Hudson Valley Chimney Sweeps Blog

All questions regarding homeowner’s insurance policies are best answered by the provider who wrote the policy. That being said, there are some general guidelines when it comes to determining if the provider will cover water damage caused by a leaky chimney. A homeowner’s insurance policy covers unexpected damage to various areas of your home or […]

The chimney crown is like an umbrella for the chimney. It is designed to help disperse rainwater from the chimney to protect the masonry. But even well-built crowns will deteriorate due to age and its direct exposure to changing weather conditions. Cracks may develop slowly and without realizing it, the crown is compromised. And when the crown is compromised water can penetrate inside the flue. This […]

Signs of water damage—like peeling paint or discoloration on the ceiling—are the biggest reason homeowners call on a handy man. In most cases, a leaking chimney is the source of the problem. A chimney leak can cause thousands of dollars in water damage from ruined drywall to compromised structural beams. Usually, missing or damaged chimney […]

Creosote is a flammable byproduct of smoke that forms in chimneys when wood burns in the fireplace. You can’t prevent creating some creosote with every fire, but you can keep the amount at a minimum. Professional chimney sweeps categorize creosote by levels: Level 1: This form of creosote is powdery and easy to remove with […]

A chimney is a vital part of your home and being aware of its condition is essential. For many homeowners, the fireplace is their primary source of heat during the winter. While chimneys are constructed for strength and durability, exposure to extreme hot and cold weather conditions can weaken its structure. And the winter storms […]

Wood stoves are built to last but, if you have an old model, it may be time to upgrade. A wood-burning stove can be an excellent alternative heating source with the ability to warm up a large area of your home using an inexpensive, renewable fuel source. When you use an efficient, EPA-certified wood-burning stove […]

A chimney cap is arguably the easiest and least expensive way to protect your chimney flue system. If your chimney is older, chances are you either don’t have a chimney cap or the cap that was installed is due to be replaced. Over time, the chimney cap cracks and the screen can break or tear. […]

Chimneys don’t last forever, no matter how well they’re built. Fortunately for homeowners, the breakdown is usually gradual. This means you have time to make periodic repairs to damage that would lead to the end of your chimney if left unattended. Chimneys and the freeze-thaw cycle In cold-weather regions, chimneys are susceptible to damage from […]

Ugly soot stains aren’t all that builds up in chimneys. Creosote is another byproduct that’s produced by burning wood logs, pellets and coal in a fireplace or stove. Creosote is an extremely flammable chemical compound that condenses along the walls of chimneys and venting systems. It is the leading cause of catastrophic chimney fires according […]

In New York, you know what to expect from winter.  It’s going to be cold, and the cost of keeping your home warm is going to rise.  But it doesn’t have to rise as much as it has in the past if you follow this easy winterizing checklist and get a chimney cleaning. Insulate outside pipes The best way to do this […]