Maintaining the Chimney

Maintaining a chimney is the job of a chimney sweep. But unless your employer is already contracted with one, you will need to schedule the annual cleanings and inspections. If you need to find one, look for a sweep who has been given certification by the Chimney Safety Institute of America. CSIA-certified sweeps must pass an exam showing their knowledge of state codes, proper procedures, and safety measures, and they must renew every three years. To prevent liability on your employer's part, make sure the sweep is covered by worker's compensation and liability insurance. Of course, you should always check references and the Better Business Bureau before contracting with a sweep.

Two things you can do to help protect your employer's chimney:

Install a chimney cap. This will prevent squirrels, raccoons and birds from seeking shelter or building nests in the chimney. It will also keep water out and keep wayward sparks from landing on the roof (in case someone other than you builds a fire and doesn't know the hazards of overfeeding a fire!). Stainless steel caps are the most durable and usually come with a lifetime warranty. If your employer dislikes the aesthetics of a stainless steel cap, consider decorative terra-cotta caps made by the Superior Clay Corporation or a handmade English chimney pot made by the Northern Roof Tile Sales Company in Canada. A chimney sweep can place the order for you and get the best price.

Have a professional apply water repellant. Gas-permeable repellant spray allows water to vaporize out of the brick. Other repellants may trap water in the brick, so ask what the worker will be using.

If a strong ash or smoke smell emanates from your employer's chimney even when the fireplace has been closed up during warmer months, the chimney may need to be cleaned. Contact the chimney sweep. Building a proper fire - with wooden matches, tinder, kindling, and dry hardwood logs - will help prevent the odor.

What if the chimney has been cleaned and you're building fires correctly, but the odor remains? Your employer's home may have a problem called "negative pressure." Negative pressure describes a situation whereby too much air leaves the house and not enough comes in, a problem more commonly created in newer (more airtight) homes. Negative pressure causes air to be sucked into the home through the chimney when it isn't in use, resulting in the creosote smell.

If you suspect negative pressure is causing the odor, ask your chimney sweep to check the flue's seal for tightness to prevent the air from being sucked into the house. S/he should also be able to give you suggestions on ways to allow air to come into the home and prevent negative pressure.

Preparing for Fall? Check Out the Farmer's Markets!

We're now approaching the end of the season of the farmer's market. The autumnal fresh produce is on its way. In the colder Northern states, this is the time of year when people tend to seek out comfort food. Apples and apple cider, blackberries and blueberries, winter squash, carrots and parsnips, broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes, cabbage... these are just some of the many fall fruits and vegetables that go wonderfully in warm, comforting meals and desserts.

One thing Ms. Scudere enjoys lately when she shops for fall foods is kielbasa, cut into pieces and cooked with onions. She adds some chopped up cabbage and about a cup or 1½ cup apple juice, plus some salt and pepper. She steams these for about 10 minutes, adds some fresh apple slices, cooks for an additional 3 minutes, then serve.

Butternut or acorn squash with brown sugar and butter or roasted pork loin with mashed potatoes are some other enjoyable cold weather recipes that have the added benefit of filling the house with the wonderful aromas of home-cooked meals.

Farmer's markets are also a great place to pick up fall decorations, which brighten up any home in the fall. So why not enjoy this last bit of one of the things we love most about summer while you can!

Welcome to Our Blog!

We are pleased to announce our new website blog! Our blog provides exclusive content with information of interest both to those working in the household service profession and to those who employ them. Each new blog entry will be posted on our website approximately once a week at www.housestaff.net . Our ultimate plan is for the blog to replace our monthly newsletter, and we will gradually be phasing out the newsletter. We intend to continue to provide the great informational content you’ve come to expect and enjoy.

We will continue to provide Applicants Available and Employment Opportunities e-mails to those who currently subscribe. Please note that if you wish to make sure you don’t miss any, you will need to e-mail us and let us know of any change to your e-mail address. Please also be sure our e-mail address, housestaff@columbus.rr.com, is included in your contacts to prevent spam filters from preventing our e-mails from reaching your inbox.

We hope you will enjoy our blog! If you have anything specific you would like to see us address in the blog, please drop us an e-mail. We would love to hear from you.

Sincerely yours,

Carol Scudere
Owner & Director
Professional Domestic Services & Institute