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

Your chimney may look indestructible, but it will need repairs from time to time. Chimney problems do not get better over time. Ignoring chimney problems can also compromise the chimney’s integrity and increase the risk of fire and carbon monoxide exposure. Making timely repairs during the off-season prolongs its lifespan minimizing the need for more... Read more

You may have heard that all fire safety experts have one thing they agree on. They all think that annual chimney inspections are important for everyone who uses their chimney, even if infrequently. These experts include the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). Guidelines for inspections are standardized,... Read more

New Jersey winters cause chimney damage across the state. During springtime, it’s important to take a look at your chimney exterior. Contact chimney professionals for masonry repair services if you see any cracked bricks, crumbling mortar, or other signs of masonry damage. Chimney masonry repair services may be needed, and spring is the best season... Read more

When lighting the fireplace to keep your family warm, you expect heating costs to go down. After all, a gas or wood-burning fireplace doesn’t use any electricity. However, some homeowners are finding that heating costs are rising as fast as the smoke going up the chimney. There are several plausible reasons that your chimney could... Read more

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