The Advantages of Using Stone Veneers for Your Home

When it comes to improving your home’s interior, you can never go wrong with stone! Whether it be your living room, hallway, kitchen, or backyard, stone can significantly impact the appearance of your space. Stone is a timeless element in contemporary interiors—its features make for a beautiful design that many homeowners can’t help but gravitate to.

Stone is powerful. When you design your space right, the characteristics of stone could help create a space that feels elegant, natural, and inviting, all at the same time. Unfortunately, although widely appreciated, not every homeowner has access to authentic natural stone.

Many agree that natural stone is beautiful, but some would think twice about buying it due to its steep price. However, just because natural stone is way above your budget doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to your dream interior. Thanks to stone veneer, you can turn the vision for your home into a reality!

What Is Stone Veneer?

Also referred to as faux stone or cast stone, stone veneer is a type of stonework that serves as an excellent alternative to natural stone. By mixing cement, pigments, and natural aggregates, you’ll end up with a beautiful result that can fool the naked eye into thinking that the material is derived from the expensive original.

Many tend to think that artificial means poor, but stone veneer may just change your mind! With this artificial stone, you can transform your interior and elevate its appearance just as a natural stone would.

What Are the Benefits of Stone Veneer?

Of course, anyone would opt for real natural stone, but this isn’t always possible. Fortunately, thanks to stonework professionals’ creative and practical minds, they’ve developed stone veneer, which eliminates the inhibitions one might have with natural stone. Still, it replicates the beauty that you fell in love with.

Some of the many benefits of opting for stone veneers include:

  1. Cost Savings

Natural stone is beautiful as it is expensive. Depending on how much stone you want for your interior, you could end up more than you’re comfortable with if you’re firm on sticking to natural stone.

On the other hand, stone veneer provides a cost-effective way of beautifying your space without forgetting your budget. With stone veneers, you won’t have to worry about a hefty price tag or expensive shipping—you’ll get to have a beautiful stone element for your home without much expense!

  1. Easy Installation

Unlike natural stone that is incredibly heavy to move around, stone veneer is easy to install anywhere you wish. Using stone veneers eliminates the possibility of compatibility problems; this material can easily cover a variety of surfaces, such as cement, brick, wood, and more.

  1. Excellent Flexibility

Unfortunately, natural stone has its limitations. Although you can install it on a curved surface, you’ll have to spend a significant amount of time and effort to accomplish the task. With stone veneers, you can cover curved surfaces in just a fraction of time than you would if you used natural stone! As long as you leave the job to an experienced professional who uses the right tools, stone veneer can be placed on any less-than-level surfaces.

Conclusion

Natural stone can be an excellent addition to any home, but it’s not a practical choice for many homeowners. Fortunately, stone veneers allow anyone to easily incorporate stone elements into their interior without sacrificing their budget! With the right manufacturer and planning, you’re sure to have a home that feels comfortable and looks visually pleasing!

If you’re looking for the best stonework in Toronto, you’ve come to the right place! At Red Robin Masonry, we’re equipped to build full walls of houses or buildings, retaining walls, flagstone patios and more using natural stone or veneer stone. Request a quote today!

How to Avoid Chimney Repair Scams: Helpful Tips to Follow

How to Avoid Chimney Repair Scams: Helpful Tips to Follow

Chimney problems aren’t always obvious. Additionally, not all homeowners are completely knowledgeable about their chimneys. These reasons led to the growing popularity of chimney cleaning and repair scams.

Scammers operate by telling homeowners they are in imminent danger of a carbon monoxide leak or other problems that require an immediate solution. This causes feelings of panic and fear to homeowners, leading them to pay a handsome amount in exchange for supposedly fast and effective service. Thankfully, preventing falling victim to a scam like this is possible by being knowledgeable. Here are ways to avoid being ripped off by chimney repair scammers:

  • Do Online Research

Before deciding to work with any chimney specialist, look them up online. Take the time to look at their online profiles and read client testimonials to have an idea of the quality of their work.

Pay attention to reviews. It can be a major red flag if a company has no reviews, despite being in the industry for a long time. It’s also best to stay away from a company with multiple negative reviews.

Go instead for a professional with a well-established online profile and a high number of positive reviews. They should also be bonded and insured to ensure you are protected against different potential problems. If possible, ask for proof of insurance before working with a company.

  • Get a Second Quote

Don’t settle for the first company that offers the lowest quote. Shop around, get second (or multiple) quotes before working with them, and compare those quotes with one another.

Beware of unreasonable quotes. Too high and too-good-to-be-true prices both signify that something’s wrong. For this reason, check the average going rate for a chimney rebuild, chimney removal, and other basic services to ensure to get the best deal possible.

  • Ask For Proof of Damage

Chimneys are difficult to access, and many homeowners have no definite way to see if there is actually something wrong with them. This is why they usually rely on chimney specialists to determine if they need repairs. However, not every chimney professional is trustworthy. Some of them are scammers.

To prevent making unnecessary payments, ask for proof of damage before agreeing to extensive chimney repairs. Request for a photo of the area that needs repairs or try to see the damage yourself. This type of repair can be pricey, which is why homeowners have to make sure they are getting their money’s worth.

  • Take Your Time

While faulty chimneys are best repaired immediately, never hire a chimney specialist in a hurry. Additionally, don’t let any company pressure you into agreeing to their services right away. As much as possible, take the time to do thorough online research and get multiple quotes from different companies. Doing this increases the chances of choosing the right contractor.

Conclusion

Scam artists are getting more creative and clever than ever. For instance, they will use pictures of someone else’s chimney or make problems up to make homeowners pay for services they don’t even need. Avoid becoming a victim of these common chimney repair scams by following these tips.

If you need chimney repair services, then you’ve come to the right place. We are Red Robin Masonry, and you can count on us to keep your chimney up and running in no time. Contact us to request a quote!

Here’s What You Should Know About Chimney Rebuilding

If you have a chimney at home, it’s important you have it maintained properly. As part of the maintenance process, chimney rebuilding may be a term that you would often hear, and you might even reach a point when you need one. 

When it’s time to rebuild your chimney, you might feel a bit overwhelmed because it seems like a big and tedious project. However, it’s one of the non-negotiable things you can do for your property; otherwise, it could put you and your loved ones’ health and safety at risk. 

An effective way to feel at ease is to know everything there is to know about it. That way, you will feel more confident to tackle the project. 

 

Chimney Damage

Your chimney is exposed to harmful elements and unpredictable weather conditions all year round. For one, water damage is a huge concern for this; whether from rainwater or melting ice and snow, the liquid may seep through the bricks. In turn, this may cause spalling. 

Spalling damages the brick or stone surface that causes it to peel, flake, or pop. When unaddressed for a long time, it can cause the brick to fall apart, leading to water damage and leaks inside the home. Most of the time, damaged brickwork requires a complete rebuild. 

You may also notice some cracking due to damaged mortar joints. Once this happens, it can allow moisture into the chimney that can cause a lot of problems. 

 

The Importance of Regular Chimney Maintenance

Regular chimney maintenance is important and should occur once a year. It will help prevent fires, and it will also check for damage and signs of animal or pest infestation.

The maintenance includes a thorough inspection to check for cracks, water damage, creosote buildup, spalling issues, damaged crown, deteriorated flashing, unwanted pests in the chimney, and many more. 

Many homeowners think that just because they don’t use their fireplace, they don’t need maintenance anymore. That’s not the case, though. Whether or not you use your fireplace, chimney maintenance is important and shouldn’t be missed. 

 

Chimney Rebuilding

 

There are two types of chimney rebuilding. The first type is a partial rebuild that is often recommended for small chimneys where scaffolding isn’t required. This type of chimney rebuilding means only one part of the chimney will be replaced. It is used for chimneys that only have damage at the top. 

The second type is a total chimney rebuild that involves replacing the outside brick and the crown. It is recommended when there’s extensive damage.

 

The Advantages of Rebuilding Chimneys

There are many advantages when you have your chimney rebuilt. For one, it can help prevent leaks that can be costly. Another thing is that any structural issues may be addressed immediately before it becomes a huge problem. Also, chimney rebuilding can help reduce the risk of house fires. 

 

Conclusion

Chimney rebuilding may sound intimidating at first, but now that you know the basics about it, you will be more willing to do it for the sake of your property. 

Time for a chimney rebuild! Red Robin Masonry offers chimney repair services in Markham, Mississauga, Scarborough, Thornhill, and Toronto, ON. Our chimney repairs are done in compliance with current building and safety codes. Request a quote today!

Choosing the Most Compatible Kind of Chimney for Your House

When thinking about necessary inclusions in a home, a chimney might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, they can actually be really helpful features to add to a home, especially when it comes to colder countries like Canada.

 

The primary purpose of a chimney is to remove any harmful fumes from the smoke that furnaces and stoves usually produce while turned on. It’s pretty good to constantly use such heaters to make some hot food and keep every occupant in the home warm during freezing weather. 

 

An enclosed space can make the fire burn for a shorter period than it usually would with some draft. Chimneys help provide that very air that will help keep the fire you have burning. That way, you can cozy up to the fireplace a little longer. 

 

However, unbeknownst to some homeowners, there are different chimney types. They contrast a lot in shape, style and intentions in design. Here are three distinct kinds of chimneys that you may find helpful to have in a regular residential property.

 

Masonry Chimneys

 

A masonry chimney roughly refers to the classic chimney depicted in animations and media, where Santa Claus usually slides down sneakily to place some presents. It might not look as comfortable, though, considering the materials a masonry chimney is made of. It can range from poured stone, mixed concrete, solid bricks and cut blocks. 

 

Usually used in conjunction with an open fireplace more than anything, a masonry chimney is suitable for directing the smoke from burning wood away from the living room. The bottom half of it also looks quite charming while being completely durable due to its materials, making it a staple to add to the home. 

 

Factory-Built Chimneys

 

Factory-built chimneys, also commonly known as prefabricated chimneys, are also a runner-up in the kind of chimney you may consider for your home. They’re most recognizable as the toppers of some factories, but there’s a fine selection of contemporary designs that homeowners can choose from and attach to their fireplace.

 

The appeal that factory-built chimneys have is that they provide excellent insulation and double-walling thanks to the sheet metal they’re made out of. They’re much easier to maintain than brick masonry chimney at times but are considerably more fragile and susceptible to any damages if the installation goes wrong. 

 

Stove Chimneys

 

Unlike other masonry chimneys and factory-built chimneys, stove chimneys are a lot more versatile. If you happen to have a wood-burning stove, go and use this type of chimney. Homeowners can choose to attach that same stove chimney to a current chimney to make all the fumes from other avenues of smoke exit the home together.

 

The sight of them can be a little reminiscent of the ambience in a small baking shop or an old medieval tavern. It can be a lovely addition to have that will make your house feel a tad more put together. 

 

Conclusion

 

Knowing these kinds of chimneys might help you make your mind up about what chimney you want to introduce your home to. There isn’t a wrong or right answer as each one holds its own perks and features. 

 

Looking for a masonry company in Toronto? Red Robin Masonry can redo and repair your chimney and fireplaces to help protect your home from snow and severe temperatures. Get a quote today!

4 Signs Your Chimney Is in Dire Need to Be Repointed

While not a task that is done commonly, chimney repointing is a must-do for homeowners that are experiencing problems with the chimney, especially when it comes to issues with its outer parts. If you have never heard of chimney repointing before, it is a process that renews the mortar joints of your chimney, which generally gets decayed or damaged due to the elements. The process involves removing all damaged pointing materials and replacing them with new bonding materials to restore the chimney’s strength and structure. 

That being said, how can you tell if your chimney needs repointing? Here are the signs to look out for:

 

  1. Rusted firebox

While fireboxes are generally safe from any type of moisture, it can still happen. Cracks in the mortar can allow water to seep into the chimney and reach the firebox or even the damper. If you notice that the firebox has started to rust, then the chances are that water has been seeping through the tiny gaps in the cracks of the mortar. 

Note that there can be other causes of a rusted firebox, so it pays to hire a professional to inspect the chimney for the possible causes.

 

  1. Damaged mortar

If you notice that the mortar on your chimney has changed colour, it is a sign that the mortar and bricks are old and need repointing. If the mortar has started to flake or chip off, this can also mean that the mortar has gone brittle and become weak! 

In either case, the signs may point to the fact that the mortar is at risk of water seeping into the chimney. In addition, it also shows that your chimney’s structural integrity is at risk—so be sure to have the chimney repaired immediately if you notice any damage to this particular aspect of your home.

 

  1. Yellowed wallpaper

Any wallpapers around your chimney can start to change colour—particularly to yellow—if the chimney experiences too much moisture. Once again, such moisture may have entered your chimney because of any cracks it may have experienced. 

To fix this problem, call a chimney professional to identify the cause of the moisture, whether it be from cracked mortars or another source that you might not immediately notice. 

 

  1. Large and small cracks

Any cracks on your chimney are signs of trouble, whether it is on the mortar or not. As such, any cracks, whether large or small, should be a red flag that requires immediate attention from a professional. These cracks will allow water to seep into your chimney and damage it, and it can weaken the entire chimney fixture, putting itself and your home at risk of damages. Once again, quickly contact chimney experts to inspect the chimney and have it repointed if necessary!

 

Conclusion

From yellowed wallpaper to flaking mortar, these are all the signs that there is trouble brewing in your chimney and that it needs some repointing to restore its integrity and aesthetics. 

That being said, when working with chimney experts, take the time to research the professionals you are going to work with. Discuss with them the problems you are facing, and what cost you can expect to have the chimney repaired. This way, you will be financially ready to undergo the fix, getting you the repair you need without breaking the bank. 

Red Robin Masonry is a trusted and respected masonry company in Ontario, offering masonry services to keep your home in perfect shape—no matter the weather. If you need chimney repair services, reach out to us today and get your chimney fixed!

 

 

 

Chimney Cracks: What Causes Them And What You Can Do

A chimney is a wonderful thing to have, especially during the cold months. There is nothing like building a cozy fire during winter. This is why making sure that your chimney is in working order before the winter season is crucial. Chimneys are meant to last for a long time, and in general, they usually do. However, if cracks start to form on your chimney, it pays to know if they are only an aesthetic issue or if it is a serious problem that needs attention.

 

Maintaining Your Chimney

If there are cracks on the stone and brick layers of your chimney, there is a good chance that you may be able to fix these cracks yourself. Most of the time, cracks are a maintenance issue that can easily be fixed, as long as you find the damage in time.

Chimney maintenance involves making sure that you are able to repair cracks and make sure that they do not affect the structural integrity of your chimney. If you see that the damage is not extensive, these can easily be repaired. However, if the cracks are large or have smoke residue, you may need to call a masonry repair professional.

 

Why Do Chimney Cracks Form?

 

1 – Lack Of Proper Maintenance

Cracks on chimneys are fairly normal and happen to the most well-maintained chimney. However, if you do not take time to fix small fractures, these may have the tendency to grow until they become too deep to be repaired without the help of a professional. 

 

2 – Freezing And Thawing

Another cause of chimney damage is the freezing and thawing of water that is caught in chimney cracks. As water freezes, it expands. If this happens in between the small crevices of a cracked chimney, it can cause the damage to worsen, leaving a larger hole in its place.

 

3 – Plants and Trees In The Area Near The Chimney

A tree with thick roots that is planted nearby may grow and cause damage to the chimney if its growth isn’t controlled properly. The roots may come to grow under the chimney and ruin the pad that supports the chimney. During harsh weather, the branches of the trees may hit the chimney as they sway in strong wind, causing damage to the structure.

 

4 – Poor Drainage

Poor drainage can affect a chimney because the excess moisture that is left on the brick may cause damage to the foundation. If the foundation is weak, there will be a higher likelihood of cracks and damage to the chimney.

 

Conclusion

If you notice overly large cracks, plants and weeds growing, or smoke stains on your chimney, you may want to consider hiring a masonry specialist to take a look at your chimney and not try to repair it on your own. These are telltale signs that your chimney may be deteriorating and may need more intensive repairs. 

The tips mentioned above will help you maintain your chimney and make sure that no severe damage will affect it. However, if you were not able to properly maintain your chimney, its best that you contact a masonry contractor before the winter months roll in. they will be able to repair your chimney from the inside out, and make sure that you will not face the problem of a broken chimney when you need it the most.

If you are worried about your chimney, Red Robin Masonry offers chimney repair services in the Toronto area. We also offer brick repair services, waterproofing, and other masonry repairs. Don’t wait too long to have the cracks on your chimney checked, contact us today! 

3 Reasons You Need to Maintain Your Chimney Regularly

It’s easy to think that something as durable and straightforward as a chimney requires little-to-no maintenance, but every homeowner needs to give their masonry fireplaces some tender, love, and care regularly to ensure it’s functioning to its full potential. 

 

After all, they play a pivotal role in contributing to your home’s heating system, so a faulty performance can quickly turn this functional unit into a fire hazard. A poorly maintained chimney can also spark other repercussions, that’s why the list below should give a rundown on the importance of chimney maintenance to avoid the following issues: 

 

  1. Regular Chimney Maintenance Prevents Chimney Fires 

 

A faulty chimney is not something you can overlook, especially since it has a high risk of starting a deadly fire in your home. This is because the smoke from the fire can condense once it comes into contact with the cool interior walls of your chimney, resulting in a build-up of an ignitable gum-like substance. 

 

This can quickly catch fire that can spread across your home, which is why it’s crucial to conduct regular chimney inspections and address any problems as soon as you spot them. 

 

  1. Regular Chimney Maintenance Prevents Carbon Monoxide Poisoning 

 

A poorly-maintained chimney won’t have the right capabilities to allow fumes to escape, particularly since there is plenty of gunk that blocks the smoke from escape your home. This will release a dangerously high level of carbon monoxide into your living space, but what makes it deadly is that no one can see it. 

 

Carbon monoxide is a silent killer that has caused four thousand deaths a year in the US alone, that’s why it helps to invest in carbon monoxide detectors to alert you of its presence. Cleaning, repairing, and maintaining your chimney are also the best ways to prevent this hazard from spiraling out of control. 

 

  1. Regular Chimney Maintenance Ensures it Performs Efficiently 

 

Skimping out on your regular chimney inspections will not only lead to safety issues but can also compromise its performance, which means it won’t effectively heat up your space during colder months. This will force your heating system to overwork itself to make up for the loss, all of which can skyrocket your electricity bills. 

 

Not to mention, a chimney that fails to run efficiently can also lower their longevity, so giving them the proper maintenance they need will save you hundreds of dollars worth of repairs in the long run. 

 

The Bottom Line: The Importance of Maintaining and Repairing Your Chimney as Soon as Possible 

It’s tricky to determine whether your chimney is in its best condition, that’s why calling for regular chimney inspections is important since it ensures you can stay on top of any underlying issues that need to be addressed.

 

Why Choose Us for Your Toronto Masonry Services?

 

If you’re looking for quality and affordable chimney repair services in Toronto to keep your vents in good working condition, we’re the best in the region to call! Get in touch with us at 416-206-8859 now and see what we can do to improve your home!

 

4 Things You Must Do to Give the Best Care for Your Chimney

Even for the most experienced homeowners, chimneys are always trouble to work with, not so much on how to use it, but more on maintaining it. The problems that can show up in a chimney generally occur in extremely hard-to-reach areas, and, unfortunately, ignoring the chimney can bring about serious consequences. As such, if you are purchasing a home that has a chimney, here are the things you need to do to ensure your chimney is cared for properly.

 

  1. Find out what type of chimney you have

 

The first thing you need to do whenever buying a home with a chimney is to learn what kind of chimney it has. Remember, not all chimneys are the same, which means the maintenance program you are going to have for the type of chimney you have will differ. That said, there are three main types of chimneys out there: single-walled metal, masonry, and pre-fabricated metal. Find out which one applies to your chimney, then do the necessary research to learn more about it.

 

  1. Check the flue once in a while

 

The flue on any chimney is responsible for keeping your home ventilated. It is a pipe fixture inside your chimney liner that diverts smoke and other gases out of the building. Over time, the flue can get blocked, and there are ways to tell that this is happening in your chimney. For instance, if you feel like using the chimney makes your home smokey, the flue needs some work. Have a professional check the flue if this is the case.

 

  1. Pay attention to any telltale signs on the brick

 

The bricks, along with the mortar, used on chimneys are generally meant to resist high temperatures. However, these bricks will deteriorate over time. Signs of old brick and mortar include cracking and crumbling. If you discover any of these signs on your chimney, you will need the help of professionals to chisel them out and fix them.

 

  1. Consider purchasing a chimney liner and cap

 

A chimney liner and a cap can do multiple things. For liners, it can protect your home from heat and fire produced by the fireplace by acting as an extra barrier. As for the cap, it protects the top part of your chimney, keeping it free from any unwanted materials from entering the chimney. If your chimney has only one or the other, or neither of the two, do have them planned to be installed. It will extend your chimney’s lifetime and lead to better overall comfort inside your home.

 

Conclusion

 

With all of that out of the way, we hope you are much more confident in tackling your chimney. To summarize, you need to know what chimney you are working with and set plans to have it maintained every so often. This is vital to ensure your chimney performs at its best, providing your home with a safe source of heat to keep everyone warm, especially during the winter season. With that said, if you find that your chimney needs some serious repair, hire professionals to do the job for you. They are equipped with the latest knowledge and tools to ensure a safe and efficient repair job to get your chimney back to its former glory.

 

Red Robin Masonry is a professional contractor offering services from brick repair to chimneys to ensure the perfect home for you to live in and enjoy life. If you need chimney repair services in Toronto, request a quote from us today!

 

 

 

Why Chimney Inspection Is Important and What to Expect From One

During the colder seasons, one of the most memorable moments is curling up by the fireplace with a warm drink and a warm blanket while being surrounded by the whole family. That fond memory during your childhood is genuinely unforgettable, thanks to the fireplace that made it happen! For your house to make more great winter memories indoors, you should ensure that your chimney is well-maintained and can outlast the season. 

Unfortunately, not all homeowners think the same. Some are not familiar with the importance of hiring someone to ensure that their chimneys are still functioning throughout the year. After all, what’s the worst that could happen? A lot more than you might imagine, that’s for sure!

This article will explore the importance of chimney maintenance and all the questions surrounding it.

 

The Threat Caused by Your Chimney

Chimneys are not used all the time, and there is no special requirement needed before you start a fire with it. That makes it difficult to believe that these also require the same maintenance as other parts of the house. This misunderstanding, unfortunately, makes it quite common to fall behind on fireplace maintenance. However, forgetting to do it regularly will make your house a fire hazard!

Heating equipment accounts for the most reported home fires, with failure to clean chimneys as the leading factor contributing to these cases. 

Here is what you do not know happens inside a chimney that is not in use: your chimney innocently gathers all the smoke, gases, and other fire residues over time. These residues—called the creosote—are highly flammable! Brief exposure to a specific heat can instantly cause a chimney fire out of it. What is worse is that the longer you make the creosote stay in your chimney, the harder it is to remove and clean up. 

The chimney is also prone to carbon monoxide poisoning. Breathing in the noxious fumes may not immediately cause sickness, but it can definitely be detrimental to your health in the long run. 

If you want to avoid these from happening, consider scheduling annual maintenance from a  reliable contractor.

 

Proper Chimney Maintenance: What to Expect

Like the other parts of your home, a regular annual inspection for your chimney is necessary. Conducting one every year will help you learn the condition of your fireplace and if repairs or issues need to be addressed immediately.

 

Here is what you should expect when undergoing chimney maintenance:

    • Step 1: Inspectors will do a basic visual inspection of the entire fireplace. They will go through each part and make sure that they are in good condition. They usually use common tools like flashlights, screwdrivers, and pliers. They search for wear and tear and any indication of chimney problems.

    • Step 2: During this part, they are more likely to sweep your chimney to help them see the insides better. They use special equipment to inspect the hard to reach parts of the chimney thoroughly.
    • Step 3 (Conditional): This part of the maintenance is only crucial if demolition is required to rebuild parts of the chimney. It also uses some camera tools to reveal the chimney’s hidden details that can’t be seen with the naked eye. This part may also affect other parts of your home, so ensure to get a reliable professional to conduct these for you.

 

Conclusion

There is not much to expect during chimney maintenance, but it already has a huge impact on one’s home safety and security. If your home has a fireplace, make sure to schedule annual maintenance and check-up. That small act will guarantee the safety of your home during the winter.  

If you are looking for chimney repair services in Mississauga, Red Robin Masonry is here to do it for you! We will make sure that your chimney is running smoothly at times when you need it the most. Contact us today to book an appointment!

Tips for Maintaining Your Fireplace in Time for Winter

Toronto masonry services

During the cold seasons, households significantly benefit from their fireplaces because they provide warmth and comfort and keep families from experiencing the drop in temperatures. If you want to guarantee your fireplace is running during autumn and winter, it’s essential to maintain the excellent condition of your fireplace.

Your chimney should be handled by a professional once a year so that they can perform the necessary cleaning procedures needed to eliminate any buildup of soot and ashes. Removing flammable particles from your chimney can prevent accidents and keep your family safe throughout the chilly mornings and evenings.

If you want to find out how to take care of your fireplace and chimney, keep reading below.   

Assess Your Fireplace For Potential Damages

You should make a habit of observing your fireplace for any noticeable cracks and loose bricks and assess the exterior of your masonry for any potential damages. For the best results, call for brick repair services right away, as managing the repairs on your own will only lead to more problems and additional expenses.

Examine Your Chimney

Your chimney has a fireplace damper that works to keep the warm air inside your home and the cold outdoor air from entering your house. You have to ensure that it’s working correctly at all times and doesn’t have anything preventing it from opening and closing as expected. Your chimney cap should also be fitted in place and contain a protective screen to prevent hindrances from slipping into your chimney.

Remove Any Obstructions

When it comes to maintaining your chimney, any obstructions you see near it will cause trouble in the future. If any tree branches have grown around your chimney, it’s best to chop them down to avoid risks of fire and damages from occurring.

Clean Ashes To Prevent Buildup

If you want to avoid being surprised at how much ash your firebox can accumulate, it will help to clean it out thoroughly at least once a week. You should also be careful when you’re doing it because coals tend to stay hot even three days later! Before you work your way around your fireplace, make sure everything is cold, so you can sweep away or vacuum the ashes without any problems.

Utilize A Heatproof Glass

If you want to learn how to save energy and reduce your electricity bills, you can invest in a heatproof glass door to improve the efficiency of your fireplace. It also works to keep sparks from the fire to end up damaging your interior, especially your floors. You can also easily clean a glass door by using a paper towel and a glass fireplace cleaning solution.

(For Brass Fireplaces) Learn To Sanitize

Brass fireplaces require maintenance too. It can be cleaned by applying a tomato-based paste on it and leaving it for an hour before washing it off with hot water mixed with soap.

You can also use a brass polish with a soft cleaning microfiber cloth, which offers the same results. Take note that you shouldn’t use any harsh material, including metal bristles and steel wool, to avoid scratching the surface of your fireplace.

Conclusion

If you want to have a good time during the cold seasons, it would be best to prepare your home and your fireplace so that you won’t encounter any problems. Remember to check your fireplace and chimney for potential damages, remove any obstructions, and clear up ashes. If you have the budget, you can also utilize a heatproof glass, and remember to sanitize your brass fireplace if you have one. You can also rely on chimney repair services for more complicated situations that need immediate attention.   

Are you looking for Toronto masonry services to help manage your home’s fireplace? Red Robin Masonry is dedicated to becoming the most respected and trusted masonry company in Ontario by providing reliable services to the community. Get in touch with us today to request a free quote!