If your home was built before the 1940s, there's a good chance your chimney was constructed without a clay tile liner. Whatever type of chimney you have, keeping the flue free of damage is critical for safety. But when repairs are needed, should you install the new chimney liner yourself or call a professional? Here's what you need to know before deciding.Read More

Planning to install a chimney liner? Don't overlook the insulation. While skipping it might save you a little money upfront, proper chimney liner insulation delivers major benefits in safety, efficiency, and long-term maintenance costs. Here's why insulation should be a non-negotiable part of your chimney liner design.Read More

A chimney cap might not be legally required, but it's one of the smartest, most affordable upgrades you can make to protect your chimney and home. From blocking rain and debris to keeping animals out and improving draft, here are the six top reasons every chimney needs a cap.Read More

If you have a wood burning fireplace inside your home, you can probably do some simple things to your fireplace and chimney to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Some of these are free and will give you an instant return on your time investment, while others can cost a bit of money.Read More

A fireplace that doesn't draw well isn't just annoying — it's a safety hazard. Poor draft leads to wasted fuel, creosote buildup, smoky rooms, and even dangerous carbon monoxide levels. Here's what can affect your chimney's draft, and how to fix it.Read More

Cozy fires are one of winter's greatest pleasures — but your fireplace might be quietly wasting energy and polluting the air. Here's how to enjoy your fireplace while cutting fuel costs and reducing your environmental impact at the same time.Read More

Most homeowners don't think about their chimney liner — until something goes wrong. But by then, small problems can turn into serious safety hazards. Here's how to know when it's time to install a new chimney liner and why it matters for your home's safety and efficiency.Read More

Energy is getting more and more expensive every day. Therefore, it is important to conserve as much as possible when it comes to heating and cooling your home. In order to help conserve energy in homes with chimneys, you should probably install a chimney damper. A chimney damper seals off the chimney flue while it is not in use and keeps that valuable cool or warm air in your house.Read More

Modern houses and other buildings usually have prefabricated metal fireplaces and flues, rather than traditional brick and mortar fireplaces with brick chimneys surrounding clay tile flues. The frame that is built around a modern prefabricated chimney is called a chase. The chase is usually constructed of wood framing covered with a skin of siding, masonry or stucco. In high quality construction, the space inside the chase outside the flue will be insulated.Read More

There are a lot of animal lovers out there who enjoy watching the birds and squirrels play around in their back yards. Then, there are those who like animals but curse the squirrel that keeps getting into the bird feeder. There are also those who would rather not have anything at all to do with these critters.Read More