Spring is about a month away, and that means the temperatures will start to climb, the flowers will start to bloom, and the dreaded insects will start to flourish once again. Keeping your home protected from insect invasion is important, and believe it or not, your chimney is a common entry point. H...

Can you believe the fall months are just around the corner?  Soon it will be time for pumpkin patches, caramel apples and crisp leaves.  Fall is also a time when the temperatures begin to drop having many homeowners scrambling to start using their fireplace.  Before the cooler days ar...

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 ...

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 ...

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 re...

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 yours...

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 realiz...

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’...

In the winter season--and all year long, really-- you want to be keeping a close eye on your chimney because a lot can go wrong, especially when the fireplace is frequently in use. If you ever notice something strange with regards to your chimney, it’s always best to put out the fire, stay away fr...

A traditional chimney is made of bricks, and with good reason! Bricks are some of the sturdiest materials you can find when building or renovating a home. Not only do bricks last long against weather, but they are also fire proof in that they don’t burn and can withstand high heats without crackin...