Chimney Archives - Chimney and Wildlife

Misconceptions about Chimney Care and Maintenance

When you’ve been in the chimney repair and wildlife removal business for as long as we have, you start to notice that certain misconceptions are pretty prevalent among homeowners. Sometimes, they’re based on outdated information, and other times, they actually have roots in superstition. And while we think that “old wives’ tales” can be fun to read about, what we don’t want is for people to continue believing in myths that can be damaging—or downright dangerous. […]

By Tony|July 25th, 2018|Chimney|Comments Off

Things to Consider Before Buying a Prefabricated Chimney

Is your chimney looking old and tired? Would you like to transform your wood-burning fireplace into a gas-burning one or vice-versa? Did you move into a house with no chimney and fireplace but are now wishing that you had them? […]

By Tony|June 27th, 2018|Chimney|Comments Off

Fireplace Superstitions and Old Wives’ Tales

How superstitious are you? Do you go out of your way to avoid walking under ladders? Do you take care to never open an umbrella indoors? Do you avoid potentially dangerous activities on Friday the 13th? […]

By Tony|March 7th, 2018|Chimney|Comments Off

What Are (good) Chimneys Made of?

It stands to reason that, if a structure is going to encounter fire, smoke, and extreme heat on a regular basis, then it needs to be built from materials that can stand up to these threats and come out relatively unscathed. This is definitely true for chimneys; if you tried to make one entirely out of wood or plastic, it probably wouldn’t last very long. […]

By Tony|January 25th, 2018|Chimney|Comments Off

Are Fireplaces a Cost-Effective Way to Heat Your Home?

Back in the days before central heating, a wood-burning fireplace or stove was often a house’s only source of heat. Thus, during the winter months, families would usually keep a fire blazing whenever possible, and everyone would stay comfortable by spending as much time as possible near the fire. In small, simply-designed dwellings, this setup was all you needed to warm the entire house. […]

By Tony|January 4th, 2018|Chimney|Comments Off

Why Santa Claus Would Have Trouble Entering a House Through The Chimney

At Chimney and Wildlife Specialists, we (obviously) spend quite a bit of time looking at chimneys. In fact, it’s pretty safe to say that we’re experts on the subject. So, with a great deal of confidence, we’d like to propose the following radical idea: contrary to popular belief, Santa Claus does not enter houses through their chimneys. […]

By Tony|December 21st, 2017|Chimney|Comments Off

Fireplace Cooking- good idea or bad idea?

If you’ve ever been camping, then chances are, you’ve cooked food on a campfire at least once. There’s just something about a hot dog or a marshmallow roasted over an open flame that seems rustic and fun! With cold weather fast approaching, most of us will be saying goodbye to camping and similar activities…but must we also say goodbye to campfire cooking, as well? […]

By Tony|November 15th, 2017|Chimney|Comments Off

What You Need to Know about Carbon Monoxide

How do you fight an enemy that you can’t see, smell, or touch? Worse, this enemy can also seep through cracks or wriggle under doors. And worse still, it can kill its victims—human and animal alike—so quickly that they don’t know what hit them. […]

By Tony|October 5th, 2017|Chimney|Comments Off

How Historical Chimney Sweeps Compare to Modern-Day Technicians

Be honest: what image comes to your mind when you hear the term “chimney sweep?” […]

By Tony|October 4th, 2017|Chimney|Comments Off

Have Your Chimney Inspected post Hurricane

Hurricane Harvey has come and gone, leaving substantial destruction, copious flooding, and stunned survivors in its wake. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Houston and other affected areas during this time, especially as evacuees head back to survey the damage done to their homes and property. Chimney and Wildlife Specialists’ expertise lies in chimney repair and animal control, so here’s our best advice for those trying to rebuild: […]

By Tony|September 28th, 2017|Chimney|Comments Off

We've been there and done that...read on for tips and tricks

We've been there and done that...
read on for tips and tricks