Severe winter weather can cause significant damage to your home; some estimates find that winter storms cause more than $1 billion in damage each year. To avoid costly repairs this winter, help prepare your home for winter weather with these five tips.
1. Inspect your fireplace
Whether you have a fireplace as a primary heat source or use one to supplement the furnace on cold days, regular chimney maintenance is extremely important. A fireplace sweeping and inspection can keep your fireplace burning safely and efficiently all winter long.
During a fireplace sweeping, the chimney sweep will remove soot, ash, and flammable creosote from the flue. In addition to preventing chimney blockages and allowing the chimney to draft effectively, removing creosote is extremely important in preventing chimney fires. Because it is so flammable, creosote buildup in the flue can be accidentally ignited by stray sparks or embers from the fireplace; removing creosote through annual chimney sweepings can reduce the risk of a chimney fire occurring.
As part of the chimney inspection, the chimney sweep will assess all interior and exterior portions of the chimney. This allows them to check for signs of damage or deterioration, such as:
- Damage to or missing chimney cap
- Signs of animal entry
- Tree limbs or branches overhanging the chimney
- Cracked or crumbling chimney masonry
- Loss of watertight seal on chimney flashing
- Staining on or around the chimney
- When caught early, chimney damage can be easily repaired by a skilled chimney technician.
2. Seal leaky doors and windows
Gaps around doors and windows can allow cold air to seep into your home during winter months. In addition to creating cold pockets in your home, this forces your furnace to work harder to keep your home at a consistent temperature. According to the US Department of Energy, reducing drafts can help reduce energy costs by up to 20% during winter months.
Adding new weatherstripping is an easy way homeowners to stop conditioned air from seeping out of their home. There are a variety of weatherstripping choices available, each with their own pros and cons.
- Bronze weatherstripping. Bronze weatherstripping is extremely durable and can last for decades. However, it is pricier than other options – and can be time-consuming to install.
- Self-stick plastic weatherstripping. Extremely easy to install, self-stick plastic weatherstripping needs to be replaced often.
- Adhesive-backed EPDM. This type of weatherstripping is more durable than self-stick plastic but is easier to install than bronze. Most EPDM weatherstripping can last for up to 10 years.
- Don’t forget to seal around the exterior of doors and windows with latex caulk!
3. Keep pipes from freezing
Consistent temperatures below zero can wreak havoc on plumbing systems – especially for exterior pipes. While constantly moving water and warmer interior temperatures helps protect interior plumbing, exterior pipes are prone to cracking. In addition to releasing hundreds of gallons of water in a single day, the leaks from cracked pipes can lead to serious structural damage to a home.
Begin by shutting off external pipes at the beginning of winter. Check pipes again after a few days to ensure they have fully drained and to flush any remaining water out of the system. Consider wrapping insulating tape around any exterior pipes or pipes in basements or crawlspaces to help prevent cracks. Likewise, invest in exterior faucet covers to cover and project exterior spigots.
4. Clean the dryer vents
In winter it is too cold to dry laundry on the line or on a rack; this often leads to dryers being used more. Ensure your dryer is operating safely and efficiently by having the dryer vents cleaned.
Each year, more than 15,000 house fires are caused by clogged dryer vents. When dryer vents become clogged, dryers may stop operating efficiently, take longer than 1 cycle to dry, create excessive lint, or have lint that is visible from exterior vents.
To reduce the risk of a dryer fire, vents should be cleaned once per year. This is especially important for homes or buildings with longer dryer vents; the longer the dryer vent has to stretch, the more lint can become trapped inside.
5. Prevent ice dams
In areas of the country like Minnesota, significant snowfall is a part of life during the winter. Protect your roof from damage by helping prevent ice dams from forming. Ice dams form at the edge of the roofline and prevent melting snow from draining.
Ice dams form on the roof when warm air in the upper floors or attic melts snow or ice on parts of the roof – but not the eaves. As this snow melts prematurely, it freezes again on a colder part of the roof, such as the eaves; this creates the ice dam that can back up the flow of melting water and lead to roof damage.
There are several ways that ice dams can damage the roof. First, backed up water can sit on shingles, leaking through the roof and onto insulation and drywall. Ice dams also put downspouts and gutters at risk; because they sit at the edge of the roofline, a large ice dam can pull gutters down with it if it falls.
Ice dams can be carefully removed by breaking away small chunks at a time or using tools such as a rake or shovel to remove snow from the roof after a storm. However, the best solution to ice dams is to address the underlying cause: parts of the roof where snow melts too quickly due to leaking warm air. Adding insulation, keeping all parts of the home a consistent temperature, and preventing air leaks in the attic can all help prevent ice dams from forming.
At Jack Pixley Sweeps, we are used to dealing with cold Minnesota winters! Contact us today for information on how we can prepare your fireplace and chimney for the winter.
Winter is in full swing; for many homeowners, this means that the fireplace is being frequently used to bring warmth and comfort to their homes. However, there is still time to take care of your chimney!
With the holiday season at a close, it is easier for many families to find time to schedule chimney services. In addition, the team at Jack Pixley Sweeps have a variety of deal and promotions for our customers during these winter months!
$40 off any sweep with an inspection
If they schedule their appointment for the month of February, customers can get $40 off any sweep with an inspection. If you have not yet had your chimney swept or inspected this season, this is the perfect opportunity!
Chimney sweepings are one of the most important things homeowners can do to keep their fireplaces burning safely and efficiently. The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends all chimneys should be swept at least once per year. Chimney sweeping removes soot, ash, and debris from the flue; sweepings also remove any flammable creosote that has built up in the flue.
Creosote, which is a natural byproduct of combustion, is highly flammable. If accidentally ignited by stray sparks or embers, this can lead to a chimney fire. While small amounts of creosote are produced by every fire, there are a number of factors that can lead to increased creosote production. Burning green wood or wood that has not been properly seasoned or purposefully burning fires at low temperatures are two things that can cause excess creosote to accumulate in the flue.
Annual Sweepings
While an annual chimney sweeping is all that is necessary for most homes, additional chimney sweepings may be recommended for homes that burn more than one cord of wood each season. Mid-winter sweeps are recommended when 1/8th of an inch of soot has accumulated in the flue; this typically occurs after one cord of wood has been burned. Homes that use a wood-burning stove or fireplace as a primary heat source are often in the most need of a mid-season sweeping.
A chimney inspection goes hand in hand with chimney sweeping. The National Fire Protection Agency, or NFPA, states that “Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary.”
During a chimney inspection, the chimney sweep will check all accessible areas of the fireplace and chimney for signs of damage or deterioration. Chimney inspections are an important diagnostic tool for fireplace problems. An inspection could find small cracks in the masonry of the chimney, for example. This minor issue could be identified and repaired long before the structure of the chimney itself is damaged.
No charge for insert consultations!
Thinking about changing fuel sources? Jack Pixley Sweeps is currently offering no-cost gas and wood insert consultations! Fireplace inserts are efficient, easy to use, and an excellent alternative to open-hearth fireplaces.
For many homeowners with masonry fireplaces, inserts can be installed directly into the existing hearth. This makes it easier than ever before to switch fuel sources. While there is nothing that replaces the look and feel of a real wood-burning fire, the push-button ease of a gas burning fireplace can’t be beat! Gas fireplace inserts are more realistic than ever before. They also come in a variety of sizes and styles, and with features like adjustable thermostats that offer more control.
Don’t want to switch fuel sources but want better efficiency? There are wood burning inserts, too! According to the Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association, installing an insert into an existing fireplace can help reduce energy bills by as much as 40%! This is because inserts operate using closed system combustion. Less heat is lost up the fireplace, so the insert can better heat the home. Likewise, inserts burn wood more completely than masonry fireplaces, reducing the amount of firewood needed.
No charge refacing consultations!
Tired of old, drab, or stained masonry? Want a fireplace that better fits your décor and style? Consider having your fireplace refaced!
During the month of January, we are offering our customers no charge consultations for fireplace refacing! Fireplace refacing involves switching out the existing fireplace front without making changes to the fireplace or chimney. Redoing the fireplace front can be as minor as installing a new mantle or new glass doors or can be as dramatic as totally replacing all the brick, tile, or stone for a totally new look.
Because every fireplace is unique, every fireplace front redo is unique as well! Homeowners can work with our teams of highly skilled masons to design a new fireplace front that will seamlessly blend in with the rest of the décor in their home – or stand out as a totally unique, eye-catching focal point. Our fireplace refacing ensures that your new fireplace is both functional and beautiful.
Contact us today to take advantage of our new year promotions!
We may be into the middle of winter, but there is still plenty of time to have your fireplace serviced! Take advantage of the new year promotions at Jack Pixley Sweeps and contact us today to schedule a sweeping or inspection with a discount or to set up a free insert or refacing consultation!
Fireplaces are typically the center of the room, naturally drawing our eyes. Unfortunately, older, damaged, dirty, or out-of-date fireplaces can attract the 
wrong type of attention.
The weeks following the hectic holiday season are the perfect times to give the front of your fireplace a facelift. Likewise, while many outdoor masonry repairs cannot be done in the winter due to cold outdoor temperatures that prevent materials from property curing, indoor masonry work can be done year-round!
If you are ready to revamp your fireplace front, trust the experts at Jack Pixley Sweeps to help! Our staff can help you design the fireplace of your dreams that can help transform the look of your home!
Why should I remodel my fireplace front?
Fireplaces are one of the most sought after home features in real estate. In a recent survey, 40% of homebuyers said they would pay more for a house with a fireplace; buyers said they would pay as much as $1,400 more for homes with updated fireplaces.
Unfortunately, the National Association of Homebuilders found that 46% of buyers’ looks are the most important part of a fireplace. No matter how much heat your old fireplace produces or how efficient it is, buyers are still more interested in form over function when it comes to fireplaces.
If your fireplace is starting to show its age, now is the perfect time to consider redoing the fireplace front! Whether the masonry is stained, doesn’t match the style of the rest of your home, or is simply seriously out of style, the staff at Jack Pixley Sweep can help you design the fireplace front of your dreams!
Three reasons to redo your fireplace front
An outdated or out of style fireplace can attract the wrong kind of attention in a room. Investing in a new fireplace front can ensure your fireplace is a beautiful design focal point – rather than one you hide behind paint, shelves, or furniture. The following are three of the top reasons to redo your fireplace front.
1. Add value to your home
Home buyers want fireplaces in their homes – and are willing to pay for them! Redoing the front of your fireplace is a project that will provide high return on investment, adding value to your home and making it more marketable when you are ready to move.
2. Match the décor in the rest of your home
Do you prefer a sleek, minimalist look but are stuck with a rustic fireplace? Have a mid-century modern brick wall when you want French Country?
Even when a fireplace is in good condition, it can stick out like a sore thumb if it does not match the décor of the rest of the home. The team at Jack Pixley Sweeps can help you design a new fireplace face that fits in seamlessly with the style surrounding it. From brick and stone to river rock and tile, our expert masons can help you design the fireplace of your dreams.
3. Make a big – or small – change
Redoing the face of the fireplace doesn’t have to be a major construction project. Because every fireplace is unique, so is every fireplace face we design! Our staff works with homeowners to create a personalized fireplace front that meets your heating needs while reflecting the style of your home.
One easy yet effective way to change the look of a fireplace – without significant construction – is to add a new mantel. Taking this simple step can completely change the look of a fireplace, even without removing or changing the existing bricks or tile.
Fireplace doors are easy to install and extremely effective at quickly updating the look of a fireplace. In addition, this fireplace accessory can help improve the efficiency of wood-burning fireplaces by letting less outside air into the room.
Redoing the fireplace front? Consider switching fuel sources!
If you are ready to remodel the front of your fireplace, consider switching fuel sources! While there is nothing that compares to sitting in front of an open, crackling fire, modern gas and pellet inserts are efficient and easy to use. Many homeowners prefer the push-button ease of gas or the efficient heat of pellets overcutting and stacking logs or stoking wood fires.
Changing fuel sources can be easy thanks to fireplace inserts. A fireplace insert is installed into the existing hearth; this is often able to prevent the need for major demolition or construction. There are inserts that burn gas, pellets, and even wood.
Whatever your reason for remodeling, we can help!
Remodeling your fireplace front creates a beautiful design focal point in any room – while adding value to your home. In addition to fireplace front facelifts, Jack Pixley Sweeps offers a wide variety of fireplace, chimney, and masonry services; we can take care of everything fireplace and chimney related from the bottom of the firebox to the top of the flue! For more information on redoing your fireplace front or to schedule your next chimney services, contact us today
Temperatures are dropping, leaves are changing and starting to fall, and many parts of the country have experienced the first snowfalls of the season. Fall is in full swing, and winter is just around the corner! With the change in the weather comes a change in how we use our heating appliances; fall and winter are known as burning seasons because of how often fireplaces, inserts, stoves, and other fuel-burning heating appliances are used.
The Farmer’s Almanac has predicted that this winter will have big chills and strong storms; a fireplace can help create a warm, welcoming environment in your home no matter the weather. While chimney systems are built to burn fires year after year, they do need regular care, maintenance, and upkeep in order to operate safely and efficiently. The following tips and tricks can help ensure your fireplace and chimney are ready for the arrival of burning season.
1. Schedule a sweeping and inspection as soon as possible
Burning season may be underway, but it’s still not too late to schedule a chimney sweeping and inspection! A chimney sweeping should be done at least once per year to remove soot, ash, and flammable creosote from the flue; likewise, inspections should be done annually to check for signs of damage or deterioration to the fireplace or chimney.
A chimney sweeping by a CSIA-certified chimney sweep can help ensure your fireplace is burning efficiently, extend the life of your chimney system, and significantly reduce the risk of a chimney fire. Fall and winter are the busiest seasons for chimney sweeps; because of this, it may take several weeks before your appointment can be scheduled. Want to beat the rush next year? Plan ahead and schedule your chimney maintenance in the offseason!
Have a gas fireplace? You still need to schedule a chimney inspection! Annual inspections of gas fireplaces are important to ensure that no components have shifted, no gas leaks are occurring, and the venting system is undamaged and has no blockages.
2. Choose the right firewood
Whether you have an insert, open-hearth fireplace, stove, or even an outdoor fire pit, the best fuel for your wood-burning fire is seasoned firewood. According to the CSIA, seasoned firewood is “wood that has a moisture content between 20-25%.” This low moisture content is achieved by cutting, stacking, and exposing wood to the elements for 6-12 months.
Seasoned wood produces less smoke, burns at a higher temperature, and produces less creosote than freshly cut or “green” firewood. Burning green wood should be avoided whenever possible; in addition to being difficult to ignite because of the high moisture content in the wood, green wood burns dirtier and produces excessive smoke – and creosote. Burning large amounts of greenwood often result in a mid-season call to the chimney sweep!
While it can be tempting to burn paper, packaging materials, or leftover scrap wood in the fireplace – particularly when unwrapping presents during the holidays – only firewood should be used in indoor fireplaces. Styrofoam, stained or painted wood, or even printed paper can release dangerous chemicals when burned; this can impact the air quality in your home or cause respiratory issues for friends and family. Likewise, burning plastics can melt onto fireplace components and cause long term damage to the chimney system.
3. Maintain smoke detectors and safety equipment
In the United States, three out of five fire-related deaths were in homes without working smoke alarms. Regularly testing and replacing smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers are an important part of keeping friends and family safe when the fireplace is in use. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be on every level of a home, as well as outside sleeping areas. Test alarms every six months and replace batteries as needed; replace safety equipment every 7-10 years to ensure they meet modern safety standards and technology.
A fire extinguisher should be purchased and placed in an easily-accessible area near the fireplace. Available at almost every big box or home improvement store, a working fire extinguisher can be used to prevent an unsafe situation from turning dangerous. A log rolling out of the fireplace, a fire burning out of control, or a stray ember landing on nearby furnishings are all situations where a fire extinguisher can help prevent devastating damage to a home.
4. Keep décor away from the fireplace
The stockings may have been hung by the chimney with care – but they need to be moved before the fireplace is used! During the holidays – and year-round – our mantles can hold décor such as garland, bunting, mementos, and more. Moving any hanging mantle décor out of the way before the fireplace is used can prevent stray sparks or embers from accidentally igniting a stocking; likewise, all carpets and other furnishings should be at least three feet away from the fireplace when in use.
Contact Jack Pixley Sweeps for your chimney needs this burning season
Following a few simple tips can keep your home safe and stress-free this burning season. Since 1977 staff has been providing the Minneapolis/Saint Paul area with quality, trustworthy fireplace and chimney services. For more information on fireplace safety or to schedule your next chimney sweeping or inspection, contact Jack Pixley Sweeps today!
Although winter weather may prevent some exterior chimney repairs from being made, it is the perfect time to give your fireplace a facelift! While fireplaces are a timeless home feature, fireplace facades may be in need of a makeover; dirty masonry, damaged bricks, or a style that simply doesn’t match the rest of your décor can all be reasons to invest in a fireplace facelift. When working with the team of fireplace experts at Jack Pixley Sweeps to design your new fireplace, the only limit is your imagination!
Benefits of remodeling an indoor fireplace
The fireplace is often the focal point of the room; a fireplace makeover can ensure you get the perfect design for your unique style. The following are three reasons to consider a fireplace remodel this winter.
1. Add lasting value to your home
Fireplaces are one of the most requested home features in real estate. The National Association of Homebuilders found that potential buyers would pay up to $1,400 more for a home with a fireplace. In the same survey, 46% of buyers said looks were the most important aspect of a fireplace. Updating the fireplace with a facelift can help add lasting value to your home – and create a beautiful design element in any room.
2. Make a small change – or a big one
The first step in a fireplace remodel is researching what style and design you would like. Whether your dream fireplace is sleek and modern or rough and rustic, our team of fireplace experts at Jack Pixley Sweeps can help you design – and build – your dream fireplace.
While a total fireplace rebuild is often the best way to custom-design an entirely new fireplace, there are a number of small changes that can still have a big impact. Replacing old, warped fireplace doors with new glass doors can help a fireplace look newer while also burning more efficient. Likewise, replacing the mantle is another way to overhaul the look of an entire room – not just the fireplace.
3. Change fuel sources with an insert
Interested in changing fuel sources? Think about installing a new, energy-efficient fireplace insert! Fireplace inserts are available in a wide variety of sizes, styles, and fuel sources; installing a new insert can modernize a fireplace while making the entire chimney system more efficient.
When should I schedule my appointment?
Winter months are the perfect time to schedule interior fireplace remodels. Because interior work is not impacted by the weather, our masons can build your new fireplace even if the weather outside is frightful! Likewise, we recommend that homeowners schedule fireplace remodels after the holidays; this prevents construction from impacting family get-togethers or holiday parties.
Remodeling the fireplace over the winter is also ideal if you are preparing to sell your home. Spring is the most popular season for both buying and selling in real estate; having the fireplace remodeled over the winter ensures your heating appliance is showroom ready when spring arrives.
Help your fireplace avoid the winter blues by investing in a fireplace remodel! It can add value, help update your home, and create an entirely new look – without building an entirely new fireplace. Even if you want to schedule after the holidays are over, contact the staff at Jack Pixley Sweeps today. Fall and winter are our busiest season, and scheduling early helps ensure your appointment gets on the books!
