What is a Chim-Scan?

January 3, 2019 | Common Questions

One of the best tools of the trade is the Chim-Scan flue inspection system. Countless times I have found hidden dangers that would not have been discovered without it. So how does it work? The Version of the Chim-Scan I use has two sets of cameras, one pointing up looking for blockages, and another (the lighthouse camera) that rotates 360 degrees giving a live action view of the inside of your flue system. Check it out: [wpvideo jwjoq9BY ] [wpvideo DMkqkLCe ] As you can see this is a essential tool for a chimney sweep and when dealing with a fire in a house, you do not ever want to take chances. This is one of the many investments that CSIA certified professionals make to help ensure a homeowners safety. Our inspections can be more expensive than some of the competition, but also much more detailed and comprehensive.

Don’t let your chimney turn into a garden

January 3, 2019 | Common Questions

If masonry fireplaces have one weakness in the South, or any wet climate, it is moisture. Bricks are naturally porous and are constantly battling the elements, especially alone above the roofline. To preserve the life of your chimney it is very important to not just use a water repellent, but the right water repellent meant for application on a chimney. I personally recommend ChimneySaver products. ChimneySaver provides great products for industry professionals that are backed up with with a strong warranty (they didn’t pay me to mention them btw). Here are a few examples of what can happen as moisture builds up in your chimney: It may look kinda neat but it is not good for the lifespan of your chimney!

Inspections with drones

December 31, 2018 | A Day in the Life

Drones can be a great way to inspect hard to reach chimney systems, especially the top crown area. Below are a few examples: Steep pitch roof with a very tall chimney. Three story house on the beach with water intrusion damage. Overhead view of the missing chase cover and active water intrusion area. A collapsing chimney system on a neighbors house next to the inspection (life safety hazard). The last drone image was a prior inspection with seven fireplaces on a tile roof! A few things to be mindful of when your inspector is using a drone: Does their liability insurance cover drone usage? If not, are they using a secondary company such as Verifly to cover liability while the drone is in use? Are they certified by the FAA? This is key training to know the rules, regulations, and safe flying conditions. In summary, drones can be a great … Continued

Rusted chase covers = Water leak

December 29, 2018 | Chimney Basics

Here is a good example of how water enters your chimney from a rusted chase cover. Here is the first picture showing what it looks like from the top: Now lets take a look around the center flue termination from the bottom side: Not looking good! Now a even closer look. Notice the light shining through the small pin holes: When you see a rusted chase cover on your roof or signs of rust staining the side of the chimney, it may be time to replace your chase cover to prevent water intrusion.

What the heck are Aldehydes?

December 20, 2018 | Technically Speaking

So lets say you have a strange odor coming from your gas fireplace, not typical to the rotten egg smell of a gas leak, what could it be? The answer could be Aldehydes, chemical compounds that results from incomplete combustion. One key component of maintaining a gas system is keeping the firebox clean and free of things such as pet hair, lint, dust, etc. As your fireplace naturally pulls in these contaminants from your home, key components of your gas log system can become clogged and the result is the production of Aldehydes and also potentially deadly carbon monoxide. Always remember, you can smell Aldehydes but you can never smell carbon monoxide. Be sure to have multiple carbon monoxide detectors in your home for safety and make sure to have your gas system professionally inspected and cleaned once a year to prevent clogging of air inlets and ensure that your fireplace … Continued

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