The Importance of Cleaning up Your Fireplace after Winter

chimney repair services in thornhill

Spring brings a slew of new and exciting opportunities. Others are looking forward to the start of the baseball season, while others are just looking forward to spending more time outside without the burden of a thick winter coat.

Whatever your plans for the holiday season, one thing is sure: if you have a fireplace, it’s time to perform some seasonal maintenance!

Let’s begin with a disclaimer before we get started. There are many things you can do to improve the beauty and health of your fireplace, but none of them can substitute for expert maintenance from a trained and licensed specialist. It’s best to invest in any necessary masonry services, repairs, or sweeping services.

Cleaning Up Your Firebox

Do you have a wood-burning fireplace in your home? That means that your firebox will be full of ash by the end of the winter. While an inch or so of ash is helpful throughout the burning season (to help feed future fires), it’s always ideal to remove all of it before calling it a day.

Because ash is acidic, it may quickly corrode your fireplace grate if left exposed for an extended period. You also don’t want your fireplace exposed to moisture, which ash is infamous for attracting. Water is the number one enemy of masonry, and it can demolish whatever structure it comes into contact with.

Waiting at least 24 hours after the last fire has been extinguished is an excellent place to start. This reduces the chance of getting burned. Lay down some tarps or old sheets to keep your furniture and floors from being messed up when the time is up. A facemask and safety goggles will also be necessary for your safety.

A metal scoop and an airtight bucket are the following two items you’ll need. Because embers may survive in your ash pile for days, these two items are a need.

Note that the ashes should never be vacuumed. If any embers or sparks are left behind, you might be creating an enormous fire risk by doing this seemingly quick and easy cleanup.

The bucket should never be kept indoors, in a garage, a shed, or on your deck or porch. The container might catch fire, so be careful! Toss it out, use it in your garden, preserve it for stains, or do anything you choose with the ash after being convinced it’s safe to handle.

Clear Up Your Glass Door

If your fireplace’s glass doors are covered in soot stains, ash, and grime, you may clean this with newspaper, water, and some leftover ash. Just wet a ball of newspaper, dab it in cooled-down ashes, and wipe away.

Give the Stone a Wash

Some people want to end strong by wiping off their bricks, stonework, or marble. This may be a terrific way to keep your system looking younger and fresher. However, if even the most thorough washing doesn’t seem to help, it may be time to consider a fireplace a remodel.

The Importance of an Inspection

Annual inspections are the most effective approach to ensuring that your system remains safe and secure.

If hidden damage is not treated, it will worsen. Any additional creosote deposits will break down your chimney components and possibly cause some unpleasant scents once the A/C is turned on.

Conclusion

Removing ashes and soot and basic cleaning should be a routine annual activity if you own a fireplace. However, if you have any reason to believe that blockage, cracks, or warping have compromised your fireplace, you should hire chimney repair services to inspect and repair it.

Are you looking for chimney repair services in Thornhill, ON? Red Robin Masonry is Toronto’s most trusted masonry company. Request a quote today!

4 Major Ways to Effectively Repair Your Chimney in Winter

chimney repair services in toronto

Winter chimney repair is tricky. The mortar compounds that hold bricks together don’t set up in cold weather as well as in warm weather. If your chimney has significant brick damage and needs partial or complete rebuilding, you’ll need a lot of mortar.

Another challenge with repairing chimneys during the cold months is that frozen moisture within the masonry makes it challenging to diagnose the extent of water damage. It’s easier for technicians to assess damage after the normal freeze-thaw winter cycle is over. However, there are solutions you can make before the season ends.

So, how can you overcome such challenges and pursue chimney repairs during colder seasons? Here are four major ways to effectively repair your chimney in winter:

Use Temporary Fixes

The first strategy is to provide a temporary fix to keep the rain and cold out and then complete the repairs in spring. During the cold months, apply chimney caps to keep water out. Also, use a chimney shoe to prevent wind from pushing water into the flue.

You can fill gaps between the chimney and roof using metal flashing to keep the cold out. If you live in a tornado or hurricane-prone area, you may wish to consider a temporary plywood roof over the chimney if there is any chance of high winds during the cold months.

Another option is to use a plastic canopy that fits over the top of your chimney during the cold months. It’s sturdy enough to keep the rain out. You can also pull it down to keep the moisture out once spring arrives, and then you can remove it for the summer.

Hire Chimney Repair Companies With Insulated Trucks

Much of the issue with chimney repair is the environmental conditions and the difficulty they provide. However, there’s still a workaround if you need emergency major repairs during Winter.

You can hire a chimney repair company with insulated trucks with heaters to keep the temperature inside the truck and the technician’s work area warm. When working in such conditions, the work area is safer, and the work becomes easier to do.

Inject Thawing Compound Into Mortar

The first way to get around mortar compound issues is to use a thawing compound instead. The product is specifically designed to thaw frozen mortar and brick. It’s pumped into the wall area where the repair is being done, and then it’s set with a mortar gun.

This is the preferred way to repair chimneys during the frigid winter months because it has the least mortar. The thawing compound performs well in a wide range of temperatures. This compound also has a watertight sealant on the inside of the brick. This will prevent water infiltration into the brick for a long time.

Cold weather mortars are made to be used in below-freezing temperatures. The mortar is made for use up to minus 20 degrees, so it’s the perfect product for a winter chimney repair job.

Make Sure You’re Using the Right Tools

Chimneys have many different parts, each of which serves a specific purpose. To safely and effectively execute a chimney repair, it’s vital to use the right tools. A wide chisel is used to mortar up a crack, while a close chisel is used to re-point a broken joint. The proper hammer taps the two parts together.

There’s no reason for unnecessary risks when repairing a chimney during the winter. If you want your chimney in winter-ready condition, you should use the right tools and know-how to use them and how best to maintain them.

Conclusion

The key to successfully repairing your chimney in winter is not to let the conditions around you get in the way of doing good work. Even though snow and ice are part of the job, you can still make it through the winter season without taking unnecessary risks.

Don’t be discouraged by frigid weather. You can protect yourself and your chimney with proper tools and a little bit of experience.

For chimney repair services in Toronto, Red Robin Masonry is the most reputable masonry company in Toronto. If you want to build a brick wall, a chimney or a fireplace, parge, stonework, and more, we can help you. Call us today!

Look Out for These Chimney Repair Warning Signs

Look Out for These Chimney Repair Warning Signs

While a chimney is a strong and safe structure, it’s worth noting that everything ages inside your home. This means that repairs are due now and then as problems arise due to usage. With that said, a damaged chimney should be repaired as soon as possible.

Read on to discover the chimney repair warning signs you should be looking out for.

The White Stains and Efflorescence 

Efflorescence is a white stain on a chimney. Cleaning the stain does not address the issue of moisture, which contributes to the white residue. Efflorescence in masonry indicates a high level of moisture. If left unattended, the chimney will most likely deteriorate prematurely, causing a variety of other issues.

The Rust and Corrosion

Rusting on your firebox or damper indicates that there is too much moisture in your chimney. While the damper may not appear to be rusted, it may be rusted if it does not seal or function properly.

If there is enough moisture in your chimney to cause rusting, you may also experience serious damage, such as cracked flue tiles. Using a special camera, inspect the flue lining to ensure that the chimney system is not compromised, which could result in a house fire.

The Aging Mortar Joints 

Repair damaged mortar joints between the masonry of the chimney as soon as possible. The masonry will deteriorate over time due to mortar deterioration, exposing it to increased moisture. During cold weather, excess moisture can freeze inside masonry cracks. Cracking in bricks, rocks, and cement can be exacerbated by moisture. The deteriorated mortar could cause the entire chimney to collapse.

The Shaling

If you notice small pieces of chimney tile accumulating in the fireplace, the flue is most likely damaged. The flue lining is critical to a fireplace and chimney’s safety. As a result, an annual chimney inspection is essential. Professional chimney sweeps can inspect your flue lining for any hidden problems. For example, if the tiles are cracked but not crumbling, a chimney system breach is unlikely to be visible.

The Spalling

The presence of masonry fragments at the structure’s base indicates spalling outside of the chimney. Masonry can peel, pop, or flake when exposed to moisture. Replacing damaged masonry keeps the chimney from collapsing and crumbling further.

The Wallpaper Damage 

Damaged wallpaper near your chimney can also be an indication of damage. Moisture in the chimney usually wreaks havoc on the wallpaper. Before using the fireplace, make any necessary repairs to the chimney or flue.

The Chimney Crown Damage

Inspecting the chimney crown, like inspecting damaged mortar joints, will necessitate climbing to the roof. The crown protects the chimney from bad weather. Water may seep into the crown, causing the cracks to expand. Water can seep in between the chimney and the flue lining, causing spalling and shaling.

Conclusion

A damaged chimney can cause a myriad of problems for your home, such as a fire. This may also risk the health and safety of your family. So, be a responsible homeowner and maintain your space or have damages repaired as early as you detect a warning sign. This way, you can get peace of mind and improve your home life quality!

For the best chimney repair services in Toronto, Red Robin Masonry offers first-class tools, industry expertise, and well-trained professionals. Request your FREE quote today!

Different Ways Winter Affects Your Masonry Chimney

chimney repair services in Toronto

Bricks and mortar on the exterior of a well-built stone chimney will progressively succumb to weather-related damage as it ages. Not only do older masonry chimneys deteriorate with age, but even newer masonry chimneys can be damaged if they are not adequately cared for and maintained. Unfortunately, spalling is linked to all symptoms and signs of chimney deterioration.

What Exactly Is Spalling?

Spalling is a process that occurs when the surface layer of a material erodes or is peeled away from the underlying material. Spalling is typically seen in brick and masonry buildings where a significant amount of mortar has been chemically linked to the brick and is then detached from the brick.

What Are the Significant Causes of Spalling During Winter?

Masonry comes into direct contact with the elements of nature, and even severe winter weather can cause damage to masonry surfaces and mortar.

These severe weather conditions affect moisture and temperature levels. For example, temperature fluctuations can cause freeze and thaw cycles on various construction materials. Another major cause of spalling is frost heaving, also known as frost spalling or frost shattering.

Frost spalling is the process where frost expands ice in the masonry. The expansion and contraction caused by tiny ice crystals separate the masonry from the mortar. These ice crystals cause the masonry to move within the cannon and expose the masonry and its thermal insulation.

What Are the Other Effects of Frost Spalling?

Frost shattering can cause bricks to crack and break apart or cause mortar to crack and separate. Frost shattering can be very dangerous as it can cause falling bricks and pieces of mortar and spalling, which can cause serious harm to people and property.

Not only does frost spalling cause masonry surfaces to erode and spall, but the water vapour within the ice crystals can also pass the masonry surface and the thermal insulation, which can cause the insulation to deteriorate and the masonry to freeze and crack.

As the masonry cracks, the thermal insulation can be broken apart by water vapour and moisture, compromising the insulation. That means that the home will lose heat, which can cause a higher heating bill.

How Can Spalling Be Repaired?

Spalling can be repaired using the appropriate masonry patching material. The damaged area of the chimney is smoothed, and the mortar is reset to match the original surface. To remedy this, you can search for chimney repairs near you.

Spalling can also be repaired using a chimney crown. A chimney crown is essentially a metal flashing installed at the top of the chimney to protect it from the elements.

Is It Possible to Work on Masonry in the Winter?

Generally, it is not recommended to work on a masonry structure during the winter months. This is because the temperature and moisture variations can cause additional damage to the chimney.

However, if a new structure is repaired, there is no damage to contend with due to the spalling process. In this case, it may be possible to make the repairs during the winter, as long as it is not too cold or too windy.

Conclusion

The structure may be falling apart before your very eyes, and you may not even be aware of it. If the damage is not repaired, there is a potential for the chimney to collapse, which could cause significant damage and injury to people in your home and the surrounding area.

The longer you wait to repair spalling and restoration on your masonry chimney, the higher the cost will be. While some spalling can be repaired quickly and with a low price, the longer you wait, the more significant the damage will become.

Red Robin Masonry is Toronto’s most reputable masonry company. Our masonry services include brickwork, chimney work, parging, stonework, and more. If you are looking for reliable chimney repair services in Toronto, contact our team today!

Everything You Need to Know about Cleaning Your Chimney

chimney repair services in Toronto

Your chimney is an exhaust system that prevents heat, moisture, and smells from entering your home. Because of this, it sometimes gets sooty and must be cleaned regularly.

Here are some of the important reasons you should keep your chimney clean:

  • Safety

A dirty chimney full of soot can be a serious fire hazard. The fire may not have enough oxygen to keep burning as it gets full. That’s why your chimney will start to smoulder and could catch fire. The fire could burn from your chimney and spread to your house, causing damage and possibly injuring people.

  • Soot

Soot is a byproduct of combustion and is made up of solid particles of carbon. When the soot is allowed to build up, it will restrict airflow and cause a backdraft.

A backdraft, or smoke explosion, is caused when the chimney cannot pull the smoke up, and it builds up inside, causing a sudden and complete reversal of the airflow. This can be extremely dangerous and lead to injury or death.

  • Creosote

Creosote is rust that forms when moisture mixes with the carbon inside the chimney. It can spread to nearby surfaces, damaging and even destroying them.

  • Poor Performance

A dirty chimney will not work as well. It will not be able to pull the smoke up or expel it well. It will be hard for the smoke to get out. This will mean that your fire will be smouldering, which can cause a fire.

How Often Should You Have Your Chimney Cleaned?

Once a year. It is recommended to have annual maintenance that includes cleaning and inspection.

Can You Clean Your Chimney Yourself?

Of course, you can! There are many do-it-yourself kits in the market that you can use. But remember, they do not usually include a full inspection, so you will not know if your chimney has some cracks or problems. It is always better to have a professional do it.

There are many things that can go wrong when you clean your chimney yourself. You can get hurt, your house can get damaged, or you can even start a fire. So always be careful, especially when dealing with gas or fire.

How Do You Clean the Inside of a Chimney?

You need to clean the inside of the chimney to remove the soot, which is made up of the solid particles of carbon.

It is recommended to use a chimney brush for inside cleaning. You can use a smaller brush for the flue and a larger brush for the inside of the chimney.

You can use a sturdy brush, such as a wire brush, stiff-bristled broom, or even a mop. If you have a shop vacuum or a wet-dry vacuum, you can attach it to a brush to get the job done faster. After brushing, use a vacuum to vacuum all the loose material.

In a Nutshell

If you are serious about safety, then you will need to clean your chimney annually. It is the best way to keep it in good shape to work correctly. And it is always good to hire a professional, instead of doing it yourself.

When it comes to chimney repair services in Toronto, Red Robin Masonry has you covered. We are the most trusted masonry company in the area. Contact us today!

6 Important Chimney and Fireplace Maintenance Tips

chimney repair services in Toronto

Nothing beats a real wood-burning fireplace in the frigid fall and winter months. The crackling sound of a fireplace and the flickering flames are mesmerizing—the greatest entertainment available. The genuine deal is a wood-burning fireplace.

However, unlike gas fireplaces, you must pay for that authentic feeling with frequent upkeep. Follow these guidelines to keep your fireplace in good working order for your comfort and safety. If you’re also looking for a chimney removal in Toronto, continue reading as this article will entail where you can get that service.

Repair Brick Mortar Gaps in the Firebox

Over time, gaps in the brick mortar on the interior of your fireplace form. It’s natural for mortar particles on the refractory fire bricks to loosen and fall due to the continual expansion and contraction of materials induced by the fireplace’s intense heat.

Fire can find a way through the cracks and damage the house’s structure. Fill mortar gaps within the fireplace’s firebox using fireplace mortar or refractory caulk, a mineral-based filler.

You’ll need a putty knife to clear out the loose mortar and a can of compressed air to blow out the remainder for this quick remedy. After that, all that’s left is to caulk the seams.

Clean the Chimney

Unlike gas and gel fires, Wood-burning fireplaces produce a tremendous quantity of heat and smoke. Creosote builds upon the interior of the fireplace flue, speeding up a chimney fire, which the fire department must extinguish.

Chimney cleaning removes potentially dangerous creosote and other combustible particles from your flue. The ashes in the firebox are removed, and the chimney is cleaned from top to bottom. Invest in your chimney-cleaning tools and conduct the work yourself, or hire a professional chimney sweep or home restoration services in Toronto.

Use the Right Firewood

The quality of the wood you burn in your fireplace is only as excellent as the wood you burn in it. Burning the wrong kind of wood dirties the fireplace’s interior fast, necessitating more regular cleaning.

Softwoods are less expensive than hardwoods, but they burn more quickly and generate fine ash that is harder to clean up. They also produce creosote more quickly. Spruce, cedar, poplar, and balsam are examples of softwoods. Choose hardwoods like maple, oak, ash, and birch for a more constant, hotter burn.

Replace the Fireplace Screen

Fireplace screens are available in various shapes and metals, and they may be placed close or even against the fireplace. Install a glass fireplace screen to keep smoke from leaving the firebox. These heat-resistant glass inserts keep most smoke out while allowing heat to pass through.

Repair, Build, or Spruce up the Mantel

If your fireplace’s mantle has been in place for a long time, it may be beginning to show its age. Or you could be fed up with it. You may make a new fireplace mantel out of live-edge wood or walnut stock in any case.

Alternatively, you could want your fireplace mantel to resemble an old railroad tie—albeit a fake one. If carpentry isn’t your thing, consider renovating your mantel for a fresh new appearance.

Hire A Professional

Exterior chimney repair is a major job, so hire a chimney repair professional or a mason if you think the job is too big for you.

Minor external chimney flaws are exacerbated by the environment and quickly escalate into serious issues. Interior issues caused by a poorly maintained chimney and flashing include wet ceilings, moist attic insulation, and mushy wall drywall.

Conclusion

Your chimney is one of the most sensitive parts of your home’s exterior, as it is subjected to rain, wind, snow, and extreme temperatures daily. A chimney’s bricks and mortar decay faster than any other portion of your house. A dangerously unstable chimney might endanger your family’s safety. It’s advisable to seek chimney repair services in Toronto as soon as you notice a problem.

Red Robin Masonry is Toronto’s most trusted masonry company. Our masonry services include brickwork, parging, stonework, and chimney repair services in Toronto. Get in touch with us if you need help with your chimneys and fireplaces.

Chimney Maintenance 101: The Signs You Should Look Out For

chimney repair services in Toronto

Chimney Maintenance 101: The Signs You Should Look Out For

By now, it shouldn’t be a surprise that one of the dirtiest parts of the house is the chimney. Most of the time, it is filled with dense soot, combustion gases, and elements. This is why it’s important to maintain them with regular cleaning and repairs. Otherwise, you limit its lifespan despite being built to withstand harsh conditions.

Without further ado, let’s break down the signs you should look out for to maintain, clean, and repair your chimney.

Sign #1: The Stench of Burning Wood

If you find that the scent or stench of burning wood is emitting from an unused fireplace, then it’s time to act. This is usually a sign of severe creosote buildup, which has the potential to spark a disastrous chimney fire if left neglected.

Sign #2: The Difficult of Lighting Flames

We’ve learned in school that fire needs a bit of oxygen or air. Thus, if there is insufficient ventilation, it is difficult to start a fireplace. If you find it difficult to light up flames, this could be due to the substantial creosote buildup. Give your fireplace a thorough sweep to restore order.

Sign #3: The Accumulation of Non-Wood Debris

Discovering non-wood debris in your fireplace is nothing but bad news. The cause of this is certainly due to a faulty flue liner. Contact chimney professionals as soon as you become aware of the problem, and schedule a chimney relining immediately. If a fireplace is not properly ventilated, it has the potential to ignite nearby combustibles.

Sign #4: The Bricks are Starting to Whiten

If you find white flakes on brickwork, this may indicate major moisture deterioration. The only way forward is to rebuild the places that have been damaged.

Sign #5: The Apparent Cracks in the Brickwork

Apparent cracks in the brickwork of your fireplace are simply a revelation of deteriorating mortar. Because the mortar is what holds bricks together, it is critical to schedule a chimney masonry repair while the problem is still minor.

Sign #6: The Long Overdue Inspection 

If your most recent fireplace inspection was around a year ago, it’s time to pick up the phone and make a call. It’s important to note that a professional inspection of your chimney should be done at least once a year. This could help you prevent further damage or accidents.

Finding Rusty  Fireplace Accessories

While defects in the brick are easily visible from the outside, rust is less visible but can be just as detrimental. You may miss rust higher in the chimney unless you undertake annual chimney inspections, but you may notice symptoms coming from the fireplace.

Rust mostly indicated excessive moisture on the firebox or fireplace, which is never a good thing and can aggravate pre-existing issues. Thus, inspect the rusty chimney and choose the best next steps by contacting a chimney repair professional.

Shaling Down a Fireplace

Shaling is the formation of thin flue tile slices on the fireplace floor. It’s almost as though the weight is causing the chimney to collapse. It happens when the flue liner ruptures, allowing water to enter the space beneath the tiles. Water expands and changes temperature, causing the tiles to loosen and fall.

A damaged liner is a serious safety threat, thus any shaling should be investigated very away. A professional with a camera that can travel up the flue is the best option for checking for these issues.

Conclusion

While chimneys are meant to collect dust, debris, and other remnants of flame, they are also meant to be cleaned, maintained, and repaired. So if you haven’t yet, get to work and have your chimney and fireplace swept through. You won’t just prevent costly blunders, you will also extend its lifespan and make the most out of your investment.

For reliable chimney repair services in Toronto, Red Robin Masonry is the best in the field. We offer you first-class tools, industry expertise, and well-trained professionals. Call us now and get your FREE estimate today!

Here’s Why a Collapsed Chimney Is a Danger to Your Home and Family

Water enters your home when the roof is damaged. When windows are broken, the elements come into your home as well. When the chimney collapses, what about the chimney? Will it collapse? What if there’s damage to the bricks? If you see something has gone awry, or you see that the chimney has collapsed, it’s imperative that you not waste time getting it fixed. Why? Because it puts the structural integrity of your home at risk.

If a chimney is not structurally sound, it will not function properly. That’s why it’s important to get chimney repair services in Toronto when there are signs of damage. When repairs are delayed, even worse problems can occur.

The Big Problem

The elements will destroy your house. Over time, even the strongest of raw materials break down. Rocks are susceptible to erosion, bricks are susceptible to extreme temperatures, and moisture can settle in. Rain, snow, sleet, and freezing-thawing cycles will cause cracks. These cracks can worsen over time, eventually leading to a collapsed chimney. Elements will destroy your house; you must do proper maintenance to make it last longer.

There’s a Real Danger

Water and chimneys don’t mix. When water gets into your chimney, it can do irreparable damage. It can lead to a collapse, a fire, or a brick wall that doesn’t function properly. The weight of the chimney can be affected by water damage, which puts its structural integrity at risk. There’s no telling where water penetration will lead. It could lead to a structural collapse, which would be devastating and could wreak havoc on your home.

The Consequences

Your home could suffer from a collapsed chimney. If you’re not careful and don’t do maintenance, a broken window or a collapsed chimney could lead to a collapsed roof. Your roof could suffer from water damage and be useless for keeping the weather out. Your roof would no longer be able to protect your home.

What’s more, a broken chimney or window could lead to a fire. With no proper protection from the elements, they could easily settle into your walls. They could get cozy in the insulation or even in the framing. If they settle in, they can be difficult to remove. They could also soon lead to a fire. Water and wood don’t mix, but they put your walls at risk.

The Causes

There are three main culprits for roof damage: water, wind, and ice. The roof is constantly exposed to the elements, and it could be damaged. It is exposed to the sun’s harsh rays and the beating of the rain, snow, and sleet. These things can wreak havoc on your roof.

When water is allowed to get into your home, it can cause your roof to sustain serious damage. Water is heavy. If it comes in contact with your roof, it will put a great deal of pressure on it. Water can also warp and crack your roof, which will cause leaks. That’s why it’s essential to fix your roof as soon as you spot a leak. If left alone, a leak can lead to a collapsed roof.

The same is true for a collapsed chimney. If you see that it is broken, take care of it as soon as possible. If you don’t fix the damage, it can lead to a collapsed chimney. A collapsed chimney can cause water to be able to enter your home. When water enters your home from the inside, the door will be the last place you look. Water can easily get into your house through the chimney if you don’t catch it.

How Can You Prevent It?

The best way to prevent chimney damage is to have your chimney inspected every year. We recommend that homeowners have their chimneys inspected twice a year, Once in the Spring and once in the Fall.

Conclusion

If your chimney is damaged, the elements can enter your home and cause havoc. If you don’t take a proactive stance and you don’t watch out for your chimney, it can lead to a collapsed chimney. When the chimney collapses, it will lead to water damage which, as you know, can be costly. If you notice any signs of problem, you should immediately call for chimney repair services in Toronto. Make sure that you only call a trusted professional to do the job.

Red Robin Masonry is a team of experts offering chimney repair services in Toronto. Contact our pros today so we can inspect your chimney and fix any problem you might be having!

What You Need to Know about Chimney Flue and Why It’s Needed

chimney repair toronto

What You Need to Know about Chimney Flue and Why It’s Needed

Your chimney is connected to your fireplace. It acts as a conduit for smoke and other contaminants so they can be released out of your home.

Any gas or wood-burning fireplace has its own chimney flue. A chimney flue is a vertical passage where the smoke, debris, and contaminants (produced by the fire you started in the firebox) escape into the chimney and out of your house.

In this article, we’ll discuss why chimney flues are vital components of both the chimney and the fireplace safety and maintenance.

Why Chimney Flues Are Essential

Here are some of the reasons why chimney flues are essential to your chimney and fireplace.

  1. Chimney Flues Prevent Chimney Fire

First, it’s because they prevent combustion from happening in your home and in any surrounding area. That unrecognised part of your fireplace can protect you and your family from sudden combustion while starting a fire.

When chimney flues are unlined, they will let smoke and other contaminants escape through the mortar and bricks. This will allow heat and smoke to turn into a chimney fire, passing through any combustible materials in your homes, such as drywall and wood studs, that can eventually cause a fire.

That’s why chimney flue liners are made up of solid and seamless surfaces that prevent the smoke in the flue and go directly out of the chimney.

What Is a Chimney Fire

As mentioned earlier, when chimney flues are unlined, it can cause smoke and heat to escape sideways and into the bricks and mortar. Because of this, it can create combustion that causes chimney fire.

And chimney fire is not something that anyone should take lightly. It’s a terrifying scenario that is hard to extinguish and handle.

When the chimney fire starts, it’ll begin with a sort of gunshots popping and can immediately progress into deep rumbling, similar to the sound of a running freight train. Because of this, your flue may break, which permits the fire to enter inside your home.

If this happens (we really hope not), the fire department recommends that you water down into the house from the top of your chimney so you can properly put off the fire, but unfortunately, it will result in flooding inside the house.

  1. Chimney Flues Allow the Passage of Gasses and Smoke

Chimney flues are created to prevent smoke and any gasses from going into the bricks and mortar. Flues are created smooth to help direct the smoke upward and outside your chimney faster.

  1. Chimney Flues Protect Your Chimney Materials

When you start a fire in your firebox, it also produces contaminants that are usually carried by smoke. Through steel and clay flues, they can protect the surrounding mortar and bricks from any acid, creosote, and other contaminants.

Conclusion

Chimney flues are important parts of your chimney and fireplace as they give passage to smoke and other contaminants out of the house. They help prevent chimney fires that can ultimately damage your home and threaten your family’s lives.

Red Robin Masonry is Toronto’s most trusted masonry company that provides brickwork, parging, stonework and chimney repair services in Markham! Request a quote today!

3 Common Chimney Problems and Ways to Deal with Them

A fireplace is an essential component of any house found in regions that experience frigid weather. Toronto homes, for example, typically have fireplaces built into them. If your home is the same, you likely have a chimney as well.

It may not seem obvious to most, but chimneys are as important as other fixtures in a house. After all, it helps remove any smoke a fireplace produces. Without the chimney, smoke particles, fire embers, and soot may cling to a room, leaving it uninhabitable.

Given the chimney’s role, it’s only reasonable that you take great care in maintaining it or having it maintained throughout the year. Companies that offer chimney repair services are likely to provide maintenance and cleaning as well.

If you don’t have the time to contact a professional, it’s best that you keep in mind some of the problems your chimney may encounter over the years.

1. Obstructions

You can find a part of the chimney in the exterior of your home, so it’s not surprising that it’s susceptible to the weather and other outside elements, like birds and squirrels.

If not minded correctly, your chimney may become obstructed over time. There are several reasons this happens, such as bird’s nests or leaves falling into the chimney or soot building up after a lack of cleaning.

Regardless of the reason, chimney obstruction will cause further problems for you. The most pressing will be toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide entering your home.

As much as possible, contact someone that offers professional chimney repair services to help you save time and money.

2. Unwanted Inhabitants

Aside from inanimate obstructions, your chimney may also start housing live critters if left unattended. Such a thing often happens when it’s nearing the colder months, considering that animals will find warm places to seek shelter.

To prevent unwanted inhabitants and the subsequent obstructions that they bring, you need to invest in a chimney cap if you haven’t yet. If your chimney has one, but it’s not functioning correctly, then contact a professional that specializes in chimney repair services to get it fixed.

It’s tempting to DIY it yourself, especially since there are chimney caps available in home depots. However, working with a proper technician will ensure that the chimney cap is high quality and undergoes correct installation.

3. Stacking

Another chimney problem you may encounter is stacking.

Stacking is a problem that results from the stack effect, which happens when warm air exits the chimney. As a result, it leaves the cold air to replace it. The cold air makes it impossible for the next batch of warm air from the fireplace to escape through the chimney.

There’s an easy fix to stacking: light a piece of paper and place it near the open damper. After a few seconds, the cold air should leave. Depending on the state of your chimney, you may need to do this several times before you can use the fireplace.

Final Thoughts

The chimney is exposed to external elements all year round, making it no surprise that it’s one of the most vulnerable pieces of your home. Without proper care and maintenance, you’ll likely find yourself with a subpar chimney or, worse, a dysfunctional one.

To prevent such a thing from happening, you’ll need to invest time (and most likely, funds) into the care of your chimney. If you’re looking for professional chimney repair services in Toronto, do consider Red Robin Masonry. We offer various masonry services, including ones that have to do with fireplaces and chimneys. Contact us today to book a consultation and learn more about our offerings!