Chimney Sweep Wisdom

Dirt is often on our minds in spring and it’s partly for the purpose of cleaning to improve indoor air quality. A common question that arises is whether a dirty chimney can make you sick or is it safe to leave it as is? Good question because threats to your wellness do lurk in dirty […]

Pellet stoves use innovative technology to burn wood products with such efficiency that the heating appliances are recognized by the EPA as virtually smokeless. Unlike standard wood stoves and fireplaces that burn logs and need to be tended and continuously monitored for safety’s sake, pellet stoves offer hands-free operation for up to 36 hours. These […]

Fireplaces and chimneys are like the proverbial “two-edged sword”: they can be extremely dangerous, and they can be completely safe. Of course, you want the completely safe kind, so here are some ways to accomplish that. What kinds of dangers can a fireplace or chimney create? There are four main safety concerns with these structures: […]

A wood stove is a reliable, affordable, and efficient source of home heating. Your wood stove will provide years of warmth, but like any other heating appliance, they will eventually need to be repaired or replaced. Deciding whether to repair or replace the wood stove will depend on the availability of parts, cost, and condition […]

Every homeowner needs to understand the basics of a chimney. Understanding the following five chimney basics will help ensure proper maintenance and care that will not only prolong its lifespan but will also help keep your home and family safe. Chimney Inspection and Cleaning Chimneys should be inspected and cleaned annually, according to the Chimney […]

There are times when it really pays to think outside the box. This includes when you are deciding where to install a brand-new fireplace. Thanks to innovative design measures in modern pre-fab fireplaces, it’s possible to add these beloved heating appliances just about anywhere. It makes a lot of sense for people who love fireplaces […]

A fireplace that provides warmth and ambiance with no unwanted side effects is such a pleasure in winter. You may never even think about how your chimney works until smoke from fires is suddenly coming into your home, which is known as “backdrafting.” A smoky fireplace is a sign that something has gone wrong, and […]

Within your chimney system are a number of protective components whose job it is to allow for efficient operation and keep your home safe. Let’s look at some of these components and see why they’re so important. The chimney itself (flue) Without a tall, properly built chimney, there would be no way to channel smoke […]

Annual chimney inspections are important to help keep people safe from various risks involving fireplaces, according to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and all other leading fire prevention experts. Among the threats that can be eliminated as a result of a chimney inspection is a hazardous fire resulting from pyrolysis. Read on to […]

Traditional masonry chimneys aren’t built to last forever, and thanks to unavoidable rain and moisture, these structures can become damaged and unsafe faster than you would expect. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA): “All masonry chimney construction materials, except stone, will suffer accelerated deterioration as a result of prolonged contact with water.     Masonry materials deteriorate quickly […]