Chimney Sweep Wisdom

If you want to know if chimney cleaning is always necessary, the answer depends upon who you ask. It also depends on the type of fuel used in your heating appliance. Chimneys for wood-burning fireplaces and wood stoves require cleaning the most frequently. Leading fire safety experts who agree on the necessity of annual chimney […]

Neglecting chimney maintenance can result in exasperation and a call to trusted chimney sweeps, crying, “Help! We have chimney leaks!” A good way to avoid water spots on your ceilings and walls, peeling wallpaper, roof damage, and leaks on your floors is to schedule annual chimney inspections. Chimney leaks have various causes that can be […]

Old homes that reflect the architecture and charm of designs from the past have tremendous appeal, but it is critical to address issues that come with an old chimney. In aging and historic homes, chimney problems are inevitable. Read on to learn some of the most common problems associated with the chimneys in old and […]

If you love fireplaces but either don’t have one or you do have one that isn’t performing as you wish it would, a new gas or wood zero-clearance (ZC) fireplace might be exactly what you need in your home. Here are three of the most popular reasons homeowners purchase new fireplaces. 1. Upgrade from an […]

Even without the occasional polar vortex, wintertime in Connecticut is tough on chimneys. Hazards include ice dams, which are destructive occurrences typically caused by heat rising through inadequately insulated attics. Icicles hanging down from your eaves provide a hint that ice dams may have formed around your gutters and/or your chimney. Learn more about ice […]

In the right scenario – which we’ll look at below – a fireplace can be an excellent supplemental heating appliance. A good fireplace can do a great job at heating the room it’s in and even some other areas proximal to the room. Here are five things to consider if you’re thinking of buying a […]

It’s always best to avoid making chimney repairs in winter, and that’s not just because it means your fireplace won’t be usable for part of the wintry season. The nature of masonry materials is the primary reason winter chimney repairs are not recommended. Actually, in the past, masonry repairs were only doable with temperatures above […]

A chimney without a chimney cap is like a house with no roof. Your chimney is, of course, an exit route for combustion gases. But, without a chimney cap, your chimney is also an open invitation for various unwanted elements that get inside. If there is no chimney cap covering your flue pipe, experts recommend […]

When you hear the term “certified chimney sweep,” it’s usually in reference to a person who carries a professional certification through the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). Certification is important when you’re hiring a person to clean your chimney because it validates their knowledge and training in a variety of areas including: Heating appliance […]

If smoke is billowing out of your fireplace instead of going up your chimney, you have a problem that needs solving. Those combustion gases from fires are toxic, and health issues can result from continued use of a smoky fireplace. There are quite a few reasons a fireplace smokes instead of operating as expected. Whatever […]