Levels of Inspection

With anything there are different levels of inspection or repairs depending on a need and the severity of a situation or condition of an object. It is no different with your home or fireplace. The Chimney Safety Institute of America describes three main levels of inspection to consider when having your fireplace inspected and checked…

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Water Damage and Chimney Repairs

With the sort of weather we have been having it might be time to have your chimney inspected for water damage inside and outside of your chimney. If a cap has been removed there could be moisture buildup inside your fireplace. Debris from leaves and animals may also start to negatively affect your fireplace. Spring…

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Artifacts Uncovered In Old Fireplace

As years pass houses and buildings are renovated and undergo some drastic changes. One such drastic change is the boarding up of  fireplaces. Many times these fireplaces are covered and boarded up and remain that way for centuries and even decades. Over the years Museums and individuals have purchased these older homes and buildings and…

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Chimney Cleaning and Inspection

It may be unclear as to how often you should have your chimney and flue inspected, cleaned, and the process involved. If you use your fireplace often you may want to have your chimney inspected every few months.  If you do not use your fireplace often the National Fire Protection Association Standard states that, “Chimneys,…

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Choosing A Gas Fireplace Insert

There are many decisions that need to be made when building a home or starting a remodeling project. If including a gas fireplace insert is a part of your building or remodeling plan there are many options to choose from. According to fireplaces.com there are 5 things to consider first when choosing the right gas…

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Yule Log Tradition

The burning of the Yule log has been around since about the 12th century. The tradition has certainly evolved over the decades but the true meaning has stayed in tacked. When the tradition of the Yule log first got it starts it was customary for the family to chop down a tree and drag it…

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Evolution of the Chimney

In this day and age many chimneys are used to add character to a home. They haven’t always been for decoration though. Chimneys have evolved over the decades and have become more detailed over the years. According to the article “Quick History: The Evolution of the Chimney” written by Anna Hoffman, the first chimney was…

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The Chimney Sweep Stereotype

Mention the words “chimney sweep” to most people and the first thing they typically think of is Burt, the character played by Dick Van Dyke in Mary Poppins. It’s a wonderful family movie, no question about it. And Burt’s a fun guy. But the similarities pretty much end with the job label. The following are things I’ve…

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Why DIY Chimney Cleaning is a Bad Idea

As homeowners, we’re always pleasantly surprised when a do-it-yourself project ends well. Building a bookshelf, installing a light fixture, or replacing a faucet – there’s a substantial amount of pride in that kind of accomplishment. But some areas of home upkeep and repair are best left to the experts, including chimney cleaning. A Minnesota town…

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Beware the Chimney Cleaning Scam Artist

It’s January and the snowflakes are swirling. The worst weather of the season will likely hit within the next two months. If you haven’t done so already, the sudden frigid temperatures could make you more inclined to get that fireplace and chimney primed for use. If that’s the thought running through your mind, make sure…

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