How to Make Your Fireplace More Efficient
Chimney & Masonry Outfitters
by B + E
1y ago
It’s cold, snowy, icy or rainy and raw outside. You’ve had a long day. You’re tired. You’re chilled. It’s right there, in front of the fireplace. Nothing beats a crackling fire and the comfort and warmth that envelopes you. That is, if you’re standing right by it! Leave the room, and you can feel the temperature drop! Most people use fireplaces as a backup or for aesthetics, meaning your primary heating source (e.g. gas boiler, oil furnace, etc.) is working double time to try to heat the house consistently. As much as 80% to 90% of the heat created by a fireplace just flies right up the chimne ..read more
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Why Does Santa Come Down the Chimney?
Chimney & Masonry Outfitters
by B + E
1y ago
What’s going on here? How can one person – with a team of reindeer – visit homes around the world in one night? Well… physics, time zones, a bit of magic. That makes perfect sense. But why does Santa come down the chimney? How come this plump, jolly ole fellow opts to squeeze down an 8×8, 8×13, or 13×13” hole? On a roof? In places that often have feet of snow, inches of ice, and months of cold ahead? Why doesn’t he, with his round belly that shakes like a bowl full of jelly, just waltz in the front door? It’s time to come clean, Santa. Smoke Goes Up: What Comes Down? In the 15th century, many ..read more
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How to Decorate a Chimney for Christmas: Don’t!
Chimney & Masonry Outfitters
by B + E
1y ago
Don’t decorate your chimney! It serves a functional, important purpose, and it is important that it is not obstructed by any material that could impair its performance or impact safety. That said… feel free to decorate your mantle and add a fun, festive flair for the holidays! Decorating around your fireplace is a great way to celebrate the season – safely. 5 Tips for Decorating Your Fireplace/Mantle Beautifully – and Safely 1. Follow the 3-Foot Rule Safety first, folks. You don’t want anything happening to your family, your home… or Santa! The National Fire Protection Association recommends h ..read more
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Is My Chimney Making My House Colder?
Chimney & Masonry Outfitters
by B + E
1y ago
Is your chimney making your house colder? It seems like a counterintuitive question. After all, the chimney is supposed to contribute to a warm and cozy atmosphere! But in some cases, yes, it may be doing the opposite – and sending your heating costs right through the roof. Why, and what can you do about it? Are You Heating the Outdoors? Nothing is as comforting and homey as snuggling up and watching the flames of a crackling fire on a cold night. But when you have a wood-burning fireplace, it can certainly feel as if you’re losing more heat than you’re generating. Unfortunately, this can be t ..read more
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Does a Chimney Get Inspected When Closing On a House?
Chimney & Masonry Outfitters
by B + E
1y ago
You’ve found your home. Whether it’s a starter, a fixer-upper, or your dream house, it’s soon to be yours! It’s an exciting time, but before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you get a chimney inspection. Failing to do so could leave you with big – costly and potentially dangerous – problems. Does a Chimney Get Inspected When Closing On a House? It should. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always happen. Let’s find out why. Most buyers know that their mortgage lenders require a house inspection before they agree to extend the loan. They need to make sure it is a “good risk” for them – and you nee ..read more
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Why Is a Chimney Cap Necessary?
Chimney & Masonry Outfitters
by B + E
1y ago
When you think about it, there are many potentially dangerous items we bring into our homes, from appliances to the electricity on which they run. One of the most prominent is, of course, our heating systems. While they serve to provide us with warmth and comfort, they can also put us at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning, house fire, and other hazards. This is why we do everything possible to mitigate the risk and ensure heating systems are operating safely and efficiently. Your chimney cap plays a big role in this. Is a Chimney Cap Necessary? First, let’s back up: what is a chimney cap? It i ..read more
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Can Insurance Pay for a Chimney When You’re Replacing a Roof?
Chimney & Masonry Outfitters
by B + E
1y ago
Do you ever watch insurance commercials? Companies from Geico and Progressive to AllState and Farmers have perfected the art of the ad; they’re funny, entertaining, and memorable. There’s a good reason for this: insurance is incredibly boring! No one likes to curl up with a good policy or check clauses and conditions when they’re scrolling on their phone. We want insurance to protect us when we need it… and then we want to forget about it. But when it comes to maintenance, repair, and replacement projects, it is critical that homeowners understand what their policies cover – and what they do n ..read more
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Why Does Smoke Blow Back Down a Chimney?
Chimney & Masonry Outfitters
by B + E
1y ago
Chimneys are meant to be uncomplicated contraptions! Smoke and noxious gasses go up and away from your house. The only thing that should come down a chimney is Santa Claus. Simple and straightforward, right? So why is smoke blowing back down your chimney – and what can you do to prevent this from recurring? Cold Night: Smoky House? Nothing is more comforting and cozy than a warm fire on a cold day. When chimneys and heating sources are functioning properly, this is exactly what you will enjoy. The simple explanation is that the warm air from the heat source (i.e. the fire in the stove) rises u ..read more
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Why Does My House Have Two Chimneys?
Chimney & Masonry Outfitters
by B + E
1y ago
Under the category of “Things That Make You Go Hmmm,” you may be wondering why your home has two chimneys. Is this necessary? Can you remove one?   Before you get the wrecking ball out, take a few minutes to learn why you might be the proud owner of not one but two chimneys. 1. You Have Two Different Heating Fuel Sources Simple enough: you may have a wood stove or fireplace for that cozy warmth, as well as propane or oil for consistency – or on the other hand, propane or oil as your primary heat source and wood for backup. Regardless, the solution to venting dangerous gasses and prov ..read more
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When Do You Need a Chimney Liner?
Chimney & Masonry Outfitters
by B + E
1y ago
When do you need a chimney liner?  Easy: Whenever you have a chimney!  But this is your home, and your safety is of the utmost concern. It is helpful to know what a chimney liner is so you can fully appreciate why it is so essential. So, without further ado….  What Is a Chimney Liner?   A chimney liner, which you may also hear referred to as a “flue liner,” is a thin tube that lines the entire length of the chimney. They are most often made of stainless steel today, though clay tiles are common in older homes.   Sidenote: the problem with clay tiles is that ..read more
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