Blog | Portland Chimney Services

Is your fireplace misbehaving? Dealing with smoke in your living room or spotting cracks on your chimney’s crown? If so, you're not alone. Chimney troubles are more common than most homeowners realize—but luckily, they can be solved with the right knowledge and expert care. In this guide, we’ll explore the most frequent chimney problems, how to spot them early, and how to fix them before they become major (and costly) disasters.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the hidden heroes of home safety—like your kitchen chimney. But regular kitchen chimney inspections are more than just routine checkups. They’re your first line of defense against fire hazards, harmful pollutants, and expensive damage.  Grease buildup, carbon deposits, and unnoticed blockages can quietly build up inside your chimney system. Over time, these issues pose serious risks—not only to your home but to your health. The good news? Preventing all of that is as simple as setting up a chimney inspection. Let's break it all down.

Homeowners often forget about their chimney until a problem arises—like smoke backing into the living room or a fire scare on a chilly evening. But here's the deal: your chimney works silently and constantly , and if neglected, it can become a serious risk to your family's safety and your wallet. That's why regular chimney servicing is key to a safer, more efficient home . Routine checks and cleanings may seem like a small thing, but they carry big benefits. From protecting you against deadly carbon monoxide leaks to improving the efficiency of your heating system, proper chimney care is essential. And yes, it can even save you from expensive repairs down the road.  Let’s explore how chimney servicing isn’t just a seasonal chore—it’s a crucial part of responsible homeownership.

Learn exactly what to do before your chimney inspection with this complete step-by-step guide. Ensure your home is safe and your fireplace ready for winter.

Introduction to Fireplace Firewood Using the right firewood for your fireplace isn’t just about enjoying a cozy ambiance—it’s also essential for safety, energy efficiency, and protecting your chimney. Whether you rely on your fireplace for supplemental heating or for special winter evenings, the type of wood you use greatly influences your experience. From heat output to smoke production, understanding firewood basics will help you make informed and cost-effective choices throughout the cold season.

Water is a chimney’s worst enemy. Over time, unchecked moisture can eat away at your home’s structure, turn your fireplace into a hazard, and cost you thousands of dollars in repairs. That’s where chimney waterproofing steps in—not just as a preventative measure but as an essential investment in your home’s longevity. Moisture intrusion isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s an invitation to decay, mold, and structural instability. Fortunately, waterproofing is a smart, relatively simple solution with high long-term returns. Let’s explore exactly how chimney waterproofing shields your home—and your wallet—from expensive repairs.

Choosing the perfect wood stove for your home is more than just a buying decision — it's about comfort, efficiency, aesthetics, and long-term satisfaction. As more homeowners look for sustainable, reliable heating options, wood stoves have seen a tremendous resurgence. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore every aspect of selecting the right wood stove, helping you make an informed and confident choice.

Removing a chimney might sound like the perfect solution to get rid of an old, crumbling structure—but hold that thought. In many cases, the right fix isn’t demolition. It’s restoration. Specifically, tuckpointing. This centuries-old masonry technique can restore both the strength and charm of your chimney at a fraction of the cost and effort of full removal. So before you take a sledgehammer to a part of your home’s legacy, let’s explore why tuckpointing may be your best bet. Tuckpointing is often misunderstood. Yet, it’s one of the most effective ways to breathe new life into deteriorating brickwork, ensuring safety, appearance, and long-term durability. Done right, it makes chimneys—and the homes attached to them—look and function like new again.  Let’s explore why this technique deserves your attention before you consider something as drastic as removal.

Living in Portland, homeowners are no strangers to fluctuating weather patterns—especially heavy rainfall, moisture-filled air, and freezing winter nights. But have you ever stopped to wonder, is your chimney weather-ready? This question isn't just about comfort—it's about safety, cost-saving, and home preservation. A chimney that’s properly maintained can withstand Portland’s rainstorms, prevent energy loss, and ward off dangerous creosote buildup. But one that's ignored? It becomes a gateway to water damage, house fires, and even structural collapse.  Whether your home features a grand brick chimney or a compact metal flue, ensuring weather-readiness is more than wise—it's essential.