From the moment a chimney is built, it battles the elements. The numbing sub-zero temperatures, heavy snow, and ice define our winters. The often-humid summers and the abundant rainfall we experience year-round are also a

Wood-burning stoves are experiencing a renaissance, with Pennsylvania leading the charge. Pittsburgh homeowners, who were at the forefront of the American Industrial Revolution, have long embraced wood-burning fireplaces and stoves for home heating. Although modern

As summer arrives in western Pennsylvania, many homeowners plan family vacations, weekend barbecues, and tidying the house for Aunt Martha’s annual surprise visit. However, waterproofing the chimney is typically not on many Pittsburgh homeowners’ to-do

Do you know how to use your damper properly? This misunderstood device is vital to your fireplace’s safety and efficiency. While most Pittsburgh homeowners understand the necessity of opening the damper before lighting a fire,

It’s raining, it’s pouring, my bricks are crumbling. Bricks are made from porous materials. While they may seem resilient to even the harshest climates, they are actually more susceptible to water damage than many people

A chimney without a cap is like walking around Market Square in the rain without an umbrella or rain hat—you get soaked! Just like getting wet can make people sick, water can also harm the