Chimney Sweep Wisdom

Gas burns much cleaner than wood, which begs the question: Are maintenance needs the same for gas and wood-burning chimneys? There are several differences in the effects on chimneys of gas versus wood burners. For instance, wood fires cause creosote deposits in the chimney flue, resulting in the need to have the chimney cleaned more frequently. Annual inspections, however, are recommended for chimneys of both gas […]

A fireplace from which smoke backs up into the house needs to be professionally inspected right away.  If you’re having drafting problems, it means something isn’t working the way it should, and only a certified chimney services technician can diagnose the cause of the problem and undertake the necessary repair or component-replacement work. Often drafting issues involve the smoke chamber. What is a smoke chamber? The smoke chamber is located […]

Even the most well-built chimneys will need maintenance and repairs from time to time. Winter weather conditions like rain, hail, snow and ice can accelerate the normal wear and tear. And with cold and ice outside, and fire and high temperatures inside the flue, chimney repairs are all but inevitable. Fortunately, most chimney problems can […]

When cold winter weather in Connecticut is below freezing, cars are made ready, plants and water pipes might be covered, and pets are brought inside; but few homeowners consider the damage that might occur to chimneys. Harsh temperatures can damage your chimney system in several ways, sometimes endangering your home and family. Below, learn how […]

A beautiful and operational fireplace tops the list of many home buyers today and for good reason. Not only does it save on heating costs in the winter, it is a central focal point that connects the living space with the home. And whether you are remodeling an older home or renovating a fixer upper, […]

You may have heard about how very cold air temperatures can cause damage to the masonry of a chimney.  Actually, it’s not the temperature as much as the way water from rain and melting snow reacts in freezing weather.  Here’s what we mean. The freeze-thaw cycle Bricks are porous and absorb water.  Water also can seep into small cracks in a chimney’s mortar that were caused […]

Your fireplace is a source of heat during the colder months, so you definitely want to get the most out of it in those seasons. A fireplace also can be a source of cold air coming into your home in the winter and warm air coming into your home in the summer, so you definitely […]

When you are buying firewood for your fireplace or stove, you may have come across the term “cord” on the price tag. It’s a term used when buying wood in bundles, but do you really know how much firewood you are getting in a cord? It can be very confusing especially when a cord of wood means different things to different retailers. What type […]

The last thing anyone wants to see scurry across their floor is a wild mouse or rat. Other rodents like squirrels and chipmunks can be just as unpleasant and destructive if they get inside your home. Along with chewing up furniture and walls, rodents can bring other pests with them like lice and diseases. One […]

When the weather turns cold, pillows of smoke billowing from the chimney tops can be seen as homeowners enjoy the warmth of a crackling fire. And while many homeowners know to open the damper when they start the fire. Many don’t know how to use the fireplace damper to control the fire. Fireplace damper position […]