Complete sweeping

To ensure consumers safety, the APC (Association des professionnels du chauffage) recommends the complete sweeping of their combustion devices' evacuation system, whether it is a fireplace, a wood stove or their heating system's chimney.

During sweeping, we perform a summary assessment of the system to be cleaned. The chimney is given a good scrub with an appropriately sized brush. The hearth, the firebox, the smoke chamber and the draft regulator, or the wood stove and its chimney connectors are thoroughly cleaned. We remove the debris at the base of chimney, in the fireplace and the wood stove.

To guarantee a job well done and clean, we only use professional, specialized equipment. (more)

Creosote is formed by the incomplete combustion of wood. It can take one of three forms:

1- dust, known as soot,
2- blown brittle pieces,
3- glazed (vitrified), like thick black paint.

Creosote buildup is one of the main causes of chimney fires, and constitutes a real hazard. A highly efficient wood-burning appliance, a proper setup and appropriate operating techniques will significantly reduce the risks of chimney fire.

To reduce the accumulation of creosote, you can use the "Anti-Creo-Soot (ACS)" product. It is a non-toxic and environmentally safe catalyst that attacks and destroys creosote and soot. When sprayed daily into the fireplace or stove during a low intensity fire, ACS helps convert creosote and soot into a harmless ash or char that can be easily removed.

Visual inspection and advice

This type of assessment of the accessible parts of your appliance and its chimney will give you an overall sense of its condition, and of the options and repair solutions, where applicable.

Video camera assessment and report

When a more thorough assessment of the chimney flues is required, using a video camera is essential. This assessment will help us verify the state of the flues over their whole length and detect any anomalies. We will deliver you a report with pictures and recommendations. This type of assessment is very helpful when you buy a house or after a chimney fire.

Masonry repair

Masonry chimneys require periodic maintenance to repair cracks in the crown area and deteriorated mortar joints, especially in the section above the roof. We can handle brick repair works, from simple tuck-pointing to chimney reconstruction, from the rooftop. Our reconstruction work complies with the standards of the National Building Code of Canada. Moreover, the chimney must have a concrete crown with a dripstone, to prevent water from running down the sides of the chimney and degrading the mortar joints and bricks by erosion, and a weatherproof expansion joint for keeping water out of the brick structure. These details will help preserve your masonry chimney for many decades.

Chimney caps installation

Installed on each flue, chimney caps are critical to prevent deterioration of the interior of the chimney caused by rain and snow. Imagine how much water would infiltrate your house if you had a 30 x 30 cm (12"x12") hole on your roof. All this water runs alongside the internal surfaces of the chimney and infiltrate bricks and mortar. As no sunlight can get inside, it remains damp for a very long time after the rain has stopped. Furthermore, add the winter's freeze/thaw cycle and you have all the necessary ingredients for your chimney's degradation. (more)

Caps with wire mesh (spark arrestor) are essential to eliminate animal intrusions, and the accumulation of leafs, branches and other debris that could clog the flue. We only install stainless steel or copper caps, with a lifetime guarantee by the manufacturer. These caps are fastened tightly to the flues to prevent them being swept away by the wind.

Metal crown installation

When the concrete crown does not exceed the chimney walls or has no dripstone, contrary to the National Building Code of Canada standards, water runs down the sides of the chimney, degrading the mortar joints and bricks by erosion. When the crown is cracked, water can infiltrate the brick structure. To address this problem, we can install a metallic crown cover with gutters.

Stainless steel liners installation

The installation of a liner into an existing masonry chimney or a prefabricated chimney can be necessary for several reasons: to repair a chimney with a cracked or broken flue, to reduce the inside diameter, to subside combustion gases heat loss, to reline a chimney with no flue tiles (ceramic tiles), or to install a recessed appliance. We specialize in the installation of stainless steel liners. The careful selection of materials, and our installation techniques, will ensure higher quality results.

Solutions to smoke problems

When a fireplace shows black stains over the opening, this is a sign of smoke spillage. This happens when the fireplace opening is too large for the chimney flue, the smoke chamber is ill conceived, there are deviations too steep, or the chimney presents constant negative pressure. (more)

Different solutions are available, such as the installation of a fireplace door or a mechanical fan, providing continued ventilation to eliminate air returns and unpleasant odours.

Chimney restoration

When most joints between flue tiles (ceramic tiles) or bricks have eroded over the years, and at certain points some mortar is missing, or ceramic tiles are cracked, restoration is required. According to the National Building Code of Canada, joints must be impermeable and solid to offer a smooth passageway for the fume and prevent the accumulation of combustion gas and condensate in the space between flue tiles and masonry. (more)

We can install a stainless steel liner and smoke chamber or, if possible, apply a long-lasting ceramic sealant to seal cracks and stop the mortar joints degradation.

Approuved Industries & HeatShield website

Fireplace restoration

After many years of use, the firebox and smoke chamber show signs of aging. Restoration must be considered. The firebox is rebuilt and the smoke chamber is sprayed with a ceramic coating to seal holes and spaces, and to form a layer impervious to acidic elements, fumes and water.

Approuved Industries website

Custom made fireplace doors

To optimize security and your fireplace's efficiency, while reducing heat losses, we propose a vast variety of fireplace door models. Many types of plating and accessories, such as registry keys, log carriers and tools are available.

Wood stove installation

An EPA (American environment protection agency) technology wood stove has clean combustion properties and provides large amounts of heat. This reliable appliance is a valuable addition to your house that helps you to save on electricity bills. Some models propose different decorative accessories to personalize your stove and make sure it matches your decor.

Insert appliance installation

The installation of an insert appliance in your existing masonry stove is an economical, durable, and green solution. Whether it is a wood, gas or pellets appliance, our models respect the EPA (American environment protection agency) standards.

Gutter protectors installation

Gutter protectors keep debris from clogging your gutters and prevent damages caused by snow and ice.

alu-rex website