Cold Weather and Chimney Drafts: What to Do About It
If you’ve ever noticed stains or pieces of brick or stone around your chimney after the changing seasons? You’re not alone. Furthermore, did you know that water damage is one of the most common and costly chimney problems reported by homeowners? There is a way to safeguard the chimney from water damage. Safeguard the Chimney […]
Safeguard the Chimney from Water Damage: A Homeowner’s Guide
If you’ve ever noticed stains or pieces of brick or stone around your chimney after the changing seasons? You’re not alone. Furthermore, did you know that water damage is one of the most common and costly chimney problems reported by homeowners? There is a way to safeguard the chimney from water damage. Safeguard the Chimney […]
How Long Does Chimney Tuckpointing Last?
Numerous homes are made from a combination of brick and mortar. If it wasn’t good, or wouldn’t last, construction companies wouldn’t use it, right? In perfect conditions, brick and mortar will last anywhere from 25 to 30 years. Therefore, it makes sense that they chimney, which is attached to the top of the house would […]
Effects of Fall Rain and the Chimney
Do you know what ends our time of enjoying the wonderful Fall colors? Rain. The other day when it rained, it took most of those bright yellow leaves and brought them to the ground. It saddened me not only because the colors were gone, but now the leaves have to be cleaned up. And with […]
What Makes “Chimney Potholes”?
The freeze thaw cycle is an unfortunate way your chimney experiences damage in the fall, winter and spring months. Have you ever noticed the road during springtime? Even without salt, the very porous asphalt/concrete is freezing and thawing. This process causes annoying potholes & cracks. The same goes for chimneys! The material that holds masonry […]
Do I Really Need to Clean the Chimney…Again?
The air conditioner cover is on, the furnace filter has been changed…now what am I forgetting? Ah, that’s right. Get the chimney sweep done. Do I really need to sweep the chimney this year? I use a gas fireplace. I don’t need to get it swept…right? Gas fireplaces are a great convenience as they can […]
Chimney Repairs – Do It Once. That’s It.
It’s the weekend again and our big activity is to take a walk around the neighborhood. People who you never see outside are now cutting the grass, cleaning out the gutters, or even washing windows. At least they are giving me something different to look at. I will admit, there was a house I walked […]
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.
3 Common Exterior Chimney Problems
We made it through the polar vortex, snow storms and high wind days. Well almost. With the transition of seasons, storms. All these weather conditions have an affect on the exterior of the home, especially the chimney since it’s the highest point of the home and receives the most abuse. It may seem premature to […]
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, […]