]
