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Category Archives: Tips & Safety

Where Those Soot Stains Are Coming From & How to Avoid Them

By Doctor Flue | Published February 17, 2020

It’s likely you’ve heard the phrase, “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.” But where there’s fire, there may also be soot stains. Soot stains in your home can range from a dense black layer that covers the exterior of your fireplace to a faint discoloration on walls or ceilings. Soot stains may be something that you […]

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How a Dirty Chimney Puts You & Your Home at Risk

By Doctor Flue | Published January 22, 2020

Unless you’re Santa Claus, you probably don’t spend much time looking in chimneys. Even if you did look in your chimney, you wouldn’t really be able recognize all the soot and creosote buildup that has accumulated there. Though we don’t usually see it or give it much thought, chimneys get dirty. You may not be […]

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Why You Should Replace Your Aluminum Flue Liner with Stainless Steel

By Doctor Flue | Published December 19, 2019

Many homes, especially older homes, have fireplaces. They add an element of ambiance as well as provide heat. However, some of the chimneys of yesteryear were built without chimney liners which may be putting residents in danger of chimney fires. Additionally, with the increase in DIY projects, as well as budget businesses, some homes have […]

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Outdoor Fireplace Maintenance: Keeping Your Patio & Deck Safe from Fireplace Failures

By Doctor Flue | Published August 26, 2019

Safety is important whenever you build a fire, and it’s just as important with your outdoor fireplace as with any indoor fireplace. The same is true for fireplace maintenance. Here are some tips on maintaining your outdoor fireplace; tips that are relevant no matter what type of outdoor fireplace it may be. Do Outdoor Fireplaces […]

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5 Wood Stove Safety Tips Every Stove-Owner Should Know

By Doctor Flue | Published July 26, 2019

Wood stoves can add a cozy feel to any home. They can also provide heat during the colder months – often enough to heat entire rooms or sections of your home. This ability to reduce home heating costs is one of the many reasons homeowners consider the addition of a wood stove. Whether your wood […]

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Benefits of Converting a Wood Fireplace to Gas Inserts

By Doctor Flue | Published June 28, 2019

Want to give your home a facelift but aren’t sure where to start? Try your fireplace! If your home hasn’t been built in the last decade or two and has a fireplace, it’s almost a certainty that you have a wood-burning fireplace. But you can convert your wood fireplace to gas – bringing a wealth […]

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Firewood Safety & Usage Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

By Doctor Flue | Published May 22, 2019

Whether you have a fireplace or wood stove, firewood is essential to your home heating and enjoyment. You may have been building fires for decades or you may have recently installed a wood-burning system. Maybe you are considering installing a fireplace or just purchased a home with a fireplace and are new to the world […]

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When to Clean Your Chimney to Keep Your Home Safe

By Doctor Flue | Published April 23, 2019

The sun is shining, the birds are singing and the daffodils and tulips are in bloom. Spring has finally arrived after a long, cold winter. Your attention turns to the great outdoors. It is time to get out of the house, fire up the grill, maybe even gas up the lawnmower. As quickly as the […]

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Homeowner Tips for Safely Using & Lighting a Fireplace

By Doctor Flue | Published February 21, 2019

Fireplaces seem simple but lighting a fireplace can sometimes be a challenge. Between unusual drafts and wood that just won’t catch fire, you want to understand the right way to safely light a fire. If you’re looking for some relief from the cold, read on and learn tips for safely using and lighting your fireplace. […]

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FAQs About Fireplace & Chimney Mold

By Doctor Flue | Published January 15, 2019

Few things sound as terrifying to homeowners as mold. It invades your home and can cause damage to your property and your health! While mold is most commonly associated with basements, chimney mold is another potential risk for homes both new and old. In many cases, homeowners won’t even realize they have chimney mold until […]

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