Chimney and Fireplace Knowledge Base
Practical guides, safety tips, and expert advice from the Eco Grizzly team to help you maintain a safe and efficient chimney and fireplace.
A Guide to Tuckpointing: Why Your Chimney Needs It
Tuckpointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from chimney joints and replacing it with fresh mortar. Here is why it matters for your home.
The Dangers of DIY Chimney Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning your own chimney might seem like a cost saver, but the risks of injury, incomplete cleaning, and missed damage far outweigh the savings.
The Unexpected Guests: Animals in Your Chimney
Scratching, chirping, or foul odors from your fireplace? You might have uninvited guests nesting in your chimney.
Transform Your Home With Fireplace Remodeling
A fireplace remodel updates the look of your living space and can increase your home value by thousands of dollars.
Chimney Sweep: A Complete Guide by Eco Grizzly
This guide covers everything about chimney sweeping, from how often to schedule one to what happens during the appointment.
The Importance of Summer Chimney Maintenance
Most people think about their chimney when winter arrives. Smart homeowners schedule maintenance during summer when demand is low and scheduling is easy.
Fireplace Maintenance Is Vital: Tips From Our Experts
A well-maintained fireplace burns cleaner, heats more efficiently, and lasts decades longer than a neglected one.
Springtime Chimney Care Is Important
After a winter of regular use, spring is the perfect time to inspect, clean, and repair your chimney before warm weather sets in.
Chimney Cleaning: Do I Need to Do It?
If you have used your fireplace at all in the past year, the answer is almost certainly yes. Here is how to know for sure.
How Much Does a New Fireplace Installation Cost?
Fireplace installation costs depend on the type of fireplace, fuel source, and installation complexity. Here is what to expect.
Preparing Your Fireplace for Spring
Before you close the flue for the season, take these steps to keep your fireplace in top condition through the warm months.
Everything to Know About Chimney Caps
A chimney cap is a small investment that prevents water damage, animal intrusion, and ember escape. Here is everything you need to know.
Understanding Chimney Creosote Buildup: Causes, Risks, and Prevention
Creosote is a combustion byproduct that builds up inside your chimney flue. Understanding its causes and stages helps you prevent chimney fires.
A Complete Guide to a Chimney Inspection
Chimney inspections are categorized into three levels based on the depth of examination. Here is what each level includes.
Fireplace Repair 101: Common Problems and How to Fix Them
From smoky rooms to cracked firebricks, here are the most common fireplace problems and what it takes to fix them.
How to Spot Chimney Cleaning Scams
Some chimney companies use scare tactics and bait-and-switch pricing to overcharge for unnecessary work. Here is how to protect yourself.
Tips for Restoring a Historic Chimney in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is full of historic homes with original masonry chimneys. Restoring these structures requires specialized knowledge and materials.
How a Freeze Warning Can Impact Your Chimney Care
Rare as they are in Southern California, freeze warnings can cause significant damage to chimney masonry through freeze-thaw cycling.
Safe and Festive: Holiday Fireplace Safety
The holidays bring increased fireplace use. Follow these safety guidelines to enjoy your fire without risk.
Winter Chimney Woes: Repair, Maintenance, and Prevention
Winter is when your chimney works hardest and when existing problems become most apparent. Here is how to stay ahead of winter chimney issues.
Chimney Maintenance for Vacation Homes
Vacation homes sit empty for months at a time, creating unique chimney maintenance challenges. Here is how to keep your second home safe.
Chimney Leak Repair: Causes and Solutions
Water is a chimney's worst enemy. If you have water in your firebox, stains on walls near the chimney, or musty odors, you likely have a chimney leak.
Do I Need a Chimney Cap? A Cost-Effective Solution
A chimney cap costs a fraction of the damage it prevents. If your chimney does not have one, you are leaving your home exposed to water, animals, and fire risk.
How to Keep Your Chimney Safe in Simi Valley
Simi Valley's dry climate, Santa Ana winds, and wildfire proximity create specific chimney safety considerations for local homeowners.
Maintaining Your Fireplace for Summer
Summer is when smart homeowners take care of fireplace maintenance. The system sits idle, making it the perfect time for cleaning and repairs.
The Key Benefits of Chimney Caps
Chimney caps deliver multiple layers of protection for a small investment. Here are the key benefits every homeowner should know.
10 Tips for Choosing the Right Fireplace Inserts
A fireplace insert can transform your open fireplace into an efficient heat source. Here are ten tips to help you choose the right one.
What to Expect When Having Your Chimney Swept: Why, What and How
Understanding what to expect during the chimney sweeping process can alleviate many homeowner concerns about disruption and mess.
Do Electric Fireplaces Give Off Heat?
Yes, most electric fireplaces include a built-in heater that produces real, usable warmth. Here is how they work and what to expect.
Everything You Need to Know for Fireplace Cleaning
As the winter season approaches, homeowners are excited to light up a fire. Before you do, consider fireplace inspections, cleaning, and ash removal.
Why Is My Fireplace Smoking? The Importance of Annual Inspections
Smoke pouring into your living room instead of going up the chimney is frustrating and dangerous. Here are the most common causes.
What to Look for When Hiring a Chimney Sweep: A Comprehensive Guide
Having your chimney swept annually is essential for keeping your home safe and ensuring the efficient operation of your fireplace.
Chimney Maintenance Tips: Summer Edition
Summer is the off-season for most fireplaces, making it the ideal time to handle maintenance tasks.
The 4 Most Common Types of Chimney Repairs
Chimneys have timelessly been symbols of warmth, comfort, and tradition in our homes. Unfortunately, they can be affected by weather, age, and usage over time.
Three Things to Do with a Fireplace in Summer: Make the Most of Your Fireplace Before Fall
As the sun blazes and temperatures rise, your fireplace might be the last thing on your mind. Yet the end of summer marks an opportunity to revitalize this often overlooked space.
How to Prepare for Hurricane Hilary: Can Your Chimney Withstand the Storm?
Los Angeles is about to face a storm unlike any seen in almost a century. As homeowners, it is crucial to safeguard your chimney before it hits.
Professional Chimney Sweep Los Angeles
A warm and cozy fireplace can be the heart of any home, but regular chimney maintenance is essential for safe and efficient operation.
A Complete Guide to a Level 2 Chimney Inspection
There are three tiers of chimney inspection, with the Level 2 Chimney Inspection being the highly recommended option per NFPA guidelines.
Chimney Maintenance: The Importance of Gas Logs, Embers, Sand, and Crystals
Chimneys are an essential part of many homes. The use of gas logs, embers, sand, or crystals all play a role in creating a gorgeous and safe fire.
Top 5 Benefits of a Chimney Sweep
A chimney sweep is an essential aspect of maintaining your chimney and fireplace. Here are the top five benefits that make it an essential part of home maintenance.
The Importance of Fire Brick Lining
The fire brick lining is an often underrated hero that ensures your fireplace operates safely and efficiently. Learn why it matters.