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In the unlikely event your chimney is struck by lightning during a summer thunderstorm, the one thing you don’t want to do is operate the fireplace before having the chimney thoroughly inspected.  This is because a lightning strike can cause minor damage to the chimney structure – damage that a casual observer might not be able to spot. The two key concerns with lightning are a … more »

Think about your chimney and all its components right now.  Do you know the exact state of all these elements?  Do you know where damage or breakdown is starting?  What about signs of serious damage?  If you’re like most homeowners, you can’t answer each of these questions with any certainty.  So what should you do?  … more »

Older homes are a pleasure to live in because of their craftsmanship and character. One of the drawbacks to older homes is that many do not meet modern building codes. If your home was built 50 years ago or earlier, it is very likely that the fireplace and chimney are not up to code. Using your fireplace without having the chimney … more »

Chimney crowns, the concrete coverings that sit on the tops of chimneys, are very durable and perform well for years.  Eventually, however, even the best-made structures can begin to fail.  When a chimney crown becomes cracked or damaged, it’s important that the situation is addressed right away, before more extensive – and expensive – damage happens. The chimney crown is always part of a thorough inspection performed by … more »