Chimney freeze thaw cycle is a regular occurrence in Illinois, even with the mild winter we’ve been experiencing. Now with the week ahead, temperatures hovering around the 30 degree mark during the day, chance of snow multiple times and in the 20’s at night, is a perfect recipe for the chimney to have to endure […]
What are the Causes of a Blocked Chimney
A blocked chimney in Illinois can happen to any household whether they have a fireplace or not. So those of you that say that this doesn’t pertain to me…well, it does. A blocked chimney pertains to everyone who has a chimney in their home, which is just about everyone that has a water heater and […]
Cold Draft in Fireplace Signals
Cold draft in the fireplace is a signal that something is wrong with the flow of air through the chimney and fireplace. Traditional fireplaces have an open firebox intended to allow air to go up the chimney – This is the natural draft created by the design of a traditional fireplace. How does a cold […]
Chimney Efficiency Top 4 Tips for the Cooler Season
Chimney efficiency, in Illinois, is critical to keeping the house warm…after the fire has gone away. Many have asked why the room gets so cold after a warm cozy fire. Sure, part may be that you enjoy sitting close to the fireplace and you have the warmth of the fire surrounding you, and when it’s […]
Chimney Fires: A Real Threat to Your Home
How often do you hear on tv or online about chimney fires in the home? With all of the bad news out there, is there time to cover chimney fires? Let’s bring you up to speed with chimney fires in and around the Chicago area. What are Chimney Fires? According to the CSIA, the Chimney […]
Chimney Brick Repair: Before Another Storm Hits
This has been a bit of a rough summer with the rain storms and high winds. It has resulted in numerous homes needing brick chimney repair. Now, that’s not to say those with stone chimneys or chimney’s made of siding don’t need repair, because they certainly do. Let’s talk about what goes into a brick […]
What do Homeowners Need to Know About the Art of Chimney Tuckpointing
We all know what tuckpointing is all about. You can check your brick or stone home at anytime searching for missing mortar. That’s fairly easy. However, how often do you check the chimney, the highest point on your home? With the chimney braving all of the Chicago elements such as rain, high wind, hail, snow, […]
Mixed Weather Brings on the Chimney Freeze Thaw Cycle
Have you heard about the chimney freeze thaw cycle? Many homeowners have; however, we still get plenty of confused looks. If your chimney is made from bricks, which most of them are, then this article is a must read. What is the Chimney Freeze Thaw Cycle? According to the CSIA, the chimney freeze thaw cycle […]
Are You Putting Off Getting Chimney Repair Done to the Exterior of Your Chimney?
Chimney repair. Out of sight, out of mind. That’s what happens with the poor chimney. It stands up there, straight and tall, each day taking a beating from the sun, wind, rain, snow and freeze/thaw cycles of winter. Yet, we rely on the chimney each day to take away the smoke and gasses from the […]
Do I Need to Waterproof the Chimney?
There are a lot of questions being asked about waterproof chimney. Many think it’s a ‘nice to have’ versus a necessity. We decided to ask the certified technicians about waterproof chimney, and here’s what they had to say. Q: Should bricks be waterproofed? I thought that bricks need to ‘breathe’? Bricks are a porous material […]
