What to Look For When Hiring a Chimney Sweep
You know it’s important to keep your chimney clean. However, if you use Google or social media, you’ll find no shortage of people advertising chimney-sweeping services. Whether it’s a large company or a friend who knows someone, you want to be confident you’re getting the best value for your money, and the job is done... Read more
What to Do When Lightning Strikes Your Chimney
Your chimney is exposed to the weather 24/7, including rain, wind, snow, ice, and lighting. When thunderstorms roll in, the chances of a lightning strike within a 25-mile radius increase. The intense heat from a lightning strike can reach up to 50,000° F. Lightning strikes are estimated to cause approximately $900 million in damages annually. This post explores the steps... Read more
Why is My Chimney Discolored?
Have you noticed that your chimney looks drab or discolored? This might seem like a mild aesthetic issue, but as we’ll show you, it could be a sign of an underlying problem that could put your chimney at risk of water damage and deterioration. What Causes Chimney Discoloration? Understanding Discoloration in Chimneys: Causes and Solutions... Read more
Signs You Need a Chimney Restoration
Your chimney takes a beating from the high temperatures produced by your fireplace and the constant exposure to harsh weather. And because it’s made from masonry materials, it’s bound to wear out, especially if it hasn’t been well-maintained. In this post, we look at the most common signs that your chimney is crying out for... Read more
Humidity And Your Chimney
The lazy days of summer are upon us. With that comes the heat and humidity and the summer rain showers. With all that moisture, it is sure to get into your chimney. There will be unpleasant smells if not taken care of. There are tasks that you should do all year long to keep your... Read more
Why Now Is The Best Time For Masonry Repairs
When did you last check to see if your chimney and fireplace require repair? Do you know if your chimney has issues such as cracked or broken bricks or missing bricks, or is your chimney shifting? Don’t wait a minute longer. Here’s why now is the best time for masonry repairs. Reasons to Have Your... Read more
The Best Time to Schedule Chimney Repairs
Like other parts of your house, the chimney undergoes significant wear and tear from high temperatures and weather. Over time, minor issues like cracks and deteriorating mortar joints can lead to major headaches, like water damage and fire safety issues. Routine maintenance and upkeep are essential to prolonging your chimney’s lifespan, ensuring the system runs... Read more
When’s the Best Time to Schedule Chimney Cleaning?
You know you have to clean your chimney. But is one time of the year better than the rest, and how often should you do it? Read on to find the answers. When is the Best Time of Year to Clean My Chimney? The best time to clean your chimney is before winter arrives, and... Read more
Should You Mount Your TV Over Your Fireplace?
At Mercer County Chimney Services, we get asked many questions about fireplace and chimney maintenance and safety. However, one question that comes up more and more often is whether it’s safe to mount your TV over your wood burning or gas fireplace or insert. In this article, we look at the pros and cons of... Read more
Why You Should Upgrade Your Fireplace Instead of Replacing It
Is your fireplace old, inefficient, and tired-looking? If so, you’ve probably considered replacing it, but we’re here to tell you to hold that thought because there are good reasons to consider upgrading it instead. Here are some reasons to upgrade your fireplace instead of replacing it: It’s Cheaper to Upgrade The cost of everything is... Read more