Our Chimney Sweep Blog

Chimney leaks are a common problem in areas with seasonal freeze/thaw cycles and inclement weather. This post looks at how to identify a leaking chimney, what causes it, and what you can do about it. Signs of a Leaky Chimney The sooner you notice that your chimney is leaking, the sooner you can schedule repairs Read more

One myth about lightning strikes is that there’s no danger if you don’t see rain or storm clouds. However, according to the CDC, lightning often strikes areas outside of heavy rain and can strike as far as ten miles away from any rainfall. And, the National Fire Prevention Association estimates there are over 22,000 fires Read more

If you’re like most families, you do several loads of laundry a day and probably never think about the lint buildup in the trap or the dryer exhaust. However, as we’ll see, excessive dryer lint causes many problems, some of which can be dangerous. This post examines why dryer lint is an issue and what Read more

Chimney stains are more than a cosmetic problem. They are like color-coded signals indicating potential chimney issues like masonry damage, rust, and mold, to name a few. So folks residing in Wilmington Island, GA, Hilton Head, SC, and other communities should frequently inspect their chimney for signs of discoloration, especially after a storm. White (Efflorescence) Read more

You’re not alone if you’re unsure about the difference between a flue and a damper. Many folks use the terminology interchangeably. However, the flue and damper are not the same. So, when someone says they’re going to “open the flue,” they are really opening the fireplace damper. What is a Flue? The flue is the Read more

With many homes in the Central Augusta River Area (CSRA) and South Carolina Midlands relying on a central heating system, gas furnace, or a direct-vent fireplace insert, unused chimneys are becoming increasingly common. Unfortunately, some folks are under the impression that even though they aren’t using the chimney, it doesn’t need regular cleaning or maintenance. Read more

With its proximity to the Atlantic Coast, the Central Augusta River Area (CSRA) & South Carolina Midlands region has a sub-tropical climate with approximately 50 inches of annual rainfall. Our hot and humid summers also bring heavy rain, thunderstorms, and even lightning that can cause interior and exterior chimney damage. For residents in Montgomery, GA, Read more

If you own a fireplace and chimney, you know they require constant maintenance and upkeep to ensure the system runs efficiently and safely. There are many problems associated with using a chimney, such as creosote buildup, flue blockages, and water damage. But one problem people rarely think about is chimney odor, why it happens, and Read more

Many homeowners opt for a gas fireplace over a wood burning fireplace because they’re easier to use, require less maintenance, and are cheaper to operate. And one question people often ask us is if it’s safe to install a gas fireplace yourself instead of hiring a trained professional. The short answer is no. But let’s Read more

Annual chimney inspections are essential for keeping your fireplace and chimney in proper working order and protecting your family from the risk of a chimney fire. But, many people don’t know when is the right time to schedule a chimney inspection and how frequently it should be done. We’ll answer these questions in this post. Read more