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SOLVING WATER LEAKS WITH CHIMNEY FLASHING

October 29, 2018 by admin 372 Comments

The term “flashing” refers to any impervious material that is a component of a WRB or weather-resistant barrier system. These thin pieces of material are installed to prevent water from leaking through the joints around different types of roof protrusions. These protrusions can compromise a roofing system’s integrity and allow moisture to enter. Compared to some protrusions such as bathroom vents, kitchen vents, and plumbing ventilation pipes, your chimney is the largest component that protrudes through your roof.

Without a doubt, chimneys can be very complex and extremely problematic, especially when it comes to protecting them from roof leaks and water infiltration. Other protrusions (see above) have smooth, symmetrical surfaces which are much easier to seal. Conversely, chimneys present more sealing challenges because they are constructed in different shapes and sizes from brick or masonry (stone), materials that have jagged, uneven surfaces and irregular mortar joints.

Since water is one of your chimney’s primary enemies, the importance of chimney flashing cannot be overstated. Alliance Chimney of Long Island offers a comprehensive line of services that include flashing repair or replacement and leak prevention. Because certain protrusions are necessary, they require flashing in order to prevent the integrity of the roof’s surface from being compromised. This is especially true where chimneys are concerned.

Because no two chimneys are ever alike, the installation of flashing must be customized to accommodate the needs of the structure. Since chimneys are usually not attached to any structural components of the house, the area around it can easily develop openings that can leak, especially when your home settles or shifts on its foundation. If you have recently noticed that part of your flashing is missing or has rusted through, we urge you to contact Alliance Chimney of Long Island today and ensure that the problem does not become serious and more costly to repair.

Can Blocked And Dirty Chimneys Cause Health Problems?

October 29, 2018 by admin 538 Comments

For over 20 years now, Alliance Chimney of Long Island has provided Long Island clients with a comprehensive line of cleaning, inspection, and repair services that have kept their chimneys and flues operating properly and safely. Most importantly, our services help to resolve certain issues that can eventually lead to significant health problems. The following is a list of those health problems that can result from blocked and dirty chimneys and flues as well as their symptoms.

Carbon monoxide poisoning – a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas resulting from improper combustion. CO poisoning is oftentimes difficult to detect but prolonged exposure to it can result in flu-like symptoms (e.g. confusion, fatigue, headache, and nausea). It can also cause brain damage, heart problems, and in the worst case scenario, death.

Exposure to creosote – this black, oily substance results from incomplete wood combustion and builds up inside the flue. It can lead to some very unpleasant health problems including:

abdominal issues
cancer
eye irritations
kidney and liver irritations
mental problems
respiratory problems
skin irritations

Inhalation of chimney soot – this is another contaminant that results when combustion has not been completed. As it builds up inside the chimney, it can escape into the air within your home. Prolonged exposure over time can cause lung diseases, irritate the lungs, and lead to respiratory infections.

Histoplasmosis – this respiratory infection is caused by the droppings left behind by the chimney swift, a small blackish-brown bird that loves to nest inside of chimneys. Their droppings contain a fungus known as histplasma capsulatum. The symptoms include:

appetite and weight loss
chest pains
chills, fever, or sweating
chronic cough

None of these health issues are ones that you want to experience so the bottom line is that you should take the necessary precautions and have your chimney and flue cleaned and inspected by a professional Long Island chimney service. Not only will this help to protect you and your family from the above health problems, it will ensure that your chimney and flue are operating properly and safely.

We are committed to providing the highest quality Long Island chimney service to our clients and ensuring the protection and safety of homeowners and their families. Whether you need a Long Island chimney inspection, a blockage removed, or any type of repairs such as the replacement of a chimney cap or flue liner, we are here to help. Please contact us today for more information on the services we provide.

5 Signs Indicating The Need For Chimney Repair

October 29, 2018 by admin 1,411 Comments

There is a common misconception among Long Island homeowners that a simple chimney sweeping is all that is needed to keep their fireplaces operating properly and safely. Granted, having your chimney professionally cleaned, inspected, and maintained by Alliance Chimney of Long Island is essential to the safety of your household. However, proper chimney maintenance may involve the assistance of a Long Island chimney repair service. Here are 5 signs indicating the need for repair.

Chimney cap is missing – no ladder is required for this. The primary purpose of chimney caps is to ensure that moisture and rain do not get into the flue. Water is a primary source of material deterioration and can result in the growth of mildew, mold, moss, and rotting.
Chimney crown damage – this is the 2” or 3” slab of concrete or mortar found on the topmost part of the chimney. It surrounds the flue tiles and covers the top bricks. Since the bottom and top of bricks are porous, the crown ensures that they do not absorb water. You want to inspect the crown to see if there are any cracks and receding corners or edges.
Cracks or separations between bricks and mortar – over time, moisture and rain will start eroding a chimney’s structure from the top down to the base when the cap is missing or the crown needs repair. Mortar joints may fail if they go unchecked and the bricks will loosen. Fortunately, this chimney repair only needs to be done every 30 to 50 years.
Damage to the firebox – in many instances, damage to the firebox results from exposure to moisture. There could be loose bricks, efflorescence, and missing mortar joints. If you notice any of these issues, you will need to contact us to repair them.
Efflorescence or white staining – chances are if white staining (efflorescence) is present, you have a moisture problem and will most likely need to contact us to correct the problem and perform whatever repairs are required. Efflorescence results when moisture evaporates and the natural brick and mortar salts leach to the service.

Alliance Chimney of Long Island has been providing a wide range of chimney repair services for over 20 years. All of the issues above can lead to some very costly repairs and even structural damage if they are not addressed immediately. If you notice any of these issues, don’t procrastinate. Call us today for an inspection and an estimated cost of repairs.

The Importance Of A Properly Operating Chimney And Flue

October 29, 2018 by admin 126 Comments

A chimney’s primary purpose is the removal or venting of those by-products that result from the combustion process.This is a crucial function when you consider that those by-products contain hazardous gasses including carbon monoxide (CO). When animals and humans are exposed to high concentrations of this colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas, they can become seriously ill and even die. In most cases, the presence of CO within a Long Island home is attributed to the inadequate venting of a fireplace or furnace.

So what exactly causes improper or inadequate venting? In most instances, this is due to one or a combination of the following:

Animal or bird nests
Blockage in the flue caused by debris that has fallen into the chimney
Cracks and/or holes in the flue caused by chemical residue, fire, or moisture

The second most important purpose of a chimney is to keep those combustible materials that surround it from being exposed to excessive heat and catching fire. If the clay flue liner is cracked or there are mortar joints missing, the flames and heat from a chimney fire can escape and cause the structure’s framing materials to ignite.

The molecular structure of the framing materials can be altered over time due to the process of pyrolasis, even in the absence of a chimney fire. Pyrolasis occurs as a result of prolonged periods of continued exposure to excessive heat which causes framing materials to become more flammable. Once the surrounding structural materials have become pyrolized, it greatly increases the likelihood of a fire occurring, even if those materials are exposed to relatively lower temperatures.

Alliance Chimney of Long Island has been servicing homeowners’ fireplaces and furnaces for over two decades and knows that a properly operating chimney and flue offer protection for you, your family members, and guests. The comprehensive line of Long Island chimney cleaning services that we provide were designed and developed to protect your family and your home from the dangers of carbon monoxide and other noxious gasses. Additionally, it will give you peace of mind knowing that your fireplace is safe to use this winter.

Maintaining the integrity of your chimney is important where the protection of your family and home is concerned. So if it has been a year or longer since your chimney was properly maintained, contact us immediately so that we can schedule an appointment for an annual chimney inspection today.

3 Levels Of Chimney Inspections To Be Aware Of

October 29, 2018 by admin 5,707 Comments

Whenever we think about relaxing in front of a fire during winter, our mind conjures up images of comfort and warmth as well as safety. Nothing compares to the feeling you get when you can spend your evening in front of your fireplace instead of being outside in the cold winter weather. However, a professional chimney inspection during the off-season can prevent can prevent a number of unpleasant issues when it is time to use it.

According to the NFPA or National Fire Protection Agency, they have classified 3 distinct levels of inspection that our Long Island chimney service should offer. These are standards that are followed whenever you contact Alliance Chimney of Long Island follows to inspect your chimney and make recommendations for repairs or service:

Level 1 inspection – the most common inspection performed. If you haven’t experienced any problems during chimney usage, a Level 1 inspection should suffice. During this inspection, we will examine accessible portions of your chimney and fireplace connection as well as certain portions of your chimney’s exterior and interior. The basic structure should be intact and there should be no visible damage.

Level 2 inspection – if you are going to change the fuel burned in your fireplace, reline the flue, or you’ve recently noticed damage to your chimney’s exterior, then we will recommend a Level 2 inspection. The visual examination performed in the Level 1 inspection will also be performed here. Accessible areas such as your attic and crawlspace will be inspected while a video camera or device will be used when inspecting the flue for cracks and other damage. However, there should be no permanent damage to the chimney or the structure.

Level 3 inspection – this is the most comprehensive inspection of all. In addition to all tasks performed in Levels 1 and 2, the concealed areas of your chimney will be thoroughly examined during Level 3. Certain portions of the chimney or structure will be removed if that is required. This includes removal of the crown or interior portions of the chimney wall in order to perform a more detailed inspection. In most cases, serious damage may be found.

Alliance Chimney of Long Island can detect the need for repairs through these levels of inspection. If you have not had your chimney inspected within the past year, now is the time to call us and schedule an appointment for an inspection.

DO NOT OVERLOOK CLEANING YOUR CHIMNEY

October 29, 2018 by admin 42 Comments

Chimney cleaning is one of the most overlooked aspects of maintaining a home. Homeowners know they need to clean and dust all the rooms in a home, mow the lawn and keep up the landscape, but fail to remember to clean the chimney.

This is bad, especially because a dirty chimney can shoot smoke back into your home and cause everyone to inhale the toxic substance.

Not only is the smoke harmful to your health, it can also damage the interior of your home and the furniture. This is exactly why we’re in business…to help homeowners on Long Island, like you, clean their chimneys so you don’t have to worry about smoke causing harm to anyone or anything.

Do not attempt to clean your chimney on your own. Cleaning your chimney can put you in danger. There is a proper way to have it cleaned, and we have trained professionals who know how to practice safe methods to ensure that no one is injured during the cleaning process. The last thing you want is to get injured while cleaning your chimney and having to opt to hire an expert to clean it anyway.

We’re in business for two major reasons, one is to prevent homeowners of Long Island from being harmed in an attempt to clean their chimney, the other is to help provide a clean chimney to help people avoid being harmed by the smoke it produces.

We’re just one phone call away, so do not hesitate to get in touch with us. Call for a free quote, or to have us come out and inspect your chimney in person. Our friendly staff is available to answer all of your questions, so even if you have a few things you need cleared up about chimneys give us a call.