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For many homeowners, the interior of a working chimney is a mystery shrouded in darkness. You light the fireplace, and the smoke goes up the chimney, right? Well, not quite. Along the way, it passes through an inconspicuous, but rather an essential component that is known as the smoke chamber. The smoke chamber is positioned […] Read more

When a doctor wants to get a clear picture of what’s happening inside the body of a patient, an X-ray or other imaging technology is usually ordered. Until recent years, when a chimney sweep wanted to know the condition of the inside of a chimney, he or she had to guess. Today with Chim-Scan, that […] Read more

Homeowners typically buy a replacement chimney liner after being informed by a chimney sweep that it’s needed. Liners are expensive, and, really, it’s good practice to be wise about any spending to be done. So, it’s recommended that you don’t just blindly agree to buy a new chimney liner. Ask the following questions to gain […] Read more

If you’re like most homeowners with a wood-burning fireplace or heating stove, you look forward to cozying up to a glowing fire. A properly functioning chimney is essential to the performance of your fireplace or heating stove. But do you know how a chimney works? Let’s take a closer look at the science behind the […] Read more

Traditional masonry fireplaces may give your home a cozy appearance, but they waste most of the heat they produce. To avoid letting all the heat evaporate, here are five tips to make your fireplace more efficient this winter. Burn seasoned firewood Fresh wood has a high moisture content. After all, trees need a constant supply […] Read more

A fireplace is a centerpiece in whatever room it’s in, but sometimes that’s a bad thing. If your fireplace lacks visual appeal, a fireplace upgrade can flip it into the focal point you most admire about your home. You may need an upgrade because of inefficiency. About 90% of the heat from traditional masonry fireplaces […] Read more

Your chimney is not as indestructible as it may appear to be. Just like your home, it will need repairs from time to time. Environmental conditions, maintenance, and normal wear and tear can cause damage to one or more parts of the chimney. Here are four tell-tale signs of a damaged chimney. Chipped or Cracked […] Read more

Your chimney is not as indestructible as it may appear to be. Just like your home, it will need repairs from time to time. Environmental conditions, maintenance, and normal wear and tear can cause damage to one or more parts of the chimney. Here are four tell-tale signs of a damaged chimney. Chipped or Cracked […] Read more

Temperatures are dropping here in Richmond, Virginia. Winter is just around the corner! This is a great time to light up your wood-burning fireplace or stove. Zone heating your home with a wood-burning appliance can cut down on your energy costs and reduce your carbon footprint. Choosing the right firewood will help you build long-lasting, […] Read more

Relaxing by a warm fire is one of the joys of the holiday season. It’s a centuries-old tradition that never seems to go out of style. But having an open fireplace can be dangerous. Hot embers from the crackling flames can fly out of the fireplace creating a fire hazard igniting nearby furniture, flooring, and […] Read more