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When you notice your chimney from a distance, everything may seem to be perfectly fine. But upon closer inspection the tell tale signs of masonry and mortar damage become more evident and often indicate that its time for a chimney masonry makeover.  Cracked or spalling bricks Chimneys are often constructed with brick masonry due to its longevity and durability. However, nothing lasts forever. And even the strength […] Read more

Conscientious homeowners have their fireplaces inspected every year, a practice advised by the Chimney Safety Institute of America and the National Fire Protection Association. When learning the findings of a chimney inspection, homeowners are often surprised to learn that their chimney is damaged and needs repair. It is a misconception that chimneys are easy maintenance items. Many things can go wrong with the venting system on a fireplace or […] Read more

Virginia has two of the cities in the U.S. most vulnerable to hurricanes, those being Norfolk and Virginia Beach. Richmond has its share of blinding rain and damaging winds, as well. Chimneys are vulnerable to leaks, in general. With the extreme rainy weather in Virginia, it makes sense to ensure that your chimney doesn’t leak by taking preventative steps. The following […] Read more

Spring is my favorite time of year. It’s not too hot, not too cold and there’s plenty of sunshine. With the flowers in bloom and birds singing in the trees, everything is bright and cheerful. And now that winter is over, it’s the perfect time for an annual spring chimney cleaning. Check for chimney damage and water leaks Spring is the perfect time […] Read more

Have you noticed that the walls in your fireplace are wet or heard the sound of water running down the chimney when it is raining? Have you noticed rust stain on the outside of the chimney or on the metal chimney cover at the top? If you have noticed any of these signs, it is very likely that your chimney chase […] Read more

Homeowners insurance is a tricky game with a great many variables in determining what is considered a valid claim and what isn’t.  A common question some people have is if repairs to a chimney are covered under a typical homeowners policy. If you currently own a home and have a policy on it, the documentation will tell you to what extent chimney repair/replacement is […] Read more

Heating and cooling bills can be expensive! One of the drawbacks of having a fireplace is that it can reduce your home’s energy efficiency, since hot and cool air can escape up the chimney and seep out through the masonry, driving up the cost to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Thankfully, there are ways to make a house with a fireplace […] Read more

A fireplace is beautiful, and flickering wood fires provide a wonderful ambiance like nothing else. You can further enhance the enjoyment of your fireplace by controlling heat output. Building fires that achieve just what you want may earn you a reputation as a Fireplace Master, which is at least one level above a Boy Scout with a campfire badge. There’s something primitive about fires, […] Read more

Is there white stuff staining the outside of your chimney, or maybe you’ve noticed yellowish, green, or brown stains growing around the chimney masonry? Staining on a chimney is fairly common, and it’s called “efflorescence.” Unfortunately, though it may be rather easy to clean off, efflorescence is a sign of a serious problem caused by moisture. Premature deterioration of a masonry chimney is caused by moisture more […] Read more

Whether you want to update the look of your tired, old fireplace or just want a more efficient heating solution, a fireplace insert is the perfect solution. Think of it as a fireplace within a fireplace. Plus, it’s an easy and affordable way to upgrade any old, cold and drafty fireplace into a stunning energy-efficient heating solution.   Cheaper than remodeling a fireplace […] Read more