RMR Chimney Sweep

Certified Chimney Sweep in Chicago

chimneybob — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 02:21:10 +0000

When looking for a chimney sweep, it is good idea to make sure they are reputable. You want to ensure that you are receiving accurate diagnostic information, that the company stands by their stated services, and that any claim by the company/technician is justified.

The CSIA certified chimney sweep carries a picture ID issued from Chimney Safety Institute of America. It contains the name of the technician, the name of the company, certification number, and year it is valid through. Always ask to see your chimney sweep’s ID.

If there are any questions as to the validity of the technician, you can always check the CSIA web site for their credentials at www.csia.org. Type the zip code in the search bar to get results for your area.

Robert Hoegner
President
RMR Chimney Sweep
2150 Touhy Avenue
Elk Grove Village, IL. 60007

This article, Certified Chimney Sweep in Chicago, is originally from RMR Chimney Sweep.

Do I Need to Sweep My Chimney?

chimneybob — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 02:21:09 +0000

Chimney sweeping needs to be performed when the smoke from burning wood cools and forms a resin inside the fire burning system. This resin is called creosote, and is the build-up on the inside walls of the fireplace and the chimney flue. Think of the smoke-like water vapor traveling through a pipe. At first it is hot and steamy. Then as it travels through the pipe, it cools and forms water droplets on the inside walls. The same happens with the smoke that comes from the wood you burn, only as it cools it is like sticky tar that can dry to a granular, rocky, or flaky substance on the inside walls of your chimney.

Chimney sweeping is performed when the build-up is one eighth inch or more. If left unattended, more build-up could lead to a blockage. If you have any concerns or questions about the condition of your chimney you should call a certified chimney sweep to inspect it.

Robert Hoegner
President
RMR Chimney Sweep
2150 Touhy Avenue
Elk Grove Village, IL. 60007

This article, Do I Need to Sweep My Chimney?, is originally from RMR Chimney Sweep.

Do I Need to Sweep My Gas Fireplace?

chimneybob — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 02:21:07 +0000

Chimney sweeping needs to be performed routinely to clear the resin build-up caused by smoke cooling as it travels up the chimney and flue. This resin is called creosote and builds up quickly. Left untreated, you are at risk of a fire in your chimney or flue. Any amount of creosote is combustible. You should call a certified chimney sweep to inspect your chimney.

You might see soot build up from natural gas on the gas logs or the firebox. This buildup can be swept off with a soft bristle paint brush. Seldom does soot get into the smoke chamber or flue where it needs sweeping. I have seen some cases where it has, although these are very rare.

I received a call from a man saying he would start his gas log fireplace and the CO alarm would sound off. Upon inspection I found a squirrel’s nest half way down the flue. It was blocking the flue’s ability to remove the product of combustion, carbon monoxide, to the outside atmosphere. In a situation like this there is the potential for heat to reach the right conditions for a flue-fire to occur. A blockage removal was performed. Afterwards, a chimney cover was installed to prevent a future occurrence. Now the chimney is functioning as intended.

In another situation, spider webs built up in a factory built chimney so much so that the chimney could not function. A sweep of the flue system was performed, which returned the chimney to function as the manufacturer intended.

Both customers mentioned above were thankful that no harm had come to them or their homes.

NFPA 211 states chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected annually by a qualified agency. I recommend calling a qualified agency with a certified chimney sweep.

Robert Hoegner
President
RMR Chimney Sweep
2150 Touhy Avenue
Elk Grove Village, IL. 60007

This article, Do I Need to Sweep My Gas Fireplace?, is originally from RMR Chimney Sweep.

What are Chimney Inspections?

chimneybob — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 02:21:05 +0000

Chimney inspections are an important way to maintain the integrity of your chimney. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 211 2010 states that they must be performed annually.

There are three levels of chimney inspections. You should be aware of the different procedures performed in the different levels of inspections.

During the course of a Level I chimney inspection, the inspector will look for absence of combustible deposits or blockage in the fire burning system. They will also inspect readily accessible areas of the interior and exterior accessible areas of the appliance and chimney connector, if any. The use of a limited amount of tools like a screw driver or ladder may be used to assist him/her in the inspection process. When they have completed the inspection process, he/she will discuss with you any integrity issues encountered. This is the most basic of inspections, but will uncover most serious problems.

Level II inspections are more revealing, and have a longer process. This covers proper clearances to combustibles, all accessible areas within the system, and the interior and exterior of the system. The inspection also includes parts of the chimney passing through crawlspaces, basements, and attics. Video scans are used to inspect the interior of the flue system. This inspection is performed on the occasion of adding and removing an appliance, replacing an appliance with a different type of fuel, or before relining the flue system, or even after the occurrence of an event likely to cause damage to the system.

Level III inspection is necessary when it is necessary to remove parts of the chimney structure, or building to gain access to specific concealed areas. This inspection also includes all areas covered by Level I and Level II inspections. We find a Level III is usually carried out when detecting or suspecting a hazard that can not be checked without access to concealed areas while performing a Level I or Level II inspection.

Robert Hoegner
President
RMR Chimney Sweep
2150 Touhy Avenue
Elk Grove Village, IL. 60007

This article, What are Chimney Inspections?, is originally from RMR Chimney Sweep.