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How often
do I need to clean my wood-burning fireplace chimney?
It is recommended that a wood- burning fireplace be cleaned after
one cord of wood has been burned since the last time the fireplace was cleaned. In accordance to NFPA (National Fire Protection
Association,Code 211)chimneys should be inspected regularly for creosote buildup. NFPA suggests allowing no more than 1/4
inch (0.6 centimeters) of creosote to build up before cleaning. Using your fireplace two to three times a week during the
winter may result in a 1/4 -inch (0.6-centimeter) accumulation every two years.
If a chimney fire does occur, call
the fire department immediately and get everyone out of the house. You can try to put a small fire out yourself, but it is
best to leave it to the firefighters. If you do try to put it out on your own, however, directing the fire extinguisher discharge
up the chimney and then closing the damper can be effective.
2. Do I need to be home?
Yes,
the fireplace, furnace flue or dryer vent cleaning take place on the inside of the home, and sometimes also from the outside.
3. Should I expect a mess?
At All Seasons we guarantee a mess free job. We understand that your home
is your castle and we will treat your property with the utmost of respect at all times.
4. Does my gaslog
burning fireplace chimney require routine cleaning and inspection?
Absolutely. Routine inspection is imperative in avoiding
a potential gas leak disaster. As far as cleaning goes, your gaslogs will deposit signifigant amounts of carbon to your firebox
and chimney and should be inspected annually.
5. Smoke backs up into my house when I use my fireplace.
Can All Seasons help?
Yes. Smoke problems occur for a variety of reasons. In some cases the fireplace has a poor draw,
in other situations smoke travels to other parts of the house through gaps in the liner. In other homes wind blows down the
flue. A new chimney liner and/or an electrically operated exhausto fan can solve these problems permanently.
6. I see water leaking into the firebox of my fireplace and I also see water stains on the ceiling and the wall next
to the fireplace. Can you help me?
Yes, All Seasons can help you prevent future leaks, but doing these repairs will not
remove existing stains. All Seasons installs protective chimney covers and dampers. We seal crowns and flashings and also
do chimney tuck pointing and chimney rebuilding.
7. I have gaps and cracks in the walls of my prefab fireplace.
Do you repair these problems? Yes we offer firebox sealing with refractory mortar to alleviate this situation.
8. My fireplace smells especially during the summer when it's hot and humid. Is there any relief for me?
Yes and no.
There are a variety of situations that result in the "burnt" odor in your home. Proper cleaning will help alleviate
this. In addition,downdrafts may cause this condition and a top damper system will keep out the drafts and keep the heat in
your home.
9. How do I know that my chimney and/or firebox needs tuckpointing and/or rebuilding?
Take
a close look at the walls of your masonry chimney. Do you see cracks, crumbling bricks, uneven areas of mortar, voids, and
noticeable gaps between the bricks? If the answer is yes or you are not sure, then contact All Seasons to provide an estimate
for repair of the damaged areas on your chimney.
10. I recently changed my furnace and/or water heater and
now I see water on the floor near my furnace. Can you help me?
Yes, a new liner that is correctly sized to properly vent
the gases and prevent condensation may provide a solution.
11. What can you do about a whitish discoloration
on the outside of my chimney?
The whitish discoloration on the exterior of the furnace chimney is efflorescence. It is
caused by the escape of gases through gaps in the liner. All Seasons will make specific recommendations about installing a
new liner and tuckpointing or rebuilding the chimney if necessary.
12. My clothes don't dry as fast as they
used to, and I've been told that the problem is not in the dryer. Can you help me? Yes. Very often dryer exhausts become clogged
with lint and other debris, such as nesting material. All Seasons uses special equipment to clear the passageway.
13. How do I pay for this service?
Payment is due at the time of service. We are pleased to accept personal checks,
Visa, MasterCard and Discover.
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