by Mark Hudson | Jan 28, 2017 | Chimney Liner
The interior of your chimney is often forgotten because the old adage is true: out of sight, out of mind. The chimney’s interior is used and abused all winter long and can become damaged from simple wear and tear, and the homeowner may never know. This is one reason that the yearly chimney inspection is vitally important. This is the only time a professional will look at your chimney from top to bottom.
What is a Liner?
The liner protects the house from the heat of your chimney. In an unlined chimney the heat can transfer from the chimney to structural combustibles. The liner also protects the chimney itself from the corrosive byproducts that exist in the chimney. Without a liner, the chimney is susceptible to erosion contributing to a shorter life. The liner is also essential to your fire’s ventilation. It is professionally installed so that it’s sized specifically for the capacity of the fireplace or appliance. This means that your masonry chimney can be used even if you change appliances and fuels. The chimney can be relined, but won’t require a rebuild.
Signs Your Chimney May Need Relined
- You’ve noticed water damage in your fireplace there is most likely damage to the flue liner. If there are water stains on the chimney’s masonry, it has most likely penetrated the liner.
- Seeing pieces of your clay liner falling into your fireplace then it needs to be relined. The National Fire Protection Association’s Standard 211 requires that chimney liners be replaced if they are cracked, broken, or missing.
- If your liner isn’t appropriate for the type of fuel you’re burning, you need to get another liner installed. Stainless steel liners are the most durable, and appropriate for use with wood, gas, and oil burning fires.
- Purchase a new appliance or having your fireplace rebuilt you may need a new liner. The liner should be sized appropriately. Wood stoves and oil furnaces require a correctly sized flue to perform properly. If the chimney doesn’t vent properly you risk flue fires, carbon monoxide intrusion, and decreased efficiency.
The Most Important Time to Have Your Chimney Liner Checked
The most important time to have your chimney liner checked is when you’ve purchased a new home. This is because you probably don’t know anything about your chimney. When you schedule a chimney inspection with a certified chimney sweep you can save money in the future. A chimney expert can catch flue liner damage before it becomes a serious fire hazard, and a chimney expert can repair minor damage without relining!
At Hudson Chimney our technicians are certified HeatShield® technicians. HeatShield® is a cerfractory flue sealant that combines the strength and durability of ceramic and concrete to resurface the chimney lining. It’s ideal for clay flue liners and is rated for use with all fuels. Even if your entire chimney needs relined, HeatShield® is right for you as long as your chimney is structurally sound. This relining process can be just what you need to avoid a complete relining or rebuild.
Hudson Chimney is Jacksonville’s chimney choice for over 30 years. We will put your chimney first every time. Contact Hudson Chimney today to find out how we can help you.
by Mark Hudson | Jan 14, 2017 | Professional Certifications
Your chimney is the ventilation for your fireplace. It allows the harmful byproducts of your fire to exit the home and it protects your family from health hazards caused from carbon monoxide poisoning, particle inhalation, and more. Just as you would choose a physician over your next door neighbor, you should choose a certified professional over the neighborhood handyman.
The Industry Standard
- The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) has been the authority on chimney safety since the 1980s, and only the CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® (CCS) adheres to CSIA’s high standard of excellence.
- The CSIA Code of Ethics designed to protect customers from scams.
- Professional training and education aimed at preventing accidental fires, carbon monoxide intrusion, and other chimney related hazards.
- Re-certification every three years by examination or continued education credits to allow chimney sweeps to adjust to the changing industry and technologies.
- Networking with related professionals at the local and national level.
- Nationally recognized as the industry’s best.
When your homeowners insurance requires an inspection due to a claim or premium adjustment they look for the CSIA signature. When your realtor requires an inspection for a sale or a mortgage broker requires an appraisal, they will look for the CSIA signature. It is easier to find a CSIA certified chimney sweep from the start. This is the industry standard that related fields look to.
The Hudson Chimney Standard
At Hudson Chimney we do not stop at a CSIA certification. We maintain Independent Safety Commission (ISC) and Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician (CDET) certifications as well as membership of the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) and Georgia Chimney Sweep Guild (GCSW). This continued education helps us to offer the best service for the Jacksonville, Florida area for over thirty years. We also pride ourselves on educating the public about chimney and dryer vent safety. Mark Hudson, owner and operator of Hudson Chimney is also the founder and former president of the FGPCS (Florida Guild of Professional Chimney Sweeps) because at Hudson we know that no amount of training, education, and standards is too much when customer safety and comfort is concerned.
We think it’s important to join not just national, but local organizations because part of CSIA membership is contributing to community education about fire safety. That’s why we make it a priority to maintain these carefully chosen memberships and certifications. Hudson Chimney strives to be the best in northeast Florida, so we maintain membership among the best in the industry.
Do you want the best professionals in the fire safety industry to be the ones who work on your chimney system? By choosing Hudson Chimney you don’t have to risk your safety with a less-experienced chimney sweep. Make the best choice your first choice. Contact Hudson Chimney today.
by Mark Hudson | Dec 19, 2016 | fireplaces
You may have your dream fireplace that fits your family’s needs and your home’s decor. However, even your dream fireplace may need a rebuild. The fireplace withstands the most abuse, and gets the least attention. Damage may cause you to schedule a fireplace rebuild. Also, it may be because your fireplace needs an upgrade. Whatever the reason, a fireplace rebuild can be a big job. That being said, when it’s necessary, it should not be overlooked!
Choose the Right Professional for the Job
Choosing the right chimney expert for a fireplace rebuild is as important. In fact, it’s just as important as finding the right surgeon for a knee replacement. When you choose a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® (CCS) you can be sure of these things:
- You’re getting a professional with training and experience.
- They will get the job done correctly.
- These professionals use the correct materials.
- They always have the correct dimensions.
- You will receive the most efficient burn for your fireplace.
One of the major reasons that your dream chimney may need a complete rebuild? Incorrect construction. Oftentimes, a contractor who does not have adequate training will build a fireplace incorrectly. In addition, using improper materials that cannot withstand high heat concentration.
Choosing Hudson Chimney means your firebox will not only be rebuilt, but will be rebuilt out of special firebricks. These firebricks are designed to withstand the abuse and high temperatures that exist within the fireplace. Some less-experienced or non-certified chimney sweeps may continue to repair the damaged fireplace. However, this is a waste of time and money. A Hudson Chimney technician doesn’t just fix the damage, we correct the problem at its source.
Problems That Can Lead to a Complete Fireplace Rebuild
When your fireplace has extensive damage, your chimney sweep may recommend a rebuild.
This type of damage can include:
- Water Damage
When water penetrates the chimney system it destroys masonry from the inside out. The masonry can begin spalling, cracking, and lime-leaching finishes them off.
- Heat/Smoke/Creosote Damage
Persistent problems with the chimney system lowers the efficiency. Therefore, the fireplace can’t withstand heat, smoke, or creosote. This can cause stains, cracks, and high-temperature fires.
Does your fireplace need repeated repairs, extensive repairs, or just a face-lift? You may want to discuss a complete fireplace rebuild with your trusted Jacksonville chimney sweep. Hudson Chimney has been serving the communities in Jacksonville for over 20 years. In addition, offering a full menu of services, including fireplace rebuilds by a master mason!
Call Hudson Chimney at 904-282-4159 or contact us online for your convenience.
by Mark Hudson | Dec 5, 2016 | Firewood
Winter has arrived! So, you are probably ready to light a fire for holiday entertaining, family gatherings, or to simply enjoy a relaxing evening. When you’re ready to use your fireplace, don’t waste your time and energy by building an unsuccessful fire. Don’t allow frustration to get the better of you and decide it’s just not worth it. Make sure you’re building your best fire.
Five Tips to Follow
- A clean and safe fireplace
The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends annual chimney inspections and regular chimney sweeps. This is in order to maintain your safest and most efficient chimney. If your chimney is not working properly, or is damaged or dirty, it will not support your best fire. The draft may be obstructed, or water may penetrate the masonry. This makes the fire wood harder to burn. These types of problems will be resolved when you remember to schedule routine maintenance, like sweeps and inspections.
- Proper wood
Many homeowners might not know that your fire burns better and your chimney works more efficiently when you choose properly seasoned wood. Trees produce hard and soft wood. However, both burn differently, and contain different amounts of moisture. In order to build your best fire, it’s important to cut and let the wood dry for at least six months. When wood is seasoned it will begin to pull away from the bark. It will also crack, become pale in color, and become lighter. You can look for these signs when you buy wood, as well.
- The cold chimney
It can be difficult to get a good fire going when the chimney is cold. This can be a problem for homeowners in our mild Florida climate. This is because fire is not used for home-heating, but occasional entertaining and ambiance. You might go days without lighting a fire at all, and when you do the chimney is cold again. When the chimney is cold it can be hard to get the fire to vent properly. Consequently making it difficult to build your best fire. A good way to heat the chimney adequately is to light a tightly rolled newspaper and hold it just at the flue’s opening. Let the roll burn completely to heat the chimney, then proceed to build and light your fire.
- The top-down burn
If you can master the top-down burn, you will never again fumble around with fire tee-pees, or lose your paper and kindling under large logs. The top-down burn is an upside-down fire that has the kindling on top. This allows the flame, ashes, and cinders to fall as it burns, igniting the wood below. It is a more efficient burn, burning more completely.
- The damper and vents
The chimney is made up of many parts, and they all serve a purpose. Use the damper assembly to help you light your fire. By opening it while lighting your fire, you allow more oxygen flow to the fire.
Don’t let a poorly-built fire cramp your style. When you learn to build a fire, you are better able to enjoy your fire. Build your BEST fire this winter!
by Mark Hudson | Nov 20, 2016 | Water Damage And Chimneys
Humidity and seasonal weather in Northeast Florida continually brings moisture to Florida homes. This moisture can be a problem for your chimney if it isn’t adequately waterproofed to safeguard against water penetration. Once it happens, the damage is immediate. Even a small amount of water in your chimney can cause damage. Plus, it can also lower efficiency and raise the risk of flue fire.
The Usual Suspects
When it comes to water in your chimney, there are a few culprits that your chimney sweep will check first. Common sites for water penetration include:
- The Chimney Cap
Whether it’s missing, damaged, or improperly placed, the chimney cannot do its job if it isn’t in proper working order. The chimney cap keeps weather out of your chimney. It allows the vapors to escape safely.
- The Chimney Crown
The chimney crown is essentially the top of the chimney. It closes off the opening from the flue liner, to the edge of the chimney. In addition, it has an overhang for water to run off onto the roof. Over time, even a well constructed chimney crown can become cracked and worn, resulting in water penetration.
- The Flashing
The flashing is made up of multiple layers of thin metal sheets, strategically placed to prevent water penetration at the intersection of the chimney and roof. This is an extremely vulnerable point in the roof and chimney system. It is often the culprit behind chimney leaks, because homeowners attempt to install flashing themselves, or hire an amateur. Flashing should be installed by an experienced technician. Only a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® (CCS) is trained to place flashing according to roof materials, slant, and climate. These all should be a factor when installing flashing.
If you are concerned that your chimney may be leaking, do not delay.
Schedule a chimney inspection with Hudson Chimney and you can be confident in a company that is licensed and insured. We send a CSIA certified chimney sweep out on every job. Our technicians are experts at damage assessment, and will provide you with a detailed report. Also, we will work with homeowners with a repair plan. In doing so, it will get your chimney back to work in no time.
At Hudson Chimney, we are native to the Jacksonville, FL area. We know it’s important to protect masonry against water damage. That’s why we will not only repair the damage caused by water, but will also stop it at the source.
If a chimney cap is what you need, we will install one.
We even specialize in custom caps. If your chimney crown is damaged or worn, a Hudson Chimney technician can apply a protective sealant. In addition, we can cast a new custom, mortar crown for your chimney. We also repair and install flashing swiftly and correctly, every time. We don’t stop there, though. Our chimney sweeps can apply an industrial waterproofing sealant to your chimney, which will prevent water penetration, but allow vapors to escape as needed. This is a simple procedure that can be completed in a routine appointment and can save you in repair costs later.
Find out more about chimney leaks here and contact us, a certified chimney sweep you can trust, today!
