If the warmth of a crackling fire in the fireplace brings back memories of camping under the stars, telling stories, and toasting marshmallows over an open fire. You’re in luck. Building a safe fire in the fireplace is very similar. There are three ingredients to building a fire: seasoned firewood, kindling, and tinder. One of Read more…

Fireplaces are much loved for the ambiance and warmth they provide, but there are potential chimney dangers that can be prevented with regular maintenance. Thousands of home fires occur every year because of dirty chimneys. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and other leading fire safety organizations recommend that everyone with a chimney schedule an Read more…

Factory built fireplaces are popular alternatives to the more expensive masonry fireplaces, but there are potential dangers involved with remodeling a home with a pre-fab unit. The biggest advantage of a factory-built fireplace is that the manufacturer fully tests the units before installation. Each prefabricated fireplace is designed, assembled complete with a chimney, and tested. Read more…

A faulty chimney is potentially a threat to home safety and, at the very least, it is a sign of the need for chimney repairs. Chimneys are vulnerable to moisture, and they also depend on various factors to operate properly. For instance, there must be airflow in the home to enjoy a fireplace that isn’t Read more…

The benefits of chimney cleaning and annual chimney inspections may be surprising. If the benefits were widely recognized, everyone with a masonry fireplace would prioritize chimney maintenance. Tending to household safety and upkeep are matters that should always include the chimney, even though it’s a bit out of sight and out of mind. Benefits of Read more…

The first task to get your fireplace ready for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the entire Holiday Season just ahead is to schedule a chimney inspection and cleaning with a qualified chimney sweep company. By Halloween, many—if not most—chimney sweeps are booked into December. It’s important to know the condition of your chimney before starting the season’s Read more…

Chimney fires come in all sizes. It’s pretty clear the type of damage that can be done by a full-on fire in your chimney. But chimney fires often are relatively small and start and go out on their own. Still, damage can be done by these fires, and if you don’t know about it, that Read more…

Chimneys can last for more than a century, but the time inevitably arrives when a new chimney becomes necessary. Unfortunately, the need for replacement of a chimney sometimes comes prematurely. It’s important to be able to identify signs that your chimney masonry may need repair. Neglect of regular chimney maintenance often leads to a leaning Read more…

Certified chimney sweeps take the safety of your home and family seriously, but not every chimney sweep deserves homeowners’ trust. Chimney sweeping is an unregulated industry, which opens the door for unethical individuals without training of any kind to offer services. Experts like the NFI-certified chimney sweeps at Chimney Specialists Inc. have training, experience, and Read more…

Staying ahead of fireplace and chimney maintenance can keep your family safer while saving you money, and we have the how-to’s for you. With these easy steps, you can have peace of mind and rest assured that you’ve done your due diligence to prevent hazards associated with using a wood-burning fireplace. Among households in which Read more…