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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... Read more

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... Read more

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... Read more

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... Read more

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... Read more

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... Read more

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... Read more

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... Read more

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... Read more

You’ve used your fireplace and chimney all winter, and they’ve performed well.  Now it’s the off-season, and it’s time for you, the homeowner, to take a close look at your home heating appliance and make sure any needed repairs or maintenance are... Read more