What is Creosote, and Why is it So Dangerous? Ask an Apex Chimney Company
August 6, 2019
Longtime readers might have noticed that we discuss creosote—an oily, black substance the builds up inside chimneys—fairly often. But what, exactly, makes creosote so dangerous? In today’s Apex chimney company blog, we discuss why creosote is far from a fire hazard or a cause of a nasty smell (all though...
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Homeowners: Book Your Chimney Inspection NOW to Have It Ready by Fall!
July 23, 2019
Every year at Nexus Chimney, we face the same situation: the first crisp day of November dawns, and our phones blow up with people who want to light a warm, cozy fire—but can’t, because their chimney is dirty, broken, or uninspected. Even though we aim to serve every customer who...
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Why Does My Chimney Smell Bad in the Summer? Apex Chimney Services
July 2, 2019
You may have noticed an acrid, burning smell coming from your fireplace that seems to get worse as the summer goes on. In today’s post our Apex chimney contractor will explain why the worst fireplace smells happen in the summer, and what you can do about it. Why Your Fireplace...
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Common Safety Issues Found in Old Chimneys | Apex Chimneys
June 25, 2019
If you own, or are about to own, an older house, you’ll want to take a good look at the chimney. While newer homes are likely to be built in compliance with modern codes and material requirements, older homes were probably built to older standards and tend to have more...
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The Strange History of Chimney Sweeping | Nexus Chimney Services
June 18, 2019
These days, most peoples’ idea of a chimney sweep probably comes from the Mary Poppins movie, wherein a sweep named Bert sings cheerfully about the lucky life he leads. Sadly, though, the true history of chimney sweeping is far different than the Disney portrayal. For centuries, chimney sweeping was not...
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What is a Chimney Liner, and Why Does it Need an Inspection?
June 11, 2019
The chimney liner is arguably one of the most important safety components of a chimney. Today, our Apex chimney contractor explains the different types of chimney liners and why it is so critical to have them regularly inspected. Clay Chimney Liners Clay tiles are by far the most popular chimney lining...
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There’s a Squirrel in my Chimney! What to Do
June 4, 2019
Ah, spring. The birds are chirping, the bees are buzzing, and the squirrels…are hopefully in the trees, and not in your chimney. Unfortunately, ‘tis the season to find something small and fluffy (or feathery) hanging out in your chimney flue, and the season where we spend the most time fishing...
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Why It’s Important to Close Your Damper in The Summer
May 18, 2019
Now that it’s springtime, there’s one important thing to remember to do to close off your fireplace for summer: close your damper. Leaving your chimney damper open during the summer can have a number of consequences, which we will discuss below. Need more fireplace or chimney help? Call our chimney...
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How to Check Chimneys for Winter Damage from Nexus Chimney Repair
May 11, 2019
Now that it’s spring, it’s a great time to check your chimney to see how the snow, wind, cold, and rain have impacted it, not to mention all the use you got out of it. Before you put your fireplace to bed for the summer, check for creosote build-up and...
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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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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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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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