SureGlow Is the Local Chimney & Fireplace Service Provider Trusted in Olathe, KS
If you’re seeking a chimney and fireplace company near you, we’re the team to call on in the Greater Kansas City Area. For chimney sweepings, inspections, repair services, and more, count on SureGlow Stove & Chimney.
How Can SureGlow Help You?
If you live in Olathe, Lenexa, Overland Park, Gardner, Springhill, De Soto, Edgerton, or anywhere else nearby and have a fireplace, SureGlow Stove & Chimney can help you keep your system in tip-top shape. And if your fireplace or chimney are already showing signs of wear and tear, we can get them back to peak performance and appearance.
Our professional chimney and fireplace services include:
- 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
Let’s get started – call or book online today.
How Does the Weather Affect My Masonry Chimney?
Due to our hot summers and cold winters here in the Midwest, masonry disrepair is unfortunately all too common. And with an average of around 40 inches of precipitation in any given year, the chimney systems of Olathe can be prone to leaks and extensive water damage.
Brick and mortar is porous, meaning rain, snow, and sleet can seep into even the smallest cracks of your masonry chimney, leading to further deterioration. And during winter, this water will freeze and expand within the masonry, worsening the damage in a process known as the freeze/thaw cycle. Over time, this can result in loose bricks, spalling (when bricks flake or break apart), and even water damage throughout your home.
Without proper maintenance, these issues will only continue to escalate – potentially leading to costly structural repairs, a necessary rebuild, and numerous safety hazards.
Taking proactive steps to avoid damage, like investing in regular inspections and waterproofing services, is a must. Or, if your damages are already extensive, call us in, so that we can look things over and develop a solid plan forward. The pros at SureGlow Stove & Chimney can repair cracks, rebuild chimney crowns, install new components, and get your system waterproofed and ready for use again.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, give us a call or reach out online now.
Why Is Cold Drafty Air Coming in Through My Chimney?
During certain times of year, our crew gets calls regarding cold air coming into homes from the fireplace or stove. The causes of this problem reveal some of the basic physics of chimneys.
- A chimney is a vertical shaft that transfers air, smoke, and flue gases to the outdoors.
- When a fire is being burned in a fireplace or heating stove, the air or gas in the chimney flue is warmer than the outdoor air.
- Because of its buoyancy, the warm air or gas rises, creating the desired upward flow and ensuring the draft is properly venting the combustion byproducts out of the home.
However, there are occasions when the natural air pressure in your home pulls cold air from outside through the chimney, adding a chill to the room you are trying to keep warm and cozy. Why is this?
A home has a way of stabilizing air pressure, where hot air rises and cold air comes through any cracks or crevices it can find its way through. Essentially, once the hot air rises and leaves, other air has to come in and make up that space. Thus, the hot air that rises creates higher pressure at the top of your home and lower pressure area at the bottom of your home.
What does this have to do with chimney downdrafts? In the low-pressure rooms towards the bottom half of your home, air will try to find a way in. Fireplaces and heating stoves are a common source for air to enter, which is why you may be feeling cool air drafting in from the opening of your hearth.
Fortunately, there are solutions, but we’ll have to look at your chimney to see what we’re working with and which course of action is best suited to your needs. Whether you feel a constant cold draft when a fire is not going or you feel gusts of cold air when it’s particularly windy outside, our certified chimney technicians can provide a solution.
What Are the Best Ways To Stop Chimney Downdrafts?
Sometimes chimney drafts are caused by something more extreme that might require a rebuild or major modifications. That said, sometimes the fix is simpler. Here a few solid ways to improve chimney draft if you’re experiencing issues:
- Install a top-sealing damper. When the fireplace is not in use, your chimney acts like an open window or door. It sucks the warm, ambient air in your home out of the chimney and allows cool air to pour in. A top-sealing chimney damper can solve this cold draft problem. These feature a gasket closure that fully seals off the chimney opening right from the top of the flue.
- Check your fireplace’s insulation. Improper insulation around a zero-clearance fireplace or insert may also provide a path for cold air to come into the home. If the fireplace unit is placed on a wall that’s back half faces the outside, proper insulation is critical. If insulation has dropped over time or was put in incorrectly, the gap between the wall and the fireplace will become a gathering place for cold air.
- Avoid a “too tight” home situation. Modern homes are usually designed to be airtight, which sounds good in theory, but can cause problems. When a kitchen vent, bathroom vent, furnace flue, or dryer vent utilizes the air within the home, new air cannot be drawn in through gaps in windows or doors due to airtight seals. As an alternative, cold air is drawn down the chimney to replace lost air in the home. In these cases, cracking a window can help.
If you are suffering from the “cold hearth syndrome,” please contact our chimney and fireplace professionals today. A thorough chimney inspection will let you know if there are additional issues that need attention.
The Best in Local Chimney Services: We’re Proud to Serve Olathe
Olathe, Kansas, is a vibrant city located in the Kansas City metropolitan area and known for its rich history, lush parks, and diverse attractions. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, historical sites, or some family-friendly fun, Olathe has something for everyone.
What are some options for a day out and about? Well, if you’re in the mood to learn something new or dive into some history, you could check out great spots like Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm or the Kansas City Automotive Museum. Or, for those looking for outdoor activities, Heritage Park, Black Bob Park, and Lake Olathe Park are some popular options.
Ernie Miller Nature Center is another local spot people love, or you could always explore some local shops and dining options – of which there are plenty. And Olathe’s location makes it a great base for exploring nearby Kansas City attractions too.
Yet, although we love a day out as much as the next person, we can’t deny the appeal of cozying up by your fireplace at home – it’s why we’re so passionate about what we do! If you need chimney or fireplace services in Olathe, Overland Park, Kansas City, Independence, Liberty, Raytown, or anywhere else nearby, call on SureGlow.
Contact Us!
417-386-3897
Explore our options and get expert advice.
Visit us or call today.
Let SureGlow Help Keep Your Chimney & Fireplace Beautiful
SureGlow is dedicated to helping you maintain the charm and functionality of your chimney and fireplace. Our expert services ensure your hearth remains a safer, more efficient, and visually stunning focal point in your home. Don’t wait for issues to arise – trust the professionals at SureGlow to provide top-quality care tailored to your needs today.
Reach out now to schedule your next appointment.
Where are you from in the Greater Kansas City Area? If you’re in Overland Park, we can travel to you.