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Does Your Classic Chimney Meet Modern Standards?

by | Oct 24, 2016 | Modern Chimney Standards

The use of fire for home heating is centuries old, as well as the need for a ventilation system. Fireplaces and chimneys have changed in major ways through the years. However, how the chimney works remains the same.

Does Your Classic Chimney Meet Modern Standards - Jacksonville FL - Hudson Chimney IncYour Classic Chimney

Many older chimneys are missing important parts that have been found to be vitally important in recent years. Many older masonry chimneys do not have a chimney liner, or they have an old clay tile liner. In other instances, older chimneys are too big for the size of the fireplace or insert. Chimney caps are also a part of the chimney that are often overlooked by the older generation of homeowners. They have been missing on classic chimneys for years.

There is a reason why these elements have been added to modern standards of chimney and fire safety. The fire industry is constantly changing, which is why chimney professionals renew their training regularly. It’s also why fire codes and municipal standards are always changing as well.

Modern Standards

The industry standard for chimney sweep credentials is the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). The CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® (CCS) credential stands for excellence and training in the ever-changing field. There is a need for such a standard. In addition to have a similar need for manufacturing, installation, and operation standards for everyone’s safety.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is the leading information and knowledge resource on fire, electrical, and related hazards. The CSIA became the industry standard for professional chimney sweeps. The NFPA became the industry standard for safe ventilation, installation of fire-burning appliances, and the construction and installation of chimneys, fireplaces, and venting systems.

The NFPA 211 standards address:

  1. Design, installation, maintenance, and inspection.
  2. Chimneys, fireplaces, venting systems, and solid fuel-burning appliances.
  3. Residential, commercial, and industrial occupancy.

Comprehensive provisions address general requirements as well as specific types of units. The appliances are actually manufactured with these codes in mind. So, chimney sweeps are well-abreast of them when they install, maintain, replace, or repair the appliances and chimney systems. This is why you should never install your own fireplace or furnace. Only a certified chimney sweep can install the appliance and properly match it with the perfect venting products.

Hudson Chimney has changed with the industry standards, as we’ve been full-time chimney sweeps since 1979. Our technicians are experienced and trained to bring your classic chimney up to modern standards.

Ready to let someone bring your chimney system into the modern era? Also, keeping your safety and comfort in mind? Call Hudson Chimney today at 904-282-4159. For your convenience you can also request an appointment online.

Is Your Chimney Up to Modern Standards?

by | Oct 16, 2015 | Modern Chimney Standards

When you decide to buy an older home, it is important to realize the responsibility you will have as a homeowner to keep up with the maintenance issues and updates that can be involved. If your house has a fireplace and chimney, making sure everything meets current building codes and standards is crucial. You do not want to risk having to deal with a chimney fire or a carbon monoxide leak in your home because your chimney and fireplace system are not up to codes. Our Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)-certified chimney technicians at Hudson Chimney have much experience with bringing older chimneys up to modern standards and can inspect your fireplace and chimney system to make any recommendations to update your system. While we have seen chimneys that do not meet the current height requirements as well as chimneys that have suffered major spalling damage that has jeopardized the structural soundness, the most common update we do is to install a new chimney liner because the chimney is unlined. Many older homes have unlined chimneys, and this can be quite a hazard. We would like to tell you more about the importance of chimney liners by sharing with you some information from the CSIA.

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Why is a chimney liner so important?

Chimney liners serve three essential functions:

1. To protect your home from heat transfers to combustibles.

Without a chimney liner, the high temperatures from a fire can easily ignite combustible materials such as wood.

2. To protect the bricks and mortar of the chimney from corrosion from the byproducts of combustion.

Studies have proven that when combustion gases are allowed to penetrate into masonry materials, the life of the chimney is reduced. A chimney liner keeps these acidic gases from eating away at the mortar joints of your chimney.

3. To provide a correctly sized flue for the optimum efficiency of your heating appliance.

In order to function properly, modern fireplace inserts and stoves need a correctly sized flue. If the flue is too large, you can experience draft problems that will lead to smoke lingering too long inside your chimney, to the accelerated accumulation of creosote, and to the production of carbon monoxide.

If your older chimney is unlined, Hudson Chimney can increase the safety and efficiency of your heating appliance and chimney by installing a new liner. After inspecting your chimney, we will recommend the type of liner you need. Not only do we offer stainless steel liners, but we can design and install a custom liner to correctly match the size of your heating appliance. Contact us today to schedule an inspection of your older chimney to be sure it is up to modern standards.