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Chimneys are prone to have problems, a fact no one knows better than trained, certified chimney sweeps. Annual chimney inspections are highly recommended. They are important enough that leading U.S. fire safety organizations all agree that homeowners should schedule yearly chimney inspections without fail. Statistics show that many thousands of house fires occur each year […] Read more

Knowing if your fireplace damper is properly closed and properly open is important. If you aren’t certain of the state of your damper, there are a few things you can do to find out. What fireplace dampers do Dampers are in place to control the flow of air between your home and your chimney flue […] Read more

You know it’s time for a chimney cleaning, but you may be wondering if the chimney sweep will leave a mess. It’s a fair question since the chimney often contains creosote, soot, ash, and other particulates that nobody wants to breathe in, let alone cover their walls, floors, or furniture. It depends on who you […] Read more

Chimney flues, which are chimney liners in most homes, serve a critical purpose: they channel smoke and toxins out of the fireplace and guard the interior chimney masonry and adjacent parts of the home from heat and fire. A cracked chimney flue is something you don’t want to ignore. The problem is, how can homeowners […] Read more

Chimney masonry looks stately on traditional homes, but it is highly susceptible to damage caused by moisture as well as everyday wear and tear. Continuous exposure to the outdoor elements only speeds up deterioration unless chimney maintenance is scheduled routinely. The conditions that cause crumbly chimney masonry can be subtle. Professional chimney sweeps performing recommended […] Read more

Birds, raccoons, rodents, squirrels, snakes – there’s a long list of little animals that love to make their homes inside chimneys, particularly when the home serves as a nesting ground. Small animals in your chimney can cause a lot of problems. Here are some of those problems and what to do about them. Animals and […] Read more

Creosote and soot are byproducts of wood combustion, and both are flammable, toxic materials. Creosote buildup in your chimney creates obstruction and fire hazards. Many people are aware of the problem of creosote and try various solutions to reduce the amount of buildup in their chimneys. Some chemical products are available that claim to provide […] Read more

Buyers of older homes are known to seek out original fireplace openings as cheap options for enjoying a fireplace. There is often a major problem, however, in that the openings are not what people think they are. There are a range of possibilities, none of which automatically provide a safe option for immediate fireplace use. […] Read more

Fire pits have become such popular outdoor furnishings that they are second only to chairs, says the American Home Furnishings Alliance (AHFA). Fires are always a hit, indoors or out-of-doors. Glowing flames are like magnets that draw Buy the Best Quality Possible It can be tough to keep a fire pit in good condition. The […] Read more

Properly maintaining your chimney is the best way to keep it safe and efficient year after year. When things go wrong within your chimney system, you might be able to handle minor repairs or adjustments yourself. In certain cases, however, chimney issues need to be addressed Trouble with a leaky chimney It’s not uncommon for […] Read more