Chimney Sweep Wisdom

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 […]

The soot and creosote inside a chimney flue have the potential to make a big mess during chimney cleaning. To avoid any kind of worst-case scenario, hire a professional chimney sweep company with a record of positive customer reviews. CSIA-certified chimney sweeps have the training, experience, and equipment to perform chimney cleaning in a way […]

When the cool days of fall roll around, you want to be able to crank up your fireplace with peace of mind. This will happen if you know your fireplace and chimney are clean and in great shape. The best way to enjoy this peace of mind is to schedule an annual chimney cleaning and […]

Fireplace backdrafting is often a problem on all levels of new homes, especially basement fireplaces. The common issue with newer construction is that homes are far more airtight than they were in former times. Our homes, in effect, breathe, as though living things, and fresh air is exchanged for stagnant, stale air. Negative pressure often […]

Unsightly reddish stains on your chimney are often caused by a rusted chimney cap. The moisture that caused your galvanized steel or aluminum chimney cap to rust could also be wreaking havoc in the chimney masonry. It’s important to have annual chimney inspections to keep up with all of the potential problems that can arise […]

A well-built chimney in good condition works right without you having to give it a second thought. A chimney that’s showing signs of damage many not keep working right for long. When it comes to cracking in the chimney’s masonry, a lot of homeowners aren’t sure if they should be concerned. Here are some guidelines. […]

If your chimney is starting to appear dull and old, there are some cosmetic solutions that will give it the perfect summer facelift and have it looking good when winter rolls around. Not all unsightly chimneys, however, can be fixed with cosmetics alone. Let’s take a look at a few common chimney conditions and what […]