Blog
What’s the Difference between Chimney Flues & Dampers?
There’s a lot of terminology surrounding fireplace and chimney systems, and often it’s hard to know the real difference between one component and another. Chimney flues and fireplaces dampers are both involved in drafting and regulating the air that helps fires burn, but there are key differences between the two. Chimney flues Your chimney flue […] Read more
Common Problems with Chimneys in Historic Homes
A chimney that receives regular maintenance should give many years of safe and efficient service. But once a chimney passes into “old age,” i.e., 50 or 75 or more years old, certain problems should be expected. Still, with proper chimney repairs and some alterations, chimneys in historic homes can work as well as their much […] Read more
Top 5 Reasons to Install A Fireplace
Winter is a fun time of year, and many people look forward to ice skating in the park, snow skiing in the mountains, and enjoying their favorite winter beverage. It’s also the time of year when heating bills tend to go up, and many homeowners consider alternative heating solutions like a fireplace to reduce heating […] Read more
Is a Damper and a Flue the Same Thing?
While the chimney may seem like a simple structure, it compromises several integral components explicitly designed to reduce the risk of fire and exposure to dangerous gases, including carbon monoxide. Among the two most essential parts are the chimney damper and flue. Although some homeowners may use the terms interchangeably, they are two distinct chimney […] Read more
Fun Tech-Free Fireplace Activities for the Whole Family
What’s it like to live without cell phones and computers and Facebook and text messages? Here are some ways to find out and maybe have some fun as a family around the fireplace. Play musical instruments Pianos, drums and acoustic guitars are ideal for this activity – nothing electronic. Borrow or rent instruments if you […] Read more
Downdrafts & Smoke Backup Causes
Fireplace/chimney systems are pretty basic until something goes wrong. When you’re experiencing smoke backing up into your home, you may not have a clue why it’s happening. Fortunately, there are only a few possible causes for backdrafts or downdrafts, and most are fairly easy to fix. Drafting basics In order for smoke to flow up […] Read more
Chimney Dangers and How to Prevent Them
Falling snowflakes against pillows of smoke billowing out of chimneys are a common sight on cold days and nights while millions of families enjoy the warmth and crackling flames that a fireplace and heating stove brings during the festive winter season. While everything might seem well at first glance, there may be hidden dangers lurking […] Read more
Seen and Unseen Issues Caused by a Faulty Chimney
You may have already figured out that you have a faulty chimney, based on obvious signs, but there are also unseen issues that can occur. A faulty chimney is not an unusual thing, and that is one reason that fire safety experts recommend scheduling an annual inspection. There are various issues that can occur when […] Read more
Get Your Fireplace Ready For The Holiday Season
Thanksgiving and Christmas are holidays to look forward to, and giving priority to fireplace safety can help prevent potential disaster from stifling the joys of the season. Achieving fireplace safety during the busy holidays doesn’t happen without planning. It all begins with a phone call to your trusted chimney sweep. Read on to learn important […] Read more
Rev Up with Regular Chimney Cleanings & Inspections
The enjoyment and safety of driving a well-maintained vehicle can be compared to the benefits you get with regular chimney cleaning and inspections. Even though a chimney may not have many moving parts, it is prone to get out of whack when routine maintenance is neglected. Regular chimney cleaning and inspections provide substantial benefits inside […] Read more
