Did you know that there are over 48,000 chimney fires every year across the country? These chimney fires result in more than $1B in property damage, over 1,300 injuries, and 500 deaths, according to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) statistics. In the majority of incidents, failure to clean the chimney was the primary reason. When Read more…

Except during times when it’s cold, the chimney is often ignored as a source of problems with the structure of a home. Most homeowners focus on the home’s foundation for any problems that may arise due to termites or other pests or water. The chimney is a part of the house that should be in Read more…

It is probably true that cleaning the chimney is not on your to do list. That’s understandable. After all, you may think about the chimney on those occasions when it’s cold outside and a fire in the fireplace would make your home feel warm and cozy. You probably would never consider that combustible creosote is Read more…

It’s the end of winter, and as homeowners begin preparing their spring-cleaning list, many often wonder if chimney cleaning is always necessary. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is the leading organization that sets the standards and codes for fire and safety professionals worldwide, including chimney professionals.  According to NFPA standards, chimneys, fireplaces, and vents Read more…

Traditional masonry chimneys are porous, and there are multiple areas of a chimney that, when worn or damaged, can cause a leaky chimney.  Water can be very destructive to chimneys. It can cause bricks and mortar to crumble and erode. It can damage the flue liner, damper, and other internal components, which increases the risk Read more…

Chimney care is important to ensure that you can enjoy your fireplace throughout the winter. Proper upkeep of your fireplace will also help to ensure that the fires can keep burning all season. Most agree that a fireplace is a pleasure, but many people don’t realize how important it is to schedule chimney maintenance and Read more…

Even as you enjoy the warmth of a crackling fire in your fireplace, did you know that ice dams can form and create a chimney hazard? The wintry season is tough on chimneys in general, but ice dams are little-known threats that can cause tremendous damage to chimneys, roofs, and a home’s structure. Below, learn Read more…

While homeowners are enjoying a warm and relaxing fireplace fire, the cold weather outside is having an impact on the chimney system. Masonry chimneys are constructed with porous materials, and the cold and wet winter weather can accelerate its normal deterioration. The cold outside air can also affect the air pressure inside the home and Read more…

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…