In a meeting last week with our Certified Chimney Technicians, they began to share some of their past experiences as the Christmas holiday approaches. Some were reluctant to tell their story. Who would believe them? Will you? We’ll need to … Continue reading
Giving Your Old Chimney New Life
As you drive around any of the suburbs or within the City of Chicago, you will quickly find many homes that were built prior to 1960. Although older homes are beautiful and exhibit characteristics of the time, it also lacks … Continue reading
How Often Do You Use Your Fireplace?
Have you ever wondered how many people use their fireplace? There’s practically a fireplace (or three) in homes all across Chicago and the Chicagoland area. The fireplace has become the useable accessory in our family room, kitchen and even the … Continue reading
Should I Schedule a Chimney Inspection Now?
It is true that the most popular times to schedule a chimney cleaning and inspection is either in the Fall or in the Spring, after a long cold winter. However, this winter has been extra special. According the NBC Chicago, … Continue reading
How to Achieve a Picture Perfect Fireplace for Thanksgiving
Preparing for the Thanksgiving holiday is turning out to be a bit different. Gone this year is the uncle who throws crumbs of food and bits of trash in the fireplace. Or the kids that like to poke the fireplace … Continue reading
Do I Really Need to Clean the Chimney…Again?
The air conditioner cover is on, the furnace filter has been changed…now what am I forgetting? Ah, that’s right. Get the chimney sweep done. Do I really need to sweep the chimney this year? I use a gas fireplace. I … Continue reading
You’ve Used Your Fireplace… Are You Taking Care of It?
In the past week, 3 chimney fires were reported in the news. There were two chimney fires in Park Ridge, one was in a townhouse, and the third chimney fire was in Kenosha, WI. Just in December, chimney fires were … Continue reading
Winter Chimney & Fireplace Leaks
There are 2 key reasons why chimney’s leak in the winter:
Chimney Liner – Do you know if you have a chimney lining? If not, or if you are not sure, get your chimney inspected right away. If you do have a chimney liner, it may be the wrong size or it’s just seen better days. It’s best to have that inspected and taken care of.
Chimney Flashing – Water can sit in the flashing…then freeze…then thaw…then freeze again with the melted water making its way under the roof shingles and right into your home. Continue reading
That’s Not the Smell of Turkey – Where’s the Smoke?
Yesterday, I went to a friend’s house for a ‘dry run’ for Thanksgiving Day. I have never participated in a dry run, so this was new. A ‘dry run’ is more about process and timing and not necessarily taste testing … Continue reading
What to Do When You Haven’t Used the Fireplace in a Long Time
If you moved into a new home or decided to try the fireplace that you haven’t used in a few years, it’s best to have it inspected and cleaned. You shrug your shoulders, and tilt your head wondering, “why?” because
Chimney Serves as a Ventilation System, smells, animals.
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