Chimney Caps and Late-Summer Wildlife: Closing the Door Before Fall
By James Rodriguez, Central Chimney Service. Late summer is when animals start looking for winter quarters, and an uncapped flue
Spalling Brick vs. Normal Weathering: Reading Your Chimney’s Exterior
By James Rodriguez, Central Chimney Service. Every older chimney looks a little rough up close. The useful skill is telling
Chimney Crown Cracks: Small Gaps, Expensive Consequences
By James Rodriguez, Central Chimney Service. The crown is the concrete slab on top of your chimney, and it is
What Actually Builds Up Inside Your Return Air Ducts
By James Rodriguez, Central Chimney Service. People picture ductwork as one system. It is really two, and they get dirty
Rust Streaks on Your Firebox and Damper: What They Mean
By James Rodriguez, Central Chimney Service. Open a fireplace that has not been used since March and you may find
How Humid Illinois Summers Clog Dryer Vents Faster
By James Rodriguez, Central Chimney Service. Most people assume dryer vents fill up steadily all year. They do not. In
What a Chimney Camera Inspection Actually Shows
By James Rodriguez, Central Chimney Service. Homeowners rarely question a sweep, but they almost always question a camera inspection. It
Chimney Tips
August Chimney Prep in Bolingbrook: What to Do Before the First Cold Night
Booking chimney work in August means your pick of dates and enough warm weather to finish repairs properly. What accumulates over a Bolingbrook summer, what a pre-season visit should cover, and what you can check yourself.
Chimney Leaks After Summer Storms: Spotting Water Damage Before Fall
Wind-driven summer rain is the top cause of chimney water damage in the Chicago suburbs. Here are the leak signs to catch before the first freeze.
7 Warning Signs Your Chimney Needs Cleaning (A Plainfield Homeowner’s Guide)
A smoky smell, thick black buildup, smoke rolling back into the room — here are the seven warning signs Plainfield homeowners should never ignore, and what each one means.