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Chimney Safety Tips for Using Your Fireplace This Holiday Season
Christmas trees, Hanukkah candles, holly, and lights are all part of the holiday season, and another big part is your fireplace. Sitting in front of a crackling fire that warms your face and hands with family and friends is another great holiday tradition, but it should be tempered with respect...
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Preparing Your Chimney for Cozy Thanksgiving Gatherings
Thanksgiving parades, turkeys with stuffing, and cranberry sauce are all time-honored Thanksgiving traditions. Another Thanksgiving tradition is gathering around a crackling fire with family. Part of that is preparing your chimney for cozy Thanksgiving traditions. Let’s find out how. A Clean and Functional Chimney Protects Your Family and Friends on...
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Fire Prevention Week 2024 | Smoke Alarms
As the chilly winter months approach, many homeowners turn to their fireplaces and stoves to provide warmth and comfort. While these wood—and gas-burning heating appliances provide much-needed heat, they pose a significant fire risk without proper maintenance. Above & Beyond is joining forces with the Chimney Safety Institute of America...
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Consequences of a Leaky Chimney
A chimney leak is more than just a minor inconvenience—it indicates a significant problem that will only worsen over time. The best advice is: Consider the consequences of a leaky chimney! Moisture can cause numerous issues in both your chimney and your home. Keep reading to understand the types of...
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Cleaning Your Chimney After a Long Winter
Your fireplace probably got a lot of use last winter, and with it, your chimney. Wood burning fireplaces, in particular, can leave both your fireplace and chimney especially dirty after repeated use. You may ask- how do I deal with cleaning my chimney? Cleaning your chimney after a long winter...
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Should I Be Concerned About Dryer Lint?
Many people who fully understand the importance of fireplace and chimney maintenance, may neglect the other fire hazard in their home because they are not familiar with the warnings and dangers of dryer lint buildup. People often assume this isn’t an issue with today’s dryers and modern technology. However, dryer...
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Summer Storms Can Damage Your Chimney
If you’re like most homeowners, you don’t think much about your fireplace during summer and even less about its chimney; but things can happen during summer to damage your chimney, mainly storms. Heavy winds can fling tree limbs and debris into your chimney, causing chimney brick cracks. Summers storms can...
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Why You Need to Hire a Chimney Sweep Right Now
A fireplace adds beauty, value, and ambiance to your home but requires routine maintenance and upkeep to ensure it operates safely and efficiently. Failing to clean your chimney regularly puts you at risk of flue blockage and fires. Knowing this, however, many homeowners still don’t stay up to date with...
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Why Your Chimney Needs a Cap
Protecting your chimney is essential for your safety, the integrity of the structure, and its efficient operation. And one of the best protections you can invest in is a chimney cap. Let’s look at what a chimney cap is and its benefits. What is a Chimney Cap? Chimney caps sit...
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What You Need to Know About Chimney Repairs
Whether you’ve neglected annual chimney maintenance or your chimney has suffered damage from an external source, you may need repairs to keep it running efficiently and safely. And, if you do need chimney repairs, you probably have a lot of questions, which we’ll try to answer in this article. What...
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Fireplace Maintenance
Fireplace maintenance is essential to keep your system running smoothly and safely. However, the maintenance methods vary depending on the type of fireplace you have and the fuel you burn. This blog post details the various fireplaces and fuel types and gives you the most up-to-date information on maintaining them...
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Get The Facts on Efflorescence
Have you noticed a white, chalky substance coating your chimney and wondered, “What the heck is that?” Most homeowners assume this is part of the chimney’s aging process; it’s probably efflorescence, a salt deposit left after water evaporates, and commonly found on brick, stucco, and concrete. But it’s more than...
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Effects of a Damaged Chimney
If you’re like many homeowners, you don’t think much about your chimney unless there’s a problem. However, your chimney and the flue liner play a crucial role in efficient chimney operation and your personal safety. That’s why you must take good care of your chimney and fireplace by hiring a...
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What is The Cost of Chimney Repair?
With the cost of everything going up, people are concerned with how they will pay for necessities, such as home improvement and repairs. When it comes to chimney repair and maintenance, you want to ensure the job is done right, but you want to be cautious about how much you...
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How To Increase Fireplace Efficiency
People are more conscious about the environment than ever. Most modern homeowners want to bring solutions to the problems affecting our climate even when it comes to what they do with their fireplaces. Experts are finding that when used efficiently, wood fuel can reduce our dependency on non-renewable energy sources...
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Common Fireplace Problems That Affect Functionality
It’s common for fireplaces to sit idle all summer long and then for homeowners to be blindsided by issues once winter rolls around. Thankfully fireplace problems usually fit within a few categories that can be easily identified and fixed by professionals. Creosote This nasty substance is a byproduct of the...
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What’s Causing My Chimney To Lean?
It’s safe to say that outside of Italy’s famous leaning tower, vertical structures should remain, well, vertical, and that includes your chimney. Chimney tilting happens gradually, and unfortunately for many homeowners, by the time they notice it, the structure is significantly damaged, and you must act quickly to prevent a...
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Why Is My Firebox Cracked?
Fireplaces are beautiful centerpieces in many homes. But, they require routine maintenance to keep them safe and efficient. Gas byproducts from burning wood take their toll on your fireplace and chimney system, but the firebox often suffers the most. Let’s look at what role the firebox plays in your chimney,...
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Can Chimneys Get Repaired in Winter?
Winter is the time when you rely on your chimney the most, so it’s fair to wonder if it’s possible to repair chimney damage during the cold weather months. It used to be that chimney repairs were relegated to warm weather; however, with advanced masonry materials, it’s possible to perform...
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Gas Fireplace Maintenance
Fireplaces are beautiful and add ambiance and value to your home. However, they can be deadly if you’re not careful or keep them well maintained. This article will dive into the benefits of gas fireplace maintenance and how often you should call a professional for an inspection. Key Takeaways: Routine...
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Rebuilding & Repointing Your Chimney
Old age and weather take their toll on your chimney, causing it to deteriorate, which is unsightly, decreases the value of your home, and is dangerous. Fortunately, Above and Beyond Chimney Service offers repointing and rebuilding options to restore the look and safety of your chimney. What Causes Chimney Damage? Whether it’s a fallen...
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Is it Time to Replace Your Chimney Liner?
At Above & Beyond Chimney Service, we’re a family-owned and operated company with over 25 years of industry experience, serving homeowners throughout Southern Massachusetts with the very best chimney and fireplace care. Our technicians have extensive training and experience, and we’re committed to providing you with the most durable, longest-lasting...
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Common Causes of a Smoke Filled Home
Your chimney’s flue is designed to help smoke and carbon monoxide move from your fireplace, up and outside of the home. A fireplace pushing smoke into the house maybe be a sign that one of these problems is present in your chimney system. Creosote blockage As you burn wood, it...
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Common Causes of Chimney Moisture Damage
Nothing is quite as relaxing as unwinding in front of a warm fireplace after a long, cold New England day. Of course, in order to enjoy this, you need a fully functioning fireplace and chimney system. Unfortunately, moisture damage may be causing chimney issues. There are five common causes of chimney...
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Can I Prevent Excess Chimney Creosote Buildup?
This is a good question, and it’s one professional chimney technicians get all the time. Preventing excess creosote in the chimney is one of the things over which a homeowner has a lot of control. First, what is creosote? Creosote is a flammable byproduct of smoke condensation in your flue....
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Maintaining Your Chimney and Fireplace
If you use a fireplace with any regularity during the cold season, it’s in your best interests to provide the necessary chimney & fireplace maintenance and usage practices that will help avoid serious damage and safety risks to your home & family. Here are six tips for getting the most...
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Always Budget for a Chimney Inspection
As we get closer to winter, many of our neighbors in the Dedham and Cohasset, Massachusetts areas are preparing wood-burning fireplaces and heating stoves for the season. With rising fuel prices and other costs, many folks are cutting back on non-essentials and trying to save where they can. In case...
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Prevent Excess Creosote Buildups in My Chimney?
This is a good question, and it’s one professional chimney technicians get all the time. Preventing excess creosote in the chimney is one of the things over which a homeowner has a lot of control. First, what is creosote? Creosote is a flammable byproduct of smoke condensation in your flue....
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Ensure Your Chimney is Ready for Cold Weather
With evening temperatures dipping near the freezing mark in Needham and throughout the Norfolk County, MA area, many homeowners are already starting to light the fireplace to stay warm. Since winter weather conditions can be brutal for chimneys, these ten tips will help ensure your chimney is ready for cold...
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3 Common Winter Chimney Issues
The Boston area has some brutal winters. Memorable, even. Winter is hard on people, and it’s also hard on chimneys. Here are three of the most common winter chimney damage issues and what needs to be done. Chimney structural damage The bricks and mortar that make up your chimney are...
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Common Chimney Problems You should Know About
Nobody gives a lot of thought to a chimney, until it starts having problems. A malfunctioning or damaged chimney can be a major safety risk for you and your family. Here are five common chimney problems and how to resolve them (and in some cases, keep them from happening in...
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Is Your Fireplace & Chimney Safe?
Fireplaces and chimneys that are damaged or malfunctioning usually leave certain clues. Other clues don’t point to existing damage but rather damage that may occur soon if the clues are neglected. Keeping your fireplace and chimney safe starts with performing periodic visual inspections, followed by fixing what you can and...
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The Critical Jobs of Chimney Dampers
Chimney (or fireplace) dampers are important components in the safe and efficient operation of a fireplace. Here’s what you need to know about these devices. What chimney dampers do Dampers function like doors to control the flow of air between the fireplace and the world outside. They are most often...
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You Shouldn’t Neglect Chimney Maintenance
Chimneys are strong and durable – but not invincible. Over time, certain issues will arise that need to be addressed sooner rather than later. Neglecting maintenance tasks can end up costing you a lot of money in major chimney repairs and can make your chimney unsafe to use and live...
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Maintaining Your Masonry Chimney Will Save Money
The relatively small costs you encounter in having your masonry chimney properly maintained can pay off in a big way by preventing major chimney damage that could cost you many thousands of dollars. As sturdy as a well-built chimney is, it won’t last forever without some periodic repairs and structural...
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Does Every Chimney Need to Have a Cap On It?
Fireplaces and heating stoves are a standard feature in many South Framingham and South Shore homes. However, not every home has a chimney cap on top. That’s unfortunate because a chimney cap is an easy and inexpensive device that protects your chimney from external elements minimizing repairs and prolonging its...
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Keep Your Fireplace & Chimney in Great Shape
Chimney technicians work year-round to help customers keep their chimney and fireplace systems clean, safe and fully operational. But you can’t have a chimney pro in your house all the time. In between visits from your chimney sweep/chimney repair company, here are some things you can do to make sure...
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Helpful Fireplace & Chimney Terminology
Terminology in the hearth industry can be a little confusing sometimes. Here are some words and terms related to fireplaces, chimneys and chimney services that will be helpful for you to know. Fireplace & chimney structure terms Prefab fireplace: A fireplace built in a factory. Fireplace insert: A factory-made appliance...
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Chimney & Fireplace FAQ – Info You Can Use
Chimneys and fireplaces are pretty straightforward when it comes to how to use them and what they’ll do for you. But there’s more to both than meets the eye. Here are some FAQs about chimneys and fireplaces that will help you get more out of them and keep them running...
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Historic Chimney Restoration
If you have a historic home built in the early 1900s or before, it’s safe to say you didn’t buy it new. If you’re actively involved in upgrading and restoring this home, it’s safe to say you know how many challenges (and costs) can be involved. A key part of...
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Mold in Chimneys: What You Need to Know
For mold to grow, certain conditions must be present. Mold thrives in areas that a poorly ventilated, dark and damp. Most chimneys provide at least the first two conditions. Chimneys that leak for any number of reasons provide the third and can lead to a very serious outbreak of harmful...
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Time to Have Your Chimney Smoke Chamber Parged?
If it’s been several years (or more) since your smoke chamber was last inspected, this summer is a good time to schedule this task. A thorough chimney inspection will tell you if parging is necessary to reduce the chances of a chimney fire and to help your fireplace draft more...
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How to Enjoy Your Fireplace in the Spring & Summer
You get a lot of benefits from your fireplace during our cold Massachusetts winters. But after having an annual chimney inspection, you can keep enjoying the fireplace and surrounding hearth area during the warmer months with a few creative upgrades and additions. First, clean the firebox and bricks Before you...
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About Fireplaces: Choosing, Using and Safeguarding
If you’ve been considering bringing a new fireplace into your home, or if you already have one and want to keep the chimney safe and clean so you can get the most out of it, here are some helpful points. Two main types of fireplaces The majority of fireplaces are...
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How Summer Storms Can Affect Your Chimney
With the warm weather and sunshine that summer brings, most homeowners don’t normally think about the chimney when trying to stay cool. However, summer storms can be just as devastating to your chimney as the cold winter weather. The warm, humid conditions with bouts of rain, lightning, and strong wind...
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Closing Your Fireplace for the Summer: Four Tips
Your fireplace and chimney have served you throughout the winter, so now that the burning season is over, it’s time to return a little of that service. Here are some tips on closing your fireplace for the summer. Inspect both the fireplace and the chimney Inspections should be handled by...
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Get Chimney Inspections Before Buying a New Home
You found a new home for your family, signed the paperwork, and ordered a home inspection to ensure its major systems are in working order and do not require costly repairs. However, when buying a home with a solid or liquid fuel heating appliance like a fireplace or heating stove,...
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Is it Time to Reface Your Fireplace?
Whether you have a traditional masonry fireplace, a fireplace insert or a prebuilt fireplace, you can dramatically enhance the look of your hearth area with a custom fireplace refacing project. Refacing the fireplace structure or the area around it can be a fairly simple job that you can take on;...
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Chimney Cleaning for Better Health
Most people don’t pay much attention to their chimneys – we just get a fire going and let the chimney do its work. But the nature of chimneys makes them potentially problematic where our health is concerned, and this is something you should pay attention to. Here are some facts....
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A Chimney Cap Saves Money & Protects Your Home
Chimney caps and flue covers sit on top of chimneys and provide a wide level of protection for your chimney and home. If you’re using your chimney without some kind of cover, you’re setting yourself up for expensive damage and possibly dangerous operating conditions. Here’s what you need to know...
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