Category Archives: Chimney Inspection

What’s That Chattering Sound? The Truth about Chimney Swifts

Have you ever tried to wrangle raccoons out of a chimney? Hopefully you haven’t had to do that, but for professional chimney sweeps it’s not an unusual thing. Raccoons, squirrels, bats, and birds are among the many different types of critters that find their way into your chimney. But, there’s one bird in particular that […]

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Dos & Dont’s for Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

According to a study by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, carbon monoxide poisoning is the leading cause of unintentional poisoning illnesses and deaths in the United States. This dangerous gas is also responsible for 15,000 emergency room visits and 500 deaths annually. Fortunately, preventing carbon monoxide poisoning is relatively simple if you follow our convenient […]

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Summertime Fireplace Maintenance Tips

The summer months bring the sun, outdoor activities, and balmy temperatures. The last thing a homeowner thinks about during hot summer days is their fireplaces, but the decline in regular use makes summer the perfect time of year for fireplace upkeep and improvements. Here at Doctor Flue, we know fireplaces! We’ve got some great tips […]

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Why You Need a Chimney Video Scan

According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, there are more than 25,000 chimney fires each year. This is an alarming statistic! There are several factors that contribute to these fires including faulty chimney liners, structural issues, and creosote build-up.  Almost all of these chimney fires can be prevented with an annual chimney inspection using […]

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Protect Your Home: Everything You Need to Know About Chimney Thimbles

If you’ve ever done a major remodel of a historical home, you might have encountered some strange things; secret passageways, hidden rooms, or a walled-off staircase. One of the most common discoveries that historical homeowners often come across is a chimney thimble port; a circular hole in the wall used to house a thimble. The […]

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What is that Chimney Smell?

Many people notice odors coming from their chimneys even when a fire is not burning or hasn’t been for a long period. There are many factors that produce undesirable odors from a dirty chimney including moisture, humidity, and particle build-up.  If Your Chimney  Smells Like…  Then it’s Most  Likely From… Asphalt  Cresote build up Musty […]

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Can My Home Have Multiple Chimney Flues?

If you have more than one fireplace, you may have wondered if everything is connected to the same flue. Doctor Flue has the answer! Typically, homes that are built after the 1900s have a separate flue for each fireplace; even the furnace and water heater use separate chimney flues. However, we do see some chimneys […]

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What to Expect During a Chimney Inspection and Cleaning

Did you know that homeowners in the US lose more than $200 million each year due to unsafe chimneys? Don’t let your chimney to get so out-of-hand that you become a contributor to this statistic! To avoid a potential chimney or fireplace fire, it’s important to get a chimney inspection every year. Similarly, if your […]

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Don’t Forget Your Fall Chimney Inspection

It’s that time again: time to get your chimney inspected! An annual chimney inspection helps to reduce the chance of a chimney fire, by reducing the amount of creosote in your flue. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, “Heating fires account for 36% of residential home fires in rural areas every year. Often these fires […]

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Chimney Cleaning in Michigan and Ohio

Winter is coming to Michigan and Ohio very soon.  Are you ready?  Have you contacted Doctor Flue, inc. about your chimney cleaning needs? If you plan to use your fireplace this winter, it is very important that your chimney is inspected prior to use.  If your chimney hasn’t been cleaned or inspected in a while, […]

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