Chimney Sweep Wisdom

Many homeowners are ready for a change and oftentimes this means a fireplace makeover.  They enjoy the ambiance of a fire.  However, the annoyance of continually replenishing wood reserves, cleaning up the ash, and calling in a chimney sweep every year is too much work. Gas Fireplaces An alternative to the wood-burning fireplace is a […]

For most homeowners, a chimney is just that, a chimney.  Much of the population sees their fireplaces and chimneys as an accent piece; a let’s get romantic tool or keep warm when the power goes out. If not used properly, a chimney can cause your heating bill to skyrocket or perhaps even trigger a fire.  […]

Although masonry chimneys are durable structures, wear and tear, seasonal temperature changes, and intense storms can damage the masonry, chimney cap, flashing, and other components allowing water to leak inside the chimney. It can also increase the risk of fire and exposure to harmful gases making your fireplace unsafe to operate. If you suspect a […]

Cleaning your chimney generally isn’t on everyone’s ‘Honey Do’ list.  It doesn’t look dirty, so why should we clean it?  In a word, safety. Every home with a wood-burning fireplace needs to have it cleaned and inspected according to the amount of use it gets.  Guidelines set up by the National Fire Protection Association recommend […]

It’s spring, and for most of the country, that means rain and more rain.  As homeowners, we know when our roof leaks and when the windows aren’t as tightly sealed as they should be.  When chimneys leak, many times, we are oblivious to the problem. Below are some indications your chimney may be leaking. Are […]

A structurally sound chimney is essential for keeping your home and family safe even when you’re not using the fireplace. However, here in the Greater Hartford region, we see our share of extreme weather conditions ranging from freezing rain, snow, and ice in the winter to hot and humid summers with strong storms that can […]

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 […]