Author Archives: Amity Home Maintenance Solutions

However, while laminate flooring mimics hardwood, it isn’t hardwood! If you’re choosing what to install in a high-traffic zone, laminate isn’t the way to go. It will wear and tear like hardwood, but you can’t sand it and refinish is like hardwood flooring. To get the best ROI possible in flooring, go with actual hardwood flooring. 

Is laminate waterproof?

Laminate flooring has one layer of moisture-resistant element, making it a water resistant flooring from the top to bottom. Where liquid is spilled, laminate flooring is treated so that it can’s seep through to the bottom where it interlocks. This stops the potential for mildew or mold from growing under the flooring.

However, if your home develops a leak under the laminate flooring, to make laminate flooring waterproof from the bottom, it needs a vapor barrier installed before the laminate flooring is installed. 

Can you mop laminate flooring?

No, water and wood are not meant to be together. Here are the recommended steps for cleaning your laminate flooring:

• Keep steam cleaners and wet mops away from laminate flooring. They can cause irreversible damage to the flooring. 
• Blot pills with a damp cloth as soon as they occur. 
• For tough spots, like ink, lipstick, oil, paint, or tar, use a clean white cloth with acetone nail polish remover to remove the mark. Then wipe it dry with another clean white cloth, making sure no residue of acetone nail polish remover is left.  
• Dust, sweep, or vacuum using a hard floor attachment without the rug beater on a regular basis. This will keep dirt and grit from accumulating that dulls and scratches laminate flooring. 
• Using products specified for laminate flooring for periodic cleaning. 
• Do not use oil-soap detergent, soap, or water to wash or wet mop laminate flooring. This will cause the floor to delaminate, swell, and warm as well as separate the joints. It will also void the warranty. 
• Avoid using abrasive cleaners, chlorinated cleaners, strong ammoniated, or steel wool to clean laminate flooring. 
• Do not use buff or polish by machine.
• To remove candle wax or gum,  place ice over the area to harden it, then scrape with a plastic scraper gently. Then wipe clean with a clean damp cloth.

How do you clean laminate flooring naturally?

When you have the right mop and products, cleaning laminate flooring is easy! Get a microfiber mop and purchase a ready-made laminate flooring cleaner or make your own with this recipe by pouring the following three ingredients into a spray bottle:  

• 3 parts water 
• 1 part vinegar
• 1 squirt of basic liquid dish detergent

Now follow these easy steps: 

1. With microfiber mop, dry mop, or vacuum. This will get the dust bunnies, hair tumbleweeds, and other large items. 
2. Using water and the cleaner, dampen the microfiber pad and mop the laminate flooring.
3. When done, rinse the microfiber pad thoroughly and let dry.

Laminate flooring can be a beautiful addition to any room in your home, if you’re planning on living there for a while. If you’re fixing a house up to resell, laminate flooring may not be the way to go if you’re hoping to get your money back. It won’t necessarily lower the value, but it isn’t a value-add either. Homes with young children and a lot of foot traffic should avoid laminate flooring as well. Need laminate flooring for your home in Branford, CT? Call 203-390-7399 today.

1. Bent, cracked, missing flashing
2. Bent, curled, missing shingles
3. Roof valleys aren’t sealed properly
4. Roof vents seals are cracked, loose, or missing
5. Ice dam build up
6. Skylight seals are leaking
7. Clogged or broken gutters
8. Chimney sealing is cracked, loose, missing
9. Attic condensation

Even a roof leak water in walls can be from any of these issues as the water is working its way down between the walls. An upstairs bathroom or HVAC system on the roof could cause a leak in a wall, not just a roof leak.

 So, yes, chasing the source could take some time and it may be best to call a professional roofing contractor. If the roofing contractor finds the leak to be from another source that isn’t roof related, they will advise you where they found the water leak. Then you call your plumber or HVAC technician. 

What to do if there is a water leak in your home?

If the water is coming through the roof in a rainstorm, you want to place a  roof leak water catcher under that area, like a bucket with a tarp or towel under it. This will prevent it from damaging anything more than it already has.  What if isn’t a roof leak in a rainstorm? 

Another non-roof leak you may have could be from the HVAC system in the attic or on top of the house. Most times, this is from a clogged condensate drain line. You should still place something under the leak as we described and then go up in the attic to see what is happening. 

The condensate drain line and drain pan need to be flushed out and cleaned. You can do this yourself or call a professional HVAC service. While they are there, inquire about a HVAC trap that will turn the air conditioning system off as soon as the drain water has reached a certain level and stop that from happening again.  

Another thing to consider is a regular maintenance agreement with the HVAC professional. They will check the entire system, including the attic portion. In the attic, they will drain, flush, and clean the condensation line and drain pan each time. This would be a step in preventive maintenance, saving  your home from expensive damage and from having insurance claims rejected for a roof leak that wasn’t a roof leak. 

What is a leak detection test?

In the plumbing industry, water leak detection testing has been around for several years. Methods of plumbing leak detection includes hydrostatic testing, infrared, laser technology, among old fashion testing. 

• The old fashion testing is done by turning all the water off inside and any exterior water outlets, then watch the water meter. If the meter is moving and no water is turned on, this indicates a leak between the water meter and the house. Another method tried and true in the plumbing industry is by sound, but there is equipment available to give the plumbers better sound tracking. 
• One method to detect a roof leak is done by going into the attic with a flashlight and check for any evidence of a roof leak. That evidence would be black marks and/or mold on the attic ceiling  and/or the insulation, as well as water stains. 
• Today, when it comes to a roof leak, there is equipment available for roofing contractors to help locate the leak if there is nothing obvious. Infrared technology is available for roof leak detection now that allows the contractor to look through the roof surface and reveal any potential leak sources. Infrared also helps identify any trapped moisture inside the roof assembly using a different filter. This will reveal any potential problems or sources for an elusive roof leak.

What we can tell you for sure is to make sure it is thoroughly dry to keep it from mildewing and growing mold.  This is the last thing you need in your walls is hidden mildew and mold because this will begin making everyone in the house sick. Call 203-390-7399 today for roof leak help in Branford, CT.

How do you fix crumbling chimney bricks?

Brick fireplaces are the epitome of a cozy home, until the bricks and mortar begins to crumble. Professional chimney repair is always a wise option, but the DIY homeowner can learn by watching numerous videos about how to repair a chimney and do some smaller chimney repair process with the following steps: 

• Repointing the Mortar

Mortar is that stuff in between the bricks and holds them together and over time, it can age and crumble. The problem with that is a). It doesn’t look good and b). the bricks start to crumble and fall. Repointing is the process of cleaning out the crumbling mortar and replace it with new mortar.

Clean the crumbing mortar with a joint raker the sweep it with a wire brush. Next rinse the chimney with the water hose and then let it dry for thirty minutes. 

While that is drying, mix up your mortar to a peanut butter type consistency. Once the chimney is dry, use a pointing trowel and press the new mortar in where the old mortar came out, smoothing the joints.  

• Caulk the Crown and Flue

The area where the chimney can leak water is between the crown and fule. You want to use the wire brush again and clean out the debris, loose mortar, and moss. Then using a high-heat caulk mortar, fill the gaps around the crown and flue.

• Patch Large Crown Area Cracks

The chimney crown the sloping cap at the top section of your chimney. Using a pre-mix cement or the mortar you’ve mixed, fill the cracks and smooth with a putty knife. This typically take 4 to 6 hours to cure, longer for larger cracks.  

• Seal and Patch Hairline Cracks

Hairline cracks are repaired with a water repellent solution that comes in a liquid consistency so that an penetrate inside the hairline cracks. Use the putty knife to clean away any loose particles without enlarging the crack. Then use a brush to apply the undiluted water repellent sealant. 

• Cracked Brick Repair

Small cracks of individual chimney bricks can be repaired using a caulk gun and a high-heat mortar. Clean the crack with the putty knife and sweep the brick clean. Apply the high-heat mortar into the crack and with a gloved finger, wipe clean any excess mortar.

• Chimney Repair and Replace

If you find that there are bricks in your chimney that need more than minor repair, or need repair, it is best to call a professional roofing contractor or mason. Not all roofing contractors do brick chimney repair, but usually have a few contacts that can provide you names and numbers. 

Why is water coming down my chimney?

• Raining Straight In: If your chimney doesn’t have a cover, you’re going to have more than rain coming through. Animals, birds, critters, debris, and insects are making their way into your home through the chimney. Have a chimney repair professional install a chimney cap immediately. 

• Chimney Crown Crack: The  cement part of the chimney top is the crown and where bricks go up around the flue liner. If the crown has cracks, rain is going to come in. 

• Condensation: This is common in older homes: there isn’t a chimney liner. Without the liner, the chimney will leak condensation. Have a chimney repair specialist install a liner and the problem is fixed. 

• The Flashing Leaks: If the flashing is bent, loose, or missing, the rain will work its way into the chimney. A professional roofing contractor can repair or replace the flashing in just a few hours. 
• Leaking Bricks: Water will pass through bricks and mortar and if the crown is filled with water and freezes then thaws, it is coming to come into the chimney. Your best solution is to have a chimney repair service waterproof your chimney. While they are there, they will check the chimney for any repair needs. 
• It Isn’t the Chimney: Just because there is a leak coming in at the chimney doesn’t mean it isn’t from another area of the house. A professional roofing contractor can check this for you and refer you to chimney repair specialist. 

How do you repair a leaking skylight?

A leaking skylight is a common skylight repair that’s made. Making the repair requires the right tools and skills to ensure the leak is completely contained. To make the repair:

• Check first to make sure the skylight is leaking and it’s not just condensation.
• Once it’s been determined that the skylight is leaking, debris needs to be cleaned.
• Check the flashing to see if it is loose, damaged, or there are any gaps. 
• After the leak is located, seal gaps or holes in the flashing with roofing cement.
• Any damaged or loose flashing needs to be repaired or replaced.
• Silicone caulking can be used to seal leaks around the skylight lens.  

Can you replace just the glass in the skylight?

Besides leaks, another common problem that occurs with skylight is the glass fogging. This can be unsightly and you might be considering replacing the skylights. But, this may not be necessary. Sometimes fogging is caused by condensation, which means the skylight isn’t well insulated and not a problem with the glass itself. The only skylight repair that’s necessary in this case is reinforcing the insulation around the skylight. Sometimes, however, moisture gets caught between the glass and causes it to fog up. Fortunately, you normally don’t have to completely replace the skylight, you’ll just need to replace the glass.

Skylight repair on metal roof

When you have skylights on metal roofs, you have to be alert to problems that might require repairs. Condensation and mold, for instance, can be caused by air leaks from attic skylights with chases, the rectangular passages between skylights, and the ceiling underneath them. It’s also recommended that when replacing a metal roof you also replace any skylights that are ten years old or older. This way the skylights fit with the roof’s design.

Skylight repair or replacement

When it comes to choosing between skylight repair or replacement, age will play a big role in the decision. Skylights have fairly limited lifespans. You might, therefore, ask, “How often should skylights be replaced?” If they are over 10 years old, you might want to replace them instead of just continually repairing them. Most skylights only receive 20-year warranties and few last that long. If possible, try to coordinate replacing your skylights when you have your roof replaced so the skylights and new roof fit together. Of course, if the only genuine problem with the skylights is the glass, and structures like flashing are in good shape, you might just consider replacing the glass.

Can you cover up a skylight?

Skylights are excellent sources of natural light and even warmth. But, a common problem that occurs is condensation. Some people mistake condensation for leaks, and you should always check to make sure you have condensation rather than a leak to avoid a costly skylight repair. Condensation normally occurs because of poor insulation around the glass on the inside of the building. It’s often more common in the winter than summer or spring, as warmer air inside contends with the chill outside. One way to combat condensation in the winter is to cover the windows with insulating material. Insulated panels can be inserted into the framed opening of the skylight’s interior. The cover blocks out light but also provides more insulation to help keep the home warmer in the winter months.  

Replace skylight roof

When you are replacing your roof, if you have skylights, it’s a good time to replace them, too, especially if they are 10 years old or older. Some people also opt to have the skylights removed altogether. This might be because they are remodeling or just never found the skylights appealing in the first place or because they are continually having problems with condensation and leaks. Removing the skylights completely when replacing your roof is often a good solution to preventing leaks. However, make certain you definitely want to remove them because installing new skylights can be relatively expensive, although Amity Home Maintenance Solutions is always happy to install skylights if you are interested in installing them. When you have the skylights removed, you will need additional support in that area of the roof to prevent the roof from sagging.

Why is water dripping between gutter and fascia?

As mentioned priorly, the general suspect when it comes to leaks happening in the fascia is the gutters or the roof itself. Normally, your roofer can catch the causation of a leak before it becomes damaging when allowed to do regular roof inspections. We suggest after particularly bad storms or hail storms to have your roofer come out and apply a roof inspection. Fascia repair tends to be the result of a problem that builds up to due to water being allowed a sufficient amount of time to break through the defenses your roof has. However, we at Amity Home Maintenance Solutions also understand that a fascia leak can be from a sudden event which is why in either regard we offer fascia repair to fix the problem and keep your roof looking stunning from above as well as below. The process we undertake for removing a rotted board goes as:

• Taking down the gutter 
• Removing the nails 
• Removing the rotted fascia
• Bonding the new boards onto the troubled spot
• Check for other spots or hazardous issues
• Applying a fresh coat of paint

Your house is in good hands when you work with us in and around Branford, CT. When letting the problem fester, your roof can sustain further damages from the problems simply hindering your fascia boards.

How do you know if your gutters need cleaning?

There are several signs to indicate your drains need cleaning in order to keep the edges of your roof and the fascia boards themselves in fantastic condition. When paying some attention to your gutters, a large amount of damages at the edges of your roof and underneath it can be avoided. Keep watch for signs like:

• Nests or unnatural build-up
• Gutter sagging
• Birds begin to congregate in your gutter
• Siding begins to stain
• Rainwater overflow
• Piles of leaves and debris fall from your gutter

Normally, the pileup on your gutters is an indication they need a good cleaning in order to avoid fascia repair. The consensus among roofers is that regular cleanings of the gutters are essential in keeping your home sturdy and your roof lasting. Further problems can develop when you do not clean your gutters or have members of our team do it professionally like damage to the nearby shingles. For whatever covers your roof whether it be shingles or metal, it can suffer when being introduced to standing water and debris for a prolonged period of time.

• Backer Paper – This is the bottom layer that keeps the board straight and the floors balanced. It also keeps away moisture. Some high-end laminate floors have padding in the bottom layer to improve cushioning.
• HDF Core – Next comes a layer of fiberboard. This can range from medium-intensity to high-intensity depending on what kind of durability you’re looking for. Either way, the high-density fiberboard (HDF) is made from softwood fibers broken down and combined with a resin binder to add strength and stability.
• Decorative Paper – A decorative layer is added to the fiberboard to give the laminate coloring or pattern. It’s what gives your floors their distinctive look. The manufacturing process means you can choose from a large variety of different colors and patterns based on your home’s design.
• Overlay Layer – Finally comes the overlay. This is a finishing touch put on laminate floors to extend its lifespan and prevent fading. The overlayer seals the laminate boards to prevent scratches from shoes, pets, furniture, or anything else that comes in direct contact with the floors.

How Many Years Does Laminate Flooring Last?

Your laminate flooring will last for years. Exactly how long will depend on things like foot traffic, whether you wear shoes inside, and anything else that will increase wear and tear. A house full of people will see its laminate floors break down much faster than a person living alone will. The more you use your floors, the sooner you’ll have to replace them.

However, in general, you can expect your laminate flooring with fitting to last between 15 and 25 years. Sometimes they’ll go even longer into the 30-year range. Of course, the quality of the laminate you install will also impact how long you can enjoy your beautiful floors.

Things to Consider with Laminate

Any flooring material has issues. Most of the time, the material you use will be determined by how much you want to pay, long-term maintenance requirements, and style. One of the most common questions we get from homeowners is, “Why is my laminate flooring lifting up?” The answer is not always simple. Often lifting in your flooring is the result of improper installation. Your joints may not be fitted together exactly, so when pressure is applied, it moves the planks upward. You could also be dealing with uneven subfloors that push laminate planks up. Excessive moisture can cause planks to buckle and rise, and this is an issue to look out for if you live in a humid area with a lot of rainfall. Finally, if you’re a pet owner, you need to be vigilant in avoiding indoor urination that could cause buckling in your flooring.

Another question we get is should you mop laminate floors? The answer to that is no. As we’ve already stated, too much moisture can do irreparable damage to your floors. You should clean laminate with cleaning products specifically made for laminate to guarantee the best results.

There are several other reasons why homeowners in American love laminate. If you’re considering different materials, talk to a flooring expert about laminate options to see if it’s right for you. Call 203-390-7399 today for your laminate flooring installation in Branford, CT.

What is stone veneer made of?

Stone veneer has more than one method of installation, but the most common type of stone veneer is generally natural stone. There are two points of origin for the stones that go into the subject wall. First, is field stones are recovered due to the weathered and naturally molded appearance. The second is manufactured stones from a quarry. In both cases, the stones are edited to fit a certain weight that would be sustainable in a stone veneer wall. In both, concrete is used to hold the stones together and seal the interior from moisture. 

There is a third option that is known as faux or manufactured stone veneer that is made from concrete and is colored in a way generally chosen by the customer. While it is lighter and cheaper than the natural alternative, the concrete does unfortunately not last as long. That said, it does offer more options for appearance and texture that would normally be harder to exactly find in natural stone. 

The average lifespan of natural stone veneers often reaches up to several decades with a relatively low amount of care. This is due to the natural elements being able to sustain weathering far better than what manufactured stone can. While manufactured stone does not last that long, it does offer an easier and greener method of replacement. As opposed to the natural option, which when broken down cannot necessarily be repurposed.

Is stone veneer cheaper than brick?

Stone veneers are on average cheaper and better than brick walls. While brick walls are some of the longest-lasting walls historically, they take more labor to apply and complete. Furthermore, stone veneer requires less labor and is easier to fashion than most materials that can be used in the same instance. 

When putting both materials in the same setting, whether it’s a wall or a veneer, stone wins out in terms of cost and usage. Especially when both materials are in a veneer format, stone is both better for your home by holding itself up and is more resistant to a huge amount of differing exterior circumstances. Brick veneers must be held up by the structure or home and can more easily be damaged. 

In terms of waterproofing, stone veneers are extremely dense and when done well do not retain the moister on the interior or exterior. The reason for that is the materials in the cement holding the natural or faux stones together. Furthermore, rainwater easily slides off the well put in place stone veneer. 

In terms of fireproofing, most stone veneers are resistant if not completely fireproof. The only reason otherwise is if the stones or materials on the interior of the veneer are made of foam, sometimes being the case with some faux stones. This is also the case if the stone veneer is built over something flammable such as wood paneling.

In both cases, stone veneers are designed to take the elements such as rain and heavy wind. They are highly capable when installed onto your home and offer several advantages to the scenery and interior of your home.

How long do metal roofs last?

Metal roofing has proven to be a practical level of protection for the home, especially in areas of the country where the weather is extreme. If your home is in areas where the sun beats hot and heavy or there are heavy storms that include hail, or areas where there is heavy snowfall or changing temperature, metal roofing can be a value-add.

There are two styles of metal roofing, vertical panels, also referred to as standing seam, which is the most common choice and interlocking shingles. With performance, the two styles are equal, and experts consider both a lifetime roofing system.

Metal roofing is available in different types of metal: aluminum, copper, steel, or zinc. Metal roofing will have a 3 to 7 times longer life span than asphalt shingle roofing. Aluminum shingles have a minimum life expectancy of 50 years, as does steel roofing.  The life expectancy of copper or zinc metal roofing is 100 years and more.

Do metal roofs make the house hotter?

Metal roofing has a surface that reflects the solar heat back out to the atmosphere instead of absorbing it and radiating it back inside. Because of this, a metal roof can save up to 25% over a year in energy bills. This is an annual reduction of one-fourth of a home’s energy waste. Independent studies have found metal roofing can save on summer energy cost by 40% and up to 15% in heating costs for the average homeowner.

What is the best color of metal roof for energy savings?

Metal roofing is already expected to be as much as 50 degrees cooler than an asphalt shingled roofing with a dark color.  Choosing a light beige, blue, bronze, green, peach, or white for metal roofing will only improve that percentage during hot summer months.

Is a metal roof loud when it rains?

If it is not properly installed, it can be louder, just like any other type of roofing material. Because of where metal roofing was originally used, in barns or storage/work sheds in the country, or as patio awnings material with corrugated metal, the perception has always been that metal roofing is loud while raining. With proper installation and the fact that the metal used for a home differs from it is for a bard or shed, this simply isn’t true.

Can you walk on a metal roof?

Absolutely, yes.  However, if you are inexperienced in walking on a roof, metal or otherwise, then don’t. Then again, you’re the homeowner, do it is our right to do you as you see the need, such repairing or replacing your metal roofing and flashing, the HVAC system or other protrusion in the roof.  You should proceed cautiously though so you avoid any possible damage. Three basic rules to walking on metal roofing are:

• Wear clean, soft-soled shoes
• Do not drop any heavy equipment or tools while on the roof
• Walk only in the right spots

The metal roofing of today isn’t like the roofing you’ve seen in the countryside on barns and sheds. It isn’t mismatched or rusted, but it comes in a variety of colors instead, and you can choose metal roofing with the appearance of shingles, so it matches your home’s décor and any possible HOA requirements. Call 203-390-7399 today if you need metal roofing for your home in Branford, CT.

Why painting your house is important?

Home painting will not only add an aesthetic appeal to your property but it will also character and personality as well. The paint will act as a primary defense against damages associated with insects, weather and other damages so in a sense home painting is essential for home maintenance.

Why is paint used?

Home painting will protect the structures of buildings from the natural wear of the sun and damages caused by water infiltration. With materials such as wood, for example, the coats of paint will stop the infiltration of water into the wood which would make it rot. Another protection home painting provides is that it would assist the wood from drying out in the sun.

What is the best time to paint house exterior?

Home painting the exterior of a property is best done in the fall or spring seasons as outside temperatures and conditions is more moderate. It’s best to avoid weather that takes too much on each side of being too cold or hot. A good temperature range to keep in mind is around 50℉ to 85℉.

How do you paint interior walls of a house?

With home painting interior walls there are several tools and steps that you can choose to follow for a job well done. Some tools include a dustsheet, paint, paintbrushes, paint roller and tray, decorators tape, filler, step ladder,  paint scrapper, stain block (optional) and sugar soap (optional.) First, you will clear the room of any furniture, for those pieces that can’t be removed be sure to cover them with a dust sheet to protect them from paint splatter. Also, make sure to put dust sheets over the floor or any other surface you’d like to remain clean as well. Next, use decorators tape to mask off the edge of light fitting and skirting boards to protect them from paint splatter. Wash the walls with sugar soap and rinse with water and a  soft sponge afterward. This optional step will help to achieve a smoother finish. Next, fill any cracks or holes on the walls with a filler and sand down the surface until it’s smooth. If there are any stains like crayons, wear a mask and goggles before applying stain blocks to the surface. You may need five or six coats to stop crayons from bleeding into the emulsion. If the walls are newly plastered apply matte white emulsion first so it can soak into the wall before applying colored paint. Then start painting with a brush to coat in the edges of the walls such as corners, skirting, areas where the walls meet the ceilings, borders of light fixtures and more. Start at top areas and work your way down. Afterward, use a roller to coat the main areas of the wall, start from the corners and work your way in. Roller the paint roller from the bottom up and make sure the roller is covered well in the paint. Leave coat to dry overnight and apply a second coat if needed. When the paint is completely dry remove the strips of decorators paint slowly to avoid chipping the paint.

How much does it cost to paint the interior of a 2500 house?

The interior of a 2500 home painting job will typically run around $4,000 for the exterior including labor and materials and 5,500 for the interior of the home is two-story.

Contact A Professional

If you have any questions regarding home painting or would like to begin a home painting project be sure to get in touch with a professional. They will be able to inspect the dimensions, conditions, and specifications of your home to determine where to begin and discuss painting options with you. For assistance with other areas of your home like home tv and computer services in Huntington Station, NY be sure to contact the necessary avenues of services. Home painting is a great way to provide an attractive aesthetic and protect the walls of your home.

If you’re interested in home painting in Branford, CT call 203-390-7399 with Amity Home Maintenance Solutions!

Chimney Maintenance Tips

Living in working in our area, we know just how cold the winter months can get. If you’ve got a fireplace in your home, of course you’re going to want to light a fire and cozy up next to it. The problem is, if you haven’t been taking proper care of the fireplace or chimney, you could be setting yourself up for disaster. Rather than wait to find out the hard way if things are okay, start now with some easy chimney maintenance tips. 

• Useable Damper: A fireplace damper is possibly one of the most unsung heroes of the home. During the summer months, the damper should be closed to keep out drafts, birds, and rodents. If your damper isn’t closing properly, it will reflect in your energy bills. Additionally, when it does come time to use the fireplace, always make sure the damper is open. 
• Waterproof: One of the biggest problems that some may have during the winter months is moisture. If your chimney isn’t waterproof, you may not be able to get a flame going. More than that, it’s a sign of a serious leak that needs to be addressed. 
• Professional Sweeping/Cleaning: Probably the best maintenance tip we can suggest is to have your chimney and fireplace professionally swept. It’s best to schedule this at least once a year, right before the weather gets really cold. 
• Inspection: On top of having your chimney cleaned once a year, it’s best to also have the whole structure inspected at least once a year as well. Doing so will help to find any exterior cracks or breaks with the bricks or find any internal damage. This is highly-encouraged to prevent major problems from occurring. 

While you can purchase your own chimney cleaning equipment, these tools won’t be able to determine if there is any structural damage. For that, you’ll need home repair services in Branford, CT to correct that. As we’ve already discussed, there are several things you can do to maintain your chimney. However, there comes a point when you should seek help from the experts, like those at Amity Home Maintenance Solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How often do you need to clean your chimney?
  • This will all depend on your fireplace and how often you’re planning on using it. That being said, the National Fire Protection Association says that you should have your chimney, fireplaces, and vents should be checked at least once a year. 
• Do you need to clean your chimney every year?
  • Yes, according to the National Fire Protection Association your chimney, fireplace, and vents need to be checked at least once a year. Doing so will ensure that can problematic collections and deposits will be cleared so you meet clearance standards. 
• What happens if you don’t clean your chimney?
  • The soot and tar which naturally form the smoke, gases, and fogs that naturally occur during a fire. When a chimney is clogged, tar can quickly build up and trigger a chimney fire. If there are problems with the chimney flue or other aspects of the feature, then you can experience real problems. 
• How common are chimney fires?
  • Unfortunately, chimney fires happen every single year. At this time, these fires account for 25,000 fires almost every year. They are more common than they should be because too many homeowners neglect or forget to have their chimney checked before they start using it. 
• Can you sweep your own chimney?
  • While you can, technically, clean your own chimney, it is not highly encouraged. There are several things that can go wrong, but there is also a lot that you may not think about. Instead, it’s better to rely on the experts that will cover every detail and ensure that every aspect of your chimney is cleared.