When you think about it, there are many potentially dangerous items we bring into our homes, from appliances to the electricity on which they run. One of the most prominent is, of course, our heating systems. While they serve to provide us with warmth and comfort, they can also put us at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning, house fire, and other hazards. This is why we do everything possible to…

Most homeowners love their fireplace. It serves as a nice, warm spot to read on rainy nights or the place where the family gathers on those cold holiday mornings. And while people know the big picture requirements for owning and maintaining a chimney (like annual inspections and sweepings), they often forget to think about the little things. One such detail is the chimney cap. Chimney caps are…

The winter months will be here before you know it. When the temperature outside gets chilly, there’s nothing like relaxing by the cozy, warm fireplace. Your chimney system not only adds charm to your home, but it also plays an important role in ensuring that you can enjoy a safe fire. Read more

Your chimney is essentially a ventilation system; it safeguards your home, transferring hot flue gases to the outside air. As a channel between your home and the external environment, however, your chimney needs protection too. For this reason, chimney caps are a measure highly recommended by most professionals. The following are 5 reasons you should install a chimney cap, if you haven’t already.…

What's a chimney rain cap? Many Indianapolis homeowners have a fireplace and chimney. However, without detailed chimney education, it is difficult for many homeowners to know all of the many parts in their chimney. Understanding the anatomy and role of different chimney parts is key to keeping your chimney in its best condition and understanding any chimney problems.  Read more

Don’t decorate your chimney! It serves a functional, important purpose, and it is important that it is not obstructed by any material that could impair its performance or impact safety. That said… feel free to decorate your mantle and add a fun, festive flair for the holidays! Decorating around your fireplace is a great way to celebrate the season – safely. 5 Tips for Decorating Your…

Do you ever watch insurance commercials? Companies from Geico and Progressive to AllState and Farmers have perfected the art of the ad; they’re funny, entertaining, and memorable. There’s a good reason for this: insurance is incredibly boring! No one likes to curl up with a good policy or check clauses and conditions when they’re scrolling on their phone. We want insurance to protect us when we…

Oh, a chimney fire will just burn itself out. No big deal. That’s what a chimney is for, after all. This is a common misconception when it comes to chimney fires – and it can be a very dangerous one. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, there are over 25,000 chimney fires in the US each year. In terms of property damage and loss, the cost is estimated at over $126 million. The…

Chimneys are designed to allow smoke and toxic by-products of combustible materials to safely escape from fireplaces, wood stoves, and furnaces. The earliest versions were simply holes cut through the roofs of thatch structures – while we have certainly come a long way since then, they still perform the same function and are essentially holes in your home (albeit far more sophisticated ones!).…