How to Close Out Your Fireplace for Spring

March 22, 2019
Spring is around the corner and with it the warm weather. With that comes the end of fireplace season and properly closing your fireplace is an important part of being safe and efficient. A few things you can do each year to close your fireplace are: Cleaning the fireplace, and...
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Why Does My Fireplace Have Water in it?

March 1, 2019
If you chimney or fireplace is showing signs of water penetration or damage, there can be several different factors that can cause this issue. Your chimney is missing a cap or cover, without something to cover the top of your chimney water can easily run into your chimney and into...
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What to Prepare for Each Season With Your Chimney

February 20, 2019
Making Sure you’re Using Seasoned Wood Seasoned wood is important because it reduces the moisture buildup and therefore reduces the creosote buildup in your chimney. Wood should be dried for at least 6 months before use to ensure the wood is dry enough for use. Removing Ash Buildup Removing ash...
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Does My Fireplace Really Need Maintenance?

February 10, 2019
Do Fireplaces Really Need Maintenance? “Fireplaces are maintenance free!” This is a very common misunderstandings about fireplaces that homeowners have. Your fireplace is not invincible, and should be inspected annually to ensure that your structure is free of damage. Having your fireplace cleaned and inspected, not only prevents smells from...
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The 5 Most Common Chimney Issues

January 13, 2019
This article will help you identify the five most common issues that will occur with ownership of a chimney. If you experience any of these issues, contact your local chimney sweep to help resolve them immediately. Creosote Owning a wood burning fireplace and can be very relaxing and great way...
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Ways to Minimize Creosote Build-Up

January 6, 2019
Creosote is a natural by-product of burning wood that originates from condensed wood smoke. Because of this any wood burning fireplace will eventually have a buildup of creosote in there chimney. While creosote is unavoidable, there are several ways to slow and reduce buildup as quickly. Making sure your burning...
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3 Things Responsible Wood-Burning Fireplace Owners Do

December 21, 2018
Owning a wood burning fireplace is a nice decorative piece for any home and can also provide some much-needed warmth during the winter months. Owning a fireplace is a responsibility however and should be treated with care. A fireplace that receives no care can be a hazard but there are...
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Why You Should Have a Fire Escape Plan

December 9, 2018
Fire safety is important for you and your family, and even if it never happens. Having the proper plan to keep everyone safe is necessary to being prepared for the worst. By just doing a couple things you can make sure your loved ones are safe. Talk with everyone in...
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Chimney Cap vs. Top Sealing Dampers

November 25, 2018
If you’ve ever seen the top of your chimney you’ve probably seen a cap or damper covering the chimney flue. These covers are important for the safety of your chimney as well as keeping pests and other issues from occurring inside your chimney and preventing the elements and nature from...
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Do I Have a Spark Guard? Ask an Apex Chimney Repair Blog

November 11, 2018
If you have a chimney cap you are required by code to also have a spark guard. Also known as a spark arrestor, these screens attach to the cap to help prevent sparks or other hot debris from exiting the chimney and catching fire to the roof of your home....
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Why Do I Need a New Chase Cover?

October 28, 2018
A chase cover is important part of a chimney, it is typically a metal cap that seals the top of the chimney from water, debris, and animals from entering the chimney. They are typical of pre-fabricated and sided chases. They are sometimes seen on older masonry chimney as an added...
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Do I Need a Fire Extinguisher?

October 14, 2018
Having a fire extinguisher in your home is important to keeping your home safe. Not all fire extinguishers are created equal however and situations and location can vary on the need and type of extinguisher. Extinguishers are separated into Class Categories to help with placement and type of chemical to...
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What to Expect During Your Fireplace & Chimney Inspection

September 23, 2018
When having your fireplace and chimney inspected annually there are certain things to expect during the process. If a sweep is CSIA certified you can expect quality service each time because the sweep will follow the procedures and codes set forth by the CSIA. During each inspection a sweep will...
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The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide

September 7, 2018
What is Carbon Monoxide? Carbon Monoxide is an odorless colorless gas, that is produced any time you burn fuel and can be fatal to anyone who breaths in too much of it. Over 500 people die from CO poisoning each year and thousands of other require medical attention because of...
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Why Does My Gas Fireplace Have Soot?

August 27, 2018
Having a fireplace in your home is something that most people find cozy. From using it for warmth to just as an ascetic piece, it’s a great addition to any home. Newer homes are typically being installed with gas inserts; these inserts if installed properly are much more practical, since...
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