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If you have ever wished that your masonry fireplace was more about bringing the heat as opposed to just providing a pleasant ambiance, a fireplace insert may be the perfect solution for you. Fireplace inserts transform a traditional fireplace that has an efficiency rating of about 10% into an excellent cost-cutting heat source with a rating of up to 80% or higher. The experts at Chimney […] Read more

When it’s freezing cold outside, people usually know to wrap pipes and cover vulnerable plants. What many don’t realize is the potential effect the cold weather has on chimneys. Spalling and stacking are two chimney problems caused by frosty temperatures that homeowners frequently have to deal with. Spalling The worst thing that can happen to a chimney is for excess moisture to enter the porous materials. […] Read more

When a chimney is built, a chimney cap isn’t typically included, even though it is essential to the longevity of chimney and fireplace components and can have other important benefits as well.  You have plenty of options when choosing a chimney cap to have installed on your chimney. Among those options are price range, special functions, and aesthetics. Purpose of a Chimney Cap Every type of chimney […] Read more

Your chimney plays an important role in venting smoke and other contaminants from your home while you’re family enjoys the warmth of a gas or wood-burning fireplace. And while most masonry chimneys are built to last for decades, moisture, strong winds and normal wear and tear can result in chimney damage. Sometimes the decision to rebuild is easy like when it is in disrepair. […] Read more

Chimneys may seem like simple venting structures, but they are vulnerable to deterioration. Water is the number one cause of chimney damage, and it is a primary reason annual inspections are important. When water gets into chimney masonry, freezing temperatures can cause the brick, stone, or concrete to expand and contract. The face of the brick can begin to flake or pop off, which can […] Read more

The cost of living has continued to rise in Virginia, including utility expenses in winter. Many homeowners have made budget adjustments to make room for payment of high utility bills. Others have explored the possibilities of supplemental heating and discovered that heating with a modern wood-burning stove is an excellent way to cut utility costs. Wood is the least expensive heating fuel, and wood stoves […] Read more

As old man winter approaches many homeowners across the country are looking forward to cozying up to the warmth of the hearth. But since you have a fireplace built into the wall of your home that can reach temperatures of over 1,100° F, consider these 7 safety tips when using your fireplace this winter to minimize the risk of a chimney fire.  Safety Tip #1: […] Read more

There are times when it’s okay to take friendly advice and other times when it’s important to strictly listen to the experts. When it comes to fireplace and chimney safety, who better to listen to than organizations devoted to preventing fires? The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is the nation’s leading resource on fire hazards. After years of research, the NFPA has consistently recommended that […] Read more

Fireplace inserts are great investments because they convert traditional masonry fireplaces into efficient heat sources that can help cut the cost of winter utilities. Safety must be number one. An insert must be installed by a professional, to ensure not only safety but also coverage by homeowner’s insurance. Wood fires in an insert cause creosote to be deposited in the chimney and hearth, same as […] Read more

There is nothing like the romantic ambience and warmth of a fireplace to take the chill out of a home on a cool winter’s day. A wood-burning fireplace can reach temperatures of over 1,100 F, providing warm, cozy heat. During combustion, the burning embers snap, crackle and pop into creosote, soot and ash. While most of these dangerous contaminants are vented through the chimney, […] Read more