Did you know there are several myths about fireplaces and chimneys that have been passed from homeowner to homeowner? We’ve heard many of these tales over our years of service. Here are five misconceptions about chimney ownership and summer maintenance that you should know: Myth #1 - I didn’t use my fireplace this winter so I don’t need a cleaning and inspection this summer. Even if you haven’t used your fireplace, it’s still important to have your chimney system inspected and serviced before you burn another fire. Cracks could have formed in the masonry, causing structural damage; moisture inside your chimney system could have created a number of issues; and animal nests could be inside your flue, creating dangerous blockages. Myth #2 - Now that my fireplace is closed up for the season, I can forget about it until next fall. While your fireplace might be taking a much-needed break after a busy burning season, the critters in your yard are very busy and on the prowl, looking for a place to shelter. A chimney without a cap is like hanging a “vacancy” sign to birds, racoons, and even squirrels to hunker down and build nests inside your chimney. Myth #3 - Cleaning my chimney at the end of winter prevents bad smells. The wet, humid air of summer that comes down your chimney brings with it odors from excess moisture, residual creosote trapped in porous bricks and mortar, animal remains, or outside debris. While a chimney cleaning is the best method to remove odor-causing debris and soot, there are other processes to help prevent that campy fireplace smell, such as waterproofing, replacing your damper, or installing a glass door. Myth #4 - Leaving the damper open cools my home. An open damper actually delivers hot outside air straight down your chimney and into your room, forcing your air conditioner to work harder to compensate for the constantly flow of warm air. This in turn leaves you with an overworked cooling system and higher utility bills. Pro Tip: Even closed dampers can create drafts. If your damper has been damaged by water, animals, or has lost its seal due to age, it may be time for a replacement. Contact our CCP-certified chimney specialists to learn the benefits of a new damper. Myth #5 - Metal liners don’t require cleaning. While metal liners require less maintenance, they still need periodic cleaning. Creosote and other corrosive combustion gases can accumulate and cause blockages, regardless of its composition. Also, many liner warranties can be voided without annual chimney inspections. Chimney Cleaning, Inspection, Service, and Repair in NH and MA Whether we’re performing an inspection, sweeping a chimney, or installing a cap, the CCP-certified chimney experts can make your chimney system safe and enjoyable to use. Let us help you with your chimney needs. Contact us today. Powered by Sprout

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…for masonry repair. Warm spring and summer days allow mortar to properly cure. So if you are in need of chimney repairs, now is the time to do it! Schedule your work this summer so you’ll have peace of mind knowing your system will be safe and ready to use when those frosty fall evenings begin. Common Chimney Masonry Problems Wear and tear on your masonry can compromise your chimney’s structural integrity and performance. Although your chimney is built to withstand year after year of exposure to tough conditions, any number of problems can occur that may require masonry repair or restoration. Here are some of the most common masonry problems: Cracks Cracks and crevices in your masonry can occur from moisture penetrating the masonry or from the shifting and settling of your chimney. This can cause leaks that not only infiltrate your chimney and fireplace, but also your attic and ceiling, causing costly damage. Spalling When bricks begin to flake, crumble, or fall from your masonry, it’s called spalling. As water enters the masonry and weakens it through a cycle of freezing and thawing, it loosens the mortar around the brick and pushes the brick out in pieces. Spalling creates gaps in the masonry that compromise your chimney’s structural integrity. Mold and Algae Growth Moisture and dirt that are trapped in the masonry create the perfect environment for mold and algae growth. Both thrive on moist conditions with little or no air circulation – such as inside cracks of your chimney’s masonry. A CCP-certified chimney expert can identify if the growth of these contaminants originates from moisture within your masonry. Staining Staining is almost always the result of water damage. Water traveling through the masonry is visible from the exterior as a dark stain. If your chimney looks wet, contact us for an inspection, as masonry staining could indicate there is structural water damage within your system. Prevent Masonry Issues with Annual Inspections Most masonry issues can be prevented with regularly scheduled appointments with a chimney professional. We recommend cleanings and annual chimney inspections with our chimney technicians to help you monitor and identify any potential problems before they cause serious damage. Chimney Masonry Repair, Inspections, Cleaning, and Service in NH and MA If you need masonry repair work done or have questions about your chimney masonry, contact Admiralty Chimney to schedule an appointment. Our CCP-certified chimney team can assist you with all of your chimney masonry needs. Powered by Sprout

Spring is the perfect time to see how your chimney fared from harsh winter weather conditions. The effects of snow, wind, an d ice can wreak havoc on chimneys. Even a small crack can allow water to leak inside, causing damage to your system. We recommend giving your chimney a good once-over every spring to avoid the surprise of costly repairs. Schedule a professional inspection. Booking an appointment with a CCP-certified chimney specialist gives you peace of mind knowing you’ll receive an expert assessment of the structure and operation of your system. During the inspection, your chimney technician will check the entire system, including those hard-to-reach components, such as the flashing, crown, and cap, looking for signs of wear and tear. They’ll also remove creosote buildup leftover from the winter season. Look for signs of chimney wear and damage. While you’re out and about in your yard, take a good look at your chimney’s exterior, noting any changes in the bricks or structure. Pay close attention to: Crumbling or Chipped Bricks at the Base Bricks are porous and susceptible to moisture. The presence of a white, chalky stain, known as efflorescence, means excessive moisture has penetrated your masonry. Contact a chimney professional for further inspection, as moisture can quickly deteriorate your bricks. Surface Cracks in the Bricks and Mortar Inspect the exterior of your chimney structure for cracks. Even a small breach can allow water to seep in, causing bricks to crumble, break apart, or spall—weakening the structure of your chimney. Large cracks could mean your chimney is seriously compromised and needs professional help right away. Chimney Inspection, Cleaning, Service, and Repair in NH and MA For over twenty years, homeowners like you have trusted Admiralty Chimney’s team of CCP-certifield chimney professionals. We have the skills, expertise, and customer service to maintain and care for all of your chimney needs. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment. Powered by Sprout

The heart of winter is approaching, and with it comes the peak of fireplace season. Your hearth provides more than warmth on a cold day. It is also a welcoming gathering space for family and friends to relax and connect with one another. In this month’s blog, the CCP-certified chimney professionals at Admiralty Chimney share creative fireside activities to enjoy this winter and important safety tips: 1. Make it a game night. Pull out a deck of cards or your favorite board games and play something that the whole family can enjoy together. The flickering flames of the fireplace will be the perfect backdrop for these warm and cozy festivities. Source: NBC News 2. Fire up toasty fireside flavors. Try cooking a meal over the warm, smoldering coals. Fireplace cooking gives food a delicious flavor and creates an adventurous activity your family can enjoy. For that quintessential fireplace experience, roast s’mores for dessert! Source: Pinterest 3. Take a staycation. Sometimes there is nothing better than staying just where you are. Grab your favorite hot beverage, and sit in front of the fire with a good book. Let the crackle of the fire lull you into a relaxed state. Source: Acuity Insurance The Fun Begins with Safety Before you kick your indoor festivities into high gear, be sure your fireplace and chimney are ready to use. Start by scheduling a professional chimney cleaning and inspection with a CCP-certified chimney sweep. Your annual appointment ensures your system is operating safely and effectively. Follow it up by incorporating these safety practices every time you use your fireplace: Only burn seasoned firewood. Unseasoned wood burns inefficiently, causing excess smoke and creosote in your chimney. Limit usage. Your fireplace should never take the place of a furnace. Fireplaces aren’t built for long-time uses, so be sure to use it for short-duration fires—no longer than five hours. Keep the doors open. Keep glass doors open to ensure the air can be drawn up to cool the chimney. Remember to keep the screen closed, though. This will prevent sparks from jumping onto your flooring. Use the right tools. When using your fireplace, be sure to use the proper fireplace tools to handle the burning logs, especially if you just need to shift something slightly. Even brief exposure can cause burns or an unexpected accident. Clean the firebox. Fireboxes need weekly cleaning when they are used in the cold months. Leave no more than an inch of ash to act as insulation, allowing the coals to heat up faster and retain heat during your next use. Keep children and pets safe. Place fire tools and equipment out of reach of young children and never leave your child or pet unattended by an active fire. In fact, you can use this time to teach your whole family about fire safety. Chimney Cleaning, Inspection, and Repair in NH and MA At Admiralty Chimney, we are dedicated to keeping your family safe and warm. You can count on our CCP-certified chimney professionals to provide you with expert care for all of your fireplace and chimney needs. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment. Powered by Sprout

Your fireplace provides the perfect ambience, but its ability to transfer heat into your home can be less than optimal if you’re not using it correctly. So what can you do to generate a warmer and cozier hearth? Here are five best practices to help you get the most from your fireplace this winter. 1. Burn seasoned firewood. Whether you use hardwood or softwood, your firewood must be dry, or seasoned, before burning. Wet wood causes a decrease in efficiency as the energy from the fire is used to evaporate the water within it. Pro Tip: A firewood moisture meter can help you accurately read the moisture content of your wood so you know if it is seasoned and ready to burn. Properly dried wood should have a moisture reading of 20 percent or less. 2. Build a strong-burning fire. Starting a fire seems simple, but there are techniques to create a fire that produces more heat while using less wood. Try these steps for your next fire: Open the damper all the way. Place shredded newspaper and small pieces of kindling at the base. Add one or two logs on top, then light it. Let the small fire grow until it is roaring then add more wood. Be sure to keep space between the firewood to encourage air flow and keep the fire burning. 3. Maintain adequate airflow. Remove the ash from your fireplace whenever it reaches the bottom of the grate. This ensures there is proper air circulation for efficient-burning fires. Leave one or two inches of ash within your fireplace at all times to help insulate the new bed of hot coals in the next fire and improve its heat output. 4. Circulate the heat. The warmth from the fire tends to stay in the area immediately around your fireplace–rather than circulating efficiently through your home. To help move trapped hot air, run ceiling fans counterclockwise at low speed. This redirects warm air from the ceiling down the walls and into your living space. 5. Professionally service your chimney and fireplace. Creosote buildup in your chimney not only reduces the draft–hindering efficiency–but it also creates a fire hazard. Professionally clean your fireplace and chimney at least once a year, or more if you use your fireplace frequently. Additionally, schedule an inspection with a certified chimney sweep to check for any gaps, crevices, or cracks that may serve as an inlet for cold air. Chimney Cleaning, Inspection, and Repair in NH and MA Following these steps will help you transform your fireplace into an efficient, effective heating source. If you need to get your chimney and fireplace serviced or repaired, contact Admiralty Chimney’s CCP-certified technicians. Our team will take special care to keep your system in peak condition and your family safe. Powered by Sprout

A chimney liner might seem like a “nice to do,” instead of a “have to do” for your chimney system. After all, it’s hidden, undetectable, and deep inside the chimney structure, how important can it be? It’s actually an essential safety component for your chimney, and here’s why. The Role of a Chimney Liner Chimney liners are a protective barrier that act as a conduit inside your chimney. The liner is a sealed unit from bottom to top to ensure smoke, creosote, and carbon dioxide from burning fuels are forced outside your home without contacting the actual chimney structure. Made of metal or ceramic, liners also: Protect your home from accidental fires by absorbing high temperatures, and keeping the heat inside the chimney from reaching the combustible material outside it. Prevent chimney masonry from forming cracks or crumbling mortar due to repeated heating and cooling. Defend your masonry from corrosive substances, as liners are more resilient than typical brick and mortar. Stop hot embers from igniting flammable areas of your home’s structure. Because of their location in the heart of your chimney, annual inspections are essential in tracking the condition of your liner. A damaged liner can leave your home susceptible to serious dangers such as carbon monoxide poisoning or house fires. A CCP-certified chimney professional can monitor the integrity of your chimney, checking for small cracks or breaches and other signs it might need to be repaired or replaced. Benefits of a Chimney Liner Chimney liners not only deliver added insurance to keep your chimney system operating safely, they also provide other benefits such as: Increasing your home energy efficiency by reducing the downdrafts that can come through when there is no fire in the hearth. Enhancing air flow and providing improved heat retention for a more energy-efficient chimney. Providing proper ventilation to help reduce the amount of creosote that forms inside your chimney. Preventing water moisture from becoming trapped inside your chimney. Maintaining good standing with building and fire code standards and homeowner’s policies. Chimney Liners, Installation, Service and Repair in NH and MA Looking for a new or replacement chimney liner, contact our CCP-certified chimney professionals for a no-obligation quote. Customers have trusted us with their chimney needs for over twenty years. We can help you find a liner that is right for your chimney and home. Powered by Sprout

The number one threat to your chimney system is water. Chimney flashing, along with chimney caps and professional waterproofing, is an important defense mechanism in the fight against moisture. In this month’s blog, the CCP-certified chimney professionals at Admiralty Chimney explain how chimney flashing works and share seven signs it might be failing. What is Chimney Flashing? Chimney flashing is a type of weather stripping that creates a watertight seal to protect your chimney and roof from water damage and penetration. Made out of vinyl, aluminum, copper, or steel, flashing is installed where your roof and chimney intersect. When chimney flashing is properly installed, it can last over 30 years—depending on where you live, the shape and size of your chimney, and the materials used. But poor installation, violent storms, or sealant deterioration can cause it to pull away from your roofing material, leading to a host of problems. Signs of Deteriorating Chimney Flashing Failing chimney flashing allows water to leak in and around the chimney, causing significant and costly damage to your roof, home, and even the chimney itself. If enough water penetrates your chimney, the brick and mortar joints will become brittle, compromising its entire structure. Be on the lookout for these signs of failing chimney flashing: Leaks from the inside or outside of the chimney Discolored bricks Rust stains Moisture stains on the interior ceilings or walls adjoining your chimney Musty smells coming from your chimney, especially after it rains Sounds of dripping water or puddling within your chimney Firebox condensation If you observe any of these signs, contact your chimney professional to diagnose, repair, or replace the flashing. Replacements are needed if the flashing is missing, rusted, visibly separated from the chimney, or completely covered with roofing tar. ________________________________________________________________________________________ Replacing your roof? Be sure to install new chimney flashing as part of your new roofing system. ________________________________________________________________________________________ Inspection is your Best Detection You can stay on top of your chimney’s overall wellbeing, including the health of your chimney flashing, with an annual chimney inspection. During the inspection, your CCP-certified technician will assess the state of your chimney system and make needed repairs before any concerns become costly. Chimney Repairs, Installation, and Cleaning in NH and MA As hearty New Englanders, we understand that our climate delivers year-round moisture. If you’re seeing signs of chimney flashing issues, don’t delay. Contact our CCP-certified chimney experts to inspect your chimney flashing and repair it before it brings problematic leaks to your doorstep. Powered by Sprout

Rain showers, thunderstorms, and snow can lead to a leaky chimney. Even chimneys without previous problems can develop leaks in as little as one season. By understanding the warning signs of a water leak, you can prevent significant chimney damage. In this month’s blog, the CCP-certified specialists at Admiralty Chimney share key information on the symptoms of–and solutions for–a chimney leak. Here’s what you need to know. Identifying a Chimney Leak Homeowners often assume that all leaky chimneys present themselves as water in the fireplace–when there are many different signs, such as: Audible or visible evidence of dripping water in the chimney. Dampness or water staining on walls or ceilings near the fireplace or chimney. Musty or mildew-type odors emanating from the fireplace. Cracked or spalled interior or exterior masonry. Rust or white chalk-like stains (efflorescence) on the exterior chimney masonry. Leaks in other areas of your home. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Did you know? When water enters your chimney, it can move through your walls, floors, and ceilings. It collects at a low point where it forms a leak, causing damage to those areas of your home. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Contacting a Chimney Professional If you suspect a leak, contact a CCP-certified chimney specialist immediately. Time is of the essence. Water is villianous, destroying the integrity of your chimney from the inside out. An experienced chimney technician can source the location, determine the cause, and get it repaired before further damage occurs. Preventing Chimney Leaks The best way to prevent a chimney leak is by following a professional maintenanceprogram for your fireplace and chimney. Annual chimney sweepings and inspections give your technician the opportunity to identify any changes or damage to your chimney or masonry so it can be repaired before it leads to a leak. They may also recommend additional techniques to prevent water from entering your chimney, such as waterproofing your masonry and installing or repairing a chimney cap, chase cover, crown, or flashing. Chimney Inspection, Maintenance, and Repair in NH and MA If you are concerned about water damage to your chimney or have noticed a change in its functionality or structure, contact our CCP-certified chimney professionals. We can work with you to customize a solution that meets the safety and operational needs of your chimney and fireplace. Powered by Sprout

When you’ve been taking care of chimneys for as long as we have, you tend to hear a myth or two about cleaning them. But when it comes to the safety and integrity of your chimney system, it’s important to not get swept away by common misconceptions. In this month’s blog, our CCP-certified chimney specialists dispel five prevailing chimney cleaning myths. Myth #1: Cleaning logs clean my chimney. While cleaning logs reduce and loosen creosote build up, they do not fully eliminate the debris from your chimney. Only a trained chimney sweep can completely remove the creosote while also checking for cracks, chips, weaknesses, or problems within the actual fireplace or parts of the flue. Myth #2: Burning orange peels can clean my chimney. Orange oil is a common cleaner that can cut through dirt and grease, which is why some homeowners believe it can also clean out their chimney. However, burning orange peels in your fireplace has no cleaning effect on your chimney whatsoever. It will just leave behind orange-scented smoke that does absolutely nothing. Myth #3: I never use my fireplace so I don’t need a cleaning. Not all chimney system problems are caused by fireplace use. Masonry can deteriorate over time, moisture can infiltrate the mortar, and birds can build nests, blocking the flue. A chimney cleaning and inspection will allow you to identify any issues before they become larger, costlier problems. Myth #4: I can clean my chimney myself. A quick Google search will tell you with 56 million hits that you can – but it doesn’t mean you should. This is one of those jobs that’s best left to a trained professional. A proper chimney cleaning requires specific training, tools, and equipment to effectively clean and dispose of the creosote. An experienced professional can not only safely remove toxic creosote, but has a trained eye to identify any potential structural problems with your chimney. ________________________________________________________________________________ The National Fire Protection Association recommends cleaning and inspecting your chimney annually. Don’t delay! Schedule your cleaning and inspection with Admiralty Chimney before the fall chill hits the air. ________________________________________________________________________________ Myth #5: I have a metal liner so I don’t need a chimney cleaning. Regardless of the type of liner you have, creosote and soot can build up in your chimney, and need to be cleaned out on a regular basis. Keep in mind also that most metal liner companies require regular professional maintenance and inspection for their warranties to be honored. Chimney Cleaning, Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance in NH and MA No matter how often you use your fireplace, regular professional maintenance is important to keep it in safe operating condition. Contact us today to schedule your chimney cleaning and inspection. Powered by Sprout