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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

It is easy to overlook chimney damage—as many homeowners do—if you have a brick or stone chimney. Since brick and stone are durable building materials, most American homeowners assume they don’t require maintenance. Unfortunately, this assumption isn’t correct. Even though masonry won’t rot like wood, it can deteriorate. Homes with chimneys that are 30 to Read more

Many homeowners may not realize that summer storms can be as destructive to the chimney as freezing rain and snow in the winter. In addition to heavy rains, high winds can also cause chimney damage.  Western New York is no stranger to stormy weather. For example, a 1998 summer storm plowed across the Greater Rochester Read more

With summer on the horizon, many folks get their fireplace cleaned and ready for sinter and use this time to entertain family and friends in the backyard, grilling hamburgers and hot dogs. Fire pits are another favorite popping up in backyards throughout Buffalo, Rochester, and Upstate New York. As a result, many homeowners are installing Read more

The chimney damper is an essential fireplace component that regulates airflow in the flue. It is typically installed in the chimney’s throat just above the firebox. The damper, which is usually comprised of iron or steel, acts like a window letting air in the flue when it’s open and preventing indoor air from escaping when Read more

Finding the source of a chimney leak can be tricky. It isn’t just a matter of looking up the chimney and spotting the cause of a chimney leak.  Homeowners don’t realize there are many working parts to a chimney.  Professionals in chimney services should do the detection of a leak.  Felgemacher Masonry & Chimney is Read more