When Should You Clean the Chimney, Before Heavy Use or After?
When it’s the holidays or just cold outside, the fireplace is going to be used with more frequency. As it should! Family and friends love to hang around the fireplace listening to the crackling sound of the fire. It just warms the room. But if you’re using it all the time, when should you clean […]
Cold Weather and Chimney Drafts: What to Do About It
If you’ve ever noticed stains or pieces of brick or stone around your chimney after the changing seasons? You’re not alone. Furthermore, did you know that water damage is one of the most common and costly chimney problems reported by homeowners? There is a way to safeguard the chimney from water damage. Safeguard the Chimney […]
Safeguard the Chimney from Water Damage: A Homeowner’s Guide
If you’ve ever noticed stains or pieces of brick or stone around your chimney after the changing seasons? You’re not alone. Furthermore, did you know that water damage is one of the most common and costly chimney problems reported by homeowners? There is a way to safeguard the chimney from water damage. Safeguard the Chimney […]
I Have a Gas Fireplace, There’s No Need to Sweep It.
Many young homeowners either have been told or believe that since I have a gas fireplace, there’s no need to sweep it. That is a false. Plain and simple. There are many ways you can hurt yourself, family and home by not following the recommendation of the National Fire Protection Association and the Chimney Safety […]
Do All Types of Chimney’s and Fireplaces Need to Be Swept?
September 21st is the first day of Fall. I know we don’t want to think about it yet, but it is good to prepare and get the chimney swept early. Why? According to the Farmer’s Almanac, they are predicting a colder and snowier Winter. But you say, “eh, I got a gas fireplace.” Better yet, […]
The 2025 Fall Guide to Capping Your Chimney
As Fall of 2025 comes upon us, everything begins to change and prepare for the cold months ahead. The first signs of Fall are when the kids go back to school. Done. Next, both college and pro-football games begins. Done. The temperatures begin to fluctuate and decline. Done. The chimney needs to be checked and […]
The Chimney Crown Jewel
The chimney crown is the chimney crown jewel for any system. It may be just a slab of concrete, but it serves an important purpose. Recently, standing in line at the grocery store, a couple was discussing their recent chimney inspection. The couple found that the chimney crown had multiple cracks. Some cracks were hairline […]
Stop the Stink: Humidity and the Chimney
As the Chicagoland area continues to reach hot temperatures, we’ve had some very uncomfortable humid days. Simply working in the garden or walking down the driveway to get the mail, you’ll experience drips of sweat due to the high humidity. Your chimney is going through similar experiences. Humidity can intensify unwanted smoke smells from the […]
When is the Best Time to Sweep the Chimney and Fireplace?
When is the Best Time to Sweep the Chimney and Fireplace? When we approach the month of May, we are confident that summer rolls right on in. If you are wondering where summer is, you’re not alone. These cool temperatures are inching upward, but very slowly. Many have vowed not to turn on the furnace […]
Why Does My Fireplace Stink?
At the last rainfall, we had a ton of inquiries. The question everyone was asking, “why does my fireplace stink?” It is distracting when you’re sitting in your common area and you can’t enjoy what you are doing due to the smell. Sometimes it comes in whiffs and other times it is a constant bad […]