Fireplace Smoke Smell? Here’s Why It’s Happening and How to Fix It
We have had enough rain in the Chicagoland area to last us the rest of the spring and summer season! Although the grass got greener quite quickly and the tulips are at its peak, not everything is smelling fresh and new. It’s the fireplace smoke smell. This past week, family came into town for a […]
Have Your Chimney Checked Before Storm Season Begins!
Winter is always tough on your home. This past winter was no picnic with the snow and cold. By the time spring (really) arrives, your chimney has put up with months of freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and the constant freeze-thaw cycle that quietly does damage you can’t always see from the outside. That’s why a […]
Why Spring Is the Best Time to Schedule Your Chimney Cleaning
Let’s be honest. Chimney cleaning probably isn’t the first thing on your spring to-do list. But if you used your fireplace this past winter, scheduling a chimney sweep before warm weather arrives is one of the best home maintenance decisions you can make. Here’s why Spring is the best time to schedule your chimney cleaning. […]
Spring Expansion and Contraction Cracks Chimney Masonry
We’ve had enough of Winter. Are you ready for some Spring temperatures? Spring is the wake- up call to nature. The grass begins to show hints of green, daffodils growth peek from the ground and chimneys show their cracks. All of these things will begin to happen regardless if the days are warmer and the […]
Why is Snow Melting on My Chimney?
We all get a bit excited when the predictions call for warmer temperatures. It’s a welcome relief from the layers of sweaters, thick socks and gloves that we need to wear to protect from the cold. When that warmth hits, it is amazing. But, are chimney’s ‘happy’ in their own way when the temperatures are […]
Will I Find a Chimney When the Snow Melts in Spring?
The team at Superior Chimney had a few calls concerning the lack of visibility of their chimney. Yup, that’s right, the angle of the snow versus the angle of the chimney on top of the house has buried much of it. Homeowners are concerned asking, “will I find a chimney when the snow melts in […]
How to Prevent Dripping Water in the Fireplace
This has been a tough winter with the below freezing temperatures, snow and freezing rain that has turned to ice. And we’re not even close to winter being over. But right now, that’s okay. As soon as the temperatures begin to rise, and the ice and snow begins to melt, the problem looming ahead is […]
6 Reasons Smoke Backs Up in the Chimney
Smoke backs up in the chimney is more common in the Chicagoland area than you think! It can be a serious issue and should be tended to right away. When smoke backs up into your home, it indicates that the chimney is not drafting properly. This problem can be caused by a variety of factors. […]
Chimney Repairs in the Winter
Is it crazy to think about chimney repairs in the winter? It’s cold and snowy outside and the rooftops are solid white, coated with a layer of ice. A homeowner called us with a concern about her home. She reported that a small stream of water was coming down the chimney and into the firebox. […]
An Uncomfortable Visit: Cold Draft from the Chimney
Special occasions are a great time to visit with family and friends, especially in the winter time as we don’t get the chance to get out often. This past holiday, you would have thought the home would have been hot. The ovens were going, people were everywhere talking, playing games and of course grazing the […]