Getting the Fireplace Cleaned After the Long, Cold Winter Weather
Spring is here and it’s trying really hard to bring in the warm weather. As the temperatures steadily climb, it’s a perfect time to think about sweeping the chimney and fireplace. Most people have the tendency to push it off until the Fall, right before fireplace season begins again. But there are good reasons for […]
The Best Of…
Did you even wonder which chimney articles were fan favorites? Okay, I was wondering what everyone thought. I reviewed articles from the past few years and here’s the most popular. Everyone loves a bit of humor. We had plenty of those. Take a look at the Top 7. The One that Got Away…with Encouragement Plenty […]
How Your Chimney Shows Signs of Being ‘Under the Weather’
Chicago weather… You never know what to expect. One minute we get reminded what sunshine looks like, and the next, 4-foot snow drifts up against the garage door. We spoke with a couple of our certified technicians as to what to look out for with all of the recent snow, sleet, freezing temperatures and the […]
Top 3 Reasons to Sweep Your Chimney & Fireplace in July
This week is going to be hot and dry. Two perfect reasons to not think about your fireplace and chimney. Since there is low humidity, the smells coming from the fireplace will be minimal…of course until later this week when humidity levels rise again. It’s been dry, and again a low chance for rain this […]
A Fireplace as a Source of Comfort
As many are working from home and dealing with kids and pets running around, homeowners have shared with us how the fireplace has brought comfort and a smile to their home. “Since our days remain chilly, I use the fireplace as a way to get the kids to sit in one place. They enjoy doing […]
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.
If the Musty Smell Isn’t Socks…What Is It?
Fall is a great time to watch college football. We get together with friends, whom all went to different schools, taking turns hosting. Happily, it was not our turn. We all settled into our favorite watching spots. One person is a pacer, one sits VERY close to the flat screen, a couple on the floor, […]
Strong Storms and Chimney Leaks. Time to Get Rid of the Plastic Container.
As the rain storm came through last night, we all sat in the family room watching Harry Potter for the 50th time…and before Game 1 of the Finals. The volume was turned up a couple of times as the rain crashed against the windows. I didn’t think much of it, until I heard that dripping […]
What Gas & Wood Burning Chimneys Have in Common
Fireplaces rank as one of the most popular features for homeowners. According to Angie’s List, they found that a fireplace was the #1 feature most often mentioned in home listings. The same study showed that 60% of homeowners having and using wood burning fireplaces while gas fireplaces made up about 22%. Whichever is your favorite, […]
Rain Storms Reminder: Need to Get the Chimney Leak Fixed
Aren’t you glad it’s spring? Wonderful flowers, green grass and lots of severe rain storms that reminds us that we didn’t get the chimney water leaks fixed from last year. What you didn’t know is that the longer you wait, the more damage to the masonry on the chimney it creates. Most homeowners don’t realize […]