Chimneys are vulnerable to certain types of damage in any season, including summer. This is often a surprise to homeowners. A lot more people recognize that freezing temperatures in winter can wreak havoc on chimney masonry. Hidden danger can occur in spring and summer, as well. Annual inspections recommended by the most recognized fire safety organizations can mean a chimney professional discovers any damage done […]

Looking for a new fireplace for the first time? If you’ve never bought a fireplace, the wide range of options available can be overwhelming. Fireplaces come in every style from classic to modern and everything in between. Every model has a different heat output along with a range of incredible available features. To help you […]

On a hot summer day, it can be a pleasure to relax indoors next to a charming mantel in the air conditioning. Unfortunately, sitting beside your fireplace could be uncomfortably warm, even without a fire going, if your fireplace is not energy efficient. Hot air from outside can come down the chimney, heating up the […]

Worn, vintage brick is a great look for many design styles, but it should not be a welcome sight on chimneys. It’s a seriously dangerous situation when chimney masonry leans or has gaps that can cause structural damage. Such structural impairment could be evidence that the flue is also damaged, making the home vulnerable to […]

We have had many extreme weather events here in the Hudson Valley over the last year. With experts predicting that extreme weather will become even more common, it is increasingly important to make sure that your home is prepared. It is smart to do all you can to protect your home so that it can […]

Most of the time, homeowners who ask this question are running a vented gas appliance such as a fireplace or stove.  Vent-free gas appliances have no vent that mimics a chimney flue in pulling fumes out of the house, so there is no flue to clean. But vented gas fireplaces still require a professional cleaning […]

Discoloration of a chimney can occur for various reasons, and the staining gives evidence of significant chimney damage in nearly every instance. Oftentimes, homeowners think discoloration is a natural part of aging of the chimney structure, but that’s rarely the case. In order to curb further deterioration, it’s best to hire a licensed, certified chimney professional, who can identify the cause of the chimney staining and properly […]

We hear this question a lot from homeowners. While your chimney can function without a chimney cap, it is one of the smartest investments that you can make in your home. Chimneys are a liability, even if you do not use your fireplace or stove, because they are open to the elements. A chimney cap is important because it protects your home […]

Homeowners sometimes raise an eyebrow when advised that a chimney liner needs replacement, and perhaps it’s because the chimney sweep industry is vulnerable to scammers. As an unregulated industry, the door is open for unscrupulous people to claim they are bona fide chimney sweeps and then make outrageous claims about the condition of a perfectly sound chimney. Their purpose is to charge exorbitant prices for bogus services. […]

Gas fireplaces create the same type of cozy, pleasant ambiance as wood-burning fireplaces but with far greater convenience. Perhaps because of their one-touch operation and heating efficiency, homeowners frequently make the mistake of assuming that gas fireplaces don’t need regular maintenance. Annual gas fireplace inspections are highly recommended by every leading fire safety organization, including […]