Chimney efficiency, in Illinois, is critical to keeping the house warm…after the fire has gone away. Many have asked why the room gets so cold after a warm cozy fire. Sure, part may be that you enjoy sitting close to the fireplace and you have the warmth of the fire surrounding you, and when it’s […]
Chimney Stories of a Christmas Past
In a meeting last week with our Certified Chimney Technicians, they began to share some of their past experiences as the Christmas holiday approaches. Some were reluctant to tell their story. Who would believe them? Will you? We’ll need to keep their names anonymous. Chimney Technician #1: It was the last chimney service appointment of […]
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 […]
Should I Schedule a Chimney Inspection Now?
It is true that the most popular times to schedule a chimney cleaning and inspection is either in the Fall or in the Spring, after a long cold winter. However, this winter has been extra special. According the NBC Chicago, from October through January 26, we only received 8.6” of snow. As we all enjoyed […]
Thank you for a great 2020 and Happy Times Around the Fireplace
As 2020 comes to a close, we wanted to thank all the fans of the fireplace for keeping your chimney and fireplace clean, safe and fun with Superior Chimney. We appreciate your comments and responses to our numerous articles including: Looking for Options to Stay Warm? Is It Getting Hotter in the House with the […]
How to Achieve a Picture Perfect Fireplace for Thanksgiving
Preparing for the Thanksgiving holiday is turning out to be a bit different. Gone this year is the uncle who throws crumbs of food and bits of trash in the fireplace. Or the kids that like to poke the fireplace logs sending sparks in every direction. This year, we get to create our own scene. […]
Leaves and Tree Limbs Over Your Chimney
Changing of the season is in full swing! Beautiful red, orange, and yellow leaves contrast against dark tree branches make for beautiful scenery. With the winds we’ve experienced this week, along with a bit of rain, brought the first wave of leaves and branches falling to the ground…gutters…roof… and chimney. Fall Clean Up Protect your […]
What’s the Buzz?
If you have a flower or vegetable garden, you’ve been spending extra time watering the plants. I’ve had to water twice per day as the heat created extra stress on my growing meals. While outside, it became increasingly annoying with the wasps. I’m sure there has to be a wasp nest nearby as I keep […]
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 […]
Gas & Woodburning Fireplace Smells
It’s that time of year again when humidity is high and so are the smells. Wood burning fireplaces as well as gas fireplaces can produce a musty smell, dusty smell or even a smokey smell. If you usually get a chimney sweep or a fireplace cleaning in the Fall, you may want to reconsider. Working […]
