Bats in the Chimney: What To Do

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...

When Should I Schedule My Chimney Sweeping?

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:...

Are There Different Types of Chimney Caps?

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...

Common Brick vs. 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...

When Did Chimney Sweeping Begin?

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...

End-of-Season Fireplace Guide

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...

Pros & Cons of Gas-Fueled Systems

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...

Creosote Sweeping Logs: Do They Work?

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...

Guide to Burning Wood in Your Fireplace

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...

The Many Mental Health Benefits of a Fireplace

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...