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It’s not a good sign when you look up at the chimney and notice it leaning away from your house. It’s no optical illusion, and it is a dangerous situation. Depending on its size, a brick chimney can weigh over 8,500 pounds. It is secured to the foundation and attached to the roofline. But when […] Read more

A chimney is an inviting place for squirrels, small birds, and other critters, looking to build a cozy nest away from the reach of predators. Most homeowners don’t realize that the neighborhood critters are using the chimney as a hotel until they hear the pattering, squealing, and gnawing of critters in the night. The chimney […] Read more

It’s not a good sign when you look up at the chimney and notice it leaning away from your house. It’s no optical illusion, and it is a dangerous situation. Depending on its size, a brick chimney can weigh over 8,500 pounds. It is secured to the foundation and attached to the roofline. But when […] Read more

Does your fireplace periodically (or regularly) have drafting problems? Does smoke back up into the house when you’re burning a fire? Are your fires sluggish and never seem to get up and roar? A “yes” answer to any of these questions may point to a drafting issue. If this is the case, a chimney pot […] Read more

Fireplaces and chimneys are open systems designed to provide a clear drafting path for smoke and toxins to exit into the outside air. However, that creates a problem: this system heats your home, but it also creates a conduit for cold air to enter.  Fortunately, this all-too-common problem has a number of solutions — some […] Read more

Your chimney is a durable structure built to withstand the destructive nature of wind, fire, and ice. But weather can take its toll even on the toughest chimneys. The constant exposure to harsh weather conditions, like wind, rain, and snow, can accelerate its deterioration. And water is its greatest threat. It takes vigilance to prevent […] Read more

Weather that’s cold and rainy definitely can get the ball rolling toward chimney damage. Also, that kind of weather can significantly worsen any damage that already exists. Water and masonry don’t mix well. As solid as the surface of a chimney is, water will eventually erode it. Rain and melting snow can get into cracks […] Read more

With access to so much information on the Internet, many homeowners are doing more DIY projects at home to save money. And the do-it-yourself market is enormous, with more than $400B in retail sales in 2018, according to the HIRI/IHI Markit Forecast. But some projects, like chimney cleaning and repair, are far too dangerous for […] Read more

When a chimney or its components have fallen into disrepair or begin to function inefficiently, there usually are signs that tell you something needs to be addressed. Here are five signs of chimney damage for you to watch for so you can have problems fixed before they become expensive or hazardous. Crumbling/loose bricks When bricks […] Read more

With smoke billowing out of the chimney on a chilly night, it must be winter. And with shorter periods of daylight, many homeowners are lighting the fireplace to stay warm and cozy in the evening. And to increase the warmth, many choose to keep their fireplaces open with nothing more than a mesh screen to […] Read more