Safety
Dryer Lint Increases Fire Risk
At least once a week – maybe more – you likely do laundry. After you wash your clothes, you throw them into the dryer – probably without too much thought about it. But did you know clothes dryers cause about 2,900 fires each year in residential buildings? According to the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS),…
Read MoreWhat Is Creosote and How To Prevent It
What is creosote really? Creosote is nothing more than unburned wood energy that condensates on the inner chimney surface. The more you use your fireplace soot and creosote begins to coat and solidify on the surface and if not removed the layer grows deep enough to provide another fuel source for the fire. If any…
Read MoreDealing with Frozen Dryer Vents
An estimated 20,000 dryer fires occur throughout the United States each year. Most of these fires are a result of worn or damaged vents that trap dryer lint. The solution for this type of problem is simple: Hire a professional for a thorough service call and cleaning. While having your vents professionally serviced is critical…
Read MoreWhy 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…
Read MoreThose Pesky Rodents
Most home builders will tell you that new construction slows down during the winter months. That trend, unfortunately, doesn’t extend to the animals that live around your home. In fact, it’s during the winter that some of those pesky critters really settle in, especially in your chimney. You, or someone you know, probably have a…
Read MoreWhat is a chimney?
What is a fireplace? Most people would answer the question by pointing to their fireplace and saying, “Well, that’s it right there.” But that’s the simple response. In truth, your fireplace consists of several pieces working together. First you have the doors, which are usually glass but can also be metal. The doors close off…
Read MoreChimney Safety
People sometimes ask us how we stay safe on the job. Because we often end up on people’s roofs, chimney safety is a top priority. Below is the basic checklist for staying safe. Check the Ladders – Climbing up to the roof and back down again can occasionally be tricky. We always make sure that…
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