Chimney Service
& Repair Blog

Do you have chimney chase covers installed on your chimney? These simple covers can protect your home’s interior. For many homeowners in the Washington, D.C. & Baltimore Metropolitan areas, chimney chase covers are the difference between a dry or wet fireplace after a snowy night.

At Capitol Chimney Service, we aim to make your home heating and venting systems cleaner, more energy efficient, and of course safer. Our team is licensed, insured, and bonded so you have the peace of mind of knowing that your home’s chimneys are in professional hands.

Here’s how chimney covers can help protect your home.

Protect Chimney from Weather Damage

Over time, exposure to the elements can cause your chimney to deteriorate, which can lead to costly repairs. Your chimney’s longevity can be increased with chimney covers, which serve as a barrier between your chimney and the weather. They help protect your chimney from weather damage, such as wind, rain, and even snow, which can cause problems like leaks or water damage. In addition, chimney chase covers can help prevent your chimney from rusting.

Prevent Moisture From Getting Inside

Moisture can cause various problems, such as mold, mildew growth, or even structural damage. Installing a chimney chase cover can help prevent moisture from getting inside your chimney and causing these issues. Chimney covers help keep water out of your chimney, saving you money on repairs and keeping your family safe from health hazards like mold and mildew.

Keep Animals Out

Animals like raccoons and squirrels are known for getting into homes through the chimney as they are attracted to the warm air. Left unchecked, this can lead to them nesting inside. Once they’re in, they can cause all sorts of damage, including chewing on wires and insulation, which can create a fire hazard.

These rodents can also be a significant health hazard as animals can carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans. Chimney covers will help keep animals out of your chimney and away from your home.

Avert Debris from Entering Your Home

Debris like leaves and twigs can quickly build up in your chimney, leading to a fire. In addition, when this debris gets wet, it can create a nasty smell that can seep into your home. Chimney covers help keep debris out of your chimney, so you don’t have to worry about these problems.

Save Money on Energy Bills

One issue you can experience at home if you don’t have a chimney cover is rapid heat loss from inside the home. This happens when the warm air from your home escapes too fast up the chimney, which can cause your energy bills to skyrocket. Chimney covers aid in stopping this heat loss, allowing you to keep your house cozy and reduce energy costs.

Improve the Appearance of your Home

An uncovered chimney can mar the overall outlook of your home, especially if it’s in disrepair. By installing a chimney chase cover, you can help improve your home’s appearance and increase its curb appeal. Chimney covers come in various colors and styles to match the look of your home.

Final Thoughts

Chimney chase covers offer several benefits that can help protect your home’s interior and exterior. They are an essential part of chimney maintenance. Add a chimney cover to increase your home’s efficiency and safety.

At Capitol Chimney Service, we offer a variety of chimney chase covers to choose from. We also provide chimney repairs, inspections, cleaning, and installations in the Washington, D.C. & Baltimore Metropolitan areas. With over 20 years of experience, our chimney experts are here to take on any chimney-related task you may need. Book an appointment with us today by calling (301) 962 0120 (DC Metro Area) or (410) 962-5551 (Baltimore Metro Area), or through our contact form.

In addition to heating your home, fireplaces are the perfect touch for the holiday season. You can only enjoy your fireplace through proper chimney maintenance, however.

Unfortunately, many people neglect to repair their chimneys, which poses severe health and home value risks. Today we’ll discuss three reasons to stop putting off your chimney repair so you can stay cozy and safe.

Faulty Chimneys Are Dangerous

Whenever you burn wood in your home, a thick, black material called creosote builds up in your fireplace and chimney. This happens when smoke containing small, intact pieces of wood travels up the chimney. Once there, it cools and leaves condensation. While this is normal, this material is highly flammable.

A single spark is all it takes for a disaster. Once a fire starts, it can easily reach 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit and spread into your home. With 25,000 cases in the US annually, they’re also more common than you’d think.

Clogged chimneys can’t safely remove smoke from a structure, letting toxins enter a home.

Some of these are benzene, formaldehyde, acrolein, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Together, they can have wide-ranging negative impacts on your health. Some milder effects are eye irritation, a runny nose, bronchitis, and asthma attacks. More serious complications like heart attacks, stroke, irregular heart rhythms, and heart failure have also been known to occur.

Have your chimney inspected every year to prevent this. During this simple checkup, professionals can also spot damage that needs attention in your chimney and fireplace.

Another easy step to stave off chimney fires is burning seasoned wood that’s been dried for at least a year. You should also keep your damper fully opened and never start fires with glossy pages, wrapping paper, or cardboard.

Faulty Chimneys Decrease Your Home’s Value

Another reason to stop putting off your chimney repairs is to protect your home’s value.

The average chimney inspection costs around $450. This may seem expensive for a quick visit, but it’s negligible compared to in-depth fixes. Crown repairs, for instance, usually cost around $900, with masonry repairs and liner replacements averaging around $2,000 and $2,500, respectively.

Chimney inspections are also a core part of buying and selling a home. Most real estate agents agree that well-maintained fireplaces add value to a home, usually between $1,000 and $5,000. So, if you keep your fireplace and chimney clean and serviced, you could add value to your home if you choose to sell. It also prevents expensive repairs during the selling process.

A chimney in good condition can also protect you legally by avoiding lawsuits and other hassles. It’s also worth mentioning that if a potential buyer thinks your chimney is damaged, this can cause further doubts and keep you from selling altogether.

Rundown Chimneys Are Ugly

There’s no other way to say it: no one wants to look at a dirty, rundown chimney. Crumbling brick, decaying cinder, gunky creosote buildups, and grimy rooftop leaks are just a few of the unpleasant views homeowners have to deal with.

Service your chimney regularly, and you can be proud of your home’s appearance while resting assured in its safety.

Get in Touch

With over 20 years of experience, Capitol Chimney Services is the DC area’s one-stop specialist for all chimney repairs. We pride ourselves on our customer relationships and the personalized service we provide for each repair.

So, we’ll keep your home warm and safe whether you need a chimney repair, inspection, cleaning, or installation. Book your chimney appointment today!

Find out more:

• Chimney Repair in Washington, D.C.
• Chimney Repair in Annapolis, MD
• Chimney Reapir in Baltimore, MD
• Chimney Repair in Bethesda, MD
• Chimney Repair in Columbia, MD
• Chimney Repair in Potomac, MD
• Chimney Repair in Rockville, MD
• Chimney Repair in Silver Spring, MD

Are you thinking of restoring your home’s fireplace? If so, knowing what you stand to gain is the first step. Here’s how regular fireplace maintenance could enhance your home’s interior.

Add Value

Not all household repairs are investments worth making, though fireplace restoration is a safe contender. According to a 2016 Angi survey, 70% of real estate agents believed fireplaces add value, while 77% of home buyers are willing to spend more for one with a fireplace. Boost your home’s price tag with this stylish yet sensible upgrade.

Live Safely

Fire safety is nothing to scoff at, as any homeowner can attest. In fact, the National Fire Protection Association asserts that fireplaces or chimneys account for 29% of home heating fires as of 2021. Protect your home and loved ones by keeping your fireplace in good working order.

Get Cozy

Nothing brings people together like a warm fire and engaging conversation. Invite friends over for a casual dinner party or entertain the family with a timeless activity. If date night is in the cards, stay in for an intimate evening together. Live your home life to the fullest by keeping cozy on the agenda.

Welcome Winter

Cooler temps and darker nights are just around the corner. Get your snuggle on by prepping your fireplace for snowfall and serious relaxation. Savor an indoor season by making the fireplace your new hangout. If outdoor activities come first, take a load off after a long winter’s day in a fireside recliner.

Revisit Tradition

Older homes often feature fireplaces as part of the original build. If that’s the case, emphasize architectural integrity by keeping yours in pristine condition. Don’t forget to maintain the façade of the fireplace exterior with appropriate rebuilds or resurfacing. Whether you favor paint, tile, or stone, choose a rustic look in honor of tradition.

Be Dramatic

There’s nothing wrong with a little drama, especially when it comes to décor. Err on the side of extra by decking out your fireplace for the sake of it. Choose intricate patterns, aesthetic accessories, and unexpected colors for added oomph. Make it the focal point of your space using deliberate design and daring details.

Renew, Reuse

Fireplaces are sometimes closed off for reasons related to safety or floor space. Revisit your space with a new perspective to make use of the design opportunity. For example, create a display using houseplants or candles to showcase your collection.

Faux Fire

Non-functioning fireplaces can still give you the feels! Replace a large fire with decorative fire elements for a reminiscent effect. Fill the space with monochromatic pillar candles to light on special occasions. For a fire-safe strategy, choose decorative lighting for a touch of festive flair.

Easy Pieces

It goes without saying that fires are hot, though you may want to check your mantel as well. If you do intend to use your fireplace, opt for mantel décor that’s easy to remove. For example, line a floating shelf with small succulents for eye candy and a speedy switch. Other options like electronics or paintings are better suited to cooler spaces.

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the fence about fireplace restoration, know it’s a project worth pursuing. Invest in your family’s safety, your home’s marketability, and an alluring interior.

Capitol Chimney Service is your one-stop shop for chimney repairs, inspections, cleanings, and installations. We have over 20 years of experience in and around the D.C. and Baltimore area and are always happy to help. Best of luck with your next home project and we look forward to working with you!

According to the National Fire Protection Association, 29% of heating equipment-related fires are caused by chimney fires, resulting in often severe casualties. That’s why getting a chimney inspection is a must to ensure your safety at home. Inspections also ensure that your chimney is in good condition for heavy use during the cold months.

When it comes to professional chimney inspections in the Maryland, Washington DC, and Northern Virginia areas, Capitol Chimney Service is the company to call. Here’s why.

Experience

At Capitol Chimney Service, our chimney inspections are conducted by certified specialists with over 20 years of industry experience. We place great value on building trust with our clients through quality output every time.

Licensed and Insured

Our team is fully licensed and insured to service your home. This means peace of mind for you because you won’t be held liable should any accident occur on your premises during the chimney inspection.

Comprehensive Inspections

We provide thorough chimney inspections to ensure everything is up to code and that there are no immediate concerns. There are three primary inspection levels:

Level One Inspection

This is the most basic inspection. It is ideal for new chimneys or chimneys with no major problems. However, our inspectors will decide which level, not you.

During a level one inspection, We will check the chimney parts, fireplace, and firebox. And lastly, our inspector will check if there are no obstructions and deposits in the chimney like bird’s nests, twigs, and creosote.

Level Two Inspection

We often elevate the chimney inspection to level two if structural changes occur. First, the inspector will do everything in level one inspection. Afterwards, we’ll also look at the attic, roof, and crawl space to check if everything is intact.

The inspector will check the flue liners and insides of the chimney using a camera. If there has been a recent hurricane or storm, these incidents warrant a level two chimney inspection.

Level Three Inspection

Our experts at Capitol Chimney Service warrant a level three inspection for alarming and hazardous circumstances. It is the most in-depth and invasive inspection because it involves a deep inspection of chimney parts, including a search for structural damage. Chimney fires and bad weather are common scenarios that require a level three inspection.

Examination of surrounding areas is important too. Structural damage in the home might affect the chimney’s structural integrity. Level three inspections are serious and recommended if there’s a reason to believe that the chimney is a suspected hazard.

Reasons for a Chimney Inspection

We recommend that you get an annual chimney inspection for overall safety even if there have been no issues with your chimney. Here are the reasons why an annual inspection is a must:

To Ensure Fire Safety

Creosote builds up on the chimney walls as a result of burning. If left untreated, it can cause chimney fires that can escalate quickly if not controlled immediately.

To Prevent Harmful Gasses from Entering the Home

Obstructions like twigs, debris, and leaves prevent smoke and odorless gasses from exiting the chimney. Harmful gasses like carbon monoxide can enter your home, which can cause headaches, fatigue, and inadequate oxygen supply in the brain.

To Check if the Chimney Parts are Still in Good Condition

If you’ve experienced having braces, chimney inspections are like dental brace adjustments. Inspectors check if the chimney parts are still working and not broken. So expect that we’ll ask for possible part replacements if necessary.

Choose Capitol Chimney Service for Chimney Inspection Today

Sitting in front of the fireplace is one of the best things to do to withstand the cold weather. But that’s all the more reason why your home’s chimneys should be checked and maintained regularly.

At Capitol Chimney Service, we bring 20 years of experience in chimney inspection, troubleshooting, and installation. We’ve serviced chimneys in the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore Metropolitan areas.

Trust us with your chimney inspection and servicing. Get a free quote from today, plus discounts for new homeowners, military members, and senior citizens. Call us at (301) 962 0120 or reach us through our contact form to get started.

As summer starts to come to a close and the fall colors deepen in the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. areas, fireplaces roar back to life as the evenings begin to chill. During this time, homeowners may find problems getting their fires burning cleanly or notice that smoke and odors are not being drawn out of the room effectively through the chimney. Maintaining your chimney throughout the year is essential to ensure there are no issues when you decide to use it.

Luckily, at Capitol Chimney Service, we have over 20 years of experience providing chimney service, repairs, and maintenance to the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore metropolitan areas. We provide proper chimney inspections, chimney sweeping and cleaning, and installation of gas fireplaces.

Here are five signs that you’re overdue for a chimney cleaning.

1. Difficulty Starting a Fire

When you light a fire, it’s important to have the right balance of heat, fuel, and oxygen. Your chimney stack works by creating a draft, drawing combustion air into the firebox, and exhausting combustion gases outside. Any blockages with your chimney can affect the draft and burning process because less oxygen gets through to the fire.

A strong indicator of a blockage in the stack or at the cap is if you’re having trouble lighting your kindling and keeping the fire burning. This could be caused by fallen leaves, small animals getting in, or grime buildup.

2. Strong Burning Odors

There are by-products every time you light a fire. Poisonous gases are released and vented to the outside, and creosote and soot form. Soot is a black powdery substance that coats the chimney’s inner walls. In addition, an oily tar substance known as creosote also adheres to the fireplace and chimney walls. Both soot and creosote contain harmful toxins.

If you let soot and creosote build up over time, you may notice a strong smell coming out of your fireplace. The strong the odor, the higher the concentration of toxins in the air. Strong odors can also indicate that creosote is at a dangerous level where a chimney fire can occur.

3. Smoke in Your Room

Many things can cause smoke in one of your rooms. High winds, damp wood, and exhaust fans can all cause scenarios where smoke may enter your house. However, if none of these factors apply and smoke is a recurring problem, you may have a chimney blockage.

Your local chimney service can help you identify the problem and remedy it. First, we will remove any birds or rodents that are found, then use rods and brushes to clean the remaining obstructions and grime buildup. Last, a chimney vac removes dislodged soot and other debris from the sweeping.

4. Signs of an Animal Infestation

If you hear rustling noises in your fireplace, you may have uninvited guests. Birds and rodents often nestle in chimneys because it provides a sturdy buffer from cold weather. However, any nests in your chimney could cause a restricted airily causing smoke to flood your house.

5. Debris and Grime Are Falling into Your Fireplace

Another clear indicator that you’re overdue for a chimney clean is if you can clearly see debris and grime in your fireplace. This could include leaves, twigs, or feathers from animals nesting or blown-in vegetation. Any of these could cause an obstruction affecting the air quality in your home.

Trust Capitol Chimney Service for Service, Repairs, and Maintenance

For over 20 years, homeowners in the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore metropolitan areas have trusted us to keep their homes warm and safe while using their chimneys. At Capitol Chimney Service, we take pride in providing our customers with knowledge and customized service. We are locally-owned and operated, certified, licensed, bonded, and insured with two decades of experience. Give yourself peace of mind by hiring a licensed, insured, and bonded professional company.

If you’re ready to learn more, contact us today.

At Capitol Chimney Service, we service all types of fireplaces and chimneys—including wood stoves. If you own and operate a wood stove in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, or Virginia area, it’s important that you have your wood stove and chimney regularly cleaned and inspected to ensure they operate efficiently and safely.

Whether you’re looking for wood stove cleaning, repair, or installation in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia areas, the experts at Capitol Chimney Service can help. As a small, family-owned chimney company located in Silver Spring, Maryland, we strive for attention to detail and quick turnaround time on jobs.

What Is a Wood Stove?

A wood stove is a freestanding heating unit that sits in an open part of your room—as opposed to inside a fireplace opening (like a fireplace insert). Just like other traditional fireplaces, a wood stove has a flue pipe that vents the fire’s smoke outside.

The Benefits of Installing a Wood Stove

There are many benefits to installing a wood stove in your home. For starters, most newer wood stove models are EPA-certified, which means they produce less or almost no smoke at all. In addition, they also require less firewood to operate.

Wood stoves are also very versatile—coming in a variety of sizes and models to suit your room or entire home’s unique heating and comfort needs.

Wood Stove Installation

If you don’t have an existing fireplace and chimney but you want to be able to enjoy fires in your home, a wood stove might be right for you! If you’re interested in a wood stove installation, it’s vital that your heating unit is installed correctly in order to prevent house fires, damage, and injury. Give yourself peace of mind by hiring a licensed and insured professional chimney company. We do it right the first time!

Wood Stove Cleaning

Just like any other type of fireplace, when you use your wood stove, the bi-products of the fire get deposited in your unit. Over time, these bi-products build up—causing your unit to operate less efficiently and also leaving you at risk for chimney fires.

Ideally, you should call for a wood stove cleaning before you plan to use your fireplace and chimney during the colder seasons—usually during the summer or early fall.

If you need a wood stove cleaning in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, or Virginia area, give us a call!

Wood Stove Repair

Like all heating units, you might eventually run into problems with your wood stove that require repair. When that happens, call Capitol Chimney Service for wood stove repair in the D.C., MD, and VA areas. We’re experts in all things chimney and fireplace related—and we’ve pretty much seen it all in terms of chimney and fireplace repairs! We can handle all of the following wood stove repairs (and more!):

• Creosote removal
• Loose wood stove doors
• Cracked wood stove doors
• Other wood stove cracks
• Cracked or damaged firebricks
• Wood stove leaks
• Venting problems

Schedule Wood Stove Services in D.C., MD & VA

Located in Silver Spring, Maryland, Capitol Chimney Service offers a wide variety of chimney and fireplace services throughout the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia areas. Our goal is to make your chimney and fireplace cleaner, safer, and more energy-efficient. But don’t take our word for it! See what our customers have to say about us!

Contact us today to schedule wood stove services in D.C., MD, or VA.