fireplace Archives - Los Gatos News And Events

Earlier than You Gentle That Fire, Learn This

Sun, 05 May 2024 11:17:53 +0000

The cold, rainy weather and holiday season may have you thinking about roasting chestnuts on an open fire.

While some people may use natural gas-powered fireplaces, others still use wood-burning fireplaces. According to the U.S. Fire Protection Agency, furnace fires account for 36 percent of home fires in rural areas each year.

Emergency management officials have some pointers to keep your fireplace and fire safe:

Have your fireplace cleaned by a professional. A chimney sweep cleans the entire chimney. Many people use a high-performance vacuum cleaner to ensure that no soot or dust gets into the apartment. Some sweepers also offer a series of inspections of the chimney, interior vent, and attic spaces for damaged areas that need repair.
Choose firewood carefully. Seasoned firewood – wood that has been allowed to dry for at least six months – is the best and safest option. Purchasing one or two cords of wood can last the average fireplace user through the entire season. Wood can also be purchased in supermarkets or picked up for free in various areas.
Avoid wood from freshly felled trees. It likely contains a high moisture content, which will result in more smoke than combustion output and can cause creosote deposits to form inside the chimney.
Synthetic logs are also available. Be careful, however, as these burn unevenly and can release higher levels of carbon monoxide. Carefully follow the instructions on the packaging of these products.
Check your fireplace screen or fireplace surround to make sure it safely protects against embers escaping the fireplace. In households with small children, an additional barrier in front of the fireplace may be necessary to prevent small hands from touching the hot screen.
Remember to open the chimney before starting a fire. This allows fresh air to be supplied to the fire and smoke to escape from the house. If the chimney is not opened, it can quickly result in choking, dirty smoke filling the house. After the fire has been completely extinguished, the chimney should be closed to prevent animals and foreign objects from entering the house through the opening.
Have a metal container available for removing and storing hot ash. Embers and ashes can stay hot for a long time, so they should be placed outdoors, ideally far away from the house, so that they don't set anything on fire.
Inform household members about the rules for using fireplaces. Do not burn anything other than wood in the fire to avoid creating toxic fumes or dangerous embers. All it takes is one stray ember to start a big fire. Additionally, improper fuel materials can cause flammable creosote to build up in the chimney.
Do not leave a fire unattended. If there is a fire burning in the fireplace, make sure someone is keeping an eye on it. Make sure the fire is out before you go to bed.

The post Earlier than You Gentle That Fire, Learn This appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

Earlier than You Gentle That Fire, Learn This

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 22:24:15 +0000

The cold, rainy weather and holiday season may have you thinking about roasting chestnuts on an open fire.

Emergency management officials have some pointers to keep your fireplace and fire safe:

Have your fireplace cleaned by a professional. A chimney sweep cleans the entire chimney. Many people use a high-performance vacuum cleaner to ensure that no soot or dust gets into the apartment. Some sweepers also offer a series of chimney and interior flue inspections, as well as an inspection of attics for damaged areas that need repair.
Choose firewood carefully. Seasoned firewood – wood that has been allowed to dry for at least six months – is the best and safest option. Purchasing one or two cords of wood can last the average fireplace user all season long. Wood can also be purchased in supermarkets or picked up for free in various areas.
Avoid wood from freshly felled trees. It likely contains a high moisture content, which will result in more smoke than combustion output and can cause creosote deposits to form inside the chimney.
Synthetic logs are also available. However, be careful as these burn unevenly and can release higher levels of carbon monoxide. Carefully follow the instructions on the packaging of these products.
Check your fireplace screen or fireplace surround to ensure it safely protects against embers escaping the fireplace. In households with small children, an additional barrier in front of the fireplace may be necessary to prevent small hands from touching the hot screen.
Remember to open the chimney before starting a fire. This allows fresh air to be supplied to the fire and smoke to escape from the house. If the chimney is not opened, it can quickly result in choking, dirty smoke filling the house. After the fire has been completely extinguished, the chimney should be closed to prevent animals and foreign objects from entering the house through the opening.
Have a metal container available for removing and storing hot ash. Embers and ashes can stay hot for a long time, so they should be placed outdoors, ideally far away from the house, so that they don't set anything on fire.
Inform household members about the rules for using fireplaces. Do not burn anything other than wood in the fire to avoid creating toxic fumes or dangerous embers. All it takes is one stray ember to start a big fire. Additionally, improper fuel materials can cause flammable creosote to build up in the chimney.
Do not leave a fire unattended. If there is a fire burning in the fireplace, make sure someone is keeping an eye on it. Make sure the fire is out before you go to bed.

The post Earlier than You Gentle That Fire, Learn This appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

Mister Chimney & Nova Fireplaces Focuses on Gasoline Hearth Inserts in San Francisco and Hawyard, California

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 03:42:21 +0000

When it comes to chimney repairs in San Mateo and Redwood City, California, Mister Chimney & Nova Fireplaces can help.

This press release was originally distributed by ReleaseWire

Belmont, CA — (ReleaseWire) — 03/21/2022 — The chimney is essential for every household. It helps direct the smoke away from the furnace or heating unit out of the house. However, this is not the only function of the chimney as it prevents the tiles and walls from getting dirty due to the smoke and fumes created from cooking.

During cooking, the oil particles make the kitchen surrounding sticky. A chimney installation can help handle the problem. Besides, it helps recycle the air, reducing the amount of heat during cooking. It also helps keep the home smoke-free by absorbing smoke and fumes. It adds to the style quotient. An investment in chimney repair in San Mateo and Redwood City, California, helps keep the system in good working order for years to come.

Mister Chimney & Nova Fireplaces is a leading chimney cleaning and repair company handling all types of chimney repair work. They have the knowledge, equipment, and expertise to meet the needs and expectations from masonry repairs and addressing smoke issues to complete rebuilds.

The professional technicians are dedicated to providing chimney repair services to residential and commercial customers throughout San Francisco, Belmont, California, and the surrounding Bay Area.

Waterproofing is one of the most excellent methods to safeguard a freshly repaired or rebuilt chimney, and it’s always a necessary aspect of any large chimney repair.

The bricks of the chimney are like sponges. When they come into touch with water, the moisture seeps in slowly, weakening the bricks and finally crumbling them. The chimney should be waterproofed to avoid damage.

While there are various waterproofing treatments on the market, the chimney requires a specifically created product for that purpose. The expert specialists will choose the perfect product for the chimney and apply it correctly to ensure that it lasts longer.

The chimney repair is a complex process; both homeowners and business owners must hand it over to the experts to handle.

For more information on gas fireplace inserts in San Francisco and Hayward, California, visit https://www.mister-chimney.com/gas-fireplaces-gas-fireplace-inserts-redwood-city-ca/.

Call 650-631-4531 for details.

About Mister-Chimney & Nova Fireplaces
Mister-Chimney & Nova Fireplaces is the one-stop destination for fireplace repairs in San Francisco and Fremont, California, apart from gas fireplace installation, chimney repairs to chimney sweeping, and more.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/mister-chimney-nova-fireplaces-specializes-in-gas-fireplace-inserts-in-san-francisco-and-hawyard -california-1354603.htm

The post Mister Chimney & Nova Fireplaces Focuses on Gasoline Hearth Inserts in San Francisco and Hawyard, California appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

Mister-Chimney & Nova Fireplaces Brings in High quality Fire Inserts in Mountain View and Hayward, California

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 03:31:44 +0000

When it comes to getting fireplace inserts in Mountain View and Hayward, California, Mister-Chimney & Nova Fireplaces is the place to go.

This press release was originally distributed by ReleaseWire

Belmont, CA – (ReleaseWire) – 01/18/2022 – Many homeowners dream of a cozy little living room with comfortable sofas and a beautiful fireplace. While the dream works in theory, the fact is that fireplaces are expensive and require a lot of work.

In fact, the cost, maintenance, and even the ability to install a traditional fireplace could make homeowners look to other options. Electric fireplaces can be a fantastic choice with some bonuses.

Today, the popularity of electric fireplace inserts has skyrocketed. It greatly reduces the need to chop and store wood. It also eliminates the need to remove the ash.

The working mechanism of electric fireplace inserts does not differ from a real fireplace. The latter runs on natural combustion. However, the former does not require combustion at all. Still, it can make the room as calming and comforting as traditional mantels can do. With fireplace inserts in Mountain View and Hayward, California, the need for house permits and air vents can be easily avoided.

Mister-Chimney & Nova Fireplaces is a leading resource for electric fireplace inserts and electric fire pits. The modern fireplaces bring more comfort and warmth into the house, which makes it feel a bit cozier. Unlike traditional fireplaces, the likelihood of heat loss from electric fireplace inserts is minimal. They are more functional and energy efficient than the traditional ones. Potential health hazards are also minimal as they do not emit toxic gases unlike their traditional counterparts.

It’s not surprising that homeowners choose electric fireplaces for their numerous benefits. Unlike the traditional fireplace, they hardly cause any disturbance or clutter in the home. Nothing can beat the fireplace inserts as long as they offer the classic fireplace crackle.

Whether it’s time to give the traditional fireplace unit a makeover or add a new interior to the electric fireplace, Mister-Chimney & Nova Fireplaces will help customers purchase and furnish their home with the classic look and feel of a real fireplace.

For more information on propane fireplaces in Fremont and Mountain View, California, visit https://www.mister-chimney.com/fireplace-inserts-fireplace-repairs-gas-fireplaces-gas-fireplace-inserts-and-propane -fireplaces-palo-alto-ca/.

Call Nova Fireplaces at 650-654-8888 for more information.

About Mister-Chimney & Nova fireplaces
Mister-Chimney & Nova Fireplaces is the one-stop shop for fireplace repairs in San Francisco and Fremont, California, apart from gas fireplace installation and chimney repairs and chimney sweeps.

For more information on this press release, please visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/mister-chimney-nova-fireplaces-brings-in-quality-fireplace-inserts-in-mountain-view-and-hayward -california-1351736.htm

The post Mister-Chimney & Nova Fireplaces Brings in High quality Fire Inserts in Mountain View and Hayward, California appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

Earlier than You Mild That Hearth, Learn This

Sun, 26 Sep 2021 21:14:53 +0000

The cold, rainy weather and the holiday season can make you think about roasting chestnuts on an open fire.

While some people use natural gas fires, some still use wood fires. The US Fire Administration says that every year 36 percent of residential fires in rural areas are caused by heater fires.

Emergency management officials have a few reminders to keep your fireplace and fire safe:

Let a professional clean your fireplace. A chimney sweep cleans the entire chimney. Many use a powerful vacuum cleaner to keep soot or dust out of the house. Some sweeping services also offer a range of chimney, interior chimney and attic inspections for damaged areas that need repair.
Choose firewood carefully. Seasoned firewood – wood that has been dried for at least six months – is the best and safest option. Purchasing a piece of wood cord or two can get the average fireplace user through the season. Wood can also be bought in supermarkets or picked up free of charge in various areas.
Avoid wood from trees that have just been felled. It is likely to contain high levels of moisture, which leads to more smoke than combustion and can lead to creosote build-up inside the chimney.
Synthetic logs are also available, but be careful as they burn unevenly and can release higher levels of carbon monoxide. Follow the instructions on the packaging of these products carefully.
Check your fireplace screen or guard to make sure it can safely protect you from embers leaking from the fireplace. Households with young children may need an extra barrier in front of the fireplace to keep small hands from touching the hot screen.
Remember to open the chimney draft before starting a fire. This allows fresh air to feed the fire and smoke can leave the house. If the smoke vent is not opened, suffocating, dirty smoke can quickly fill the house. The smoke vent should be closed after the fire has been completely extinguished to prevent animals and foreign objects from entering the house through the opening.
Have a metal container handy to remove and store hot ashes. Embers and ashes can stay hot for some time, so they should be placed outdoors, ideally far from the home so that they don’t set anything on fire.
Inform the household members about the rules of using the fireplace. Do not burn anything but wood in the fire to avoid the emission of toxic fumes or dangerous embers. All you need is a scattered ember to start a huge fire. In addition, unsuitable fuels can lead to the accumulation of combustible creosote on the chimney.
Do not leave a fire unattended. If you have a fire in the fireplace, make sure someone is keeping an eye on it. Make sure the fire is out before you go to bed.

The post Earlier than You Mild That Hearth, Learn This appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

Double-sided hearth too smoky to make use of

Fri, 10 Sep 2021 22:07:12 +0000

Q:My husband and I have been frustrated with an issue since we moved into our 1965 home two years ago. The double-sided chimney spits so much smoke that it is unusable.

Two chimney sweeps told me that it doesn’t need cleaning and that these types of chimneys just never work properly. Her only suggestion was to install a wood stove in the fireplace. There is no way we will do that.

The fireplace has two chimneys that we opened every time we made a fire. Is there anything you can suggest to get this fireplace drawing?

A: A wood stove in the fireplace? That’s crazy. There are a number of things that you can try to resolve your problem.

First of all, it is important that you understand some basic laws of thermodynamics. First hot air rises and cold air sinks. Second, fire requires combustion air. Simply put, in order to function properly, a fireplace needs cooler air to enter the firebox to replace the hot air, smoke, and gases exiting the chimney. The right ratio of cold and warm allows the fireplace to pull.

We can think of a number of reasons why your fireplace would smoke you out. You’ve done with the first pair by running a chimney sweep and making sure the hatch is open. Here are some other causes and possible cures:

– Wood should be dry and aged for at least a year. Hardwoods are best. They are denser and give off less smoke. Split the wood so it burns efficiently. Avoid building rubble as it is impossible to predict what chemicals it might contain. Even when chemical-free, Douglas fir and pine burn hot and quickly and form creosote in the chimney. If you regularly burn pine or fir, have the chimney sweep cleaned annually.

– The rack on which you will place the wood should be placed directly under the damper. Raising the grate on bricks will help create more combustion air under the fire and bring the fire closer to the chimney opening.

– Double sided chimneys have inherent problems with draft. They are haunted by drafts on both sides. Installing glass doors can solve this problem by cutting off air from one side of the fireplace for starting and containing the hot air once the fire starts.

– Have an experienced bricklayer check the height of the chimney. Increasing the height of the chimney should improve draft.

– If it is cold and / or raining, the air in the chimney is probably cold and heavy and is blocking the smoke outlet. Every time you start a fire, prime the chimney by rolling up a newspaper and lighting it. Then hold the lit end close to the open hatch in the firebox to heat the air in the chimney. This has the effect that the warm air is directed in the right direction – outside, not into the house.

– Turn off the heating when starting a fire. Gas stoves also need combustion air – the same air that the fireplace needs. When the heating is on, there is competition for the same air. If the oven wins you will be fumigated.

– Houses are being built or retrofitted much narrower than in the past. The air pressure inside the house can be different than outside. This can slow down the air drawn through the fireplace and limit the combustion air, resulting in a smoky fire. When you start a fire, open a window or door until it starts.

– Finally, consider hiring a bricklayer to install an outside air duct into the firebox.

Our advice is to do the free things first, then try the glass doors and if you don’t get the result you want, consult a good bricklayer about general layout and chimney height. We wish you many more cozy evenings and let us know how it turned out when you get the chance.

The post Double-sided hearth too smoky to make use of appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

Earlier than You Gentle That Fire, Learn This

Wed, 08 Sep 2021 03:59:46 +0000

The cold, rainy weather and the holiday season can make you think about roasting chestnuts on an open fire.

While some people use natural gas fires, some still use wood fires. The US Fire Administration says that every year 36 percent of residential fires in rural areas are caused by heater fires.

Emergency management officials have a few reminders to keep your fireplace and fire safe:

Let a professional clean your fireplace. A chimney sweep cleans the entire chimney. Many use a powerful vacuum cleaner to keep soot or dust out of the house. Some street sweepers also offer a range of chimney, interior chimney and attic inspections for damaged areas that need repair.

Choose firewood carefully. Seasoned firewood – wood that has been dried for at least six months – is the best and safest option. Purchasing a piece of wood cord or two can get the average fireplace user through the season. Wood can also be bought in supermarkets or picked up free of charge in various areas.

Avoid wood from trees that have just been felled. It is likely to contain high levels of moisture, which leads to more smoke than combustion and can lead to creosote build-up inside the chimney.

Synthetic logs are also available, but be careful as they burn unevenly and can release higher levels of carbon monoxide. Follow the instructions on the packaging of these products carefully.

Check your fireplace screen or guard to make sure it can safely protect you from embers leaking from the fireplace. Households with young children may need an extra barrier in front of the fireplace to keep small hands from touching the hot screen.

Remember to open the chimney draft before starting a fire. This allows fresh air to feed the fire and smoke can leave the house. If the smoke vent is not opened, suffocating, dirty smoke can quickly fill the house. The smoke vent should be closed after the fire has been completely extinguished to prevent animals and foreign objects from entering the house through the opening.

Have a metal container handy to remove and store hot ashes. Embers and ashes can stay hot for some time, so they should be placed outdoors, ideally far from the home so that they don’t set anything on fire.

Inform the household members about the rules of using the fireplace. Do not burn anything but wood in the fire to avoid the emission of toxic fumes or dangerous embers. All you need is a scattered ember to start a huge fire. In addition, unsuitable fuels can lead to the accumulation of combustible creosote on the chimney.

Do not leave a fire unattended. If you have a fire in the fireplace, make sure someone is keeping an eye on it. Make sure the fire is out before you go to bed.

The post Earlier than You Gentle That Fire, Learn This appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

Belief Invoice’s Hearth middle with chimney cleansing and fireside repairs

Tue, 03 Aug 2021 07:55:51 +0000

Finding the right people to clean and repair your fireplace is critical to staying warm and safe for the coming winter. Here are the reasons to trust Bill’s Fireplace Center;

Bill and Josh have over 40 years of fireplace and chimney experience – a lot more than the average chimney sweep. This is important because with gas fireplaces in particular, more can be done than just sweeping out some soot.

Another vote of confidence is that Bill’s Fireplace Center has a physical location in North Big Spring that you can stop by, see some of the best options actually installed, and ask your questions.

At Bill’s, you can work on all types of fireplaces, including prefabricated metal, masonry, and freestanding stoves.

In older houses it is important to check the gas valves for leaks. That requires a licensed plumber who is Bill. If repairs are required it may require someone with masonry experience – which is what Bill is.

There are also times when a firebox needs to be repaired, whether it is from a fire that is too hot, water leaking through the chimney, or simply due to reasons of age – and being a welder, Bill can do the welding and sheet metal work necessary to repair the Firebox are required.

And – if there is carpentry work indoors or outdoors, he can also take care of it.

Perhaps you’ve decided this is the year to add the warmth, comfort, and convenience of gas logs, or to upgrade some older ones you already have. Bill can help you choose the right trunks to look good and add warmth. He sells, installs, and guarantees the most trusted gas protocols in the industry – Peterson. They come with a lifetime guarantee.

In his 40+ years in business, Bill Rodriguez has always believed that he will get every job right the first time – including yours. If there is ever a problem, he is ready to correct things quickly.

Chimney repair after roof replacement

Did you replace your roof because of the hail storm last April? There is something to watch out for here, says Bill. Most roofers focus more on the shingles than on the sheeting. This year Bill and Josh have received many calls from homeowners who have had water leaking through the chimney rim after a roof replacement. Chimney sweeping is a specialty of Bill, and he can seal yours tight so you don’t have to worry about rain or snow getting into your home.

Speaking of unwanted entry through the chimney, do you have a hat on? If you’ve had problems with birds or squirrels building nests or falling into your house through the chimney, have Bill’s install a chimney cap – these look great, protect from animals and the weather, and Bill can order one to install for you .

So now do you know who to call for chimney and chimney work?

Yes – Bill’s Fireplace Center!

Bill’s Fireplace Center is located at 1509 North Big Spring. Call them at 682-5157.

The post Belief Invoice’s Hearth middle with chimney cleansing and fireside repairs appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

Runaway hearth blaze damages Olema Home resort close to Level Reyes

Sat, 26 Jun 2021 04:10:31 +0000

A fire that broke out in the fireplace in the lobby of the popular Olema House Hotel near Point Reyes late Friday damaged the lobby, attic and four guest rooms but did not cause any injuries, Marin County Fire Department reported.

Water damage was also reported.

When the fire department arrived shortly after 11 p.m., thick smoke came from the roof of the three-story hotel on Highway 1. About two hours later, 40 firefighters had the fire under control.

“It could have been a lot worse,” said Marin County Fire Department battalion chief Bret McTigue, who said additional firefighters happened to be on standby at Point Reyes Station due to the increased risk of forest fires. They were also supported by firefighters from Inverness, Bolinas and Stinson Beach.

McTigue said the fire in the fireplace got out of control when additional fuel was added to a compressed log of sawdust that was already burning. That started a fire in the chimney that spread to the attic, he said.

The firefighters were assisted by “built-in alarm and detection systems” installed by the hotel that automatically alerted the firefighters, McTigue said.

The upscale hotel and restaurant, where rooms are $ 275 a night and a hamburger is $ 18, will remain closed for the rest of the week, hotel officials said. The guests were moved to other hotels.

Steve Rubenstein is a contributor to the San Francisco Chronicle. Email: srubenstein@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SteveRubeSF

The post Runaway hearth blaze damages Olema Home resort close to Level Reyes appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

Q&A with Chimney Heroes proprietor, with recommendations on hearth upkeep

Mon, 10 May 2021 16:07:33 +0000

Q: This is a pretty busy time for you from August through the burning season of the year. Is this traditionally the most busy time?

A: Traditionally yes, then people prepare. They want to make a fire for Christmas or they want to start burning and they want to feel safe when they do.

Q: Do you recommend people take care of some of the maintenance in the non-burning season?

A: That has a couple of advantages. One is just to create a more balanced schedule with our technicians. 60 to 70 hour weeks and then up to 20 hour weeks is generally not what people like. However, if we do find a problem, ideally we will have more time to fix or restore it before they’re ready to use their fireplace or stove. When it comes to a stove hood, you don’t have to do without heat.

Q: What got you into business anyway?

A: Nobody ever dreams of becoming a chimney sweep. (Laughs) I would say it probably fell on my lap and I loved it. I went to college and got my degree in business. I actually spent five years in the Ministry of Youth and just got really excited about being an entrepreneur. Some of our local friends who went to our church had owned a chimney sweep company for many years and asked me if I wanted to come and help them on the weekends. I said yes and I enjoyed it. I thought, “I could do this as a business.” With their blessings, they said, “Yes, you should do that.” I started Saratoga Chimney Sweep in 2009 and it became Chimney Heroes. So far it’s been great.

Q: What was it about the industry that fascinated you when you started out?

A: I think it was the customer relationships that were the most fun. The people are very interesting and it’s great to meet them and build a long-term relationship. Now that I’m not that much into the field, it’s great fun keeping people busy and making sense of the work we do. We protect people. We have seen scenarios where they have suffered from carbon monoxide poisoning or had wood smoldering in an area they did not expect. Knowing that we are actually helping to save lives is useful. I would also say just enjoy pouring into people, i.e. the employees. Really fun to see how they grow and how they really build skills.

Q: How did these customers react when you said something before it got dangerous?

A: I would say a majority of them are grateful and wish they had called earlier. We get that a lot. We only pass on information. We rely heavily on images so we create very extensive documentation so that you can see what you have and make the best decision for you and your family. Usually it’s just a feeling of appreciation and relief.

Q: How has technology changed the way you work?

A: I would say that chimney cameras weren’t very popular, but now they’re hugely popular. We just realized that we can’t see much by sticking a flashlight in a chimney and looking up. When you think of a straw … when you think of a chimney it can have cracks in gaps and damage to the liner. Then think of smoke rising in it and all of the creosote – which is flammable – that gets stuck in the cracks. What if you think of a straw and have a crack in the straw? Where is the water going Get out of the crack. It’s the same with a chimney. The creosote finds these cracks and begins to build dangerous deposits outside the fume cupboard. Something happens, a spark escapes, and then you have a fire that is not in the fireplace. Chimney cameras, we can find it all. It is bright light and can see every single point on the surface. It’s a 360-degree rotating camera that allows us to see every aspect. And then you can email your customers a PDF report. I think this is the best technological advance in the industry.

Q: What are the Chimney Safety 101 tips that readers should take away?

A: In any case, it is important that the chimney is serviced before the heating season. If you’ve never had a camera inspection of any of your fume cupboards, this is what you should request. Most chimney services now have this feature. I would also say if you have made changes to your house, either new windows or an extension that makes your house tighter, to have it checked to see if it has changed the design. We had a couple of customers renovate and then their fire just went out.

Q: Impressive. Can you explain what you mean by narrower?

A: In essence, chimneys rely on natural drafts. It’s basically the house needs to breathe. The chimney lets the house exhale. So windows and everything below the neutral level – usually on the first floor – and below want to suck air into the house. The chimney draws air out. It’s only natural. Now they are making houses so cramped that it is difficult for this process.

A tight house would be one that has minimal airflow in the house. If you draw a sketch of the house and the wind hits it, you can see where the oxygen enters the house through all the different routes. Through the window panes, through the lack of insulation, through various cracks and crevices. Because the houses are so narrow, the air cannot get in and the house is starving for oxygen so it gets where it can get in. The easiest place to pull is …

Q: The big hole that goes to the outside?

A: Yes. If you put your hand in the fireplace and cold air comes in, the house is currently using that to take in air.

Q: How long did it take you to develop these anecdotes to explain these processes to a layman like me?

A: They just come up with straw analogies (laughs) or breathe, we all breathe. We breathe in and out, and the house must do the same. It takes a while to understand these things. We hold congresses every year. We firmly believe in development. One of the most important things in our business, if not the most important, is the development of our people. When we develop leaders, everyone gets better. Going through chimney or house physics anything that has to do with our entire department …

Q: Yes, your different certifications are very evident on your website. How big is your company?

A: We now have four trucks and very personal, great office staff who really are our backbone for customer service. Sometimes I miss being out in the field a lot. I can talk to the technicians a lot and answer any questions they have.

Q: Do you have a fireplace or gas fireplace in your personal home?

A: Yes, I have a wood-burning fireplace.

Q: So let’s say it’s a bleak day. What is the best way for you to enjoy your fireplace?

A: The best thing I enjoy doing, I love waking up early before everyone else, lighting the fire and having some time in front of the fireplace. Have my coffee, read something. This is my favorite time. I have three children. I love her to death, but it’s non-stop. My wife is great. She likes to go to bed early and I like to stay up late. I like to wake up early and she falls asleep.

Q: So you need a quiet moment.

A: Yes.

The post Q&A with Chimney Heroes proprietor, with recommendations on hearth upkeep appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.