One of life’s simple pleasures is warming by a crackling fire in heavy coat weather. Before setting up the kindling for your first winter fire, make sure it’s safe to get the flames going. Fire safety organizations strongly recommend that you have your chimney inspected by a professional annually. This advice is shared by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Chimney […]

Every time you build a fire in your fireplace or woodstove it can have an impact on the environment. The smoke that wafts out of your chimney contains toxic gases like carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, harmful particles, and, potentially, carcinogens like benzopyrene according to the EPA. Burning wood in an old fireplace or woodstove can contribute to air pollution and cause public health […]

October 8-14, 2017, is annual Fire Prevention Week. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is providing the important reminder this year that every second counts, when there is a fire. The difference between residents safely escaping a fire or having lives tragically end can be mere seconds. For this reason, the theme for this year’s Fire Prevention Week is “Every Second Counts: […]

The basic parts of a chimney may never show up as a category on Jeopardy!, but they are still good to know. A chimney system provides protection for your home and family. Keeping a chimney well-maintained is a way to prevent hazardous house fires. Becoming familiar with chimney parts helps you identify when there are possible problems. Although it’s a standard safety […]

Winter is coming! Apple cider, pumpkin patches and the holidays aren’t the only things to look forward to. If you have a fireplace, you can look forward to cozy nights relaxing beside the hearth. After battling cold winds or trudging through snow, it’s a pleasure to sit next to a crackling fire and unwind. Before you start your fireplace for the […]

Are you eager for your next opportunity to get a roaring fire going when it’s cold outside? Many people are! The mistake commonly made, however, is lighting a fire in the fireplace without first knowing for sure that it’s safe. The leading reason for home heating fires is failure to clean chimneys. If there is an obstruction or debris in the chimney or if there […]

The enjoyment of a fireplace can be dampened when black sooty buildup causes unsightly discoloration on the bricks or stones. Many different situations can cause soot and smoke to billow out of the fireplace. Over time, a dingy coating gradually thickens on the masonry until there are black stains in and/or around the fireplace. Many homeowners have lived with the ugly sight for years because they don’t […]

Water spots on the ceiling are not just an eyesore; they are also a warning sign of water intrusion. A leak in your roof can cause a wide range of problems from toxic black mold to hundreds of dollars worth of ruined dry wall and structural beams. Homes with chimneys are more susceptible to leaks. In many cases, the culprit of a […]

There’s a lot going on in the spring and summer, but smart homeowners use a little of this time to see to some very important chimney- and fireplace-related tasks.  Here are six useful tips for making sure your fireplace is ready to run when it gets cold. Tip 1: Inspection and cleaning.  No fireplace should be operated without an annual cleaning and inspection by a certified […]

Losing your home and belongings to a house fire is devastating. Investing in the health of your chimney is one of the best ways to prevent a house fire. Every year, thousands of house fires occur that could have easily been avoided if the homeowners had taken care of their chimneys. You can protect the safety of your home and loved ones […]