How Water Can Ruin Your Masonry Chimney | Nexus Chimney Services
September 16, 2019
Chimneys typically tend to receive neither the attention nor the concern usually afforded to other household systems. However, chimneys are far from empty black columns; their simple appearance disguises an intricate mechanism capable of multiple, complex functions. When considering the rest of your home maintenance jobs, it’s important to consider...
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Chimney Caps & Chase Covers: What’s the Difference?
September 2, 2019
At Nexus Chimney Services, we love providing our customers with the best chimney cleaning and chimney repair in Apex. That’s why we offer our clients both steel chimney caps and chase covers to protect your chimneys from weather and other elements. But what are chimney caps and chase covers, and...
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When Should I Remove My Fireplace Ashes? | Apex Chimney Services
August 20, 2019
Any homeowner with a wood-burning stove or fireplace will eventually be faced with the problem of ash buildup. In today’s post, our Apex chimney contractor will discuss when ashes are actually beneficial, and when they should be removed. Why You Shouldn’t Clean Your Fireplace Ashes Every Day A little...
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3 Common Summer Chimney Problems to Watch Out For
July 16, 2019
Since most of us use our fireplaces in the winter, it would seem like chimney problems just don’t occur in the summer. However, there are some good reasons to schedule a chimney inspection during these hot, humid months. Animals and bugs abound during the summer season, and summer storms can...
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Do I Really Need a Chimney Cap? Ask an Apex Chimney Company
July 9, 2019
Even though a chimney cap is relatively minor installation, many homeowners question whether it is necessary or not. The answer is that this small bit metal protecting your chimney can prevent countless chimney-related mishaps and save you thousands of dollars in unnecessary chimney repairs. So, unless you want headaches down...
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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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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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How to Stop Chimney Swifts from Invading Your Chimney
April 24, 2019
Now that it’s spring, you’ve probably noticed birds building nests in trees, bushes, empty mailboxes, and pretty much any other spot they can find. One place you really don’t want birds nesting? In your chimney. The very worst offender is probably the chimney swift, who can occupy chimneys in the...
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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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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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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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