Fireplace safety is vital to your family and home’s well-being, but do you really understand? In addition to having smoke and carbon monoxide detectors placed fifteen feet from the fireplace, you need to consider chimney safety. Why? One word- creosote. So, let’s look at understanding creosote buildup: risks and solutions.  What is Creosote? When you burn organic materials such as wood or plants, a chemical byproduct called creosote is produced. It is a combination of tar and other chemicals that sticks to the inside of your chimney and creates a buildup. Over time, there can be quite a c ..read more

Few things make a home homier than a warm, crackling fire. And if there’s anything that can ruin that experience, it’s a smelly fireplace. Let’s look at why your fireplace might make your home smell like an ashtray and how to prevent it. What Causes Fireplace Odors? Because foul odors come from the fireplace, it’s natural to think that’s the cause, but it’s more likely the chimney, and here’s why. Creosote Buildup The main cause of odors is creosote, a byproduct of burning wood. This sticky, tar-like substance produces a strong, smoky smell and is a significant fire hazard. Moisture and Mold C ..read more

Did you know that chimneys in the home date back as early as the twelfth century? Between then and now many warm, fond memories have been made alongside a fire. Even before this, fires were enjoyed inside – sometimes even around an open fire. As you can imagine this wasn’t the safest approach. However, in the dark ages, you did what you had to do to keep warm and cook food for your family. The Origin of Fireplaces The birth of what we consider a fireplace coincides with the rise of two-story homes. This took away the option to have a fire simply in the middle of a home and let the smoke rise u ..read more

Fireplace safety is vital to your family and home’s well-being, but do you really understand? In addition to having smoke and carbon monoxide detectors placed fifteen feet from the fireplace, you need to consider chimney safety. Why? One word- creosote. So let’s look at understanding creosote buildup: risks and solutions.  What is Creosote? When you burn organic materials such as wood or plants, a chemical byproduct called creosote is produced. It is a combination of tar and other chemicals that sticks to the inside of your chimney and creates a buildup. Over time, there can be quite a cr ..read more

Winter is here, and you’ve either built your first fire of the season or will soon. However, despite keeping your home warm and cozy and creating a nostalgic atmosphere, there could be a danger lurking in your chimney with the potential to destroy everything. In this blog post, we look at what causes chimney fires and the five steps you can take to prevent them. What Causes Chimney Fires? There are an estimated 25,000 chimney fires in the United States annually, some with disastrous outcomes. Chimney fires happen for various reasons, including: Creosote Buildup The number one cause of chimney ..read more

Temperatures are dropping and winter storms are brewing. What does this mean for your home? Special care should be taken for several aspects of your home in the winter, and your chimney is no different. As snow falls and water freezes, you’re going to want to make sure your chimney is ready to brave the temperatures.  Things to Look Out For With wear and tear your chimney is bound to start showing signs of age. However, there are several early signs of damage you can act on to prevent further damage.  One of the most damaging things that can occur is called spalling. This occurs when ..read more

With the arrival of cold weather comes snowfall and all the things you associate with it, like shoveling snow, clearing snow from your windshield, and even building snowmen. You may not think about the consequences of snow building up on your chimney. Do we have your attention now? Don’t worry; there is an answer. Here is a guide to snowfall woes: How to Handle Snow in Your Chimney Like a Pro. The Unseen Damage of Snowfall on a Chimney The Snow’s Weight There are several types of damage that snow can cause to your chimney. Masonry chimneys are especially vulnerable to snow damage. It can build ..read more

Water is the number one enemy of your chimney. However, many homeowners with a fireplace overlook waterproofing as preventative maintenance. In this post, we show water’s effects on your chimney and why it’s crucial to waterproof it before winter’s onset. Water and Chimney Damage Winter and the harsh conditions that come with it can significantly and negatively impact your chimney. Here’s what can happen. Freeze-Thaw Cycle The freeze-thaw cycle that happens during winter can wreak havoc on your chimney. When water penetrates the bricks and mortar, it freezes and expands. The continuous expansi ..read more

With nearly two feet of snowfall every winter in Liberty, MO, Platte City, KS, and the Kansas City region, it creates a lot of pressure on chimneys, especially around the flashing. Chimney flashing is a thin sheet of metal installed where the chimney and roof meet to create a watertight seal. It is one of the most critical components of a chimney, as it helps to prevent water damage to the roof, walls, and foundation of the home.  It is typically made of aluminum, copper, or stainless steel. Aluminum is the most popular choice because it is inexpensive and durable. Copper is more expensiv ..read more

Any kind of logs from trees will burn in a fireplace. However, not all types of logs perform equally. Some can actually cause serious problems if used regularly. Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace of Kansas City, KS, would like to share a little about the different types of firewood and how to choose the best type to use in your fireplace. The two types of wood Dividing firewood into two groups makes it easier to understand. The two types of wood are: Hardwood Softwood The reason it’s important to differentiate the type of firewood is because each type has its own unique characteristics ..read more