Music Coming from my Chimney?
Saturday’s are the day to make the round of Zoom calls. The Pandemic has given me reason to connect with family and friends that live far away and out of State. I’ve enjoyed it, I must admit, keeping in touch more than just the annual holiday card.
It’s always interesting to learn what’s been on everyone’s priority list. Interesting to find out that projects around the house has been the #1 task. I guess if we’re stuck inside, best to make our time useful. The #1 task for this past week? Outdoor holiday lights.
Of course, there was a chimney or a fireplace story amongst the callers. A friend, located in the Chicagoland area, spent time Saturday decorating the tree with the kids. They made it special by listening to Christmas music and attempting to sing along to the words. As the rain came down, and the music played, he realized there was another rhythm playing in the background. A steady rhythm too. Because it was a consistent beat, he didn’t think anything of it…until they were done decorating and turned off the music.
As he usually does on a Saturday night, he went to the fireplace to start a cozy warm fire. Eh…maybe not today. He found his fireplace with a puddle of water.
Ah. The extra rhythm.
So how did it get into his fireplace? Water is a very intelligent form of nature. It finds the smallest of places, sneaks inside, and decides which path on the indoor maze it should take. Let’s take the obvious.
Chimney Flashing
There is a purpose for chimney flashing. It keeps water from entering where the chimney meets the roof. Because it isn’t seamless from the chimney to the roof, the flashing needs to act as that sealant. However, flashing adheres to the brick with caulk. As we know with our kitchen and bath, caulk doesn’t last forever. That’s one of the reasons to have your chimney checked each year.
Chimney Crown
The chimney crown is a cement slab on top of the chimney. This helps keep rain and snow from entering your home. Just like a sidewalk or driveway, cement cracks. When it does, water knows how to take advantage and find its way in.
Chimney Cap
It’s the most obvious, especially if you’ve read a few of our articles. A chimney cap not only keeps rain and snow, but critters, leaves and debris.
Mortar Cracked or Missing
This is one that is not so obvious looking from the ground up... Mortar, or the filling in between bricks, can crack and pieces of the mortar can fall out. When this happens, water will find its way in.
Save the Chimney with Chimney Saver
One way to help preserve the chimney and slow down the deterioration of the brick and mortar is with Superior Chimney’s Chimney Saver. It seals or waterproofs the chimney, repelling water and snow.
Schedule an appointment for a chimney inspection and sweep so you’re ready when the big snow comes…or even more rain. Call today at 877-244-6349.
Happy Holidays!
https://www.superiorchimney.net/2020/12/16/music-coming-from-my-chimney/
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Chimney leak to fireplace, chimney cap, flashing, mortar and waterproof il
Thank you for a great 2020 and Happy Times Around the Fireplace
As 2020 comes to a close, we wanted to thank all the fans of the fireplace for keeping your chimney and fireplace clean, safe and fun with Superior Chimney.
We appreciate your comments and responses to our numerous articles including:
• Looking for Options to Stay Warm?
• Is It Getting Hotter in the House with the Clothes Dryer Running?
• Sorry Water, You’re Not Welcome Down My Chimney
• What’s the Buzz?
Being positive in 2020 was certainly a challenge. But these fantastic customers kept their chins high and commented on our technicians and service received.
• 92 on Facebook
• 54 on Houzz
“I had a chimney cleaning and a rebuilt on a 60+ year old house just recently. The chimney was not properly maintained by previous owners. Used this company in the past for a cleaning and inspection and they impressed me. Hired them again without hesitation. The guys who came out at every phase were very nice and they took the time to explain everything. The did a great job with the rebuild and left my roof clean. You can't go wrong”. Facebook May 17
“Chris and Nick were amazing! They had a cancelation and I was fortunate enough to have them come out in one day. They kept me well informed the whole Way and we’re very professional! Thanks so much. great company!” Houzz December 5
“We recently purchased a new home and it had a fireplace (which we have never had before) and it needed a good cleaning. The service guys were great, professional, and willing to take the time to not only service the fireplace/chimney, but also to explain to us how to use it and what options there were for gas and wood. They provided info on future service recommendations, as well. They seemed trustworthy and did a great job with the initial cleaning. We will use again!” Facebook June 3
“Our experience with Superior was very positive. Lexi who scheduled our appt was very pleasant. We were given a 8 to noon window and received a call at 8 letting us know fhey would arrive about 8:30. Upon arrival Chris and Mike introduced themselves and verified what they were doing. They took before pictures, showed them to us, and explained what repairs were needed. After the work was complete, we were shown pictures of the completed job. Highly recommend this company.” Facebook Aug 12
“My husband and I just bought a house and wanted to ensure our fireplace and chimney were usable and water tight for the winter. We called this company and they took great care of us. Both employees were super friendly, helpful, and courteous. We are planning to schedule them again for the summer. Would definitely recommend!” Houzz October 16
We can’t forget about those who continuously follow us on other social media.
• 500+ Connections on LinkedIn
• 99,732 Tweet Impressions
From all of us at Superior Chimney, thank you for a great 2020 and happy times around the Fireplace with family and friends. 877.244.6349
https://www.superiorchimney.net/2021/01/03/thank-you-for-a-great-2020-and-happy-times-around-the-fireplace/
#certifiedchimneysweep #chimneysweep #certifiedchimneytechnician #chimneycleaning #chimneyinspection #chimneyrebuild #chimneysweeps #dryerventcleaning #dryerventcleanings #dryerventsweeps #fireplacecleanings #fireplaceinspection
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thank you chimney fireplace customers in chicago, lombard, il area
How Your Chimney Shows Signs of Being ‘Under the Weather’
Chicago weather… You never know what to expect. One minute we get reminded what sunshine looks like, and the next, 4-foot snow drifts up against the garage door.
We spoke with a couple of our certified technicians as to what to look out for with all of the recent snow, sleet, freezing temperatures and the little bit of sunshine.
Q: What does the winter freeze-thaw cycle mean? Why is that important for a chimney?
A: According to the CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America), the freeze thaw cycles is most damaging when water absorbs into the brick and mortar joints, freezes then expands. Then the freeze-thaw cycle happens again and again until cracks form causing the bricks and mortar joints to chip, spall or crumble into small pieces.
Q: Wow, is there a way to stop it, or slow it down? We get a lot of the freeze-thaw cycles here in Chicago.
A: Yes, waterproofing a chimney with a high-quality product will help to protect the chimney from the freeze thaw cycle. Superior Chimney uses a Chimney Saver solution that prevents water from penetrating the bricks and mortar but still allows them to “breathe”.
Q: We get so few days of sunshine it seems. But when we do, the snow begins to melt. What do homeowners need to watch for with melting snow?
A: Leaks are important to identify and repair quickly. One of the most common areas where leaks occur is at the flashing. Flashing is the metal that covers the gap where the chimney protrudes through your roof. If snow/water gets behind the flashing, the water can go directly into your home.
Another area for concern is the chimney crown. The chimney crown is the cement slab right on top of the chimney. When there’s even just a hairline crack, water can make its way into the home.
Q: What are the signs of a water leak in the chimney?
A: If water begins to penetrate the chimney system, you’ll notice signs such as:
• Water dripping into the firebox
• Stains on your interior walls
• Bad odor or a damp smell coming from the fireplace
• Broken pieces of the flue tiles
• Or the white powdery substance called efflorescence outside on the chimney’s bricks.
Q: Can masonry repairs be done in the winter?
A: Some cannot, however, there are many preventative measures that can be implemented until more ideal weather/temperature arrives… these can help to prevent further deterioration and escalated repair costs through the remaining winter months. There are times when chimney repairs cannot be avoided such as large cracks where moisture is easily flowing through the chimney and into your home, or if the chimney is at risk of falling.
The best way to avoid all of these problems is to get an inspection on your chimney annually as advised by CSIA (the Chimney Safety Institute of America), NCSG (the National Chimney Sweep Guild), NFPA (the National Fire Protection Association) and IRC (International Residential Code) due to our geographic freeze and thaw cycles of winter and regardless of gas, wood or frequency of use.
Contact Superior Chimney at 877-244-6349.
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https://www.superiorchimney.net/2021/02/05/freeze-thaw-chimney/
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Know someone who would like to work at Superior Chimney?
Since you all are part of the Superior Chimney family...or even fan club, we thought we'd turn to you to help us find the right person for an Assistant position in our Services Department.
They would work Tuesday - Saturday. No need to worry about level of expertise, we'll train! Make $125. - $145. plus per day. If you know someone, please share. Have the interested person stop in Superior Chimney between 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with resume in hand to: 1105 E. Saint Charles Rd. Lombard, IL 60148.
Thank you Superior Family for all your continued support.
SUPERIOR CHIMNEY SERVICES, CORP.
Assistant