Frequently Asked Questions

Did you know gas fireplaces produce CO2, among other invisible gases? Hazardous gasses can build up even in an unused chimney too, resulting in potential combustion and chimney fire. In wood-burning fireplaces, especially older ones, it is important to inspect areas of the venting system to ensure smoke and harmful gasses are not gradually becoming a health or safety concern.

Aside from the apparent house full of smoke when failing to adjust the dampers for the first time of the season, smoke and carbon monoxide issues can be hard to detect. If your home smells of a campfire after or during the burning of a wood-burning fireplace and you experience smoke coming into the house from areas around your chimney fireplace, you most likely have a problem with your chimney liner. If your carbon monoxide detector repeatedly alerts during or after the use of a fireplace, then you most likely have an issue and should call now for an immediate professional chimney inspection by one of our local certified chimney sweeps.

What is the shiny metal around my chimney? This is known as flashing. It sits between the roofing shingles and protects the decking and corners of the chimney from water damage. Ever seen the metal or wonder what the large triangle of metal is behind the chimney. This is known as a rain diverter and diverts the water that flows down the roof from pooling behind the chimney. Another non-technical term for this is a cricket or chimney cricket. HBR Chimney repairs all flashing and chimney rain diverter or cricket issues. We can replace or reinstall damaged flashing and chimney crickets.

Chimney caps are often metal, masonry, or concrete decorative pieces that cover the top of a chimney. Chimney caps not only add style to a home but provide a critical function for fireplaces and chimneys. When properly installed, they will prolong the life of your chimney crown, masonry, flue, and best of all, keep animals out! Chimney caps shield mortar and internal components of your chimney and fireplace from the elements. Chimney caps allow for proper airflow when burning. A damaged chimney cap can fail to keep out obstructions caused by animals such as squirrels, birds/ birds? nests in chimneys, and bees. Yes, we have removed bees from chimneys! Our chimney cleaning technicians will inspect and safely remove any chimney cap if needed. We have many styles of chimney caps to choose from, too. We also provide custom chimney cap designs to ensure the chimney cap you choose is of the highest quality and installed correctly.