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…

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…