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Masonry chimneys are highly susceptible to moisture from rain, snow, sleet, and ice. The design of chimneys helps to protect them from moisture intrusion, but vigilance is necessary to avoid major damage. Some chimney experts recommend having waterproofing aka chimney sealant applied to help keep moisture out, but does chimney sealant truly make a difference? […] Read more

After a hot summer, many homeowners are ready to begin preparing for the winter season. Putting snow tires on the car, buying winter coats for the kids, and storing the patio furniture, is an annual winter ritual for many. Another family pleasure is relaxing in front of a warm fireplace. While many families are enjoying […] Read more

It’s smart to look at a fireplace and see more than just the potential for a lifetime of moments with loved ones next to a cozy fire in winter. Fireplace and chimney systems are fraught with potential dangers! There is nothing to worry about, however, as long as you schedule annual chimney inspections, get needed […] Read more

Do you consider it one of the nicest pleasures of winter when you get cozy near a blazing fire? Is your fireplace a favorite gathering place for your family? It’s much easier to enjoy your fireplace when you don’t know its dirtiest secret. It’s not the creosote in the chimney flue, even though the tar-like […] Read more

Pellet heating stoves are fantastic appliances that produce plenty of comforting heat and look great while doing it. Without proper maintenance, however, even the best-made pellet stoves can begin to perform poorly and actually become dangerous to operate. Fortunately, maintaining your pellet stove isn’t complicated or difficult. Here are some tips. Clean the air passages Pellet […] Read more

Every year thousands of homes go up in flames because of poor chimney maintenance. You can prevent this from happening to your home by proactively scheduling a chimney inspection every year.  80% of fire-related deaths in the U.S. are caused by house fires. Most of those fires begin in the fireplace or chimney. That’s why […] Read more

During chimney inspections, a chimney professional looks for any deterioration that requires repair. When the chimney liner is checked, a special video camera is used. If there is as much as a small crack in the liner, repair or replacement is needed. Chimney liner repair is impractical if there are clay tile liners, which is […] Read more

A clean chimney that’s in tip-top shape will do its job safely and efficiently. If a chimney is neglected and you fail to schedule regular cleaning, repair work and maintenance, a chimney can become a very dangerous part of your home. Keeping your chimney in good working order isn’t difficult. Here are some guidelines. What […] Read more

When homeowners contact chimney sweeps with questions about their heating appliance, they are often asked, “What type of fireplace do you have?” Understandably, most people don’t know how to answer that question. It’s easier, however, to communicate with service professionals when you know your appliance type. Some helpful tips follow on how to tell what […] Read more

Chimneys may seem like simple, sturdy structures that can safely be ignored, but danger is lurking when you neglect chimney maintenance. Though they have few moving parts, chimneys have important functions that help keep homes safe. When things go wrong and chimney problems are ignored, the cost of repair and risk of danger continue to […] Read more