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What Is Creosote? Wood is placed in the firebox and smoke and other by-products of combustion make their way up through the chimney flue and out of the chimney. The by-products of burned wood are of course unburned wood particles, gases, water vapor, tar fog, and various other chemicals. As the smoke rises it cools Read more

As one of the oldest cities in New York, there are older and historic homes in Rochester and throughout Western New York that predate modern building codes and are without a chimney liner. To this day, some of these older homes still have an unlined chimney. Today, however, many building codes require a chimney liner. Read more

The Western New York and Finger Lakes region winter weather can be harsh on masonry chimneys. The constant exposure to rain, snow, and ice can eventually cause bricks and mortar to crack, chip, flake, and crumble, exposing gaps in the mortar joints. As the chimney’s structural integrity declines, it is in danger of leaning or Read more

Unexpected home repairs can put a damper on the holidays! Downpours of sleet and snow at this time of year can be tough on your chimney and expose a leak. Damage caused by a leaky chimney can cost you thousands of dollars. However, catching a problem early can dramatically reduce the spread of water damage. Read more

Igniting your fireplace can be deadly if it hasn’t been inspected recently. No matter what fuel your fireplace burns—wood or gas—you should have your fireplace checked out by professional technicians once a year. A chimney inspection could save your life! What is a chimney inspection? A chimney inspection is a routine maintenance check for fire Read more

Cold weather has swept into Upstate New York, and it’s here to stay until spring. So while you pull out your oversized sweaters, thick socks, and winter coats, don’t forget to schedule a professional chimney inspection! October is National Fire Prevent Month in the United States. If you have a fireplace, one of the most important steps Read more

There are many ways that a chimney repair project can go wrong. Rebuilding a chimney requires extensive training and experience. We have been called in to fix chimney problems created by inexperienced masons throughout our years serving residents in Buffalo, NY, and the surrounding region. Unfortunately, the work of an amateur mason can threaten the Read more

Homeowners throughout the Buffalo-Rochester region should make sure their chimney has a cap. A chimney cap is a protective cover installed at the top of the chimney to prevent moisture, small animals, and debris from intruding and damaging the chimney that could lead to extensive repairs and other hazards when you least expect it. In Read more

Summer is on its way out! It won’t be long until we are bundling up against the cold and lighting up our fireplaces at night. The damper inside your fireplace is going to get a workout. It is a critical fireplace/chimney component. Opening the damper should always be the first step you take before building Read more

It won’t be long before homeowners in Overland Park and throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area fire up their fireplaces to stay warm and cozy during the winter. The chimney is vital for expelling the smoke and fumes from the fireplace or heating stove, protecting your home and family from fire and exposure to carbon Read more