Chimney Sweep Wisdom

Cozy fires are enjoyed in Connecticut as early as October every year, and it’s important to schedule chimney maintenance so that your fireplace is ready for that first cold snap. Trusted chimney sweep companies are busiest when wintry weather has already arrived. You will be much more likely to schedule a time for chimney maintenance that is convenient to you, if you get a jump on the […]

The answer to that question is yes and no.  A professional home inspector, like those called in prior to the sale of a home, will look at the fireplace and chimney, checking for obvious signs of problems such as the chimney falling apart, holes in the side of the firebox, and gas leaks in a gas fueled fireplace.  These are all good things to […]

According to virtually every fire-safety agency in the United States, chimneys connected to wood-burning fireplaces need to be professionally cleaned on an annual basis.  This work is necessary to keep the system safe as well as to ensure efficient operation.  But you probably already know all that.  What you may not know is that August is the ideal month to have your chimney cleaned and inspected. By having […]

An unsightly chimney isn’t just bad for your home’s curb appeal. It could be a sign of a serious problem. Stains on your chimney or deteriorating masonry usually indicate that there is an underlying problem that needs to be fixed. Leaving the problem unresolved can lead to more expensive problems in the future or put your home at risk of a […]

Even if you only use your fireplace as part of your decor, the chimney still needs a cap. Many homeowners assume that they don’t need to worry about their chimney if they never light up a fire in their hearth. This isn’t true. Leaving your chimney without a cap puts your home at risk of unpleasant pests, expensive damage and toxic mold. There […]

A well-built chimney is strong and solid, and more than capable of handling extreme temperatures & keeping water out.  But even the best chimneys are prone to deterioration over time.  Once chimney damage is present, it will continue to worsen until you and your family are at risk for a serious safety hazard. Cracked masonry materials and areas where bricks are missing or crumbling all […]

Your chimney has served you so well for decades that it seems rather indestructible.  It has withstood the constant bombardment of wind, heat, rain and snow without as much as a whimper. But looks can be deceiving. And upon a closer inspection, you begin to see the signs of old age. There may be cracks along the surface, weakened joints and some of its parts may be a […]

Every year lightning strikes cause around 22,600 fires and $451 million in property damage according to the National Fire Protection Agency. Most of these strikes happen in the summer during thunderstorm season. In the U.S., there are approximately 100,000 thunderstorms a year. Of those, around 10% are severe according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Since chimneys are the highest point on many homes, […]

Your chimney isn’t being used during the summer months, so there’s nothing going on with it, right?  Wrong.  Although there are no fires burning to create smoke and heat, various things can be happening with your chimney in the off-season that you definitely need to be aware of. When professional chimney sweeps are called out […]

You may only operate your chimney for part of the year, but that doesn’t mean it can’t fall prey to trouble at other times.  Here are three things to be aware of during the spring and summer than can adversely affect your chimney. 1. Small animal infestation If your chimney isn’t fitted with a secure chimney cap, you could be opening up the […]