Hudson Valley Chimney Sweeps Blog

Your chimney is an inviting place for small animals to escape the winter rain and snow and hide from predators. Once little birds, squirrels, mice, raccoons, and other critters climb into the flue, they often become trapped, unable to escape. If you hear gnawing, scratching, chirping, or other similar noises in the flue, there may […]

As strong as well-built chimneys are, they won’t last forever without some periodic maintenance. A fully functioning chimney is a safe chimney. One that is damaged or compromised won’t work efficiently and could be dangerous to the home and the people and pets who live in it. Here are six common problems with older chimneys and […]

If you read or watch the news, you’ve probably heard of disasters caused by problems with fireplaces and chimneys. Unfortunately, these reports are very true. A chimney can be a dangerous structure in any home. But on the flipside, chimneys can be quite safe and enjoyable, as long as you, the homeowner, see to certain […]

Chimneys are built to perform for decades, but stormy weather and extreme temperature swings can cause damage, that if ignored, can cause the entire structure to fail. Annual inspections, maintenance, and occasional repairs will help ensure your chimney is safe and sound. Since a failing chimney can also cause structural damage to your roof and […]

Many children and animals are injured each year because they’re allowed to play too close to an open fireplace. Many of these instances could be prevented by following a few simple fireplace safety tips. Here are some ideas to keep your children and pets safe around a roaring fire. Set boundaries Fireplace fires don’t go […]

Do you know about the risk of pyrolysis? A fire at the home of Carolina Panthers’ coach Ron Rivera made national news in 2015. It is the most high-profile example of the dangers of pyrolysis. An improperly installed fireplace, that caused pyrolysis, was the culprit for this costly fire. Your home may be at risk too! If […]

The essential home feature during the winter is the chimney. While you’re firing up your fireplace or heating stove to keep your loved ones warm, this stately structure is expelling smoke, soot, and other dangerous gases. But just because it appears to be functioning normally doesn’t mean that it does not require repair. Old Man […]

While all types of fireplaces and related home-heating equipment serve the purposes of warmth and décor-enhancement, not all of these units are the same when it comes to safety and maintenance. Here are a few tips on taking care of traditional fireplaces, zero-clearance fireplaces, fireplace inserts and gas log sets. Masonry fireplace  Traditional, open fireplaces […]

In most northern cities throughout the U.S., one thing we can count on is a cold winter, which is all it takes to get most of us to crank up our fireplaces and add a little comfort to the season. To keep you, your family and your home safe, here are some important preparation steps […]

The dancing flames of a glowing fireplace not only create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your family, but your furry friends, too. Unlike us humans who understand the dangers of fire, pets don’t.  And the sights, sounds, and smell of a fire can attract their natural curiosity. They may even try to play with […]