Wednesday, 12 November 2014

Dryer Vent Cleaning equipment

Our house takes care of us in every situation and gives us our sweet little private place in this huge world. So, at the same time, it becomes our duty to take care of our house and all our belongings. Proper maintenance and care can boost up the life of the house as well as all the appliances of the house. Most people do their part to keep their house, and all their appliances, in working order. Most people schedule a regular professional furnace cleaning, but few think to do so for their clothes dryer.

Generally, when it comes to keeping a dryer clean, most people think the extent of the job relates to removing lint from the lint trap and possibly, once in a while, vacuum out the chute that holds the lint trap. But there is much more to do than that. That lint trap, while doing its job, can't do it all. Some lint is going to get past it and into other areas of your clothes dryer that you may not be able to clean on your own. This is the time when the need for the professional dryer vent cleaning comes. The work it takes to disassemble these parts of your dryer is difficult, and doing it incorrectly could cause more damage. A professional will inspect and clean all areas to be sure there is proper air flow.

The Dryer

There is a lot of lint which slips from the lint traps and could now be present anywhere inside the dryer. It could be messy as well as hazardous as any spark inside the machine could set the lint aflame.

The Chute


The chute that takes the hot air and lint out of your dryer and to the outside of your house is another area of the dryer that lint will get stuck in. Some of the lint that made it past the trap and into the ducts out of the dryer and towards the outside won’t complete the trip. Instead, it will get stuck on the textured walls inside the chute. Too much of this piling up can be a fire hazard as well as a costly problem since the more there is clogging up the chutes, the harder the dryer has to work to blow air through the system.

The Dryer Vent

The last place which needs to be cleaned is the vent outside your house. It is the final destination of all that hot air. The vent needs to be checked for two reasons; to make sure it’s not clogged with lint and to make sure it's intact any holes or tears could invite bugs and rodents into your house.

The above points emphasize the importance of a clean dryer vent for your clothes as well as for the safety of your house. To keep your clothes dryer working efficiently and safely, have a professional inspection and cleaning at least once a year. If you have a large family and use your dryer almost daily, you may want to double that service schedule. Proper dryer vent cleaning tools will save money on utility bills while preventing a clothes dryer fire. A properly cleaned dryer vent is an asset for any homeowner in saving time as well as money.

Wednesday, 1 October 2014

Things You Will Absolutely Have to Know about Chimney Exhaust Fans

Nowadays, many people associate having a chimney fireplace with a certain kind of old-fashioned way of building homes and heating them. For many of the people out there, chimneys feel outdated, but the truth is that they can provide you with many benefits. From the fact that you can actually reduce the heating costs for your household to the fact that you will make your home have a certain kind of appeal and a vintage/old-school look that is very well-looked upon these days, there are numerous advantages to building a chimney fireplace in your home.

However, if you want to reap all these benefits without having to face the disadvantages, you will have to be 100% certain that your chimney is built and maintained the right way. This includes having true professionals deal with the building process and making sure that they use the very best materials on the market.

One of the things you will definitely have to take into consideration is installing chimney exhaust fans for your fireplace. Although some of the people out there may not believe that exhaust fans are actually worth it and that they are not really necessary, the truth is that installing it on your chimney fireplace can definitely make the whole experience much better.

Basically, the chimney exhaust fans will be that part of your chimney fireplace which is responsible with making sure that odors and dirt from the chimney do not reach your home. Since these 2 things are among the main reasons for which many people choose to leave chimneys behind, installing chimney exhaust fans will eliminate the most poignant disadvantages of having a chimney and it will leave you with the best there is to having it.

If you want to make sure that your fans do their job correctly, you will also have to make sure that you invest in a very high quality product (complimented by high quality installation services, of course). Very good chimney fans will eliminate the smoke problem completely and they will even work on eliminating other unpleasant smells from your home (including cigarette smoke) because they will also act as a ventilator.

Furthermore, if you are worried that the fans will ruin the appearance of your home, you should know the fact that nowadays they are manufactured so that they can suit multiple designs. Basically, they can come in almost any color you may wish and this will help you create a good-looking exterior for your house.

Even more, modern fans for chimneys are very well-built and they will require minimum or no maintenance at all. Manufacturers that deal with these fans have also managed to build them so that they are completely silent, so if you were worried about that, you can now rest assured that you will be able to enjoy absolute silence when you need it. The only sounds you will hear from your Chimney exhaust fans will be the one noticing you that refueling is needed and the ones alarming you about the potentiality of a chimney fire.

For reference:- Click here

Thursday, 11 September 2014

What You Need to Know about Gas Fireplace Conversions

A fireplace in the home adds a touch of class to whatever room it graces, and, of course, can be a great option for keeping warm during the winter. However, many people would like to update their older fireplace, just like they do for other features of their home. Fortunately, a gas fireplace conversion is an easy and relatively affordable option that has become quite popular in recent years.

The Problem with Older Fireplaces


If you’re on the fence about the idea or you haven’t even considered it, there are a couple reasons why most people would rather do without their old fireplace. One is simply that it’s inconvenient. In the age of smartphones and Wi-Fi, no one wants to be troubled by manually loading up a hearth with wood and getting a fire started. This process not only takes longer than most would like, but also can also cause quite the mess.


Many people aren’t too fond of their chimney either. The old-fashioned kind can demand regular cleaning, especially if you have a pest problem. Squirrels, birds and even bats love a good chimney. That access to the outdoors can also cause unnecessary heat loss in your home.

After a gas fireplace conversion, these issues disappear. Starting a fire is as easy as turning on a light and many models these days even come with a remote. There’s absolutely no mess involved either way. Your chimney has no access to the home, so you’re not losing heat and you actually don’t even need the traditional kind that so many pests like to call home.

Options for a Gas Fireplace Conversion

One of the underappreciated benefits of a gas fireplace conversion is that it can give your room a whole new look. If you’re trying to modernize things, obviously you’re not going to get very far if your room features a fireplace from decades ago, for example. By switching out the fireplace, you can make it match any style you want for the room.

Your options for a gas fireplace include:

•    A gas fireplace kit
•    A vent-free gas fireplace
•    A gas fireplace insert

None of these involve any changes to the structure of your home or room. However, in terms of their energy use, the way they’ll affect the inside of your home and their general aesthetic, there are some things worth considering. So let’s look at each of these models a little closer.

A Gas Fireplace Kit

For a long time, this was the most popular option for gas fireplaces. Essentially, it looks just like a traditional version, including a collection of logs and sometimes even a grate. While it looks cool, this model needs a damper that’s kept partially open at all times. Otherwise, someone could activate the fireplace and flood their home with carbon monoxide. However, having a damper open at all times means your home is losing the air you’re paying for—whether heated or cooled. The only other option would be to install airtight glass doors, but those could easily cost in excess of $1,000 all by themselves.

A Vent Free Gas Fireplace

One way to solve this problem is to install a vent free gas fireplace. There’s no exhaust going up your chimney, so you keep all the heat in your room. Unfortunately, this means you can really only run the fireplace for three to four hours. All the combustion ends up inside and this includes the moisture released. So this model also isn’t a good idea for homes where people have asthma, allergies, or heart problems. As you can only run it for a few hours at a time, this isn’t the best model for heating a room either.

A Gas Fireplace Insert

This final option is going to be your most expensive. You’re looking at spending about three times as much for this model. Open fires also aren’t an option with this version, but that also means no loss of air. Plus, you can run this fireplace for hours at a time without fear of moisture issues.

So if you’re still considering a Chim-A-Lator Fireplace Dampers, those are your options. They’ll run between $1,000 and $3,000, for the most part, but if you love the look of a fireplace and the heat it provides, you’ll probably find it worth it. A gas fireplace conversion can also be handled in a day, meaning you won’t have to wait long for the finished product either.

Monday, 4 August 2014

Vermiculite Panels: A Smart Choice for Homeowners

For most homeowners, it is important to maintain the appliances they already have in the home. During this maintenance process, one may need to replace or upgrade working parts of many of the mainstays in the home.

 Always looking for ways to save money, residential property owners may also consider using more energy-efficient products and materials during this replacement cutting down their heating and electric costs.  For example, one may replace their air filter with a new efficient filter that can purify the air much better than the previous one.  Just like the upgraded air filter, the chimney industry can offer the vermiculite panel as a way for the average homeowner to save time and money.

In this article, we will take time to explore why the vermiculite panel is a wise choice for many of those looking for fireplace panel replacements.

Basic Function

A vermiculite panel is designed to provide efficient insulation to the fireplace while in use. The vermiculite material itself is a very durable substance providing lasting protection for years to come.  It is also affordable making it attractive to those working with certain budget constraints or looking to save a couple dollars.  Likewise, this type of panel can be a smart choice because of its ability to not only insulate the heat within the area but also to reflect heat back in.

Versatility

One of the reasons why the vermiculite panel is becoming so popular is because it can easily be made to fit irregular sizes and odd shapes.  Homeowners can simply order a panel to fit their specific dimensions and shape needed.  While most chimneys fall into the regular size category, being able to buy custom is a huge advantage of the vermiculite panel.

Energy Efficient
Because of the vermiculite panel’s ability to reflect heat back into the fireplace, many homeowners can enjoy a more powerful fire when they employ this replacement into their fireplace.  With this added function, residents can enjoy a roaring, warm fire while maintaining a lower blaze than those using other types of replacement panels.  The vermiculite panel also keeps released emissions to a minimum making it a smart choice for the environment too.

Multiple Uses

While the chimney industry benefits specifically from the vermiculite panel, there are many other industries that use this material for construction.  One of the main construction materials vermiculite is used in is building board.  Building boards made of vermiculite can come in a number of varieties and are especially helpful when a high standard of fire protection is necessary.  Along with building boards, vermiculite can also be used in plaster as well as loose-fill insulation.

Next time you need to replace the panel in your fireplace, I hope you consider the vermiculite panel chimney cleaning supplies. With function and a lot of extra benefits, this panel is a wise decision for homeowners in a variety of situations.  Whether you are looking for a custom fit or just a standard panel, you are sure to find what you need when you choose a vermiculite model.

Tuesday, 29 July 2014

Use Special Chimney Cleaning Brushes for an Effective Clean

If you are a professional who works in the field of chimney maintenance, then you know how imperative it is to your reputation and to keeping your business going that you have the best tools to do your job. Not all chimney cleaning supplies and systems are created equal, so you need to be absolutely certain that the items you purchase for cleaning your customers' chimneys are of the highest quality and made by the best brands out there. You need a large amount of important products, such as chimney cleaning brushes and you need to buy them from a quality manufacturer who sells them at prices that fit into your budget.

Some of the most highly sought after chimney cleaning systems that include chimney cleaning brushes are the Viper cleaning systems. Viper systems are very unique and advanced chimney cleaning systems. One highly sought after Viper cleaning system uses a continuous 65' rod which is neatly coiled inside of a stainless steel basket. This rod will clean the inside of the chimney using attached chimney cleaning brushes and is easily fed out and then quickly retracted as needed. It can be used to clean chimneys that are medium to large in size.

Many chimney maintenance professionals enjoy using Viper cleaning systems because they are easy to adjust and have a safety brake that helps you to lock them in when you are working on the roof. This advanced piece of equipment has an adaptor so that it is compatible with a wide range of chimney cleaning brushes. The rod reel provides an easy place for you and your crew to store your brushes so that you never have to waste precious time searching for the ones you need. Another fantastic feature of this cleaning system is that it comes already assembled, so that it is ready to use the moment you open the box. The Viper cleaning systems are easy to carry and lightweight and will help you to do your job even more effectively than before.

The Viper cleaning systems are sold by only the best chimney cleaning supply companies. You can find them online and they will be shipped right to your door so that you can begin using them quickly. Look for the Viper cleaning systems and other chimney cleaning brushes online at everyday low prices so that you can save time on every job while still cleaning the inside of the chimney thoroughly.
Chimney Cleaning Brushes - Using chimney cleaning brushes will enable you to clean off the oils and soot that accumulated. Largest selection of chimney caps, dampers, pipes, liner, brushes and more Chimney Cleaning Equipment and fireplace accessories at lindemann chimney supply.

Friday, 18 July 2014

Protect Your Investments for Home Improvement

With the state of the nation's economy it's imperative to protect your investments. One of the biggest investments you will make is in your home. Failing to take measures to preserve it now can cost you hundreds or even thousands later. Here are some savvy investment protection strategies that allow you to control potential losses in regards to your chimney.


At the top of the chimney is a mortar colored chimney crown. This mortar "cover" keeps moisture and debris from penetrating the area between the outside of the flue liner and the inside of the chimney structure. If we were to use X-ray vision and look inside, we would typically find an airspace gap there. If a crack develops in the crown, moisture can enter this area, quickly leading to deterioration and repair expenses. To prevent future costly repairs, chimney crowns can usually be repaired as long as the crown is still structurally sound. In addition, most crown repair products also contain waterproofing agents.


A chimney cap protects the chimney like an umbrella. Without a cap your chimney functions as an open rain gauge, collecting water and debris which can quickly lead to damage. Caps have several protective functions. The screen acts as a deterrent to keep critters from entering the flue. Those cute cuddly critters leave behind droppings, fleas, dirt and other undesirables. It also acts as a spark arrestor, helping to lessen the likelihood of sparks igniting the roof. The lid prevents or minimizes the entry of rain, snow, leaves, and other debris. A larger cap can cover the crown shedding rain away from it. Some chimney caps even have a damper function. This type of chimney top damper cap is used for wood burning fireplaces. Open it when using the fireplace and you will still have the protection of the chimney cap feature. A chimney top damper saves hundreds of dollars in utility costs, providing a quick return on your investment dollars. They usually pay for themselves within 2-5 years.


Since a chimney is a masonry material it should last forever. Right? Unfortunately, this isn't the case. After all, the Grand Canyon was once a level masonry structure. Water is proven to erode masonry over time. Sometimes, it takes thousands of years, like the Grand Canyon. Chimneys can deteriorate more rapidly because they are exposed to extreme stress and temperature extremes. The interior of the flue can be hot while the exterior is cold - maybe even freezing. This can cause stress to the structure.

Also, corrosive residue inside the flue can attack mortar joints when moisture enters and mixes with it, resulting in a caustic residue. Waterproofing your chimney wraps it in an invisible protective shield. Be sure to verify that the waterproofing material is vapor permeable. This means that moisture on the inside can still escape to the exterior, but moisture on the outside is prevented from entering the structure. Some waterproofing materials have solids that block the pores of the masonry, causing the moisture to become trapped in the chimney, usually leading to greater deterioration than if the chimney was never waterproofed. Paint can have the same effect.


Many historical homes have ivy growing on the exterior or the chimney. Although it provides a quaint appeal these plants can cause damage requiring hundreds or thousands of dollars in repair costs. Keep in mind that these plants anchor into the masonry with their little roots that grow over time. When this happens, it's like having thousands of tiny nail holes in your mortar joints. These small holes open an entry to moisture that can penetrate through the chimney causing damage. This weakens the structure over time.


Chimney flashing is the metal that surrounds the chimney at the roofline. It covers the gap between the chimney and the roof and slopes to shed rain away from the chimney. If it leaks the chimney can get wet and lead to deterioration or it can cause damage to ceilings, walls, wet attic insulation, etc. This can amount to a hefty repair bill. There are products that your chimney professional can use to repair a leaky flashing at a relatively economical cost in comparison to replacing drywall, wallpaper and ceiling fixtures.


Chimneys collect residue from the flue gasses they exhaust. Wood burning releases creosote and other byproducts into the flue. Coal releases sulfur. Oil releases sulfur and nitrates. Gas can leave acids as a result of the combustion air that it pulls from the house. Regardless, any residue could lead to chimney deterioration. Especially when moisture is present. Having the chimney inspected and cleaned is a vital step to preserving your chimney and keeping your home safe.


The chimney is the most important "appliance" in your home. It exhausts toxic gasses and heat and your heating appliances are dependent on how well the chimney works. It's even more important to protect this vital part of your home and preserve the safety of your family. Thoughtfully consider these issues and know that if you experience these problems there is often an economical fix, as long as you address the problem instead of waiting until major deterioration sets in. It's all a part of protecting your investment dollars.

The chimney is the most important "appliance" in your home. It exhausts toxic gasses and heat and your heating appliances are dependent on how well the chimney works. Chimney Caps site insures most chimney-related matters.


Reference: - http://ezinearticles.com/?Protect-Your-Investments-for-Home-Improvement&id=8537426

Saturday, 7 June 2014

Why You Need Chimney Caps


When you are sitting at home with your family, the last thing that you want to hear is animals rustling around in your chimney. You certainly do not want to see them come falling into your fireplace and oddly enough this really can happen. A chimney that does not have a cap is like a welcome sign to any random animals that are outside on your roof or flying around. Such animals as birds, raccoons and squirrels may be able to get into your chimney.

Worse yet, birds can build their nests on the flues of the chimney, which can be seriously dangerous for you and the birds! For this reason, you must have chimney caps on your flues.
If you have a chimney maintenance professional, make sure to talk to them about whether you have a good, working chimney cap. Sometimes in older chimneys no cap was ever put in, or they can also become damaged over the years. They may also get knocked off during bad storms. Discuss with your professional chimney sweeper about whether they have properly installed a quality chimney cap and if it is working optimally.

Two of the top rated chimney cap manufacturers include Gelco and Hy-C. Gelco chimney caps are made with incredible care and will provide protection from a number of things. They will keep out unwanted animals and they will also protect the inside of the chimney from excess moisture. When it rains, snows, or sleets and you do not have a cap on your chimney; this can cause damage to the flue and can even lead to the chimney needing to be replaced. Gelco chimney caps will keep large amounts of moisture out, saving you money in the long run.

Hy-C chimney caps are also of a very good quality and will provide the necessary barrier between the inside of your chimney and the outside elements. Hy-C chimney caps keep dangerous sparks from flying out of the inside of the chimney and landing on the roof of the house. Not having chimney caps means your home could be exposed to catching on fire.
Always consult with your chimney maintenance professional and make sure that they are keeping your chimney in the best working order and that you have top notch chimney caps installed. Suggest such brands as Gelco chimney caps and Hy-C chimney caps that your expert technician can purchase online from a reputable company.