Chimney Services Blog
How to Build a Fire in a Fireplace Properly
Fireplaces provide much-needed warmth during the cold winter months. The hearth can also provide an aesthetically-pleasing focal point to your home if the fire is built properly. In this post, Batts' Chimney Services will walk you through the proper way to build a fire in your fireplace. (more…)
What Causes Crumbling Chimney Masonry?
The condition of the masonry surrounding your chimney can have an impact on its functionality and life span, so it's important to be aware of its causes. Batts' Chimney Services takes a look at the common reasons why chimney masonry can crumble and what solutions are available to keep yours [...]
Can Snow Damage My Chimneys?
While most of today's chimneys are built to keep debris and small animals from getting into the flue, snow may sometimes make its way in. In this blog post, chimney cleaning and repair company Batts' Chimney Services discusses what happens when snow makes its way into your chimneys, and whether or not [...]
Can I Cook In My Fireplace?
The fireplace is the focal point of many homes. It's where you gather to relax and enjoy quality time with family and friends during the colder months. Another activity you can do in this place is cook. With some creativity, you can use your fireplace to whip up some delicious meals. [...]
Why You Shouldn’t Use a Chimney With a Cracked Liner
It can be tempting to ignore a cracked chimney liner. There is a common misconception that this issue won't affect other parts of your home. Unfortunately, a cracked chimney liner can endanger your property and your family. If you are dealing with this problem, you must immediately contact a chimney repair professional. [...]
4 Tips on Making Your Fireplace Burn More Efficiently
A fireplace is a great alternative heating system for your home and can improve your home's aesthetics, but it is not as efficient as a whole-home system like a furnace. However, there are a few things that you can do to improve a fireplace's efficiency. Read on as Batts' Chimney [...]
How to Get Bats Out of Your Chimney
Bats find shelter in dark and warm spaces where they feel secure and protected. Unfortunately, chimneys are among these spaces. However, letting them stay in your chimney can result in bat urine and droppings accumulating inside, leading to odors and contaminated runoff, and may even mean bats getting into your [...]
Firewood Storage: Do’s and Don’ts
The way you stack and store your firewood can either cause you problems or save you from them. This is especially true if you have a wood-burning stove or wood-burning fire pit. It's crucial to store your firewood properly. Incorrect firewood storage can lead to infestations, mold growth and other [...]
How to Tell if Your Chimney Needs Urgent Repair
Your chimney is built to withstand extreme temperatures from the cold weather and your fireplace. This kind of wear and tear takes a toll over time, causing your chimney to eventually need repair. Unfortunately, you cannot always see the damage from the ground. Sometimes, issues are difficult to detect, causing [...]
4 Ways to Remove a Bird’s Nest From Your Chimney
A bird's nest in your chimney is dangerous because it blocks the top of the flue and traps hazardous carbon monoxide and other harmful fumes from combustion. Moreover, birds and other animals can affect the airflow and the structure of your chimney, which can present more problems. (more…)
Common Dryer Mistakes Every Homeowner Should Avoid
Most homeowners regularly rely on their clothes dryer. Without proper maintenance, however, dryer vents can become clogged and cause over 15,000 residential fires each year in the United States alone. For this reason, it's important to use your dryer wisely and clean its vents regularly. Through proper dryer vent maintenance, [...]
How Often Does Your Chimney Need Cleaning?
The chimney is one of the many features that homeowners tend to overlook. After all, it's not particularly easy to check whether it needs sweeping. Your fireplace may look clean, but your chimney may not be. If you have a dirty chimney, harmful gases may linger in your home. In [...]
Should You Clean Your Chimney on Your Own?
If your chimney could use a good cleaning, you might think that doing it yourself is a cost-effective solution. Inspecting your chimney may be doable, such as checking to see if the chimney damper is open, but cleaning it is best left to a professional. Remember, your chimney is full [...]
Chimney Downdrafts: Signs, Causes and Fixes
Chimney downdrafts can cause your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to go off. In extreme cases, they can lead to severe health problems as they can contaminate the air you breathe. Fortunately, you can call a chimney contractor to help you figure out if you have downdraft problems and what [...]
What You Should Know About Chimney Fire
A chimney fire is dangerous and will leave you wondering when you can safely use your fireplace again. You're also probably thinking of expensive repairs that will create a dent in your budget. Don't worry because chimney fires are usually manageable. Just make sure to immediately call a reliable chimney [...]
