Just like any other structure, a masonry chimney requires routine maintenance and cleanings to prolong its useful life. Otherwise creosote, masonry cracks, water leaks, and other issues can slowly compromise its structural integrity making it unsafe to use your fireplace. The following are five signs that you may need a new chimney. Masonry Damage Extensive... Read more

Chimney fires are common occurrences and, though they may go unnoticed, they can be highly destructive. A poll was recently conducted by a chimney safety council, and the results were staggering. Busy chimney sweeps typically see one-to-two fire-damaged chimneys on a daily basis. The results of the poll indicated that in a single metropolitan area,... Read more

Chimney flashing is a metal fitting installed where the chimney meets the roofline. It creates a watertight seal to prevent water leaks. Most flashing is a metal material like copper, steel, or aluminum, but PVC and even lead has been used for flashing. Homeowners don’t often realize there is a flashing problem until they notice... Read more

Before signing on the dotted line for a new home with a fireplace, be sure the chimney is in good condition and safe to use. What many people don’t realize is that real estate home inspectors very rarely inspect chimneys while they are making sure the rest of the home is free of major problems.... Read more

Is your chimney starting to show its age? Environmental conditions, weather damage, and normal wear and tear can expose the chimney to rust. The chimney contains several metal components, including the chimney cap, damper, and flashing, that can corrode and rust when frequently exposed to oxygen and moisture. Also, without regular chimney cleanings, the corrosive... Read more

Thousands of thunderstorms occur each year, primarily in the summertime, and they cause more damage than many homeowners may realize. In 2019, the Insurance Information Institute reported that more than $900 million in homeowners’ insurance claims were paid to over 77,000 policyholders due to lightning damage. A lightning bolt can send the equivalent of over... Read more

Is your chimney discolored or stained? If so, chimney services are needed. There are several reasons for chimney staining, and the color of the chimney stain is an indication of what the cause is or may be. Whether you’ve identified white, black, red, green, or brown staining on your chimney, something is wrong and chimney... Read more

Many homeowners are choosing cleaner-burning gas and pellet fireplaces and heating stoves to heat their homes. They are convenient, offer a realistic fire burning experience, and require less maintenance.  Although gas and pellet fuel produce less harmful pollutants than a traditional wood-burning fireplace, chimney cleaning is still necessary. Also, the Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends... Read more

Cleaning the chimney is one of the essential services that a chimney sweep provides. Accumulation of soot, creosote, ash, and other debris significantly increases the risk of a fire. A dirty chimney can also reduce indoor air quality expanding the potential for exposure to carbon monoxide fumes and other harmful contaminants that can cause serious... Read more

A chimney may look like a sturdy tower adorning the roof of your home, but risks to home and family result from lack of chimney maintenance. The proof of widespread chimney neglect is best identified by observing the number of house fires it causes every year, which is in the thousands. Chimneys, as indestructible as... Read more