Winter is the big burning season for fireplaces, so it’s not the best time to be scheduling regular chimney maintenance services like cleaning & repairs.  Spring and summer are the perfect time for fireplace maintenance, and here’s why. Scheduling issues People who wait until the fall to start thinking about getting someone out to clean Read more…

You may not be using your fireplace and chimney during the warmer spring and summer months, but that doesn’t mean nothing is happening to the chimney.  In fact, three serious things can happen that may lead to expensive repairs and unsafe operating conditions. 1. Rainwater damage Over time, rainwater is a potentially destructive element to Read more…

If you’ve been lighting your fireplace year after year without taking a closer look inside your chimney, then you may not be aware of a potentially hidden danger lurking inside. When a fireplace burns, it produces dangerous byproducts including toxic gases, creosote and smoke that can damage the flue. Without a chimney liner to protect Read more…

If you’ve never operated a fireplace and chimney, you may not be fully clear on the different types of chimney inspections.  First-time fireplace users – and some who are a little more experienced – can benefit from understanding the three levels of fireplace and chimney inspection.  This is because, over the course of the life of a fireplace, you may need all three. Level 1 Inspection Read more…

A fireplace is a great addition to a home, but depending on when and how yours was installed, you might feel you’re not getting the most out of the appliance, specifically in terms of aesthetic appeal.  Fireplaces that have been in service for decades and those installed without much thought about overall appearance might need a little hearth-area upgrading to transform them into aesthetically pleasing centerpieces. Fortunately Read more…

We often get questions from customers who want to learn more about their chimney and how to keep their family safe when using their fireplace. Since there are many homeowners that have similar questions, we summarized the top 5 most frequently asked questions below. How often should you have your chimney cleaned? Creosote is a natural by-product of the combustion process. This thick, tarry and Read more…

If you’ve noticed dampness on the bricks and mortar of your chimney or the inside walls of your home adjacent to the chimney, you are probably dealing with chimney sweating. Dampness can also be the result of a leaky roof, so that needs to be ruled out before addressing a chimney sweating issues. There are two reasons for a chimney to sweat: normal condensation, and Read more…

Making use of your fireplace can be a great way to cut down on your heating costs and create a cozy atmosphere in your home. If you are not careful, it can become a safety risk. Whether you have a gas fireplace, electric fireplace or wood-burning fireplace, it is important to follow a few basic safety tips to prevent the risk of a Read more…

Whenever you use a wood-burning fireplace, smoke emissions are created.  There’s no way to avoid this completely, but there are things you can do to ensure you’re creating a minimal amount of particulate emissions.  Here are some ideas. Burn the right wood Hardwoods such as oak and hickory produce a lot less smoke (which contains the emission particles) than soft woods like spruce or pine.  Hardwoods have the additional benefit of burning longer. Make Read more…

Can you heat a larger home with a single wood stove?  It’s certainly possible to do, but you need to take several things into consideration. Ideally wood stoves are made to be space-heating appliances.  As long as there is a suitable method for venting the smoke to the outside, these efficient units can be placed just about anywhere within a home to provide fast, comfortable Read more…