Request a Quote

Get a Quote for Sweeping, Repair, Replacement, or Rebuild

Category Archives: Chimney Inspection

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 […]

Also posted in Chimney Cleaning, Fireplaces, Tips & Safety | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

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 […]

Also posted in Chimney Repair, Seasonal Tips | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

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 […]

Also posted in Chimney Repair, Common Fireplace & Chimney Problems | Tagged , | Leave a comment

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 […]

Also posted in Certified Chimney Sweeps, Chimney Services | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

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 […]

Also posted in Certified Chimney Sweeps, Tips & Safety | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

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 […]

Also posted in Certified Chimney Sweeps, Chimney Repair, Common Fireplace & Chimney Problems | Tagged , | Comments Off on Chimney Protection Keeps Your Fireplace Working & Home Safe!

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 […]

Also posted in Chimney Repair, FAQs | Comments Off on Can I Paint My Chimney or Is It Unsafe?

Tips for Buying a New House with a Fireplace

By Doctor Flue | Published October 31, 2020

When you’re buying a new house there are few things that can give the promise of warmth, peace and even romance like a fireplace can. When you walk into a room with a fireplace it’s hard not to envision curling up on a cool evening next to a crackling fire. Whether it’s large wood-burning fireplace […]

Also posted in Chimney Services, Tips & Safety | Tagged , | Comments Off on Tips for Buying a New House with a Fireplace

Summer Fireplace Maintenance Tips: Preparing Your Fireplace for the Cold Ahead

By Doctor Flue | Published July 24, 2020

When the sun is out and your AC is running for weeks on end, your fireplace may be the last thing on your mind. But summer fireplace maintenance is a great way to keep your house safe, cut down on some potential costs, and make sure you’re ready for a cozy fire when fall and winter […]

Also posted in Certified Chimney Sweeps, Common Fireplace & Chimney Problems, Seasonal Tips | Tagged , | Comments Off on Summer Fireplace Maintenance Tips: Preparing Your Fireplace for the Cold Ahead

Gas Fireplace Safety Tips for Your Home & Family

By Doctor Flue | Published June 30, 2020

It’s hard to beat the convenience of a gas fireplace in your home. With the touch of a button, you can enjoy the warmth and glow of a beautiful fire with no firewood to load or ashes to clean up. But gas fireplace safety should still be on the top of your mind whenever you use it! Like […]

Also posted in Common Fireplace & Chimney Problems, Fireplace Installation, Tips & Safety | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Gas Fireplace Safety Tips for Your Home & Family