Bricks or stones of masonry chimneys are held together with mortar, a mixture of water, sand, cement, and lime. Mortar is a durable substance, but even it can degrade after years of exposure to the elements and combustible materials. The process of removing and...
As authorities within the chimney and venting industries, NCSG members know a lot about chimneys. Homeowners should only allow NCSG sweeps to inspect and clean their chimneys. These professionals use the most modern equipment and have received the highest level of...
There are several different schools of thought regarding how “green” a wood burning fireplace actually is. When compared to electric heating, advocates will cite that fact that most electricity is actually created through the burning of coal, creating far...
For those of you that have ever had to have major repairs performed on your chimney, you are well aware how expensive they can be. The old saying, “a stitch in time saves nine”, is very apropos in this instance. Performing maintenance on your chimney...
When most animals enter a chimney, very few are capable of getting back out on their own. Most are stuck inside of the chimney, causing a variety of problems. The obvious problem is causing a blockage, preventing proper ventilation that could lead to a fire. But, they...
Due to regular use of chimneys, it can wear down and crack, leading to dangerous situations. This situation can also arise if good care is not taken when using a chimney for a long time. So the only way to mend this situation is by either tearing down the entire...
