Top tips for chimney maintenance

Nothing beats the warmth of a crackling fire in your fireplace during chilly winter nights. A fireplace not only keeps your warm but also makes your home look extremely beautiful. Since a fireplace can only be enjoyed during the winter season, it can really throw you off if it isn’t working the way you wanted it to when the season arrives. Therefore, chimney maintenance in East Northport, NY’s weather is extremely important to ensure that your fireplace and chimney are safe to use. 

Keep your chimney and fireplace in pristine position can be a difficult task. Thus, the experts at King Siding and Gutters shared some tips for chimney maintenance. 

Regular inspections - 

Needless to say, chimney and fireplace maintenance is not only crucial to keeping your home warm but also to prevent any fire hazards that may originate due to a variety of different problems with your chimney. Without proper cleaning and attention, your home is vulnerable to water damage and fires. Therefore, besides getting quality chimney installation in East Northport, make sure you get your chimney inspected every 3 months or at least once in 6 months. Regular inspections can bring any hidden or potential problems to the fore, making it easy for you to deal with them before they become serious or result in expensive replacements. 

Ensuring your chimney is waterproof 

It comes as no surprise that moisture can cause a lot of problems for your chimney and fireplace. Besides causing mold, they weaken the structural integrity of your chimney. Moreover, undealt moisture can even damage the floor and walls around your fireplace. Thus, it is vital to make sure your chimney is waterproof. Remember to check if your chimney flashing, crown, chase cover, and waterproofing are functioning properly before lighting a fire in your fireplace and after the season is over. 

Check your mortar joints and bricks aren’t crumbling

Your chimney’s bricks and mortar joints play an integral role in preventing water from seeping inside your fireplace and home. Unfortunately, these joints tend to crumble and crack over time, allowing water to enter your home. To repair your mortar, chimney tuckpointing is done. If your bricks are becoming loose and your mortar is crumbling, it’s best to get chimney tuckpointing done. Make sure you hire a professional to get the job done. Since it is a tricky job, you may want to avoid DIY. 

There are many chimney maintenance out there. But these are the most important ones. According to King Siding and Gutters, as long as you get your chimney inspected by a professional once every three to six months, your chimney will last a lifetime

Roof maintenance tips to extend the lifespan of your roof

A roof plays an integral role in protecting you and your home from adverse weather conditions. Since a roof is the first point of contact between you and outside weather conditions, it experiences a lot in its lifetime. Poor roof maintenance can lead to expensive Long Island roof repair or even roof replacement. 

While the cost of roof replacement or repair is an expenditure most homeowners can ill afford, regular roof maintenance can help you save money in the long run and is also very affordable. By investing a few hours periodically to perform regular maintenance, you can identify roof problems at the early stage and fix them before they get out of control. Yearly or seasonal inspections will extend the lifespan of your roof, prevent leaks that result in costly repairs, and the necessity for a roof replacement that often costs you a fortune. 

 

If you are interested in maintaining your roof, here are some roof maintenance tips to help you. 

 

• Hire a professional to do the job 

One of the biggest mistakes that many homeowners make when it comes to roof inspections and maintenance is that they think they can do it on their own. However, a roof is a complicated element of the house. And let’s not forget about the fact that it is always out of your sight. This not only makes it difficult for you to perform regular inspections but also gives you a strong reason to keep missing it. Hiring a roof maintenance professional for the job gives you peace of mind while ensuring roof inspections are performed as per the schedule. 

 

• Never forget about gutters 

Gutters are an important part of your roof. Clogged or damaged gutters can cause a lot of damage to your roof. This is usually because the water collected in gutters can quickly make its way inside your roof, damaging the very foundation of your home. Keeping your gutters unclogged and clean, you keep your roof protected from any immediate dangers and ensure your gutters serve their intended purpose. 

 

• Prevent ice dams

Ice dams are definitely pretty to look at. However, they are a nightmare for your roof as they build-up on your roof. Moreover, repairing your roof after ice dams damage may break the bank. Make sure you work with a professional to insulate your roof and home properly to prevent ice dams build-up during extreme snowfall. You can do so with the help of the Long Island roofing installation company. 

Regular roof maintenance is extremely important for a number of reasons. So make sure you hire a professional to get the job done and keep your roof functioning smoothly for years to come. 

 

How to Keep your Fireplace in Top-Notch Condition during Fall?

Winters are just around the corner. It is that time of the year when you crank up your fireplace with a piece of mind. It is only possible if the fireplace and chimney are in good condition. It is better to get the annual inspections from Long Island Chimney cleaning services before they become swamped due to peak season. You might be wondering what all the professionals should cover while offering maintenance services. Here is the list of maintenance tasks that must be conducted for the proper working of the chimneys during fall:

 

• Eliminate flammable creosote and drafting obstructions from the Flue

 

Creosote build-up takes place every time you burn a fire in the fireplace. It is a sticky, flaky, and solid substance, which can be the leading cause of fires inside the house. During annual chimney inspections, creosote is removed with specialized brushes, scrubbers, and solvents by Long island chimney cleaning services.

 

• Basic chimney safety inspection

 

The necessary chimney inspection must be done by professionals once in a year, and all the visible areas are examined thoroughly. The visible chimney areas include

·         Repair damage or address uncovered issues while performing inspections

The chimney professional will alert you about the issues introduced during the repair. Whether the problem is simple or complex, chimney cleaning professionals will take care of it, and smooth functioning is expected. The following areas need to be covered during cleaning:

 

• Structural masonry
• Chimney crown 
• Roof flashing 
• Firebox

 

Detect the early signs before they create problems in the long run. Neglecting the issues will cost you more than before.

Chimney cleaning professionals must cover all these steps. Choose a reliable and reputed Long Island chimney cleaning services and make the most out of them during chilly winters. You have plenty of months before the warm weather, which you can devote to inspections and repairs. By doing this, you are making the house a safe and cozy place to live in for everyone.

When is the right time to have your chimney cleaned?

Nothing can beat the feeling of sitting in front of the chimney during cold winter nights and enjoying the warmth and comfort. However, the vast majority of homeowners often forget about having their chimney cleaned before winter arrives. During summer and fall, most people are busy spending warm summer days by the pool, and having their chimney cleaned is the last thing on their mind. However, summer and fall are the best time of the year to have your chimney cleaned by professionals. 

As winter approaches, homeowners start scheduling appointments for chimney cleaning services, and this often leaves the schedules of certified technicians filled up solid. Therefore, waiting until winter or even fall for an appointment can leave you frustrated and without a properly functioning fireplace when the first cold winter day hits. In fact, it is even possible that you may have to wait for weeks before a professional technician becomes available for an appointment for your chimney. 

Is chimney cleaning really necessary? 

Wondering why you should bother with a chimney cleaning or inspection at all. Many homeowners often wonder whether chimney cleaning is necessary or not. But for a matter of fact, chimney cleaning is extremely important. Like other elements of your home, having your chimney inspected or cleaned at the right protects you and extend the lifespan of your fireplace. 

Reasons why chimney cleaning is a must Prevent chimney fires 

Chimney fires are one of the major causes of concern for many homeowners. A poorly maintained chimney can cause chimney fires that are often hidden from the homeowners. You may never know there had been a fire in your chimney unless you get it inspected. Therefore, hiring an expert technician for inspection and cleaning ensures you and your home are safe from unexpected chimney fires. 

Creosote Build-up

Creosote is a byproduct of combustion when you burn wood in your fireplace. This byproduct is built over three stages. At every stage, it become even more difficult to get rid of, while putting you at more risk. 

Blockages 

Blockages are yet another common reason that demands regular chimney cleaning. When your fireplace is not in use, it accumulates dirt, dust, the byproduct of wood burnt, or even nests of birds. This makes it difficult for you to use your fireplace and put it to good use. 

If you want to make the most of your fireplace during harsh winter nights, it’s best to get it inspected and cleaned during summer, spring, or fall. It not only helps you beat the rush but also makes sure your fireplace is free of safety hazards when you use it. Timely inspections also help you hire Long Island chimney repair service if and when required. 

 

Tips to choose the right roof contractor in Long Island

Whether you are looking to get a new roof installed or need to get it repaired because it was damaged in a storm, finding the right person to get the job done is a daunting task. After a damaging storm, it is not only important to get back to normal but also to conduct the necessary roofing repairs to prevent expensive replacements. Of course, if your roof is damaged in a storm, you need to find the right person soon. But this does not mean you should choose the roofing contractor in Long Island who knock on your door. You need to hire a contractor who is professional, certified, honest, and trustworthy. 

Here are some tips that homeowners should consider before hiring the right contractor. 

 

• Hire a contractor who is local 

When you hire a contractor from your community, there is less possibility of scams or issues. These local contractors have gained a reputation in the market and may have helped someone in your circle with their roofing needs. Moreover, they are aware of local rules and code regulations and have built a rapport with area suppliers and crew. 

 

• Hire a contractor with standards 

If you or your loved one is sick, would you settle for a doctor who is just “decent” or “average”? Of course not! The same rule should apply to your home. You cannot settle for a contractor who has “average” standards. After all, you are going to spend a few dollars, you want to make sure that you get value for money. Make sure you choose one of the best roofing contractors in Long Island who provides the very best in roofing quality. Now you may not know how to find a contractor who provides services with the highest standards of quality. Well, the best contractor focuses on craftsmanship, great materials, and training for employees. 

 

• Licensure and insurance

The right licenses and insurance protect you and the employees working on your home in a variety of situations. If something goes wrong during the job, it’s what that stands between you and the worst scenario. Remember, if your roofer fails to provide the necessary licenses and insurance, do not trust her. Take your business somewhere else. 

 

It’s always difficult to find roofing contractor in Long Island that fits the bill and provides quality services, reliability, and great customer service. But this doesn’t mean you have to settle with an average one. Do some research, make a lot of phone calls, and trust your gut. 

How to get skylight leak repair on Long Island?

Skylights are a great addition to any home. They are incredibly beautiful and allow more natural sunlight to enter your home. Adding skylights also make your interior space look bigger, more inviting, and also lower utility bills. 

However, the problem with skylights is that they are prone to develop water leaks. Skylight leaks are one of the most common roof problems most homeowners face. When your skylight develops skylight leakage problem, it is often a minor issue. But if it is left unrepaired, it can result in expensive water damage. Moreover, a leaky skylight can also mean various other hidden, serious roof damage. Getting skylight leak repair on Long Island at the right time can prevent expensive roof replacement later. 

What causes the skylight leakage problem?

There are a variety of factors that result in skylight leaks. While some blame poor installation, others consider faulty product design to be the issue. Sometimes the issue can be a combination of various different factors, including old age. 

How to prevent a skylight leak?

Even though skylight leaks are a common problem, there are ways you can prevent it. 

 

• Before getting a skylight installed, make sure you research about the products and materials being used. 
• Also, make sure the roofing materials you have are compatible with the skylight and help with a watertight installation, such as tiles, slate, and shingles.
• Whenever you are getting a skylight, contact a professional. Carefully choose the location for the skylight. As a matter of fact, despite perfect installation, some areas of the roof are more susceptible to problems like water damage and leakage. 
• Regular roof maintenance is crucial, especially if there has been damage. Regular maintenance ensures your roof and skylight are in pristine condition. 
• Like roof maintenance, inspections of both skylight and roof help in the early detection of any potential problem and prevent expensive Long Island skylight repair in the long run. 

Hire a professional contractor to help 

Skylight leak repair on Long Island can be very expensive and difficult. Therefore, it’s best to leave the job to the professionals. Doing the repair yourself can result in significant exterior as well as interior damage. Calling the experts for advice and assistance will prevent expensive repairs and replacements and give you peace of mind. However, it’s crucial to hire an experienced and certified contractor only to get the job done. 

 

Tips to Maintain the Fireplace Chimneys

Buying a house is not an easy task. These days homebuyers are looking for a lot of things in the house before finalizing the deal with the sellers. The fireplace is one of the favorite amenities that home buyers look for during the house hunt. It adds an extra touch of architectural vitality to the house. However, having a chimney in your home comes with a lot of responsibilities. If you expect optimal performance from the chimneys, you need to maintain it regularly. This is where Long Island chimney maintenance services come into play. However, there are certain ways to keep the chimney in a top-notch condition:

• Frequently assess the outer portion of the chimneys as you would come across holes, cracks, loose seals, missing, or a broken or deteriorated brick. 

• Ensure that the fireplace is clean before lighting a fire. The ashes, and debris that was there must be removed thoroughly. 

• Use a flashlight to inspect the flue for the build-up of creosote which is a black/brown toxic substance that can accumulate in the inner walls and in a house fire. Prevent such issues from happening by seeking help from Long island chimney maintenance services. 

• Clear the walls surrounding the fireplace of all the combustion material and decor as it might result in a devastating house fire. 

• See if there is any moisture near the fireplace including spalling (surface of the brick breaks off or becomes damaged), rusting, damaged etc. 

• Test your dampens and ensure that it opens and closes without any hassle. 

• Make sure that there are no overhanging tree limbs on the chimneys. These limbs could hamper proper airflow in your fireplace. 

Follow all these tips to get the most out of the fireplace chimneys. If you don't want to get into such tasks on your own, it would be best to hire Long island chimney repair services. It is vital to get the chimney inspected as a poorly maintained chimney would result in catastrophes. It is essential to keep everyone residing in the house safe. 

4 important things to know before hiring chimney sweeping company in Long Island

While the chimney is one of the most important components of a house in Long Island, it is often overlooked by homeowners. This results in expensive repairs and even chimney replacements in the long run that may cost a fortune. To avoid such situations, it is always advisable to hire Long Island chimney contractors who can provide regular and quality chimney cleaning services at competitive prices. However, deciding to hire a chimney sweep is only half the battle. The other half is to find a good chimney sweep to get the job done. 

To make things a lot easier for you, we are sharing some important things that you should know before hiring a chimney sweeping company in Long Island. 

• Chimney sweeping is not a regulated industry 

It might come as a surprise that the chimney sweep industry is unregulated. This means even unskilled and inexperienced professionals can legally start up a firm offering chimney sweeping services in Long Island. The people working in the company are not required to have the training or the tools to take up projects for chimney cleaning. Fortunately, nationally recognized associations do provide licenses and certifications to companies who have the professional qualifications to do the job with excellence and skill. 

• Don’t overlook the importance of checking licenses and certifications 

As mentioned earlier, anybody can become a chimney sweep and can call you to provide his or her services at discounted rates. Trust us, it’s a scam. Such companies or individuals are only interested in your money and provide the worst services that consequently may even compromise the functioning of your chimney. Therefore, it’s important to check for licenses and certifications such as NFI certification, which is the minimum nationally recognized standard provided by the Chimney Sweep Institute of America. 

• Verify insurance coverage 

Another factor to determine whether a company is authorized to do the job or not is insurance coverage. If a company has liability insurance coverage, it has the experience and a good reputation in the market. A chimney contractor who offers insurance can protect you against unforeseen damages that may occur while performing the chimney cleaning services. Even though it’s highly unlikely that any damage or injury will happen if the company is experienced, the homeowner is responsible for any damages incurred if the company fails to provide the required coverage. 

Chimney safety is important. Thus, it’s a good idea to hire a reliable Long Island chimney sweep for quarterly chimney cleaning. 

Extend the lifespan of your chimney with professional chimney cleaning services

While the chimney is a component homeowners turn to when they want to keep their houses warm, it has the potential to cause a serious fire mishap when it is not maintained well. Needless to mention, a chimney is an integral part of every household, especially in areas where the weather can be pretty harsh. Thus, just like any other element of your house, it needs to be regularly maintained and cleaned. Not only this ensures a safe and efficient chimney but it also extends its lifespan. 

Here are a few tips to keep your chimney functioning properly and efficiently. 

• Regular cleaning 

A chimney can drive dirt, germs, viruses, smoke, and whatnot. Therefore, it is crucial to keep it clean on a regular basis even if you are using the most energy-efficient wood. According to Amagansett chimney cleaning experts, you must get your chimney cleaned every three months. Especially if you are using it regularly. And the best time to get it cleaned professionally is before summer hits.  

• Make sure you use the most efficient fuel 

The type of fuel you use in your chimney determines its lifespan. Many homeowners do not bother what type of fuel should be used and often use any fuel they have in their store. Trust me, this will have consequences. The best fuel is seasoned wood that enables your chimney to be energy-efficient and produces minimum soot. 

• Use chimney cover 

There are plenty of benefits of installing chimney covers. They not only keep your chimney protected against harsh weather conditions but also prevent rainwater to seep in. Chimney covers are designed to protect your chimney from unwanted problems that can result in chimney replacement. If you haven’t gotten chimney covers, now is the time to hire Amagansett chimney cover services to get one installed immediately. 

• Install spark guard 

Spark guard is yet another important element to consider installing. It protects you and your furniture by preventing out of control ashes from shooting out of the firebox. It is more important to have it handy when you are not around or have kids or pets at home. Moreover, you can make it stylish by getting a spark guard that compliments your home decor. 

Keeping these factors in mind allows you to keep your home and loved ones safe from fire mishaps originating from a chimney while enhancing its lifespan.

4 rules for hiring the best gutter installation company in Long Island

Whether you own a residential property or commercial place in Long Island, it’s vital to have well-maintained gutters. They not only allow rainwater to flow smoothly but also protect your home elements like the roof from problems like water leakage. Therefore, when it comes to Long Island gutter installations or repairs, it’s best to hire a reputed or trustworthy company. A professional company will ensure that the gutters are installed properly and are in proper working condition throughout the year. 

But let’s face it - there are hundreds of gutter installation and repair companies available out there. How do you find the right one? Well, there are a few golden rules to consider when looking for a professional company. 

• Don’t hunt the bargain

Property is one of the most important investments whether be it residential or commercial. Therefore, it deserves only the best of everything. When you seeking a professional gutter installation and repair company, don’t settle for the cheapest service provider. Of course, the cost is an important factor to consider but it isn’t the only crucial factor. 

• Request thorough cost estimates

If a company provides cost estimates on a tissue paper, run! This isn’t the company you want for your project. A professional company should be able to visit the site, understand your requirements, and then provide a comprehensive cost estimate. This is how you can ensure that they are serious about the job and are well-versed in the field. 

• Check licenses, documentation, insurance, and warranties

A reputed company should be able to present all the warranties, licenses, certifications, and documentation upon request. You want to hire a certified company that has a license to work. This ensures that the company has years of experience and the right training to perform the job. 

• Work safety 

Long Island gutter repair or installation is a tricky business. Getting up on the roof can be scary even if the person climbing the ladder is a professional. Workers’ safety is the top-most priority of a professional company. They use all the safety gear to ensure that they perform the job without getting hurt. 

A gutter installation or repair project can be challenging. Thus, it’s better to leave the job to the professionals. 

Signs its time to hire Southampton Chimney repair

Needless to mention, chimney plays an important role in every home, especially in areas where winters can be pretty harsh. It helps in emitting harmful fumes, heat and noxious gases out of your home, leaving a clean and safe home. This is why it’s important to keep your chimney in pristine condition so that it can keep working effectively. 

A damaged or faulty chimney can not only put you and your family in danger but can also cause fire mishaps. Even though chimney often looks durable and strong, it’s wrong to assume that it may not need proper maintenance or repair. If it has been years since you got Southampton chimney installation, it’s time to get it inspected from the professionals. 

Here are some signs that indicate your chimney needs repair or replacement 

Rusted firebox and damper 

Water and moisture are the biggest enemies of a chimney. They can devastate the structural integrity of a chimney. Thus, if your damper or a firebox is rusted, it’s time to bring in the professionals. 

Chimney leaks

Water leakage in your home is the last thing you would want. As mentioned earlier, water and moisture can devastate your chimney. Therefore, it is important to protect your chimney from water leakage. There can be numerous causes of water leakage including word-down mortar, ineffective flashing system, defective chimney caps, or cracks in the crown.

Defective mortar joints 

Faulty mortar joints also demand the attention of professionals. If there is a sign of damage in the mortar joints, you need to get in touch with the experts to get it fixed. This is because damaged mortar joints if exposed to high moisture levels, can break or fall down. Mortar joints are more likely to get damaged during winters. Therefore, it is often recommended to get it inspected before winters to protect it from any further damage. 

Chimney Spalling

Chimney spalling is yet another reason that may need a chimney repair. If you notice bits of stones, bricks or concrete at the bottom of your chimney, it is called spalling. In other words, it means your chimney is breaking up bit by bit. Therefore, you must get in touch with a chimney expert to get it fixed as soon as possible. 

Chimneys can be extremely difficult to maintain, especially on your own. Therefore, you should contact a professional and reputed Southampton Chimney Repair service provider. 

Interesting facts about chimney sweeping

Chimney sweeps have been around for decades even though the profession is significantly different than it was in the beginning. Chimney sweeping in Long Island might not seem like a profile that would have a rich history but it does. 

In this post, we are discussing some interesting facts about chimney sweeping. 

Chimney cleaning was a job for children

Back in the days, boys were either acquired from orphanages or sold by poor parents to chimney sweeps. However, girls were also often found stuck at the job. Children between the age group of 6 to 12 were bonded in an agreement to work as servants to chimney sweeps. They were made to climb the chimneys from inside and clean the flues with a brush as going along. If these children were slow in performing the job, the chimney sweep would light a fire in the fireplace. Unfortunately, these kids lived a horrible life. They were not permitted to bathe and often begged for food. This is how chimney maintenance in Long Island. 

Chimney sweeps and geese 

A dirty chimney was a common problem. Other chimney problems were solved using children before chimney sweeping equipment was introduced. There were many chimney sweeps who used geese as a chimney cleaning tool. Of course, it wasn’t a foolproof invention. The process involved tying a rope on the goose’s neck and forcing it to fly to the chimney top. When the bird would go up, the master would pull the rope to brush the bird against the chimney. This way they cleaned the soot on the chimney. 

Original sweep tools are still used today 

Thanks to the introduction of “Act for the Regulation of Chimney Sweepers”, making the children clean the chimneys were banned in 1864 in England. Thus, there was a need for another approach to do the job. Of course, the one that didn’t involve tying a rope to a goose’s neck. Joseph Glass in the 18th century invented equipment comprising canes and brushes that could be used from the fireplace to clean the chimney. You’d be surprised to know that these tools are still used in many countries including Long Island, the US for chimney maintenance.  

I hope these facts were interesting to read. If you have any interesting facts about the chimney, please do share them in the comment section below.