Expert Chimney & Fireplace Tips

14 Common Gas Fireplace Problems & What to Do

Published July 24, 2025

Some common gas fireplace problems include unusual odors, ignition failure, unbalanced fire, cloudy glass, visible rust, insufficient heat, and soot buildup. These issues can affect both performance and safety. Understanding the potential causes of a malfunctioning gas fireplace is the first step toward a solution. Keep reading to learn more. 1. Unusual Odors We’ve found […]

Posted in Chimney Cleaning, Common Fireplace & Chimney Problems, Gas Fireplaces | Tagged fireplace care, gas fireplaces | Leave a comment

Fireplace Anatomy: Parts of Masonry & Factory-Built Fireplaces

Published July 24, 2025

Whether you have a traditional masonry fireplace or a modern factory-built unit, each component plays a specific role in how the system functions. This guide covers the key elements of fireplace anatomy. Types of Fireplaces There are two basic types of fireplaces: masonry and factory-built. A masonry fireplace is made from bricks, blocks, or stone […]

Posted in Fireplaces | Tagged anatomy of fireplace, doctor flue, fireplace, fireplace installation, types of fireplaces | Leave a comment

Do You Need to Clean Your Chimney if You Don’t Use Your Fireplace?

Published July 23, 2025

Do you need to clean your chimney if you don’t use your fireplace? The short answer is yes – even an unused chimney still requires regular maintenance. Over time, issues like animal nests, soot buildup, structural damage, and moisture problems can develop, posing risks to your home and health. What Happens if You Don’t Maintain […]

Posted in Chimney Cleaning, Chimney Inspection, Fireplaces, Tips & Safety | Tagged chimney cleaning, Chimney Inspection, fireplace, fireplace cleaning, safety tips | Leave a comment

Got a Cracked Chimney? Here’s Everything You Should Know

Published July 23, 2025

A cracked chimney can result from moisture, freezing temperatures, house settling, chimney fire, or construction flaws. Some common types of cracks include horizontal, vertical, hairline, and stair-step cracks. While not all are immediately dangerous, ignoring them can lead to water damage or even chimney collapse. Causes of Chimney Cracks Understanding the causes of chimney cracks […]

Posted in Chimney Inspection, Chimney Repair, Seasonal Tips | Tagged Chimney Repair, chimney tips, seasonal | Leave a comment

7 Most Common Fireplace Problems

Published July 23, 2025

The most common fireplace problems include creosote buildup, critter invasions, obstructions, closed dampers, poor-quality firewood, improperly sized chimney, and damaged fireboxes. Keep reading to learn more. 1. Creosote Any time you use your fireplace, the smoke from combustion goes up into the chimney. The smoke, when it cools and condenses, turns into a byproduct known […]

Posted in Chimney Inspection, Chimney Repair, Common Fireplace & Chimney Problems | Tagged Chimney Inspection, fireplace repair | Leave a comment

Chimney Inspection Levels: How Do They Work?

Published July 23, 2025

There are three chimney inspection levels that professionals use to determine the state of your chimney. Level 1 inspections only require basic access to your chimney, level 2 inspections are more detailed and are usually required when you make changes to your system, and level 3 inspections are mostly required only for the most extreme […]

Posted in Certified Chimney Sweeps, Chimney Inspection, Chimney Services | Tagged Certified Chimney Sweeps, chimney cleaning, Chimney Inspection | Leave a comment

The Ultimate Chimney Inspection Checklist

Published July 23, 2025

A chimney inspection checklist should include checking the interior and exterior of your chimney, its flashing, cap, and crown, damper, and other points, such as strange odors and noises coming from it, and even branches close to your roof and chimney. While we do not recommend inspecting your chimney solely by yourself, it is valuable […]

Posted in Certified Chimney Sweeps, Chimney Inspection, Tips & Safety | Tagged Chimney Cleaning Tips, Chimney Inspection, chimney safety | Leave a comment

David Sword of Doctor Flue, inc. Acquires Unmanned Drone FAA License, Expanding Fireplace Drone Inspection Team

Published June 13, 2022

Tecumseh, MI— 6-08-2022 — Doctor Flue, inc. is proud to announce David Sword, a Doctor Flue team member, has acquired the FAA license required to operate an unmanned drone. His accomplishment in completing the requirements for this license expand Doctor Flue’s team of unmanned drone operators. David Sword is one of Doctor Flue’s valued team […]

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Chimney Protection Keeps Your Fireplace Working & Home Safe!

Published August 31, 2021

Safety is a hot topic. Another hot topic is your fireplace! The heat this summer may have kept you from having a large blazing fire in it lately – or even a small cozy one. Even so, chimney and fireplace safety is an important topic when it comes to keeping your home safe. There are […]

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Five Signs Your Chimney Needs to be Repaired

Published July 30, 2021

With record temperatures out there, your chimney may be the last thing on your mind. But it shouldn’t be! Now is a great time to hammer out some of those maintenance issues that you’ll wish were done when the snowfall starts again – like looking at your chimney! But how do you know when you […]

Posted in Chimney Services | Tagged chimney crowns, Chimney Inspection, Chimney Repair, leaky chimney, shaling, spalling | Comments Off