Benefits of Stainless Steel Chimney Liners

Chimney
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An alumnus of Portland Community College, John Oscar Branch is a US Navy veteran who supported operations on board the USS Rowan during the Vietnam War. Upon returning to his home state of Oregon, John Oscar Branch founded a chimney repair and cleaning company.

Beyond its architectural impact, a chimney's main purpose is to safely transport dangerous flue gases from a wood stove or fireplace to the outside. A flue liner is essential, although they can become damaged due to improper construction, creosote buildup, and deterioration, meaning annual inspections are of central importance.

Flue liners are commonly made with tiles because they're a relatively inexpensive option, but this can make repairs both costly and difficult to accomplish. In some cases, a partial teardown of the chimney is required. 

Rather than pay for costly repairs and risk additional damage in the not-so-distant future, homeowners can opt to replace a damaged flue with a stainless steel chimney liner. These have the benefits of being more durable and affordable than traditional chimney liners. They are also easier to install and clean and provide added insulation to help the fireplace operate in a more efficient manner.

Three of the Most Common Chimney Problems

A U.S. Navy veteran who served on board the USS Rowan DD 782 from 1971 to 1973, John Oscar Branch turned his attention to entrepreneurship in the 1980s. John Oscar Branch founded three companies, including Oregon Chimney Repair and Cleaning, which he led from 1985 to 1987. 

Although fireplaces can add warmth and character to a home, the accompanying chimneys often require maintenance and service to fix various issues. Below are three common problems associated with chimneys:

1. Flue damage - The flue of a chimney refers to its lining, which can become damaged if subjected to high heat and continual stress. This is especially true if clay tile is used for the lining. A stainless steel lining, conversely, almost never needs to be replaced. A damaged flue can expose the home to carbon monoxide and contribute to a house fire should heat from the fire reach combustible components of the house. 

2. Creosote buildup - Creosote forms in fireplaces as a result of burning wood and, without regular cleaning, can contribute to serious chimney fires. As gases rise through the chimney and cool down, various chemicals stick to the sides of the flue, forming tar-like deposits that are highly flammable. 

2. Blockage - Although creosote buildup is one of the most common forms of chimney blockage, it isn't the only type. Blockages can also occur in the form of a bird's nest as well as leaves and other debris. Chimneys should be inspected for blockages on an annual basis.

Veterans of Foreign Wars' Unmet Needs Program

A retired entrepreneur, John Oscar Branch founded three Oregon-based companies, including Oregon Chimney Repair and Cleaning, during his career. Having served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, John Oscar Branch holds membership with Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), a group devoted to providing assistance to America's past and active armed service members.

Acknowledging the financial challenges faced by veterans and their families, VFW operates the Unmet Needs program, which provides grants valued at upward of $1,500 to support basic life needs. The program is supported by Burger King and grants are paid directly by VFW to recipients to simplify the process.

Active duty service members or veterans who were discharged following September 11, 2001, are eligible for the grants providing their financial hardship is either the result of a current deployment, a medical discharge, or injuries or illnesses accrued through service. Those discharged prior to September 11, 2001, must be on a fixed income with injury/illness-related VA compensation in order to receive the grant. 

Those seeking grants as a result of financial hardship caused by the mismanagement of finances or legal, civil, or domestic issues will not be eligible. Moreover, grant money cannot be used to cover expenses that are not deemed a basic life requirement, such as cable, internet, or vehicle rentals.

Three Surprising Facts about John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men

An alumnus of Portland Community College who served in the U.S. Navy, John Oscar Branch founded and owned three companies while living in Oregon earlier in his life. Now a resident of Sun City West, Arizona, John Oscar Branch enjoys reading and counts John Steinbeck as one of his favorite authors. 

Prominently taught in high school English classes, Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men is one of the acclaimed author's more popular novels. Here are three surprising facts about the book:

The character of Lennie Small was based on a real person.
During a 1937 New York Times interview, Steinbeck revealed that one of the book's main characters was based on someone with whom he once worked. That person, at the time of the interview, was in a California mental institution.

Another title was considered.
The title Of Mice and Men was inspired by Robert Burns' poem To a Mouse, on Turning Her Up in Her Nest with the Plough. However, Steinbeck's original title was more simple and direct: Something That Happened.

The first draft was eaten by his dog.
Steinbeck was an animal lover and owned dogs for much of his life. Unfortunately, one of his dogs, Toby, ate half of the novel's first draft.