Blog
Prepping your cold fireplace
When you light a fire in your fireplace, you expect the warm air and smoke to draft up the flue and out the top of the chimney. If your flue is cold, however, that cold air could come rushing down, forcing the smoke of your freshly lit fire back into your home. There are some […] Read more
Waterproofing: Protecting your chimney from damage
Water can be your chimney’s greatest enemy. In fact, the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) encourages homeowners to take measures to protect their chimneys from the elements, as a water-damaged chimney can damage your home or, worse, pose a fire hazard. How water damages your chimney Water can seep into your chimney’s masonry, wearing […] Read more
Selecting Firewood for your Fireplace
Not all firewood is going to provide you with the same results, even when properly seasoned. The secret to choosing the right firewood for your particular needs is to know the different types of wood that are available to you and the characteristics of each. This might seem like a lot of information to learn […] Read more
Finding the right carbon monoxide detector
More than 400 people die in the United State each year from carbon monoxide poisoning. Another 20,000 are sent to the emergency room, and more than 4,000 are hospitalized because of carbon monoxide poisoning. The colorless, odorless gas is a byproduct of combustion, meaning that if you have a gas-powered furnace, hot water heater or […] Read more
Vented versus vent-free gas fireplaces: Know your options
Gas fireplaces are an increasingly popular home-heating option. Natural gas and propane are among the cheapest and efficient heating sources, and with a gas fireplace, you can enjoy the ambiance and warmth of a fireplace without the hassle of purchasing or cutting and storing firewood. If you’re considering adding a gas fireplace to your home, […] Read more
What Firewood Should I Buy?
When shopping for firewood for your fireplace or stove, make sure you are inspecting it closely to ensure it is properly dry and seasoned for the cleanest and hottest burn. Freshly cut and wet wood causes premature buildup of glazed creosote which can reduce chimney airflow and is highly flammable, which makes it very dangerous. […] Read more
Maintain your fireplace this season
You enjoy the warmth and ambiance your fireplace adds to your home, but a poorly maintained fireplace can pose fire and health hazards. Know how to maintain your fireplace and chimney to keep it burning safely and efficiently. Clear ash from your fireplace To keep your fire burning efficiently, make sure you regularly clean out […] Read more
How to Avoid Carbon Monoxide Hazards
Every year more than 200 cases of deaths are observed due to inadequate safety awareness in the public on how to avoid carbon monoxide hazards. This is a conservative number according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Other agencies estimate that this could be as high as about 4000. Why are these figures so […] Read more
Selecting Firewood for your Fireplace
Not all firewood is going to provide you with the same results, even when properly seasoned. The secret to choosing the right firewood for your particular needs is to know the different types of wood that are available to you and the characteristics of each. This might seem like a lot of information to learn […] Read more
5 Reasons for a Leaky Chimney
Water and chimneys do not mix, especially with masonry chimneys. Water can get into small gaps in the masonry and can cause major damage over time. If you find water in your chimney or suspect a chimney leak, have it inspected by a CSIA professional. Take a look at this info-graphic to know the top […] Read more