chimney repair

March 10, 2023

Phillip Batts

4 Common Causes of Chimney Damage

Chimneys and fireplaces can add a cozy atmosphere to your home, but they have certain risks. You need regular maintenance to avoid fire damage or costly chimney repair. In this post, we cover four of the most common causes of chimney damage so you can prevent them and keep your home [...]

December 22, 2022

Phillip Batts

Why Is My Fireplace Smoking Up The House?

A fireplace is a fantastic addition to any home. It provides a warm and inviting atmosphere that the whole family can enjoy. However, if your fireplace is smoking up the house, it can be a real nuisance.  (more…)

October 26, 2022

Phillip Batts

What You Need to Know About Chimney Stains

Chimney discoloration doesn't only ruin the appearance of your chimney but also indicates serious problems. Once you notice stains around your chimney, it's best to call a professional right away to check for hidden issues in your fireplace.  (more…)

October 12, 2022

Phillip Batts

4 Tips on Preparing for a Chimney Sweep

Regular maintenance is crucial to your chimney's performance and safety. In addition to annual chimney inspections, routine chimney cleaning is needed to ensure your home is safe. Dirty chimneys can cause various problems and hazards, including fires.  (more…)

September 29, 2022

Phillip Batts

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 [...]

August 3, 2022

Phillip Batts

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 [...]

July 20, 2022

Phillip Batts

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 [...]

July 13, 2022

Phillip Batts

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 [...]

July 6, 2022

Phillip Batts

The Difference Between Flue Cleaning and Chimney Sweeping

The chimney and flue are two different components that require regular cleaning and maintenance. That said, make sure you don't use the terms flue cleaning and chimney sweeping interchangeably. (more…)

May 16, 2022

Phillip Batts

What’s the Difference Between Top-Sealing & Throat Dampers?

Throat dampers are pretty common and most homeowners – even those who don’t have a fireplace – are familiar with them. They are part of the fireplace, rather than the chimney, and work by keeping the chimney closed off at the bottom, keeping the house warm by shutting out the [...]

May 2, 2022

Phillip Batts

What Is a Chimney Smoke Test and How Is It Done?

If you’re planning to reinstate a chimney that hasn’t been used in a while, or maybe you just purchased a house and would like to check how airtight the chimney is, you'll want to have a chimney smoke test done. In today’s article, your friendly team of chimney cleaning experts at Batts' [...]

April 11, 2022

Phillip Batts

What Causes Creosote Buildup?

Whenever the fireplace is used, a residue called creosote is deposited in the chimney flue or lining. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), this is a highly flammable material that can be a potential hazard and lead to a house fire. Fortunately, the buildup can be dealt with [...]

April 7, 2022

Phillip Batts

The Consequences of a Cracked Chimney Flue

Also known as a chimney liner, a chimney flue is a little-known component that serves a big role in the safety of your roofing system. Its function is so important that fire experts even recommend having the entire chimney inspected professionally at least once a year for maintenance and repair. [...]

February 16, 2022

Phillip Batts

How Water Damages Your Chimney

Water is one of the main causes of damage in different parts of your home, especially your chimney. Heavy rain and severe weather conditions can take a toll on your chimney. To avoid chimney issues from ensuing, make sure that you get it maintained and inspected regularly. (more…)

February 1, 2022

Phillip Batts

How to Deal With Wood Ash as Winter Ends?

Other than your HVAC system, you heavily rely on your fireplace to keep you comfy during the winter months. Since it sustains heavy use, you should have it cleaned and maintained regularly to keep it free from contaminants, such as wood ash. In this post, Batts' Chimney Services, the leading chimney [...]

January 4, 2022

Phillip Batts

Reasons Your Fireplace Smells Bad and How to Fix Them

A well-maintained fireplace provides warmth and beauty to your home. When an unpleasant odor is emitting from it, it can ruin the atmosphere and give the residents a headache. There can be several reasons why your fireplace or chimney smells bad; a reliable chimney sweep talks about some of them here. (more…)

December 16, 2021

Phillip Batts

Why Ice Dams Are Bad for Your Chimney

Frozen water typically accumulates in the gutter system or around the chimney. When this happens, an ice dam could potentially occur and eventually cause harm to your roofing and home interior. Furthermore, it could also mean trouble for your chimney. (more…)

December 2, 2021

Phillip Batts

How Often Should I Have My Chimney Inspected?

Chimney inspection is a critical part of home maintenance. Typically, it is recommended to be done at least once a year, especially if you use your fireplace regularly. Nevertheless, even if you rarely use your fireplace or stove, it’s still best to schedule chimney cleaning and inspection every year. (more…)

November 18, 2021

Phillip Batts

Why Should You Only Use Seasoned Firewood

It might seem like a minor detail, but did you know that using properly-seasoned firewood makes all the difference in making your chimney last? It would be understandable to think that any kind of wood logs would work for your furnace, but it actually does matter a lot. Using the [...]

November 11, 2021

Phillip Batts

A Brief Primer on Parging

Your chimney and fireplace is an intricate heating system that requires you to take care of it. After all, it makes your home warm and cozy during the winter months. However, there is one part that some homeowners typically forget, and that is the smoke chamber, hidden above the firebox. [...]