Creosote Sweeping Logs: Do They Work?

Creosote presents an ongoing maintenance need for chimney users. What exactly is creosote? It’s a dark, tar-like residue that can build up in your chimney over time. As a byproduct of incomplete combustion, it accumulates more quickly when firewood is damp or green or...

How to Start a Fire in a Cold Chimney

Cold winter days can seem to drag on this time of year. That’s why it’s the perfect time to build cozy fires to counteract the long nights and winter chill. Unfortunately, if your chimney is cold – which is particularly likely if it’s on an exterior wall –...

The Freeze/Thaw Process & Your Chimney

On long dark nights when the air gets cold The Freeze/Thaw Monster will take hold Freezing up long-sleeping water Expanding it ‘til it gets hotter Destroying even brick and mortar Wreaking havoc on homeowners Protect your chimney – keep water out And keep the...

What’s Safe to Burn in My Fireplace?

You want a hot, clean fire – the kind that warms your home’s ambiance and temperature without jeopardizing the safety of your environment. A significant factor in creating the ideal blaze is what you’re burning. Not all fuels are created equal, so thinking...

5 Signs You’ve Had a Chimney Fire

Each year there are, on average, over 20,000 chimney fires that take place. In fact, you may have had a chimney fire in the past and not even known it. How do chimney fires occur? When wood or other combustibles are burned in a fireplace the resulting fumes and smoke...

Solutions for Your Masonry Damage

Thanks to its durability, fire-resistance, and longevity, masonry has become a staple in the construction industry. It’s a popular material to incorporate in many establishments, from commercial buildings to residential properties, and it’s commonly used...

How To Keep Animals Out of Your Chimney

Chimneys are inviting places for many animals to nest, breed, and reside – namely birds, squirrels, and raccoons. The darkness and warmth of chimneys make them quite appealing and cozy, and it’s ideal for keeping their young protected from predators too....