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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]