Blog
Spring Is the Best Time for Chimney Masonry Repairs
After a busy winter burning season, it’s a smart idea to have your chimney and fireplace inspected and start scheduling any repairs that might be needed prior to the next burning season. In cold-weather regions, spring is definitely the best time to arrange for inspections and repairs, particularly when masonry work such as chimney rebuilding […] Read more
The Effects of the Freeze/Thaw Cycle on Your Chimney
When your masonry chimney was initially constructed, it was designed to last decades. However, rain, wind, extreme swings in temperature, and other weather events can accelerate its deterioration, exposing the porous structure to moisture. While age and cold weather are mostly to blame, a lack of routine inspections and maintenance is also a contributing factor. […] Read more
Your Chimney’s Safety Is Too Important to Trust to the Lowest Bidder
When you’re shopping for prices to get some work done to your chimney, your natural inclination may be to choose the company with the lowest price. A low bid on chimney repairs, chimney sweep services, chimney inspections and the like doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get poor service, but it could. Here’s why. Looking closer at […] Read more
5 Ways Winter Weather Can Damage Your Chimney
Winter is a festive time of year where family and friends often gather around a warm and glowing fireplace to spread holiday cheer. However, it is not always a merry and bright time of year for the chimney. In addition to brutally cold temperatures, the chimney also faces the brunt of wind, rain, and snow […] Read more
Is Your Chimney Adding to Your Heating Bill?
If your heating bills are rising even though you are using your fireplace, your chimney may be to blame. That’s because a drafty fireplace and chimney problems can affect its heating efficiency. For starters, a traditional wood-burning fireplace is surprisingly inefficient. As much as 90% of the heat goes up the chimney instead of warming […] Read more
Building a New Home? Don’t Settle for a Builder Grade Fireplace.
There are many things to oversee when you’re having a new home built. One of the things you definitely should make sure is done right is the fireplace. Your construction crew can build a fireplace, but likely they’ll use what’s known as “builder grade” materials – not the worst materials on earth, but certainly not […] Read more
How a Dirty Chimney Can Make You Sick
The fireplace is a respite for comfort at any time of year. Whether it’s staying warm on a chilly night, or entertaining guests on a Saturday afternoon, many families spend a lot of time gathering around the fireplace. Most homeowners are probably unaware that a dirty chimney can make them sick. Creosote Creosote is a […] Read more
Why You Should Consider Heating With Renewable Wood Energy
People have been using wood to heat their domiciles ever since . . . well, ever since people started heating their domiciles. Today, we still heat with wood, although the way we do it is a little more advanced (and safe) than it was many centuries ago. If you’re thinking about adding a new fireplace, fireplace […] Read more
Different Types of Chimney Caps: What You Should Know
Chimney caps are designed to protect the flue opening at the top of the chimney from damaging rain and snow. Some types of chimney caps go even further in their protective abilities. Let’s look at the two main types of chimney caps. Generic chimney caps This type of cap adds a solid layer of protection […] Read more
Why Is My Chimney Leaning and How Do I Fix It?
It’s not a good sign when you look up at the chimney and notice it leaning away from your house. It’s no optical illusion, and it is a dangerous situation. Depending on its size, a brick chimney can weigh over 8,500 pounds. It is secured to the foundation and attached to the roofline. But when […] Read more
