Chimney Sweep Wisdom

A chimney crown plays an important role in preventing water damage to your home. This concrete slab or metal plate that sits on top of the highest bricks on the chimney stops water from seeping in between the mortar joints in the masonry. It also hangs over the edge of the chimney so that water will run onto the roof instead of […]

Do you use your fireplace as a main heating source for your home, or do you rely on it just for supplemental heating?  In either case, your home’s overall energy efficiency will be determined to a large degree by the efficiency of your chimney.  A clean chimney that is operating optimally is efficient.  A chimney in any other condition is not.  Here are three points homeowners need to know. […]

It’s spring cleaning season and getting a chimney cleaning should be on your list if your home has a fireplace. Tackling chimney stains is one home improvement project that you shouldn’t DIY. If you notice stains on your chimney, it is a sign that you need to call in a chimney sweep for a professional cleaning and inspection. Discoloration on a chimney doesn’t happen […]

You don’t have to put up with a drafty chimney or settle for a fireplace that doesn’t produce very much heat. If you’d like stop chimney drafts or increase the heat output of your fireplace, the solution may be a fireplace accessory. With the right fireplace accessory, you can turn your fireplace into an effective […]

Unexpected chimney repairs can be expensive if your chimney hasn’t been regularly maintained. Neglected chimneys can dramatically deteriorate to the point where they are unsafe to use and structurally unsound. You can prevent the risk of serious fireplace safety risks and expensive chimney repairs by following a few chimney maintenance pro-tips. Tip #1 – Check the firebox & flue for signs of wear Even though […]

You have the power to reduce the amount of pollution created by your fireplace and chimney. When you burn wood inefficiently, it produces higher levels of harmful gases and particulates that are released into the atmosphere. Increasing the efficiency of your fireplace and using the right fuel can decrease the environmental impact of using your fireplace. You can reduce the environmental impact of using […]

From bitterly cold temperatures to winter storms, Connecticut has been hit hard this season. Lounging next to a warm hearth on frosty evenings makes the time indoors more enjoyable. Unfortunately, many fireplaces don’t produce enough heat to warm up a room when the temperature falls down to the teens or lower. Installing a fireplace blower can help your fireplace beat the cold and reduce your […]

Rebuilding a chimney is a big expense. If you’ve been told that your chimney needs to be rebuilt, it is smart to get a second or third opinion from a CSIA-certified chimney professional. The best way to figure out whether or not to repair or rebuild your damaged chimney is to consider the safety risks and long-term costs. After inspecting and appraising your chimney, a CSIA-certified […]

If you pay attention to fireplaces, you may have noticed that most new fireplaces have doors on them. Fireplace doors have become a standard fireplace feature for good reason. There are many benefits of adding glass doors to a fireplace. Whether you use your fireplace frequently or rarely light up the hearth, installing doors on a fireplace is a smart investment. These are the top […]

With new chances of snow and temperatures dropping here in Connecticut, it’s the perfect time to make use of your fireplace and keep warm beside a crackling fire. Do you know if your fireplace and chimney are winter ready? Every year in the U.S., around 25,000 house fires are caused by fireplaces or chimneys according to statistics from the Chimney Safety Institute of America. The […]