What Chimney or Fireplace Service Do You Need?

We’d be happy to travel to your home in Shawnee, Overland Park, Lenexa, Olathe, Mission, Leawood, Raytown, Blue Springs, or anywhere else nearby. For the best local chimney services near you, hire SureGlow today. We offer:

• Chimney Cleaning/Sweeping
• Chimney Inspection
• Leaky Chimney Repair
• Chimney Waterproofing
• Chimney Cap Installation
• Chase Cover Installation
• Flashing Installation & Repair
• Chimney Relining & Resurfacing
• HeatShield Liner Repair
• Masonry Repair
• Stucco Repair
• PriorFire Installation
• Wood Stove Installation
• Wood Cookstove Installation
• Gas Log Installation
• Fireplace Insert Installation

Getting in touch with us is easy. Just give us a call or book online – we’d be happy to hear from you!

What Is a Chimney Cap? Why Is It Important?

Chimney caps are attached to the flue at the very top of the chimney, and they are most commonly formed from stainless steel or copper – at least these are the materials we’d recommend. 

Are chimney caps a vital part of your chimney’s anatomy? You bet. There are several reasons why you need to make sure you have a properly fitted and sized chimney cap attached to your flue. 

• The first reason is to keep water out of the flue and appliance. Otherwise, any masonry will absorb water quickly, and any metal components will be prone to rust. A chimney cap blocks out excess moisture right from the top of your flue.
• Another thing a cap does is act as a spark arrestor to keep sparks and embers from flying out of the flue. This helps eliminate the possibility of trees, leaves, and roofing materials catching on fire.
• Chimney caps should also be equipped with a mesh screen that keeps rodents and birds out of the flue when the fireplace is not being used. Birds and other wildlife invite diseases and can make a big mess, as well as clog things up.
• A mesh screen will also work to keep debris, twigs, leaves, and other similar items out of your flue. The more these items build up, the more your airflow and draft will suffer – meaning weaker fires and an increased risk of hazardous fumes entering your home.

Can I install my own chimney cap?

We don’t recommend DIY chimney cap installations. These components need to be fitted just right, and it’s not a seamless and simple process. If you were doing this on the ground, it would be hard enough, so imagine doing it 30 feet in the air – not ideal for quality results. Instead, hire a company that guarantees its services, including the installation of a chimney cap – a company like us. 

If you think you need a new chimney cap or want to get your current one inspected, we can do just that for you. In fact, this is always a part of our annual inspection process. Just call SureGlow Stove & Chimney today.

What Is the Freeze/Thaw Process?

The freeze/thaw process in masonry occurs when moisture trapped inside the pores of your brickwork and mortar freezes, expands, and puts excess pressure on your chimney’s materials. This pressure can cause cracks and spalling to occur, thus weakening the entire structure. As temperatures rise and the water thaws, the material contracts, further weakening its structure.

Most people forget that brick is highly porous, which means air, fumes, and moisture can move through it – this is why it’s such a great material for chimneys, as they need to breathe. The bad news is that this also means your masonry is  capable of absorbing lots of water if not adequately protected with vapor-permeable waterproofing products.

Now, in this area of the country, chimneys are exposed to all kinds of elements. We get hot weather in the summer months, followed by harsh winds and rain in the fall, followed by cold and snowy days come winter.

The days where the nights get below freezing can be some of the hardest when it comes to your masonry. If you think of how ice, when frozen, expands in the ice trays, then retracts when melting, you can see why this process can destroy brick and mortar from the inside out. When left unaddressed, we find many of these have to be partially restored or rebuilt.

How can you avoid the freeze/thaw process? The most effective course of action is waterproofing, but all repairs will need to be completed before this can be done. If you’re concerned, book an inspection with us, after which we can choose the best course of action.

We’d Be Happy To Visit Your Shawnee Home: Book Your Chimney Inspection Now.

Looking for a city that values its historical roots, while being rich in modern developments? Shawnee, KS may be just what you’re seeking. The downtown area has a cozy, small-town vibe with plenty of local shops, restaurants, and cafes to keep you busy, and you won’t want to skip a visit to the Shawnee Town 1929 Museum, a historical village that provides some insight into life during the 1920s.

Some popular spots for outdoor enthusiasts include Shawnee Mission Park and Cedar Ridge Park, as well as Tomahawk Hills Golf Course. Or, check out what’s showing at Theatre in the Park to mix your outdoor time with the local art scene.

Shawnee also hosts a variety of annual events including the Shawnee Farmers Market. Or spend some time at the local library and pick up a new book, movie, or magazine.

Whatever your day entails, we hope you end it in front of your fireplace. If you want to ensure your system runs as safely as possible, trust us for annual inspections and regular maintenance. Contact SureGlow Stove & Chimney today.

Does Your Firebox Need Repairs?

Your firebox is strong and reliable, but sometimes the mortar holding the bricks together can start to give and the bricks can become loose, which lets out the heat and gases from the fire. This small movement over time can produce a need to repair the firebox with a method called tuckpointing, which involves removing the loose mortar and replacing it with new materials.  If the brick is flaking or spalling and is in bad condition, it will also need to be removed and replaced.

In addition, some fireplaces that are factory built have refractory panels that can warp from the heat. If this happens, the entire panel will have to be replaced. Most manufacturers have these available for purchase, and we can help get the ones you need for your unit.

Have concerns? Don’t wait to reach out.