chimney sweep jacksonville

What is a Chim-Scan?

January 3, 2019 | Common Questions

One of the best tools of the trade is the Chim-Scan flue inspection system. Countless times I have found hidden dangers that would not have been discovered without it. So how does it work? The Version of the Chim-Scan I use has two sets of cameras, one pointing up looking for blockages, and another (the lighthouse camera) that rotates 360 degrees giving a live action view of the inside of your flue system. Check it out: [wpvideo jwjoq9BY ] [wpvideo DMkqkLCe ] As you can see this is a essential tool for a chimney sweep and when dealing with a fire in a house, you do not ever want to take chances. This is one of the many investments that CSIA certified professionals make to help ensure a homeowners safety. Our inspections can be more expensive than some of the competition, but also much more detailed and comprehensive.

Read More

Inspections with drones

December 31, 2018 | A Day in the Life

Drones can be a great way to inspect hard to reach chimney systems, especially the top crown area. Below are a few examples: Steep pitch roof with a very tall chimney. Three story house on the beach with water intrusion damage. Overhead view of the missing chase cover and active water intrusion area. A collapsing chimney system on a neighbors house next to the inspection (life safety hazard). The last drone image was a prior inspection with seven fireplaces on a tile roof! A few things to be mindful of when your inspector is using a drone: Does their liability insurance cover drone usage? If not, are they using a secondary company such as Verifly to cover liability while the drone is in use? Are they certified by the FAA? This is key training to know the rules, regulations, and safe flying conditions. In summary, drones can be a great … Continued

Read More

Fireplace grates in factory built systems.

December 31, 2018 | Common Questions

One interesting aspect of factory built (pre-fabricated) fireplaces is that they are a UL listed and sometimes have very specific requirements for what can and can’t be used. Today we will talk specifically about fireplace grates for factory built systems. Most fireplace manufacturers design the fireplace grate uniquely for the system, factoring in things such as size, height, and placement to help the system function as intended. The data plate and/or instruction manual should have the required information of what replacement grate will be needed. Here is one example of a data plate with the grate information below: I have seen several occasions where a grate has been improperly replaced causing smoke to enter the home or even over firing of the fireplace system! If you ever have any questions, reach out to your local CSIA certified chimney professional or the manufacturer to ensure proper replacement.

Read More

Rusted chase covers = Water leak

December 29, 2018 | Chimney Basics

Here is a good example of how water enters your chimney from a rusted chase cover. Here is the first picture showing what it looks like from the top: Now lets take a look around the center flue termination from the bottom side: Not looking good! Now a even closer look. Notice the light shining through the small pin holes: When you see a rusted chase cover on your roof or signs of rust staining the side of the chimney, it may be time to replace your chase cover to prevent water intrusion.

Read More

Tip of the day – Pooling water

December 21, 2018 | A Day in the Life

Water intrusion can be a costly headache but avoided if caught in time. This morning I inspected a chimney system with pooling water and deteriorated sealant around the flue termination. Have a look: [wpvideo jRWiTEOA ] While it may not look like much from above, check out what is happening below: Water makes it’s way past the deteriorated sealant and down the outer flue liner. The result is moisture that can enter through the attic, ceiling, and/or on top of the fireplace. It is always important in Florida to keep everything sealed and maintained, even those hard to reach places 😀.

Read More

One option for a fireplace that has seen better days

December 21, 2018 | A Day in the Life

Sometimes the elements win the battle against a fireplace, especially ones that have gone several years without maintenance. The fireplace above was no longer operational but the client still wanted something cost effective and would look better than this! It is a painful day for a chimney professional but sometimes the best option is to convert a system to electric. Step One – Cap off the chimney chase Step Two – Concert to electric As you can see the before and after is a pretty dramatic difference. This is also a popular option for clients with rental properties where they do not want the liability of the renter using a wood or gas fireplace. Disclaimer – When converting over to an electric system the client must be fully aware that eletric is the only option after the conversion and that using the fireplace for any other means could result in … Continued

Read More

What the heck are Aldehydes?

December 20, 2018 | Technically Speaking

So lets say you have a strange odor coming from your gas fireplace, not typical to the rotten egg smell of a gas leak, what could it be? The answer could be Aldehydes, chemical compounds that results from incomplete combustion. One key component of maintaining a gas system is keeping the firebox clean and free of things such as pet hair, lint, dust, etc. As your fireplace naturally pulls in these contaminants from your home, key components of your gas log system can become clogged and the result is the production of Aldehydes and also potentially deadly carbon monoxide. Always remember, you can smell Aldehydes but you can never smell carbon monoxide. Be sure to have multiple carbon monoxide detectors in your home for safety and make sure to have your gas system professionally inspected and cleaned once a year to prevent clogging of air inlets and ensure that your fireplace … Continued

Read More