Ceaser Chimney Service:
Chimney & Fireplace FAQs
It’s our goal at Ceaser Chimney to educate our past, current, and future customers on the importance of a healthy chimney. We’ve compiled some of the most commonly asked questions right here in one place. Feel free to browse through and, if you don’t see your particular question asked and answered here, please feel free to reach out.
How often should I get my chimney swept?
This is usually the number one question we get asked. According to the National Fire Protection Agency code 211, “all chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year,” and “chimney cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary.”
There are many different types of heating systems and types of wood, as well as different burning habits, so it’s safe to say that no two chimneys will be the same. We have some customers who have their chimneys swept once a year, while others need theirs swept twice each year! The safest bet is to call for an inspection once the winter has ended, or at the very latest before the next winter begins. Based on what we find, we’ll be able to better tell you how often you’ll need to sweep your chimney.
Do I need chimney maintenance if I don’t use my fireplace or chimney?
Unused chimneys have the greatest potential for problems. Most often, homeowners tell us they haven’t had their chimneys inspected because they haven’t been used and, therefore, don’t need to be swept. But that’s not actually true. You should always have your chimney inspected, regardless of use.
Most chimneys vent the exhaust for the home’s heating furnace or boiler, which produces gases that are highly acidic and can corrode the chimney from the inside out if left unchecked.
Additionally, chimney brick and mortar are porous and tend to soak up all the water produced by heavy rain and snow. Once the temperature drops, the moisture freezes inside of the brick, and the freeze/thaw cycle begins. This process can force the brick and mortar to pop, crack, and fall apart, leading to costly masonry repairs.
If masonry damage goes unchecked because inspections aren’t scheduled annually, more water will continue to make its way into the chimney, flue, and even the home. And since it’s high above, most homeowners won’t call until they see evidence of damage from the ground. By then, problems usually require more substantial and costly repairs. So, the safest bet is to have your chimney inspected each and every year to ensure it’s structurally sound and free of moisture and damage.
What is creosote?
Creosote is one of the byproducts of burning wood. It forms when the smoke from the fire cools and sticks to the side of the chimney flue. It can take several different forms. The first type of creosote is a fine, ashy powder. The second is a harder, flaky deposit. And the third is a thick, tar-like substance. This third type, called “glazed creosote,” is the most dangerous.
What is a slow burn?
Creosote buildup depends on the following main factors: the density of the smoke, how quickly the smoke can exit the flue, and the temperature of the flue. Basically, a hotter fire that’s built of seasoned wood and receives plenty of air will result in less creosote. The problem is, many homeowners get the fire very hot, but then close the air intake, essentially choking the fire. The thought behind this is that the fire will burn slower, releasing more heat.
While this may be true, it’s extremely dangerous! A choked fire creates denser smoke, and since the air flow into the stove or fireplace has been cut off, the exit of that smoke is slowed. The result is a lot of thick, glazed creosote, and in some cases, a chimney fire.
It’s better and safer to start smaller and allow your fire to breathe. Never close the air intake more than halfway, and always make sure the damper is wide open.
What type of wood should I burn in my fireplace?
When buying wood, make sure you’re buying seasoned hardwood. “Seasoned” simply means that the wood was cut at least six months ago and was allowed to dry out in that time. Green or unseasoned is wood that was cut down recently and has not yet dried adequately. Green (wet) wood is harder to light, and once lit, it will sizzle and pop. Wet or green wood will also cause more creosote to build up in the flue.
The best types of trees to use for firewood are maple, oak, and birch. Pine should never be used as a primary firewood, as it is a softer wood, and contains more sap.
How big of a problem is water for my chimney?
Water is the primary enemy of your masonry chimney. When moisture is absorbed into bricks and mortar, it weakens the structure. As temperatures drop and that moisture freezes, it expands – causing the masonry to crack, spall (pop), and eventually crumble. Beyond the masonry itself, every chimney requires three critical lines of defense against water damage:
- Chimney cap: A properly fitted chimney cap will cover not just the flue, but the entire top of the chimney crown, and extend past the edge of the brick. This will keep the flue dry, and will also prevent water from soaking into the cement crown, the brick of the chimney, and the flashing below. Caps also serve to keep animals, birds, and debris from falling down into the flue.
- FlashSeal: Over time, chimney flashing can develop issues related to water and weather, as well as animal tampering. Damaged flashing creates a vulnerable entry point for leaks. FlashSeal is an elastomeric sealant specifically formulated for permanent adhesion to asphalt shingles, metal flashing, and brick. When professionally applied, FlashSeal provides a durable seal backed by a 7-year warranty.
- Masonry waterproofing: Absorbent bricks and mortar are the root cause of many expensive chimney repairs. You can prevent this damage entirely by sealing your chimney with ChimneySaver Water Repellent. Unlike standard sealants, this specialized membrane prevents water absorption while still allowing the chimney to “breathe” out water vapors during use. This industry-leading product comes with a 10-year warranty.
Once your chimney has been properly fitted with a cap, sealed with flashing and FlashSeal, and waterproofed, you can rest assured that water will not cause chimney issues for you any time soon!
Why would I need a new chimney liner?
Most chimneys rely on clay flue tile liners to vent the gases from the attached oil or wood-burning appliance. Unfortunately, these tiles can wear down over time and crack or fall apart. Once a flue has cracked, it can allow smoke or fumes to escape the chimney system and enter the home. The best way to repair this issue is to slide a brand new stainless steel liner down inside of the chimney flue.
Here at Ceaser Chimney Service, we use a continuous liner, not sections spliced together. Only stainless steel parts are used, so we know our liners will last a lifetime. Once the liner has been connected at the top and bottom of your chimney, you can heat your home with peace of mind!
I had a chimney fire! Now what?
A chimney fire can be scary, but the first thing you should do is get out of the home and call the fire department. They’ll come out to extinguish the fire and assess the damage. The next thing you should do is call a Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) certified chimney sweep to inspect the flue. When we inspect a chimney that has had a fire, we run a camera down into the flue to visually check every inch of the clay tiles. When clay tiles are exposed to extreme heat, they typically crack. If we find that the tile flue liner is cracked and damaged, a stainless steel liner can be installed so the chimney can be used again.
When I burn a fire in the living room fireplace, why do I get smoke in the basement?
During the winter, we commonly get calls because of smoke in the home. If the smoke is coming from the appliance, the cause is usually simple: something is wrong with the flue. But sometimes, the smoke will come from somewhere else in the house, like another fireplace or stove, or the basement. In this case, you’re experiencing something called cross-draft. This occurs when the appliance is looking for air to feed the fire, which we call make-up air.
Since modern houses are built air-tight and the windows and doors are all typically shut during the winter, the appliance will pull make-up air from any open source, typically another flue. As the appliance is pumping smoke out of one flue, the flue beside it begins to act like a vacuum and suck outside air, including the surrounding smoke, down into the home. There are several solutions for correcting cross-draft, but a complete inspection is needed to diagnose which is best.
What do I do about animals in my chimney?
During the cold winter months, many different animals seek warmth and find it in a chimney flue. Squirrels, birds, raccoons, and more tend to scamper down into the flue, only to become trapped. During the warmer months of the year, while the chimney is not being used, those same animals use chimney flues to build nests and have babies.
Unfortunately, we do not remove animals from chimneys, so you will need to contact animal control, and have them come out to escort them from your premises. Once the animals are gone, give us a call, and we’ll come out and inspect and/or sweep the chimney. We can also install a chimney cap, which will prevent the animals from returning.
If you have birds chirping from your chimney in the spring and summer months, they could be chimney swifts. These birds are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and no one can disturb them from their nests. Once they leave of their own accord (when they migrate in the fall), you can have your chimney swept and a new cap installed.
Have more questions? We’re here to help!
Why Choose Ceaser Chimney Service & Repair?
When you invite us into your home, you’re choosing a team that values safety, quality, and customer satisfaction above all else.
Certified Technicians
We employ CSIA-certified technicians that complete regular training on best industry practices.
50+ Years in Business
The hearth store has been serving the area with care and dedication for over 50 years.
Fully Insured
We have full insurance coverage to ensure both the safety of our team and our customers.
Satisfaction Guarantee
We stand behind our work with a complete 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Fireplace Resources & Guides
Expert advice and insights to help you make the best decisions for your home.
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Top 7 Reasons To Choose Ceaser Chimney Service for Chimney Repair in Goffstown, NH
Don’t Wait To Schedule Your Next Service
Protecting your home starts with a chimney that is dry, durable, and dependable. Don’t wait for a minor issue to turn into a major restoration project – proactive maintenance is the best way to save money and ensure your peace of mind. Contact us today to schedule your next service and let our experts give your chimney the professional defense it deserves.
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Sat & Sun: Closed
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We’re based in Manchester and proudly serve our neighbors in Exeter, Chester, Candia, Auburn, Goffstown, Merrimack, Bedford, Concord, Nashua, and the surrounding communities. Learn more about our full service area today.
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