Animals are on the hunt for a cozy home for the winter, it’s time to schedule your chimney cap replacement! And no, we don’t mean your Thanksgiving turkey roasting over the fire! The main component of a chimney that often goes overlooked is the chimney cap. The chimney cap plays a vital role in protecting […]
What Animals Live in a Chimney and How to Keep them Out!
Animals living in a chimney is a very common occurrence in Chicagoland. Animals, like humans, love warm, dark and quiet places to settle down and make their nests in. Chimneys are often times the perfect home! So, how do you know if there is an unwanted critter nesting inside your chimney? Let’s say it’s all […]
Chimney Cap: 4 Top Reasons to Put a Lid on It!
In Illinois, a chimney cap is an essential part of every chimney. You may notice that most chimneys have a chimney cap. A chimney cap is a small, metal cap located directly on top of the exit hole, often to a point or a flat top and a short, sealed, mesh gate attached protecting the […]
The Chimney Pot is Not What You Think…
A chimney pot has become popular in recent years. They provide a decorative top to the chimney finishing the look and feel of a detailed house. Most times, chimneys are finished with a metal tube that can keep out water, debris, snow, animals and other items that can easily make its way into the home. […]
Cold Air Can Create a Chilly Fireplace Draft
A fireplace cold draft is a common problem for many homeowners. There are many reasons for a fireplace cold draft to occur, but what we know for certain is how the cold draft makes you feel. Uncomfortable. Let’s find out a bit more about some causes of fireplace cold drafts and what may be to […]
The Forgotten Hero: Chimney Cap
Does anyone really think about the hard-working chimney cap that sits silently on the uppermost point of the house? Of course not. It just sits there keeping watch ensuring the inside of your chimney stays dry and empty. What is a Chimney Cap? The chimney cap is a piece of steel that looks like a […]
Why Does the Fireplace Let Cold Air into the Home?
Whenever we think of a cold winter’s day, our minds drift to a warm fireplace. There’s nothing like sitting in an oversized chair with my favorite ‘drink’ while I close my eyes to enjoy the warmth and crackling sound of the fire. The fireplace can certainly serve as a place of solace and relaxation. Clearly, […]
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. […]
The 5 Signs of a Chimney Water Leak
After many days of rain, I spent time last night dining outside at a local restaurant. Even though it was a bit chilly, it felt great getting some fresh air. As all of our tables were ‘socially distant’, my ears are always aware of interesting conversations around me. The one that caught my attention was […]
Aftermath of a Wind and Rain Storm on a Chimney
The wind and rain storm was a short burst, but it left quite a mess in its path. At first glance, tree branches were everywhere. The entire front and back yards, including the sidewalk and driveway were littered with tree branches and leaves of all sizes. The next day, I decided to go for a […]
