Expert Chimney & Fireplace Tips

Why You Need a Professional Chimney Inspection

Published June 11, 2012

If you’re a homeowner, it’s imperative that your chimney is inspected annually. Think you can do it yourself? You may want to reconsider. It’s not as easy as you may think. The truth is that responsible homeownership means hiring a certified chimney sweep to inspect your chimney once a year. Dr. Flue is a leader […]

Posted in Chimney Inspection | Tagged Certified Chimney Sweeps, Chimney Inspection, Chimney Sweeps Ann Arbor MI, Dr. Flue, Michigan Chimney Sweeps | Comments Off

Why Painting Your Chimney is a Bad Idea

Published May 10, 2012

Many people think painting your chimney will look beautiful, modern, or sleek. But just like a lovely bronze tan, what looks good on the outside might be another story on the inside. Many people hire a remodeler, handy man, or builder to paint their chimney. Or if repairs are necessary, apply a thick coating of tar or sealer. […]

Posted in Chimney Repair, Common Fireplace & Chimney Problems | 2 Comments

Don’t Let a Leaky Chimney Damper Your Spring Season

Published March 19, 2012

A leaky chimney can create quite the headache for households in Michigan and Ohio. Whether it’s in Ann Arbor, Columbus, or Toledo, home owners are plagued with this inconvenience. Repairs can also take a toll on your pocketbook! Unfortunately, if you don’t have your chimney inspected annually as a preventative measure, a leaky chimney is a problem that […]

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The Importance of Proper Wood Burning Stove Maintenance

Published January 10, 2012

With the increasing natural gas and fuel oil heating costs, many homeowners are keeping their homes warm using wood stoves. Although you save money, you also run the risk of a home fire.

Posted in Chimney Cleaning, Chimney Inspection, Common Fireplace & Chimney Problems, Tips & Safety, Wood Stoves | Tagged chimney cleaning, CSIA, fireplace care, safety tips, wood stove | Comments Off

Chimney Sweep Story for Kids

Published November 17, 2011

Hey kids! Do you know what a chimney sweep does? Below is a chimney sweep story to explain. The job of the chimney sweep is to remove soot, blockages and built-up creosote from your fireplace and chimney. Creosote is a highly flammable substance that builds up inside your chimney or liner as a result of burning wood. So, remember to […]

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Get Prepared!

Published November 17, 2011

With the temperatures dropping (it is that time of year again), Doctor Flue, inc. ® would like to remind you to prepare your fireplace prior to use. Check the quality of your wood (or gas line connections), the integrity of your flue system, and educate children on safety during operation. Tips to Safe Burning Season If you […]

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The Importance of Chimney Caps

Published February 28, 2011

Chimney caps offer protection against all types of things, including animals (such as birds, squirrels, and raccoons), rain, and debris. Without a cap on your chimney, you may discover wild animals nesting inside your chimney, which causes problems for you and the animals. Browse this article (below) from The Chimney Sweeps’ News magazine for more […]

Posted in Chimney Services | 1 Comment

Do Your Research! Hire Certified Chimney Sweeps

Published February 24, 2011

We highly recommend doing your homeowork before you hire and invite a sweep into your home. There are the websites that have a wealth of information and let you search for nationally certified chimney sweeps. Our favorites are the Chimney Safety Institue of America (CSIA) and the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG). CSIA Recommended Questions to Hire Certified […]

Posted in Certified Chimney Sweeps, Chimney Services, Common Fireplace & Chimney Problems, FAQs, Tips & Safety | Comments Off

Water and Your Masonry Chimney

Published May 13, 2010

Do you have concerns when it comes to water and your masonry chimney? A masonry chimney is one part of the home that is taken for granted most often. Few receive the concern or attention needed to maintain them for long-haul. It’s easy to take this part of your home for granted when they function reasonably well, even without proper […]

Posted in Chimney Services | 3 Comments

Hairline Cracks in Fireplace Refractory Panels

$Hairline Cracks in Fireplace Refractory Panels$

Published March 25, 2010

Many homeowners are concerned when they see cracked fireplace refractory panels. Are these cracks “bad?” Are hairline cracks “safe?” If so, how big of a crack in your fireplace refractory panel is “okay?” Doctor Flue, serving SE Michigan and NW Ohio, discusses manufacturer recommendations and how to determine when it’s time to replace cracked fireplace refractory panels. […]

Posted in Chimney Repair, Fireplaces | Tagged Cracks, Fireplaces, Refractory Panels | 6 Comments