Does anyone still have old-fashioned wall calendars made of paper? We do. The kind with great nature scenes and fine photography. They help with planning. We have no objection, however, if you do all your planning digitally on your device, as it’s called. (We wonder...
For many families, summertime is filled with transitions. And it’s not just vacations. Among the most significant transitions is the buying or selling of a house. Many people tidy up their home. They take to the curb broken or outdated furniture. They enlist the...
Indulge us for a few seconds. We happen to find the word “spalling” fascinating. It tells a story that goes back to around 1400, when the word had a “d” in it. A spalding knife was used to splinter or chip. It comes from German or Dutch, which ties in nicely with the...
The Kentucky Derby is known for featuring female fans adorned with glamorous and eye-catching hats. (Well, it’s known for a horse race, too.) Ranging from the eccentric to the elegant, these articles of clothing make a definite fashion statement. It is considered a...
The snow and ice have melted. Sunny days have become more frequent. Flowers and trees are blooming. And in the clear light of springtime you discover some cracks in your chimney. You discern some evidence of worrisome wear and tear on your home’s classic chimney. What...
Uninvited guests are sometimes rude. Sometimes they are beyond rude. They can be downright irritating, even dangerous, right? No, we’re not talking about human uninvited guests. We are referring to uninvited animal guests in your chimney. Critters such as squirrels,...
At Northeastern Masonry & Chimney, we are experts. What does “experts” actually mean? In this case, it means our experience has taught us tons of practical information on fireplaces and stoves, their efficiency and safety, their use and care, appliances and...
The signs of a chimney leak are usually subtle but silent. We typically can see, feel or smell the signs of water intrusion, but rarely do we ever hear blatant sounds of dripping. Make Northeastern Masonry & Chimney your chimney doctor. Have our experts detect the...
“Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these bricks from breaking down,” reads the inscription on the massive James A. Farley Post Office Building in New York City. (Okay, we’re messing with you. The famous inscription really says, “Neither snow nor...
What is the origin of the word “chimney”? That’s easy. It derives from the French word “cheminée,” which came from a Latin word “caminata,” which borrowed from the Greek word “kaminos.” Over the years, though, the meanings were similar: fireplace, furnace, forge,...
