A masonry fireplace has become a preferred feature for many homeowners.

While decorating may be one of the most fun parts of the holiday preparations, sparkly wreaths and cozy stockings hanging above the mantel can quickly turn into a fire hazard. 

The fireplace is a centerpiece of each home it needs special care.

A chimney should be inspected at least once a year; the best time to do so is before winter starts.

Regular chimney cleaning and maintenance are not only necessary to keep the family warm during winter, but for safety reasons as well. Here are five crucial chimney care practices and maintenance tips to prevent damage and a potential house fire.

The chimney is among the most critical components of a fireplace. An incorrectly functioning chimney can put the home’s safety at risk. Every chimney requires regular safety inspections and maintenance by a chimney expert to stay in the best shape and avoid hazardous and costly problems. Homeowners should keep an eye out for warning signs that their chimney is not performing as it should.

Catching a leaking chimney early on and determining the actual cause is essential to prevent the issue from worsening. Periodic chimney inspections can prevent damage and save money on repairs. Here are a few most common causes of chimney leaks homeowners should look into if they suspect a leak.

A chimney cap is versatile and one of the most essential and helpful accessories of a chimney system. Not many homeowners pay attention to or understand the role it plays in enhancing the chimney's short- and long-term integrity and preventing unnecessary issues from developing.

Black tar or creosote is a byproduct of wood burning that can seep into chimneys and the inside of flues. It can cause long-term issues if it's not removed. Understanding what creosote is and how it can affect the chimney is essential in ensuring the fireplace is safe.

A fireplace has several different parts contributing to its proper functionality. Chimneys are an integral component of a fireplace, allowing combustion by-products like smoke, gasses, water vapor, tar fog, and unburned wood particles to vent to the exteriors instead of entering the home environment. 

Safety is a concern every time a homeowner uses a fireplace. However, chimney liners can help give owners an extra security measure against potential hazards from a lit fireplace.

The chimney is an essential ventilation structure whose primary function is to vent hazardous combustion gasses produced in a fireplace, like carbon monoxide, away from our living space. A properly functioning and well-maintained chimney is vital for home safety.

If you’ve never considered regularly cleaning your home’s dryer vent, now is an excellent time to start. Dryer vents collect the lint expelled from the dryer during everyday use and eventually pose significant health and safety concerns to the family.

If you have a gas log fireplace, it's probably common knowledge not to burn regular wood logs. Beyond that, there is a lot of mystery around the best setup for gas fireplaces for optimal efficiency and safety.

A chimney damper is responsible for controlling the flow of smoke through the chimney as well as ventilation. If a chimney damper breaks, it can prevent homeowners from using their fireplaces effectively.

Chimneys are exposed to a variety of weather conditions all year round. One of the most common household problems is a leaking chimney, especially during rainy seasons.

Creosote is one of the most common chimney issues. It’s a type of soot that accumulates in the chimney and blocks the passage. Some of the consequences include obstruction and fires, which is why you should have professional creosote removal promptly.

Fireplaces provide homeowners with a perfect spot to enjoy a warm and cozy evening with family and friends during the chilly weather. The inviting, warm glow and relaxing ambiance created by a fireplace are hard to resist during winters, and these household fixtures quickly become the centerpiece of a gathering.