Some homeowners experience a gas fireplace odor that gives them a headache. The first place to check is the vent free gas logs installed. [Disclaimer: we are not medical professionals and this is for information only. Please check with your doctor for symptoms related to gas fireplace odor & headache.] Let’s talk about the ways that the gas can cause issues.
Most of the time, it is related to unburned natural gas or propane escaping from the firebox or burner. The connections to the supply are not tight is the first cause. Use a bubble mixture and spray on the connections to see if any gas is escaping. Bubbles show up here for a leak.
Secondly, incomplete combustion from a gas log set can cause this smell. Check the orifices on the burner system for clogs and obstructions. The openings get stopped up and not enough gas comes out to burn but does escape into the air.
Vent free gas logs not set up correctly can cause odor resulting in headaches. Monessen Stony Creek Vent Free Logs shown here for an example.
When searching for gas fireplace installation near me, ask about the complete combustion test. The orifices are checked for clogs, the logs are properly set and the connections are check for leaks. Therefore, a gas fireplace odor giving a headache is not something to avoid. Our body tells us when it is not happy. This is the way we are created.
Finally, it is a good idea to install a carbon monoxide detector when using a fireplace of any type. Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas. It is also heavier than air and will settle low to the ground. Therefore, install the sensor about 2 to 3 feet up from the floor.
When your chimney leaks in heavy rain it is often the result of cracked and separated bricks and mortar. Water freezes the cracks in winter. When the temperatures warm up, the ice thaws and leaves a gap in the mortar and around the flue pipe.
We all love spring time. Flowers, bird chirping and warmer weather means mother nature is waking up. In parts of the country, it signifies the “great thaw”. Frozen rivers will expand and flood low areas. Your driveway and steps may show expansion areas from the freeze and thaw.
Chimneys are the same way. Many chimney tops are not slanted properly and water sits on top and seeps into the cracks. When the temperatures freeze, the water does too. As it expands, the brick joints will push apart. This is where the trouble starts.
Notice in this "before" picture the cracks in the top portion of the chimney. It leaks in heavy rain! Request Service By Clicking On The Picture.
How do we stop chimney leaks in heavy rains?
The process of stopping chimney leaks in heavy rains is pretty straight forward. First, we clean and scrap any old mortar and chipping off the top and sides of the chimney. Most of the time, we have to add mortar back into a few areas.
Secondly, after the holes are patched and sealed, we coat the area with a sealant designed for chimneys. It will last from 10 to 15 years with periodic inspections.
The top picture is the “after” picture all sealed up and ready for another decade. Sometimes, the flues coming up from the firebox are installed without being level or plumb. We can not really change that but the repairs will minimize the look if needed.
A custom fireplace mantel is surprising inexpensive to design and install. Live edge wood is transformed into a beautiful mantel. Read how in this step by step process to create a unique custom fireplace mantel. If you are not comfortable taking on this project, reach out to Clear Chimney’s mantel experts for help.
Here are the following steps to begin:
Find a local wood provider of live edge logs. These folks will take huge logs of various types and cut them to your exact specifications. We like any type of Oak and Cedar logs. It is important to tell them you are building a mantel and want a “live edge” on the wood. They will keep the outside bark during the cutting process.
Our original piece of raw live edge wood for the mantel
Ask local tree cutting companies or wood supplies for a local cutter to supply raw wood cut to your specs.
Once you have the wood needed in the correct sizes, it is time to prepare the wood with color and a protection. The next step involves sanding. Be sure to have an area that can take the dust for easy clean up. Also, use a mask when sanding. The particles fly in the air during sanding.
Sand the entire wood on all sides. Use a “tacky cloth” that picks up the tiny particles from the wood before they are sealed in.
We recommend the colors you want are tested first. We usually do it on the back side. You can also use a scrap of wood but be sure it is from the same provider. Colors vary a lot on different grains and woods.
Sand, tacky cloth, stain, steel wool, tacky cloth, seal the custom mantel
Custom fireplace mantel final installation:
A beautiful custom mantel completed ready for review. The screen was added for protection. A few thousand dollars created an artwork masterpiece for this fireplace. Many years of enjoyment are ahead.
