Chimney Cleaning 101
Cleaning your chimney is a messy job, and it’s best left to professionals. Whether you are doing it yourself or hiring someone, you need to know the tools and safety concerns involved. 
Chimney flues and utility flues should be cleaned and inspected regularly to ensure they are not blocked or clogged. A clogged chimney can release carbon monoxide into the home, which can cause poisoning and even death.
Creosote is a black, powdery substance that forms in your chimney from the incomplete burning of wood. It is a byproduct of the smoke produced when you burn firewood, especially resinous woods. Creosote is flammable and toxic, and it can build up in your chimney to the point where it restricts the flow of smoke or blocks the chimney entirely.
The first stage of creosote looks like dust and is easily swept with a standard chimney brush or even a rotary power sweep. This low level of creosote does not contain the flame-producing hydrocarbons, but it still contains enough moisture to liquefy under high heat.
As time passes, this creosote turns dark and tar-like. This is called stage two creosote, and it’s much harder to remove from a chimney. This type of creosote can block your flue pipe, causing your fireplace or stove to smoke. It also restricts the flow of fresh air into your home.
This is when it becomes dangerous to have a fire in your fireplace or wood stove. Creosote can become so tar-like that it sticks to the walls of your chimney and traps hot gases inside. This can block the passage of carbon monoxide, a deadly gas that is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. It can also cause a chimney fire that damages the flue lining and threatens the safety of your family.
There are some chemical creosote removers that work to a degree, but they are not as effective as a professional chimney cleaning. These chemicals are very caustic and need a lot of time to dissolve the creosote deposits. If your chimney is full of 3rd-degree creosote, it may take a couple days for the chemicals to be completely effective.
Chimney sweeping professionals use a variety of brushes and specialized tools to remove all levels of creosote. They also use special chemical treatments that are able to break down the hardened, tar-like deposits without damaging the chimney structure. The best way to prevent the accumulation of creosote in your chimney is to always burn seasoned and split firewood that has been cured for at least six months. It is also important to maintain a proper fire with a good draft and a low fuel-to-air ratio.
Soot
Soot, a black or dark brown powder-like substance, is a byproduct of incomplete combustion. It develops when fuel, such as wood or coal, is burned at a lower temperature with a reduced supply of oxygen. The resulting particles then settle on the mortar between chimney bricks, where they turn into a sticky black residue that is difficult to remove. Soot is not only an ugly irritant that can stain vents, fireplace screens, walls, and ceilings; it can also pose a health hazard if inhaled. It contains toxins, harmful chemicals, and tiny metal particles that can damage the lungs. In addition, soot can be a fire hazard and contaminate the house’s air with smoke.
During chimney cleaning, professionals first try to remove soot by applying chemical solutions that break down its adhesive properties. They then use a wire brush to scrub the remaining creosote. During this stage, the chimney’s liners should be carefully examined for wear and tear, which can cause deterioration that can lead to blockages or even a chimney collapse.
In addition to a professional chimney inspection and repair, you should clean your chimney at least once a year. This helps to prevent the accumulation of soot, which clogs the flue and blocks the flow of smoke. It also reduces the risk of a chimney fire, which is a dangerous and destructive event that can cause serious structural damage to the chimney system and your home.
The best way to avoid soot buildup is to keep the flue clear with regular chimney sweepings. Chimney sweeps can use a variety of tools to clean the interior of a chimney, including brushes with long composite handles. Before the sweep begins work, they should check all the cleaning openings and fireplace doors to ensure that pests and debris are not inside the chimney.
Chimney sweeps should always wear rubber gloves and climb on a safe ladder when working in a chimney. They should also make sure that there is not a lot of moisture in the flue and that it is not freezing. If the chimney is very clogged, they can use a ruff fixed on a cable to which a heavy object is attached from below. However, the object should not have a shifted center of gravity because it may flip over and get stuck in the chimney.
Fire Hazards
Keeping a chimney clean is important to prevent fire hazards. Creosote is highly flammable and can ignite when it comes in contact with hot, combustible materials such as wood, paper, carpets, curtains, and clothing. It can also burn if it’s exposed to direct sunlight or other sources of heat. Chimney fires are extremely dangerous and can damage or destroy a chimney structure and house. They are often caused by a combination of factors, including poor burning practices, a lack of ventilation, and moisture.
The National Fire Protection Association recommends that fireplaces and chimneys be inspected, cleaned, and maintained on an annual basis. In addition, a dirty chimney can pose health risks to your family. When dirt and debris build up in the chimney, the flue can become clogged, making it harder for smoke to escape. This can cause smoke to seep into your home and irritate your respiratory system. It can also increase the amount of carbon monoxide that leaks into your home. This gas is colorless, odorless, and tasteless and can poison your family slowly over time.
A clogged chimney can also make it difficult for enough oxygen to reach your fire. This causes your fire to create less combustion and a lot more creosote. When enough creosote builds up, your chimney can start to glaze over. This can lead to a chimney fire that can burn through the lining and even the whole chimney itself. Chimney fires are among the leading causes of home fires and can be deadly to your family.
Many people don’t think of their chimneys as being a fire hazard, but they are. Having a fireplace in your home provides warmth and comfort, but it’s important to keep it clean and safe for your family. Many homeowners neglect to have their chimneys inspected or cleaned regularly, but this is a mistake that can be dangerous. Chimneys should be swept regularly to remove soot, blockages, and creosote from the chimney liner, firebox, flue, and damper. Contact Dapper Ducts today for a chimney cleaning appointment and avoid any costly house fires this winter.
Safety
If you are going to have someone else clean your chimney, you need to find a company that will do a good job and not damage anything in the process. You should check out companies with the Better Business Bureau and read reviews online. You also want to make sure that they have the proper credentials to do the work. It is recommended that you use a sweep certified by the Chimney Safety Institute. You can check their certification using the CSIA’s Professional Locator. You should also look for a company that carries general liability insurance in case something goes wrong during the cleaning process.
If a chimney isn’t cleaned regularly, creosote will build up, which can lead to chimney fires. This can cause major problems and be dangerous for you and your family. It is a good idea to hire a chimney sweep to inspect the chimney once a year, and if they recommend that it be cleaned, you should have it done as soon as possible.
Another issue is that a chimney that hasn’t been cleaned in some time could have animal and critter debris buildup. This can block the airflow in the chimney and cause gases to be pushed back into the home. A blocked chimney can also allow carbon monoxide to enter the house.
A chimney that isn’t cleaned regularly may also have cracks in the flue. These cracks can allow toxins such as carbon monoxide to enter the house, and these toxins can be dangerous for your family’s health. These cracks can also allow heat and sparks to escape the chimney, which can lead to a house fire.
You should also keep in mind that the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) says that chimneys, fireplaces, and venting systems should be inspected at least once per year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. This is especially important for gas-burning heating systems.
Why Fence Repair Is Necessary
Like a car, fences need regular Fence Repair and maintenance. This may include cleaning, staining, and repairing minor damage.
If a post breaks, you may be able to replace it with a new one. This requires a hole digger, a shovel, and a hammer.
Alternatively, you can cut the old post free with a reciprocating saw and screw in a new one.
Several factors can lead to damaged fence posts, including severe weather conditions that loosen soil around the post, pests that chew away at wood fibers over time, and just simple wear and tear from constant use. When a post is damaged, it’s important to take steps to repair or replace it in order to keep your fence sturdy.
If you’ve noticed that a post is leaning or not standing upright, first use a level to check that it is plumb from left to right and that it is still aligned with the rest of your fence. If it’s not, you can either use a concrete repair spur to fix the problem or replace the old post completely.
Concrete repair spurs are metal repair brackets that can be used to add support to a weak or damaged fence post. To install a concrete repair spur, drill a hole in the existing post and then attach the new spur to it using a special screw or bolt. After the spur is attached, a concrete mixture can be added to the hole and poured in to reinforce the repair and make it stronger.
To replace a broken fence post, start by digging 6 to 8 inches around the base of the old post. Then, use a sledge hammer and cold chisel to break up the concrete footing. Carefully remove the old post and dispose of it in an environmentally responsible manner.
Once you’ve removed the old fence post, dig a hole in the ground to a depth that is below the frost line in your area. Then, prepare the site for your new fence post by clearing away any debris, adding gravel to the bottom of the hole, and then packing it down with a tamper or heavy weight.
If you have a chain link fence, you’ll need linesman’s pliers, a reciprocating saw, and a new section of railing to replace the bent one. To get started, remove the ties holding the bent section of railing to the fence with a pair of lineman’s pliers and cut both ends off. Slip the crimped end of a new section of railing onto one of the cuts.
Splintered Wood
Wood splinters aren’t just painful; they can also lead to infection. Splinters are thin slivers of wood that break off something larger and lodge into the skin, like when walking barefoot on a wooden deck or dock. They can also occur in wood that’s been used for a long time, such as a desk or table.
When wood splinters, it’s usually because the glue has lost its grip and the veneer has separated or cracked. This is common in woodworking, and almost every piece of plywood or fabricated piece of furniture will have some splintered areas. The good news is that it’s easy to repair splintered wood.
Start by cleaning the area around the splinter to remove debris, such as dirt or dust (dental floss can come in handy here). Use a chisel to scrape away any rough edges of the splinter. Once the area is clean, sand the surface with a rough grit of sandpaper to smooth it out. Use a putty knife to apply wood filler, which should be slightly darker than the color of the surrounding wood. Allow the putty to dry according to the package instructions or overnight. Lightly sand it again with a fine grit of sandpaper.
If the splintered wood is not too bad, you can simply glue the pieces back together. If the damage is more extensive, however, it’s best to replace the entire section.
To do this, measure the length and width of the section that needs to be replaced. Cut a new board that is the same length and width as the damaged section. Place the new board in place and nail it down with a hammer and nails. Use a screwdriver to drive in any extra nails, if necessary. Then stain the board to match the rest of the deck.
If the deck is in serious disrepair, it may be more cost-effective to use a deck restoration coating rather than trying to sand it down and resurface the whole deck. These coatings are thick enough to fill in cracks and voids, but they also leave a smooth, weather-resistant surface that’s easy to walk on.
Pest Infestation
Pest infestation happens when a species that is not wanted infiltrates a property, causing damage and possibly putting people or the environment at risk. Rodents and bugs often invade homes, but they can also infest businesses if preventive maintenance is not consistently practiced. Regular inspections and proper cleaning will prevent pest infestations from occurring.
Clutter is a major attractant for pests. It makes it easy for them to hide and makes it hard to clean. Clutter is commonly found in old buildings, parks, and restaurants. Poor sanitation, such as dirty floors, unclean food containers, and spills left unattended, is another major attractant for rodents and pests.
If you have a new home, office, or business, you should regularly inspect it for potential signs of pest infestation. Look around the foundation, windows, and doors for cracks or crevices where insects and rodents may enter. Also check the roof for loose areas and shingles that need to be patched.
Inside the house, look for rodent droppings and traces of nesting. Also watch out for smudge marks on walls, dirt buildup, and a foul odor that can indicate a pest problem. Rodents and other pests like dark, humid places where they can hide and breed. Keep in mind that some pests are attracted to particular types of food. For example, cockroaches are drawn to cheese and other foods that contain fatty acids, while flies can be attracted to garbage or rotting meat.
If you suspect a pest infestation, take action immediately. A pest problem only gets worse if it is not addressed promptly, and it will become even more difficult to remove once the pests have settled in. Keeping up with basic home maintenance, such as dusting and vacuuming, will help prevent a pest problem from developing in the first place. And if you have an established pest problem, hiring a pest control company for extermination services can quickly solve the issue.
