Every winter millions of homeowners light their fireplace to provide supplemental heating for their living space. But with creosote residue, flaming embers and temperatures rising to over 1,100 F, the risk of an accidental fire is a reality. When using your fireplace this winter keep these fireplace safety tips in mind to reduce the risk Read more…

There’s a lot more to fireplace wood than most people realize. The type and quality of the logs have plenty to do with the amount of heat generated but also with how much smoke is produced, which translates into creosote on the inner walls of your chimney. Here we’re going to address a few questions Read more…

How Creosote Can Damage a Chimney All fireplaces and vent systems need regular maintenance to ensure safe and efficient operation. Chimneys that vent wood-burning fireplaces, however, need very specific maintenance because of the creosote buildup caused by burning wood. About creosote Creosote is a highly flammable substance that is created when wood smoke vaporizes inside Read more…

Fall’s getting ready to kick in, and you know what comes after that – another cold winter and a lot of fireplace use.  This means that now is the perfect time to give your fireplace and chimney a once-over in preparation for the winter season.  Here’s a handy fall fireplace maintenance checklist that will help. 1. Look at the outside of the chimney Read more…

While your fireplace is dormant this summer and won’t be in use for some weeks, it’s the perfect time to do a little fireplace care to make sure it’s ready to roll when the chilly days of fall arrive.  “A stitch in time saves nine,” is a wise old saying, so use some summer down-time to get your fireplace and chimney in top shape. Read more…

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates pollution, including the level of efficiency wood heaters are required to have. One wood heater company formally protesting the increased tightening on pollution rules has recently been in the spotlight. This company met the upgraded pollution guidelines enacted in 2015, but now two-thirds of the remaining pollutants of wood smoke are required to be removed by 2020. This company and other manufacturers of hearth Read more…

Enjoying the warmth of a cozy fireplace is a national pastime for many homeowners, especially during the holiday season. But unbeknownst to some homeowners, there may be hidden dangers lurking in the chimney that can put a damper on the enjoyment of your fireplace or heating stove. Creosote Creosote is a natural by-product of solid Read more…

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…