It’s easy to think that something as durable and straightforward as a chimney requires little-to-no maintenance, but every homeowner needs to give their masonry fireplaces some tender, love, and care regularly to ensure it’s functioning to its full potential. 

 

After all, they play a pivotal role in contributing to your home’s heating system, so a faulty performance can quickly turn this functional unit into a fire hazard. A poorly maintained chimney can also spark other repercussions, that’s why the list below should give a rundown on the importance of chimney maintenance to avoid the following issues: 

 

  1. Regular Chimney Maintenance Prevents Chimney Fires 

 

A faulty chimney is not something you can overlook, especially since it has a high risk of starting a deadly fire in your home. This is because the smoke from the fire can condense once it comes into contact with the cool interior walls of your chimney, resulting in a build-up of an ignitable gum-like substance. 

 

This can quickly catch fire that can spread across your home, which is why it’s crucial to conduct regular chimney inspections and address any problems as soon as you spot them. 

 

  1. Regular Chimney Maintenance Prevents Carbon Monoxide Poisoning 

 

A poorly-maintained chimney won’t have the right capabilities to allow fumes to escape, particularly since there is plenty of gunk that blocks the smoke from escape your home. This will release a dangerously high level of carbon monoxide into your living space, but what makes it deadly is that no one can see it. 

 

Carbon monoxide is a silent killer that has caused four thousand deaths a year in the US alone, that’s why it helps to invest in carbon monoxide detectors to alert you of its presence. Cleaning, repairing, and maintaining your chimney are also the best ways to prevent this hazard from spiraling out of control. 

 

  1. Regular Chimney Maintenance Ensures it Performs Efficiently 

 

Skimping out on your regular chimney inspections will not only lead to safety issues but can also compromise its performance, which means it won’t effectively heat up your space during colder months. This will force your heating system to overwork itself to make up for the loss, all of which can skyrocket your electricity bills. 

 

Not to mention, a chimney that fails to run efficiently can also lower their longevity, so giving them the proper maintenance they need will save you hundreds of dollars worth of repairs in the long run. 

 

The Bottom Line: The Importance of Maintaining and Repairing Your Chimney as Soon as Possible 

It’s tricky to determine whether your chimney is in its best condition, that’s why calling for regular chimney inspections is important since it ensures you can stay on top of any underlying issues that need to be addressed.

 

Why Choose Us for Your Toronto Masonry Services?

 

If you’re looking for quality and affordable chimney repair services in Toronto to keep your vents in good working condition, we’re the best in the region to call! Get in touch with us at 416-206-8859 now and see what we can do to improve your home!

 

Even for the most experienced homeowners, chimneys are always trouble to work with, not so much on how to use it, but more on maintaining it. The problems that can show up in a chimney generally occur in extremely hard-to-reach areas, and, unfortunately, ignoring the chimney can bring about serious consequences. As such, if you are purchasing a home that has a chimney, here are the things you need to do to ensure your chimney is cared for properly.

 

  1. Find out what type of chimney you have

 

The first thing you need to do whenever buying a home with a chimney is to learn what kind of chimney it has. Remember, not all chimneys are the same, which means the maintenance program you are going to have for the type of chimney you have will differ. That said, there are three main types of chimneys out there: single-walled metal, masonry, and pre-fabricated metal. Find out which one applies to your chimney, then do the necessary research to learn more about it.

 

  1. Check the flue once in a while

 

The flue on any chimney is responsible for keeping your home ventilated. It is a pipe fixture inside your chimney liner that diverts smoke and other gases out of the building. Over time, the flue can get blocked, and there are ways to tell that this is happening in your chimney. For instance, if you feel like using the chimney makes your home smokey, the flue needs some work. Have a professional check the flue if this is the case.

 

  1. Pay attention to any telltale signs on the brick

 

The bricks, along with the mortar, used on chimneys are generally meant to resist high temperatures. However, these bricks will deteriorate over time. Signs of old brick and mortar include cracking and crumbling. If you discover any of these signs on your chimney, you will need the help of professionals to chisel them out and fix them.

 

  1. Consider purchasing a chimney liner and cap

 

A chimney liner and a cap can do multiple things. For liners, it can protect your home from heat and fire produced by the fireplace by acting as an extra barrier. As for the cap, it protects the top part of your chimney, keeping it free from any unwanted materials from entering the chimney. If your chimney has only one or the other, or neither of the two, do have them planned to be installed. It will extend your chimney’s lifetime and lead to better overall comfort inside your home.

 

Conclusion

 

With all of that out of the way, we hope you are much more confident in tackling your chimney. To summarize, you need to know what chimney you are working with and set plans to have it maintained every so often. This is vital to ensure your chimney performs at its best, providing your home with a safe source of heat to keep everyone warm, especially during the winter season. With that said, if you find that your chimney needs some serious repair, hire professionals to do the job for you. They are equipped with the latest knowledge and tools to ensure a safe and efficient repair job to get your chimney back to its former glory.

 

Red Robin Masonry is a professional contractor offering services from brick repair to chimneys to ensure the perfect home for you to live in and enjoy life. If you need chimney repair services in Toronto, request a quote from us today!

 

 

 

During the colder seasons, one of the most memorable moments is curling up by the fireplace with a warm drink and a warm blanket while being surrounded by the whole family. That fond memory during your childhood is genuinely unforgettable, thanks to the fireplace that made it happen! For your house to make more great winter memories indoors, you should ensure that your chimney is well-maintained and can outlast the season. 

Unfortunately, not all homeowners think the same. Some are not familiar with the importance of hiring someone to ensure that their chimneys are still functioning throughout the year. After all, what’s the worst that could happen? A lot more than you might imagine, that’s for sure!

This article will explore the importance of chimney maintenance and all the questions surrounding it.

 

The Threat Caused by Your Chimney

Chimneys are not used all the time, and there is no special requirement needed before you start a fire with it. That makes it difficult to believe that these also require the same maintenance as other parts of the house. This misunderstanding, unfortunately, makes it quite common to fall behind on fireplace maintenance. However, forgetting to do it regularly will make your house a fire hazard!

Heating equipment accounts for the most reported home fires, with failure to clean chimneys as the leading factor contributing to these cases. 

Here is what you do not know happens inside a chimney that is not in use: your chimney innocently gathers all the smoke, gases, and other fire residues over time. These residues—called the creosote—are highly flammable! Brief exposure to a specific heat can instantly cause a chimney fire out of it. What is worse is that the longer you make the creosote stay in your chimney, the harder it is to remove and clean up. 

The chimney is also prone to carbon monoxide poisoning. Breathing in the noxious fumes may not immediately cause sickness, but it can definitely be detrimental to your health in the long run. 

If you want to avoid these from happening, consider scheduling annual maintenance from a  reliable contractor.

 

Proper Chimney Maintenance: What to Expect

Like the other parts of your home, a regular annual inspection for your chimney is necessary. Conducting one every year will help you learn the condition of your fireplace and if repairs or issues need to be addressed immediately.

 

Here is what you should expect when undergoing chimney maintenance:

    • Step 1: Inspectors will do a basic visual inspection of the entire fireplace. They will go through each part and make sure that they are in good condition. They usually use common tools like flashlights, screwdrivers, and pliers. They search for wear and tear and any indication of chimney problems.

    • Step 2: During this part, they are more likely to sweep your chimney to help them see the insides better. They use special equipment to inspect the hard to reach parts of the chimney thoroughly.
    • Step 3 (Conditional): This part of the maintenance is only crucial if demolition is required to rebuild parts of the chimney. It also uses some camera tools to reveal the chimney’s hidden details that can’t be seen with the naked eye. This part may also affect other parts of your home, so ensure to get a reliable professional to conduct these for you.

 

Conclusion

There is not much to expect during chimney maintenance, but it already has a huge impact on one’s home safety and security. If your home has a fireplace, make sure to schedule annual maintenance and check-up. That small act will guarantee the safety of your home during the winter.  

If you are looking for chimney repair services in Mississauga, Red Robin Masonry is here to do it for you! We will make sure that your chimney is running smoothly at times when you need it the most. Contact us today to book an appointment!

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During the cold seasons, households significantly benefit from their fireplaces because they provide warmth and comfort and keep families from experiencing the drop in temperatures. If you want to guarantee your fireplace is running during autumn and winter, it’s essential to maintain the excellent condition of your fireplace.

Your chimney should be handled by a professional once a year so that they can perform the necessary cleaning procedures needed to eliminate any buildup of soot and ashes. Removing flammable particles from your chimney can prevent accidents and keep your family safe throughout the chilly mornings and evenings.

If you want to find out how to take care of your fireplace and chimney, keep reading below.   

Assess Your Fireplace For Potential Damages

You should make a habit of observing your fireplace for any noticeable cracks and loose bricks and assess the exterior of your masonry for any potential damages. For the best results, call for brick repair services right away, as managing the repairs on your own will only lead to more problems and additional expenses.

Examine Your Chimney

Your chimney has a fireplace damper that works to keep the warm air inside your home and the cold outdoor air from entering your house. You have to ensure that it’s working correctly at all times and doesn’t have anything preventing it from opening and closing as expected. Your chimney cap should also be fitted in place and contain a protective screen to prevent hindrances from slipping into your chimney.

Remove Any Obstructions

When it comes to maintaining your chimney, any obstructions you see near it will cause trouble in the future. If any tree branches have grown around your chimney, it’s best to chop them down to avoid risks of fire and damages from occurring.

Clean Ashes To Prevent Buildup

If you want to avoid being surprised at how much ash your firebox can accumulate, it will help to clean it out thoroughly at least once a week. You should also be careful when you’re doing it because coals tend to stay hot even three days later! Before you work your way around your fireplace, make sure everything is cold, so you can sweep away or vacuum the ashes without any problems.

Utilize A Heatproof Glass

If you want to learn how to save energy and reduce your electricity bills, you can invest in a heatproof glass door to improve the efficiency of your fireplace. It also works to keep sparks from the fire to end up damaging your interior, especially your floors. You can also easily clean a glass door by using a paper towel and a glass fireplace cleaning solution.

(For Brass Fireplaces) Learn To Sanitize

Brass fireplaces require maintenance too. It can be cleaned by applying a tomato-based paste on it and leaving it for an hour before washing it off with hot water mixed with soap.

You can also use a brass polish with a soft cleaning microfiber cloth, which offers the same results. Take note that you shouldn’t use any harsh material, including metal bristles and steel wool, to avoid scratching the surface of your fireplace.

Conclusion

If you want to have a good time during the cold seasons, it would be best to prepare your home and your fireplace so that you won’t encounter any problems. Remember to check your fireplace and chimney for potential damages, remove any obstructions, and clear up ashes. If you have the budget, you can also utilize a heatproof glass, and remember to sanitize your brass fireplace if you have one. You can also rely on chimney repair services for more complicated situations that need immediate attention.   

Are you looking for Toronto masonry services to help manage your home’s fireplace? Red Robin Masonry is dedicated to becoming the most respected and trusted masonry company in Ontario by providing reliable services to the community. Get in touch with us today to request a free quote!

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Winter is fast approaching, and right now, you are probably using your fireplace more than ever. If you haven’t yet, and you plan to use it soon, today is the perfect time to do some cleaning and maintenance to ensure that you’ll get that fire roaring in the hearth. This fixture is usually what will keep your home warm and comfortable during the cold months, which is why you want to make sure that it’s working optimally.

In this article, we will share six practical tips on how to maintain your fireplace:

Have Your Chimney Cleaned

If you have a wood-burning fireplace, know that this will generate more heat and smoke, causing a build-up of creosote in the fireplace flue and accelerating a chimney fire. For this reason, having your chimneys cleaned regularly at least once a year is crucial. With an expert chimney cleaner’s help, they will clean it from top to bottom to ensure it’s working fully so that the fire can be controlled effectively.

Fix Gaps In The Brick Mortar

The extreme heat that your fireplace produces will typically expand and contract the materials within. As a result, it’s natural for bits of mortar on the refractory firebricks to loosen and fall. However, this doesn’t mean you should let it be because the fire can get through the gaps and burn the structural elements of your home. This is why you must fix the mortar gaps located within the firebox using a mineral-based filler called fireplace mortar and a putty knife.

Inspect Flashings

The flashings that run between the chimney and your roof deflects water from getting inside your house. However, flashing can be torn away or folded back from birds, squirrels or falling limbs. Before you light up your fireplace, inspect your flashing and make sure that it’s intact. Otherwise, have it repaired by a professional before snow falls!

Use The Right Firewood

If you want to make the most out of your fireplace, remember that you need to use the right firewood. Otherwise, your fireplace will get dirty easily, leading to more frequent cleaning. Know that softwoods are affordable, but they burn faster and are more difficult to clean up due to the fine ash they leave behind. Instead, hardwoods like maple, oak, and birch have a more consistent and hotter burn that will reduce less effort on your end.

Clean Fireplace Bricks

No matter what you do, keep in mind that smoke will always find its way out of the firebox. Depending on how blackened the bricks are, you can clean these with mild, moderate, or strong methods. At the same time, you need to choose which cleaning method to use depending on the amount of dirt your bricks have.

Replace Fireplace Screen

If you notice embers or sparks getting to your living area, then it’s a strong indicator that you need a new fireplace screen. In case that this is not happening to you, remember that you still have the option to replace your screen if you’re craving a new look for your fireplace. Consider a glass fireplace screen to prevent smoke from escaping the firebox!

Conclusion

When winter rolls around, all you want to do is be warm and cozy. This is why you need to ensure that your fireplace is maintained correctly so that you get to use it with no issues at all through the cold months. If you notice any damage or cracks in your fireplace, it is best to contact professionals right away to fix them.

Have your fireplace maintained by the top provider of Toronto masonry services. Red Robin Masonry delivers excellent service and quality that you deserve from specialists in the industry. Get in touch with us today for a quote!

With the winter season fast approaching, that time of the year again has come again to gather near your chimney and stay warm and cozy. Nothing beats the feeling of enjoying a hot cup of chocolate while listening to the crackling sound of wood and watching the fire glow. It is during these times that make you truly appreciate having a functional fireplace in your home.

However, to ensure that your wood-burning chimney will continue to keep you and your loved ones comfortable, you must be proactive regarding its maintenance. Routinary maintenance not only prolongs its lifespan but also ensures the safety of everyone in your home.

If this is your first time learning about fireplace maintenance, don’t fret! We will walk you through the basics in the sections below to help you get off to a smooth start.

1. Clean the Chimney’s Interior

One of the important things you must keep in mind is that the more you use your fireplace, the more that it will get dirty. Some substances remain after woods burn, such as ashes as well as soot and creosote.

Disposing of the ashes regularly not only improves the look of your chimney but also makes it more efficient in providing heat. Removing soot and creosote, on the other hand, helps protect you and your family from untoward accidents. These two substances are the brown and black residues you will find in the inner walls of the fireplace. They are highly flammable and are one of the major causes of a chimney fire, so it’s best to remove them regularly.

2. Always Test the Chimney First

It’s always a smart idea to make sure your chimney is functioning well before you start using it. To do this, you can light up a few pieces of woods first. Check whether the smoke is going out through the chimney or if it is entering the room.

If you are observing the latter, you must first determine what is causing the problem. It could be due to an obstruction in the chimney duct, soot buildup, or even a closed damper.

Always remember to resolve the issue first before loading more wood!

3. Use The Right Wood and Make Sure They’re Dry

Another point to remember is that not all woods are the same. The right woods for your chimney are oaks, maple, and birch; avoid using cedar, pine, and other softwoods.

If you are looking for the best firewood and are willing to spend extra money on it, hardwood is your best option. While they can be more expensive than others, they produce more heat and burn longer while producing relatively fewer creosote.

Furthermore, you must use only seasoned woods, or those that have been dried for at least 6 months. You can dry them faster by splitting them into small pieces of wood.

Conclusion

While your chimney provides an enjoyable warmth in your home, it can also bring about certain health hazards and even risks of accidents. To keep your family safe and sound throughout the colder months, you need routinary chimney maintenance. Clean your wood-burning fireplace regularly and be on the lookout for potential problems. If you come across any major issue, get in touch with your trusted technician right away to address it before it gets worse.

For reliable chimney repair services in Toronto, Ontario, you can turn to us at Red Robin Masonry! We are rated one of the best masonry companies in the GTA and are dedicated to providing you only with the quality and service you deserve. Get your quote today to get started!

4 Common Chimney Problems That You Need to Fix Immediately

Not all homes have chimneys, but the ones that do need to be maintained regularly. Failure to do so can lead to a variety of problems, such as blockages and cracking. Such issues can compromise the chimney’s structural integrity. Not only does this lead to respiratory and safety hazards, but it can also be detrimental to the home’s value.

If you have a chimney at home, it pays to know what kind of problems you may face. This knowledge will help you identify any chimney problems and get them fixed before it is too late.

1. Creosote accumulation

When you burn wood, creosote builds up along the chimney’s inner linings. This substance can pose a lot of problems if it is left to sit. For example, it can cause chimney fires and lead to inefficient wood burning. Getting into contact with creosote also irritates the eyes and skin, and it can damage your lungs if breathed in.

As you can see, creosote is nothing but trouble. For that reason, it is vital that you maintain your chimney and clean it to remove any harmful buildup as soon as possible.

2. Loose masonry

While masonry is meant to provide a durable and reliable chimney construction, it does experience problems after a while. For instance, the constant exposure to heat can cause the masonry to loosen. If left unaddressed, this can lead to bits of the chimney breaking off and even a collapse in worse cases.

To ensure the masonry remains intact and structurally sound, having it checked by an expert is the way to go. Typically, you need to do this before winter to ensure it will last throughout the season and after winter to see whether any damage has occurred.

3. Damaged cap

The cap on the chimney is there to not only add aesthetic value to the construction but also keep the outside elements from entering. A damaged cap can cause rainwater to seep into the chimney, more specifically the flue. This can lead to various issues that can grow worse when winter arrives.

If you discover a damaged cap on your chimney, have it analyzed by an expert right away. They will inspect the chimney for any problems and fix the cap to avoid further problems.

4. Fractured flue

The flue acts as a duct for the smoke from your fireplace to exit your home properly. It is also one of the most common places for problems to occur. While there may be different kinds of issues, the most common one is a fracture or a crack. A fractured flue may be a sign of more serious problems that your chimney needs fixing.

A fractured flue can only be fixed by the hands of experts. For that reason, hire a professional to inspect and repair your flue if required.

Conclusion

All of these problems take time to occur, and if left unchecked, can grow to the point that the chimney may need to be knocked down and completely replaced. To avoid such an unnecessary waste of time and money, make sure that you get your chimney inspected regularly. Have it checked out by a professional often, and do not waste time calling one to fix the chimney if you discover a problem!

Red Robin Masonry are experts at maintaining your home. If you need chimney repair services in Mississauga, reach out to us right away!

4 Steps to Waterproof Your Chimney

Most homeowners are focused on the more obvious aspects of their home: maintaining the façade, repairing floors and windows, and generally keeping it in optimal condition. However, most homeowners also forget about their chimney until it becomes a glaring problem—and an oftentimes expensive one.

The chimney is one of the structural elements of the house that is most exposed to severe weather. Since they jut out above the roofline, they catch the worst of the elements and incur damage over time. They’re also highly susceptible to water penetration, which is the single most significant cause of damage and deterioration. If left unchecked, it could lead to issues that’ll cost thousands of dollars to repair.

Here are four steps to waterproof your chimney and protect it from leaks:

Thoroughly Clean Your Chimney

Before waterproofing your chimney, you have to make sure it’s as spic and span as possible. This means cleaning it from rust, dirt, mould, and other stains and foreign matter that will interfere with the waterproofing process. Using a brick cleaner mixed with water is an effective way to thoroughly clean your chimney’s surface and scrub any stubborn areas of grime.

If you have difficulty cleaning some areas, a power washer might do the trick. Once your chimney is cleaned, allow it to dry for a day or two.

Shield Non-Target Areas

Next, it’s time to protect the areas that won’t be targeted by the water repellent. Some areas should be left untouched as water repellent can discolour or damage certain areas, such as your shingles and windows. Make sure to use an absorbent material on the base of the chimney, which will prevent any over-spray from running off onto the roof.

If there is any siding that is within the vicinity of over-spray, cover them up. Although over-spray is easily removable when it’s wet, it is almost impossible to wipe off once it’s dry.

Conduct Minor Repairs

If there are minor cracks in your chimney, attend to these before proceeding to waterproof them. Using a crack and joint sealant is sufficient for repairing cracks that are up to an eighth of an inch wide on mortar joints. Although it won’t be noticeable on lighter-coloured mortar joints, it will be obvious on bricks over time.

However, if your chimney has more significant damage that needs rebuilding, consult a masonry professional to repair it. If it’s been tuckpointed, allow around three to four days for the mortar to settle and cure before waterproofing it. On the other hand, if there are large parts of the chimney that have been completely rebuilt, another twenty-eight days must pass for the new masonry to cure before spraying it with a water repellent to allow it to bond properly.

Use Breathable Water Repellent

Once the masonry has cured and all repairs have been carried out, your chimney is finally ready for waterproofing. Make sure to choose a day of dry weather for a successful waterproofing session.

Choose a breathable water repellent to allow moisture in the chimney to escape; otherwise, it will remain trapped and cause it to expand and contract according to the weather. This will cause spalling in your bricks, and you’ll have to replace your bricks or completely rebuild your chimney.

After you’ve positioned your drop cloths, it’s time to apply the water repellent. Use a pump-up garden sprayer with a fan-like nozzle to achieve maximum reach with each spray. Start at the bottom of your chimney and slowly spray around it until you reach the top. After that, apply a flood coat all around the chimney. This is done by heavily spraying it so that it starts to run down several inches.

For extra measure, apply another wet-on-wet coat within five minutes, which will take up to six hours to dry.

Conclusion

Waterproofing your chimney will not only help it stay in great condition, but it will prevent any leaks that could cause severe damage. It also calls attention to any repairs that need to be made prior to the waterproofing process, which will allow you to efficiently solve your chimney problems in one go. By protecting your chimney from water damage, you’ll be protecting it from deterioration, saving you plenty of time and money.

Red Robin Masonry is a masonry company in Toronto that also offers waterproofing and chimney repair services to Markham, Mississauga, Scarborough, and Thornhill. Our top-notch experts will make sure that your structures are robust and well-maintained. Have a chimney that needs to be repaired? Call us today at 416-206-8859!

Cleaning and Maintaining a Chimney - What You Should Know

Your house chimney is one of the more vulnerable parts of a house. Since it is located outside the house, it is more exposed to weather and temperatures. This frequent exposure to intense climate and season change can weaken or bring wear and tear to your chimney system. Whether you constantly use your chimney or not, it is essential to clean it regularly.

Problems That Can Occur in Your Chimney

Here is the most common rationale why homeowners don’t think that inspection and maintenance of chimneys are not necessary—“I don’t use the system that much.” Most homeowners think that just because they’re not using their chimneys, it remains in good condition. However, several problems can happen even in a not functioning chimney:

  • Pests nesting inside your chimney
  • Freeze and thaw cycle
  • Wear and tear

If you follow that mindset, then you need to rethink your ways. Regular inspections can help you resolve the problems immediately. Since it won’t be easy for you to identify any issues in your chimney, it is important to hire professionals to deal with this concern. They have the appropriate tools and knowledge to make the checkup thorough and efficient.

The Importance of Cleaning Your Chimney

Here are the reasons to convince you that chimney cleaning is an essential part of home maintenance.

  • Ensures safe operation – You’ll never know how much soot, blockages, or creosote already exist in your chimney and vent system.
  • Guarantees family and home protection – Any of the mentioned dirt or buildup in your chimney can damage your family and home’s health. For example, creosote is the highly flammable black substance that builds up inside your chimney liner after burning some wood. If not cleaned up properly, this substance can build up fast in your chimney. A small amount of creosote, if mixed with a spark, can already cause a chimney fire. Apart from that, the buildup can affect the performance of your chimney in the long run.
  • Makes sure you’ll have no problem – Having your regular chimney checkup can give you peace of mind. It is essential, especially if you did a heating system upgrade or insertion of a stove or fireplace. Performing routine maintenance will ensure that your chimney’s lining and venting systems are in excellent working condition.
  • Less future expense – If you do not conduct your occasional checkup and maintenance and problems occur in your chimney, you will only spend more on the repair.

The Best Time to Clean Your Chimney

For recent home buyers, you need to schedule an inspection as soon as possible. The authority needs to check your chimney first before you use it. For other homeowners, the ideal time to check up a chimney is every summer or early fall, or before you use your chimney in burning and heating the place.

Have your chimney checked at least once a year—and don’t try to skip it. Although there is a recommended period for chimney cleaning, this service is available all-year-round.

Apart from the chimney, you should also have other connected systems cleaned up regularly, such as the fireplace, stove, heating appliances, and furnace.

Conclusion

Before firing up your chimney again, you have to ensure it is safe for use. Add regular inspection and maintenance of your chimney in your annual schedule, so you don’t forget. Neglecting this vital duty would end you up with more repair expenses or a chimney fire.

For chimney repair services in Toronto, contact us at Red Robin Masonry. All our chimney repairs comply with the current building and safety codes. We can also help you clean, rebuild, and make your chimneys work.

4 Reasons It's Important to Clean Your Chimney Regularly

Almost every house in Canada depends on fireplaces, wood stoves, and other wood-burning and fossil-fueled heating appliances to keep their homes warm and cozy, especially during winter. These heating systems produce hot air inside the house, keeping you and your family warm.

However, most homeowners forget or neglect to clean their chimneys because, mainly, they do not see the importance of it at that time. They possibly do not know that dirty chimneys can be damaging and increase health risks.

If you have a chimney in your home, here are four reasons why you should have it professionally cleaned regularly:

1. It is energy-efficient

When you use your fireplace often, plenty of additional creosote is deposited in your chimney. Creosote is an oil distilled from coal tar coming from your fireplace. When it accumulates up to the airway of your chimney, the efficiency of your fireplace will decrease, requiring you to burn more wood.

Cleaning your chimney will improve the efficiency of your fireplace and other heating systems and appliances, allowing you to enjoy a more pleasant environment in your home.

2. It is cost-effective

Wood-burning fireplaces can reach a high temperature of 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit or more. This leads to the piling of ash, soot, bits of wood, and other by-products in certain areas of your chimney such as the smoke shelf, flue liner, damper, and masonry.

Replacing these parts after years of usage is time-consuming and expensive. To reduce wear and tear, you should get masonry services regularly. Doing so will help you assess the health of your chimney as well as spot any masonry issues.

3. It keeps your home safe from fires

When you regularly use fossil-fueled appliances in your home, creosote and soot builds up and thickens in the chimney flue and masonry. These by-products can trigger a fire once it is exposed to the heat of burning embers.

They can also pose a hazard to your health by contaminating the air you breathe in. When these particles enter your body, they act as toxins that can severely hamper your wellbeing. As such, cleaning your chimney will allow you to maintain a safe and healthy environment.

4. It keeps your family safe from toxic fumes

In case you didn’t know, insects, rodents, and even small birds can clod your chimney flue, preventing toxic fumes from escaping the chimney. The unsuccessful escape of toxic fumes can increase the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, sometimes called the “silent killer.”

Carbon monoxide poisoning caused by toxic fumes can cause severe infection or, worse, death. By keeping your chimney clean, you’re helping keep the health of your family protected.

Conclusion

Your home chimney is an important part of your home heating system and your house as a whole. This affects the environment of your home as well as the health of your family. As a homeowner, you should have your chimney cleaned regularly to prevent house fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Aside from that, cleaning your chimney is also cost-effective and energy-efficient since it can address issues that may lead to further damage.

If you need chimney repair services in Toronto, get in touch with us today. We are recognized as one of the best masonry companies in the Greater Toronto Area as we give the best quality and trusted service!