3 Items to Never Burn in a Fireplace

Posted by & filed under Fireplaces

If you use your chimney regularly, there is nothing you can do to prevent it from getting dirty. However, you can slow it down by burning proper seasoned wood in your fireplace. Yet, it is rare that seasoned wood is the only thing you burn in your fireplace. It seems like a sensible place to… Read more »

When Critters Call Your Chimney Home

Posted by & filed under Chimney Inspection

Animals often discover that a chimney provides warmth, protection from the elements and a great place to build a home. For the animal, a chimney can be paradise, but animals living in a chimney brings a great deal of distress to a homeowner in several ways. Birds, raccoons, bats and squirrels are the most common… Read more »

Do You Need to Have Gas Fireplaces Cleaned?

Posted by & filed under Gas Chimneys

While even new homeowners know that regular cleaning is required for ash and carbon-producing wood fireplaces, there is some question as to whether the increasingly popular gas fireplaces have the same need. After all, they aren’t burning wood, they are burning propane or natural gas, so are they producing the same dangerous creosote that will… Read more »

Why Does My Chimney Make My Home Smell?

Posted by & filed under Chimney Repair

Ideally, you should never be able to smell your chimney inside your home, but it does attract an odd smell over time. The creosote byproduct of burning wood will build up on the masonry, leaves can get in and start to decay, leaks can lead to an unpleasant moldy smell, and unfortunately sometimes creatures get… Read more »

Understanding the Importance of Annual Chimney Inspections

Posted by & filed under Chimney Inspection

During warm weather, your fireplace is probably not at the top of your mind. However, it’s important to have your chimney inspected before winter arrives. Scheduling a chimney inspection during summer or fall will let you safely enjoy your fireplace when winter comes. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends having your chimney inspected… Read more »

Why Is My Chimney Leaking?

Posted by & filed under Chimney Repair

Leaking chimneys can quickly become costly, not only to your chimney but to your home’s interior. Left untreated, chimney leaks can lead to water damage. That’s why it’s important to have your chimney inspected annually and fix leaks as quickly as possible. Here are several common causes of chimney leaks. Damaged Chimney Cap The chimney… Read more »

Chimney Cleaning: It’s a Good Idea

Posted by & filed under Chimney Cleaning

Chimney fires cause many houses to burn down each year. In many cases, if the homeowner had called a chimney sweep and had the chimney cleaned, the fire could have been prevented. Chimney cleaning helps prevent chimney fires, and anyone with an active, wood-burning wood stove or fireplace in their home can go a long… Read more »