Blog Post

4 Ways to Extend the Life of Your Chimney

  • By George Elias
  • •
  • 08 Apr, 2014
  • •
In the market for anti-aging products? You’re in the right place. That’s what we do. Except that we’re focused on slowing time’s effect on your chimney, not on your face. You see, one thing that you never want to have to face is the prospect of replacing your chimney entirely, especially if it’s a masonry chimney. (Very expensive.) So don’t let it get to that point. If you enjoy using your fireplace or stove, take care of your chimney, and it will take care of you for the life of your home. Neglect it, and it may become a liability to you.
The experts at the Chimney Safety Institute of America recommend a cleaning and inspection once a year.

To maximize the life of your chimney, Young’s Chimney Service advises that all of our customers have the following maintenance services performed by a professional. We don’t recommend tackling these in any particular order, although we do recommend starting with an inspection by a certified pro.

  1. Clean it. Most all fire safety organizations—including the Chimney Safety Institute of America—agree: an annual chimney sweeping is advisable if you want to continue to safely use your chimney. Hire only a CSIA certified sweep to remove creosote and blockages from your chimney.
  2. Reline it. (Or repair your existing liner.) The job of a chimney liner is to keep your chimney from catching fire and to keep toxic gases flowing through your chimney, rather than letting them back into your home. You can see why it’s important to keep your chimney liner in good condition. One of our technicians will be able to determine if you need a new liner or if your existing liner can be repaired.
  3. Install a top-sealing damper or chimney cap. We’re partial to top-sealing dampers because of the energy cost savings they provide, but chimney caps also do a great job of keeping out rainwater and critters, thus greatly minimizing the potentially damaging wrath of Mother Nature.
  4. Waterproof it. Shore up your chimney masonry (mortar is especially vulnerable) against water damage by having your chimney professionally waterproofed. This is a straightforward, affordable way to keep your chimney from absorbing water.

If you live in Volusia, Seminole, Orange, or Lake County in Florida, contact Young’s Chimney Service for a consultation with one of our highly trained sweeps.

All About Chimney Mold

By George Elias • 09 Jul, 2014
Do you have a stinky chimney on your hands? Or perhaps you see mold or signs of water damage on or around your chimney? Are you suffering from allergies that you believe may be attributed to chimney mold? Those of us at Young’s Chimney Service see mold accumulate not only inside the chimneys we care […]

Chimney Rule: No Animals Allowed

By George Elias • 23 Jun, 2014
Animals in your chimney can cause huge problems. They can bring an assortment of parasites with them and, at the same time, can cause a blockage in your chimney that could ultimately result in dangerous (and potentially deadly) byproducts of combustion being unable to travel up and out of your chimney. Most birds, squirrels, and […]

Dryer Vent Safety

By George Elias • 14 Jun, 2014
If you value safety in your home, never forget to have your dryer vents checked and cleaned. A dirty vent can lead to a tragic house fire.

Carbon Monoxide: an Overview

By George Elias • 28 May, 2014
Known as the “silent killer,” carbon monoxide can enter your home from many different sources, and you will never know because you will not be able to smell or see it, even at deadly high levels. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commision (CPSC), approximately 170 people die, on average, every year in this […]

All About Liners

By George Elias • 12 May, 2014
One of the most critical parts of your chimney is your liner. It runs down the inside of your chimney flue, protecting the masonry from excessive heat.

6 Questions to Ask Your Sweep

By George Elias • 25 Apr, 2014
How often should I have my chimney cleaned or inspected? This, as well as many other questions are answered below.

Prep Your Chimney For The Spring Rains

By George Elias • 30 Mar, 2014
While Florida’s weather makes our fireplace use and maintenance schedule a little different than it is in some other parts of the country, one thing is pretty universal: Spring rains will take their toll on a chimney system that isn’t prepared to withstand them. Really no matter where you are, moisture is the most tenacious enemy […]

Common Blockages to Your Chimney

By George Elias • 21 Mar, 2014
When there is a blockage on the road, you find a detour. When there is a blockage in your arteries, you have to have surgery. Chimney blockages are also detrimental, as they cause draft problems and an increased risk of fires. It is important that you hire an experienced chimney sweep to do the inspection. […]

Basics of Ash Removal

By George Elias • 28 Feb, 2014
How is ash removed? Should it even be removed? Why should it be removed? What’s going to happen if I don’t remove the ash from my fireplace or wood stove? These are some of the many typical questions our clients ask us every day. We from Young’s Chimney Service would like to take this opportunity […]

Keeping Water Out

By George Elias • 12 Feb, 2014
Rain may be nice in romantic movie scenes, but in daily life it hinders many activities.  Water can also be detrimental to your chimney.  This is why having your yearly sweep and inspection is so important.  While doing this, technicians will be able to make sure there are no cracks in the structure, which could […]
Show More
Share by: