Like winter clothes, stored away for several months as the weather becomes beautifully warm, it’s easy to forget about your chimney if your fireplace is only used every now and then, if at all. But this does mean that this a terrific time to make sure your chimney is both clean and in good working…

Many homeowners think it’s possible to install their wood-burning stove by themselves to save money. However, this results in costly mistakes that put you and your loved ones at risk. You should treat a wood burning stove like any other heating appliance in your home by letting a professional install it. Going the DIY route…

According to the National Fire Protection Association, the interior of the smoke chamber between the firebox and flue must be covered with a special insulating refractory mortar known as a parge coat. The NFPA requires this coating because it makes the smoke chamber structurally safer and more durable: – The parge coat prevents chimney brick…

If you’ve started to notice that smoke is beginning to enter your room instead of exiting through the chimney as normal, it could just be that you need to avail of the services of a chimney cleaning company to maintain your chimney flue. Most airflow issues are caused by obstructions such as soot, although birds…

Chimney brick deterioration is referred to professionally as “spalling.” The term comes from “spall,” which refers to rock breaking into smaller fragments. Why does chimney spalling occur? Old bricks and mortar wear down with exposure to wind, rain and other weather. The chimney suffers cyclical water-related damage when cool/cold weather expands water in porous surfaces…

A long tradition of decorating fireplace mantels and exposed and plastered chimney brick exists in our country. Home and business owners might only decorate during the holidays or year-round. Sometimes, they decide to mount a television on or above the mantel. Consider the following: – Sparks from a fireplace travel fairly far. It’s important to…

There are several great reasons for making such a choice. Pellet stoves are a terrific way of delivering even heat through an easily-controlled thermostat. All you need do is fill the hopper; set the temperature you want – it’s all automated from then on. The pellets themselves are made from woodchip and sawdust and release…

Fireplace inspection is vital for your chimney since it ensures everything is functional before the heating season begins. It also detects damage such as missing motors early, for efficient and cost-effective repairs. Therefore, experts recommend having your fireplace inspected every year in the fall. However, this depends on how often you use your fireplace. For…

As thoughts slowly turn to better – and warmer – days, spare a thought for your wood-burning stove. It has probably performed heroically in the depths of a bitter winter, so now would be a good time to check that it’s in the best of health. The doors might have become cracked or loose, or…