How Often Does the Chimney Need to be Cleaned?
As night time temperatures drop and light sweaters come out of the deep part of the closet, homeowners begin to look to their fireplaces for comfort. And who can blame them? It’s the best part of the cooling off season: starting up the fireplace. But logic sets in and homeowner’s question…when was it cleaned last? […]
Why Does Your Chimney Smell?
A fireplace smell in the Chicagoland area is often caused by creosote build-up in the chimney. Wood burning fireplaces get this build up and the chimney smell becomes activated by summer humidity and rain. The chimney odor enters your home when air pressure pulls air down the flue instead of pushing it up and out […]
Why So Many Homes Need Chimney Repairs After Winter
A friend noticed a damp, musty smell coming from her living room fireplace the week after a February thaw. When she called a masonry technician from Superior Chimney, to take a look, and found that water had been working its way behind the bricks for years. What started as a small crack now meant her […]
The Chimney Cap is Your Chimney’s Best Friend
We all would like a best friend. Someone that’s got your back, watching out for your best interests. It gives us a chance to relax and not always be on guard. That’s the same thing with a chimney cap. It’s got the back of your chimney so nothing bad happens to it and ultimately your […]
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 […]
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. […]
Impact of Temperature Drop on the Chimney
The impact of temperature drop on the chimney can impact the structure and functionality of the chimney. As we have been experiencing in Chicago winters, temperatures have gone from 50 degrees down to 21 degrees during the day, with temperatures falling even further at night. What can you do as a homeowner to watch for, […]
What is the Purpose of a Chimney Cap in Winter? Does it Affect Santa’s Deliveries?
A chimney cap has a job to do. But has it ever stopped Santa Claus? According to holiday lore, nothing can stop Santa’s deliveries at holiday time. He simply uses a little Christmas magic to slip past the chimney cap. But what if the chimney cap is tight and secure (which it’s supposed to be…) […]
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 […]