Your chimney brings so much warmth and joy into your home. It can be easy to forget that it can be hazardous if not used or maintained properly. From 2012 through 2014, there were nearly 67,000 chimney related fires reported in the United States causing over 50...
Chimney inspections are vital to the health of your chimney system and without them, you may be putting your home at risk. When you get your chimney inspected, a chimney sweep will make sure your chimney is clean and free of any maintenance issues. However, a question...
Have you ever noticed any unpleasant odors coming from your chimney? Are there stains on your chimney and fireplace masonry, or on the walls surrounding your chimney and fireplace? Is your masonry starting to crack or crumble? If you answered yes to any of these...
Over the years, exposure to the outdoors can start to take a toll on your chimney. One of the elements that can have the most devastating effect on your chimney is water. Rain, sleet and snow all play part in damaging your masonry. If moisture is allowed inside your...
Many people love the idea of owning a wood-burning fireplace. However, all the work of collecting, chopping, seasoning, stacking, and hauling wood can seem a bit daunting. This, coupled with the maintenance and upkeep that is required with owning a wood-burning...
Your chimney masonry was designed to withstand some extreme conditions. The local climate, extreme temperature swings, and age are just a few things that can start to wear down your chimney system’s brick and mortar. In time, this wear and tear will start to affect...
Your damper is one of the most essential components of your chimney system. Dampers let you control the amount of airflow come through your chimney opening and fireplace and block air from coming into your home when the fireplace is not in use. When your damper is...
Your chimney flue is designed to let gas, heat, and smoke out of your home as quickly as possible. However, exposure to corrosive gas and creosote may cause your flue to crack, crumble, and chip. A cracked or chipped flue can be a serious issue, causing a number of...
Many people think that cities were created specifically to suit human needs. Although this is true, did you know that there are many other species that have adapted very well to life in the city. Many of the structures that we create in urban areas make great animal...
One of the best ways to keep your chimney healthy is to have periodic inspections. In fact, the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) suggests getting annual chimney inspections for the most efficient and safest chimneys. This is because inspections help you...
