Blog
Is a Damper and a Flue the Same Thing?
While the chimney may seem like a simple structure, it compromises several integral components explicitly designed to reduce the risk of fire and exposure to dangerous gases, including carbon monoxide. Among the two most essential parts are the chimney damper and flue. Although some homeowners may use the terms interchangeably, they are two distinct chimney […] Read more
Fun Tech-Free Fireplace Activities for the Whole Family
What’s it like to live without cell phones and computers and Facebook and text messages? Here are some ways to find out and maybe have some fun as a family around the fireplace. Play musical instruments Pianos, drums and acoustic guitars are ideal for this activity – nothing electronic. Borrow or rent instruments if you […] Read more
Downdrafts & Smoke Backup Causes
Fireplace/chimney systems are pretty basic until something goes wrong. When you’re experiencing smoke backing up into your home, you may not have a clue why it’s happening. Fortunately, there are only a few possible causes for backdrafts or downdrafts, and most are fairly easy to fix. Drafting basics In order for smoke to flow up […] Read more
Chimney Dangers and How to Prevent Them
Falling snowflakes against pillows of smoke billowing out of chimneys are a common sight on cold days and nights while millions of families enjoy the warmth and crackling flames that a fireplace and heating stove brings during the festive winter season. While everything might seem well at first glance, there may be hidden dangers lurking […] Read more
Seen and Unseen Issues Caused by a Faulty Chimney
You may have already figured out that you have a faulty chimney, based on obvious signs, but there are also unseen issues that can occur. A faulty chimney is not an unusual thing, and that is one reason that fire safety experts recommend scheduling an annual inspection. There are various issues that can occur when […] Read more
Get Your Fireplace Ready For The Holiday Season
Thanksgiving and Christmas are holidays to look forward to, and giving priority to fireplace safety can help prevent potential disaster from stifling the joys of the season. Achieving fireplace safety during the busy holidays doesn’t happen without planning. It all begins with a phone call to your trusted chimney sweep. Read on to learn important […] Read more
Rev Up with Regular Chimney Cleanings & Inspections
The enjoyment and safety of driving a well-maintained vehicle can be compared to the benefits you get with regular chimney cleaning and inspections. Even though a chimney may not have many moving parts, it is prone to get out of whack when routine maintenance is neglected. Regular chimney cleaning and inspections provide substantial benefits inside […] Read more
How Chimney Fires Damage Your Chimney
Chimney fires come in all shapes and sizes. Not all of them are catastrophic blazes. Many are small and brief – but even the smallest chimney fire can begin a cycle of damage to your chimney system. Here are some things you’ll want to know about chimney fires. What causes chimney fires? The majority of […] Read more
How to Tell if You Need a New Chimney
Regularly cleaning and maintaining your chimney and making timely repairs will prolong its useful life. However, environmental conditions, age, and normal wear and tear can cause the chimney to deteriorate – even if you are no longer using the fireplace or heating stove. Its deterioration can further escalate when routine chimney inspections, maintenance, or professional […] Read more
A Guide to Smoke Chamber Issues
Between your fireplace and chimney flue is an area called the smoke chamber. Its purpose is to smoothly channel smoke, gases and hot air from the firebox to the flue. Issues with the smoke chamber often go unnoticed, because it’s located in a place that’s hard to get to and impossible to see. Corbelled smoke […] Read more
