Need a New Chimney? Get Beautiful, Functional Results With English Sweep
Here’s a joke for you – what did the big chimney say to the little chimney?
You’re too young to be smoking!
All jokes aside, if a new chimney has been on your horizon for a while, you may be eager to get the process going. We can’t say we blame you! That said, this is a big job that requires a lot of effort, time, and money – which means the last thing you want is to hire a company that cuts corners, or leaves you with a chimney that doesn’t meet your needs or appropriate safety standards.
That’s why we encourage you to trust in us here at English Sweep. As Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)-certified sweeps, we feel confident in our ability to help you with it all, and we know we can provide you with an end product you’ll love for the long haul. From design and materials to construction and safety, we’ve got you covered every step of the way.
Ready to turn your dreams of a well-constructed chimney for your cozy fireplace into a reality? Look no further. Give English Sweep a call at 636-225-3340 or reach out to us online today.
Things You’ll Need to Consider for Your New Chimney
When planning to add a chimney to your home, there are a number of things to think about before diving into the construction process. Like we said, this is a job you want done right from the get-go! But, here are the top four things we urge you to consider first:
Fuel Type:
One of the first decisions to make is determining the type of fuel you intend to use in your chimney. Do you prefer the classic crackle of wood, the convenience of gas, or the efficiency of pellets? This one decision greatly impacts the design and construction of your chimney, so it’s important to have this figured out before starting construction.
Appliance Type:
Another thing that impacts chimney construction is the type of appliance you’re looking to operate. Would you prefer a free-standing stove, an insert, or a more traditional fireplace set-up? Each of these options comes with its own unique requirements, from ventilation to clearances, and we’d be happy to go over your options with you. We want to help find the best selection for your home and needs.
Materials:
Another consideration is whether you want your fireplace and chimney made from stone, brick, or another material, as these will impact aesthetic design as well as placement and weight considerations.
Style:
Your home is an expression of you! Is it a rustic, cozy look you seek, or a sleek, modern design? We want to ensure we know exactly what you envision, so that your fireplace and chimney not only meet your functional needs, but blend seamlessly with your unique style – making your house truly feel like your home.
Need help navigating the process? We’re here for you. Give us a call or book online today.
What Can I Expect From English Sweep During New Chimney Builds?
On our end, there is plenty to think about, too! Flue size, chimney height, and clearances are all things we need to factor in as we go about this process. If appropriate coding regulations and measurement requirements aren’t met, your system will lack efficiency, and be more prone to things like backdrafting, carbon monoxide leaks, and poor airflow.
Along with this, if proper clearances aren’t adhered to or if your system isn’t built with enough insulation, you could be more prone to experience chimney damages, as well as heat transfer and house fires. Any adjacent woodwork or combustibles need to be considered when looking to minimize potential risk factors.
We take our job very seriously and always educate ourselves on safety regulations and industry best practices so we can adhere to them throughout the entire process. We appreciate your trust in us to handle these details meticulously, ensuring that your chimney is not only a beautiful addition to your home, but also a safe and efficient one.
In the end, there are a lot of moving parts to note and take care of, but it’s nothing our educated and experienced team can’t handle.
How Is a Chimney Constructed?
Chimneys are both functional and ornamental. That’s why the process of building the perfect fireplace and chimney requires careful planning, skilled craftsmanship, and adherence to safety standards. Here at English Sweep, our skilled technicians start building from the ground up. The process looks like this:
- Foundation: Nothing sturdy can be built upon a weak foundation. That’s why we spend adequate time ensuring the concrete foundation is solid, providing the stability necessary to support the entire chimney structure.
- Chimney Footings: On top of the foundation, concrete blocks are poured to serve as the base upon which the chimney will be built.
- Firebox and Hearth: Next, the firebox is constructed with fire-resistant materials like firebrick and refractory mortar. The hearth, or face of the firebox, is typically made of brick or stone, and acts as a decorative element, as well as a safety barrier between the fire and your living space.
- Flue Liner Installation: Right above the firebox, a durable flue liner will be installed. This component serves as the essential passageway for safely venting smoke and harmful gases out of your home while also preventing heat transfer to surrounding materials.
- Chimney Structure: Around the flue liner, the chimney’s structural walls will be built. Common materials include bricks, concrete blocks, or stone – and this depends on which material best suits your aesthetic purposes.
- Chimney Crown Installation: At the top of the chimney, a crown is constructed using concrete. It covers the entire top of the chimney, minus the flue opening and helps protect the chimney against water intrusion.
- Chimney Flashing and Counterflashing: Flashing will be installed at the base of the chimney, where it meets the roof. Counterflashing is inserted into the mortar joints of the chimney. This dual-layer system acts as a watertight seal to prevent any kind of moisture from seeping in and wreaking havoc on the chimney and your roof.
- Chimney Cap: At the top of the chimney, even above the chimney crown, is the exposed flue opening. The chimney cap sits on top of that to protect the flue from moisture, as well as to prevent debris, animals, and rain from entering.
- Sealing and Finishing: Depending on the materials used during construction, we may recommend applying a sealant to help further protect the chimney from environmental factors like water penetration, freeze-thaw cycles, and the general wear and tear that can occur over time.
English Sweep can also install prefabricated or factory-built fireplaces if you’re looking for a more affordable option. Questions? We’re here to answer them. Start filling out our schedule form online or you can just give us a call directly. We’re happy to help!
We Have the Most CSIA-Certified Sweeps in St. Louis
At English Sweep, we not only have the largest number of sweeps in the area, but we employ the largest number of both Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)-and National Fireplace Institute (NFI)-certified sweeps too. And to top it off, the company owner is the only CSIA Master Chimney Sweep in the state!
There’s simply no denying we have the education and high levels of commitment and experience necessary to tackle a bigger job like this. We also have extensive experience in the field, so we know how to find solutions to any issues that come up along the way.
We pride ourselves on being family-owned and maintaining a strong sense of values. We’re ethical and honest in every service we offer, so you can feel empowered as you plan and make your decision.
So, let’s get started –- your dream fireplace and chimney are just a phone call away! Reach out at 636-225-3340 or book an appointment now.
Tired of your dated, inefficient fireplace? Talk to our chimney repairs experts about the advantages of a retrofit fireplace from Bellfires and Prior Fire.