Known for its three rivers and rich industrial history, Pittsburgh holds the title of the eighth-rainiest city in the U.S., with over 38 inches of precipitation each year. With all that rainfall, it’s no wonder Read more

In Pittsburgh, where wood-burning fireplaces and stoves are part of the winter experience, maintaining the chimney is paramount. However, snowy and below-freezing winters and warm summers with over 150 days of rainfall annually mixed in Read more

There is an old saying that describes spring in Pittsburgh, “In like a lion, and out like a lamb.” That’s because although spring has begun, it still feels like winter. Then, like a rabbit popping Read more

Does your chimney have gaps between the bricks? Eroding and decaying mortar are common problems for masonry chimneys in Alleghany County and western PA. Years of exposure to snowy, icy winters and wet, humid summers Read more

It’s the first day of spring, and as I walk around the waterfront on a cool, sunny afternoon in Pittsburgh, I notice several chimney tops bearing the scars of a brutal winter. As masonry chimneys Read more

Southwestern Pennsylvania experiences all four seasons, from humid summers with temperatures reaching into the 80s and 90s to cold, snowy winters that dip below freezing. The region’s climate stresses homes and their components, including chimneys. Read more

Ooh, what’s that smell? As your chimney works to vent smoke and pollutants from your warm and cozy fireplace, it can also become a motel for unwanted guests and decaying organic matter. A broken or Read more

From summer’s sweltering heat and humidity to the bone-chilling cold and snow of winter, Pittsburgh chimneys face a constant battle against Mother Nature. Guarding the chimney from atop, caps, crowns, and covers is a full-time Read more

Pennsylvanians know that winter weather can be harsh, especially for homes with a chimney. The heavy snowfall, icy conditions, and frigid temperatures can wreak havoc on the masonry, and one particularly vulnerable area is the Read more

Spending a warm and cozy evening enjoying hand-dipped chocolate-covered strawberries with your favorite beverage beside a fireplace with your Valentine is a romantic experience. But before you fall under the spell of the mesmerizing flames, Read more