5 Reasons for Chimney Leaks this Spring
March is the time of year when we go for a rollercoaster ride with the temperatures. Some days it’s 60 degrees, and the next it drops by twenty degrees. There are two things we fight when this happens, one is the common cold and the other is the chimney leak. Both are runny and make […]
Your Fireplace Smells Like Fireworks!
Have you noticed that odor in the fireplace sometimes smells similar to the residue of fireworks? Every New Years Eve across the world, and Fourth of July in the US, fireworks explode into a concoction of bright, beautiful colors of various shapes and movements. After the celebrations, the smoke from the sky sinks into the […]
Don’t be Spooked by the Sound of Dripping Water
There’s a chill in the air. And the nighttime is lit by the bright moon on a clear night. But tonight, there is no light outside and it seems darker than usual and even a little chillier. Oh, that’s right. It’s supposed to rain. As you hear the drops begin to fall one by one […]
Checking for Chimney Leaks
“Why are we talking about chimney leaks when it has been so dry?” “No need to worry about water leaks from the chimney, all looks good in the house so far.” These are two statements that have been going through everyone’s minds. No rain, no problems, so therefore there must be no issues! Is it […]
How Do Leaks Start in a Chimney?
When you take a look at this picture, you can clearly see that mortar fell out from in between the bricks and additional cracks and loose mortar are next to the empty spot. This is an open invitation for water to continue to break down the mortar and water to make its way into the […]
A CSIA Professional’s Guide to Spring Cleaning
A CSIA certified chimney sweep is a professional certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (or CSIA). All of Superior Chimney’s technicians and masons, not just some, are CSIA certified. These are highly trained professionals who are unquestionably the most qualified and knowledgeable people for the job. As Spring tries to make its way […]
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 […]
Reclaim the Warmth of Your Fireplace
Have you ever experienced a cozy evening only to be disrupted by an unexpected cold draft in fireplace? It seems counterintuitive, doesn’t it? Fireplaces are meant to provide warmth and pleasure, not chilly gusts of air! Unfortunately, many homeowners find themselves facing this very issue. So, why does a cold draft occur in your fireplace, […]
Chimney Freeze-Thaw Cycle in a Mild Chicago Winter
Chimney freeze thaw cycle is a regular occurrence in Illinois, even with the mild winter we’ve been experiencing. Now with the week ahead, temperatures hovering around the 30 degree mark during the day, chance of snow multiple times and in the 20’s at night, is a perfect recipe for the chimney to have to endure […]
Chimney Leaks Caused by Snow
Chimney leaks can be caused by snow, not only by the heavy downpours of rain! Chimney leaks occur year round due to exposure to various weather conditions. Whether it be rain, snow, wind or sunshine, chimneys begin to decay as weather wears on them. The exterior of the chimney is very porous and lets water […]
