Gas Logs For Your NJ Home

The calendar might say it’s still fall, but it definitely feels like winter out there! And now that the holidays are upon us, most people are looking to spend time with their loved ones. Many people will do that in the comfort of their warm NJ homes.

But what’s the best way to make your NJ home even cozier and more inviting for your guests? Guardian Chimney has a suggestion: why not buy gas logs for your NJ home? Gas logs are known as one of the most efficient, environmentally friendly and versatile fireplaces in the world. Gas logs in your NJ home would be the perfect complement to your holiday season. Imagine opening your holiday gifts in your NJ home with gas logs burning brightly in the background. Or, if you don’t think you’ll have time for a gas log installation before Christmas, there are still plenty of cold months ahead after the holiday season is over, so you and your family and friends would have plenty of time to enjoy it before the weather warms up!

Here are a few reasons you should contact Guardian Chimney about gas logs installation for your NJ home:

• For simplicity’s sake: gas logs are easily turned on and off by either turning a valve or hitting a button on a remote control. They are in their place permanently, which means you turn them on and off and don’t have to think about their position or changing them out for real wood.
• For money’s sake: gas logs are very cost effective. They cost a fraction of what wood logs would cost.
• For efficiency’s sake: they do not require electricity to work. They are a fantastic source for light and heat, especially during a power outage, and you don’t have to worry about restocking and paying for firewood every year.
• For the environment’s sake: gas logs burn more cleanly than wood logs and help reduce air pollutants. There is no danger of flying ash or sparks, and you don’t have to worry about creosote build-up in your chimneys.

These are only a handful of reasons you should get in touch with Guardian Chimney about a gas log installation in your NJ home. These gas logs are a perfect fit for almost every NJ home! Imagine you and your family and friends gathered around one of these toasty fireplaces while the cold air and biting wind rage around outside. Everyone will be nice and warm, and you won’t be spending an arm and a leg on fuel! Let us get you started on the gas log installation process in your NJ home as soon as possible!

Call Guardian Chimney today at (888) 688-1388 or (800) 688-7022 to get more information about a gas log fireplace installation in your NJ home or contact us online.

The Importance of Chimney Inspections in Hudson County

Fall is here! Go outside just about anywhere in Hudson County, and you can see that the leaves have all changed colors – most trees have completely lost their leaves in preparation for the upcoming winter. Thanksgiving will be here in a few short weeks (Hannukah too!) and Christmas is right around the corner. Are you winterizing your house yet? Don’t forget about your chimney! Guardian Chimney offers chimney inspections for Hudson County and the surrounding areas.

Why are chimney inspections so important? First and foremost, it’s crucial for fire safety. Creosote is produced by the burning of wood or coal in fireplaces. It builds up when wood or coal burns incompletely and produces soot and tarry smoke. When creosote builds up in excess, it can cause a chimney fire. Any debris that gets into your chimney, like leaves, birds’ nests and branches can also cause a fire. Getting your chimney inspected and cleaned annually can potentially save your house from a fire, not to mention your family and your belongings!

Plus, if your chimney is not properly ventilated, this could lead to the smoke backing up in the chimney and filling your home with potentially harmful smoke. Getting your chimney inspected can keep this from happening and ensure that your home is not filled with this dangerous smoke by ensuring there is proper ventilation.

When a chimney inspector comes to your home, they will look at the bricks and mortar to make sure they are in good condition. The flue liner and tiles will also be looked at, as will the amount of creosote that has built up. If it’s been awhile since your chimney has been swept, the chimney inspector will recommend you get that done before lighting the first fire of the season. The gasket around your fireplace’s glass doors (if they have them) will also be inspected to make sure they aren’t defective. The brick lining in the firebox will also be inspected for any broken or deteriorated bricks.

Taking the time and spending a few bucks to get your chimney inspected could save you a world of hassle in the long run, and it will make your winter fireplace fun much more safe for you and your whole family! Give Guardian Chimney a call at (888) 688-1388 or (800) 688-7022 for more information, or contact us online.

3 Benefits of Owning a Fireplace

Electric fireplaces are becoming more and more popular as time goes on. It's so much easier to flip on a switch than handle all the requirements that go with maintaining a traditional fireplace. But, there are a lot of benefits to keeping up with a log burning fireplace. Our team of Passaic County chimney inspectors gets to see homes with fireplace every day. In this blog, we're going to cover some of the major benefits to owning a fireplace.

                                                            

Cozy, Relaxing

Nothing beats snuggling up next to a fireplace on a cold winter day. There is something to be said for taking a few hours out of your busy life, to sit with a cup of tea and read by the fire. The crackling of a burning fire can be soothing. By taking some time to relax by the fire, you may be able to reduce your level of stress.

Extra Heat

By maintaining a fireplace, you have an opportunity to keep your heating bills lower. Traditional fireplaces provide a way to heat your home completely independent from your utilities. When you have an electric fireplace, you are still consuming extra electricity to run it. Fireplaces can emit a lot of extra heat, so you'll be warm all winter long.

Working Through the Storm

Since traditional fireplaces do not rely on modern utilities to run, they will continue to work through power outages. Not only will you remain warm, but you can also cook on the fireplace. So, while others in your neighborhood are chilly and hungry, you will be able to put food on the table and stay cozy warm.

Are you in need of a chimney inspection in Passaic County? Give us a call today at 1-888-688-1388 or contact us online.

Chimney Inspections Before Fall

It's almost that time of year again, the time when we put away the air conditioners and pull out the space heaters. But, what we're really looking forward to is curling up next to the fire with a good book. That may still seem like a long time away, but it will approach quicker than you think. Right now, before fall, is the time to have your chimney inspected for the cooler months. If you live anywhere in New Jersey, like Morris County, chimney inspections can make your home safer.

Summer Build Up
During the summer, you probably didn't have the need to build a fire inside once. This leaves the opportunity for things to build up in your chimney, such as bird nests. Birds have a tendency to build nests around the tops of chimneys, providing a serious hazard. If they are large enough, they can actually block sufficient airflow needed to burn a fire. Setting a bird nest on fire could result in a house fire. Let us check for nests before you light up your fireplace for the first time.

Home Remodeling Projects
Are you checking off some last minute summer remodeling projects? We don't blame you. The end of the summer, when the kids are back in school, is the perfect time to complete more involved projects. If replacing or updating your fireplace is on your to do list, let us check it out first. A facelift for your fireplace can provide you with the perfect opportunity to get your chimney inspected. If you're going to spend money to beautify your fireplace, you want to make sure it's in working order.

Need a chimney inspection in Morris County? Give us a call today at 1-888-688-1388 or contact us online.

Chimney Inspections: The Basics

Have a fireplace or wood stove? Then you know it’s a must to have it cleaned regularly. If you decide not to go forward with regular cleanings, then numerous issues can occur, including a fire outbreak or health risks may result due to inadequate ventilation. However, you may be unaware of any existing issues with your chimney.

Enter a chimney inspection.

No matter where you live, whether it’s in Bergen County or in Monmouth NJ, chimney inspections are necessary and vital to ensuring your home is safe. They are a precautionary tool for catching problems with chimneys before more serious problems occur, and a professional inspection can check on things like the liner’s condition or obstructions.

Over time, your chimney will experience a buildup of creosote, soot and other types of debris. You may not know how much buildup is inside your chimney, but during an inspection we will be able to find out. Why is buildup in your chimney is such a danger?

·         Buildup prevents hazardous gases from venting out.

·         Creosote is quite flammable, and can start a fire with all the sparks flying around.

There are three levels of a chimney inspection:

·         Level I: Focus is on the flue for obstructions and other damages, and on other portions for damage inspection

·         Level II: Video or digital photography will be used to examine the chimney for various defects

·         Level III: Parts of the chimney may need to be removed to ensure a thorough inspection. Usually, Level III chimney inspections are often the most expensive types.

It’s best to have your chimney inspected on an annual basis, even if you don’t use it that much.

Have questions about chimney inspections, or haven’t had yours looked at in a while? Call Guardian Chimney today at 1-888-688-1388.

Common Finds During a Chimney Inspection

Is it about time for a chimney inspection at your home? Chimney inspections can keep you and your family safe and avoid an unwanted fire. At Guardian Chimney, we take the safety of your family very seriously. We perform inspections routinely all over New Jersey. In this blog, we're going to explore some of the most common things our team of Bergen County chimney inspectors sees during an inspection.

Bird’s Nests

It is possible birds will build nests in your chimney flue, especially if you do not use it often. A chimney inspection is a great way to find out if you have a bird’s nest located in your chimney. It may be apparent you have a bird’s nest, but not always. It is a good idea to have a chimney inspection done annually before you start using it again after the summer to prevent any surprises or chimney fires.

Structural Damage

After an external stressor, such as a fire or an earthquake, you may incur structural damage. You may not be able to see it with the naked eye, which is where a Level 2 video inspection comes in handy. Our team of Bergen County chimney inspectors will be able to safely assess the situation and recommend repairs as needed. This process can save you from finding the damage after it's too late.

Buildup

Depending on the type of materials you commonly burn, soot and grime can build up. It is important to have your chimney inspected and the buildup removed. A buildup of materials in your chimney is hazardous and may start a house fire. To prevent this type of situation, have our staff provide you with a professional and comprehensive inspection.

Set an appointment for a chimney inspection today by calling 1-888-688-1388 or Contact Us Online.

Buying a Home? Call a New Jersey Chimney Inspector

If you're buying a home, you need to make sure the chimney was inspected. If you have hired a home inspector to examine the house, they will only perform a Level I inspection. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) states a Level II inspection should be preformed, "upon sale or transfer of the property ..." This means if you're buying a home in New Jersey, chimney inspections need to be performed by a certified company. At Guardian Chimney, we perform Level II video inspections.

Home Inspectors: Level I

A home inspector will perform a Level I inspection, which is a basic review of the chimney. They will probably identify several features of the chimney that will need further review. This is important to note up front, so you are aware an additional appointment with a New Jersey chimney inspections professional is needed. Home inspectors are not trained and unable to review the chimney the way a Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) certified chimney inspector can. A home inspector will be able to review the easily accessible parts of your chimney. These are the parts requiring little or no tools to access them.

Guardian Chimney: Level II

As you certified New Jersey chimney inspectors, we will carry out an even more detailed inspection of your chimney. We are certified by the CSIA, so we are qualified to carry out Level II inspections. We can do a complete analysis of your chimney, even the parts requiring more effort to inspect. We utilize high-tech video equipments to see what is not viewable to the naked eye. We will be able to determine the status of your chimney and definitively tell you what repairs immediately need to be made.

To schedule your New Jersey chimney inspection, call 1-888-688-1388 or Fill Out Our Online Form.

Chimney Inspections: Now is the Time

What, in your opinion, is necessary for a safe home? Is it a security system? Do you need to make sure all the doors and windows are secured before you go to bed or leave the residence? What about the chimney?

It might seem far-fetched, but homeowners, including those in Jersey City and surrounding areas, are advised to make sure that their chimney does not pose any safety risk. By having a Jersey City chimney inspection professional check out your chimney, you help to protect your home.

Moved into a new home with a fireplace?

If you’ve recently relocated to a domicile with a fireplace, it’s highly recommended you have a qualified Jersey City chimney inspector give your chimney a thorough look. Even if previous owners have told you the chimney has been inspected previously, it’s well worth the peace of mind to know your chimney does not pose any safety risks.

Lived in your home for several years?

We’ve all heard about bats in the belfry and canaries in a coalmine, but what about birds in the chimney? You might not know that birds can take residence in your chimney, leaving behind nests and other flammable debris.

Also leaving behind dangerous debris are certain types of wood, kindling and fire starters. In this case, what’s left behind are sediments and chemical traces that are dangerous to inhale.

Have your chimney inspected annually

You should, on an annual basis, have your chimney looked at, normally in the summer. An annual chimney inspection will make you aware of these issues, as well as damage, cracks and other repairs that are needed, but that you are unable to see. Knowing these issues will help you to prolong the life of your chimney, thereby saving you significant costs associated with chimney repairs or replacement.

Need a Jersey City chimney inspection professional? Call Guardian Chimney now at 888-688-1388.