Our Chimney Sweep Blog

Discovering cracked bricks or loose mortar on a chimney does not immediately tell you how much work the structure needs. Some defects can be addressed with targeted masonry repairs. Others indicate that an affected section must be removed and rebuilt before it can perform reliably. For Annapolis homeowners, the distinction has practical consequences. Repointing deteriorated Read more

A chimney can look sound from the yard and still have damage inside its flue. Cracked liner tiles, missing mortar between sections, and deteriorated metal are largely hidden from view. For many homeowners, the first indication of a problem comes during an inspection, followed by an unfamiliar recommendation: the chimney needs relining. Before approving that Read more

For lighting up the nights and enjoying camaraderie while not in fireplace season, a backyard fire pit is worth considering. Outdoor living has finally caught on throughout the nation, and a simple fire pit may be all that is required to draw your family and friends to the great outdoors. The following are considerations for Read more

The chimney is an integral part of the home, and it will continue to require routine maintenance and repairs even if you don’t use the fireplace. Moisture, particularly from rain and snow, can cause extensive damage to not only the chimney but to the home as well. A chimney cap is an inexpensive protective cover Read more

In a perfect world, your chimney needs to be cleaned and serviced once a year.  Unfortunately, we don’t live in a perfect world.  In the here and now, most homeowners take an ‘if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it’ attitude toward their chimney and fireplace. Understandably, there are more important activities to attend to.   So, Read more

With its warm and inviting atmosphere, there is nothing like relaxing next to the glowing flames of a crackling fire in the fireplace as a fresh scent fills the air. Fireplaces offer a lot of benefits in improving your home. Aside from providing a source of heat, they also add value when you plan to Read more

Chimneys are subject to being seriously damaged during harsh winter conditions, and ice dams are among the causes. Evidence of an ice dam typically comes in the form of icicles hanging from your eaves. When you see icicles, it is important to have your roof and chimney inspected to look for signs of ice dams, Read more

With an average of 5.7 inches of precipitation and freezing conditions expected along the Atlantic Corridor, winter is a rough time of year for masonry chimneys. Winter precipitation is especially troublesome for chimneys. The constant freezing and thawing throughout the winter season can cause masonry cracks that allow moisture to leak inside the flue. It Read more

Chimneys may appear sturdy and self-sufficient on snow-packed days, but they are vulnerable to the effects of cold weather. Snow and harsh temperatures can wreak all kinds of havoc on chimney exteriors. Such weather can also affect the chimney draft and the ability to enjoy crackling winter fires. Below, learn some of the effects of Read more

Your chimney will need repairs from time to time due to age and normal wear and tear. It should also have an annual chimney inspection to determine if any repairs are necessary so a certified chimney technician can fix them before the winter season.  According to masonry experts, the best time for chimney repairs is Read more