Creosote creates a sour, sickly odor. Slow smoldering fires or the use of unseasoned wood can create “cool” smoke and a weak draft. The smoke condenses and sticks to the chimney’s interior which forms ...

Installing a lock-top chimney damper is a common project among do-it-yourself homeowners. As fireplaces and chimneys age they tend to deteriorate from use, foundation shifting, and weather. This ...

Before starting a fire, open the fireplace damper so smoke can properly exit through the chimney. Use kiln-dried firewood for the cleanest burn and least chimney build-up. Kindling lights quickly, but ...

Even with the damper closed, your fireplace could allow cold drafts into your home. This DIY solution creates an insulating ...

When the consumer attempts to open/close the damper, it can become stuck in its current position. In addition, some of the dampers were assembled backwards and are set to the closed position when the ...

Q: We own an older house in Los Gatos. It was built in 1930s. The fireplace was built without a damper. There is also a glass-door fire screen that can be closed. We get an odor of ashes even when the ...

If you didn’t clean your chimney during spring cleaning, it’s time to now before the temperatures get chilly. If you’re thinking “I cleaned out the ashes in April,” emptying the ashes isn’t enough.