Our Chimney Sweep Blog

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

The smoke chamber is a narrow passageway situated just above the throat damper at the bottom of the flue. Its cone-shaped design helps push the smoke and gases from the fire in the firebox up the flue to exit the chimney. The smoke shelf sits inside this chamber that aids in preventing the smoke and Read more

Gas heating stoves come in stunning varieties and have high efficiency and easy maintenance that can boost your enjoyment of winter. There are several benefits of gas heating stoves that have made these heating appliances highly popular. The more you know about gas heating stoves, the greater the likelihood that you will want to at Read more

Winter is on the way; is your fireplace ready for the burn season? Typically, January and February are the coldest months of the season. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the Atlantic Corridor, including Maryland, is expected to be wetter than usual. Here’s what you need to know to prep your fireplace for the upcoming burn Read more

Many homeowners are used to routine maintenance for most parts of the home, but the chimney is often neglected. The biggest reason is that they don’t think it’s necessary since everything appears to be working fine.  However, that can be a dangerous and costly mistake. Without routine maintenance, including annual chimney inspections and cleanings, there may be a dangerous level of debris and Read more

Homeowners living in the north and east can expect a colder and wetter winter, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The increased precipitation and freezing temperatures are not good news for masonry chimneys as there is a higher risk of water damage, especially during the freeze-thaw cycle. Homeowners should take precautionary measures to prepare their chimney in advance of any upcoming Read more

Did you know that there are more than 20,000 chimney fires every year? And an overwhelming majority were the result of excessive creosote in the chimney. It also means that most chimney fires are entirely preventable with responsible chimney care and maintenance. Creosote is a natural by-product that is produced during combustion. It is a Read more