494057

Tips for Maintaining a Safe and Efficient Chimney

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 15:09:58 GMT

Tips For Maintaining a Safe and Efficient Chimney

It’s always a great feeling to sit in front of a fireplace as the storm rages from outside. Other than keeping your house warm, it also offers an opportunity to come together as a family and share your experiences.

But maintaining a safe and efficient fireplace or chimney can be a challenge, especially for those using it for the first time.

Below are tips for maintaining a safe and efficient chimney:

1. Invest in the right tools

It is important to have all the necessary tools readily available to be able to manage the fire well. Here are some of the tools that you will require:

• Fireplace holder: It is possible to get a set of fireplace tools that contain everything you need to manage the fire. Try to purchase a set that has a poker, shovel, broom, and tongs. The good thing is that most sets are inclusive of a hanging rack for convenience purposes

• Mesh screen: It is important to contain embers because of their hazardous nature. This is because the air movement in your home or backdraft in the chimney can propel the embers. But a mesh screen will ensure that the embers don’t fly out and cause a fire in your home

• Andirons: also known as firedogs, andirons are fireplace brackets mean to hold up firewood. The device facilitates proper air circulation, making the fire burn with more heat and less smoke.

• Ash bucket: In every fire, you will always have plenty of ash left behind. It is good to have an ash bucket on standby to rid out all the remaining ash after your fire goes off.

• Fire gloves: Ensure that you protect your hands by wearing fire gloves. The gloves are made of material designed to withstand high heat – meaning you can adjust or change fire logs without any worry.

2. Use the right wood

After ensuring that you have the right equipment in place, the next thing is to build the fire. You should know that not any kind of wood can be used in a fireplace. This is because some firewood are toxic and may also give you a lot of chimney cleaning work.

Recommended type of wood to use

• Birch: This is one of the best woods for a fireplace. It burns faster and leaves minimal soot.

• Ash: The good thing with as is that it is easy to ignite and burns consistently

• Oak: It is a great hardwood, highly dense and burns for a long time

• Wood bricks: These are some of the latest materials for generating consistent flames with very minimal smoke in a fireplace. You can easily find them in different parts of Fort Wayne

Type of wood that you should never use

• Wet wood: Using wet wood will not only refuse to burn but also generate a lot of smoke in your home

• Softwood: Softwoods are not good because they generate a lot of soot. Besides, they also burn very fast

• Endangered wood species: While looking for wood for your fire, be mindful of the wood species that are restricted

3. Fireplace cleaning

This is another important tip when it comes to maintaining a safe and efficient chimney. As mentioned earlier, there’s a lot of soot and ashes left behind after every fire. If the ashes are not removed from time to time, your chimney won’t function efficiently.

That’s the reason why fireplace cleaning should be done regularly. The good thing is that there are several companies in Fort Wayne such as Dusty Brothers of Fort Wayne that can assist.

4. Chimney cleaning

There’s no doubt that a lot of soot will always build up on your chimney. If a lot of it accumulates on the flue of the chimney, then it can actually ignite and cause a fire in your house.

Chimney cleaning is recommended at least once per year – if you regularly use it.

Chimney Cleaning companies such as Dusty Brothers of Fort Wayne are always available to clean your chimney whenever you require their services.

In general, maintaining a safe and efficient chimney requires some effort. Choosing the right type of wood, chimney, fireplace cleaning are some of the tips that can keep you on the safe side.

Signs Its Time To Clean Your Chimney In Fort Wayne, IN

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 18:17:44 GMT

When Should You Seek Chimney Cleaning Services?

Dusty Brothers offers many services like chimney cleaning services and inspections in Fort Wayne, Indiana. There are many important safety tips to help property owners in the area that me be unsure about the upkeep of chimneys, or what to keep an eye out for when you have one. Having the experts maintain and clean your chimney, or any other parts of it will ensure that you and your family will enjoy your fireplace without having to worry. If you start noticing any of these signs, call us today to help you get your chimney and fireplace back in shape.

You Plan to Re-Use an Infrequently Used Chimney

Requesting a chimney inspection and cleaning service prior to lighting your rarely used fireplace is key to making sure its is ready for use. Over time, chimney flues can accumulate flammable windblown debris, and many critters such as squirrels or birds may build nests in unused or rarely used chimneys. The build up of twigs, leaves, etc. unless removed, may send the embers that are burning in your fireplace onto the rooftop or eaves potentially creating a deadly fire.

The Fireplace or Chimney Appears Dirty

An exceedingly dirty, soot-covered fireplace or chimney potentially contains creosote residues which are capable of fueling fires. Having an expert chimney cleaner remove this flammable material on a regular basis contributes to a safer fireplace and chimney. If you notice a thick buildup of ash on the back of the fireplace or inside the chimney piping, contact us today. This build up is difficult to remove and should not be done on your own, creosote and soot deposits form a hard, waxy coating inside chimney pipes making it a job for the chimney cleaning experts.

Smoke Fills The Room When You Use The Fireplace

Fires produce smoke which rises up chimney pipes and eventually exits through the chimney on the roof. If you notice excessive smoke from the fireplace entering the room, is probably due to a blockage within the chimney pipe due to wind swept debris, leaves, twigs, or even critters. Resolve this issue by requesting a chimney pipe inspection and cleaning. You'll gain peace of mind knowing that your well maintained fireplace and chimney is in good working condition.

A Burning Odor Lingers After You Extinguish A Fire

Another warning sign is if you put out your fire for the day and notice a continued burning smell of creosote, smoke, ash, etc. This situation warrants prompt attention as it indicates that the chimney pipe isn't letting smoke escape out of the chimney top like it should. Many house fires begin inside dirty (or damaged) chimney flues so making sure that your chimney is cleaned reduces the risk of a house fire.

Schedule an Appointment With a Chimney Cleaner

As cold weather rapidly approaches in Fort Wayne, Indiana, many homeowners that have a fireplace, can benefit by calling a chimney inspection and cleaning services. Dusty Brothers in Fort Wayne, IN offers total chimney care, including inspection and repair services. Contact us for an appointment at 260-482-9991 whenever your home requires the chimney cleaning experts!

The Importance of Having Your Chimney Regularly Inspected

Fri, 23 Aug 2019 17:47:25 GMT

Why a Chimney Inspection is Important

It is very important to prevent problems before they even begin. When it comes to a home chimney, a chimney inspection from Dusty Brothers will help prevent future problems from occurring. An inspection can guarantee that the chimney does not have any leaks or weaknesses that may cause structural damage to the chimney or house. Inspections in Fort Wayne will also help prevent dangerous chimney fires from occurring from excess build-up and soot. The Chimney Safety Institute of America has recommended that all homeowners should have their chimneys inspected at least once a year. Chimney cleaning is also crucial for a clean and safe home. Both are important for homeowners who want their homes and chimneys to work efficiently and safely.

However, chimneys are built differently. That is why the CSIA has broken down the three levels of chimney inspections that a homeowner may need. Read on to learn more.

Level 1 Inspection

Homeowners who have a heating stove or fireplace that has been in use for years should ask about a Level 1 inspection. This type of inspection is known as a “base-level” inspection. It should be performed annually by a reliable company. During this type of inspection, a certified inspector will take a close and careful look at the easily reachable portions of the chimney from the inside and outside of the house. They will also inspect the areas of the heating appliance that are most easily accessed. For homeowners that have their chimneys swept and inspected once a year, a Level 1 inspection is the type of inspection necessary to keep the home safe.

Level 2 Inspection

When a change is made to a heating appliance or to a chimney, then a more detailed inspection should take place. This is known as a Level 2 inspection. The chimney may need to be relined or fuel types may need to be changed for the heating appliance. Homeowners who are selling their homes will also need to hire a company to perform a Level 2 inspection to prove that the chimney or heating appliance is safe to use. If the chimney has been the victim of damage from a fire, storm, or other act of God, a Level 2 inspection will need to be performed before using the chimney again. This type of chimney inspection should include a detailed video scan of the homeowner’s chimney flue. It will also include the same types of checks that occur during a Level 1 inspection.

Level 3 Inspection

A Level 3 inspection should be performed whenever there is severe chimney damage that cannot be observed from a Level 1 or 2 inspection. The Level 3 inspection will go through all of the points of the first two. However, the chimney technician will also remove areas of the chimney or building structure in order to access the chimney damage close-up.

How Often Should I Have My Chimney Inspected?

The National Fire Protection Association Standard 211 has a simple answer to this question. According to experts, all chimneys, vents, and fireplaces should be inspected once a year. Inspectors should look for freedom from deposits, soundness, and correct clearances. If necessary, chimney cleaning, maintenance, and repairs should be done immediately. Homeowners should adhere to these suggestions in order to keep their homes safe. Even if the chimney is not often used, wild animals and birds often build nests inside the flue. Additionally, deterioration inside of the chimney may make it unsafe to use.

According to The Chimney Safety Institute of America, all open masonry fireplaces should always be swept at 1/8" of sooty buildup. If more glaze is present in the chimney, this sweep should be done even sooner. This amount is enough to cause a fire which could then damage the chimney. If left ignored for too long, a fire could begin that could destroy large parts of the home or even burn it down completely. Any buildup in factory-built fireplaces should be swept away as much as possible. These deposits are also acidic and can cause the fireplace to have a shorter lifespan.

Call a Reliable Fort Wayne Company Today

Call Dusty Brothers today to learn more about chimney services, including inspection levels and chimney cleaning. A damaged or leaking chimney will absolutely need to be inspected by a professional company that can recommend the best fix. Consumers who are buying or selling a house should also schedule an appointment with a reliable company. Prevent any further damages or dangers from occurring by calling now. Remember, safety in the home starts with you. Schedule a yearly appointment to ensure your chimney and home are as safe as possible.

Why is Cleaning Your Dryer Vent Important?

Sun, 31 Mar 2019 14:46:47 GMT

Why is Having your dryer vent regularly cleaned important?

Regardless of whether you rent or own your home, you likely have a washing machine and dryer in your space for personal use. You understandably may use these common appliances regularly without giving much thought to their care and maintenance. In fact, you may not think twice about servicing them until they begin to show signs of wear or damage. Both of these appliances require maintenance service periodically for their care and longevity, and this includes regular Fort Wayne dryer vent cleaning service. With a closer look at why you need to clean your dryer vent regularly, you will see why this essential step should be a top priority.

How Your Dryer Vent Gets Dirty

Your clothes dryer works by circulating intensely hot air in the drum while the clothes are tumbling around. As this hot air circulates, it is suctioned out of the dryer via a vent and a hose or pipe that channels the hot air out of the house. As the clothes tumble around and are impacted by the force of this air, small pieces of lint are removed from the clothes. In addition, other items that may be in the pockets, such as a worn out tissue or wrapper, may also be removed from the clothes. Your dryer has a vent incorporated into it that is designed to trap some of this debris. However, other debris may be dislodged or work its way through the vent and entire the air pipe or hose that runs through the wall in the home.

The Risk Associated with a Dirty Dryer Vent

Many of the clothing particles, tissues and other small items that may be trapped in the dryer vent are combustible. More than that, they are subject to very hot temperatures through the normal operation of the dryer. When the machine's lint trap is very dirty, the hot air in the dryer drum cannot escape as easily as it otherwise might. This can result in the air becoming super-heated. This very hot air can cause the debris in the lint trap or throughout the ventilation pipe to spark and ignite. Because so much of the debris in these areas is highly-combustible, a small spark can cause a fire to develop and spread rapidly.

The Importance of Regular Dryer Vent Cleaning

You can see that a dirty dryer vent in your Fort Wayne home poses a serious fire risk. This risk includes the threat of property damage as well as injury to you and your loved ones in the home. When you regularly remove the lint and debris that is trapped in the dryer’s lint trap, you may dramatically reduce the risk of fire inside the machine. You also can reduce the amount of debris that may pass through the vents and build up vent pipe. More than that, you enable proper ventilation in the dryer so that the air does not become super-heated. In addition to cleaning the dryer’s lint trap, you also need to periodically clean out the ventilation pipe in the wall. Professional Fort Wayne dry vent cleaning service may be necessary for the best results.

Many house fires are started each year because of poor cleaning and maintenance of dryers. Most of these fires may have been avoided through the routine removal of debris in the vent trap as well as regular vent hose or pipe cleaning. Now is a great time to assess your current dryer vent cleaning efforts and to determine which steps you need to take to improve in this area.

Our certified, insured, and bonded experts at Dusty Brothers offer complete dryer vent repair and cleaning services in the greater Fort Wayne area that will make your dryer safe and energy efficient. Don’t take any chances – lower your risk of fire now. Our rates are competitive – guaranteed.

Warning Signs Your Dryer Vent Needs to be Cleaned

Sat, 09 Feb 2019 15:04:30 GMT

Dryer Vent Cleaning warning signs

Dryers may be workhorses that quickly dry clothing and other linens but that does not mean they are invincible. New manufacturing technologies have made modern-day dryers sold all through Fort Wayne safer, more durable, and more efficient, but users still need to do their part to ensure that enjoying the convenience of a dryer does not become a costly hazard.

Dryers use both heat and friction to dry fabrics and keep them free of unsightly wrinkles. Since all linens and clothing are made of tiny particles of fabric that break off when exposed to excessive amounts of friction. These particles turn into lint, which is designed to be blown into the exhaust system and trapped in a lint screen. Experts recommend to check your dryer vent and clean it often to prevent avoidable mishaps like overheating and fires. Here are some signs that your dryer vent needs to be cleaned more often:

Lint is Pushed Out of Your Dryer During Every Start

When you start your dryer, you'll notice that as soon as you push the button there is a sudden gust of air where the air was once stagnant. This is extremely common as the air that was present in your dryer has to exit for the temperatures to rise and for the machine to operate properly.

When you turn the knob or press the button and debris comes out of your vent opening with the gust of air, there's a good chance your vent system is in need of a deep dryer vent cleaning. All of that lint has built up in the system and is sitting outside of the screened area, which is why it's not being trapped in your lint screen.

Clothes Aren't Drying Like They Used To

It's frustrating to purchase an appliance like a dryer just for it to fail on you in a few years. When you begin to notice the cycle that always got your clothes dry is no longer getting the whole load dry, it doesn't necessarily mean that the heating element or the electrical system is failing. The problem could simply be that you need to find a company offering professional dryer vent cleaning service in Fort Wayne.

The reason that dryers with dirty vents take longer to dry clothes is because of the limited airflow. With lint built up in the dryer, the moist air that is in the dryer can't be pushed out to pull in drier and less humid air. This is how clothes dry quickly. Vent clogs keep the moisture trapped inside so the dryer must do more work to heat the clothes and eventually dry them.

Your Dryer Smells Like It's Burning

The sense of smell can really help you avoid catastrophe if you are paying attention to the warning signs. You may assume it's common for a dryer to smell like it's burning, after all, it is operating at high temperatures. If you ever smell a burning odor, stop the dryer immediately even if you don't see smoke.

While the burning could be the heating element, there's a strong chance that the culprit is runaway lint that landed near parts in the dryer that is excessively hot. Lint is highly flammable as it contains particles and chemicals. In fact, campers use lint as tinder to start their fires. Have your dryer inspected and find out from a professional if dryer vent cleaning will solve the issue.

Dryers should never be so hot to the touch that it nearly burns your hands to check if your clothes are ready. If you have noticed a burning scent, you see lint flying out of the exhaust vent, or your dryer isn't functioning like it once did, it's time to get to the bottom of the issue. For the minimal cost of a regular dryer vent cleaning service in Fort Wayne , you can extend the life of your appliance, improve the safety of your home, and lower your utility bills.

At Dusty Brothers of Fort Wayne , our certified, insured, and bonded experts offer complete dryer vent repair and cleaning services in the greater Fort Wayne area that will make your dryer safe and energy efficient. Don’t take any chances – lower your risk of fire now. Our rates are competitive – guaranteed

What is Creosote and why is it Dangerous?

Mon, 21 Jan 2019 15:10:06 GMT

Creoste buildup in your chimney is a firehazard

Few pleasures rival enjoying the beauty and warmth of a crackling fireplace on a cold, damp day! For centuries, people have gathered beside household hearths. These places offer comfortable havens against inclement conditions.

Yet in some cases, a hidden danger lurks inside the chimney flue itself. Property owners need to remain aware of this issue. What kind of threat does it pose? Have you taken precautions to prevent creosote from endangering your premises?

About Creosote

Many fireplaces consume coal or wood as fuels. These materials both contain the element carbon. When they burn, they releases small quantities of oily hydrocarbons and ash into the smoke. As hot air rises up the chimney flue towards the outdoors, it leaves traces of these tar-like sooty residues along the surface of the pipe. Over time, the deposits may accumulate and pose a safety hazard. Today, people often refer to this waxy fireplace soot by the name of a popular wood preservative: "creosote".

How Oily Residues Coat Chimney Flues

To better explain, let's use the example of a pan or kettle over a campfire, you probably know all too well how readily oily hydrocarbon soot will coat the metal surface exposed to the flames. This process typically occurs in three stages:

Step One: Initial Exposure

Ash initially resembles a dusting of loose sooty particles. People easily wipe this material away before it leaves a permanent stain.

Step Two: Visible Residues

If cleaning does not occur promptly, a sticky dark residue of soot soon forms; removing this material requires considerably more effort.

Step Three: Dried Embedded Deposits

If the bottom of the kettle or pan sustains repeated exposures to camp fires without cleaning, a thicker deposit of sooty oils will eventually coat the surface. This dried material forms a wax-like, tough residue which melts and ignites upon exposure to extended high temperatures.

The previous example demonstrates how soot released from a burning fire quickly transforms metal surfaces. One big difference exists between camping cookware and chimney pipes, however. Most homeowners simply cannot readily clean the full interior of a chimney flue. Chimneys usually extend several feet in length. Wiping away ash residues completely after every use proves impossible. Instead, in Fort Wayne, customers obtain chimney inspection and chimney cleaning service periodically from companies such as Dusty Brothers, Inc.

The Advantages of Soot Removal

Property owners benefit by asking a chimney cleaning company to use specialized tools and equipment to inspect and clean the interiors of chimney pipes for several reasons. We recommend requesting this service at least once a year (or more often if you use your chimney regularly throughout the entire year). Just consider the advantages you'll obtain:

First, due to the challenge of accessing most flues, these interior surfaces sometimes harbor thick deposits of waxy hydrocarbon residues. As soot accumulates over time and hardens, removing the buildup sometimes proves exceedingly difficult. Unfortunately, extended exposure to high temperatures does melt this flammable debris: so a fireplace with an uncleaned chimney flue potentially becomes a fire hazard in the absence of periodic cleaning. (Remember, property owners want burning to occur within the insulated masonry-surrounded fireplace, not inside the narrow chimney flue pipe designed to convey smoke outdoors.)

Second, customers who fail to obtain chimney inspections sometimes discover wild creatures access the flue without their knowledge from the rooftop. Birds or squirrels will occasionally build seasonal nests in chimney pipes. While animals will likely have left the area before the property owner lights a fire inside the fireplace, the remnants of nests sometimes stuff the flue with flammable materials (including dried twigs and leaves). If waxy hydrocarbons from sooty buildup then begin melting onto this debris, a rising ember from the fireplace might ignite a tragic house fire.

Three, allowing sooty residues to remain inside a chimney flue also indirectly contributes to poorer indoor air quality. Scientists today consider coal tar residues carcinogenic.(1) While most households don't come into extensive direct contact with this material, it still makes sense to clean away soot rather than allow it to form thick residues on interior chimney pipes. During the Victorian Era, when fireplaces often served as the primary means for heating homes, builders often constructed wide chimneys rather than relying upon narrow flue pipes. The professional chimney sweeps who climbed inside chimneys to perform cleaning sometimes sustained health problems as a result of breathing soot-laden air for extended periods of time on a daily basis.(2)(Fortunately, safer cleaning methods make the occupation of chimney sweeping much safer today.)

Safeguard Your Chimney

Currently, residents of Fort Wayne, Indiana enjoy two powerful means for maintaining fireplaces in good working condition. First, requesting periodic chimney inspection services helps property owners monitor chimney flues. By asking an experienced chimney sweep technician to evaluate the condition of the fireplace and chimney, customers have a better opportunity to maintain this important technology in good shape.

Second, requesting chimney cleaning services on a regular basis in Fort Wayne, Indiana also helps prevent fireplace problems. Dusty Brothers, Inc. technicians sometimes use digital cameras to obtain an accurate image of the interior of the pipe. This technique helps reveal soot buildup or the presence of debris.

Further Information

Both chimney inspection and chimney cleaning services promote fireplace safety. In the Fort Wayne, Indiana area, property owners frequently request qualified chimney inspection, cleaning, and repair services from Dusty Brothers, Inc., a certified, insured, and bonded company. We offer comprehensive services to help prevent oily fuel residues from posing a fire and health safety risk. Contact us now at 260-482-9991 to schedule a convenient service appointment. We look forward to assisting you!

Helpful Resources

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creosote

2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chimney_sweep

How Often Should You Have Your Chimney Cleaned?

Mon, 03 Dec 2018 16:32:37 GMT

Regular chimney cleaning is an important part of owning and operating a fireplace, wood burning stove, or other similar device. A clean chimney operates more efficiently and safely than a dirty one. If you do not keep your chimney clean, an excessive amount of creosote can build up in the chimney, creating a potential fire hazard. If you care about your health and safety, you must have your chimney professionally inspected and cleaned on a regular basis.

What Is Creosote and Why Does It Need to Be Removed?

Creosote is a carbonaceous chemical that forms as a byproduct of burning wood. It is highly flammable and toxic, and is the cause of most chimney fires. If you have lots of soot in your chimney, you have creosote buildup. If you do not get this buildup removed, you could potentially poison yourself or set your house on fire. The best way to remove creosote buildup is by having your chimney cleaned by a professional chimney sweep.

How Frequently Should You Have Your Chimney Cleaned?

The National Fire Protection Association recommends having your chimney inspected at least once per year. If it has been more than one year since you've had your chimney inspected, you should get an inspection immediately. That said, the frequency at which your chimney should be cleaned depends on how often you use your fireplace or stove. If you are a heavy user, you may need to have it cleaned more than once per year.

When Is the Best Time to Have Your Chimney Cleaned?

The best time of year to get your chimney cleaned is whenever it is not in regular use. For most people this will be in the late spring, summer, or early fall. However, if you haven't had your chimney cleaned or inspected for over a year you should have it checked regardless of the time of year. Don’t put off allowing your chimney to become a fire or health safety hazard.

Do You Live in Fort Wayne, IN? Contact Dusty Brothers Inc. to Have Your Chimney Inspected and Cleaned Today

If you live in the Fort Wayne area, and need a professional chimney sweep , contact Dusty Brothers Inc. now to have your chimney inspected and cleaned before it's too late! We're experts at chimney cleaning, and we can ensure your chimney is operating safely and efficiently all winter long. We are certified, insured and bonded. Our complete chimney cleaning includes:

Digital Video Inspection

Animal Removal

Rain Caps

Safety Inspection

Don't hesitate! Give Dusty Brothers Inc. a call today and we'll send out one of our trained and certified chimney sweeps to inspect your chimney right away!