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. […]
An Uncomfortable Visit: Cold Draft from the Chimney
Special occasions are a great time to visit with family and friends, especially in the winter time as we don’t get the chance to get out often. This past holiday, you would have thought the home would have been hot. The ovens were going, people were everywhere talking, playing games and of course grazing the […]
Smoked Turkey? Or is it a Chimney Smoke Problem.
As Thanksgiving Day approaches, we all begin to think the menu: what to make or what to bring. I am reminded of one special year when a family member decided to host the holiday for the first time. Us ‘experienced’ ones know what kind of task it is to host 20+ people, so each of […]
Should You Get Your Chimney Tuckpointed Now?
As the weather begins to cool, Superior Chimney has received calls asking if tuckpointing the chimney should be done now, or if it can wait until Spring. That’s a great question. If this a homeowner is asking, then there are other homeowners that are unsure as well. So, let’s address tuckpointing the chimney and the […]
3 Ways to Keep the Cold Air from Coming in from the Chimney
Welcome to September where you’re not sure if you should wear a jacket or a pair of shorts. The seasons are beginning to transition and the warm Fall breeze will soon lose its strength and submit to cooler weather. Simply take sitting on the couch, near the fireplace. Regardless if its wood burning or gas, […]
How Do You Know that Your Chimney Needs Repair? The Top 5.
It’s challenging to determine if the chimney has problems because its height makes it difficult to observe or see everything clearly, and it’s hard to know what to look for or how often to check. We’ve developed a few important signs to check in order to know if your chimney needs repair. Let’s take a […]
The Chimney Cap Blew Off! What Do I Do?
As we have all experienced in the suburbs of Chicagoland, wind can cause a lot of damage with branches from trees falling on the roof and all over the yard to finding roofing shingles and flashing on the driveway and in the yard as well. As these are cause for concern, the chimney cap blowing […]
Chimney Safety Check. Spotting Problems Before It Becomes Serious and Expensive.
We’re already into February, and even though the temperatures are still cold and snow continues to fall, this is the right time to be thinking about your fireplace and chimney. Each year, as the temperatures begin to warm up, that’s when homeowners start to make their chimney Spring sweeping appointments. By calling and scheduling your […]
Effects of the Winter Freeze Thaw Cycle on the Chimney Masonry
What are the effects of the winter freeze thaw cycle on the chimney masonry the Chicagoland area? While you’re enjoying the warmth of a crackling fire, snow, rain, and ice are accumulating on the brick exterior of your chimney. Throughout winter, temperatures often fluctuate above and below the freezing mark. When the temperature drops below […]