Billy’s Little Blog

A fire in the chimney can be devastating. This can lead to extensive fire damage or even death. Year after year there are many house fires that have started in the chimney. At times the homeowner may not even know that there is a fire. It is important to understand what causes a chimney fire Read more…

A fireplace damper is an important part of the success of a warm glowing fire. Knowing how to use it correctly may be a concern to some homeowners. If the damper is working correctly, it should keep your home warm while pushing toxic smoke outside. Regular chimney inspection is key to ensuring the damper operates Read more…

What a great time of the year. We have finally put politics behind us with the hopes of a promised better America. The weather is cooling down. The stores are filled with Christmas. Your plans for Thanksgiving are underway. With all the hustle and bustle ahead, don’t neglect one of the important aspects of your Read more…

Now is the time of year when your chimney needs some attention. If you haven’t had your chimney inspection or sweep this year, now is the time to call us for your appointment. Your chimney stands out in the heat of summer and the freezing temperatures of winter. Summer and winter storms can wreak havoc Read more…

Thanksgiving is a special time for family gatherings. We also look forward to seeing how much the family has grown in the past year. A deep-fried turkey, a Southern tradition, takes center stage among a cornucopia of delights, marking the festive occasion in southeast Texas. Thanksgiving also serves as a reminder that winter is near. Read more…

Is the monster that goes bump in the night lurking in your chimney? The tips, taps, creaks, whooshes, and thumps coming from your chimney might make you wonder if a ghost, ghoul, or another creepy crawling creature has taken up a residence in your chimney. Thankfully, most chimney noises are easily explained by common chimney Read more…

Our humid climate in Greater Houston and the Southeast Texas region creates ideal conditions for creosote, a highly flammable substance that accumulates in chimneys when burning wood. Creosote is a natural byproduct of combustion, becoming increasingly flammable as it lingers. Consequently, not regularly sweeping can pose a severe fire and health hazard. Strong winds and Read more…

For centuries, bricks have been among the most common building materials because of their strength and longevity. But it has a silent enemy. In the 1840s British children’s classic, the Big Bad Wolf famously said, “I’ll huff, and I’ll puff, and I’ll blow your house in,” to the Three Little Pigs. Surprisingly, there’s some truth Read more…

Like most things from cars, and appliances to chimneys, if you let dirt, grime, and debris collect, their efficiency diminishes. Findings are confirmed by the World Academy of Science, Engineering, and Technology, who says “A drop in the efficiency of a solar PV panel is not desired.” One of the contributing factors to the drop Read more…

If you are a summer person, you have been waiting all year for the warm weather and the time spent outside. You are enjoying BBQs with family and friends and the lazy summer days. With these beautiful days come summer storms. Torrential rains and gusty winds can cause quite a bit of damage to your Read more…