There are so many aspects of a chimney and fireplace to keep up on. You want to make sure the flue is clean. You consistently check the brickwork and chimney crown. And don’t forget the importance of making sure the fireplace itself looks great in the living space. Another part of the system to consider is the chimney cover also known as the chim...

Chimney rebuilds. Flue fixes. Refractory panel replacements. Footing the bill for a brick chimney repair can be costly not to mention time-consuming. Like other expenses for the property, most homeowners want to avoid an extensive chimney repair. But how? There are many ways to keep your fireplace and chimney in good condition. These steps aren’t...

Did you know that home heating is the second leading cause of in-home fires behind cooking? According to an October 2017 report from FEMA, from 2013-2015, an average of 45,900 home heating fires occurred in the United States each of those years. That is a HUGE number! Here are a few other startling figures this report shared: • Heating fires caus...

Bricks are one of these things we hardly give a second thought to yet they play such a vital role in so many things. In the home, they are essential to a safe and durable brick fireplace and chimney. The type of brick masonry you choose, how you maintain them and the way they are installed can mean the difference between a warm, cozy fire and a hea...

If you have a wood fireplace in your Chicago home, be thankful! It offers many advantages that you may have never considered. While it takes some upkeep and care, a wood fireplace also adds so much more to the home! Here are 5 benefits to having a wood fireplace when living in Chicago: 1. Warmth in the Winter – Winter can seem like it goes on for...

Are you aware of how important it is to compare energy prices?  The cost of fuel seems to increase more and more every year.  One way to reduce its burden on the family budget is by utilizing an advantage you may already have – your wood fireplace.  How does a wood fireplace help reduce my energy cost? A wood fireplace can be an es...

Being a homeowner can be a tough job. There is a lot to know and do and learn to keep all the different aspects of your property running efficiently. And your home’s chimney is no exception. While you don’t need to be an expert chimney sweep to maintain a healthy system, you should educate yourself on some of the basics when it comes to the ana...

It seems like the snow keeps falling but soon the rainy spring season will be here! There are many ways rainwater can damage your home from clogged gutters to chimney cracks. And what’s worse is that water troubles are hard to detect. They can go unnoticed for months, even years, before you realize the damage they have caused! Before the rainy se...

If you live in the Northshore of Chicago, a wood fireplace can be one of the most appreciated assets in the home.  Who doesn’t enjoy a warm fire on a cold winter day? Unfortunately, fireplaces also require regular chimney maintenance to function at optimal performance.  While this isn’t time-consuming or expensive, it does require you...

One of the number one indications that your chimney needs to be repaired or maintained is chimney leakage. Chimney leakage can lead to a number of problems such as rusting, water damages, damage to the interior of your chimney, and overall chimney deterioration. Additionally, moisture that gets into the walls can cause mold and mildew growth that c...