Every home owner should know the basics about their chimney in order to ensure they are taking care of it correctly and it is working smoothly. If you have a chimney in your home, make sure you can answer these five questions about your chimney!

What Kind of Chimney Do I Have?

Knowing what type of chimney you have is essential to properly take care of it. When requesting chimney services of any kind, you will surely be asked details like this about your chimney. Not sure what type of chimney you have? Read this blog post to find out!

Do I Have a Chimney Liner?

Some chimnies have a chimney liner, which essentially makes your fireplace safer. Liners come in different types as well and are not always easy to identify. The byproducts of combustion and heat transfers can potentially cause harm to your chimney and unsafe fires so a liner is often installed for an added layer of protection. For more information on how to see if you have a liner and what kind, read this article from the Chimney Safety Institute of America.

Is My Chimney Capped?

Chimney caps are popular because they keep debris, rain, and other unwanted materials from coming inside your house through the top of your chimney. Typically easy to install, remove, and maintain, there aren’t many downfalls to adding a cap to your chimney, especially if you’ve noticed rain, branches, or even small birds getting into your home through the chimney.

When Was My Last Chimney Inspection?

Knowing when your last inspection was is imperative in order to ensure your chimney is safe and ready to use. Eurosweep recommends inspecting your chimney once a year to guarantee it is safe for you and your family to use. If you are unsure of when your last inspection was, it has likely been more than a year. Click here to get a discount on your chimney inspection!

Am I Storing My Firewood Correctly?

Because of limited space, many chimney owners store their firewood somewhere that is causing damage to it. The basics include keeping it off the ground, completely dry, and proper stacking but you can read more details about the best way to store your firewood here.

If you’re in need of any chimney services, contact us today using the form to your right or calling us at (781) 849-8202!

While each chimney is unique, there are two main types of chimneys; masonry/traditional chimneys and factory-built/metal chimneys. To better understand what makes each of these unique, here are some facts and benefits of each style you can use to better understand your model or to decide which would be best for your home.

Masonry Chimneys

• Masonry chimneys are the style most people think of when they picture a chimney. Built with stone, concrete blocks, brick, or mortar, this style has a classic look that appeals to many homeowners.
• These chimneys are almost always constructed on-site and most often when the home itself is being built.
• Aside from their traditional appearance, a significant advantage of masonry chimneys is that they tend to last longer than their alternative. If properly cared for, they can last for generations.
• The materials used to build masonry chimneys are tough, able to withstand years of fires and continue to keep up with even the most active fire-builders.
• While both styles add value to your home, masonry chimneys are often more valuable because they were built with the home and difficult to replicate.

Factory-built Chimneys

• Many homeowners like the range of choices they have when they are installing a factory-built or metal chimney. Because they are choosing to install a chimney rather than buying a home with a masonry one already built, they are able to make several decisions to influence their chimney’s appearance and usability.
• Because they are produced by manufacturers, metal chimneys are regulated and tested for safety issues that masonry chimneys are not. With any safety or user questions or concerns, a homeowner can easily turn to the manufacturer for answers.
• Not only can you choose the appearance of your factory-built chimney, but also the size and location.
• Metal chimneys have several different parts to them, therefore if something is wrong with your chimney you may have an easier solution to your problem than if you had a masonry chimney.

Regardless of style, all chimneys need routine cleanings and inspections in order to ensure they are safe and ready to use. Still have questions? Feel free to contact us with any inquiries about your chimney!

If you have had a fireplace or wood burning stove for some time, chances are that you are a real pro when it comes to firewood. But if you just started using a chimney or wood burning stove, or you’ve developed some bad habits, check out these tips to storing firewood properly!

Get Your Wood Off the Ground
The trick to perfect firewood is making sure that it is completely dry. By storing it on the dirt or grass, you are allowing moisture to seep into your wood. Wood should be dried for 6 months prior to use. If you don’t have a concrete block set down for your fire wood, purchase long pieces of lumber and stack your wood perpendicular on top them.

Stack Properly
When you are about to chop wood, or have some delivered, choose a spot in your yard that is parallel to the wind blowing. This will create a natural wind tunnel that will aid in drying your firewood faster. Stack wood with space in between each piece to allow moisture to escape.

Create a Peak
Create a peak in the middle of your wood pile, so that when you cover it, it provides the best runoff from precipitation!

Cover Your Pile
Use a large tarp to cover the top of your pile of firewood. Don’t cover the entire pile because that will make it more difficult for moisture to escape!

Seasoned Wood
Only burn seasoned wood! Seasoned wood means that it has been left to dry for at least 6 months before burning. Season wood outdoors with the steps above. Bringing wood inside the home to season will only bring in bugs and critters!

We at Eurosweep Chimney Service are proud to announce the beginning of our new blog. Here, we will be sharing news and events relating to the chimney sweep world, stories from our chimney sweeping jobs, and simple tips that can save you time and money in regards to your Chimney.

Check back every week for new and exciting content.

We are full service chimney sweep professionals. located in Braintree, MA. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call if you would like information, prices, or to set up an appointment.

Office hours are Monday –  Friday, 9:00am until 4:00pm. We sweep Monday through Saturday and provide 24-hour emergency service.