While professional chimney sweeps provide a valuable service, as a homeowner you can perform many of the same tasks as a chimney sweep and save significant amounts of money by doing so. Read on for three common chimney sweep services that you can do yourself. DIY Chimney Maintenance Projects You Can Do 1. Install a […]
Warm summer weather may still be here, but before much longer cool autumn breezes will be rolling through. Follow the steps below for preparing your fireplace for winter. Then have a safe and comfortable fire season. 1. Have your chimney inspected by a chimney sweep Having your chimney inspected by a certified chimney sweep every […]
A family of raccoons was rescued from a home by local animal control and the Humane Society. The chimney caps will prevent future raccoon troubles, but this is a good reminder to check your flue before installing the cap! Lucky baby raccoons and mom.
April showers bring May flowers, but they can also bring moisture problems to your home. Cracks in the top of the chimney, or the crown, can allow water to seep down into the house. If left unrepaired, these leaks can lead to mold growth and rot, requiring expensive repairs in the future. In winter, those […]
Over the past couple weeks we’ve received numerous calls from people about bees that have entered chimneys and come into their homes. They want to know how to keep bees out of the chimney and fireplaces and their homes. Unfortunately, keeping bees out isn’t as simple as putting some screen over the flue. Screen small enough to […]
Fireplace Myth #1. Rarely used chimneys don’t need to be cleaned or inspected. If you don’t use your fireplace often, it doesn’t get dirty, right? While creosote buildup may not be a regular issue with infrequent use, annual chimney inspections are still vital to detect other problems. For example, chimney sweeps will check for and […]
Over the course of winter, the ashes in your fireplace or woodstove will need to be cleaned out. Because hot embers can remain in the ashes for several days, removing and storing the ashes safely is extremely important. Numerous house fires occur every year due to improperly handled fireplace ashes. The best way to store […]
Is your fireplace letting smoke into your room? A smoky fireplace is a nuisance and a downright danger because fireplace smoke carries odorless but deadly carbon monoxide. Diagnosing the cause of your smoky fireplace, or back puffing, is essential to finding the most efficient and cost effective solution to fix a smoky fireplace. What to […]
Is Your Fireplace Santa Ready? With the big jolly man making his travels soon, it’s time to get your home and hearth ready for his arrival. With him making so many stops, you’ll want to make his time in your house as comfortable as possible. Let’s start with Santa’s place of entry, your chimney […]
