Our Chimney Sweep Blog

Although you probably rarely if ever see your chimney damper (or fireplace damper), much of your enjoyment of your fireplace and hearth area is made possible by this important component. Typically set just above the firebox, but sometimes at the top of the chimney, dampers are simple assemblies that include moveable plates, clamps and a Read more

Like a washing machine that overflows, many home appliances provide obvious evidence that repair is needed, but chimneys are often inconspicuously dirty or in disrepair. Chimney and fireplace upkeep is a matter of home safety, and it is important to schedule routine chimney inspections and cleaning. Although the squeaky wheel usually gets the grease, it Read more

A house fire isn’t just something that happens to other people. It can happen to anyone. Fortunately, by engaging in safe practices with your fireplace or stove, you can dramatically reduce the odds of your home ever being subject to a devastating fire. Here are nine valuable fire-safety tips. 1. Don’t smoke while in bed Read more

Chimney flues and fireplace dampers both are related to venting and drafting a fireplace. While they engage in similar processes, flues and dampers are very different, with each having its own maintenance needs and potential damage issues. Let’s look at these two important components. Your fireplace damper Just above the firebox in your fireplace sits Read more

Our cold Maryland winters affect not only us, but they also affect our chimneys. Let’s look at some of the issues that cold weather can cause with chimneys and how to solve or prevent these chimney problems. Backdrafts Smoke backing up into your home is no fun. Less fun is what the smoke carries: deadly Read more

If your fireplace is sending smoke into your home, you wouldn’t be the first. This is a common problem for folks who regularly use their fireplaces. Fortunately, it’s often an easy problem to solve. Any time smoke is not moving properly up the chimney, you need to reverse the situation. In some cases, a professional Read more

Ask the average homeowner if they’ve had a chimney fire, and likely they’ll say no. They may be very wrong. Many chimney fires start and go out on their own without people in the home being aware of it. Here are some things you need to know about chimney fires and what they can do Read more

Getting your fireplace and chimney ready for another winter season involves making sure it’s clean and that the structure and components are all in good shape. For chimneys connected to wood-burning fireplaces and inserts, chimney sweeping is a necessary maintenance task that’s just as important as seeing to any minor repairs that might be needed. Here are four reasons to Read more

There’s no reason you should live with a fireplace that’s boring and does little or nothing to accent the décor of your home. A fireplace makeover – large-scale or small-scale – can make a stunning difference in the aesthetics of your room and give you yet another reason to enjoy your fireplace. What is a fireplace makeover? We’re not Read more

Chimneys should stand straight up and tall, never pitching to one side. If you’re noticing that your chimney is leaning, it may mean that there’s damage to the chimney itself or the footing beneath it. Because it’s not always easy to tell just by looking that a chimney is leaning slightly, here are some signs to look for. Tilting Leaky Read more