We’re entering the time of year where homeowners are using their fireplace less and less. For those with a gas...
Mr. Smokestack Blog
What is an Ahren-Fireplace?
When it comes to fireplace restoration, there’s only one name that we trust year after year. Using Ahren-Fire Masonry...
Don’t Leave Chimney Leaks Unattended
Whether you’ve had an official diagnosis of a leaky chimney, or you simply see signs of a leak, the chimney needs to...
Popular Gas Fireplace Appliances
Gas fires are becoming more common among homeowners, business owners, and even within the hospitality industry in...
Common Gas Fireplace Issues
Gas fires are a popular option among homeowners because they are versatile in style and capacity, they’re easy to...
Why A Chimney Sweep is Important
This time of year you hear a lot about fire safety. It’s not only those who have a fireplace that may experience a...
Why We Recommend Chimney Waterproofing
For all our customers in and around Raleigh, North Carolina, we recommend chimney waterproofing. In order to maintain...
What Makes Us the Best Chimney Sweep in Raleigh, NC?
When it comes to chimney care in and around Raleigh, North Carolina, we want our customers to choose the best! That’s...
We Offer 3 Levels of Chimney Inspection
It’s nearly time to light your winter fires and that means a little annual maintenance. Before you reach for the...
What You Should Know About Chimney Fires
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there are about 53,600 house fires reported each year of...
We Repair and Replace Chimney Caps
The chimney cap is the first defense for your chimney—against weather, animals, and debris. When it’s designed well...
Dangers of a Dirty Chimney
If you’re like many homeowners, your chimney is used at least intermittently each winter. Even those who don’t use...
Save Money and Energy with Top Sealing Dampers
Did you know that of all the things that can go wrong with your chimney system, problems with the chimney cap is quite...
Why Does My Chimney Stink?
If you used your fireplace all winter long, you’re probably ready to ignore it for the summer. You can absolutely...
The Importance of Gas Fireplace Maintenance
Gas fireplaces are growing in popularity. They are a favorite among our neighbors, our friends, and even the staff at...
We Now Offer Gas Services!
Gas fireplaces and appliances are becoming more popular each year—among homeowners, designers, house flippers, and...
Wildlife Removal and Prevention
With warm weather is upon us, you likely don't need your chimney, but your neighborhood wildlife may need it! Many...
Is It Time for a New Chimney Crown?
The two most neglected parts of the fireplace system are the firebox and the chimney crown. The firebox endures the...
We Offer Chimney Inspections to Home Buyers
A fireplace is one of the most desirable features of a listed home. Homes with fireplaces—no matter what the fuel...
Five Ways to Protect Against Chimney Leaks
During the life of your home, there is a lot that can go wrong with your chimney. It’s your job as the homeowner to do...
Spring Cleaning Should Include Your Chimney!
When it is time to tackle spring cleaning for your home, don’t forget your chimney system! We often keep up with...
What is the FireGuard System?
When it comes to chimneys, you can’t do much better than a well-constructed, well-maintained masonry chimney. It’s...
Restore Your Fireplace with ChimneySaver’s Paint N Peel
We’re in the last few weeks of winter and many homeowners are thinking about closing out the fireplace and chimney...
Is It Time for a Retro-Fit?
The odds are, you’re still depending on your heating systems to heat your home. If you’re used to using a fireplace to...
New Year, Same Dryer? Time to Schedule a Dryer Vent Cleaning!
Clothes dryers are made to last ten years. When your dryer is half that, and working poorly, it can only mean one...
Hearing Noises in The Walls? Call Us About Animal Removal
We’re deep into winter now and people and animals are moving indoors. You might have heard of animals being stuck in...
Tips to Improve Fireplace Efficiency
In the thick of winter is not the best time to realize you have problems with your fireplace and chimney system. The...
Damper Repair and Replacement
Over time, especially during winter while your chimney and fireplace are used often, parts can become damaged. Even a...
We Provide Mess-Free Chimney Cleaning!
At Mr. Smokestack Chimney Service, you can count on expert service for all our customers and friends in the Raleigh...
We Are Committed to Serving You!
It’s not everyday that a person joins an industry for the purpose of serving others and keeping their community safe....
Why You Should Have Your Chimney Inspected
Every winter there are thousands of chimney fires across the US and worldwide that cause injury and death, displace...
We Can Repair and Install a Firebox for Fall
Now is the time to make necessary repairs to your chimney system. Some repairs may be completely cosmetic and some may...
How Tuckpointing Works
Masonry damage can be unsightly, bringing down the value of your chimney, dropping efficiency, and creating a fire...
Why Have a Professional Install Prefabricated Fireplaces?
Just like you would have a licensed dentist perform a dental implant procedure, you should also have a chimney...
We Can Rebuild or Add a Fireplace to Your Home!
At Mr. Smokestack Chimney Service, fireplaces are not just our specialty, but it's rather something we love to build...
The Many Jobs of a Chimney Cap
Your chimney is made of many parts. Each part of the system is very important for a safe and efficient fireplace,...
Buying a Home This Summer? We Inspect Chimneys for Home Buyers!
The very thing that might have drawn you to your prospective home may be the one thing that holds you back from having...
Why You Should Waterproof Your Chimney
Your chimney is one of the best things about your house. For example, it increases your property value. It also...
It’s Time to Get Your Dryer Vent Cleaned
Did you know clothes dryers account for 2,900 home fires each year? Clothes dryer fires cause an estimated 5 deaths,...
Protect Your Chimney From Chimney Swifts
Spring may be the season that identifies a problem with your chimney, and you don’t want to be the last to know! A...
Is it Time For Your Chimney to Get Tuckpointing?
Every chimney system will inevitably experience damage over time. Masonry becomes worn and damaged due to...
The Importance of Fireplace Inserts
If you’re living in the Raleigh area of North Carolina, you are likely finished with burning season and thinking of...
All About the FireGuard System
At Mr. Smokestack Chimney Service, we encounter every type of chimney problems every day that could be avoided. The...
What is a Fireplace Retro-Fit?
If you’ve been looking online or speaking to a professional about fireplace upgrades, you might have heard the term...
We Can Remove Fireplace Stains
Your fireplace plays an important function in your home. Not only that, but chances are you've invested a lot of your...
How to Repurpose Your Firewood Ash
Your fire produces buckets of ash throughout one burning season. If you burn improperly seasoned firewood, have a less...
How to Protect Your Chimney Against Water
As spring fast approaches, some homes are not prepared for the heavy rains. One way to ensure you are prepared is a...
What Winter Can Do to a Chimney System
Winter is show time for your chimney system. It is the time when it endures the most abuse, works the most, and may...
Tips to Maximize Your Fireplace Heat Output
One of the best features of your home may be your fireplace. Whether it’s a beautiful, hand-built hearth, or a...
Does My Gas Fireplace Need an Annual Inspection?
Whether you have a wood-burning, pellet, or gas fireplace, it’s important that it’s inspected annually. Many...
Reasons Why a Liner Needs Replacing
You don’t just make a chimney repair for no reason. Chimney professionals put customer safety and comfort first, and...
Protect Your Chimney with a Chimney Cap
Winter weather may have had a slow start, but it’s well underway now in Raleigh! From now until Christmas week,...
Common Issues Found During Chimney Inspections
For a safe and efficient chimney, homeowners should schedule chimney inspections annually. These appointments may be...
Why is Creosote in Dangerous in Your Chimney?
As your wood fire burns, chemical breakdown occurs, resulting in byproducts being released. What most people notice is...
All About Top-Sealing Dampers
The traditional damper can be difficult to repair or replace because of its location. The throat damper is usually...
Functions of a Chimney Crown
Of all the parts of the chimney system, the ones that prevent water damage may save you the most money. Water can...
Have a Professional Chimney Inspection Done Before Your First Fire
The season is changing from summer to fall and the air is getting crisp. This is the time when homeowners light up...
Address Your Last Minute Chimney Repairs
Did you remember to have your chimney inspected this summer? If you had your chimney sweep and inspection, your...
We Are Certified (And Why it Matters)
When it comes to chimneys, homeowners tend to overlook the standard and try to D-I-Y. This can lead to dangerous...
Animals in the Chimney? Get Them Removed
After a long summer, you don't know what might be in your chimney--especially if you didn't take measures to close it...
Take Care of Chimney Repairs Before Fall
Fireplace lovers are ready to light the first fire of the season as soon as the weather starts getting cooler in the...
Problems With Cracked Chimney Crowns
There are some problems that can occur with your chimney system even when it's not in use. Perhaps the off-season is...
Why We Recommend Chimney Waterproofing
Your chimney is designed to last the life of your home. Also, to withstand time and weather. This is why you often see...
What is Chimney Relining?
Your chimney has an important job to do and many parts make that job possible. The chimney should properly vent heat,...
Extend the Life of Your Dryer With Annual Cleaning
Your clothes dryer is designed to do a specific job in a certain amount of time. It should dry a moderately sized load...
Dangers of Leaking Chimney Flashing
Flashing is a vital component of the chimney system with a very specific job. Many other parts of the chimney system...
Time to Start Thinking About Chimney Repairs
As cool weather turns to wet, spring weather it’s time to think about chimney maintenance and repairs. Winter damage...
How to Prevent Chimney Odors
Part of the charm of a fireplace is definitely the woody, fire smell, the crackling flame, and the warmth. If your...
Why is a Chimney Cap Important?
The chimney cap is one of the most essential, yet often overlooked part of a chimney system. It does multiple jobs to...
What Goes Into a Routine Chimney Sweep
A chimney sweep is more than looking up the chimney with a mirror, and it’s less than a full-blown, top-to-bottom...
Fireplace Safety Tips This Winter
Because of cooler temperatures, more homes in Raleigh and surrounding areas are depending on the fireplace for...
Why Is My Fireplace Smoking?
A fire naturally produces smoke. However, there is no good reason that it should be smoking anyplace other than your...
Family Activities to Enjoy by the Hearth this Holiday Season
Santa Clause is not the only person who might use the chimney and fireplace this season! Many families center holiday...
Build an Efficient Fire
Building a fire is far more involved than the cartoon dream of rubbing two sticks together. To have the best fire...
Have Your Chimney Swept Now
Regular use of your chimney results in natural residue inside the chimney flue, ashes inside the firebox, and creosote...
Has Water Damaged Your Chimney?
Over time, and many seasons of burning, even the best chimneys can experience damage. It’s important to recognize the...
How to Choose the Best Firewood
So you have your dream fireplace. It’s everything you imagine. You chose the perfect appliance, insert, or fireplace,...
Is Your Chimney Cap Working?
The chimney cap is one of many parts of the chimney that work together to keep your fireplace or furnace working...
Burning Season is Coming! Inspect Your Chimney
The evenings are getting cooler and days are getting shorter, which means one thing. Fall is coming, and that means...
How Chimney Leaks Occur
A leaky chimney is the main culprit of chimney decline. It can lead to increased fire risk as well as a host of costs...
How to Spot Chimney Masonry Damage
Protecting your masonry chimney from water penetration is one of the most important responsibilities you have as a...
Reduce Hazards This Fall By Having Your Chimney Inspected Now
The interior of your chimney could be hiding problems that could lead to dangerous situations when you light the first...
Top Signs Your Dryer Vent Needs Cleaning
Did you realize your clothes dryer could be a possible fire hazard? According to the National Fire Protection...
Dirty Fireplace Front? We Can Help with Paint N Peel Fireplace Cleaner
While your annual chimney sweeping will clean the inside of your firebox and your chimney, your fireplace front may...
How to Keep Animals from Nesting in Your Chimney
Since so many trees are being cut down for construction and development purposes, wild animals like birds, squirrels,...
What Causes a Chimney to Leak?
Although masonry chimneys are constructed to last a lifetime, they can suffer from damage and deterioration over the...
Why Are Unpleasant Odors Coming from My Chimney?
Every summer when the weather gets hot and humid, Mr. Smokestack Chimney Service gets calls from our customers asking...
Add Beauty & Protection with a Copper Chimney Cap
One of the most important components of your chimney system is the chimney cap. A cap sits at the very top of your...
Watch Out for Chimney Swifts This Spring!
Have you been hearing the sounds of birds chirping coming from your chimney lately? Your chimney may have been invaded...
Prevent Your Clothes Dryer from Catching on Fire
You may not even realize that your clothes dryer can be a major fire hazard, but according to the US Fire...
Avoiding the Dangers of Carbon Monoxide
You could be breathing in a poisonous gas without even realizing it. Carbon monoxide is odorless and tasteless, so it...
Shopping for a New Fireplace? Be Sure to Ask the Right Questions
If you have been looking at new fireplaces to add to your home, you know how overwhelming your options are. You have...
Is It Time to Update the Look of Your Fireplace?
If you have lived in your home for several years, you may be ready to make some changes to the decor. One update that...
Upgrading Your Prefabricated Fireplace
If you have a prefabricated (prefab) fireplace, you may think that you have very limited options to upgrade it to a...
Catalytic vs Non-Catalytic Wood Stoves
You have decided that this year will be the time to upgrade your old masonry fireplace into a more efficient heating...
Build a Better Fire with a Top-Down Burn
On the coldest days in winter, there is nothing like warming up by a cozy wood fire. Burning wood provides some...
We Are Proud to Serve The Triangle of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill
Since 2006, Mr. Smokestack Chimney Service has been taking care of chimneys and fireplaces across the triangle of...
The Science of Combustion
The fire combustion process is simple and a better understanding of this process can help you build a better fire in...
If You’re Thinking About Upgrading Your Fireplace, We Now Have Financing Available
You may be considering upgrading your fireplace by converting it into a more efficient way to heat your home with a...
Consider Zone Heating to Save on Energy Bills
If you noticed your heating bills getting bigger over the past few years, you are most likely looking for a way to...
Keep Your Fireplace Well-Maintained
Maintaining your fireplace during the fall and winter will allow you to enjoy the fire with peace of mind. When you...
What Type of Firewood Should I Choose?
When evaluating pre-cut firewood for your fireplace this season, make sure you are getting dry and seasoned firewood....
What It Means to Be an NFPA Member
At Mr. Smokestack, we take our jobs as chimney professionals very seriously. All of our chimney technicians are...
Smoke Parging
At Mr. Smokestack, our Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)-certified staff is asked many questions about...
Custom Glass Fireplace Doors Can Help You Save Energy
If you have a wood-burning fireplace in your home, it can be very helpful to know the secrets behind making that...
We Cleaned the Chimneys and the Fireplaces in the Governor’s Mansion
Earlier this year, Mr. Smokestack had the distinctive honor to be chosen as the professional chimney sweeps of the...
We Use FireGuard Chimney Relining System
When the clay tile liner in your masonry chimney has become cracked and damaged, Mr. Smokestack can restore and reline...
Dealing with Chimney Swifts
If you have been hearing the sounds of birds chirping from your fireplace, your chimney may have become a nesting home...
Get Those Stains Off Your Fireplace!
Not only can Mr. Smokestack be sure your fireplace and chimney functions correctly and safely, but we can also make...
Keeping Water Out of Your Chimney
The leading chimney industry expert, the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) has declared that water is the...
Upgrade Your Fireplace to a More Efficient Wood-Burning Insert
Were your heating bills exceptionally higher this past winter? Are you concerned with your older masonry fireplace...
Why You Should Hire a CSIA-Certified Chimney Sweep
When it is time for you to schedule your annual chimney cleaning and inspecting, hiring a chimney sweep who has been...
Fireplace and Firebox Restoration Options
Our staff at Mr. Smokestack would like to not only be sure your fireplace and chimney work safely and properly, but we...
Wood-Burning Stoves and Fireplace Inserts: Much More Efficient Than Open Fireplaces
For those who have an older masonry fireplace, the downsides of an open fireplace are very familiar. Even though you...
Keep Out The Cold And Hot Air With A Top Sealing Damper
According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), a damper is a crucial component of every chimney....
Artificial Firelogs: Good or Bad for Your Fireplace?
Sometimes the chores of having a wood-burning fireplace can get old. People get tired of carrying in firewood and...
The Stack Effect: How Winter Affects Your Chimney
Here in the Raleigh area, we have already seen the temperatures drop below freezing this winter, and the cold season...
Why Is It So Important to Hire a CSIA-Certified Chimney Sweep
Hiring a chimney sweep who has been certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) to perform your annual...
The Luck of the Chimney Sweep
You may have heard that chimney sweeps bring luck with them, and you wondered why a chimney sweep would be so lucky....
All About Proper Ash Removal
Whenever you have a wood or pellet-fueled fire, you will be left with ashes and ash residue left behind for you to...
Wood-Burning Tips for the Perfect Holiday Fire
In our last post, Mr. Smokestack talked about what NOT to do with your fireplace during the holiday season, and we...
Holiday Fireplace Safety Tips
In many homes around the world, the fireplace is a central and traditional focus as a place to gather, as a part of...
Why Hiring a CSIA-Certified Chimney Sweep Is So Important
Known as the chimney industry standard setter, the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) was founded in 1983 as...
Help! There’s an Animal in My Chimney
As winter approaches, animals begin looking for a warm, safe place to nest during the cold months of the year....
What Causes Chimney Odors?
Having a fireplace can increase your enjoyment and relaxation in your home; however, sometimes, unpleasant odors can...
Why is Using Local Seasoned Firewood So Important?
You may have heard that local seasoned firewood is the best kind of fuel for your wood-burning fireplace or stove,...
Beat the Fall Rush and Get Your Chimney Serviced Before the Cold
It’s summertime. The temperatures are warm, people are taking vacations, and the beaches are full of people. Chances...
Brick Damage and What It Can Do To Your Chimney and Fireplace
Ever notice loose bricks and/or chipped and broken away mortar on the exterior of your chimney? This damage and...
Excess Water & Chimney Damage
Water is your chimney’s number one enemy. When it gets inside...it causes all kinds of trouble - both short-term and...
Carbon Monoxide F.A.Q.
All About Carbon Monoxide When chimney professionals talk to you about the potential hazards in your chimney system,...
Masonry Restoration
Masonry restoration encompasses everything from completely tearing down existing masonry and rebuilding it from...
All About Chimney Liners
According to the CSIA, problems in your chimney’s flue can pose serious risks to your home and family, as it’s no...
Foul-smelling Fireplace?
Stinky Fireplace? If you notice a strong odor coming from your fireplace, chances are there is a problem going on in...
Dryer Vents & Safety
House fires are more common than any of us would like to think. We try to remember to turn off small appliances and...
6 Questions to Ask Your Chimney Sweep
Choosing the right company to handle all of your chimney and fireplace needs can be a tough task. Knowing which...
Want to Save Money?
When coupons, sales ads, and reduced shopping trips still are not cutting it when trying to save money, people will...
What Your Chimney Needs this Spring
At Mr. Smokestack, we have the most correspondence with our valued clients during the cooler months, when fireplaces,...
Basics of Ash Removal
Warm weather, honey-do lists, and spring-cleaning are all fast approaching as we finally escape the frigid winter...
All about Molds in Chimneys
When you think of mold in your home, you automatically think of your basement, as that is typically where it tends to...
Fire Safety
Have you done everything you can do to prevent a house fire? If so, are you equally as confident that each member of...
When Your Firebox Needs to Go
Out of all the appliances and features in the house, the fireplace could be one of the most long-lasting. This can be...
Saving Energy While Using Your Fireplace
There’s just something about the ambiance created by a traditional fireplace on a cold winter day that warms you all...
Removing Critters in Your Chimney
The time is getting closer for chestnuts to be roasting on an open fire, and that means fireplace users need to be...
The Different Levels of a Chimney Inspection
Christmas is Near: Have Your Chimneys Cleaned Jolly songs, sparkly décor and big extravagant trees are flooding the...
Burn the Right Wood
If you have a wood stove of fireplace in your home, chances are you’re planning to use it when the weather turns...
Relining Your Chimney
Replacing Your Chimney Liner Picture your chimney system as a knight, guarding your home and family against dangerous...
How to Properly Build a Fire
How to Build an Outdoor/Indoor Fire Of all the advancements that humanity has made one stands out as the single most...
Chirping in Your Chimney?
Preventing Chimney Swifts from Calling Your Chimney Home There are many different animals of all species and sizes...
What is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Carbon Monoxide -- What Does It Do? It is colorless, tasteless and odorless. It is chemical left over when burning...
The Dangers of Creosote
What is Creosote? Why is it so Dangerous? Many people who use their fireplaces may have noticed an unpleasant smell...
What Is That Smell Coming From My Chimney?
Common Causes of Chimney Odors It does not have to be prime fireplace weather for someone to notice unpleasant chimney...
DIY Chimney Maintenance – What You Should Do
DIY Chimney Maintenance Chimney maintenance that you do yourself is as important as the annual cleanings and...
We Repair Chimney Leaks & Other Damage
What is a Chimney Leak & How is it Fixed? The reason we all go to so much trouble to keep unwanted water out of...
Mr. Smokestack Inspects the Governor’s Chimneys
Preserving History: The Governor’s Mansion This month, Mr. Smokestack was given the amazing opportunity to conduct the...