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Category Archives: Chimney Services

14 Common Gas Fireplace Problems & What to Do

By Doctor Flue | 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 […]

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

By Doctor Flue | 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 […]

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

By Doctor Flue | 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 […]

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7 Most Common Fireplace Problems

By Doctor Flue | 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 […]

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Chimney Inspection Levels: How Do They Work?

By Doctor Flue | 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 […]

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The Ultimate Chimney Inspection Checklist

By Doctor Flue | 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 […]

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Chimney Protection Keeps Your Fireplace Working & Home Safe!

By Doctor Flue | 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

By Doctor Flue | 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 […]

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Why Do Chimneys Need to Be Swept?

By Doctor Flue | Published June 30, 2021

With the scorching summer heat, the last thing you may be thinking of is your chimney. But now’s a great time to schedule your chimney sweeping and inspection! Though you may be thinking “why do chimneys need to be swept anyway?” It’s a great question – and the short answer is that it’s important to […]

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Can I Paint My Chimney or Is It Unsafe?

By Doctor Flue | Published May 31, 2021

With summer weather, holidays and potentially some extra free time, it’s a popular season to tackle home improvement projects you’ve been putting off. Whether it’s cleaning up the garage, staining the deck, or looking at what could use a fresh coat of paint. But many homeowners ask themselves “can I paint my chimney?” The answer […]

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