Hudson Valley Chimney Sweeps Blog

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, […]

Many homes with masonry chimneys in Middletown and throughout the Hudson River Valley region were built in the early 19th century when chimney construction standards were much different than they are today. As a result, many of these homes with older chimneys have smoke chambers built with corbelled brick, a standard practice at the time. […]

Chimneys offer ideal shelter for a variety of smaller animals. That’s good for the animals but bad for you, the homeowner. Animals inside your chimney can cause several potentially serious problems. Here’s what you need to know about this issue and how to prevent it. The types of animals that hang out in chimneys Depending […]

For many homeowners throughout the Hudson Valley, nothing makes a home feel warm or inviting than a stunning fireplace. During the winter months, when the grounds are covered in a white blanket, the crackling flames is keeping everyone warm and cozy inside. Here are a few things homeowners should know about gas and wood-burning fireplaces, […]

Fire pits are a popular outdoor feature for entertaining family and friends in the backyard.  As the number of homeowners enjoying backyard recreational fires is growing, so too the number of accidents. In 2017, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recorded more than 5,300 injuries due to fire pits and outdoor heaters, a 300 percent […]

After the burning season, it’s not a good idea to just let your fireplace sit there as-is throughout the spring and summer months. There are certain tasks such as chimney cleanings and inspections that should be done after using your fireplace all winter. Here are six of the most important. Schedule a chimney and fireplace […]

Chimneys are not just venting your wood-burning or gas fireplace. Many homes in the Hudson Valley area have multiple heating appliances, like a gas water heater, furnace, or boiler that are also venting in the chimney to expel harmful fumes such as carbon monoxide (CO).  Routine maintenance, including annual chimney inspections and cleaning, is essential […]

Fireplaces are nice amenities, whether or not you’re planning to sell your home in the near future. If you are planning to sell, a working fireplace with a classic design along with a mantel can add up to $12,000 to your sale price, according to the National Association of Realtors. Naturally, the exact dollar amount […]