Chimney Sweep Wisdom

Gas fireplaces allow us to enjoy the pleasure of a glowing hearth without the mess and hassle of burning wood. Since you never have to get your hands dirty cleaning ash out of the firebox or worry about scheduling a chimney cleaning to remove creosote buildup, you might not think about scheduling an annual inspection either. Even though gas fireplaces are low maintenance appliances, […]

We often receive a high volume of service calls after a powerful storm has swept through Central Connecticut. Since the chimney is the highest point at the top of a house, it is the most likely to be damaged by high winds, heavy rain or lightning during a storm. Small problems caused by a storm like a missing chimney cap, cracked bricks or […]

Enjoying your fireplace shouldn’t pose a threat to your home. Unfortunately, it can if your fireplace system does not have the necessary safety components that it should. Interior and exterior spark arrestors are essential safety components that prevent a house fire.    All it takes to spark a house fire is for a stray ember to ignite a nearby piece of furniture or shingle on […]

Ivy climbing up the brick walls of a beautiful Connecticut home can look idyllic. Under the surface, the glossy green vines may be causing serious structural damage to the home. This is why you should be cautious about planting ivy around your house and might have reason to worry if it is already climbing up the walls and the chimney. The Problem With Ivy […]

Regularly investing in fireplace maintence will protect your house and loved ones from the risks of a damaged chimney. These are the most common costs of maintaining a chimney: Mortar Repairs & Waterproofing A masonry chimney will eventually crumble without strong mortar joints. Since mortar deteriorates overtime, it is necessary to have cracks and holes filled in when they occur. Especially since openings in […]

It’s easy to take your chimney system for granted. Just as you might not think about replacing your roof until it begins to leak, homeowners often don’t worry about their chimney until something goes wrong. By that time, the damage may be extensive. When we talk to homeowners about chimney repairs, usually the first question we answer is “How did this happen?”  There are 4 […]

If you have received a high quote for chimney repairs, it is smart to get a second or third opinion from other chimney experts. Shopping around allows you to confirm the diagnosis of your chimney and choose the company that provides you with the best solution at a reasonable price. Warning bells should go off in your head if you receive recommendations […]

Homeowners we work with are often surprised to find out that their chimney had a fire that they didn’t know about. Explosive chimney fires that sound like a train is rushing through your living room and have shooting flames that can be seen by your neighbors do happen, but they are rare. Most chimney fires are quiet and slow burning. […]

You could have an unexpected hazard growing in your chimney. Have you noticed a distinctly musty odor coming from your fireplace that you suspect might be the sign of mold? If you have, your fears might be valid and it would be wise to contact a certified chimney sweep who has experience removing mold. Why does mold grow in chimneys? There […]

As winter finally moves on along and spring arrives once again, it’s the season when many people start getting active.  One great active move you can make every spring is taking a few minutes to look over your chimney and fireplace. Winters are hard on these structures, particularly if they’ve been used a lot in the cold season just ending, and […]