Hudson Valley Chimney Sweeps Blog

Relaxing around a warm and inviting outdoor fireplace is an exciting way to entertain family and friends in the evening. But, as attractive as outdoor fireplaces and firepits are, it’s important to follow responsible safety practices to prevent a fire or injuries. Here are five safety tips you should keep in mind when operating an […]

If you have a chimney and hear chirping in your home, you’re probably not going crazy. You may actually be playing host to family of chimney swifts, a small, migratory bird named for its penchant for using chimneys as nesting grounds. Birds in your chimney might be a problem, or they might not, depending on […]

When the burning season is winding down, it’s a good time to think about sprucing up your chimney for the spring and summer. A lot has happened with your chimney during the winter, so use the lengthening days of springtime to have your system thoroughly checked out. Spring cleaning tasks for chimneys If your fireplace […]

There is nothing cozier on a winter evening than relaxing in front of a fireplace. The scent of the burning wood, the crackling sounds, and the warmth of the hearth offer luxurious comfort on chilly days. But, if your chimney has maintenance issues, there is an increasing risk of a house fire, exposure to toxic […]

Spring showers may bring beautiful flowers, but they can also cause chimney leaks. Chimney leaks are common problem and one of the top reasons that homeowners call on a chimney experts or handyman. When water gets in your chimney, it can result in expensive damage. It can deteriorate masonry, ruin drywall, rot structural beams and […]

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 […]