Backyard recreational fires in a fire pit or similar structure are fun for all and a great way to add some pizazz to your yard. There’s nothing like gathering around a dancing fire with friends and loved ones to cook, eat, catch up and unwind. You can purchase fire pits in a wide range of Read more…

If you’ve ever had the experience of starting to use your wood burning fireplace when cold weather arrives and then before long noticing your room – or home – is crawling with insects, your firewood may be to blame. Or, more accurately, you may be to blame for not knowing how to control firewood pests. All kinds of bugs and insects like to hang Read more…

Is your chimney showing signs of age? Are small cracks beginning to appear? Are you worried that the damage will worsen? A great solution to this problem for many homeowners is to have the chimney professionally coated with a water repellant that prevents water from entering any broken spaces. Why is water bad for chimneys? Read more…

Chimneys are designed to last for decades, but they can fail without proper maintenance. When a chimney fails, it can become a serious safety risk. Using a fireplace with a damaged chimney increases the risk of a chimney fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. Even if it is not in use, it could become a structural Read more…

After a chimney inspection or when installing a new heating appliance, it is not unusual for a homeowner to learn they need their chimney relined. A flue liner is a significant expense, causing many to ask, “Is chimney relining necessary?” Researchers on chimney safety have an answer to that question. After comparing statistics on lined and unlined chimneys, experts concluded that it is borderline criminal for Read more…

It’s unfortunate that some homeowners have spent thousands of dollars on rebuilding sections of their homes and having dangerous mold removed, when for a fraction of the cost they could have addressed the problem that led to all this: damaged or missing chimney flashing. The strips of sheet metal surrounding the base of your chimney Read more…

Standing alone, above your home, your chimney is especially vulnerable. Harsh winds, lightning, and falling tree branches can seriously damage your chimney causing a leak. Natural wear and tear on chimney components—such as the flashing, chimney cap and crown—can also allow water to get into your house through the chimney. Whether or not your homeowner’s insurance will cover water damage caused by a chimney leak usually Read more…

The arrival of an early spring was fraudulently predicted by Punxsutawney Phil on Groundhog’s Day, causing disappointment among the masses. You don’t have to be downcast because of this misguided promise, if you have a fireplace at home. Decorate your mantel to match the delights of the season, and the anticipated blooms of nature will begin before very long. Spring is Best, According to Science Read more…

A fireplace is meant to be enjoyed. If that’s not happening at your house, help is on the way. You may need to crank up the fun, make fire-building and management easier, or get a fireplace upgrade. Which of these three types of fireplace issues best applies to your situation? No matter because there are ways to turn things around, regardless. Some solutions might be simple, and Read more…

This is a smart question to ask, because a damaged chimney crown can lead to serious problems that are expensive to fix.  A chimney crown is made of cement and covers the entire top of the chimney except for the flue opening.  Its purpose is to protect the chimney from water, which is a chimney’s worst enemy. When water infiltrates cracks in the chimney crown, it will begin a process of Read more…