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Chimneys experience a wide variety of weather. The constant changes in temperature, pounding rains, and freeze and thaw cycles can age a chimney quicker than you’d like and make it more prone to deterioration. The question remains, could a chimney sealant make a difference? Most chimneys are made of brick and brick is a very Read more

On those blustery winter days, your brick or stone masonry chimney keeps your home and family safe while enjoying a warm and cozy fireplace experience. However, the frequent rain, snow, and ice that we experience in the Buffalo area can cause several problems: efflorescence, spalling bricks, chimney leaks, chimney crown cracks, and flue liner damage Read more

The problem with chimney damage is that they are progressive. So, the longer you wait, the more costly it will be to repair the chimney damage. Also, it is essential to remember that the chimney is attached to your home. It connects to the roofline with metal flashing that creates a watertight seal to prevent Read more

Here in Buffalo, Rochester, and Western New York, we are accustomed to snowy winters and humid summers. However, moisture, whether it’s in the form of rain or condensation, can damage the fireplace and chimney. So, anytime you hear the sounds of dripping water in the chimney, notice water dripping or a puddle in the fireplace, Read more

Your chimney needs an ample supply of oxygen to maintain a productive fire in the fireplace. As it breathes in oxygen to fuel the fire, it must also effectively expel smoke and harmful gases from your home so you can use your fireplace safely. However, homeowners in Buffalo, Rochester, and Western New York need to Read more

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