Posts by TJ Robinson
Chim Chim Cher-Ee
There are times when I am preparing to clean a chimney I find myself humming the tune “Chim Chim Cher-Ee” from the ever so popular classic movie Marry Poppins. It is a very catchy song I just wish that I could sing and dance like Dick Van Dyke and all his chimney sweep friends. Who…
Read MoreChimney 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,…
Read MoreChoosing 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…
Read MoreYule 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…
Read MoreEvolution 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…
Read MoreWinter and the Logs You Use In Your Chimney
Winter is upon us and it’s officially time to start breaking in those chimneys. For the colder days and nights you might be looking for just the right log to double your heat and will be easy on your chimney. There are many options out there to suit your needs. Of course there is the…
Read MoreThe 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…
Read MoreThe Lucky Chimney Sweep
Sometimes a chimney sweep gets lucky. In the case of a new coin from the Austrian mint, the chimney sweep is lucky. Since the 1930s, Austrians have practiced a tradition of giving each other lucky tokens. Upon receiving the tokens, recipients are supposed to carry them around for the remainder of the year to keep…
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…
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