Every winter your fireplace produces buckets of ashes, which you probably just throw out. Why not put some of those ashes to use? You can make an effective and free cleaner out of them to remove the soot from and clean glass fireplace doors. Here’s how to clean glass fireplace doors with ash: Make sure […]
There is just something about camping. It’s something we all want to do with our children at some point, and often the idea evokes memories of summer evenings sitting round a camp fire with stories, songs and delicious treats. Sadly the reality of camping as an adult is very different. It’s a list of headaches […]
Do you think you want to paint a brick fireplace? Brick is one of the least expensive and most durable building materials and its heat resistant properties make it one of the most popular for fireplaces. Even with all of its fine qualities, the aesthetic look of brick is not appealing to everyone, nor is […]
Autumn is officially here, bringing with it cool weather and thoughts of fires in the hearth, but is your chimney ready for winter? Before fire season gets underway, however, check that your chimney cap is still in good shape. You don’t want to have to climb on your snow-covered roof this winter to replace it! […]
While professional chimney sweeps provide a valuable service, as a homeowner you can perform many of the same tasks as a chimney sweep and save significant amounts of money by doing so. Read on for three common chimney sweep services that you can do yourself. DIY Chimney Maintenance Projects You Can Do 1. Install a […]
Warm summer weather may still be here, but before much longer cool autumn breezes will be rolling through. Follow the steps below for preparing your fireplace for winter. Then have a safe and comfortable fire season. 1. Have your chimney inspected by a chimney sweep Having your chimney inspected by a certified chimney sweep every […]
A family of raccoons was rescued from a home by local animal control and the Humane Society. The chimney caps will prevent future raccoon troubles, but this is a good reminder to check your flue before installing the cap! Lucky baby raccoons and mom.
While on your roof measuring for a chimney cap, be sure to check your chimney crown for any cracks or crazing. While small cracks may not seem like an issue, those small cracks can quickly become big cracks and eventually result in expensive repairs. When water gets into those cracks and freezes it expands, enlarging […]
While many people like the look of stainless steel or copper chimney caps, others prefer a more inconspicuous look. Chimney caps with a brown or black powder coat finish can blend in with the roof or trim and be barely noticeable. Powder coating provides a thick, baked-on finish more durable than paint. The powder coating […]
