DM Storrs Chimney

Showing category "Top Hat Tips" (Show all posts)

Chimney Under Ivy

Posted by Alexandra Storrs on Thursday, September 11, 2014, In : Top Hat Tips 


Believe it or not, there is a chimney underneath all this ivy.  The homeowner called because he was having a draft issue. The ivy is the reason why.  Draft issues are one problem caused by ivy on a chimney.  The ivy also makes a great nesting place for birds or other critters, which may wind up in the chimney, causing an obstruction.  Ivy also damages the masonry.  It can get embedded in the mortar joints causing weakness in the mortar joints and can ultimately damage them.  Bottom line, even...
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Back Bay Chimney Struck by Lightening

Posted by Alexandra Storrs on Wednesday, August 27, 2014, In : Top Hat Tips 


Yes, chimneys do get struck by lightening.  A lightening strike to a chimney can cause a significant amount of damage.  
That damage can affect the structural integrity of the chimney.  In this case on Marlborough St., in Boston's Back Bay, the force of the lightening strike sent brick flying down to the street and through someone's skylight.  Always have your chimney inspected after a lightening strike.  Even if it looks ok, best to be safe.
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Chimney Scams... a follow up

Posted by Alexandra Storrs on Friday, May 6, 2011, In : Top Hat Tips 
Back in December I posted a blog discussing chimney sweep scams.  Dana, the owner of DM Storrs Chimney was called in by the Needham Police Dept as an industry expert to double check the safety of those residents who were victims of said scam.  This was a service Dana was pleased to offer pro bono & happily no ones safety was compromised. 

We are very happy to report that, according to the Needham Police Dept, the suspects who were scamming the elderly residents in their town have been aprehen...
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Best reason to install a Rain Cap (unwanted tenants)

Posted by Alexandra Storrs on Thursday, March 10, 2011, In : Top Hat Tips 

This is a photo looking down into a clients ash dump.  The flashlight is shining down on a 20 lb raccoon, who has made herself quite comfortable down there.  The ash dump is located underneath the fireplace floor.  Ashes are swept into the ash dump and removed from the base of the chimney.  No, we don't have any idea how she got down there.  We did humanely remove her & install a chimney cap, much to the clients relief!  For other Top Hat Tips http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/-...
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#1 Reason to have your fireplace inspected & swept...

Posted by Alexandra Storrs on Thursday, March 3, 2011, In : Top Hat Tips 

This is a whopping pile of creosote!!!  This is what came out of a clients fireplace flue.  Too much creosote build up can result in a chimney fire.  The NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency) recommends inspecting and sweeping a flue venting wood combustion after each cord of wood burned.  For other Top Hat Tips http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/top-hat-tips-feb-4-2011-10-42-02-pm-2
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Top Hat Tips

Posted by Alexandra Storrs on Friday, February 4, 2011, In : Top Hat Tips 
Oil prices are way up, and natural gas prices are way down(due to new sources). Remember to have the gas flues checked also and if converting from oil to gas it is CODE to have a certified chimney sweep "certify" it's use.
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Top Hat Tips

Posted by Alexandra Storrs on Wednesday, January 12, 2011, In : Top Hat Tips 
We would like to remind anyone who has a power vented heating system to be sure the snow isn't blocking the vent exiting the side of the house.  The same holds true for clothes dryer vents.  Enjoy the snow!!  For additional Top Hat Tips...  http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/category/Top%20Hat%20Tips
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Beware of Chimney Scams

Posted by Alexandra Storrs on Monday, December 13, 2010, In : Top Hat Tips 
I write this as information to you, our clients both existing or potential.  I have seen news stories about these chimney scam artists and have spoken to people who have been victims of them as well.  Today we have been made aware of multiple incidents in two local towns.  The victims have been elderly and have been taken for about $4000 for work that was done with the wrong material and done incorrectly.  Please do your homework!!!  Ask for credentials i.e. certification through the CSIA (Ch...
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Top Hat Tips

Posted by Alexandra Storrs on Monday, November 29, 2010, In : Top Hat Tips 
From NFPA: An estimated 15,200 reported creosote fires (23% of all home heating fires) resulted in four civilian deaths, 17 civilian injuries, and $33 million in direct property damage, on average, each year from 2004-2008.

Check out the information and more tools available as part of NFPA's new safety campaign "Put a Freeze on Winter... Fires" at www.nfpa.org/winterSee More
Holidays - Put a Freeze on Winter Fires
www.nfpa.org
Here are some statistics from NFPA's report, “Home F...

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Top Hat Tips

Posted by Alexandra Storrs on Monday, October 18, 2010, In : Top Hat Tips 
As the temperatures begin to fall, critters will be looking for a place to keep warm.  Your chimney flue may make the perfect home.  Make sure you have a rain cap atop your chimney to prevent an animal or it's nest from obstructing your flue.  For more Top Hat Tips http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/top-hat-tips
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Top Hat Tips

Posted by Alexandra Storrs on Monday, October 4, 2010, In : Top Hat Tips 
Did you know... that the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) recommends your wood burning fireplace or stove be swept after each cord of wood burned??  This is to avoid excess creosote build up.  A cord of wood is 4'x4'x8' and has a volume of 128 cubic feet.
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About Me


Dana M Storrs AT DM Storrs Chimney, we combine traditional chimney sweeping methods with current and future technologies in the chimney and venting industry. We are a fully-insured and licensed family owned business serving your local community. Chimney Safety Institute of America(CSIA) certified Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License (CSL) OSHA trained