Category Archives: Common Fireplace & Chimney Problems

Don’t Ignore These Common Signs of Chimney Damage!

Your chimney is an important part of your home and fireplace. If it can’t function correctly, your safety is at risk. Some of the signs of chimney damage may appear to be benign wear-and-tear to the untrained eye. A damaged chimney can lead to moisture problems, chimney fires and even the possibility of carbon monoxide […]

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Signs That You’ve Had a Chimney Fire

Over 20,000 chimney fires happen on average every year. Despite this, many homeowners don’t even realize it until they have a chimney inspection. You may have had one in your home without realizing it. But what is a chimney fire and how do you know if your chimney has had one? Learn the signs and […]

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What Causes Fireplace Back-Puffing? How Can I Prevent It?

There are few things as relaxing as sitting next to roaring fire. That is, of course, assuming you aren’t startled by a sudden, audible bang with a cloud of soot and smoke filling your room. If you’ve never experienced this, count yourself lucky! Whenever your appliances – from fireplaces to stoves – push their smoke […]

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Water in Chimneys & Fireplaces: Warning Signs & Prevention

Chimneys are a necessary bridge between your home and the outside. Without it, smoke and vapor from your fireplaces or appliances wouldn’t be able to escape, leading to health hazards and other dangers. The most common concern? Moisture. Experts know the risks of water in chimneys or fireplaces, but do you? Read on to learn […]

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What Is a Chimney Liner and Why Is It Important?

Your chimney plays a vital role in the safe use of your fireplace or wood-burning stove. Many homeowners are surprised to hear that poorly-maintained flues and chimneys are actually one of the common causes for home fires. When it comes to your wood or gas-burning appliances, there are many parts that go into keeping your […]

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Don’t Fall Victim to Fireplace Carbon Monoxide Poisoning!

Carbon monoxide gas: You can’t see it, smell it, or taste it – but it can kill you, silently and with little warning. Each year, more than 400 Americans die from unintentional carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning not linked to fires, according to statistics from the Center for Disease Control. More than 20,000 are treated in […]

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What Is a Ventless Gas Fireplace and Is It Right for You?

You may have heard about “ventless” gas fireplaces – especially if you’re a fan of those home-improvement shows on TV. But what are they and how do they work? And would it be a good choice for your home? Let’s take a look at the facts. Why Are Ventless Gas Fireplaces Popular? Ventless gas fireplaces […]

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Is There Chirping in Your Chimney?

  You don’t have to be human to enjoy the inviting warmth of a fireplace. In the cold of winter, the heat coming from your chimney may entice birds to gather around the top to stay warm; once in a while, one may venture in when the flames die down. Not only that, your chimney […]

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Top 5 Reasons You Have a Leaky Chimney

Leaking chimneys cause a whole host of problems, including rust, rotting, water stains, and, in severe cases, chimney collapse. There are several different factors that play into your leaky chimney. We here at Doctor Flue are experts in identifying the causes of a leaky chimney and repairing the damage. We’ve compiled a list of five […]

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Don’t Fall for Chimney Scams

Has the cold weather reminded you to schedule that gas fireplace repair? When you place a service call, you could assume that your call will bring you a certified chimney sweep, but what if you’re unknowingly inviting a scam artist into your home? In 2011, The Better Business Bureau (BBB) reportedly received 380 complaints due […]

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