Hudson Valley Chimney Sweeps Blog

Although winter is the time of year when fireplaces and heating stoves in Middletown, NY, and throughout the Hudson Valley are used the most, the cold, wet, and icy conditions typical of the season is when chimney damage is likely to occur. Also, if your chimney has signs of masonry damage, water leaks, or other […]

You know what they always say – there is a first time for everything. It is especially true for chimneys. So, even though your chimney may appear safe and sound, it may be concealing these seven relatively common but potentially dangerous chimney problems. Spalling Bricks The freezing winter weather followed by warm and humid summers […]

Chimney caps are the coverings you see at the top of chimneys. Built from metal, they can cover just the flue opening (called a flue cover) or the entire top area of the chimney, also called a full-width chimney cap. They’re simple devices, but don’t let their simplicity fool you: chimney caps are able to […]

Professional chimney technicians get this question quite often, and the answer is an easy one: You can, as long as you don’t use your fireplace. Of course, that’s not the answer most people want to hear, so technicians will explain a few things about creosote, chimneys, chimney fires and wood-burning to give the homeowner the […]

Gas fireplaces are increasingly popular as a source of home heating in New Windsor and throughout the Hudson Valley, New York, region. They offer the convenience of instant heating with cleaner-burning natural gas or liquid propane, making them easier to clean and maintain. Depending on the gas fireplace model, they are as easy to operate […]

With the winter season just around the corner, many homeowners are looking forward to enjoying their wood-burning fireplace. However, about 14% to 30% of the conditioned air can escape through gaps in the home, including the chimney damper that can increase your heating and cooling costs. Your chimney inspection can make sure your chimney damper […]

Are you having trouble with your gas fireplace? A gas fireplace contains several different parts including an electronic ignition system, thermocouple or thermopile, burner, and ceramic logs that make it possible for your gas fireplace to automatically maintain the desired temperature. However, when one or more of these parts fail or if there is an […]

As with any appliance or system in your home, your chimney needs a certain amount of proper maintenance and care to keep it running safely and efficiently. When chimney maintenance is neglected, bad things can happen. These are things you should be aware of if you own and use a chimney and fireplace. A variety […]

The fireplace and chimney are essential features found in many homes across the Hudson Valley. Whether you have a wood-burning or gas fireplace, have multiple heating appliances, or are no longer using the fireplace, you may be wondering when to clean the chimney or if it needs an inspection. Here are five common FAQs about […]

From a distance, your masonry chimney may appear to be in good condition, but when you take a closer look at the bricks and mortar, a different story emerges. Weather can have a devastating effect on chimney masonry structures, especially here in the Hudson Valley region. The region experiences more precipitation than the national average, […]