Frequently Asked Questions

A cold air downdraft in your fireplace is usually caused by negative air pressure in your home or an open chimney flue. Here are some ways to stop it:

1. Check and Close the Damper

• Make sure the damper is fully closed when the fireplace is not in use.
• If the damper is old or damaged, consider replacing it with a new one.

2. Install a Chimney Balloon or Plug

• A chimney balloon or flue blocker is an inflatable or foam device that seals the chimney when not in use, preventing cold air from entering.

3. Use a Chimney Cap with a Draft Stopper

• A chimney cap prevents wind from forcing cold air down the flue.
• Some caps come with draft stoppers or special designs to reduce downdrafts.

4. Improve Home Air Balance

• Negative air pressure can pull cold air down the chimney.
• Try cracking a window near the fireplace when in use or install a vent to balance air pressure.
• Running an exhaust fan (like a kitchen hood or bathroom fan) can worsen the downdraft.

5. Insulate the Chimney

• If your chimney is uninsulated, it can create a cold air tunnel.
• Adding insulation around the flue or in the chimney walls can help reduce the effect.

6. Consider a Top-Sealing Damper

• Unlike traditional dampers, top-sealing dampers install at the top of the chimney and create an airtight seal when closed.

If your fireplace isn’t drafting properly (smoke coming into the room instead of going up the chimney), there could be several causes. Here are the most common reasons and solutions:

1. Chimney Flue is Closed or Blocked

✅ Check: Make sure the damper is fully open before starting a fire.
✅ Fix: Inspect the flue for blockages like nests, debris, or creosote buildup and clean if necessary.

2. Cold Chimney (Cold Air Plug)

✅ Check: If your chimney is very cold, it can create a cold air plug that prevents warm smoke from rising.
✅ Fix: Preheat the flue by lighting a rolled-up newspaper and holding it near the damper before starting the fire.

3. Negative Air Pressure in the House

✅ Check: Modern homes with tight insulation or running exhaust fans (kitchen/bathroom fans, HVAC) can create negative pressure that pulls smoke into the room.
✅ Fix: Crack a window slightly to balance the pressure.

4. Chimney is Too Short

✅ Check: A chimney should be at least 3 feet above the roof and 2 feet higher than any structure within 10 feet for proper draft.
✅ Fix: Extend the chimney if it’s too short.

5. Poor Firewood or Fire-Building Technique

✅ Check: Wet or unseasoned wood produces excess smoke and poor combustion.
✅ Fix: Use dry, seasoned hardwood (like oak or maple). Also, build a top-down fire to reduce smoke.

6. Wind and External Factors

✅ Check: Strong winds or chimney location (near trees, tall buildings) can disrupt airflow.
✅ Fix: Install a wind-directional chimney cap to prevent downdrafts.

7. Flue is Too Big or Too Small

✅ Check: If the flue is too large or small for your fireplace, smoke won’t exit properly.
✅ Fix: A chimney specialist can install a flue liner to correct the size.

If your house smells like smoke every time you use your fireplace, there are several possible causes:

1. Negative Air Pressure

• If your home is well-sealed or has exhaust fans running (kitchen, bathroom, HVAC), it can create negative pressure, pulling smoke back into the house.
  ✅ Fix: Try cracking a window near the fireplace to balance air pressure.

2. Cold Chimney (Cold Air Plug)

• A cold chimney can cause smoke to back up instead of rising.
  ✅ Fix: Preheat the flue by lighting a rolled-up newspaper and holding it near the damper before starting the fire.

3. Blocked or Partially Closed Flue

• If the damper isn’t fully open or there’s a blockage (like creosote buildup, nests, or debris), smoke won’t escape properly.
  ✅ Fix: Check that the damper is fully open and have the chimney inspected/cleaned if needed.

4. Wet or Unseasoned Firewood

• Burning wood that isn’t properly dried creates excess smoke and incomplete combustion.
  ✅ Fix: Use only seasoned, dry hardwood for a cleaner burn.

5. Chimney is Too Short or Poorly Designed

• If the chimney isn’t tall enough, it may not draft properly, causing smoke to spill into the house.
  ✅ Fix: Extending the chimney height can improve the draft.

6. Wind-Induced Downdrafts

Wind can push smoke back down into your home, especially if the chimney lacks a proper cap.
✅ Fix: Install a wind-resistant chimney cap to help prevent downdrafts.

You’ll need to give us a call to find out our inspection price. We’d be happy to go over the details and schedule a time to take a look at your fireplace!
785-670-6600

The cost of a new fireplace insert can vary depending on the type, size, and installation requirements. The best way to get an accurate estimate is to give us a call so we can discuss your needs and schedule an evaluation! 785-670-6600

If your bricks are crumbling and you’re finding pieces in your yard, it could be a sign of weathering, water damage, or structural issues with your chimney. Over time, exposure to moisture and freeze-thaw cycles can cause bricks and mortar to deteriorate.  

✅ Fix: A professional inspection can determine the extent of the damage. Depending on the severity, repairs may include tuckpointing (replacing damaged mortar), sealing the bricks, or rebuilding sections of the chimney.  

Give us a call, and we can assess the condition of your chimney and recommend the best solution! 785-670-6600

Yes, we can remove birds from your chimney! Birds often nest in chimneys, which can create blockages and fire hazards. It’s important to have them safely removed and consider installing a properly fitted chimney cap to prevent future issues.

Give us a call, and we can assess the situation and take care of it for you! 785-670-6600

If there are bats or other critters in your chimney, it’s important to have them removed safely, as they can pose health risks and create blockages. We recommend calling a professional to assess the situation and ensure the animals are removed humanely.

Additionally, installing a properly fitted chimney cap can help prevent animals from entering in the future.

Give us a call, and we can take care of the removal and offer solutions to keep your chimney critter-free!

The cost of new glass fireplace doors can vary depending on the size, style, and type of doors you choose. To get an accurate price and find the best option for your fireplace, give us a call—we’d be happy to help!

If you like your fireplace but don’t like the way it looks, we can help with that! There are several options to enhance the appearance of your fireplace, such as installing a new surround, updating the mantel, or adding a new insert.

Give us a call, and we can schedule a consultation to discuss the design changes you’re interested in and find the best solutions for your space!

If you’re seeing water in your fireplace when it rains, even with caps on the flue, it could be due to several reasons:

1. Damaged or Improperly Installed Chimney Cap

• The cap may not be properly sealing, or it could be cracked or damaged.

2. Cracks in the Chimney Structure

• Water could be entering through cracks in the brick or mortar.

3. Condensation

• Sometimes, condensation forms inside the chimney during rain, especially if there’s a lack of proper ventilation.

We recommend a professional inspection to identify the exact cause and suggest the best solution. Give us a call, and we can help resolve the issue!

Burning a sweeping log is not a substitute for a professional chimney cleaning and is generally discouraged. While it may help reduce some creosote buildup, it doesn’t address other potential issues, such as blockages, soot buildup, or animal nests. Relying on sweeping logs alone can also create safety hazards.

It’s always best to have your chimney professionally cleaned and inspected regularly to ensure it’s safe and operating efficiently. Give us a call to schedule a proper cleaning and inspection!

After a chimney fire, it’s crucial to have your chimney inspected and professionally cleaned as soon as possible. The fire may have caused damage to the chimney liner, flue, or structure, and it’s important to ensure everything is safe before using it again.

Steps to take:

1. Don’t use the fireplace until it’s been inspected by a professional.
2. Inspect for damage: Look for cracks in the chimney liner or chimney structure.
3. Have the chimney cleaned and repaired to prevent further hazards.

Give us a call to schedule an inspection and ensure your fireplace is safe to use again!

If you realize you’ve had a chimney fire, there are some immediate steps you can take to minimize damage and help protect your home:

1. Evacuate the area:

• Ensure everyone is safely out of the house.

2. Call the fire department:

• Chimney fires can spread quickly, so it’s important to call professionals immediately.

3. Shut the damper:

• If it’s safe to do so, close the damper to limit air supply to the fire.

4. Do not use the fireplace again:

• Avoid using the fireplace until it has been thoroughly inspected by a professional.

Once the fire is out, have a certified chimney sweep inspect your chimney for structural damage and necessary repairs. We’re here to help—give us a call to schedule an inspection and ensure your chimney is safe!

If you have a pilot light running all the time on your gas logs, it is generally safe, but there are a few things to consider:

1. Energy Efficiency:

• Leaving the pilot light on continuously uses gas, which could increase your energy bills over time. Some gas logs have an option for a manual or intermittent pilot to save energy.

2. Safety:

• Make sure the area around the pilot light is clean and there are no gas leaks. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure everything is working safely.

3. Manufacturer’s Instructions:

• Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific gas logs. Some models may be designed for continuous pilot light use, while others may have guidelines for turning it off when not in use.

If you have any concerns or would like to discuss the best options for your setup, give us a call—we can help with proper maintenance and recommendations!

Having a certified chimney sweep over a random person is important for several reasons:

1. Expertise and Training:

Certified chimney sweeps are trained to recognize and address a wide range of issues in your chimney. They know how to safely and effectively clean your chimney and identify potential hazards like creosote buildup, cracks, or blockages that a non-professional might miss.

2. Safety:

Chimney cleaning involves working with fire hazards, and improper cleaning can lead to serious accidents, such as chimney fires or carbon monoxide poisoning. A certified professional understands how to work safely and will follow industry standards to keep your home safe.

3. Equipment:

A certified chimney sweep uses specialized tools and equipment to properly clean and inspect your chimney. This includes things like chimney cameras for detailed inspections, which can help spot hidden issues without causing damage.

4. Compliance with Codes and Regulations:

Certified chimney sweeps are familiar with local codes and regulations. Hiring someone without proper certification may result in improper cleaning or neglecting to address issues that are required by law or insurance policies.

5. Liability Protection:

Certified professionals carry insurance, meaning if anything goes wrong during the cleaning or inspection, you’re covered. Hiring a random person without insurance could leave you liable for any damages or accidents.

6. Peace of Mind:

With a certified professional, you know you’re getting a thorough and reliable service. You can trust they will follow the right procedures and ensure your chimney is operating safely and efficiently.

It’s worth investing in a certified chimney sweep to make sure your home stays safe and your chimney is properly maintained! Would you like help scheduling a certified chimney inspection?

To check if someone is a certified chimney sweep, you can visit the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)website at CSIA.org. On their site, select “Find a Pro”, and enter your zip code. This will generate a list of only certified sweeps who are accredited by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). This ensures you’re hiring a professional who has the necessary training and certification to perform safe and reliable chimney services.

A chimney inspection is a thorough examination of your fireplace, chimney, and venting system. It helps identify potential hazards, blockages, creosote buildup, and structural issues. Chimney inspections are essential for safety and can prevent dangerous fires or carbon monoxide buildup.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends having your chimney inspected at least once a year, especially if you use your fireplace regularly. If you notice any issues, such as smoke in the room or strange odors, it’s important to have it checked immediately.

• Level 1: A basic inspection that covers accessible parts of the chimney, flue, and fireplace. Ideal for routine maintenance if no changes have been made to the system.
• Level 2: A more thorough inspection that includes using cameras or other tools to check for hidden problems. Recommended if you’re buying or selling a home or after a chimney fire or earthquake.
• Level 3: A comprehensive inspection that may involve removing parts of the chimney or fireplace to examine areas that are otherwise inaccessible. This is typically required if there are major concerns or after a serious event like a chimney fire.

Creosote is a highly flammable substance that forms when wood is burned. It builds up on the chimney walls over time and can lead to chimney fires if left unchecked. Regular chimney cleaning and inspections help prevent dangerous creosote buildup.

Common signs your chimney may need repair include:

• Crumbling bricks or mortar
• Water damage or leaks
• Smoke coming into the room when the fireplace is in use
• Unpleasant odors
• Difficulty starting or maintaining a fire If you notice any of these issues, it’s important to schedule an inspection immediately.

While you can perform basic maintenance (like checking for debris), chimney cleaning requires specialized tools and expertise to do safely. It’s best to hire a professional chimney sweep to ensure the job is done thoroughly and in compliance with safety standards.

A chimney cap is a protective cover placed at the top of your chimney to prevent rain, debris, and animals (like birds or squirrels) from entering. It also helps prevent downdrafts, which can bring cold air and smoke back into your home. A chimney cap is an important investment for keeping your chimney clean and safe.

If you notice any of the following signs, it may be time to repair your fireplace:

• Cracks or damage to the fireplace or chimney
• A smoky room or unpleasant odors
• Difficulty lighting or maintaining a fire
• Soot buildup or other blockages Our certified technicians can inspect and assess the condition of your fireplace and recommend necessary repairs.