Fireplace
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…
Read MoreWater 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…
Read MoreArtifacts 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…
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 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 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 MoreBeware 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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