Are you looking for “chimney servicing near me” in Northampton, PA, but know nothing about chimney and fireplace maintenance? To start, you should learn about the different types of chimneys and the different components of one.
This will help you describe the conditions of your chimney or fireplace to a professional before they come to your home in Bucks County for a chimney repair, cleaning, or inspection. Furthermore, this article will include some of the costs to repair and replace parts of a chimney or fireplace, according to estimates made by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA).
Many chimney sweep businesses will offer a variety of chimney repairs and installations for all the components of a chimney, including Apex Air Duct Cleaning & Chimney Services in Bucks County. Start here to educate yourself before wasting time looking for “chimney servicing near me!”
Components of a Fireplace and Chimney
Fireplace Hearth
The hearth of the fireplace is the square chamber where the fire sits. If it is a traditional log fire, this is where the fire burns. This area needs to be cleaned to prevent the buildup of ash and dust and inspected for cracks in the panels or the chimney repair cost could go up.
According to the CSIA, the panels in the hearth need to be replaced when there are cracks big enough to fit a dime into. The estimated cost to replace refractory panels is $450-$650.
Grate, Doors, and Walls
The walls of the hearth are sometimes lined with refractory panels that will reflect heat back into the interior of the building. The grate is the wire rack that holds the logs, so they do not sit directly on the floor of the hearth – it is easily removable when the hearth needs to be cleaned. The doors provide a barrier between the fire and the rest of the room and can be opened to add more fuel to the fire.
Smoke Chamber and Fire Damper
The smoke chamber is a cone-shaped area above the hearth which directs smoke from the fire up into the main chimney. It can be closed off with the fire damper, a small flap that opens to allow smoke to leave the building and closes to prevent cold air from coming in. A damper installation should cost between $200 and $600.
Chimney Flue and Liner
The chimney flue is the tunnel-like component through which smoke travels upwards – it is difficult to inspect and clean, requiring a scoping camera for inspection and a flue brush for cleaning. The flue is lined with material that protects the rest of the building from the heat and dangerous chimney fires. Resurfacing a flue typically costs about $2,000-$5,000 while relining or replacing a flue will cost $900-$11,000.
Chimney Flashing
Chimney flashing is a waterproof seal that is found in the space where the chimney meets the roof. It is intended to protect the chimney from moisture that will lead to further damage. Flashing repair should cost $200-$1,500 while flashing replacement costs roughly $300-$2,500. If you want to provide additional protection to your chimney from the elements, sealing and waterproofing costs $150-1,000.
Chimney Stack and Chimney Cap
The exterior part of the chimney as it extends from the roof is called the chimney stack – it is traditionally made of bricks but can be made of other materials for different styles. The chimney cap is a covering over the outside of the chimney to prevent elements, debris, and animals from entering your home. Repairing a leaning chimney will cost $700-$15,000, while a cap replacement costs $200-$2,000.
Different Types of Fireplaces and Chimneys
Traditional Wood-burning Fireplace
A wood-burning fireplace is a classic example where logs are burned in the fireplace hearth to warm the interior in a building. The choice of styles may be slightly more limited than a synthetic fireplace since safety is the most important thing with burning fireplaces. First and foremost, you must have sturdy doors to prevent the rest of the room from igniting.
Electric Fireplace
An electric fireplace doesn’t burn wood or gas – it is merely a heater designed to mimic a fireplace. This makes it much easier to clean and there are far fewer safety concerns since there are no fires that could accidentally spread to the rest of the house or ash and smoke that will cause dangerous buildup. Additionally, there are many different styles to choose from and they are much cheaper.
Gas Fireplace
Like a would fireplace, gas fireplace burns real flame using propane, but causes much less mess than burning wood. However, this fireplace must still be cleaned and maintained often to prevent accidents. For example, a malfunctioning gas fireplace could cause carbon monoxide to spread into your home. If you have any reason to believe something is wrong with your fireplace, contact a professional immediately!
Masonry Chimney
A masonry chimney is made up of bricks and mortar for similar material for a classic look on the outside of your house. Even if you have something other than a masonry fireplace inside your home, you could have a brick chimney outside for a stylish exterior. Masonry chimneys are the most efficient – they will ensure as much heat as possible is reflected into your home.
Metal Chimney
Metal chimneys are cheaper than masonry ones but provide a simpler look. However, there are many to choose from, so it is possible to find something that complements the exterior of your home. Additionally, metal chimneys are more flexible and there are fewer construction constraints; one of the concerns with masonry chimneys is that they will be too heavy for the roof to support. However, metal chimneys are much lighter.
Learning More
Before you return to scouring the internet for “chimney servicing near me” in Bucks County, if you want to learn more about your options for chimneys and fireplaces and what it takes to maintain them, contact the pros at Apex Air Duct Cleaning & Chimney Services in Northampton, PA. We are a locally owned business dedicated to serving our community and offer the best chimney repairs in Northampton, PA; call Apex Air Duct Cleaning & Chimney Services at 215-608-2442 to get started on your next home improvement project today!
Northampton is a borough in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, part of the Lehigh Valley region.
Northampton and surrounding areas of the Lehigh Valley are rich in limestone, which is commonly used in the production of cement. The Atlas Portland Cement Company, based here from 1895 to 1982, was the world’s largest cement company at one time, and one of dozens in the area. It produced some 8 million barrels of cement for construction of the Panama Canal, most of what was used on the project. Atlas was bought by another company in 1980 and ceased operation here in 1982; its last smokestack here was demolished in 1993. Today technology and automation mean that the cement industry can manufacture a great amount of product with 150-200 workers, rather than the thousands who worked in these plants earlier in the 20th century.
The Atlas Memorial Cement Museum, which was opened in 1997 here, was founded by Edward Pany, who worked at the company in summers during the 1950s. His father, an immigrant from Austria, worked all his life at Atlas. Immigrant workers from Poland, Ukraine, and other eastern European nations also worked here. The museum commemorates the importance of this industry and Atlas Cement in the area.
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