Chimney Sweeps of America Blog

Chimney cleaning is the process of removing soot, built-up creosote, and blockages from your firebox, chimney liner, and smoke chamber. Cleaning helps in creating a safer operating system and increases the longevity of your chimney. Experts recommend having your chimney cleaned once every year, but this depends on how often you use it. For instance,…

Many homeowners prefer gas fireplaces because they’re low maintenance and notably convenient. However, many factors can affect how your gas fireplace functions, and understanding them helps you avoid costly mistakes. Here are four things you should know about gas fireplaces whether you already have one or want to install one. Correct installation is vital –…

The easiest way to interfere with your pellet stove performance and efficiency is by neglecting its maintenance. Your pellet stove’s components work together for optimal function, and when this is compromised, heating efficiency is lost. Luckily, hiring a chimney repair company to inspect your pellet stove helps in pinpointing the exact issue. Only an expert…

Although most chimneys are durable, they aren’t indestructible. With time, chimneys can wear and tear, reducing their performance. Additionally, extreme weather conditions can contribute to your chimney’s deterioration. Luckily, you can increase the longevity of your chimney with proper care and maintenance. For example, keep up with your annual chimney sweeps and inspections. This way,…

Since your chimney crown sits way on top of your home, it’s easy to forget its maintenance and care. Unfortunately, any damage to your chimney crown allows water, moisture, and debris into your chimney, affecting its functionality. Here are some signs that show your chimney crown needs repair. You can see visible cracks Tiles are…

A chimney liner is the most important safety component for your chimney as it prevents intense heat, dangerous gases, and burning embers. However, before getting your chimney liner, it’s vital to ask your chimney sweep company these questions to get an insight into the process. What does a chimney liner do? Why do I need…

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…