Billy’s Little Blog

It’s summer, but winter is coming and will be here before you know it, so why not use these lazy warm-weather days to make sure your chimney and fireplace are in top condition for the upcoming cool season?  While some tasks should be done only by professionals, there are many things you as a homeowner can do to ensure a safe and efficient Read more…

Any time you bring a service technician to your home to work on any component inside or outside the home, you should proceed with both eyes open.  A good tech can be a lifesaver, whereas one who isn’t right for the job can cost you a lot of time and money.  Hiring a chimney sweep can be a little confusing for some homeowners who ask, How do Read more…

A chimney cap is an investment that can last a lifetime. A stainless steel or copper chimney cap can last for decades and plays an important role in protecting you and your loved ones from serious safety risks as well as protecting your home from damage. These are the top 5 ways that a quality chimney cap is a smart choice: #1 Read more…

It seems like everywhere you turn, someone wants your money.  But when it comes to having your chimney inspected, this might be the smartest money you ever spend.  Here’s why. All chimneys need annual inspections primarily for two reasons: 1. To detect structural problems and get them fixed before serious and expensive damage occurs, and 2. To determine the level of creosote and soot buildup along with other obstructions that Read more…

Do you know when you need to call on a chimney sweep? Just like a car, a chimney needs regular maintenance to operate safely and effectively. Having your chimney inspected and cleaned annually by a chimney sweep who has been certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) prevents the risk of a fire, decreases air pollution, increases your fireplace or stove’s efficiency and Read more…

Do you like to “tinker around” with cars or other mechanical components?  It can be a lot of fun doing your own repair and maintenance work, and it can save you some money, but it’s important to have the experience and tools you need to get the job done safely and correctly.  There are some home repair projects that take the knowledge and training of a professional and should Read more…

Have you noticed any kind of discoloration on the outside of your chimney?  If you have, you may be seeing something that’s just a normal part of the “wear and tear” a chimney exposed to the elements goes through.  But discoloration could point to a problem that will become more serious over time if left unattended. Below we’ll present a basic primer on how to identify Read more…

Keeping your home cool during Texas’ hot summers can force your AC to work overtime. Adding a solar attic fan can make its job easier and reduce your energy costs. Do you realize that your attic can get up to 160 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer? Even if you don’t use your attic, these uncomfortably high temperatures can affect you by increase the overall Read more…

According to every home-safety and fire-prevention organization, chimneys connected to wood-burning fireplaces should be inspected at least once a year.  This is not erring on the side of caution, but rather going with statistics.  Among the thousands of house fires every year in the U.S., a high percentage of them start as fires in chimneys. What takes place during an annual chimney inspection? A Read more…

If your chimney was factory-built (as opposed to constructed on-site), chances are it has a chimney chase cover.  If you’ve been operating your fireplace/chimney for many years, there’s also a good chance that the chase cover is showing signs of damage and needs to be replaced.  How can you know if this is the case? Because the chase cover sits at the Read more…