Oil Fired Chimney
The by-product of the incomplete combustion of fuel oil unburned carbon and sulfur, commonly called oil soot. Oil soot accumulates on the walls and at the base of the chimney. Chimneys should be inspected and serviced annually by a NFI Certified Chimney Sweep. At Wertz & Co Inc., we have NFI professionals that are available to provide you with excellent service.
The best time of the year to sweep an oil chimney is in the springtime, after the heating season. By sweeping the chimney at this time, you dont have to worry about a sudden cold snap interfering with the recommended annual servicing of your appliance.
During the winter, the oil fired appliance is subject to long running cycles. These long run times produce oil soot that may adhere to the sides of the chimney. The accumulation of these soot deposits can fall to the base of a masonry chimney, or directly into the top of the oil fired appliance. This fallen soot build-up may restrict the flow of flue gases which consist mostly of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and water vapor.
The combustion process also produces carbon monoxide, which is a tasteless, odorless, poisonous gas. Carbon monoxide may spill back into the house instead of going up the chimney if appliances are not adequately vented or when the chimney base is not properly swept.
A common misconception is that the oil service company takes care of the chimney. The reality is that the oil burner company may shovel out the base of a brick chimney and they may brush out the connector pipes, but likely will not clean the chimney system.
Also, many oil burner service technicians may tell the homeowner that the system is okay without even inspecting the entire chimney. Our NFI Certified service technician professionals inspect the entire chimney. This includes going to the roof and inspecting the interior as well as the exterior masonry, flashing, chimney cap, etc.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 221 states that chimneys shall be inspected annually, cleaned and repaired if needed. Just as the oil furnace is serviced annually, so should your chimney system be serviced annually by our NFI Certified technicians.
Many homeowners are not aware that the chimneys interior, when not properly maintained, will decay and break down. Failing to have an annual chimney inspection may allow decay to remain undetected. What would happen if you didnt change the motor oil in your car for 50,000 miles? Regular maintenance always pays off in the end and the same is with your chimney.
As stated earlier, soot is comprised of carbon and sulphur. This sulphur, when mixed with rain water or moisture from the flue gases is absorbed into the flue tile and starts a deteriorating process called flaking or spalling. Just like tartar on your teeth, annual service will remove these soot deposits and keep the deterioration process to a minimum.
In metal chimneys the interior lining is constructed of stainless steel, which will not rust, but can corrode from the oil soots sulfuric acid reaction. This corrosion causes small pinholes to form which ruin the integrity of the liner. When these pinholes form, the liner is unable to properly contain the by-products of combustion. When a clay lining in a masonry chimney flakes, or a metal chimney or lining system corrodes, they are unable to contain the heat and flue gases, thus creating a potential hazard.
When your Wertz & Co Inc. Certified Chimney professional arrives at your home to perform your annual inspection and sweeping of the oil chimney, expect to see the following:
The best time of the year to sweep an oil chimney is in the springtime, after the heating season. By sweeping the chimney at this time, you dont have to worry about a sudden cold snap interfering with the recommended annual servicing of your appliance.
During the winter, the oil fired appliance is subject to long running cycles. These long run times produce oil soot that may adhere to the sides of the chimney. The accumulation of these soot deposits can fall to the base of a masonry chimney, or directly into the top of the oil fired appliance. This fallen soot build-up may restrict the flow of flue gases which consist mostly of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and water vapor.
The combustion process also produces carbon monoxide, which is a tasteless, odorless, poisonous gas. Carbon monoxide may spill back into the house instead of going up the chimney if appliances are not adequately vented or when the chimney base is not properly swept.
A common misconception is that the oil service company takes care of the chimney. The reality is that the oil burner company may shovel out the base of a brick chimney and they may brush out the connector pipes, but likely will not clean the chimney system.
Also, many oil burner service technicians may tell the homeowner that the system is okay without even inspecting the entire chimney. Our NFI Certified service technician professionals inspect the entire chimney. This includes going to the roof and inspecting the interior as well as the exterior masonry, flashing, chimney cap, etc.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 221 states that chimneys shall be inspected annually, cleaned and repaired if needed. Just as the oil furnace is serviced annually, so should your chimney system be serviced annually by our NFI Certified technicians.
Many homeowners are not aware that the chimneys interior, when not properly maintained, will decay and break down. Failing to have an annual chimney inspection may allow decay to remain undetected. What would happen if you didnt change the motor oil in your car for 50,000 miles? Regular maintenance always pays off in the end and the same is with your chimney.
As stated earlier, soot is comprised of carbon and sulphur. This sulphur, when mixed with rain water or moisture from the flue gases is absorbed into the flue tile and starts a deteriorating process called flaking or spalling. Just like tartar on your teeth, annual service will remove these soot deposits and keep the deterioration process to a minimum.
In metal chimneys the interior lining is constructed of stainless steel, which will not rust, but can corrode from the oil soots sulfuric acid reaction. This corrosion causes small pinholes to form which ruin the integrity of the liner. When these pinholes form, the liner is unable to properly contain the by-products of combustion. When a clay lining in a masonry chimney flakes, or a metal chimney or lining system corrodes, they are unable to contain the heat and flue gases, thus creating a potential hazard.
When your Wertz & Co Inc. Certified Chimney professional arrives at your home to perform your annual inspection and sweeping of the oil chimney, expect to see the following:
- There will likely be some equipment set-up.
- Steps will be taken to seal off areas which may otherwise allow soot to enter your home.
- The pipe connecting the oil furnace to the chimney will be disconnected, swept and reconnected.
- An inspection of the exterior of the chimney will be made.
- The chimney/flue will be swept if needed, and the interior of the chimney will be inspected to determine its soundness.
- Any loosened soot deposits will be removed.
- When service has been completed, the furnace will be restarted for you.
- When your technician has completed the evaluation, he or she will recommend any corrective actions that might be required.
Why Put Soffits on Your Home?
There are many homes that do not have soffits but soffits are crucial parts of your home's over-all ventilation system. Soffits serve many practical purposes. For example, they protect the house from negative effects of extreme heat during the summer. When your soffit is damaged, it continues to rot and break down. This can cause damage to your roof and drywall materials. This causes larger problems, costing you more time money.
Properly Installed Soffits Prevent
- Dry Rot
- Moist Rot
- Rodent Invasions
- Pest Invasions
- Falling Gutters
