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 […]
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 […]
Leaves in the Chimney, Can It Be Dangerous?
I just came inside from blowing leaves off of the lawn. It was crazy how I had to pick leaves out of the bushes, stuck inside the fence, sitting on the window sill and out of the filled gutters. Even if you have gutter guards, the leaves are still stuck on top of the guards […]
A Beginning Season Fireplace Guide for Your Fireplace and Chimney
We’re heading in that time of year where homeowners are opting for hot chocolate over an iced tea. The sound of a crackling fireplace becomes more and more desirable as the cool nights settle in. Nothing is better than the sound of a warm, cozy fireplace. As you want to get the fireplace started, you’ll […]
Can You Keep Your Fireplace Closed This Summer?
You may have heard from friends or family about keeping your fireplace open during the summer, so long as you have a chimney cap to keep the debris and animals out. Keeping the fireplace open all summer is known as “airing out” the fireplace. It makes sense, keep the stale air out and let fresh […]
What’s “Bugging” You This Summer?
Let’s face it, chimney tuckpointing isn’t at the top of your mind this summer. Spring cleaning is over, it’s time for a vacation. Maybe spending time at Lake Michigan or the pool took over your to-do list! But, have you noticed some familiar critters falling from the trees (and into your pool…) all over the […]
Can You Pass the Chimney Inspection This Year?
It’s summertime in the Chicagoland area! The birds are out, making nests in chimneys, rain soaking into the bricks, heat and humidity wearing away slowly on the outside of your chimney. As the sun beats down on the chimney cap, you might notice some small bits of rust tucked away underneath the cap’s edges and […]
What Type of Chimney Do You Have?
Stone or brick masonry, gas or wood burning…There are many types of chimneys out there! Are you wondering what type of chimney you have in your home? Knowing the type of chimney you have is important for proper maintenance. In this article, we will discuss the different types of chimneys, their characteristics, and how to […]
Now’s the Time to Get the Chimney Repaired
When you get a bigger project done such as tuckpointing the chimney, or partially rebuilding the chimney, it seems like it was just completed yesterday. A customer recently called and asked for one of our masonry tech experts to inspect the chimney. When we looked up the customer’s name and address, we found that the […]
What To Do About a Chimney Leak?!
A chimney can be an obvious place where a chimney leak can occur. The chimney extends to the sky, many times as the highest point of your home. Not to mention, there’s a hole at the top that needs to be covered, and cement and bricks that are porous! It’s pretty obvious that chimney leaks […]