Many people wonder if chimney cleaning logs really work. The answer is yes and no. Chimney cleaning logs can reduce some of the creosote buildups. However, they are not a safe replacement for a professional chimney sweep and inspection.

How Chimney Cleaning Are Supposed to Work

Whenever you burn fuel in your fireplace, gas particles travel up and out of your chimney. Some of the gas particles fail to completely exit the chimney. These particles condense and stick to the inside of your chimney, forming a thick tar-like buildup called creosote. Creosote is highly combustible.  The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) identifies creosote buildup as a common cause of chimney fires. 

In theory, chimney logs release a chemical that causes the creosote to become flaky and brittle and fall through the flue. Chimney cleaning logs only reduce some of the creosote.  They do not clean to the professional standards required to reduce potential hazards within your chimney.

Why You Need A Professional Chimney Inspection And Sweep

A professional chimney sweep includes more than cleaning your flue. A professional completes an inspection, cleans the chimney and educates you on potential hidden hazards within your chimney.  Creosote buildup is only one of many factors that can affect your chimney. 

Whether or not chimney cleaning logs work depends on how you define “work”. Do they reduce some of the creosote buildups? Yes. Do they do a good enough job for you to be confident that your fireplace is as safe as possible? No. Are they an acceptable replacement for a professional chimney sweep and inspection? Never. A professional is the best option.

Are you ready to get your chimney cleaned by a professional?  Be sure to read this article on how to choose the right professional chimney sweep company. 

During a recent chimney repair in Vienna, VA, a homeowner asked, what is a chimney liner? That is one of the most frequent questions that we hear.  Chimney liners are one of the least understood, yet most important aspect of any fireplace system. Selection can determine the safety and efficiency of your fireplace and is therefore not to be taken lightly.  Likewise, regular maintenance and prompt repairs will keep your chimney running and keep your family safe.  Below you will find everything that you need to know about chimney liners. 

What is a Chimney Liner? How Does It Work?

The Chimney Safety Institute of America defines a chimney liner as a “conduit installed inside of a chimney, intended to contain the combustion products, direct them to the outside atmosphere, and protect the chimney walls from heat and corrosion.” If chimneys are unlined, heat will move through them quickly, increasing the risk of woodwork or other elements catching on fire. Liners also reduce the exposure of corrosive materials to masonry. 

Types of Chimney Liners

What is a chimney liner?  That is just one of many questions you should be asking yourself if you are a homeowner. Since chimney liners are as versatile as every other aspect of your fireplace, asking yourself which chimney liner suits me better? It´s completely understandable. Selection will depend largely on your budget and the current state of your chimney. A few common types of liners are highlighted below:

Clay Liners

Clay tile liners once dominated chimneys. If your home is more than a few decades old, it probably features a clay liner. Clay holds certain advantages but is mainly prized for its durability. It can hold up to a variety of corrosive materials, and, once installed, is likely to last at least half a century. Unfortunately, while the materials for this type of liner can be relatively affordable, the actual installation process may prove time-consuming and costly. Replacement is even more difficult, especially if the chimney is crooked.

Cast-In-Place Liners

Like clay liners, cast-in-place liners tend to be quite durable and can last several decades. Fireplaces with cast-in-place liners often burn cleaner, thereby producing minimal creosote buildup. Installation may be easier for cast-in-place liners than for their clay counterparts, but the process still requires considerable effort — particularly for chimneys with any bends or curves. 

Metal Liners

In recent years, metal liners have overtaken clay and cast-in-place models in popularity. Metal liners are by far the most convenient and affordable to install. They’re also quite versatile and can work well in chimneys of numerous shapes and sizes. The downside? Metal liners are typically more prone to corrosion.

Common Chimney Liner Problems

While chimney liners tend to be durable, a variety of issues can strike after decades of use.  Liners are especially likely to show wear and tear if they weren’t constructed correctly in the first place. 

As mentioned earlier, chimney liners may suffer corrosion or creosote buildup over time due to lack of proper service. Old liners are also prone to cracks near their mortar joints. Mortar joint erosion can be particularly dangerous, as it might lead to the leaking of harmful gases (such as carbon monoxide) inside of the home. 

Proper Liner Maintenance

While only repair can effectively address an improperly constructed liner, most of the issues outlined above can be prevented or at least delayed through appropriate liner and chimney maintenance. Annual cleanings are imperative for reducing the risk of harmful buildup. Regular inspections allow homeowners to catch small problems before they become dangerous — and more expensive to fix. Click here to learn about the 6 most common Signs that you need chimney repair.

Regular maintenance is vital for both your chimney liner and your entire fireplace system. The team at All Pro Chimney services can keep your fireplace and chimney in excellent shape. Contact us today to learn more about our maintenance and repair services.

It’s common knowledge to homeowners in the Washington DC Metro Area that wood-burning fireplaces require regular cleaning and inspections. After all, leftover residue dramatically increases the potential for fire hazards.  Many think that having a gas fireplace installed eliminates the need for having their chimneys cleaned every year.   The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends that chimneys al all kinds should be cleaned every year.  The truth is that getting your chimney sweep is every bit as important for gas fireplaces. Read on to learn how gas fireplace cleaning and inspection is so essential:

Gas fireplaces can create visible buildup and debris

Although there is less potential for noticeable buildup with a gas fireplace than a sooty wood-burning appliance, it’s still bound to happen over time. The following are just a few examples of damage that you or your chimney sweep technician can observe:

• Deteriorating ceramic logs. Pieces may break off and clog vents.
• Cracked crowns and damaged mortar joints. These allow moisture to enter the chimney and break off flue tiles.
• Residue may appear on the fireplace’s glass doors
• Glass doors can become chipped or scratched, and may require replacement
• Birds may build nests in your chimney, thereby harming ventilation

Gas Fireplaces Can Leave Corrosive Deposits

It’s easy to see when wood stoves and other appliances require cleaning. These fireplaces create ample soot, which is instantly visible upon inspection.  With gas fireplaces, the need for cleaning may not be as immediately obvious.  That doesn’t mean the need doesn’t exist, however. Natural gas and propane tend to deposit toxic — but invisible — substances. These can cause significant problems for your chimney and pose a safety and health risk.  The need for action may not become evident until your gas fireplace is damaged.  When discovered late, gas fireplace repairs are much more costly. 

Make sure that your gas fireplace is functioning properly

Professional chimney sweeps like ours always check to make sure that every aspect of your chimney is working correctly.  They can determine how efficiently and safely your fireplace is functioning.  They can also inform of whether a need for repairs exists now or might be needed farther in the future. 

With time, valves can slowly develop leaks. Unfortunately, leaks are not very obvious.  As a result, these problems may not be examined as quickly as warranted.  The same applies to the thermopile and thermocouple, which may show wear over time. During an inspection, your technician can determine the extent of the damage and alert you to a possible solution.

What Happens During a Gas Fireplace Cleaning Inspection?

When your local technician arrives to clean your gas fireplace, you can expect a thorough inspection of every aspect of the appliance. The following are a few of the most critical elements of a gas fireplace inspection:

• The expert inspects the fireplace’s exterior, observing for chips and cracks in or debris on the glass doors, and quality of the general fireplace framework.
• A close look at the interior ignition will determine whether the fireplace lights correctly.
• The face of the unit may be removed to inspect valves beneath the fireplace or insert.
• A thorough cleaning process may ensue, to guarantee the removal of all residue from vents.
• A quick check for your carbon monoxide detectors will determine whether they are correctly in place and functional.
• Your technician will end the inspection by alerting you to any problems that require attention, and how urgent those issues may be.

You love the comfort and beauty your gas fireplace provides, along with its incredible efficiency.  A little care and attention can keep your fireplace in working order in for decades to come. If you have yet to schedule your annual inspection, now is the time to get started.