by Joe Shear | Sep 30, 2023 | Bats in Chimney
You get home from a long day at work, pour yourself a hot beverage, grab your favorite book, and go to light a fire in your fireplace. But what is that noise? Is there a ghost in my chimney? While October may be just the month to host ghouls and goblins, the sound you... by Joe Shear | Aug 26, 2023 | Chimney Sweep
When the seasons shift, school buses start rumbling past every morning, and temperatures start to lower, getting a fire crackling becomes all the more enticing. Yet in the anticipation of cozy evenings, it’s vital not to overlook one key element of home maintenance:... by Joe Shear | Jul 28, 2023 | Chimney Cap
When it comes to keeping your home safe and your home heating system working at its best, there may be nothing more important than the humble chimney cap. This little piece of protection sits above your chimney exhaust flue keeping it safe from unwanted guests... by Joe Shear | Jun 29, 2023 | Firebrick
Bricks have been around for thousands of years. While it’s crazy to think that your home may have a building material in common with the walls of ancient Jericho, it makes a lot of sense. Brick is strong, durable, and can be made of readily available components. It’s... by Joe Shear | May 25, 2023 | Chimney Sweep History
When you hear the words chimney sweep it is likely that you are filled with images of soot covered men, bright white smiles on their faces, dancing on rooftops – with Mary Poppins and the Banks kids joining in on the fun. The truth is, few professions have been... by Joe Shear | Apr 28, 2023 | Chimney Maintenance
The temperatures are rising and spring is officially underway. For most, that means saying farewell (for now) to the cozy fires of the burning season. Before you call fireplace season a wrap, there are a few things you should do, so that your fireplace will be ready... by Joe Shear | Mar 29, 2023 | Gas Appliances
A gas fireplace or insert gives you the ambiance and warmth of a flame without relying on solid fuels or producing some of the byproducts of a wood-burning unit. They’ve risen in popularity over the years, and as they’ve graced more and more homes, manufacturers have... by Joe Shear | Feb 27, 2023 | Uncategorized
Creosote. It’s that dark, tarry substance that can build up in your chimney. It doesn’t go away on its own and, because it’s a combustible, it can become a hazard if left unchecked. So, what’s the best way to get rid of it? Are the creosote sweeping logs that are... by Joe Shear | Jan 17, 2023 | Burning Firewood
Knowing what to burn in a wood burning fireplace may seem cut and dried (no pun intended), but there’s likely more to it than you think. Is any wood suitable fuel for your fireplace? Do some wood varieties burn better than others? Is tossing cardboard, paper... by Joe Shear | Dec 19, 2022 | Mental Health
When you think of owning a fireplace you likely imagine reading a book next to the glow and warmth of a flickering fire or enjoying the crackling and popping of the wood as it burns in the background of the daily going-ons of your home. Anyone who regularly uses a... 