381-8 Old Riverhead Road

Westhampton Beach, NY

Tel. 631-998-0780

Hours: Tues. - Thur. 9am to 3pm / Fri. 9am to 12pm (or by appt.) / Sat. - Mon. Closed

Our Company Blog

Keeping Water out of Your Chimney and Fireplace

Perhaps the best thing you can do to extend the life of your fireplace, wood stove, and chimney is to keep water out of it. As you can imagine, because of its location, there is no part of your home that is as subject to driving rains and wind pressure as your chimney. Of course, condensation may also cause water to collect within your chimney, and chimneys are especially vulnerable to condensation because water vapor is a component of flue gases.

Water is one of the most important substances on earth. All plants and animals must have water to live. Your chimney, on the other hand, can be destroyed by water intrusion.

Water is one of the most important substances on earth. All plants and animals must have water to live. Your chimney, on the other hand, can be destroyed by water intrusion.

Water can get into even the tiniest cracks and go on to wreak the worst havoc on your chimney—damaging everything from the top of your chimney (cap or damper) on down (mortar crown, flashing), and into your chimney’s interior (liner) and finally reaching your heating appliance. This is why your chimney requires an annual inspection. Each year a professional needs to check it for leaks, blockages, and damaged components.

Help—There’s Water in My Fireplace!

If you find water in your fireplace or stove, something is wrong. Likewise, if you hear the sound of rainwater dripping down your chimney, your chimney and heating system need attention. Never attempt use a fireplace or stove that appears to be collecting water. It is no longer safe for use.

Both gas and wood-burning stoves and fireplaces, as well as outdoor hearths, will show signs of premature age because of water exposure. Water has also been shown to greatly compromise the efficiency and safety of these appliances.

There are a number of ways to keep water out of your fireplace and to prevent it from entering in the future, including:

  • Installation of a chimney cap or top-sealing damper
  • Repair of faulty chimney crown or chimney flashing
  • Masonry repair to remedy hairline cracks, incompletely filled mortar joints, and other flaws
  • Professional masonry waterproofing

Located in Westhampton Beach, New York, Beach Stove and Fireplace can be counted on to install your fireplace or stove correctly so that you can enjoy it with complete confidence. We’ll also make sure that you have all the needed components to keep water out of your appliance so that it will perform well for you for the long haul and be eligible for any applicable warranties. Contact us today.

By Julie Dismore on May 16th, 2014 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , , , , | Comments Off on Keeping Water out of Your Chimney and Fireplace

Why Does My Fireplace Stink?

 

Chimney Odors

Ideally, a fireplace only has positive effects on your senses: cozy warmth, twinkling light, a gentle crackle. Chimney issues, however, can give your senses an unwanted surprise: musky, acrid odors that tamp down the enjoyment of that fireplace, and with it, your whole home. A healthy chimney won’t be a malodorous one, so if you’re noticing bad odors, it’s likely indicating a problem that needs correcting.Why Does My Fireplace Stink - Westhampton Beach NY - Beach Stove and Fireplace

Common Causes Of Chimney Odors

A good start toward avoiding chimney odor: annual chimney sweeping. A regularly swept chimney is a cleaner chimney, and when there’s less creosote and less debris, odors are less likely. But every chimney is different, and your chimney professionals can help root out the cause of your specific chimney odors. Here are some common culprits that chimney professionals find:

Moisture issues

Encroaching water does a number on chimneys and fireplaces in many different ways — it can erode your masonry, corrode your damper, seep into your ceilings and walls and create a stinky, mildewy chimney. If you’re noticing a musty odor, a professional chimney technician can help figure out whether you have a chimney leak with a chimney inspection. You might have chimney flashing damage or a missing chimney cap, or old and damaged masonry might be allowing too much water to be absorbed. If damage is found, your chimney professionals can help with repairs or replacement parts. To protect the masonry itself — and prevent the water intrusion that can lead to odors — you might want to have a waterproofing sealant applied. Sealants that are specifically designed for chimney masonry keep water from seeping through the masonry, but still allow vapors to escape.

Excess air coming down the chimney

Burning wood creates creosote, a combustible deposit that has a strong odor. And even a properly and regularly swept chimney will have some creosote residue that’s been absorbed into the masonry. In a chimney that’s drafting properly, air is pulled up and out, the creosote odors with it. But if air is being pulled down the chimney because of a wind-related downdraft or negative air pressure, that air and those odors are directed right into your home. Depending on what’s causing air to flow down your chimney, technicians can recommend several different solutions, including installing a top-sealing damper that tightly closes off the top of the flue, or adding a glass fire screen that keeps chimney air contained.

Animals

A flue that isn’t topped with a chimney cap can allow animals to nest, roost or fall into the chimney. Even if they just nest and leave, they’ll bring along debris, unwanted odors and bugs, and likely build a nest that blocks the flue. Even worse, young animals that fall into your chimney can get stuck and die. Some animals can be removed from your chimney; others, like federally protected chimney swifts, can’t be — you’ll have to wait for them to migrate. If you hear or smell animals in your chimney, chimney professionals can help clean up the damage they’ve done, and install a chimney cap that will keep unwanted visitors out in the future.

Trust your senses: If you’re noticing a bad smell coming from your chimney, it’s very likely a symptom of a problem that needs addressing. Call your chimney professionals — they can help take care of the symptoms and clear up the cause.

By Julie Dismore on July 31st, 2013 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , , , | Comments Off on Why Does My Fireplace Stink?

Our Location

Beach Stove and Fireplace is located on Old Riverhead Road between Montauk Highway and Sunrise Highway. From Sunrise Highway take exit 63 south, travel 1.2 miles and turn right at the 381 complex (just north of Gabreski Airport)