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Water can be destructive, even to chimneys. After all, the Grand Canyon was carved out by water, frozen glaciers dug valleys across Canada and the Northwest, and more than one car has succumbed to the ravages or rust. Now, perhaps you can start to see the dangers of ignoring chimney leaks. There are a plethora Read more

Winter follows Halloween, and with it comes the possibility of finding unwelcome guests in your chimney. Your warm fireplace can attract all sorts of creepy creatures, including birds, bats, raccoons, snakes, and squirrels. When you discover unexpected guests in your chimney, it can be quite scary! In this article, you’ll find which creatures may be Read more

Folks living in Amherst, Orchard Park, or Western New York know winter weather can be especially harsh. Snow, ice, and gusty winds can give you a break from work or school, but they can also take a toll on your chimney. That’s why having your chimney inspected and serviced annually is crucial, especially before winter Read more

One of the best things about decorating a fireplace for fall is that it’s like having a blank canvas to work with. Here in Buffalo and Western New York, we’re surrounded by the beautiful fall colors of the season. So, plenty of natural elements like branches, leaves, and pumpkins are available for picking. Or you Read more

Winter in western New York, including Amherst and East Rochester, is bitterly cold. As a result, many homeowners light up their fireplaces to stay warm. However, traditional masonry fireplaces are highly inefficient and expensive to operate. That’s why many savvy upstate New Yorkers are installing a wood, gas, or pellet fireplace insert to save money Read more

Fireplaces can be a cozy and inviting addition to any home, but for people with allergies and asthma, they can also be a source of problems. Wood smoke contains tiny particles that can irritate the airways and worsen allergy symptoms. In addition, the heat from a fireplace can dry out the air, which can also Read more

The winter season is a festive time of year in northeastern NY, where upstaters gather to enjoy family dinners, open presents and spread holiday cheer around a warm and toasty fireplace. While a wood or gas-burning fire is often an exciting experience, it can quickly evolve into a dangerous situation without proper safety precautions, such Read more

As the weather gets warmer, many homeowners wonder if they should turn off their gas fireplace pilot light in the summer. Typically, extinguishing the pilot light in the summer is safe and often sound practice. However, several factors must be considered, including safety, energy efficiency, and cost. Safety One of the main concerns about leaving Read more

Many homeowners in Niagara Falls, Irondequoit, and Western New York are unaware of the dangers of creosote buildup in the chimney until a severe event, such as smoke, an asphalt odor, or an alarming chimney fire, brings it to their attention. Creosote is a thick, black, tar-like substance that is a byproduct of wood combustion. Read more

Are you wondering what to do with your fireplace in the summer? Summer is a favorite time of year for grabbing an ice cream cone at Beaver Island Beach, exploring Niagara Falls, and other outdoor adventures of a quintessential Western New York experience. It is also the best season for a summertime fireplace makeover. The Read more