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 Spring Is the Best Time to Have Your Chimney Repaired
May 25, 2019
Every year at Nexus Chimney Services, the same thing happens. As soon as the first cold day of fall comes, our phones start blowing up with calls from people who need their chimneys cleaned so they can safely use their fireplaces. We wind up with so much business, we barely...
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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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Weirdest Things That Have Been Found in Chimneys
May 4, 2019
The most common things found in chimneys are generally creosote, soot, and birds, but every so often something winds up in a chimney that you just wouldn’t expect. Since we’re a chimney company, we thought it would be fun to focus today’s blog on the many strange and unusual things...
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Wilmington Man Accused of Making Dangerous Chimney Repairs
April 30, 2019
This week, NC officials have accused a Wilmington man of performing dangerous chimney repairs that may be putting people’s lives at risk, according to WECT. The local chimney contractor, Ronnie Larocca, has posted dozens of videos of his repairs on social media, demonstrating work which chimney industry experts have claimed...
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How to Prevent Chimney Fires with Nexus Chimney Services
April 16, 2019
Every year, there are more than 25,000 chimney fires in the U.S., incurring more than $125 million in property damage. In the most severe cases, chimney fires can destroy entire homes and put lives at risk. Sadly, most of these tragedies are preventable, often resulting from a failure to regularly...
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Top Signs You Need a Raleigh Chimney Inspection
April 12, 2019
If you have a working fireplace in your home, it’s essential to have your chimney inspected and maintained every so often. Even if you only use the fireplace a few times a year, buildup of soot and debris can still present a serious threat to your safety. Below are some...
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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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