During the hot spring and summer months, most homeowners pay little attention to their chimneys. However, now is the best time to have your chimney maintenance and repairs done, especially if your chimney is in need of masonry repairs.
During the winter, fireplaces and chimneys endure months of heavy use and abuse. Coupled with exposure to freezing temperatures and other winter conditions, most chimney systems are in need of maintenance at the end of the season.
If your chimney or fireplace needs masonry repairs, now is the perfect time to have them done!
How masonry gets damaged
There are a number of ways that your chimney’s masonry may be damaged. Below are some of the most common causes of masonry damage.
Water: Moisture is one of the most damaging forces to your chimney and fireplace. While bricks and mortar are designed to stand up against water, repetitive damage from rain or leaks can cause masonry to crack or spall. The masonry in the firebox is particularly susceptible to water damage from chimney leaks; these bricks are designed to withstand high heats, not exposure to water.
Settling: All homes settle over time. However, if your fireplace was not built on a proper foundation this can cause it to crack or shift. Masonry damage from settling is often seen as cracks in the firebox or tilting or uneven chimneys. Chimneys that have been damaged by settling should be repaired as soon as possible to ensure they are stable and safe.
Other damage: While masonry is sturdy, it can be easily damaged if not correctly cared for. One cause of masonry damage that homeowners often forget about is power washing. Attempting to clean your chimney with a power washer can leave your bricks chipped, cracked, spalled, and in need of repair. Similarly, non-breathable sealants or paints that are not designed for use on masonry can actually further damage your chimney instead of protecting it.
Why have your masonry repaired now
Masonry damaged should ideally be repaired as soon as it is found. If you have existing or ongoing masonry damage, however, the summer is a great time of year to have your masonry repaired. Below are three reasons to have your masonry repaired before the fall.
1. Less fireplace use: As the temperatures outside climb, most homeowners are less likely to want to use their fireplaces. Because of this, you would not be inconvenienced or unable to use your fireplace when wanted when having it repaired now as to in the summer.
2. Fewer weather delays: Masonry repairs during the fall are often delayed by weather issues. Likewise, some masonry repairs cannot be performed in cooler temperatures, making them difficult – if not impossible – to complete in the fall or winter.
3. Less wait time: The fall is the most popular time of year for chimney maintenance and repairs. Because of this, it can be extremely difficult to get an appointment at a convenient time. Having your masonry repaired in the summer allows you to schedule the appointment when you want it rather than waiting weeks for an available time.
If you have masonry repairs that need to get done, don’t wait until fall. Let our expert masons take care of your chimney so it is ready to use when the temperatures drop. Call Jack Pixley Sweeps at 763-422-0481 today to schedule your masonry appointment!
Fireplaces are designed to contain heat from a roaring fire – the last thing you want to see in your fireplace is water! The presence of water in your fireplace or chimney can indicate that there is a leak somewhere in your chimney system. Likewise, water can quickly cause damage and deterioration to your entire chimney and fireplace system.
A leaky chimney is more than just a minor annoyance. Have your leaky chimney repaired as soon as possible to avoid long term damage to your fireplace and chimney system.
What causes chimney leaks?
Because chimneys are complex structures, there are a number of places where a leak might be caused. At Jack Pixley Sweeps, our technicians are highly trained to find the source of the leak before water damage gets worse. The following are some of the most common causes of chimney leaks.
Chimney cap: Chimney caps, also known as rain covers, are designed to protect the top of the chimney against animals, debris, and water. Without a chimney cap, water from rain, ice, and snow can freely enter your chimney, damaging the interior and exterior of your chimney system.
Chimney crown: The chimney crown seals the top of the chimney around the flue as well as protects the masonry of the chimney structure. If a chimney crown is damaged, incorrectly sized, or improperly installed it can cause a variety of chimney leaks. Crowns built without a proper overhang, for example, allow water to flow directly onto the bricks of the chimney; this, in turn, causes the masonry to crack and spall, allowing more and more water in. Likewise, cracks in the chimney crown can also let water into the chimney and create leaks.
Flashing: Flashing is the watertight strip that connects the masonry of the chimney with the rest of the roofline. Flashing can easily be installed incorrectly, especially when put in by inexperienced roofers. Likewise, even correctly installed flashing can be damaged due to animals, exposure, or settling.
Without watertight flashing, homeowners may notice water leaks or stains on the walls or ceilings around the chimney structure. Many homeowners mistakenly believe it is their roof leaking when it fact the flashing has simply lost its watertight seal.
Preventing leaky chimneys
The best thing you can do to prevent a chimney leak is to have a chimney sweep and inspection performed each year. This annual maintenance ensures that your chimney remains in top condition and any damage can be fixed quickly and easily before turning into a major issue.
In addition to regular annual maintenance, homeowners can also have their masonry waterproofed. Our waterproofing products are specifically designed for use on masonry, keeping moisture out while still allowing gas to pass through.
If you are experiencing a chimney leak, don’t delay – contact Jack Pixley Sweeps today! Our expert staff can find and repair the source of the leak and get you back to enjoying your fireplace faster!
We conduct smoke tests to ensure your chimney is venting correctly
A new fireplace, insert, or stove is a great way to transform any living space in your home by bringing warmth and ambiance to the room. When having a new heating appliance added in your home, however, it is recommended to have them professionally installed and tested to ensure they are safely operating.
One recommended test for newly installed stoves, fireplaces, and inserts is the smoke test. According to National Fire Protection Association Standard 211, all new masonry chimneys must have a smoke test before they can be used.
What is a smoke test?
A smoke test is used when a new fireplace is installed to ensure that the fireplace is drawing and venting correctly. During the smoke test, a blowtorch is used to warm the flue and establish flue draw. Next a smoke pellet with a discernible odor is inserted. The smoke – and the odor – created by the pellet are one way we can tell how the fireplace is drafting.
Once the pellet has been lit, the first step is to wait and see if smoke is rising from the chimney. Once this smoke is seen, both the top and bottom of the flue will be sealed off, including closing all ash covers, doors, pits, and vents. This traps the remaining smoke inside the flue. Our chimney sweeps will then evaluate the interior and exterior of your chimney and home to ensure there are no leaks. If any leaks are found, repairs can be quickly made and evaluated.
During the smoke test process, we take the time to answer any questions you may have and explain each step of the process before we do it. We believe that this commitment to customer education allows homeowners to more fully understand and confidently and safely operate their heating appliances.
Why is a smoke test important?
While a smoke test may seem unnecessary, it is actually an important part of chimney safety. When a new fireplace is built or a stove or insert is installed, it is important to ensure that the byproducts of combustion are able to fully, easily, and correctly vent from the home. By using a smoke pellet, our chimney sweeps can identify any areas with defects or flaws; left unrepaired, these flaws could allow dangerous gasses such as carbon monoxide to silently seep into your home.
Smoke tests are also a tool for protecting your family against a chimney fire. Chimneys that vent incompletely are at greater risk for developing large pockets of creosote, a highly flammable byproduct of combustion that is the leading cause of chimney fire. By having the smoke test done on your new fireplace, you can rest assured that it is venting properly and minimal creosote will find its way into your flue.
If you’ve recently built a new fireplace or had a new stove or insert installed, call Jack Pixley Sweeps to schedule a smoke test. Not only will it make sure that your new heating appliance is venting correctly, but it can help protect your family’s health and safety. Contact us today to schedule your smoke test appointment!
If you live in and around Edina, MN call us!
Since our founding in 1977, we at Jack Pixley Sweeps have been proudly serving our friends and neighbors in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. After nearly forty years of providing high quality chimney and masonry services, we are proud to announce that we will now serve the Edina, Minnesota area!
We truly enjoy serving the Edina area; our experience with the unique chimney issues with this area make us the right company for all of your fireplace needs!
About us
Founded in 1977, we do our best to not just meet – but to exceed – the expectations of our friends and neighbors in the Twin Cities area. We have made it our mission to provide high quality chimney sweep services that you can trust.
For the past 35 years, our business has been dedicated to being the best in the business. Although Jack Pixley Sweeps isn’t the busiest or the biggest chimney company, our customers continue to use our services year after year for all of their fireplace needs. Our dedication to customer service is what has made Jack Pixley Sweeps “the name you can trust!”
Our services
At Jack Pixley Sweeps, we offer our customers a wide variety of services for the fireplaces and chimneys. While we do offer chimney sweepings and inspections, we can do so much more. We are one of the few companies in the areas that can provide closed circuit camera inspections which can help uncover hidden chimney dangers that cannot otherwise be seen. For homeowners experiencing ongoing issues such as drafts, leaks, or animal entry, we can diagnose the source of the problem and repair it to keep it from happening again.
We also proudly offer masonry services to our customers. Unlike general contractors or handymen, our masons are specifically trained to work with fireplaces and chimneys, leaving you with a product that will last for years to come. Whether your masonry chimney needs minor repairs, a complete rebuild, or you need a new insert installed, Jack Pixley Sweeps is your go to company for masonry issues in the Edina area!
In addition to our fireplace and chimney services, we also offer dryer vent cleaning. If your dryer is not working the way it used to, consider having the dryer vents cleaned before spending hundreds of dollars on a new appliance. Oftentimes, your old dryer’s performance can return to normal just by having the vents cleaned!
Our service area
Jack Pixley Sweeps is based out of Andover, Minnesota and are proud to provide chimney services for many areas surrounding the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Some of the counties we serve include Sherburne, Anoka, Isanti, Carver, Scott, Dakota, Washington, Ramsey, Hennepin, and parts of Stearns, Chisago, and Wright Counties. A full list of the counties, cities, and zip codes we serve can be found here. If you don’t see your zip code listed, give us a call!
If your masonry or chimney needs cleaning or maintenance, contact Jack Pixley Sweeps today. We pride ourselves on providing our friends and neighbors in Minnesota high quality and trustworthy chimney and masonry services and look forward to helping you with your fireplace needs!
After a long winter, spring is a welcome change in season. Unfortunately, the same spring weather that brings warmer temperatures and longer days also leads to lots and lots of rain, which can be extremely damaging to your chimney system.
Whether your chimney is currently in good condition or has experienced some previous water damage, consider waterproofing your chimney this spring. Waterproofing your chimney is an excellent way to extend the life of your masonry chimney and keep it looking beautiful for years to come.
How water damages chimneys
Although they are designed to be exposed to the elements, water is still one of the most damaging forces for a chimney and can affect many different parts of your fireplace system. However, moisture can be most damaging to your masonry, causing it to chip, crack, spall, and even fall away from the chimney structure.
One of the primary ways that water damages masonry is through the freeze thaw cycle. During this process, small amounts of water are absorbed by the brick, only to freeze and expand. When the water melts, it leaves behind holes that become gradually larger and larger, leading to severe masonry damage.
Because the presence of rain and other moisture is an inevitable part of nature, homeowners should take proactive steps to protect their masonry structures by having them professionally waterproofed. Waterproofing can protect your masonry against water damage, significantly extending its durability.
How waterproofing works
Applying a waterproofing product to your chimney is one of the single greatest things you can do to protect your masonry. The products used by fireplace professionals are specially designed for use on chimneys and other masonry structures. This means that they are able to prevent new moisture from getting in without trapping existing moisture inside; this is extremely important as other sealants, such as paint, trap water in the masonry and can lead to further damage. In addition to not trapping water inside the brick, these products also allow the masonry to retain its naturally porous properties by allowing hot air and gasses to escape.
The products we use
At Jack Pixley Sweeps, we proudly recommend and use the SaverSystems waterproofing products.
- ChimneySaver: The ChimneySaver water repellent is specially formulated for use on the bricks and mortar of your chimney structure. It works by penetrating deep into the brick, forming a lasting seal against water that still allows trapped moisture and gas to escape. ChimneySaver can significantly extend the life of your masonry and offer long term protection against water, even in homes with existing moisture damage.
- CrownCoat: CrownCoat is a flexible, waterproof sealant that is applied to the chimney crown or wash. CrownCoat is an extremely cost effective way to stop water entry in your chimney crown and can be used on chimneys with existing minor cracks and deterioration. When applied correctly, CrownCoat also features a 15 year warranty against further water intrustion.
- FlashSeal: FlashSeal is a rubber membrane that can be applied to existing flashing. This product is especially useful in homes where the flashing has begun to deteriorate, chip, and lose its watertight seal. When applied correctly with reinforcement fabric, FlashSeal is guaranteed to last up to seven years.
Protect your chimney against this year’s April showers – contact Jack Pixley Sweeps today to schedule your waterproofing appointment!
If your chimney or fireplace needs masonry repairs, now is the perfect time to have them done!
