Our Chimney Sweep Blog

Did you know that, like other parts of your home, your chimney can grow mold? It’s a difficult issue to detect and diagnose. So how can a homeowner protect their home from chimney mold? Let’s first look at what causes mold and then some solutions to prevent it. First, what causes Mold? Mold is a Read more

Does your fireplace feel drafty? When the outdoor air mixes with indoor air through the chimney flue, it can do more than raise your energy bills. Air leaks are common, especially with older homes in the Central Savannah River Valley Area (CSRA) and South Carolina Midlands region. The problem, however, is that these air leaks Read more

Many homes in Charleston, SC, Vidalia, GA, and the surrounding Central Augusta River Area and South Carolina Midlands region use wood-burning fireplaces and stoves for supplemental or primary heating. Keeping your chimney clean is vital for the health and safety of your family and pets. It is also essential for preventing a devastating fire that Read more

Many charming older and historic homes are on beautiful tree-lined streets in towns throughout the Central Savanna River Area (CSRA) or South Carolina Midlands region. Existing homeowners and new home buyers often prefer to perform upgrades and repairs without disrupting the home’s historic character. Many of these old homes still have their original chimney that Read more

I know what you’re thinking. My fireplace is so old, rundown, and outdated that I may be better off replacing it. Not so fast. In the last five years, the hearth industry has gone through a renaissance of sorts. An entirely new array of traditional and modern fireplaces and inserts make upgrading an existing masonry Read more

Does your chimney look like its best days are in the rearview mirror? Are there cracks, holes, and missing bricks in the exterior masonry? When a chimney doesn’t receive annual inspections, professional sweeping, and repairs or replacement of essential components, the chimney and venting system can decline rapidly. A significant event like a tornado, hurricane, Read more

Chimneys are exposed to many different weather and environmental conditions, including thunderstorms, sub-freezing temperatures, high-velocity winds, and UV radiation. The damage may eventually cause staining in a rainbow of colors or patterns. We’ve created a handy color chart so you can learn how to identify stains on your chimney. White White stains or efflorescence typically Read more

The flashing is a vital component for protecting your chimney from moisture intrusion. Water is a mortal enemy of chimneys and can also severely damage your home when a leak is not discovered quickly. So, understanding what it is and why the flashing is essential for maintaining a healthy fireplace and chimney will help minimize Read more

Brick, stone, and block masonry chimneys are durable but porous materials that absorb moisture as they deteriorate. As a result, chimney leaks are among the most common problems that need repair in Orangeburg and throughout the South Carolina Midlands and Central Augusta River Area (CSRA). Since water leaks can cause extensive damage to the stack Read more

Winter is an important time to take care of your chimney. Cold temperatures, snow, and ice can all take a toll on your chimney, and it’s important to be proactive in protecting it. Here are some key steps you can take to ensure your chimney is in good working order and ready for winter: Clean Read more