The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends that homeowners using liquid and fossil fuel heating appliances clean their chimney at least once per year. Unfortunately, not all homeowners take the advice seriously, putting them at an increased risk of a fire and exposure to carbon monoxide.  Fire Hazard Many homeowners are not aware that... Read more

Chimney masonry is highly vulnerable to moisture, and a serious problem that often results from moisture intrusion is spalling. Spalling means the surface of bricks break and pop off. By keeping up with annual chimney inspections, your chimney technician can spot warning signs and could help prevent spalling. The worst-case scenario is for spalling to... Read more

The chimney is an integral safety feature of your home. Whether you use your fireplace or heating stove a few times per year or every day during the winter, there are a few basics you need to know. Here are six chimney basics homeowners should know about their chimney. Keep Out Water Moisture is the... Read more

Annual chimney inspections ensure that the chimney is keeping your home and family safe even when you’re not using the fireplace or heating stove. However, many types of damages are difficult to spot with the naked eye, and a regular inspection may not detect all the deterioration and damage that may be developing inside the... Read more

It’s hard to believe that you can still feel a draft in your home with a blazing fire going in the fireplace. When the chimney is performing efficiently, it will draw into the fireplace the same amount of air that it expels. But when there is an imbalance, a draft will occur. There are a... Read more

You just had an annual chimney inspection, and your chimney sweep is recommending a new liner for the flue. Like other chimney components, the flue liner will eventually reach its end of life and require replacement. Here are five questions every homeowner should ask when getting a new chimney liner: Why Do I Need a... Read more

A fireplace insert offers several advantages, especially for homes with a traditional masonry fireplace. They offer all the benefits you want in a fireplace experience, but with a lot less pollution and creosote. They are also available in your choice of fuel, including wood, gas, and pellet. So, changing the fuel source is as easy... Read more

It can be annoying to feel a draft or cold air coming from the fireplace, especially when you are expecting it to keep your room warm and cozy. Draft issues are a common problem with fireplaces, and there could be one or more reasons for its occurrence in your home. Damper Doesn’t Shut Properly One... Read more