What’s “Bugging” You This Summer?
Let’s face it, chimney tuckpointing isn’t at the top of your mind this summer. Spring cleaning is over, it’s time for a vacation. Maybe spending time at Lake Michigan or the pool took over your to-do list! But, have you noticed some familiar critters falling from the trees (and into your pool…) all over the […]
Can You Pass the Chimney Inspection This Year?
It’s summertime in the Chicagoland area! The birds are out, making nests in chimneys, rain soaking into the bricks, heat and humidity wearing away slowly on the outside of your chimney. As the sun beats down on the chimney cap, you might notice some small bits of rust tucked away underneath the cap’s edges and […]
What Type of Chimney Do You Have?
Stone or brick masonry, gas or wood burning…There are many types of chimneys out there! Are you wondering what type of chimney you have in your home? Knowing the type of chimney you have is important for proper maintenance. In this article, we will discuss the different types of chimneys, their characteristics, and how to […]
Now’s the Time to Get the Chimney Repaired
When you get a bigger project done such as tuckpointing the chimney, or partially rebuilding the chimney, it seems like it was just completed yesterday. A customer recently called and asked for one of our masonry tech experts to inspect the chimney. When we looked up the customer’s name and address, we found that the […]
What To Do About a Chimney Leak?!
A chimney can be an obvious place where a chimney leak can occur. The chimney extends to the sky, many times as the highest point of your home. Not to mention, there’s a hole at the top that needs to be covered, and cement and bricks that are porous! It’s pretty obvious that chimney leaks […]
Wind Storms and the Chimney: With or Without Rain
Wind storms and the chimney: it’s not a pair made in paradise. The wind storms that we’ve had lately in the Chicagoland area have been challenging. Not only has debris from the trees been thick all over the grass and driveway, but has also blown off roofing materials, gutters and of course some things associated […]
Checking a Chimney Heat Shield
A chimney heat shield is the crucial part of your chimney that protects your home from overheating and catching fire. If you’re noticing any burning smells, unusually high temperatures coming from the firebox, or are just overall concerned for the safety of your fireplace, a professional chimney sweep from Superior Chimney can help. Over time, […]
Does Your Living Room Look Like a Pizza Oven?
How would you know if your chimney smoke guard is working properly? A faulty chimney smoke guard is surprisingly obvious. Have you been to a pizza restaurant recently? The best pizza restaurants have wood burning ovens, all with a chimney attached. Sometimes, the inside of the restaurant looks cloudy and smokey, and smells like burning […]
A Flammable Chimney
A chimney without a chimney liner (firewall) or a damaged chimney liner is in need of a chimney liner replacement. Take a brief walk around your neighborhood and look to the very top of each home’s chimney. Do you notice any black smears covering the bricks? It looks like someone spilled a can of black […]
April Showers Bring May… Leaks?
A missing chimney cap can make or break the chimney structure and safety of your home. It’s true that April showers bring May flowers. It also can bring severe storms that, in the Chicagoland area, will be sure to damage your chimney. You need all the necessary protection for the Spring months. If you go […]