Learning about all the parts that make up your chimney and fireplace is the first step in understanding how a chimney system works. There are more elements to chimneys, fireplaces, and heating systems than most people recognize. If you have… Read More
Archive for the ‘Chimney Sweeping’ Category
How to Minimize Creosote Buildup in Your Chimney
Creosote is the substance that is leftover in the chimney when a fire is lit, though some fires result in more creosote buildup than others. But, it is an unavoidable part of using a fireplace. Creosote is a black, sooty,… Read More
What Causes Strange Chimney Smells?
Have you ever noticed a strange, unpleasant smell coming from your fireplace? Chimney odors become more common during the summertime when the moisture inside a chimney heats up on hot and humid days. Bad chimney smells are often the result… Read More
4 Chimney Cleaning Myths to Avoid
Chimney cleaning is an essential part of chimney maintenance. A clean chimney is a safe and happy chimney. Conversely, a poorly maintained chimney can lead to potential safety hazards for your home and family. There are many myths surrounding chimney… Read More
Chimney Cleaning Logs: Do They Work, and Are They Safe?
A working chimney and fireplace are great to have in your home. With a combination of regular maintenance and basic fire safety best practices, you’ll have no issues to speak of. But too many homeowners try to cut corners on… Read More
Spring Maintenance for Your Fireplace and Chimney
While there are still a few chilly nights ahead of us, spring is certainly in the air. Warm weather comes with quite a few pleasures of its own, but soon we’ll have to say goodbye to roaring fires in the… Read More
When Do Chimney Swifts Nest in Maryland?
If you’re anything like most Marylanders, you’ve been enjoying the first few warm days of the year. The season’s earliest wildflowers have blossomed, and our first migratory birds will show up in the coming weeks. Proud owners of fireplaces are… Read More
How Chimney Fires Start
There’s nothing quite like a crackling fire in your fireplace on a cold, snowy winter’s night. If you have a working fireplace, you’re surely the envy of your neighbors at this time of year. Many homes have fireplaces, but if… Read More
Troubleshooting Why Your Chimney Won’t Draw
We’ve all been there before: you’re trying to light a fire in your fireplace, but your chimney just won’t draw. This leads to smoke flooding the room, and you desperately trying to figure out what you can do to fix… Read More
Determining Why Your Fireplace Smokes
There’s nothing quite like a roaring fire on these cold winter nights. During this time of year, you should be thrilled to have a working fireplace. By the same token, you might be frustrated to find that you have issues… Read More