Chimney Sweep Wisdom

Chimneys can be confusing structures when something goes wrong with them. Questions arise such as “Why is this happening?” “Did I cause it?” and “How do I go about getting the problem fixed?”  Before you panic, keep two things in mind: Chimneys aren’t that complicated when you understand them There are certified professionals whose job […]

You wouldn’t perform a tonsillectomy on a friend simply because you’re pretty good with knives and enjoy cutting things. But you’d be amazed at how many people think that because they like cleaning and getting a little dirty, they’re qualified to clean their own chimneys. Some jobs require a trained professional who has the knowledge […]

Summer heat will soon fizzle out and everyone will start preparing for fall. The dig for stored winter boots and warm sweaters brings to mind cozy fires in the fireplace. If you’re like most people, it’s at this time you realize a chimney inspection is needed ASAP. Cold weather can arrive suddenly in Connecticut! Make […]

. You may have seen them on 20/20, Dateline and Good Morning America, or read about them in Consumer Reports, The New York Times or Popular Mechanics. When the topic is chimney safety and chimney operation, the best place to get up-to-date, relevant information is from a CSIA-certified chimney sweep. And chimney services companies that employ these credentialed professionals are the best places to get chimney inspections, chimney cleaning and timely chimney repairs. Here’s why. […]

Extending outdoor living space is one the greatest trends ever, and fire pits are part of the appeal. With an in-ground or above-ground fire pit, your garden will no longer be the most underused feature of your home. It’s just human nature to enjoy gathering around a fire outside as opposed to simply sitting amongst the flowers, though flowers smell nice. Whether you have an […]

People have been building chimneys for more than 500 years. They have proven to be an efficient method for venting the toxic fumes produced in wood and gas-burning fireplaces and stoves. Whether you are a contractor building a new residential, commercial or industrial building or a homeowner remodeling an existing home, there are several different types of chimneys for venting liquid and […]

When wood burns in a fireplace, smoke rises to the relatively cooler section of the chimney where it condenses and becomes a substance known as creosote. As creosote builds up, the chance of a chimney fire increases. A full-blown fire can destroy the chimney and parts or all of the home; in the worst-case scenario, […]

If you love your fireplace, no need to be sad when you close it up for spring and summer. With a wood-burning fire pit, you can enjoy outdoor fires year-around. For cool summer nights, a wood fire can make your backyard feel like a carefree getaway. Just don’t be too carefree, since safety precautions are […]

Every fire-safety agency in America recommends annual chimney inspections and cleanings, particularly for homes with wood-burning fireplaces. Perhaps you’ve gone a little (or a lot) longer than a year. Or maybe you’ve recently moved into a new home with a fireplace whose history you don’t know. In either case, once a year is the right […]

Many homeowners are waterproofing their chimney to prevent water leaks. Water is the chimney’s worst enemy. While bricks are manufactured with a hard-outer shell, cracks eventually develop due to weather and normal wear and tear. These small cracks create channels that lead moisture inside the chimney resulting in water leaks. Prevent Carbon Monoxide Leaks But […]