Billy’s Little Blog

 Get more enjoyment out of your fireplace without splitting a log again! Cutting firewood and building a fire is hard work. After a long day at your job, just the thought of carrying logs inside to make a fire can be exhausting. Can you imagine how nice it would be to turn on your fireplace Read more…

If a chimney cleaning isn’t on your spring to-do list, it’s time to add it! Investing in an annual chimney cleaning can prevent thousands of dollars in future repairs. A leaky chimney or creosote clogged chimney can cause devastating damage to your home. There is no better time to schedule a chimney cleaning than the Read more…

Chimney leaks are the most common problem that fireplace owners face. Water that gets in through your chimney can cause hundreds to thousands of dollars in damages. It can also increase your risk of carbon monoxide exposure or a chimney fire. Moisture in your chimney can crack the chimney lining, allowing carbon monoxide and sparks Read more…

It’s summer, but winter is coming and will be here before you know it, so why not use these lazy warm-weather days to make sure your chimney and fireplace are in top condition for the upcoming cool season?  While some tasks should be done only by professionals, there are many things you as a homeowner can do to ensure a safe and efficient Read more…

Any time you bring a service technician to your home to work on any component inside or outside the home, you should proceed with both eyes open.  A good tech can be a lifesaver, whereas one who isn’t right for the job can cost you a lot of time and money.  Hiring a chimney sweep can be a little confusing for some homeowners who ask, How do Read more…

A chimney cap is an investment that can last a lifetime. A stainless steel or copper chimney cap can last for decades and plays an important role in protecting you and your loved ones from serious safety risks as well as protecting your home from damage. These are the top 5 ways that a quality chimney cap is a smart choice: #1 Read more…

It seems like everywhere you turn, someone wants your money.  But when it comes to having your chimney inspected, this might be the smartest money you ever spend.  Here’s why. All chimneys need annual inspections primarily for two reasons: 1. To detect structural problems and get them fixed before serious and expensive damage occurs, and 2. To determine the level of creosote and soot buildup along with other obstructions that Read more…

Do you know when you need to call on a chimney sweep? Just like a car, a chimney needs regular maintenance to operate safely and effectively. Having your chimney inspected and cleaned annually by a chimney sweep who has been certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) prevents the risk of a fire, decreases air pollution, increases your fireplace or stove’s efficiency and Read more…

Do you like to “tinker around” with cars or other mechanical components?  It can be a lot of fun doing your own repair and maintenance work, and it can save you some money, but it’s important to have the experience and tools you need to get the job done safely and correctly.  There are some home repair projects that take the knowledge and training of a professional and should Read more…

Have you noticed any kind of discoloration on the outside of your chimney?  If you have, you may be seeing something that’s just a normal part of the “wear and tear” a chimney exposed to the elements goes through.  But discoloration could point to a problem that will become more serious over time if left unattended. Below we’ll present a basic primer on how to identify Read more…