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A variety of things can happen to a chimney system to cause it to stop being beneficial to your home and turn into a serious danger. If you use a fireplace and chimney, here are four potential dangers to be aware of and how to prevent or remedy them. 1. Leaky chimney A chimney that […] Read more

If you have a smoky fireplace that may also smell bad, something isn’t right and it’s time to start troubleshooting the cause of fireplace backdrafts. The way fireplaces and wood stoves are supposed to work is that the combustion gases go up and out of the chimney. Other than a problem with chimney construction, there […] Read more

Warm fires in winter are always a pleasure and by winterizing your chimney, you can also enjoy improved energy efficiency in your home. The amount of heat provided by your fireplace or wood stove largely depends on the operation of your chimney. With a more efficient solid fuel heating appliance, you can enjoy lower winter […] Read more

Wood-burning fireplaces, long considered the traditional fireplace for centuries, are the centerpiece of many homes where families gather for warmth during the chilly winter months. However, that is beginning to change. With its cleaner-burning fuel, a strikingly authentic flame experience, and other convenient features, gas fireplaces are growing in popularity. Simpler to Operate Operating a […] Read more

Lots of things can affect how safely and efficiently your chimney operates. Here are some of the more common chimney issues and their effects. Creosote in the flue Issue: Creosote builds up in your flue every time you burn a wood fire. It’s a byproduct of smoke-condensation. Creosote can be flakey, sticky or puffy; in […] Read more

Installing a fireplace, heating stove, or insert is not something you should do yourself. It takes careful planning, knowledge of venting systems, and technical expertise to do it safely.  The chimney or vent must also be installed per the heating manufacturer’s specification for the appliance to operate safely and efficiently. If the chimney or vent […] Read more

Chimney sweep services are crucial to home safety, but it is important to realize that not all chimney sweeps deserve your business. The chimney sweep industry is unregulated, and that opens the door to scammers. Many homeowners in the tri-state area of SW Wisconsin, NE Iowa, and NW Illinois have been ripped off, paying for […] Read more

While wood logs are much less complex than all the working parts and structures of your wood-burning fireplace, they often cause the most problems. The reason is a lot of people don’t know the basics of firewood and how to use it. In case you need a little primer to getting a good fire going, […] Read more

If smoke is going into your home instead of out of your chimney, you are experiencing a common problem that has a range of different causes. The enjoyment of a fireplace can be lost when the chimney isn’t operating the way it’s supposed to, drawing combustion gases out of the home. Potential problems resulting from […] Read more

Because chimneys are sturdy-looking brick structures, many homeowners are surprised to learn that the development of chimney cracks is common and, in fact, may occur for many different reasons. No matter what has caused any cracks that may be in your chimney, the help of a reliable chimney sweep is needed for repairs. Once you’ve […] Read more