Wood Burning Fireplace Inserts VS. Masonry Fireplaces

Masonry fireplaces have long been a fixture in many homes, providing warmth, ambiance, and a connection to tradition. Sitting by the fire creates lasting memories. This can happen during a warm family gathering on a winter night. It can also happen during a joyful holiday celebration. As homeowners think more about energy use, many are…

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Winter is Coming: Is Your Chimney Ready?

As the crisp air of autumn rolls in, and the first hints of frost start creeping into the evenings, homeowners begin thinking about the warmth and comfort of a glowing fire. There’s nothing quite like the cozy ambiance of a crackling hearth during the cold months. However, before you get too comfortable lighting that first…

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Chimney Integrity Testing

Chimney Integrity Testing- Will it work this time to protect U.S. Residential Chimneys? A new chimney sweep inspection tool from Europe was released in the United States chimney inspection market last month. Dave Sudworth from Mr Soot Training Center near Manchester, England came to Denver, Colorado in June 2024 to model the proper use of…

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Handwerk: Tools of the German Trade

By Byron Schramm, Founder, Midtown Chimney Sweeps So I’m in Germany on a family sabbatical studying chimney sweeping in Europe and I’m walking around what might be described as an Ace Hardware for chimney sweeps. It’s a brick-and-mortar tool and equipment store exclusively for the hearth industry. Stocked with brushes, rods and ropes, there’s everything…

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