Billy’s Little Blog

Chimney fires are dramatic, destructive events that should not be ignored but, instead, should be actively prevented. Statistics show that more than 25,000 chimney fires occur annually in the US, and those fires are responsible for $1.2 million in property damage each year. Below, learn more about chimney fires, their most common causes, and tips Read more…

Cozy fires in a fireplace are something to look forward to in winter, but what if you’re late finding out chimney repairs are needed? You don’t want to miss out on a fire when it’s chilly outside, especially since truly cold temps can be rare in the Houston area. If you learn that you need Read more…

If you want to ensure a great fireside season, it’s best to take the steps necessary to prepare your kindling for winter. Fires may date back to the caveman days but building a good fire still doesn’t come automatically. Certain knowledge is needed–for instance, the three components required to get a fire started are oxygen, Read more…

Chimney maintenance can prolong the life of a chimney but at some point, a new chimney is needed. Keeping moisture out is the best way to prevent the accelerated deterioration of your chimney. It’s a tough job, though, that requires vigilance as well as the know-how and abilities of a trained chimney professional. You may Read more…

Chimney fires are destructive, and an alarming poll recently revealed that fire-damaged chimneys are common. The survey conducted by the Midwest Chimney Safety Council strongly suggests that, at any given time, there could be as many as 9,000 damaged chimneys in a single major metropolitan area. A myth that chimney fires help to control creosote Read more…

Many homeowners have learned the hard way that neglecting chimney and fireplace maintenance can come at a high cost. The best strategy for chimney maintenance is one that keeps your home and family safe and reduces the overall price tag on upkeep. Year after year, neglected chimneys are the leading cause of fireplace-related house fires Read more…

Every chimney you see in Texas neighborhoods requires an annual chimney sweep appointment, and fall is when they most commonly occur. Fire safety experts urge homeowners not only to have annual inspections but also to schedule a chimney cleaning. Imagine how busy the chimney experts at your favorite chimney sweep company would be if fireplace Read more…

You don’t have to visit the Mouth of Truth stone carving in Rome, Italy, to have a scary place you can stick your hands. The fear that a liar’s hand will be bitten off by the statue is based on long-disproved legend. In your own home, you could place your hand past the damper and Read more…

Bees getting into chimneys is a not a rare occurrence for homeowners and chimney sweeps. We are the ones people tend to call about the issue and there are some important ways chimney experts can help, but there is someone else you need to call first. If bees have been seen in and around your Read more…

The best way to describe what a chimney sweep service provides is to say that reliable chimney sweeps provide peace of mind. The issues a chimney sweep addresses include cutting home maintenance costs and keeping your home and family safe. These are the matters that tend to keep us up at night. Read on for Read more…