How to Safely Start a Fireplace Fire
Proper fireplace safety is paramount for enjoying your fireplace this winter. In order to enjoy your fireplace during the chilly Indianapolis fall and winter, you must safely prepare and start fires. Incorrectly starting your fire may result in a fire that does not like, is too smokey, or does not last, and may also be hazardous. In this post, we offer the best tips for safely starting a fire in your fireplace.
How to Hire a Certified Chimney Sweep
Chimney maintenance is critical for ensuring the proper functioning of your chimney. An annual chimney sweep is one of the simplest forms of maintenance that will help protect your family from fires and other chimney hazards. The quality of your chimney sweep and inspection is absolutely crucial for ensuring the safety of your home and the prevention of future damages. In this post, we explain more about how to hire a certified chimney sweep.
Winter Real Estate Marketing Tips
Winter is a historically slow time for real estate. Most people are putting off buying or selling for the warmer months, especially in places like Indianapolis with bone-chilling winters. However, with a few clever marketing efforts, you can keep real estate action up and build momentum for the spring. Here are some of the most effective real estate winter marketing tips to keep business up and generate new leads during the winter.
What are the three levels of chimney inspections?
A yearly chimney sweep and inspection are the easiest ways to prevent and catch problems with your chimney. Inspections assess the condition of your chimney and diagnose any problems you may be having. If you have any concerns about your chimney, it is imperative to schedule a chimney inspection with a trusted professional as soon as possible. There are actually different levels of chimney inspections set by the National Fire Protection Association, and it is important to get the inspection that best suits your needs. In this post, we outline each level of chimney inspection.
Masonry Maintenance this Winter
Masonry is a beautiful, durable addition to any Indianapolis home. However, harsh winters can be very trying on your masonry. The repetitive freeze-thaw cycles throughout winter can get into the porous material of brick or stone, causing damage. Unfortunately, many masonry repairs can be difficult or ineffective to perform during the frigid winter temperatures. Many people choose to perform any maintenance in the fall or wait until spring to do so. In order to keep your masonry looking and working its best, it is important to understand which masonry maintenance you should perform in the winter.
Fireplace Safety Tips for the Holiday
A warm, cozy fireplace is the ultimate holiday centerpiece. A toasty fire makes the perfect spot for family and friends to gather around this holiday season. In order to enjoy your fireplace during the holidays, it is important to practice safe fireplace use. In this article, we share some important tips to keep everyone safe around your fireplace during the holidays.
How Much Does a Chimney Repair Cost?
Your chimney draws out smoke and steaming hot flue gases from your fire and out of your home. A well-functioning chimney is crucial for you to enjoy your fireplace in your Indiana home. Over time, your chimney may suffer from wear and tear and may need to be repaired. Most chimneys in the United States are made from brick and will need a professional mason to repair.
As a homeowner with a plethora of home maintenance expenses, a chimney repair can be very stressful. With the average chimney repair anywhere between $300 and $4000 you may be wondering exactly how much a chimney repair will cost.
How Can I Weatherproof My Fireplace?
Your fireplace is a great source of warmth and comfort during our chilly Indianapolis winters. However, if your fireplace is not properly weather-proofed, over 90% of the warmth will be distributed efficiently! You may actually be losing most of the heat that is being generated. Luckily there is a solution. Weatherproofing your fireplace will make it much more efficient and durable.
Why You Should Get a New Years Chimney Sweep
The New Year is a time for starting fresh and making those classic resolutions. While people tend to focus on categories like fitness and work, your home is a great place to start with resolutions. The new year is a great opportunity to invest in your home’s masonry with a chimney sweep.
How Does Harsh Weather Affect My Chimney?
A fireplace in your home helps make the bitter Indiana winters a bit more tolerable. While fireplaces will help keep you warm and cozy, the brutal winters can damage your chimney. The winter elements like snow, ice and fluctuating temperatures can damage your chimney or greatly enhance existing damage. It is important to know how harsh weather will impact your chimney so that you can take the proper precautions.
Stacking
Stacking is an issue that can occur during cold winter months. When smoke back-drafts into your home, it is called the stack effect. When the air outside of the chimney is much colder than the air within it, the cold air can shoot down the chimney shaft to interchange with the rising warm air. Keep your damper closed when you are not using your fireplace to prevent back-drafts. Heat the flue up as well to intercept the smoke that is trying to blow back it. To hear the flue, simply hold some lit kindling beneath the open damper before lighting your fire.
Masonry Damage from Spalling
The winter freeze-thaw cycles may also damage the bricks and mortar of your chimney. When moisture enters the porous materials, it will expand when it freezes. This expanding water will make any cracks or holes much worse. The cycle of expanding and contracting may also cause the front of the bricks to pop or break off, which is known as spalling. Spalling can result in a lot of damage and deterioration to your chimney, even in just one winter. Repair any existing damage before winter, and consider tuckpointing to replace any damaged mortar while keeping your chimney intact.
Animal Invasions
Many critters are looking for a warm escape from the Indiana winters, and they may nuzzle up in your chimney. Animals in your chimney pose and obvious risk for the wildlife as well as your chimney, fireplace, and home. If you suspect there are animals making their way into your chimney, hire someone to remove them. Follow up by getting a professional chimney sweep to clear out debris and assess any repairs that will help keep the animals out.
Keep Your Chimney Safe this Winter
While harsh weather poses some risks for your chimney, there are ways to protect it all winter long. Consult an experienced professional like Brick + Ember Outfitters to set your chimney up for success. With our chimney and masonry services, we can repair any existing issues before winter hits, and help you prepare your chimney for winter. Start with a comprehensive chimney sweep today by calling us at 317-434-1960 or contacting us on our website.