Serving public safety through education, awareness and professionalism:
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Florida Guild of Professional Chimney Sweeps
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Masonry Chimneys
 Masonry chimneys may be constructed of brick, concrete block or stone. They are usually built at the time the house is constructed so that proper building techniques can be used for adequate footings to support the chimney. An air space is required between the chimney and combustible walls of the house. Masonry chimneys vent a variety of appliances such as furnaces, water heaters, wood stoves & hearth appliances, or open burning fireplaces.
Chimney Liners
Masonry chimneys should have a chimney liner, which offers a barrier of protection between the smoke and gasses that rise up the flue.
Most chimneys are constructed with a clay flue tile liner. The integrity of the tile liner is a crucial element to the safety of the chimney, as it provides a protected passageway for smoke and fumes to exit the chimney. Tile liners should be installed during construction of the masonry chimney and should be squarely seated, one upon the other, without gaps between them.
 If the flue tiles are cracked, spalling, improperly laid, missing mortar between them or suffering other damage or installation problems then your chimney sweep will advise you of the problem and offer a solution for repair. The condition of the flue tiles is very important to the safety and integrity of your chimney.
Chimney lining/relining systems are available to provide a new liner for your chimney. Various systems are available including stainless steel chimney liners and cast-in-place masonry systems. Your chimney sweep will offer advice on the best system to use for your particular need and most offer professional installation as well.
The flue tile liner should project above the mortar crown, which is a sloped bed of mortar at the top of the chimney. The job of the mortar crown is to shed rain away from your chimney to help prevent rain from being absorbed into the bricks.
Over the years the mortar crown can deteriorate and allow water leaks into your home, resulting in costly damages. While on your roof, your chimney sweep will inspect the mortar crown and advise you if repairs to it will be needed. Repair commonly involves removal of existing damaged mortar then application of a new mortar crown installed with a proper slope and thickness to provide optimum protection for your chimney.
Chimney CapsChimney caps help protect the inside of your flue. All caps have a rain cover to help keep rain from flooding into your chimney, and most also offer a mesh
screen to keep out birds and animals. Birds, raccoons and other wildlife are attracted to chimneys as a good place to nest and raise their young. A huge problem soon develops, as the babies are often not able to make it back up the chimney to leave. They then die in the chimney, resulting in awful odors, maggot infestation, and worse. Additionally, nesting materials can cause blockages and are a source of combustible materials that can cause a chimney fire. Chimney caps come in a variety of designs made of galvanized metal, stainless steel and copper. A more elaborate chimney cap not only offers protection from weather and wildlife - it can add a nice architectural element to your home as well. Your chimney sweep can advise you on the styles available and offers installation, as well.
CHIMNEY INSPECTIONS, CLEANING AND CHIMNEY FIRES
Masonry chimneys should be inspected annually and cleaned when needed. Chimney sweeping removes the flammable residues from your chimney to help prevent dangerous chimney fires.
Should you experience a chimney fire, it is very important to leave your home immediately and call the fire department to put out the fire. Do not use the chimney until you call a professional chimney sweep to clean and inspect for damages. Chimney fires rarely clean out the flue and nearly always damage the chimney.
To learn more about chimney cleaning, click here.
To learn more about prefabricated (metal) chimneys, click here.
Locate a Member
Click here to locate a chimney sweep member company.
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